SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE NOW MAY

South

Warwickshire AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

Be the best version of yourself at Kingsley School

Outside dining Protect your skin Win Tickets to battle proms MAY 2019 | Issue 35

PICK I’m ME FREE U P

Inspiring learning since 1884.

See page 25 for more details

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

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Warwickshire

04

Contents

12

South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now 6

MAY 2019

HERE & NOW 04 Vale Golf Club launch new menu

Home & Garden

14

06 Let’s go outside 12 Save the bees

20

HEALTH & BEAUTY 14 Protect your skin from the sun

22 31

Food & Drink 20 Meet the Chef at Hillers Farm

KEEPING ACTIVE 22 Gylnis Dray takes us around Lapworth to

30

Baddesley Clinton

COMPEtition 30 Win tickets to the Battle Proms at Ragley Hall

south

warwickshire

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk 2nd Floor, Richardson House 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP

30

editor

design

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

Daisy Bennett daisy@pw-media.co.uk

Advertising

Daisy Bennett GardenBuildingDirect.co.uk Glynis Dray Mark Seldon

Emma Cox 01905 727902 emma@pw-media.co.uk Kate Gilmartin 01905 727905 kate@pw-media.co.uk

Contributors

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the South Warwickshire Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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HERE & NOW

New Menu at The Vale Golf & Country Club To celebrate the arrival of summer, The Vale Golf & Country Club in Bishampton are excited to launch a new menu and afternoon tea.

Set in 300 acres of stunning countryside, The Vale Golf & Country Club offers golfers and guests fantastic golf with excellent conference and meeting facilities and a serene atmosphere in which to relax and entertain.

With superb views over the Malvern and Bredon Hills, The Vale is situated in a natural amphitheatre of mature woodland in breath taking scenery making it the perfect location to celebrate any special occasion.

With its two golf courses, including our championship International course, The Vale is one of the finest venues for Golf in Evesham.

Our facilities also include a fourteen bay flood lit driving range, a chipping area, a large putting green and our newly refurbished changing rooms and retail outlet.

At The Vale, the catering team, headed by award winning Head Chef Chris McPherson, offers guests a variety of dining experiences, from a la carte to informal dining.

Coupled with our newly refurbished function suite and the breathtaking scenery, The Vale is the ideal venue for weddings, conferences or any special occasion.

Turn to page for an exclusive discount on your dining in the clubhouse bar, open Wednesday - Sunday.

For more details, visit www.thevalegolf.co.uk n

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Home & Garden

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g inin a t r te t en c E e f PAG per THE o t R e OVE ED guid NU r I T u N o CO with

Part of Dibor’s Helmsley Blush range. This beautiful flower print design on a crisp white background is perfect for adding style and colour to your home. www.dibor.co.uk

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Home & Garden Any sign of the slightest bit of sunshine and we’re ready to head outside and bask in the rays, so its time to start thinking about moving outside and making the most of your garden.

Recent bursts of warmth throughout this early part of spring, have lead to people already starting to plan their summer parties to entertain their friends and family alike. We take a look at how you can soak up the fresh spring air with ideas to spruce up your garden in the coming months.

Portable Barbecue www.annabeljames.co.uk

Rogue Special Edition 525 Rear & Side Infrared Burner Scotts of Thrapston Available from Napoloeon Grills

King of the grill The BBQ is a staple to the British summer, whether on a hot summers day, or persevering through the wind and rain, outside gatherings wouldn’t be the same without the smokey smell of your food on the grill. It can be tempting to wait until the last minute and buy a disposable tray from your local supermarket, but you can only use them once and burn very quickly.

The new Rogue SE525RSIB is the ultimate gas model for any aspiring grill-master looking to upgrade their barbecue game.

With the capacity to cook for up to 15 people, this model features 4 main burners

plus Napoleon’s signature Sizzle Zone™ infrared side burner, which heats up to 0-800°C in 30 seconds searing extra flavour into every meal, and an infrared rear rotisserie burner.

