South Warwickshire Now September 2019

South

Warwickshire AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

Solihull Food & Drink Festival Let the Light in September weddings Win a champagne tea for two SEPTEMBER 2019 | Issue 39

PIC I’m K ME FREE U P

Turn to page 39 for more details

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

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South

Warwickshire AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now 16

Contents

08

SEPTEMBER 2019

HERE & NOW

28

04 All the latest news from around Warwickshire.

20

Home & Garden 08 Picking your perfect conservatory

FAshion 16 Must-have denim

32

EDUCATION 20 Classroom matters

SENIOR LIVING 28 Keeping Active

Weddings 32 The latest wedding trends

Competition 35 Win a Champagne afternoon tea for two at The Fish Hotel

south

warwickshire

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk

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

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

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

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

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER:

Contributors Daisy Bennett Glynis Dray Sport England

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

Kate Gilmartin 01905 727905 kate@pw-media.co.uk

competition.

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HERE & NOW

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

New Escape Rooms at Hatton Country World!

Brand-new Escape Rooms are to open at Hatton Country World near Warwick on 1 August. The Rooms have been created by Tulleys Entertainment Group, the brains behind the award winning and world famous Shocktober Fest. Hatton Escape Rooms will feature two live experiences - Pirate-themed challenge, ‘Mutiny’, and The Outfitters, set in the Great Depression which are both rated number 2 in the world on TripAdvisor.

In addition to the Rooms, there is also a licensed bar and a lobby with puzzles and board games. Those visiting the Rooms enter a game scenario with friends, family

or work colleagues for an hour and solve a series of puzzles and mysteries. They will have to search high and low for clues and work together if they want to escape.

The Rooms are suitable for 2 – 8 people per room. There are no restrictions on age, but the puzzles may be too demanding for those aged under 12. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The experience will last up to 90 minutes, which consists of 60 minutes being in the Room plus briefing and de-briefing. Prices start from £16.50 per person if 8 people are playing Monday – Friday.

Hatton Country World has plenty of free parking.

For details visit www.HattonEscapeRooms.com to book your Hatton Escape experience now. n

Training to teach in 2019 “You must be crazy” my mother said to me, 11 years ago, when I announced that I was considering going into teaching. My friends didn’t help: “Teenagers?! With all those hormones” they echoed.

2018 entry - trainee teachers on graduation day

As a History teacher of 10 years, I regularly look to the words from the past for inspiration and direction. Nelson Mandela famously said that ‘education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world’. However, as we look to current media representation of this profession, does it necessarily equate to the message that Mandela was emphasizing? Is a career in teaching, instead, seen as a journey into deadlines, pressures, exam factories, with little reward other than the glimmer of a holiday on the horizon every 6-7 weeks?

As part of my leadership role, at Studley High School, I have the absolute privilege of leading the training programme for anyone wanting to get into teaching. The Shires Teaching School Alliance is a partnership between Studley High School (the lead school), University of Warwick/ University of Worcester and 9 other local outstanding or good schools, offering the opportunity to train to teach through a one year postgraduate programme known as ‘School Direct’. Both the University of Warwick and the University of Worcester are renowned for their history of recruiting and training outstanding practitioners and the Shires Teaching Alliance has a long history of training, developing and supporting teachers.

School Direct PGCE places an increased emphasis on time spent in schools and offers a separate Professional Studies programme delivered by the alliance of schools we work with. School Direct offers a practical route alongside the theory of teacher training. As one trainee (2019) commented: ‘At the heart of our programme is the idea that classroom practitioners need the right skills, support and mentoring to help move them forward. This course has ensured we are given a wealth of opportunities while completing school placements’. n 4 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 39 | September 2019

Professional Studies sessions include, among others: Developing a ‘teachers toolkit’; Where are they going and how will I get them there; How can I get them to listen?; Developing the ‘whole child’?; Grow forward: How can I be a better version of me?; Poundland Pedagogy; Why will they still not listen?; Self, peer and progress; Using data to inform; Retrieval and memorability; Evidencebased learning; Making marking matter.

So, to answer my mother’s statement all those 11 years ago, yes, I am kind of crazy. But I wouldn’t change my job for the world….

Know someone who wants to teach? Point them in our direction so that they can become part of the Shires ‘family’!Visit http://shirestsa.co.uk/ teacher-training/ for more information. n Amy Page - Programme Lead

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Visit Warwickshire’s Country Parks

There are country parks throughout the County, with Pooley Country Park, Kingsbury Water Park and Hartshill Hayes Country Park in the North, Ryton Pools Country Park in central Warwickshire, and Burton Dassett Hills Country Park and The Stratford & Kenilworth Greenways in the South.

Many have flat, surfaced footpaths and are ideal for walking or cycling for all the family. The Country Parks Rangers also offer a range of events designed to help bring the environment to life.

We offer mobility scooters on a loan scheme at Kingsbury Water Park, Ryton Pools and Pooley Country Park, so the less able members of the family don’t need to miss out on a trip into the countryside.

