South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds NOW - February 2018

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

The Hidden Gem

of Aesthetics See page 6 & 7 for more information

Number 1 Clinic Outside of London

Freeze Away Your Fat THE ART OF DECLUTTERING COOKING UP A STORM REMEMBERING WHAT YOU LEARN February 2018 | Issue 21 Your Free County Magazine t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

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

n 2 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

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Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

14

16

Contents

22

FEBRUARY 2018

HOME & GARDEN 8

The Art of Decluttering

14

Composting At Home

16

Hellbores Winter Bells

18

Show Your Love This Valentine’s Day

Health & Beauty 20

The Gift’s She’ll Love...

22

The Importance of Colour

18

Food & Drink 24

Recipe The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie

38

Cooking Up a Storm!

south warwickshire

NOW

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

editor

design

Louise Barrack

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

House of Colour

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Age UK Hereford & Localities

Advertising Jess Keare 01905 727908 jess@pw-media.co.uk Genna McCann-Taylor 01905 727902 genna@pw-media.co.uk

Contributors Front Cover: Hampton Clinic www.hamptonclinic.co.uk Glynis Dray Warwickshire Waste Partnership Wagon House Gardens

The Ivy, Cheltenham Annie Murphy Paul Simon Butler - Hidden History Hansons Auctioneers Cheltenham Racecourse Big Family Festival

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26 28

25 Golden Years 26

30

32

Happy Feet

Education 28

Remembering What You Learn

29

Play Therapy

30

Roman Warwick Discovered

31

A Very Good Read Indeed

Our Events Diary 32

Walks Dorridge to Packwood House

33

Competition Cheltenham Race Course

34

What’s on this month?

38

Competition Big Family Festival

competition winners Graville Country Pub P. Bellew, Mickleton Eckington Manor J. Watkinson, Shipston-on-Stour

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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.

n 4 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

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here & Now

39th Warwick Folk Festival

Hampton Clinic Hampton Clinic is a private and elegant medispa developed by Dr. Lorraine Hill, a doctor with over 20 years’ experience. The Clinic is a sanctuary of calm and tranquility, within the woodland estate of Hampton Manor; offering the highest standards of aesthetic treatments, for both men and women. Dr. Hill has embraced world leading technologies to ensure she can deliver unmatched results in quality, safety and efficacy. Her areas of expertise include: non-invasive fat reduction with CoolSculpting® and Aqualyx, skin rejuvenation with Botox and dermal fillers, non-surgical facelifts with Ultherapy and advanced medical skincare regimens for problematic skin.

The hugely successful and popular Warwick Folk Festival returns with a heavyweight line up of folk superstars from around the world from 26 - 29 July at Warwick School and the surrounding town. Now in its 39th year, the colourful festival will be headlined

Hampton Clinic has recently been improved and extended and is pleased to welcome Dr Krusha Agarwal as the newest member of the team. She is now taking bookings for aesthetic therapies including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and Ultherapy. Dr Hill is also awaiting the arrival of her sister, Dr Sally Bell who specializes in functional medicine and will be working alongside her in the coming year.

by stars such as Show of Hands, Jon

The Clinic boasts a wide range of beauty and holistic services provided by highly experienced therapists, 7 days a week, (9am-8pm). One of the most popular treatments performed at the Clinic is the HydraFacial – a revolutionary treatment, with a huge celebrity following, the HydraFacial works to resurface and nourish your skin and can be tailored to specific concerns, such as acne prone skin, pigmentation and ageing. This can be a perfect complement to other skin rejuvenation treatments on offer such as microneedling, and great skin care.

Tickets cost just £95 for the weekend and

With its links to Hampton Manor and its Michelin starred restaurant, Peels, the Clinic is perfectly placed to offer a host of services and ‘tweakments’, ranging from pamper packages and bridal make up, to CoolSculpting and Ultherapy.

There’s something for everyone at Hampton Clinic, the hidden gem of Aesthetics…

The Clinic is delighted to announce some Special Introductory Offers, to welcome you to the new, luxurious woodland treatment rooms: 50% off a course of 3 Microneedling sessions (now £375, usually £750!)

50% off all massage and Hi Brow services on Saturdays and Sundays.

Both offers valid until the end of February when quoting the code SOJA18

n 6 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

Boden & Remnant Kings, Korrontzi, Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, Granny’s Attic, Vishten, Megson and Gnoss.

£110 for the four days. Early bird ticket sales will close late on Sunday 28 January and tickets will go on sale on Monday 29 January at the increased price. Festival goers are therefore advised to book their tickets ASAP and take advantage of the savings Dick

Dixon,

Festival

Director

said,

“Established as one of the best folk festivals in the country, Warwick Folk Festival has something for everyone, with 15 venues on site plus varied stages in Warwick Town.

We have some fantastic headline acts this year including Korrontzi which was the highlight of our 2016 Festival plus another packed programme of concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, a Craft & Music Fair and a Wine and Cocktail Bar”.

Visitors to the festival can choose from Friday – Sunday tickets, Thursday – Sunday tickets or just visit for the day, plus under 14s go free! Tickets can be booked online and over the phone at the Bridge House Theatre Box Office. For more information please visit www.warwickfolkfestival.co.uk

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Home & Garden

e nes a p a , a J s who o d d Kon frien k and e i r m Ma t, fro boo s. t r u e h an ve bo d a onsult about heir li r a t c y he ed ng elicall I’d i m s r i o g an sf org e evan d tran k a spo they h how

f o t r g A n i e r e h T clutt e D

n n 88 || South South Warwickshire Warwickshire and and North North Cotswolds Cotswolds Now Now || Issue21 Issue 21 | | February February2018 2018

ed

nu

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over

the

page

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Home & Garden

Kondo asks that you consider your clothing’s feelings...

It had sounded very left field when I read it, but suddenly my clothes looked totally miserable.

In case you haven’t - The Life-Changing

office/computer space first, the sitting room next.

Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organising, Kondo set off a decluttering craze across the globe, even making the Radio 4 series – The Archers.