If you are looking for something smaller that you can easily tuck away during the winter, this portable barbecue from Gentlemen’s Hardare is a larger version of the mini-suitcase portable barbecue, you can cook up a storm wherever you roam, featuring a lightweight stainless steel construction with a navy powder coated finish and clasp to lock shut. Great for a day out with friends, at the beach, on a boat, on holiday, or for a picnic.

The perfect setting Create the ideal environment for your perfect dining experience by paying attention to the small details. Add candles, bunting and even rugs to bring home comforts outside into the garden. Susie Watson Designs (pictured above) have a selection of handcrafted chairs, cushions, hand painted pottery and hand blown wine glasses that incoroprate unique and interesting designs with an English feel.

Continued over the page

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Home & Garden

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Home & Garden The spring/summer 19 collections include new products from Tesco Home and Fox & Ivy including lanterns, tealight holders, vases, jugs and their Kosmo range of bowls. They have a a Scandi-chic feel with geometric prints, modern florals and pastel tones, while Fox & Ivy maintains its luxury look with statement floral prints and metallic touches, but also introduces a more relaxed, everyday look with earthy tones, reactive glaze and brushed gold.

Firepits and fire bowls are perfect for late night entertaining when the sun goes down. Aplaceforeverything.com has a wide range of outdoor heaters from Globe Fire pits to smaller Swedish fire logs as well as loungers and hammocks for those who want to embrace the late night air.

English Country Garden Bring back the feel of a quintessential English Country Garden by adding a traditional touch to your garden. From deck chairs reminiscent of the British seaside, to whimsical lighting and pasteltoned bistro sets, Wyevale Garden Centres have selected ‘The British Picnic’ as their star buy for this summer.

La Rochelle Globe Lanterns www.annabeljames.co.uk

“Whether you have a small balcony or sprawling garden, these items are easily portable and offer an instant burst of colour - perfect for picnics and last minute hosting. If tight on space, opt for folding furniture and smaller BBQ styles that can be stored with ease”, Caroline Mann, Outdoor furniture buyer.

Party Time Garden entertaining wouldn’t be the same without a little music.

Combining high quality, pin-sharp audio with exceptional design, the unique Rock Garden Speaker from Lithe Audio is perfect for entertaining outdoors, or for keeping you entertained while gardening year-round. The speaker is disguised as a rock, designed to fit discreetly into your surroundings while delivering exceptional sound quality. Just power up, connect your device, stream off Spotify, You Tube or your personal playlists and podcasts.

To keep the little ones entertained in the garden this summer, Little Tikes have a range of slides and games guaranteed to keep your children busy. From a Fountain Factory Water Table to their first slide, these toys will definitely be a fun addition to any garden. For bigger children or for those young at heart, go big with giant versions of your favourite board games; Jenga, Connect Four and even giant snakes and ladders are perfect for the whole family. n

By Daisy Bennett

www.wyevaleygardencentres.co.uk

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Garden Drinks Trolley www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk

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Home & Garden

Save the bees!

Bees and other pollinating bugs play a vital role in our ecosystems, as a third of all consumed food is dependent on them.

GardenBuildingDirect.co.uk gives us top tips on helping to save the bees.

The world has seen a slow but steady decline in number of bees since the 90s due to the widespread use of toxic pesticides, which can’t differentiate between ‘good’ and

Only purchase raw and locally made honey. This will encourage those producing honey to shift their focus and energy towards ensuring that honey is produced ethically.

Climate change has also dealt a devastating blow to the global bee population, as some species don’t cope well with very hot temperatures – they literally overheat.

Do not weed Weeds can be a nuisance however they do have their purpose. Plants such as dandelions are a brilliant source of food for bees, especially in early spring as there is only a limited range of sources available.

‘bad’ insects.

Pollinating by hand is an arduous task which could cost UK farmers over a billion pounds yearly, leading to a huge increase in food costs that are also low quality and filled with chemicals.