For more information, visit the website at www.warwickshire. gov.uk/parks” www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks and for events see warwickshire.gov.uk/countryparkevents (on Eventbrite). n n 6 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 39 | September 2019

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Home & Garden

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Anglian Orangery with bi-fold doors www.anglianhomes.co.uk

A conservatory can be an added benefit to your home, not only adding value to your property but also an area to bring sunshine into everyday life.

Conservatories create more living space for you and your family, but they were originally used to house garden plants during the cold winter months. With the introduction of new glass and heating technologies in the 18th century, people began to become more adventurous with the designs and styles, creating eleborate large ‘greenhouses’ not only to house bigger flora and fauna but to entertain guests.

The trend for using glass in architecture was popularised after the construction of The Crystal Palace at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Made of sheet glass, and three times the size of St Paul’s Cathedral visitors to the exhibition were astonished at the scale of the building and how much natural light the building managed to let in; the feeling of being outdoors without stepping foot outside.

Styles have developed over the years from

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the traditional Edwardian and Victorian designs to the P, L, T and U shaped sunrooms. There is one to match any home, big or small, elaborate or intricate.

Take the design back to it’s original purpose by making your conservatory a transitional space between your house and garden. Fill the room with potted plants and flowers, natural wicker furniture in wide open spaces. The high glass panels surrounding your living space will give the illusion of being outdoors yet sitting in a luxurious space. You may be able to get away with more exotic plants depending on the construction and insulation properties of your final design.

Here are some of the different types of conservatory to decide which one is best for your home.

Victorian This style is the most traditional and timeless of all conservatory designs. Built with either three or five sides, the Victorian conservatory comes with a rounded design and a high prnate roof. The most decorative of all the styles, the buyer can opt to have ornate full glass panels or Continued over the page

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden exposed brickwork as a dwarf wall underneath the panelling.

Edwardian Similar to the Victorian style, with the picthed roof and vaulted ceiling, the Edwardian style takes elements of it’s predecessor and simplifies it. Square and rectangular in shape, the style optimises symmetry, making it s perfect use of space. Every corner can be utilised, opening up the space, making the sace feel brighter, giving the illusion of light. The Edwardian conservatory is perfect for not only townhouses butbungalows and detached houses alike. A flexible design, with a plethora of uses from a playroom to dining room, a lounging sunroom area to a place to store your plants during the winter months.

Lean-to A simple style, ideal for those homes that have an awkward or complex layout. Popularised in the Mediterrannean, the smaller understanted lean-to style is easy to adapt to your living space and can be traditional or modern in design. Perfect if you want a smaller sunroom to trap the sunlight over the winter, or to have the benefits of a conservatory without the elaborate styles of the Victorian and Edwardian designs.

The simple shape of the lean-to conservatory gives you the maximum space without the expense.

P Shaped The P Shaped conservatory is exactly what it says! it combines the best of either the Victorian or Edwardian with the lean-to style, creating extra space for a smaller home. It gives much needed space along the full length of your home without over crowding the garden, creating two extra living rooms full of bright light and space. Perfect for combining a dining area with a separate playroom.

Continued over the page

www.valegardenhouses.co.uk

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Home & Garden Once you have decided on the ideal shape of your dream conservatory, it’s time to choose what you would like the structure to be made from. There are three main materials that you can choose from; UPVC, wood, or aluminium. Whatever you decide on, depends on the style of your conservatory and the style of your home. A wooden finish has many benefits if you have a older home, whereas the modern sleek aluminium finish may suit a new build.

•

Wood gives a luxurious finish and can be finished in almost any choice of paint and varnish. A much longer lasting material and the a very eco friendly choice.

•

UPVC is the most popular choice amongst conservatory buyers, mainly down to its lowcost. it is durable and secure without getting damp in wet weather and rotting. Timberlook PVCU designs are also becoming more available on the marlket.

•

Alluminium is the more costly option, but it is also one of the most hard wearing materials used in construction, standing up to bad weather and capable of holding large amounts of glass panels. Aluminium is 100% recyclable, but isn’t a very good conductor of heat, meaning that extra care will have to be taken when trying to insulate your conservatory. n

www.valegardenhouses.co.uk

By Daisy Bennett

JOHN

www.valegardenhouses.co.uk

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Home & Garden

www.valegardenhouses.co.uk

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Home & Garden

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Must have denim

Whether it’s distressed, acid wash or stretched, choose your favourite denim to wear this September. Take a look at our top picks, including the Jeans for Genes Day (September 16th-20th) official T-shirt.