Instead, Kondo’s first rule is to tidy by category - deal

In Japan, Kondo’s services command a waiting list a mile long but for the rest of us, her book breaks down her radical, two-pronged approach to tidying. First, pick up in your hands on everything you own, ask yourself

with every single one of your books at once, for example, otherwise they’ll continue to creep from room to room, and you’ll never rein in the clutter. She advises beginning with clothing, since it’s the least emotionally loaded of your things (books come next, old photographs are much later), so as soon as I found a free afternoon, that’s exactly what I did.

if it sparks joy, and if it doesn’t, thank it for its service

2. Respect Your Belongings

and get rid of it. Second, once only your most joy-giving

With my eyes now wide open, I realised my wardrobe

belongings remain, put every item in a place where it’s

had hit the floor. Everything had succumbed to a mixed-

visible, accessible, and easy to grab and then put back.

up mass. Kondo asks that you consider your clothing’s

Only then, Kondo says, will you have reached the nirvana

feelings: Are they happy being squashed in a corner

of housekeeping, and never have to clean again. All of

shelf or crowded onto hangers? Are your hardworking

this sounded wonderful. But I can barely keep up with

socks really thrilled to be balled up? It had sounded very

the demands of daily life . So I read Kondo’s book, I got

left field when I read it, but suddenly my clothes looked

totally sucked in. It turns out, tidying really may be the

totally miserable.

way to bliss.

1. Tackle Categories, Not Rooms Previously always tackled clutter by room, take on the n 10 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

Continued over the page

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Home & Garden

How to fold the Konmari Way

Fold one side of the garment across the centre

Fold the opposite side the same way

3. Nostalgia Is Not Your Friend As I started emptying the cupboards, I opened boxes filled with letters and old photographs. Serious mistake. Kondo knows what she’s talking about when she insists you put blinders on and focus only on the category of stuff at hand. Read one old letter, and suddenly you’re down a rabbit hole. To be honest, I was probably procrastinating. In theory, I was sold on the idea of living exclusively with clothing that gives me joy, but what will I be left with? Will I have to sacrifice beloved things, all for the sake of decluttering? I am sure that if I lose a few pounds that dress will bring me joy again!

5. Fold, Don’t Hang

4. Purging Feels Good From then on, I followed Kondo’s advice to a T. I gathered every piece of my clothing and put it in one giant pile. While I normally tidy my clothes only when I’m on a long phone call - distracted from the task at hand - today I wasn’t even supposed to listen to music. Channeling Kondo, who says a prayer upon entering a client’s home, I lit a candle, said a little prayer, and started digging through the mountain of clothes.

6. The Fold

Once I got to work, it was so much easier and more fun than I’d thought. This question of joy gives you permission to let go of off-colour shirts bought on sale, dresses past their prime, trousers that always fitted uncomfortably. I realised I had many things that seemed great in theory but weren’t actually my style. Six hours later, I’d filled 8 bags with non-joy-giving clothes. Instead of panic, I felt relief somehow lighter. It also felt like good karma: The best stuff went to a second hand shop, and the rest to a charity shop round the corner from the office, off to see a new, hopefully better life and help someone else to raise money.

Once you have sorted out the things to discard and only then, you can decide where the remaining things should go. Rather than folded in a cubby or hanging in a closet, Kondo thinks a lot of our clothing would be better off (or as she’d say, happier) folded in a chest of drawers. I hadn’t been using my chest of drawers for anything other than a jumble of underwear but now, having begun with three overflowing wardrobes, I was down to enough clothing to fill one wardrobe and one chest of drawers. I started folding the tops, trousers, scarves etc destined for the drawers using Kondo’s special technique.

Kondo’s

vertical

folding

technique

makes

everything easy to spot and hard to mess up (you aren’t jostling a whole pile every time you take

Leave a small gap at the bottom

something out or put something back). Folded this way, clothing looks like fabric origami, ready to line your drawers in neat rows. To keep these little folded packages standing at attention in the drawer, Kondo suggests using shoeboxes as drawer dividers. A smaller box is perfect for square scarves, a deep one can go on a bottom drawer for jumpers and sweatshirts.

7. Rediscover Your Style For years, I’ve worn the same rotation of easy-tograb, reliable pieces without dipping into all the colour in my wardrobe. And there’s a lot of it I have

Roll it up

a weakness for sky blue and pink. I had aalmost forgotten about these colours in the daily struggle to get out the door in the morning. n

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying: A simple, effective way to banish clutter forever. Paperback £7.69 first published Apr 2014 by Marie Kondo

n 12 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

Stand it upright

Home & Garden

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

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

Now

Jess Keare Tel: 01905 727908 Email: jess@pw-media.co.uk Genna McCann-Taylor Tel: 01905 727902 Email: genna@pw-media.co.uk t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n

Home & Garden

Composting

at Home

The key to good compost lies in getting the mix right. You need to keep your greens and browns properly balanced. If your compost is too wet and gives off an odour, add more browns. If it’s too dry and is not rotting, add some greens. Air is essential to the composting process and by mixing material up, as you fill your bin, it will create air pockets and help keep your compost healthy.

natural fibre) • feathers • vacuum bag contents

PUT THESE IN ‘Greens’ • tea bags • grass cuttings • vegetable peelings, salad leaves and fruit scraps • old flowers and nettles • coffee grounds and filter paper • spent bedding plants • rhubarb leaves • young annual weeds (e.g. chickweed)

KEEP THESE OUT

Greens are quick to rot and they provide important nitrogen and moisture.

pests and can also create odour. Also avoid

‘Browns’ • crushed egg shells • egg and cereal boxes • corrugated cardboard and paper (scrunched up) • toilet and kitchen roll tubes • garden prunings • twigs and hedge clippings • straw and hay • bedding from vegetarian pets • ashes from wood, paper and lumpwood charcoal • sawdust and wood chippings • wool • woody clippings • cotton threads and string (made from n 14 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

• old natural fibre clothes (cut into small pieces) • tissues, paper towels and napkins • shredded confidential documents • corn cobs and stalks Browns are slower to rot. They provide fibre and carbon and also allow important air pockets to form in the mixture

• cooked vegetables • meat • dairy products • diseased plants • dog poo or cat litter, or baby’s nappies Putting these in your bin can encourage unwanted composting perennial weeds (such as dandelions and thistles) or weeds with seed heads. Remember that plastics, glass and metals are not suitable for composting and should be recycled separately.

After 9-12 months your compost is ready for use!

To find out more please go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/composting

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Home & Garden Tulbaghia Violacea © Mick Dunstan

Hellbores

Winter Bells

There are numerous spring bulbs and plants that give a colourful spring display but one of the most showy of all plants for heralding the spring is the delightful Hellebore.

They are so easy to grow and care for and

to have in the garden. Many of the recent developments

although some do like a moist dappled

have resulted in a much more upright flowerhead so that

shady spot many will grow quite happily

the speckled flowers have become much more easily

in full sunshine and for those with clay soils, well the

visible.