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk explained:“The role of bees within our eco-system is incredibly important and the worldwide decline we have seen is cause for serious concern.

Every single Brit should do their part, no matter how small, in cultivating the population of our buzzing friends, as without them our ecosystem would literally fall apart. By following our simple guide and ingraining a few key steps into our lifestyle, you can make the world of difference.”

Here is GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk ’s guide on how to save the bees: Picking plants Certain plants are much more likely to attract our bees to the garden, so do some research before you plant to find the perfect match.

Lavender, oregano and basil all produce lots of nectar and will be covered in happy, hungry bees.

Avoid pesticide The majority of insects are not harmful and there is no place for industrial chemicals in the garden, as some pesticides will remain embedded into the soil affecting other wildlife in the long term. Green fingered Brits should always be wary of using the toxins even for casual use unless absolutely necessary.

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Quenching thirst Even those with limited space can do their part by installing a small water basin for bees to satisfy thirst during the heights of summer. Just remember to add a couple of stones and floating objects such as a cork so the bees don’t drown.

Keeping the bees For Brits who really want to invest in saving bees, they could look at picking up a new hobby – beekeeping. Do plenty of research and ensure preparation is done beforehand. Give bees a home and produce organic and locally made honey for all to enjoy. n

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Protect your skin With the days getting longer and (fingers crossed) warmer, we take a look at the latest products to protect you and your family from the sun’s harmful rays.

NATURAL SPF-25 SUNBLOCK

Yaoh’s new sunblock is a cutting-edge product containing non-nano Zinc Oxide as its active ingredient, giving a complete UVA and UVB protection, ideal for all skin types and excellent for children and those with sensitive skin. www.yaoh.co.uk

GARNIER AMBRE SOLAIRE KIDS SENSITIVE ADVANCED

MARY KAY SUNSCREEN

This range offers very high protection for children’s sensitive and delicate skin (SPF50+), and protects against UVB, UVA and Long UVA rays. Developed for fair, sensitive and sun intolerant skin. The formula has a light texture and is water resistant.

Available at all High Street and supermarket stores

Offering advanced protection against sunburn and premature skin ageing, Mary Kay® Sunscreen SPF 50 should be used during extended time in the direct sun or at higher elevations. It is your first line of defense against the sun – the #1 cause of skin ageing.. www.marykay.co.uk

SUN CARE COLLECTION

To help you stay beautiful and enjoy an all-over tan with no health risks, Clarins offers a range of sun protection products.

For added comfort and convenience, Clarins sun protection products come in a variety of different textures and protection levels. www.clarins.co.uk

ROSALIQUE 3 IN1 ANTI REDNESS

Derived from natural ingredients, vegan friendly and cruelty free, Rosalique 3 in 1 anti redness cream contains SPF25 and has a triple action effect to protect your skin against the sun

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

SUNSENSE ULTRA

SunSense Ultra is a light, smooth and easy-toapply, non-grease lotion for the whole family. It boasts an impressive 4hr water resistance, SPF 50+, UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection, and while it’s busy at work protecting your skin you can relax in the heat knowing your skin is being cared for by SunSense. www.sunsense.co.uk

KELO-COTE® UV SPF 30 SILICONE SCAR TREATMENT GEL This gel works to prevent new scars from forming or to improve the appearance of scars that are up to 4 years old. It can be used on scars from cosmetic surgery, c-sections, general surgical scars and burns too.

Available to buy from local pharmacies, via Amazon and from Boots.

LOCK + BLOCK

DAILY DEFENSE SHIELD

A dry, weightless mist that locks in colour and style from Hair Colour Authority, Rita Hazan, blocks out humidity and UV rays and protects from premature colour fading.

Available from Selfridges.