DISTRESSED ICON DENIM JACKET £49.95 www.gap.co.uk

GERRI DENIM MIDI DRESS £65 www.uk.monsoon.co.uk

LARGE DENIM BAG WITH SHIBORI LINING £75 www.indigowares.com

LIFT, SLIM AND SHAPE SKINNY JEANS £45 www.next.co.uk

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Jeans for Genes Day (September 16th-20th) is the annual fundraising campaign for Genetic Disorders UK, the national charity that supports individuals and families affected by a genetic disorder. Monies raised on Jeans for Genes Day fund the work of the charity and provide grants to organisations for projects that aim to transform the lives of children with genetic disorders. Combine the official Jeans for Genes Day campaign tshirt in collaboration with Warner Brothers, with your favourite pair of jeans. For more information and to buy your Batman tshirt go to www.jeansforgenesday.org

HEALTH & BEAUTY

STRAIGHT FIT 5 POCKET DENIM JEANS £59.95 www.joules.com

INDIGOOD ICONS 27WW WESTERN SHIRT £80 www.wrangler.co.uk

PER UNA DENIM MINI SKIRT £22.50 www.marksandspencer.com

CLEAN BLUE DENIM SHORTS £25 www.fatface.com

Ten unexpected benefits of

Nordic Walking

Whether it is a romantic stroll with your partner, a family walk or a challenging walk on your own, make the most of it! Nordic Walking is an easy way to tone up, lose weight and improve your overall fitness.

With Nordic Walking you will be able to achieve results twice as quickly and effectively compared to ordinary walking! The correct Nordic Walking technique will give your walk a little bounce, ensuring you are engaging 90% of your skeletal muscles which means you will burn up to 46% calories more compared to regular walking. Isn’t that great news?

Regardless of age or fitness level, studies show other maybe more surprising benefits: 1. Reduce stress 2. Mood Boosting- Nordic Walking releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness 3. Improve self-confidence 4. Prevent cognitive decline – Nordic Walking supports the brain against cognitive decline that begins after age 45 5. Lessen anxiety - The chemicals released during and after Nordic Walking can enable people with anxiety disorders to relax more easily 6. Boost brainpower - Studies have shown that a cardiovascular activity such as Nordic Walking can create new brain cells for better overall brain performance 7. Sharpen memory - It boosts memory and ability to learn new things

8. Increase relaxation - A Nordic Walking session can benefit people with sleep issues 9. Get more done - Research shows that workers who take time for exercise on a regular basis are more productive and have more energy 10. Tap into creativity – An invigorating Nordic Walk can boost creativity for up to two hours afterwards Come and try Nordic Walking this Autumn yourself in a free session in Alcester, Evesham or Stratford upon Avon. Contact your local instructor Kathrin on 07875 609324 or visit www.arrowandarden.co.uk.

Hurry free places are strictly limited.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Looking after your skin Winter is approaching, it’s getting colder and it’s time to wrap up warm. We take a look at how to keep your skin fresh and healthy during the cold months.

Avoid harsh chemicals Alchol based products are a massive no-no. Products containing ethanol, break down the skins natural barriers and over time will make your skin worse. Too much during the winter months can dry out the skin and cause added irritation. Use a cream based cleanser instead.

Keep hydrated Cold weather and central heating zaps moisture. Use a good moisturiser and balance natural oils by not using aggressive products.

But most of all, drink plenty of water!

Exfoliate Gentle exfoliation takes away the dead skin cells and rejuvenates the skin. There are plenty of home made recipies to make your own chemical free exfoliator using cupboard ingredients. Mix sugar, with a few drops of lavender oil and water together to create a simple face scrub to remove impurities. and keeps your complexion looking looking healthy.

No hot baths A nice hot bath after a long winters day, may seem like the ideal way to unwind and warm up, but hot baths can dehydrate and irritate the skin by stripping oils. A moderately warm bath or a shower would be the ideal alternative. Remember to moisturise after showering, to replenish any oils you may have lost through heat.

Don’t forget your lips Dry, chapped lips can be a massive irritation during autumn and winter.

You need to keep them protected from the elements. Covering them up constantly with a scarf, not only traps the heat but dehydrates the lips, causing them to dry ou further. Finding the right lip balm can be tricky, but buy balms with essential oils and cocoa butter to really take advantage of their healing properties.

Sun factor Despite the abundance of cold, rain and blustery wind, the sun is still out and can still cause damage to the skin. Take tips from the snowboarders and skiers out there and still choose a moisturiser with at least an SPF20. Don’t get caught out by the winter sun! n

By Daisy Bennett

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Save a foot, save a life Just 3 weeks ago a new patient came to my clinic with a hole in his foot.

Yes you read it correctly - a HOLE! It was as if someone had gouged out a grape-sized piece of flesh under the ball of the foot.

Can you imagine how deep that would be? It was certainly close to the underlying joint/bone. To make matters worse the rest of the forefoot was red, swollen, and hot. He was a keen golfer but had been unable to play for months due to the pain of this wound. He was fed-up and desperate.

Eventually he was recommended to see me having seen at least 4 other health care professionals, and he made the 45 minute journey to my clinic in Southam. I listened to his story of let downs, frustration, pain, and loss of quality of life. I realised I needed to understand more about how this hole had started and what care had been provided. So I contacted those involved in his care to find out that it all began as a corn. Again you’ve read it correctly – a CORN! But how can something as common or even simple as a corn lead to a deep hole in a foot? Well generally it is due to one of 2 reasons or a combination of them – neuropathy (nerve damage) and vascular disease (poor circulation). There are several reasons why you might develop these in your life, but the most common cause is diabetes.