Hellebore will love it. Totally hardy your Hellebore will not be harmed by any harsh weather that may be thrown

Wagon House Gardens at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre

at it and although they can droop a bit with a severe frost

will be showcasing these upright varieties from the 14th

they quickly recover with a bit of warmth. Hellebores cover a wide spectrum of of colour shades from pinks, creams, yellow, black and red with many colour shades in between with both single and double flowers. Although we refer to them as flowers they are technically a bract.

The Christmas Rose, a white variety, is the earliest to bloom as it’s name suggests flowering around Christmas time. When February comes the Hellebore puts up it’s stunning show and unlike many other spring flowers that have a relatively short flowering time, the Hellebore can go on for a long while easily flowering for a month or more, they just gradually fade in colour as the seed head develops. Large clumps can be dug up after flowering and divided into smaller clumps and replanted. This way you know what you have, propogating from the seed heads could give plants of any colour and it’s not the ideal way of growing your Hellebores.

of February, this has become a popular annual event in the gardening calendar. Your Hellebores will benefit from a feed of liquid tomato feed, this will encourage more flowers. Remove last years leaves prior to flowering as they can become blackened and spotted but this is quite normal, the added benefit is that the flowers then become much more exposed for a time preceding the new growth of the leaves.

Perfect in a pot or container your Hellebore will give years of pleasure and have the added benefit of being able move it to brighten up any dull corner. They truly are one of our garden favourites for the season and easily they could also become yours to.

by Karl STrawbridge wagon house gardens

There has, over the years, been much work done in

jinny ring craft centre

developing new varieties and colours by specialist

Tel: 01527 821421

growers and they are definitely a very fashionable plant n 16 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

Home & Garden

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Nature

Show Your Love

this Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day show your love for nature too! Be part of an annual celebration of all that we love in our natural world. Wear a green heart on 14th February to show what you want to protect from climate change. The idea is that wearing a green heart is a good way to start conversations about climate change and how it’s affecting the things we love, but that we can do something about it, if lots of us show we care.

Focus on our feathered friends National nest box week also begins on Valentine’s Day! With birds having mating on their minds it’s the perfect time to put up nest boxes ready for spring. Why not put up a variety of boxes to suit different birds? A small nest box with a hole will be popular with a wide range of garden birds like house sparrows, blue tits and coal tits. Starlings like to use nest boxes too but need a larger entrance hole of around 45mm. Robins prefer an open-fronted box and if you’d like to attract swifts you’ll need a special nest box with an oval-shaped hole placed as high up as possible on a building!

It’s important to put your nest boxes in the right spot – those for tits, sparrows or starlings are best two to four metres up a tree or a wall. Unless the box is shaded by other trees or buildings face it between north and east. This will protect it from blazing sunshine and the prevailing wind. Finally check birds can easily fly into the box with nothing in their way, then wait for your first guests to move in.

Flowers in the frost Get out and about this February and you’ll notice wildflowers n 18 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

starting to pop up. You’ll no doubt have already seen the delicate, white, nodding heads of snowdrops appearing. Traditionally snowdrops were used to alleviate headaches and, more recently, galantamine has been extracted from them as a treatment for mild dementia. Galantamine helps increase levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine - this works in the brain to transmit signals from nerve cells. Alzheimer’s is associated with a drop in this chemical and the galantamine can delay the decline. We do not recommend that you start eating your bulbs as without processing they are toxic!

Winter work for wildlife What happens on nature reserves in February? Winter may feel like a quiet time for wildlife but it’s busy for those who look after nature reserves for others to enjoy. Managing woodlands and maintaining hedgerows are key winter jobs, done now to avoid disturbing nesting birds later.

If you’re out exploring you might see a part of hedge cut down to the base and wonder if it will now die? But actually it has been coppiced - this technique will encourage new growth come springtime! You may be mystified if you spot old branches and hedge material that’s been woven together and then staked into place? This is a dead hedge! Created to allow plant material to rot down slowly whilst creating places to live for lots of wildlife from fungi and insects to small mammals and birds! #staywild Louise Barrack, Communications Officer

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Health & Beauty

The Gifts

She'll Love...

1

Struggling this year on what to get for your Valentine? Look no further, South Warwickshire NOW has you covered with our gift guide...

2

3

4 5

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Health & Beauty

6

7

8

9

10

1. CHANEL

5. ORGANIC SHOP

8. TONY MALEEDY Tony Maleedy Juniper Scalp Therapy Shampoo Cleanse and repair hair with this gentle yet effective shampoo.

£28.00

This luxurious hair mask is made with organic avocado oil and organic honey to help restore your hair from roots to ends while enhancing its structure and softness for a beautiful attractive glow.

£2.49

9. CHANTCAILLE

6. SAAF

Made using finely milled pigments that contribute to the exquisite colors and a feather weight texture that brushes on lightly and blends seamlessly, each Cheek Shade leaves a gorgeous veil of flushed color.

A new Naples inspired lipgloss range - Rouge Coco Gloss. A moisturising lipgloss available in 4 colours: Parthenope (Limited Edition), Sibylla, Poppea and Aphrodite (Limited Edition).

2. NATURA SIBERICA

Oblepikha and Honey Body Scrub - An indulgent body scrub rich with buckwheat honey. Perfectly cleans and refreshes skin, helping to preserve its beauty and youth.

£6.00

3. NATURA SIBERICA

The ultimate treat for your skin – Everyday essential Cleansing Fluid combined with our Gentle Face Scrub and Energizing Facial Mask.

£13.99

4. CHANEL

From Chanel’s new Naples inspired range “Neapolis”. The Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner is available in two colours: Nero Vulcanico or Mare-Chiaro

Nature’s correction fluid in a bottle, this impressive toning and smoothing oil is a skinsaving formulation. Calm irritated and itchy skin, promote healthy skin renewal and keep skin supple and smooth.

£17.50

£28.99

£24.99

10. CHANEL

7. ELEMIS

Rouge Allure is a vibrant and luminous lipstick.

An ultra-fine, melt-away and second-skin texture, a palette of intense shades. A bold and daring style.

This unique skincare system powerfully combines BIOTEC and FOREO LUNA™ Play to re-energise skin and leave your complexion looking smooth, youthful and beautifully revived.