A super lightweight sunscreen that offers broad protection against environmental factors including UV rays, pollution and high energy visible light. www.elemis.com

TROPIC SUN CARE AND DISCOVERY KIT + SUN BALM

A travel-friendly collection of sun care essentials that are ideal for any weekend away or daily on-the-go sun protection. The collection contains Skin Shade SPF 50 (100ml) & Skin Shade SPF 30 (100ml) - a gentle and nourishing sunscreen free from toxic chemicals and harsh parabens made with 100% mineral sun protection that contains UV, UVA & UVB protection making it great for those with sensitive skin. www.tropicsuncare.com

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UV ESSENTIEL

Step up your game with complete protection. Beyond shielding skin from all harmful UV rays (short and long UVA, UVB, indoor lighting), UV ESSENTIEL combines two natural and powerful ingredients.

An exceptional gel-cream texture combines the lightness of a gel with the comfort of a cream, going the extra step for long-lasting luminosity. The skin’s youthful quality is preserved and extended. www.chanel.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Spring has sprung...

time to get a spring into your step!

Getting out and about in the great outdoors even for just a few minutes a day makes everyone feel so much better. Aren’t we fortunate in South Warwickshire and in the Cotswolds to have plenty of walkable routes and areas to explore?

through Nordic Walking! With Nordic Walking poles, it makes it

There have been plenty of studies and news reports in recent years suggesting that walking is a great way of getting or keeping fit.

Whether it is just a family walk with the kids, a romantic stroll with your partner, or a challenging walk on your own, make the most of it.

meeting new people that enjoy the same activity as you – spending

Walking is an easy way to tone up, lose weight and improve your overall fitness. We must not underestimate the power of walking on your mental health, outdoor exercise is even more supportive of mental health then other exercise. It is also is affordable and does not require any expensive equipment.

“So why should I go Nordic Walking rather than just for a simple walk?” Because everything one can achieve through regular walking one will be able to gain twice as quickly and effective

more fun and so much easier!

Joining a local Nordic Walking group gives your body and soul many benefits. Isn’t it great to exercise without noticing it and time outdoors exploring the countryside?

Nordic Walking, if done correctly, certainly gives you a spring in your step! The correct technique will give your walk a little bounce and ensures you are engaging 90% of your skeletal muscles which means you will burn up to 46% calories more compared to ordinary walking.

Isn’t that great news? Spring has finally arrived and there is this fantastic way of toning up, losing some weight whilst enjoying the sunshine and good company. Come and try Nordic Walking, you won’t regret it!

Changes don’t just happen. You make them happen.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

National bra fitting week

May 6th-12th

The Lingerie Guild only founded in 2018 has just announced its first exciting nationwide initiative – the National Bra Fitting Week, which is being held between 6th and 12th May 2019.

The Guild which has been formed to represent the superior fitting expertise and unique shopping experience of independent lingerie boutiques, will be rolling out the event to encourage women to be properly fitted by trained specialists, and to outline all the benefits of wearing a perfectly fitted bra.

A bra fitting boutique accredited by the Lingerie Guild, is likely to be fitting more than 2000 women per year resulting in a very high standard of expertise.

It has been well documented in the media that the Great British High Street has been suffering a decline, with many people choosing to shop online instead of going to a ‘bricks and mortar’, customer service-based retail shop. However, the one thing you can’t do online is to be fitted for a bra, with a correctly fitted bra vital to a woman’s sense of well-being, confidence and health.

Lingerie boutiques give a professional, personalised, one-to-one, caring customer service experience, and The Lingerie Guild will be the industry cheerleader, shouting about the great service provided by Lingerie boutiques in the UK and Ireland.

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The Lingerie Guild will keep the essential art of bra fitting alive, heralding it as a truly professional skill. n Linda Linda Rose Lingerie Ltd info@lindaroselingerie.co.uk Tel: 01789 400152 www.lindaroselingerie.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Meet the chef...

Meet Gavin, the chef at Hillers Garden Restaurant who along with his hard working team bring you quality, fresh, home-made meals, cooked with fresh, local produce ensuring the restaurant is always a hubbub of activity - so table bookings are strongly recommended.

Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and light refreshments throughout the day, the chef regularly changes the specials board to give as much choice as possible including all the

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seasonal produce - with the farm shop right next door, Gavin has the pick of the crop of local produce such as asparagus and strawberries.

Ragley Estate meats is on hand to make sure the restaurant has the choicest cuts of meats and the fish counter is available for the freshest fish straight from market.

For bookings call 01789 491950 or email info@hillers. co.uk

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KEEPING KEEPINGACTIVE ACTIVE

Start / Finish: The walk starts and ends at Lapworth Station.

Public Transport: Lapworth is nearest Railway Station (hourly train).

Parking: Go by train! If you take the car, there is street-parking around Lapworth then you can do a circular walk from Point 2!

O/S Map: Explorer Maps 220/221 (Sketch-map shows whole walk!)

Distance: The main walk is 7 miles. Shorter ‘there and back’ option 3.5 to 4 miles along canal to point 3 and extended walk of 9 miles.

Time: Allow all day for the main walk as it will give you time to enjoy the canal walk, have a picnic and visit NT ‘Baddesley Clinton House’.

Refreshments: There are a few shops at the start of the route but it is advisable to take a picnic. ‘Tom o’ The Wood’ PH serves coffee (from 11.00) and meals.

Walking groups please telephone (01564) 782252.

Terrain: This is a rural, mainly flat, walking along the Grand Union Canal, through beautiful Warwickshire countryside and along country lanes. There are gates, a few stiles, steps and some gently climbs.

History: The first section of the walk goes along the Grand Union Canal which links London to Birmingham and is 137 miles long with 166 locks. Its history is complex as the modern canal was formed from the ‘Union’ of a number of canals in 1927. The observant may notice cuts in some canal bridge walls and metal protection bars made by the ropes from horse-drawn narrow boats of times past. You will pass two canal-side pubs then follow the ‘Heart of England Way’ to the National Trust Medieval moated Manor House ‘Baddesley Clinton’ - home of the ‘Ferrers’ family for 5 centuries. Nearby is the red sandstone St. Michael’s Church, dating from 1305.

1. Leave Lapworth Station by main entrance (east side). Turn right (south) along Station Lane passing primary school. At junction with village shop almost opposite, turn left along Old Warwick Road towards Rowington. Local Post Office on left. Continue for ¼ mile to Grand Union Canal at ‘Kingswood Bridge’ (65). Note: ‘The Navigation Inn’ over the bridge for morning coffee or lunch opens at 11.30am.

2. At canal, take steps onto towpath turning right. In about ¼ mile is junction with Stratford-upon-Avon Canal but continue southwards along the Grand Union Canal. Cross bridge, beneath some power cables, under Weston Hall Bridge 64 (accommodation bridge which enabled farmers to get livestock across canal). Pass Tom O’ The Wood Moorings and continue to Turner’s Green Bridge 63 where you will see ‘Tom O’ The Wood’ Country Pub across the canal.

(Serves coffee from 11am & meals).

3.The walk continues along the towpath to the high brick Rowington Hill Bridge 62.

4. Take the path up the slope on right that leads onto the ‘Heart of England Way’ across the bridge. (You can extend the length of the walk by walking to Bridge 60 to view the ‘stop-boards’ and back - making the total distance 9 miles). Follow track eastwards for ¼ mile to reach village of Rowington with its historic mile-post.

5. Cross the road to St. Laurence’s Church, turn left briefly then continue ‘right’ (through Churchyard) along Heart of England Way. Bear left and go down some steps then over a stile in the bottom left corner. Walk across top of field to another stile. Turn right and walk down field with hedge on right. Continue through gateway, up slope with hedge still on right then at corner, cross to row of trees, through kissing-gate and straight across field towards farm. Go through pedestrian gate then up field with hedge now on left. At corner walk diagonally left towards a tastefully converted windmill tower.