Now this patient hadn’t been diagnosed with diabetes and hadn’t been treated for the raging infection in his foot that could easily have led to amputation of the foot or even sepsis and potential death.

Fortunately I had previously spent 8 years running the Diabetic Foot Clinics at Warwick & Stratford Hospitals, so I was well equipped to turn this potential disaster around.

And turn it around we have with a happy ending to this story. Through appropriate Podiatry care, the infection is gone and the hole is nearly healed. By the time you read this, I expect complete resolution. The patient is pain-free and has played a game of golf. He is delighted, as am I. Another fixed foot enabling mobility, activity, and improved quality of life.

So if you would like to hear more stories and information, please follow my clinic on Facebook where you’ll find lots of useful and engaging posts – www.facebook.com/healthfirstsoutham n Jonathan Small, Lead Podiatrist & Business Mentor Health First Foot & Gait Clinic www.healthfirstsoutham.co.uk 01926 811272

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EDUCATION

Classroom matters

What children bring to the classroom matters every bit as much as what they are taught at school. The home and family can really make the difference to a good learning environment. Nature can be nurtured with a few guidelines and boundaries and your teacher will thank you for giving them a child ready and willing to learn.

1. Teach your child that failure is a stepping-stone to success Any skill requires a period of incompetence in order to get competent. In short: to get good at something you have to start out being bad. What’s more, encouraging your child to increase their failure rate (‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again…’) is the best way to increase their learning and develop their success in any field.

children are less good at and allow them to get on quietly with the things they love. If English is their passion, don’t be afraid to encourage and go OTT on its positive impact. Spending time with them as they connect and enjoy a subject will also give insight into ways we can help transfer that joy to a less loved topic.

To do this children need to have two key traits: little fear of failure and the resilience to push through when they fail the first few times and get to the point where they become skilful.

4. Make academic subjects feel relevant to your child Often it is hard for a child to focus and truly enjoy a subject because they cannot see how has any relevance for their life or will help them in the future. Specific subjects are branded in their heads as something they need to do to keep the adults around them happy.

2. Make learning an activity your child loves Learning is a hundred times harder if it is seen as a chore. Many of us had a mental block about maths at school and much of this was down to the fact that we told ourselves we didn’t like maths. Research psychologists have proven time and time again that a good mood makes you smarter, more engaged, more creative and more willing to persist at a difficult task.

5. Involve games in learning as much as possible If you can turn learning into a game, children will respond and learn much more quickly. An entire area of psychology has developed to study this field. It’s called gameification, and the term is used to describe the action of turning something into a game in order to improve engagement. At home try pushing aside the workbooks and play Hangman or Scrabble.

So if you can encourage a child to enjoy learning, then the rest is easy... or easier. The key is to set out with a positive mind-set that is preprogrammed to succeed.

6. Motivate children by consequence rather than punishment We’ve all done it. Used the threat of taking away something our child loves in order to try and motivate them. ‘If you don’t start doing your homework in the next ten minutes, there will be no iPad after supper.’

3. Allow your child to follow their passion It isn’t important – or even possible – to be good at everything. It’s more important to be excellent at a few things. So, if your child shows specific interest and takes a lot of joy in a certain topic at school, they will find it a lot easier to excel.

As parents there is a natural tendency to worry about the things our

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The problem is that this does not mimic life as a grown up. Adult life is determined by a cause and effect, and if a child starts to learn that the outcomes are determined by their actions, you can nurture a strong sense of motivation which they can take with them right through their education and beyond. n

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EDUCATION

Is your child worried

about starting school?

As children all over the country prepare for starting school, former primary teacher Catherine Lynchof PlanBee is here to help you through this difficult transition.

classroom for a few hours. Both occasions give the children and staff the opportunity to learn about each other. The visit to the Reception class lets the children learn where their coat peg is, where the toilets are, what toys there are and who is in their class.

Moving into a new classroom can be scary and take a bit of getting used to for even the most confident child. For lots of children, moving into Reception will be their first time in a school environment.

If your child isn’t starting in Reception until September 2020, you will have plenty of time to liaise with the school to set up either a home or transition visit. But now that ‘big school’ is almost with us, what can you do to help your child copy positively with this educational rite of passage?

1.Be positive about this transition; your child will pick up on your worries, so adopting an upbeat attitude to this exciting stage in their life is key.

But whether they are moving from a private nursery, from being at home full-time or being in a nursery class attached to a school, they will have to get used to new adults, peers, routines, expectations and the large school setting. And that’s a big ask for a little one.

Hopefully, the school you’ve chosen for your child will have carried out a home visit. These are a great opportunity for the adults working with the Reception children, the children themselves and their parents to get to know one another in an environment where the child is more likely to feel confident.