£31.00

£80.00

£20.00

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Health & Beauty

The Importance of Colour Colour is a powerful force in life; our mood is affected by the colour of the sky when we wake up each morning. The use of colour to describe our emotions, “green with envy”, “seeing red”, “feeling blue”, gives us an idea of its abstract force.

Indeed, the power of colour has fascinated philosophers, psychologists and chemists, as well as artists and designers. Colour has long been associated with class, status and authority in many cultures and organisations.

In the 20th century the Swiss artist Johannes Itten, who worked and taught at the Bauhaus School of Art in Germany, is attributed with being the first person to associate colours with four types of people and the twelve point colour wheel which is widely used today on paint charts for home decorators, in dyeing kits and in hairdressers’ colour charts.

Itten and others, through their involvement with colour, established that each individual has a basic skin pigment which falls into one of four groupings which are defined by the unique combination of depth, hue and tone; in colour analysis these have become known as Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter because of the pattern of colours found in each group. Two of these groups reflect warm-based colours which complement Spring and Autumn; the other two reflect cool-based colours which enhance Summer and Winter.

It was the advent of colour in the film and television industry in the 1940’s which brought about an interest in the different

effects of colour on peoples appearance.

Robert Dorr, an artist who knew of Itten’s theories of colour groupings, observed how an actress could look wonderful one day, yet tired and older another; he recognised this was the effect of the colour she was wearing on her skin.

House of Colour was born in 1985 to take the wonderful concept of enabling the general public to discover the colours which really suit them. Those which make us look wow, our complexion glow and our eyes sparkle.

Whether we like it or not, it’s true to say that our appearance has a powerful effect on how the world sees us. But what we don’t always consider is how colour itself affects not only how we look, but also our confidence and mood. It’s not all about wearing bright colours, but the right colours.

While fashions, trends and fads come and go, the theory of colour, as interpreted by House of Colour, remains based in science, logic and objectivity; enabling each and

So how does it work? House of Colour personal stylists use a selection of drapes to test what colours suit each client. Colours are compared with the pigments that sit underneath a client’s skin to determine which colours of clothing and accessories lift the face, and which ones are more unflattering.

every client to take their individual colour

Styling is also a key part of the process to find shapes that flatter not hide. And don’t be fooled into thinking this is just for the ladies. You would be amazed about how the right coloured shirt, jacket or tie can change the look of our male clients. But with either sex you will see the difference instantly. That moment when a colour lights up a face is often an absolute lightbulb moment that changes our clients and enables them to be far more visible for all the right reasons.

look radiant and lift your skin tone, lessen

n 22 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

analysis to create and develop their own unique look in line with their lifestyle.

Dani Downey who went to a House of Colour Class said: “Having your colours done means discovering which clothes make you bags and make your skin look air brushed.

It’s amazing. I lived in black bar one orange top! Not anymore!’ n

Colour Analysts & Personal Style Consultants www.houseofcolour.co.uk

Health & Beauty

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

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

Jess Keare

Genna McCann-Taylor

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

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

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

Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com Call: 01827 892952 or 07815 460786 All patients welcome whether you have private medical insurance or you are self-paying.

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

www.midlandhandclinic.com

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Food & Drink

The Ivy

Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients

• 200g lean rib of beef mince • 200g lean lamb mince • 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped • 100g button mushrooms, brushed off and finely chopped • 1 medium sized carrot (approx. 100g), finely chopped • 3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed • 3 sprigs fresh oregano, leaves removed and chopped • 100ml (½ glass) red wine • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • ½ tin (200g) chopped tomatoes • 300ml veal stock • 1 tbsp tomato purée • 1 tbsp plain flour • Sunflower oil for frying • Salt & freshly ground black pepper For The Topping • 1kg King Edwards or Maris Piper (preferably) • 50g unsalted butter • Salt & white pepper

Method Lightly oil both the lamb and beef mince. Heat a frying pan until smoking and cook the meat, mixing continuously, for about 5 minutes until the meat is a light brown colour. Pour off the excess liquid and put in a dish to one side until the rest of the ingredients are ready.

In the same pan, heat a little oil and gently sweat the shallots, thyme, button mushrooms and carrots for about 8 minutes. Add the mince and mix in the tomato purée and cook for about 5 minutes; then add the chopped tomatoes, red wine and reduce for about 10 minutes. Add flour and mix thoroughly. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; add more Worcestershire sauce if required and then the oregano. Keep to one side.

Preheat the oven to 180°C / gas mark 4.

Peel and cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces.

Cook in boiling salted water for around 15 minutes until soft; then drain and return to the pan over a gentle heat to remove any excess moisture.

Using an old-fashioned masher or a potato ricer,

n 24 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

thoroughly mash the potatoes and mix them with butter and season to taste.

To assemble and serve, put the meat mixture into an oven proof dish. Top with the mashed potato (you can pipe this if you have the time), put into the oven and bake for around 30 minutes. It should turn a nice golden colour. n

The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie is a stylish all-day dining destination in the heart of Cheltenham’s bustling Montpellier district. Revitalising the town’s iconic Grade I listed Rotunda building, The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie offers a sophisticated yet relaxed setting for locals, visitors and shoppers alike in search of an informal bite to eat, no matter what the day.

Open seven days a week, the restaurant boasts an affordable, extensive menu of British inspired classics that span breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, weekend brunch and dinner, plus an impressive cocktail and wine menu.

With space for up to 200 guests across the main restaurant, bar and terrace, the brasserie also offers an elegant private dining room for up to 24 guests, perfect for group gatherings, special occasions and corporate events.

For further information or to make a reservation please visit www.theivycheltenhambrasserie.com

FOOD & DRINK

1

Cooking Up A Storm!

2

4

3 This year The Food & Drink Trade Show is set to take place on the 2 – 3 May, which probably feels like a long way off. The show at the Three Counties Show Ground is in collaboration with Visit Herefordshire. Featuring a tempting mix of passionate producers, hot hospitality and catering companies, as well as the freshest food service offerings, it’s a wonderful source of inspiration.

The team at the show have put together a list of books that should be gracing your kitchen shelves.

These are their top 5 Five Ingredients by Jamie Oliver We’ve got to include this because it sold 716,071 copies last year, making it the best seller in any genre. As the title suggests it’s all about making good food fast, and with

the minimum fuss – perfect for busy people who just don’t have the time to faff about but want hearty helpings of flavour.

and most diverse.