6. Walk through kissing-gate onto lane opposite ‘Green Farm’ and turn left for 1/3 mile. Turn right along bridleway just before ‘Lyons Farm’ and follow the Heart of England Way through small wooden gate. Continue along bridleway through metal gate (grounds of n 22 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 35 | May 2019

Lapworth to Baddesley Clinton

Baddesley Clinton House now on left) to track.

7. Turn left through gate and along footpath towards Baddesley Clinton’s red sandstone Church of St. Michael (worth a visit). Go through small gate and cross brook. Go past large pond and through several more gates onto footpath through grounds of Church itself (a Church has stood on this site since 11th century).

Note: you may visit the House on payment of admission charge.

8. You will get glimpses of the Medieval Manor House on left.

Walk down drive to small wooden gate on left and follow Heart of England Way for 3/4 mile veering beneath pylons to exit onto road near Clinton Farm.

9. Turn right along path marked ‘Train and Trek’.

10. Turn right along Station Lane back to Lapworth Station where the walk ends. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

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EDUCATION

'We're all in it together' Mark Seldon, Director of Studies, Gresham’s School, shares his advice for exam success, and explains why parents, teachers and the student are “all in it together” when it comes to revision.

As the May exam season draws closer, parents and guardians will be thinking how best to support their children to make the most out of their revision time – particularly during Easter break and study leave, when students will be spending the majority of their time revising outside of the school gates.

One size doesn’t fit all One of the most common questions I am asked by parents is “how should my child be revising?” Often to much disappointment, but not to any real surprise, my answer is that a one size fits all approach to revision isn’t the solution. The most effective methods for revision will vary from student to student, but parents cannot, and should not, assume that their child knows what the best process is for them. It is important parents are equipped with some encouraging advice on different ways they could be revising. A few tried and tested methods are: Bin the highlighters, stock up on paper and pens My number one piece of advice for effective exam preparation is to bin highlighters, and focus on re-writing notes as many times, and in as many ways, as possible. Just reading a text book or watching a video is not enough. In order to fully digest information, students need to read the text or watch the film, and then write it down – first, in long note form, then condensed into shorter notes, and finally transferred to memory cards containing key pieces of information only.

refresh and remember everything they have learnt over two years, but one way to overcome this is to break topics down into bite-sized mini exams to make revision less daunting. When a student finishes revising a unit, it is good practice for them to either write themselves a mini test or design a presentation on the topic. Then, a few days or weeks later, they should go back to the topic, and use these revision methods to test their knowledge ahead of the main exam.

If they can present the information effectively, or score highly in the test, then well done - the information has been clearly digested and understood, the student should be feeling exam confident.

How to switch on and when to switch off If parents feel their child needs some extra encouragement to engage with their revision, it is good practice to set them small, achievable goals that can be celebrated, rather than looking at the big battle ahead. Simply telling them to “revise” isn’t overly effective – because what does that actually mean? Instead, parents should give them a task, an achievable, quantifiable goal: “Do five mini-tests.”, “Re-write two pages of notes from earlier.”. Another question I am often asked by parents is “how long should my child be revising for?”. Of course, this again will vary from student to student but, if they are maintaining a similar pace as term time, then, during study leave, eight hours a day - comprising 8 x 45 minute study sessions, each followed by a 15 minute break – should be plenty of time spent revising at home.

During the Easter holidays, there should, of course, be time allocated for study, but remember these weeks are important for relaxation

Be their coach, their supporter and their number one fan When it comes to revision, there is often some confusion in where the role of the school ends, and where the parent’s role begins. But the truth is that we are all in it together, teachers, parents, siblings; we are the coaches and supporters, getting our star player ready for their very own FA Cup Final. During busy home revision periods, it is important that parents make themselves as available and are as encouraging as possible. Is it possible to give a quick-fire quiz at the breakfast table? Can half an hour be allocated after work for students to give a presentation on the topic they have gone over that day? Parents should be their audience, be their quizmaster, and encourage students to present their knowledge effectively and confidently because, after all, this is what they will need to be doing when they enter the exam room.

and rest too.