A transition visit may also have taken place. First, the Reception teacher visits the child in their current nursery setting and meets their current keyworker. Then the new Reception children visit their new

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2.Listen to your child, reassure them and try to understand what lies at the heart of their worry. Reassure them that you will support them, and don’t try to dismiss their concerns as unimportant or unfounded.

3. Arrange playdates with other children that will be in their class; lots of parents use social media to create these connections.

By half-term, your little one should be starting to settle and enjoying the challenges of this new stage in their life. Good luck! n

EDUCATION

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EDUCATION

Another string to your bow...

Caswell’s Strings is one of Britain’s oldest family run shops specialising in instruments and accessories for the Violin family.

Having just celebrated their 50th anniversary the Caswell’s brand has become a household name for teachers and pupils.

The shop was moved in 2004 to central England and more recently to Banbury Oxfordshire where they finally settled in a two-storey shop with sufficient space to display a wide range of acoustic and electric instruments, music publications, cases, accessories, strings and bows.

Other facilities on offer to the string player - instrument rentals, luthier run workshop and free practise rooms.

Sharing their new building is their sister company Heritage Music, specialising in Brass and woodwind instruments offering sales, an onsite repair workshop, and all accessories and books.

Ordering can be online, by mail order or a welcoming visit to their premises where you can speak to real people offering qualified advice.

They also offer instruments on the AIPS scheme or on interest free finance. n

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EDUCATION

Exceptional learning

at Arnold Lodge School

Arnold Lodge School is a leading co-educational school in the heart of Leamington Spa for boys & girls aged 4-18 years.

between 9-7. Most impressively, Arnold Lodge scored exceptional value added – the amount of academic progress a pupil makes – at both GCSE and A level. In the GCSE results, in particular, our academic value added was exceptional with pupils averaging 11 grades beyond their targets.

Within our small class sizes, each child is challenged and supported in their learning. We have a maximum class size of 16-18 pupils as we believe in the real academic and personal value that can be added to a pupil’s development from these small classes.

At Arnold Lodge we place the happiness and confidence of our pupils at the heart of our ethos; we know that this is central to our pupils’ learning and achievement.

For 2019, Arnold Lodge pupils received some excellent examination results. At A Level, we celebrated a 100% pass rate with 20% of all grades at A*-A and 40* at A*-B. At GCSE, 10% of all grades were the highly coveted level 9 (far in advance of national averages), 37.5% of pupils attained one grade 8 or more and 25% of all grades were

It’s not just the phenomenal examination performance that makes Arnold Lodge outstanding; our Extension and Enrichment programme provides a breadth of opportunity and experience from Reception to our Sixth Form. A choice of fencing, karate, gymnastics, horse riding and much more, there are opportunities for everyone to foster their interests, flourish and grow into confident well rounded individuals.

Arnold Lodge sets out to support pupils to be happy and confident while developing their skills and knowledge so that they can be successful in their aspirations. n

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FOOD & DRINK

Visit stunning Dormy House We paid a visit to the stunning Dormy House Hotel set within The Farncombe Estate that has been owned by the Danish, Philip-Sorenson family since 1977.

pear was soft and unctuous and not too sweet. The cheese was all local and served with dehydrated grapes. Although they looked a bit odd on the plate, the flavour burst onto your palate.

We hadn’t been since the 16 million pound refurbishment and the appointment of the dream team, Martin Burge as Culinary Director and Sam Bowser as Head Chef. Between them they have completely reimagined the culinary offering at the Potting Shed and the Back Garden Room both set within Dormy House. Bowser had worked with Burge at Whatley Manor. Their new offering is based on the principles of sustainability and seasonality, this gives rise to slow foods, high welfare and rare breed meats.

We are excited that also within the 400 acre Farncombe Estate is the world of relaxation and adventure – The Fish Country Hotel and they are offering two reader prizes for two people for their Delamotte Champagne Afternoon Tea experience. Turn to page 35 for details on how to enter. n

The atmosphere within Dormy House is welcoming to all, a lively bar service to sit alone or with friends. Plenty of quiet places for couple to sit and enjoy the surroundings and each others company.

We ate in the Back Garden room. I started with Ashlyn goat’s cheese mousse, dandelion, apple balsamic, walnut, beautifully light and delight on a summer’s evening. My companion chose the stuffed saddle of rabbit, pickled spring vegtables, whole grain mustand, bitter leaves. Each flavour of this dish was balanced and worked in perfect harmony.

For the main event I went for the Jonny’s fish of the day – Jonny is the local fish merchant. On the day this was halibot poached in butter and seaweed, served with potatos, leeks, samphire and lemon grass. Such a fresh taste that I expected to see seagulls on Padstow harbour as I looked out the window. My fellow diner had the new season lamb, pressed belly, potato & turnip gratin, parsley purée. Much more earthy, totally of the land, I can see this remaining on the menu for sometime to come.

For desert the selections were poached peach, lemon verbena cream, raspberry, toasted almonds and the local cheeses, bits and pieces. The n 26 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 39 | September 2019

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SENIOR LIVING

Keeping active

in later life

You’re only as old as you feel and it’s never too late to try something new – keeping active as you get older can help you stay healthy, energetic and independent!