5

Stir Crazy by Ching-He Huang Taiwanese TV chef and food writer Ching-He

The Comfort Food Diaries by Emily Nunn

Huang makes Chinese food easy for home

This is not so much a traditional recipe book,

cooks. Even if you’ve never been hands on

but more of a culinary road trip. Former New

with a wok before, you’ll soon be whipping

Yorker editor Emily Nunn chronicles her

up spicy soy mushroom tofu, veggie dan dan

journey to heal old wounds and find comfort

mein and oyster sauce scallops like a good

in the face of loss through travel, home-

‘un.

cooked food, and the company of friends and family.

Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi This book is a long way from the simplicity of

The Road to Mexico by Rick Stein

Jamie’s latest – but the baking and dessert

This is perhaps the most colourful and

recipes are well worth the work. Evocative

flavourful cookbook of 2017; a feast for

ingredients, exotic spices and complex

the eyes and the taste buds. Starting in

flavourings,

San Francisco and Baja California, then

saffron, aniseed, orange blossom, pistachio

working his way down to the southernmost

and cardamom, are combined to create

tip of Mexico, Rick Stein cooks, eats and

indulgent cakes, biscuits, tarts, puddings,

experiences Mexican food at its very best

cheesecakes and ice cream. n

including

fig,

rose

petal,

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 25 n

senior living

! t e e F y p p a H We only get one pair of feet so it’s important to take good care of them. But many of us will develop some foot problems as we age, simply as a result of daily wear and tear.

You’re more prone to foot problems like corns, blisters and foot infections in later life as the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. However, painful or uncomfortable feet aren’t a natural part of ageing and can be alleviated.

Foot care problems tend to happen if you’re less mobile than you used to be, particularly if you have difficulty bending down. Poor eyesight, can also make it harder for you to look after your feet.

Anyone who has experienced foot pain knows only too well how debilitating it can be. Over time, it can become a significant health issue because, if we can’t walk comfortably, we’re less likely to get out and about and take part in the social activities or daily exercise that is vital for our health and wellbeing.

How To Look After Your Feet Your feet will remain in better condition if you have a regular foot routine. This includes: Cutting and filing toenails and keeping them at a comfortable length; Smoothing and moisturising dry and rough skin; Checking for cracks and breaks in the skin and inflammation such as blisters; Looking for signs of infection like nail fungus or other obvious early problems, and seeking professional advice; Wearing n 26 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

suitable socks and footwear; Keeping your feet clean, dry, mobile, comfortable and warm. Bedsocks are a good idea.

Get Checked If you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes or arthritis your feet are particularly vulnerable. Check your feet regularly and ensure you attend check-ups as requested. If you notice any problems, report them to your GP as soon as possible.

Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do to protect our feet and most common problems can be treated successfully by a chiropodist or podiatrist.

If you have foot related problems and want to see a health professional privately, make sure you check that they are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. The Council only registers professionals who meet their standards for training, professional skills and behaviour.

Get the Right Footwear On a day-to-day basis, there’s a lot we can do ourselves. First and foremost, it’s important to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. It’s also important that your footwear is warm enough and not too stiff.

senior living Avoid footwear that rubs, makes your feet sore or is too tight. (These may restrict the circulation or cause pressure damage to the skin.) Avoid high heels and choose shoes which support your feet and hold them firmly in place. Many people wear slippers if their feet are hurting, but this can make things worse as slippers encourage you to shuffle rather than letting the joints work as they should.

Look After Your Nails Good nail care can also help to keep feet feeling comfortable. Unfortunately, many of us find it hard to clip our toenails properly, partly because it can be hard to reach but also because they become tougher with age.

Nails that become too long can press against the end of the shoe and the constant pressure can cause soreness, infection or ulceration. Toenails that have been poorly cut can also become ingrown. If you’re struggling to cut your own nails, ask a family member for help because hacking at them could do more harm than good. If that isn’t an option, contact Age UK Hereford & Localities and ask about their Footcare Service.

Keep Feet Moisturised Finally, daily application of a moisturising lotion will help to keep feet feeling soft and supple. As we get older the skin on our feet starts to dry out, we lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet, the joints start to creak and circulation is reduced. As a result, the skin on the soles of our feet and heels becomes dry and nails become brittle and more difficult to manage. n If you would like to know more about the service, the referral process and charges, or are interested in becoming a Footcare volunteer, please contact us: 0333 0066 299 or email: contact@ageukhl.org Age UK Hereford & Localities hold regular Footcare Clinics throughout the county including: Bromyard, Fownhope, Kington, Ledbury, Leominster, Weobley and at three different locations in Hereford.

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n

education

Remembering

What You Learn If you’re going to learn anything, you need two kinds of prior knowledge: knowledge about the subject such as maths, history, or geography and knowledge about how learning actually works The bad news: Much of our education system skips one of them, which is concerning, given that your ability to learn is such a huge predictor of success in life, from achieving in academics to getting ahead at work. It all requires mastering skill after skill. “Parents and teachers are good at imparting the first kind of knowledge,” says psych writer Annie Murphy Paul. “We’re comfortable talking about concrete information: names, dates, numbers, facts. But the guidance we offer on the act of learning itself - the ‘meta-cognitive’ aspects of learning - is more hit-or-miss, and it shows.”

New education research shows that low-achieving students have “substantial deficits” in their understanding of the cognitive strategies that allow people to learn well. This, Paul says, suggests that part of the reason students perform poorly is that they don’t know a lot about how learning actually works.

Henry Roediger and Mark McDaniel, psychologists at Washington University in St. Louis and co authors of Make It Stick: The Science Of Successful Learning, say that “how we teach and study is largely a mix of theory, lore, and intuition.” So let’s cut through that lore. Here are learning strategies that really work.

you’re experiencing is fluency. For instance, you’re at the airport and you’re trying to remember which gate your flight to Cardiff is waiting for you at. You look at the terminal monitors — it’s C14. You think to yourself, oh, C14. Then you walk away, finish your coffee, buy a magazine, idly check your phone, and instantly forget where you’re going.

The alternative: You read the gate number. Then you turn away from the monitor and ask yourself, what’s the gate? If you can recall that it’s B44, you’re good to go.

Connect the new thing to the old things “The stronger your grasp of the new learning will be, and the more connections you create that will help you remember it later.” the ‘Make It Stick’ authors write. When you’re weaving in new threads into your pre-existing web of knowledge, you’re elaborating.

One technique is to come up with real-life examples of principles you’ve just uncovered. If you’ve just learned about half-rhyme, you could read poems that exhibit it.