Show us what you’ve learnt It can be overwhelming for a student to consider how they will

Director of Studies Gresham’s School

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Students can get very bogged down by the weight of exams and it is important to keep encouraging them to do the things they love as well, to get out and enjoy some fresh air and some exercise. At Gresham’s we are very fortunate to be located on the edge of the beautiful North Norfolk coast – perfect for coastal walks, climbing or even occasionally a swim. But a stroll in a park, or even just a walk to the shops, will equally give your child some much needed headspace and a break from the desk. Encouraging children to take care of their health and wellbeing is so important, and hopefully these revision tips will help alleviate the anxiety that might be felt in the run up to exam season. n Mark Seldon

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EDUCATION

What's On MAY Friday 3rd A World of Botannicals Gin Tasting Come in, relax and enjoy a gin a tasting evening with your friends at Leamington Wine Company in Leamington Spa, 7-9pm.

In a brand new 2019 format we’ll feature a whole new set of gins working our way from floral light gins through to powerful ‘navy’ strength gins demonstrating the various different styles and flavours each Gin has to offer! You can try up to 30 carefully selected gins from around the world during the two hour session. Our Gin tastings are specifically designed for you to enjoy the entire flavour spectrum gin has to offer and to give you something you will recognise, something similar you may not have tried, and then take your taste buds in a slightly different direction to discover something new. A true journey through gin. All of our Gins will be perfectly served in our very own LeamGinton glass with plenty of ice, Fever tree or London Essence tonic accompanied with garnishes that will be perfectly paired to your gin to bring out those heavenly and distinctive flavours. Whether you like Gin with a slice of lemon, lime, cucumber

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

or strawberries we’ve got it all covered.

Saturday 4th The Fitzwilliam Quartet The Fitzwilliam Quartet returns to Leamington with a concert that reflects three strands of the Festival programme.

Roderick Williams, described as a national treasure by BBC Music Magazine, as performer and composer, with the première of a work he has written specially for the Quartet and which is a further extension of his Schubert crusade that has seen him perform all three song cycles for Leamington Music at the Royal Pump Rooms. The Quartet in turn champions Schubert’s quartets, in particular the greatest and last of them all in G major.

Delius is also part of their mission and leads us to the BBC documentary to be shown on Sunday 5 May in the afternoon.Tickets: £24 and £19 reserved, £14 unreserved sides. boxoffice@warwickdc.gov.uk

Tuesday 7th Tea and Dance Lessons The Jury Street Court House Ballroom. A monthly Tea and Dance Lessons organised by the Town Council and Unlocking

Saturday 11th Warwick Farmer’s Market

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Warwick. Refreshments provided. For more information: 01926 411694, or call into the Visitor Information Centre.

Friday 10th Gardener’s Guilded Walk Come and join the Gardens Supervisor in an informal walk round Hill Close Gardens, which are under his professional care. The focus of the walk is on plants of seasonal interest as well as the new developments in both planting schemes and layout of the different individual gardens. The walks are tailored to match the interest of the participants with plenty of time for discussion and questions.

Old varieties of vegetables are grown and are for sale when in season. The Gardens also have a valuable collection of more than 60 different varieties of apples and pears.

Admission from £1, for more information, go to www.hillclosegardens.com

Saturday 11th Warwick Farmer’s Market If you enjoy cooking with the very best ingredients, then you can’t beat the fresh local produce we offer. Our certification ensures you are buying local produce direct from local farmers, growers and producers, all using

EDUCATION

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EDUCATION

What's On locally grown and raised ingredients where possible. Our Markets are a wonderful place to shop, meet people, and learn more about the area. The markets are full of good food and great fun for all the family. As well as an array of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, you will also find a whole host of other delights such as fresh meat, eggs, pickles, chutneys, cheese and sausages. The market also offers freshly baked breads, biscuits, cakes, pies and pastries and an array of wines and ciders. Our speciality producers and growers will be happy to tell you how your food was grown, and how you can prepare it and cook it when you get home. Admission is free, for more information go to www.warwickdistrictmarkets.co.uk.