What are the benefits of keeping active in later life?

Being active can help you build stamina and improve your balance and flexibility, meaning you’ll be less vulnerable to falls and maintain your independence!

You’ll also feel fitter, sleep better, have loads more energy and be able to do the things you’ve always enjoyed, such as playing with the grandchildren, walking to the shops, leisure activities and meeting up with friends.

Not only will keeping active improve your health and wellbeing, but it’s also a great way of meeting new people and catching up with friends.

How active do I need to be?

Adults aged 65 and older, who are generally fit and have no health conditions that limit their mobility, should aim to do at least 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) of moderate activity a week.

This might sound like a lot, but don’t worry!

You can break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. It might be easier to aim for 30 minutes a day, over five days – that’s 150 minutes done and dusted.

You don’t need any expensive kit or fancy trainers, just a willingness to give it a go... So come on, let’s show ‘em how it’s done – you’ll be feeling ten years younger in no time!

What is moderate activity?

Moderate intensity activity is anything that gets your heart rate up, makes you breathe faster and feel warmer.

For example: • Gardening • Housework • Using the stairs • Walking Also try activities that are specifically designed

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to be kind to joints and can easily be adapted to suit you. Why not try one of the following: • Ballroom dancing • Line dancing • Swimming • Yoga • Cycling (try Wheels for All for speciallyadapted bikes) • Low impact keep fit classes Don’t forget muscle strengthening!

Two days a week, try to do an activity that improves muscle strength, such as: • Carrying or moving loads such as groceries • Gardening jobs such as pushing a lawn mower, digging or collecting grass and leaves • Chair-based exercises n Sport England

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SENIOR LIVING

Alzheimer's Awareness Month Every year World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on 21 September, and is the focus of World Alzheimer’s Month in September. It’s an opportunity for organisations and individuals around the world to raise awareness, highlight issues faced by people affected by dementia and demonstrate how we can overcome them to help people live well with dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed. Other types of dementia include; vascular dementia affecting 17 per cent of those diagnosed, mixed dementia affecting 10 per cent of those diagnosed.

Dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe.

There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. This will soar to 2 million by 2051. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease

Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. Dementia is a terminal condition.

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or any other type of dementia. Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would halve the number of deaths from the condition, saving 30,000 lives a year.

Dementia research is desperately underfunded. For every person living with dementia, the annual cost to the UK economy is over £30,000 and yet only £90 is spent on dementia research each year.

For more information and advice call the Alzheimer’s Society National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk n

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WEDDINGS

Wedding Trends 2019

Event planner to the stars, Mark Niemierko, gives us the latest trends in 2019 weddings.

Go Bold We’re seeing more and more couples forgoing the classic white decor and instead embracing bright colours and a bold aesthetic. Too much white can look clinical and I always encourage my clients to embrace colour. One of my favourite weddings I’ve worked on recently had a navy and blush pink colour scheme which worked beautifully.

Flowers – keep them low OTT flower walls and huge candelabras are out and more subtle arrangements are in with couples opting for low floral displays for both the aisle and tables. Similarly, wild flowers and boho-inspired arrangements are growing in popularity in the wake of the royal wedding. Recently a trend for greenery and feathers replacing flowers has been seen.

Are you party people?

People are wanting to party later and later so we now offer wedding wind downs for an hour after the main party. At a recent wedding we organised a sing along around a grand piano in the hotel’s drawing room.

Entertainment With the photo booth idea overdone, couples are now looking for new and unusual ways to entertain guests. Tarot card readers in the bathrooms or character coat check staff make memorable talking points.

Break the Ice Floral ice cubes are proving the new ice sculpture as a simpler way to jazz up drinks.

Cut the Cake (completely) Couple are realising that the cake cutting moment is the biggest non-event of a wedding. Instead of focusing on one huge cake that will likely go uneaten they’re offering a number of dessert options for guests to choose from.

Food Ideas Food trucks have had their moment but couples are still looking for laidback ways to offer simple tasty food. Sharing plates and farm-to-fork concepts are both proving popular.

Favours Couples are going the extra mile when it comes to treating their n 32 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 39 | September 2019

guests and table favours are being replaced by hand-delivered gifts.

For recent weddings we’ve organised hangover packs, customised eye masks and welcome food packs. My favourite idea is recycling the ceremony flowers into little bouquets and delivering them to guests rooms alongside a thank you postcard from the just-married couple.

Ditch the plastic Following in the footsteps of Princess Eugenie, brides-to-be are thinking more about the planet while planning their big day and choosing to go plastic-free when possible. It helps that linen napkins and glass straws looks much chicer than their plastic counterparts. n

WEDDINGS

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KEEPING ACTIVE

Start / Finish: The walk starts and finishes at ‘Combrook’ near the KEEPING ACTIVE privately-owned estate of ‘Compton Verney’. The walk is mainly along public bridleways and lanes so that the walker can enjoy the countryside.