If you’ve just discovered heat transfer, you could think of the way a warm cup of coffee disperses warmth into your hands on a cold winter’s day.

Force yourself to recall The least-fun part of effective learning is that it’s hard.

In fact, the ‘Make It Stick’ authors contend that when learning if difficult, you’re doing your best learning, in the same way that lifting a weight at the limit of your capacity makes you strongest. It’s simple, though not easy, to take advantage of this: force yourself to recall a fact.

Flashcards are a great ally in this, since they force you to supply answers.

Reflect, reflect, reflect Reflective learning is a way of allowing students to step back from their learning experience to help them develop critical thinking skills and improve on future performance by analysing their experience. This type of learning, which helps move the learner from surface to deep learning, can include a range of activities, including self-review, peer review, and personal development planning. Understanding assessment criteria and acting on feedback is also a way of encouraging us to reflect on what we have learned and how they will improve. n

Don’t fall for fluency When you’re reading something and it feels easy, what

Annie Murphy Paul is published by Simon & Schuster UK

n 28 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

education

Helping Children

With Emotional and Mental Health Problems

It’s estimated that 20% of the UK’s children have a social, emotional, behaviour or diagnosable mental health problem.

The good news is that

age, condition, and severity of

which may be alleviated with play

the latest research by

the issue. As an example, when

therapy.

Play Therapy UK, the

the outcomes of children with

largest play therapy professional

a greater severity of problem

organisation shows that between

were examined, 93% observed

77% to 84% of children show a

by referrers and 87% by parents

positive change after receiving

showed a positive change.

therapy

delivered

to

PTUK’s

standards. The research is based on

over

44,000

observations

by

independent parents

and

referrers, mainly teachers.

The varies

amount

of

according

the Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists by the Professional

anger,

attachment issues, lack of self esteem & confidence, adjustment

government funded agency. n To

find

a

therapist

search

www.playregister.org.uk.

issues and bereavement. However,

For

also

children present with a very wide

play therapy including training:

gender,

range of other problems, most of

www.playtherapy.org.uk

change to

difficulties,

April 2013 by the accreditation of

Standards Authority an independent

The six most common issues were relationship

Play therapy was recognised in

more

information

about

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 29 n

history

Roman Warwick

Discovered

Some very exciting archaeology is being unearthed in South Warwickshire; so new it hasn’t yet been made public, and the excavators are still on site, braving the winter weather.

The exact location of the new

those at Tiddington, Brailes, Bidford-on-

Structural remains indicate that the villa

site cannot be revealed but

Avon and Billesley, along with a road

had a dual agricultural and domestic use.

Principal Archaeologist Stuart

network, a number of cemeteries and rural

Stuart says that “such a substantial building

Palmer from ‘Archaeology Warwickshire’

villas but, surprisingly, nothing substantial

was surely at the centre of a significant

was able to say that a very large Roman

from Warwick.

agricultural estate, connected to the Roman

building is being uncovered ‘somewhere in Warwick’, and it is proving something of a revelation in archaeological circles.

The new discovery changes all this, and will put Roman Warwick firmly on the map.

road network and very likely instrumental in the foundation of local village centres”.

It is an enormous Roman villa, over 28m

Rural villas were a significant element in

Warwick is traditionally seen as having an

long by 14.5m wide. Constructed of local

the settlement pattern and agricultural

Anglo-Saxon foundation in 914 AD, several

sandstone, and with three aisles, it could

economy of Roman Britain. A number have

centuries after the Romans had left Britain.

easily be mistaken for a medieval church,

been identified in South Warwickshire but

but early indications are that it was built in

their excavation has so far been limited and

It is first mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which tells us that Waeringwic (the dwellings by the weir) was founded by Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, as

the 3rd century AD possibly replacing an earlier wooden building. Only a few mosaic tiles have so far been found on the site but

a defensive burgh against Danish raids.

magnificent mosaics were typical of villas of

Until now, evidence for the Roman period

examples

in Warwick has been conspicuously lacking.

Gloucestershire. The main mosaic there

Roman South Warwickshire’s principal town

is 37 metres long, so the Warwick villa was

seems instead to have been Alcester. A few

not quite as grand but it is the largest so far

smaller towns or villages are known, such as

known in Warwickshire.

this size and date. One of Britain’s largest was

that

at

Chedworth

in

has revealed only modest buildings, nothing to match the scale of that currently being excavated in Warwick.

Thanks to the archaeologists of ‘Archaeology Warwickshire’, working in all weathers, we can look forward to a new perspective not only on Roman Warwickshire but also on early Warwick itself. n

Hidden History.co.uk

HIDDEN HISTORY TRAVEL Fascinating journeys into history, prehistory and the ancient world Romney Marsh • East Anglia • Crete & Santorini Malta • Cyprus • Sicily • Greece • Pompeii Expert Guides • Small Groups • Beautiful Locations www.hiddenhistory.co.uk

Tel: 0121 444 1854

ATOL Protected and TTA Guaranteed n 30 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

Home & Garden

A Very Good Read Indeed Fine books, maps and manuscripts are soaring to success at an auction house thanks to the dedication of a man determined to make their library department world famous - Jim Spencer.

department’s December 19-20 Fine Art sale

In February, 2017, the 32-year-old, who says he owes his lifelong love of books to his mother, an English teacher, was tasked with developing this specialist section at Hansons Auctioneers.

(Professor Pepper) - £800

And he’s pinching himself over the success he is generating – and the interest sparked among dealers and collectors from the UK and around the world.

He said: “The books and maps in our December Fine Art Auction attracted interest from important collectors in several countries, and at our sale in September I was chatting to London dealers who were visiting us for the very first time.”

Highlights from Hanson’s library

included: • Lot 1134: Watercolour sketches of Indian scenes & soldiers, dated 1820-1840 - £2,800 • Lot 1161: ‘The True History of the Ghost’, presentation copy signed by the author • Lot 1225: John Speed 17th-century map of Europe - £1,200 • Lot 1228: John Speed 17th-century map of the world - £4,800

Jim’s department is born out of a personal passion for books, which at one point saw him work a year without taking a day off.

He said: “I love antiquarian books, fine leather bindings, especially works on natural history, travel and satire.”