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th Bluebell Walks Ragley is a location that should be enjoyed throughout all seasons, so this Spring why not take a walk around the 26 acres of formal gardens at Ragley and venture through the multitude of bluebells in Ladies Wood?£5

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Admission to the Ragley Gardens. Children under 5 are free! The Terrace Cafe will be open at the hall for light lunches and refreshments.

Please note the £5 admission does not include tours of the hall. Tours of the spectacular State Rooms will be available for an additional £3 per person, taking place at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm. Ragley’s Adventure Playground and Woodland Walk will not be open on either date. Ragley Hall & Gardens are open from 10:-5pm. Last admission on this day is 3:30pm.

Friday 24th - Wednesday 29th The National 2019 from the Caravan and Motorhome Club The Caravan and Motorhome Club bring their largest outdoor event, The National, to Ragley in 2019. Over the 2019 Spring Bank Holiday, visit The National, for outdoor fun and games on the grounds of Ragley Hall.

Over the long weekend, join in the fun, games and entertainment tailored to suit everyone, treat yourself with a wide selection of food

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th Bluebell Walks at Ragley Hall

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and drink in the Street Food Garden, join in and take part in the non-stop shows and activities or simply kick back and relax. Pitch up over 3 nights from £102 with free daytime arena shows, on the door entry for day visitors, dazzling evening tribute shows, free games and activities for kids and grown-ups, craft areas and competitions.

Sunday 26th Warwick Food Festival On May 26th, there will be an amazing opportunity for visitors and residents in Warwick to learn and enjoy all aspects of food and drink. Warwick’s newest Food & Drink Festival will be a celebration of the town’s fantastic restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as some of the finest regional food & drink producers. Come and join us for a day of great food, cooking demonstrations and entertainment. Also enjoy the special offers from local pubs & restaurants in and around the Town. Open 10-6pm in the town centre, free admission. n

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What's On

Competition

THE BATTLE PROMS

Win tickets to the 9th Annual Battle Proms

Vignettes, followed by a 2-hour programme

Picnic Concert at Ragley Hall!

of

Every summer thousands of picnic fans

60-piece New English Concert Orchestra.

and music lovers gather their friends, pack

The legendary Grace Spitfire, accredited

up a picnic and head to celebrated local

with shooting down the first enemy aircraft

landmark Ragley Hall for a spectacular

over the Normandy beachhead 75 years

open-air concert. We have 3 pairs of tickets

ago on D-Day, performs a meticulously

to giveaway to this spectacular highlight of

choreographed display to the opening 2

the summer calendar!

pieces of the orchestral performance.

The fun begins with a thrilling mounted skill-

The Battle Proms is still believed to be

at-arms display, in full Napoleonic regalia,

the only opportunity in the world to see

by an expert cavalry troop, followed by a

their signature piece – Beethoven’s ‘Battle

sensational freefall demonstration by The

Symphony’ – performed as he composed

Red Devils, the British Army and Parachute

it: with 193 live firing Napoleonic cannons

Regiment’s official display team.

providing a thunderous percussion!

uplifting

classical

music

from

the

up

This quintessentially British ‘party in the

with toe-tapping vintage vocals from The

park’ features magnificent musical firework

The

musical

entertainment

warms

displays, culminating in a flag waving, singa-long, firework spectacular including all the ‘last night of the proms’ finale favourites such as Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

The Battle Proms returns Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on Saturday 10th August.

Are you ready to pack up the hampers and champers and enjoy an unforgettable night out at one of these stunning stately homes?

Visit the South Warwickshire Now Facebook page to find out how you could win one of three pairs of tickets to The Battle Proms at Ragley Hall on Saturday 10th August.

Don’t want to leave it to chance? To book tickets for this summer spectacular, visit www.battleproms.com. n

Visit the South Warwickshire Now Facebook page for details on how to enter! n 30 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 35 | May 2019

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