If you choose to visit the property there is a fee payable. The ‘entrance’ to the house and grounds is marked on the sketch-map.

Public Transport: Nearest Railway Stations at Stratford upon Avon and Evesham with a few buses to Compton Verney daily but beware of your last bus. Please check ‘traveline’ and current timetables. You may need a taxi to/from Wellesbourne which has a better bus service.

Parking: Your own car is almost essential to reach the start of this walk.

Limited street-parking in the hamlet of Combrook. Please park with consideration for those who live there.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 205.

Distance: The main walk is 5.5 miles. Shorter Walk 2 miles.

Time: Allow all day for the main walk as it will give you time to explore and have a picnic.

Refreshments: Stock up with food, drinks and snacks before you leave nearby Wellesbourne as there are no pubs or shops along the route.

Terrain: This walk takes you through various landscapes and much of it is along quiet lanes and bridleways. The route has been selected to enable people with all-terrain wheelchairs and pushchairs to share the countryside.

History: Compton Verney House was built in the 1730’s, on the site of a former Medieval Hall of the 1440’s, by the ‘Verney’ family and the 120 acres of parkland were designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. After a fascinating history, the house was opened as a Nationally acclaimed Art Gallery in 2004. The nearby village of Combrook is where the Estate Workers for Compton Verney House lived and makes an interesting starting point for this walk.

1. The walk starts and ends at the Parish Church of St Mary & St Margaret in Combrook. This hamlet was where the workers from Compton Verney would have lived and the houses are a charming blend of ornate ‘period’ architecture and traditional stone and thatched cottages. Until 1929, only the Lord of the Manor could choose who lived here!

Facing the church walk up Church Hill to the right reaching a corner at the top. A footpath leaves this corner straight ahead to take you via Hampton House Farm to exit at Red House (see sketch map).

2. The main walk follows the lane round to the left for 250 yds to the edge of a woodland where you will find a diagonal path on the right cutting the corner off the lane. Shorter route goes left at this point and then goes due North for ¾ mile following a woodland path up and over a brow to exit on the B4086 by the road bridge over Compton Pools. This shorter walk will enable you to view the House and Grounds then return to Combrook via points 8, 9, and 10.

The main walk continues round the lane climbing gently up to ‘Red House’.

3. Walk on up lane to Spring Hill. Turn right for 30 yds to bridleway on left, which leads to Lodge Farm. At barns fork right and follow concrete track up to Lighthorne Road.

4. Turn left (walk on right) for 1 mile, crossing bridge over stream feeding Compton Pools, to bridleway on left (opposite road junction on right to Lighthorne).

5. Enjoy this leisurely bridleway that leads towards Compton Verney House. You get occasional glimpses of the stately home and ornate bridges (access, for a fee, to this privately-owned country estate is via the entrance from Compton Hill).

6. Enjoy view of grounds from this point. Follow bridleway round long curve to the ‘Home Farm’.

7. The track turns sharply left at this high point of the walk (380’) and exits near top of Compton Hill.

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Compton Verney

Circular Walk

right leading to ‘Park Farm’. Where tarmac track reaches corner at ‘Woodman’s Cottage’ go through large wooden gate opposite (adjacent to public footpath) and walk straight across looking for yellow-tipped wooden posts. You should be walking approximately halfway between woodland on left and ornamental trees on right, dropping gently down slope to corner of Compton Pools.

9. Go through the gate into woodland, following the leafy bridleway (lake on left). After path narrows through hollow go through wide gate onto fenced-off bridleway between lake and farmland. Follow swathe of grass downhill, left round the curve, along uneven track over bridge that crosses brook issuing from Compton Pools.

10. You are now back in the hamlet of Combrook with its pretty stone and thatched cottages. Turn right up School Lane past an ornate well and the old village school. The walk ends at the Parish Church. n Written and Illustrated by Glynis Dray

COMPETITION WHAT’S ON

Win a Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at

The Fish Hotel

The Fish has upped the ante with its foodie offering this year. Alongside Hook - its seafood restaurant - the bar and lounge has gone all Mexican with a special taco menu, the much-loved BBQ feasting experience for groups of 10 to 30 – which has a special Christmas in the Caribbean menu launching for the festive season - is now available year-round and the hotel has also re-vamped its Afternoon Tea. To celebrate all things foodie, we’re offering South Warwickshire NOW readers the chance to win two Champagne Afternoon Teas for two.

Ever since the seventh Duchess of Bedford began serving a meal between lunch and dinner, Afternoon Tea has been a British favourite.

There’s something quite indulgent - and rather good - about settling in for a relaxing hour or more and enjoying delicious savouries, fresh-from-the-oven cakes and patisseries and scones with the full works of cream and homemade jam.