“Some incredible finds are coming in at Hansons, such as the medieval illuminated manuscript Psalter which sold for £5,800 (Sept 30). When I opened that book I just froze. I was shocked to make such an amazing discovery but delighted in equal measure. n

Do you have any books, maps or manuscripts which you would like valuing? Come and meet Jim and find out. He will be carrying out free valuations at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, Warwick Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1HL on Thursday 8th February from 10am to 4pm For further information please phone Jim Spencer on 01283 733988 or email jspencer@ hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

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

KEEPING ACTIVE Start / Finish: The walk starts at the main entrance to Dorridge Railway Station.

(Please leave Railway Car Park for rail users).

Public Transport: Dorridge is served by frequent trains from Birmingham ‘Moor Street’ and ‘Snow Hill’ stations (Note: Lapworth Station is nearer to Packwood House but has a limited rail service). Please refer to ‘Traveline’ and local bus timetables. to plan your day.

Parking: If you street park, please park sensitively so that you do not block driveways or resident’s spaces.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 220 Distance: The main walk is 8 miles. You need to start early in the day during winter months. (Note: you can use the limited rail service to Lapworth to split the walk into two ‘4-mile’ walks A and B).

Time: Allow all day (with an early start in winter) to do the main walk. The shorter option is manageable in a morning or afternoon but in both cases, allow time to visit NT ‘Packwood House’ if interested.

Refreshments: Once you leave Dorridge with its shops, pubs and cafes, there are no food outlets until you reach the National Trust property ‘Packwood House’ that has an excellent café. Check opening times on day of walk or take a picnic to enjoy in the countryside.

Terrain: A good ‘Winter Wellies Walk’! Apart from a few gentle slopes, the walk is largely flat. Boots essential, poles useful as some areas can be very muddy after rain. The first section of the walk to Dorridge Wood Nature Reserve can be done with assisted wheelchairs and rugged pushchairs. You will also be made most welcome at ‘Packwood House’ and café.

History: The National Trust property ‘Packwood House’ is worth a visit.

The house is a timber-framed Tudor manor house originally owned by the Fetherstone family who had it built on their farmland in the late 16th century.

It passed through several female lines and a half nephew. When he died, ‘Packwood House’ was purchased by George Arton in 1869 who developed the gardens and created the surrounding parkland. In 1904 the estate was sold to Alfred Ash – a Birmingham metal manufacturer who bought the property for his son who later became High Sheriff of Warwickshire. In 1941, the house was generously donated to the National Trust. It is a Grade I listed building and houses a wealth of tapestries and fine furniture. It is also known for its ornamental tailored ‘Yews’The walk follows the Grand Union Canal for 2 miles along what was the Warwick and Birmingham Canal until the ‘Union’ in 1929.

Dorridge

1. From Dorridge railway Station, turn left down approach road, left

6. Turn left over railway bridge and keep on lane as far as canal. Drop

beneath two railway bridges then left up Arden Road. Walk round

down to tow-path turning left beneath ‘Rising Bridge’ (66).

curve to where it narrows to private road. After ¼ mile enter Dorridge

to Packwood House

Wood Nature Reserve. Cross avenue of trees and grass area to

7. Walk north along Grand Union Canal, crossing at ‘Turnover Bridge’

footbridge. This section can be muddy because area beyond, crossed

(67).

by a board-walk is the source of ‘springs’ that help top up Grand Union Canal. Cross lane to footpath opposite.

2. Go through small gate and along track which shortly narrows to a footpath. At small gate, go to right of pond and continue to metal kissing-gate. Walk through young woodland to footbridge over ditch (keep dogs on leads). Take footpath diagonally left towards houses (or follow field edge left). When you come to track along side of field turn right and follow this up to road opposite ‘Ivy House Farm’. Turn left and walk 1/3 mile to a right-angled bend.

3. Turn left along Vicarage lane (‘Millennium Way)’. After 1/3 mile, turn right and shortly you will see St. Giles Church on left.

4. On outside of curve take footpath past large gate and walk down drive to Church. Go through car park to gap then ‘right’ through wooden kissing-gate into churchyard and past east end of this ancient site where there has been a church possibly since Saxon time. Keep straight on to wooden kissing gate out of churchyard onto lane. Turn right then left at fork with grove lane. After 1/3 mile you will reach National Trust owned ‘Packwood House’ and cafe. It is a lovely house and along with its famous clipped yew garden, worth a visit.

5. The walk restarts opposite main house entrance, up a flight of curved steps and through old metal gate, across causeway between two ponds then via avenue of trees for ½ mile out of park into lane.

Turn right then left to ‘Uplands Farm’. Turn right across front of farm buildings aiming for gap in hedge, cross drive and stile into paddock, round left edge to wooden gate in bottom corner turning right then immediately left round back of properties out onto lane. n 32 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

8. At Baker’s lane Bridge’ (68) you leave canal.

9. Cross bridge and walk down Baker’s lane for one mile.

10. Follow Road round corner to right then turn left up Blue Lake Lane and fork left onto Dorridge Road which leads back to Dorridge Railway Station. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

Our Events Diary

Competition

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

From hats to shoes, to scarves and gloves, it’s all about adding a splash of colour to spring on Wednesday 14th March 2018, Ladies Day at Cheltenham Racecourse for the #ColourMeMarch competition.

that took place in China earlier

This year the competition, exclusively for ladies only, is about bringing colour and style to The Festival™ and you have the chance of winning a brand new MINI ONE CAR from W.O. Lewis and Sytner Solihull as well as other fantastic prizes. Whether you want to show off your best boots, parade your finest hat or give a nod to your favourite horse’s colours, get ready to #ColourMeMarch.

ask if you’d like to be entered in

Our Ladies Day ambassador this year, is Miss England 2017, Stephanie Hill. The 22-year-old, who is a keen equestrian rider and studying for a degree in radiotherapy, beat off 117 other competitors to come third in the world at the Miss World contest

in the year and will be on hand to present the prizes on the day.

For your chance to make it a winning day, all you need to do is either get spotted by one of the racecourse team who will then to the Ladies Day competition, or you can enter yourself in the Ladies day marquee. Winners will be selected at random to win one of the many prizes and announced on the big screen overlooking the parade ring.

Other prizes that will be won on the day include a £2000 necklace from Boodles, an overnight stay at The Lygon Arms in Broadway with dinner, cocktails, breakfast and spa treatment, an Yvette Jelfs made to order hat worth £700 and more. n For further information on all racedays and to book tickets, please visit: cheltenham.co.uk

www.cheltenham.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning two Club Tickets to Ladies Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 14th, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Answer: Name:

Who is the ambassador of Ladies Day this year?