At The Fish the Afternoon Tea includes a choice of Hoogly Teas, sandwiches and sweet treats such as an apple and blackcurrant doughnut; pecan, maple and orange sponge and a macaroon with lemon ganache and raspberry. And if guests are in the mood, there is a choice of adding a glass of bubbles or a Cotswold Distillery tipple of gin. Afternoon Tea is served from 2pm to 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 3pm to 5pm on Sundays. £25 per person or £35 per person with a glass of Delamotte Champagne or a Cotswold Distillery Gin. Oh, and woof woof, dogs can come too. The Fish has its very own Doggie Afternoon Tea for just £15 per pooch.

Contact The Fish on +44(0)1386 858000, email reservations@thefishhotel.co.uk or visit www. thefishhotel.co.uk n

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What's On September Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th Leamington Food Festival The hugely popular Leamington Food & Drink Festival will return on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September in 2019 at the Royal Pump Gardens. The Festival, which is free to attend and will yet again feature an exciting action packed programme over the two days.

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH The Sound of Springsteen formed in late 2017 from a passion for the work of ‘The Boss’. Each member of this seven piece band has their own unique abilities as performers and an undeniable love of the music.

The band members as they are now, have impressive references, listing previous UK tours alongside recordings with big names in the music industry. While the band remains a fairly new creation they are already showing signs of a big and successful career. Presented at Belgrade Main stage, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry. Tickets: £25 Concessions: £23.

Tuesday 10th - Thursday 12th

Friday 13th - Sunday 15th

The Luna Cinema at Warwick Castle The Luna Cinema is transforming the grounds of the Castle into an open air cinema this summer - the ultimate setting for two nights of classic films under the stars. Bring a picnic or enjoy the fantastic hot food and full bar on site. 10th September - A Star is Born; 11th September Mama Mia! Here we Go Again; 12th September - Bohemian Rhapsody Doors Open at 7pm - Screenings at 8.30pm. Capacities are strictly limited and all tickets must be booked in advance, so don’t miss out on the cinematic event of the summer. Tickets must be purchased in advance via www.thelunacinema.com

Leamington Beer & Music Festival On 13-15th September head down to The Band Factory, just off High Street, for a wide variety of music, beer, cider, wine, gin, soft drinks, and food. Not will there be a great selection of interesting beers and ciders, we also have a Gin&Fizz Bar. And whilst enjoying the beer you can listen to our great music line-up or attend workshops throughout the weekend.

Wednesday 11th The Sound of Springsteen

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Sunday 15th Stratford Autojumble A great day out for any car or motorcycle enthusiast at Stratford Racevourse, the Stratford Autojumble offers a vast array of parts, restoration services and related products for a variety of vehicles. From

WHAT’S ON

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What's On the organisers of Kempton and ‘Normous Autojumble. If you’re after a certain part, piece or tool for a motoring project, then the Stratford Autojumble is where you’ll find it. Tickets are £5, under 15s go free.For more details, go to www.stratfordautojumble.co.uk.

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd Stratford Town Centre Food Festival The Stratford Town Centre Food Festival is all about local, featuring a bustling regional food producers market with over 100 stalls spread throughout our historic streets. Also showcasing a mouthwatering selection of the finest food and drink with a top notch programme of free demonstrations and hands-on workshops from the best of our town’s culinary talent. Tickets can be reserved on this site one month before the festival. (A limited number of tickets will be available on the day from the Site Office on Waterside.) The event is free. For information call 01789 292718.

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH the theme of In and Around Warwick, and we join forces again with Unlocking Warwick, for a reconstruction of a 19th century trial that gripped the nation. Plus, there are well-established Tea Time Talks, in association with The University of Warwick. Make sure you book early – tickets are selling fast! For details go to www.warwickwords. co.uk or call the box office 01926 334418. n

Friday 27th - Sunday 29th Solihull Food & Drink Festival If music be the food of love then embrace some jerk chicken, a shot of rum and fall head over heels with what’s on offer this year at the Solihull Food & Drink Festival, featuring the best of worldwide cuisine. You will be spoilt for choice with over 100 food and drink traders in Mell Square, Mill Lane, Solihull High Street and inside Touchwood Shopping Centre. Not only are we bringing back the much-loved demo kitchen, taster tent, diverse delicious variety of food and drink, dining discount booklet, family entertainment, and the live music stage… this year we are also adding a rum and reggae zone, featuring Rats in the Kitchen and a free outdoor cinema! The demo kitchen arena is back with a passion too, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of different culinary masterclasses for free! On Saturday we will see Birmingham’s Michelin star chef, Glynn Purnell along with appearances over the weekend from Bake Off’s Jon Jenkins and Val Stones and Cbeebies Katy Ashworth and others. For more information visit www.solihullbid.co.uk. #solfoodfest #solbid

Monday 30th - October 6th Warwick Words History Festival 2019 This is the fourth History Festival with a strong line-up of acclaimed authors and speakers. The local history project for 2019 revisits

Warwickshire South

AND NORTH COTSWOLDS

Now

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n 38 | South Warwickshire and North Cotswolds Now | Issue 39 | September 2019

Emma Cox

Kate Gilmartin

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

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WHAT’S ON

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