Address: Tel:

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

Email:

Closing date for entries is 21st February 2018. t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n

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

What's On

FEBRUARY Tuesday 13th Warwick Pancake Races, Warwick Market Place, Warwick, CV34 4BJ This highly popular event for children from local schools will take place in the Market Square for the coveted Pancake Trophies, one for each age group.

Organised by the Rotary Club, there is usually a large turn-out of supporters and spectators.

Contact Jackie Crampton for more details and to enter on 01926 492496.

Admission is £10 per team.

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

up and discover the magnificent Great Hall festooned with strings of Chinese lanterns Tickets are £16 for adults, concessions £13 (with valid ID), children aged 5 – 16 £7.40 and family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) £43.

Tel: 01993 810530 www.blenheimpalace.co.uk

Saturday 17th Chinese New Year Celebration Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP Enjoy a traditional Double Guan Yin Chinese Lion dance accompanied by a drummer and tuck in to some delicious Chinese street food from a variety of stalls in the Great Court.

Don’t miss out on special photos and meet-and-greet opportunities with the lion, then venture into the Palace to warm

Milkshake! Live ‘The Magic Story Book’ Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV32 4HN 12pm & 3.30pm See Milkshake! Live ‘The Magic Story Book’ at the Royal Spa Centre on 17 February at 12 noon and 3.30pm. This all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales. The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories

n 34 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

that audience members, young and old, will know and love.

Tickets cost £15, £13.50 concessions, family of 4 is £53, and under 2’s go free. www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ royalspacentre/info/2/tickets or call 01926 334418.

Snowdrops Walk Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5NJ This Winter, take a walk around the Ragley Gardens and explore the multitude of snow drop varieties that have been hand planted by our gardening team. Roam around the gardens at your leisure or book on to a tour at 12:00pm with our charming Head Gardener Mark Morrell.

Tickets: £5 www.ragley.co.uk/event/

Our Events Diary

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

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

Jess Keare

Genna McCann-Taylor

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

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

EVESHAM: 01386 41474 57-59 Port Street, WR11 3LH STRATFORD: 01789 414040 Cook’s Alley, 63 Henley Street, CV37 6PT LEAMINGTON SPA: 01926 311415 92 Warwick Street, CV32 4UX KENILWORTH: 01926 858434 5 Warwick Road, CV8 1HD

Visit: www.carricktravel.com Email: enquiries@carricktravel.com

Carrick Travel is your local Independent Travel Agent.

We also have offices in: Pershore, Chipping Norton, Bourton-On-The-Water, Cheylesmore (Coventry) & Solihull

Contact us NOW to discuss your next holiday.

t @NowWarwickshire | G South Warwickshire & North Cotswolds Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 35 n

What's On Monday 19th Mini Motorists Activity Day British Motor Museum, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwick CV35 0BJ Parents, carers and their toddlers can drop in to the Museum between 10.30am and 12pm and discover the world’s largest collection of historic British cars through various play activities. The activities vary each month and may include things such as story-telling, crafts, get automotive with Duplo, playtime with toy cars, cars to sit in, dressing up and sing-a-longs. More information is available for each month’s specific activities on the Museum’s website. www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/families/ Tel: 01926 641188 Tickets: Under 5’s FREE, Adults £14, Concessions £12

Tuesday 20th - Thursday 22nd The Gingerbread Man Warwick Arts Centre Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL Chase after our cheeky gingerbread hero as he sets off on the biggest adventure of his life! Out of the Kitchen, through the town, across the fields and all the way to the river. Hiccup Theatre cook up a brand new version of this classic tale adding delicious original live music, tasty story telling and dollops of fun.

Tickets: £11.25 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Wednesday 21st Hoot Owl Stratford Artshouse, The Civic Hall, 14 Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6LU 11.30am – 2.30pm 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? And will he ever succeed in catching himself some dinner?

Tickets: £10 or £35 for a family (2 adults & 2 children) www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk

Friday 23rd

Sunday 4th March

An Evening of Burlesque, Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX 7.30pm An Evening of Burlesque is in town with a dazzling new production! So leave your inhibitions at the door and prepare to experience the UK’s biggest burlesque extravaganza. With a bevy of beautiful burlesque stars, speciality variety artists and fabulous costumes, An Evening of Burlesque revives this classic variety artform into the 21st Century with a glamorous new show.

Join them as they celebrate their sixth sizzling year of touring throughout the world. Featuring favourite stars alongside the most outrageous and extraordinary new talent they could find, naughty has never been so nice! Over 18’s only.

Tickets: £18-25 www.rosestheatre.org

Warwick Half Marathon & Family

n 36 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

Fun Run Warwick Racecourse, Hampton Street, Warwick CV34 6HN Heart Runners unite and join us in March 2018 at Warwick Racecourse, to take on 13.1 miles in the fight against heart disease. For every mile you run, and every pound you raise you’ll be powering our research.

New for 2018 is our Family Fun Run, with a choice of 2.5k or 5k routes, and taking place on running track within Warwick Racecourse, these runs are suitable for all abilities and a great way to get all the family involved.

This event is UKA affiliated, so you can count it towards your official times this running season. Please read the Warwick Half Marathon event rules before signing up. For more information www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/events/ runs/warwick-half-marathon

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Our Events Diary

Competition

THE BIG FAMILY FESTIVAL

The West Midlands’ summer bonanza, Big Family Festival, is set to return for its third year to Dunton Hall in Sutton Coldfield, from Friday 27th – Sunday 29th July with an even bigger and better offering in store. Across multiple areas including an outdoor Main Stage, a workshops’ Den and an outdoor cinema, the Big Family F estival offers a diverse programme of activities and music that the family and children of all ages can enjoy. With a variety of all inclusive workshops & shows such as Dj workshops, dance and singing worskhops, model making workshops, drama workshops, Science shows, character meet and greet, storytelling, circus skills, sports areas, family karaoke, talent shows, giant games, bands and entertainers.

Prize bundle on offer: 3 Night entry and camping for 2 adults and 2 children (3-18yrs) RRP £243.00 4 Bundles to be won! n Day tickets, weekend tickets and camping tickets available from www.skiddle.com or www.bigfamilyfestival.co.uk

www.bigfamilyfestival.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning 3 Night entry and Camping for 2 adults and 2 children (3-18yrs) on Friday 27th - Sunday 29th July, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

What is Big Family Festival’s mascot, BIFF?

Answer: Name: Address: Tel:

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

Email:

Closing date for entries is 21st February 2018. n 38 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 21 | February 2018

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

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