Three Counties NOW - September-October 2019

Three Counties

Now

Hereford Sixth Form College An Outstanding Education Right on the Doorstep

LET THERE BE LIGHT WEDDING TRENDS 2019 KEEPING ACTIVE IN LATER LIFE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE TWO

PI C I’M K M FR E U EE P

See page 20 for more information

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

n 2 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

Three Counties

08

Now 12

14

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2019 HOME & GARDEN 08

Let There Be Light

12

Nature Notebook

WEDDINGS 14

Wedding Trends 2019

GOLDEN YEARS 16 18

Keeping Active in Later Life Welcome to Brockington House, Hereford

18

20

EDUCATION 20

Hereford Sixth Form College

21

A-Level Pupils Excel at HCS

22

Steady Growth at Lucton School

24

Take the Next Step and Study at Herefordshire & Ludlow College

30

OUR EVENTS DIARY 26

What’s on this month?

28

Competition Three Counties Showground

30

Keeping Active Habberley Valley Near Kidderminster

THREE COUNTIES

NOW 01905 723011

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

28

EDITOR

DESIGN

CONTRIBUTORS

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Daisy Bennett

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

Glynis Dray Frances Weeks Hereford Cathedral School Herefordshire & Ludlow College Hereford Sixth Form College Lucton School Three Counties Showground Waterworks Museum

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 Three Counties Now magazine t @ThreeCountiesNOW | G ThreeCountiesNOW | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 3 n your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA Mayor of Hereford opens new display at Waterworks Museum This year’s annual Gala Day at the Waterworks Museum (Sunday 28th July) saw the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Kath Hey, unveil a plaque to inaugurate a new display with an interesting and unexpected connection to Hereford.

The 1911 Hindley ‘Alcazar’ steam engine originally pumped saline water to the Spa Bath at Tenbury Wells, and was donated to the Museum in 2000. After recent maintenance, however, volunteer engineers have enabled this engine to be display more appropriately so that it now does what most of the engines at the Waterworks Museum do – pump water.

The connection to Hereford is that James Cranston, the architect of the gothic Tenbury Spa Baths, which opened in 1862, was born

in Hereford and was the brother of John Cranston,

the

horticulturist

who

made

Hereford’s Kings Acre Nursery famous for its roses across Europe. Cranston is also said to have based his design for the Spa Baths on his patent protected design for a greenhouse, one of which he installed in Kings Acre Nursery in 1861.

As usual the Mayor was collected from the Town Hall and brought to the Museum in a small cavalcade from amongst the remarkable variety of interesting historic vehicles that attended Gala Day. Visitors enjoyed picnics in the sunlit grounds and were wonderfully entertained by members of the Hereford Concert Band who played two full sessions in the open air. n

KINGTON SHOW - SATURDAY 14th SEPTEMBER 2019

Ferret World Roadshow, Owl World, the Bill Bailey Band, and much more! In the evening, Herefordshire YFC will be hosting an aftershow dance and there will be a speed shearing competition.

This year’s show promises to be a great day out for all the family. It will combine the traditional feel of an agricultural show with horses, cattle and sheep alongside an action-packed programme of entertainment. The show will be held on its usual site at The Ovals Farm, Kington HR5 3LN, close to the Welsh Border in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. After 150 years the show continues to be one of the most popular one day show in the county and this year will be no exception!

In the main ring, excitement will be provided by the thrills and spills of the Stannage International Stunt team who will perform their daredevil stunts. During the day, the main ring will also host the Grand Parade of livestock, the Interhunt challenge, including a hands-on experience with the hunt hounds for our younger visitors, trotting races and a vintage vehicle display. Elsewhere on the showground there will be thrilling displays from the Wye Valley Axemen, Corner Exotics,

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There will be nearly 200 trade stands, including a food and craft marquee, an Open dog show, a fun dog show, horticultural classes, a dog scurry, shearing and YFC competitions. In addition, there will be plenty of opportunity to eat and drink during the day at the wide variety of catering stands and the licenced public bar.

Open 9am-6pm, Adults £12.50, 10-17 Yr olds £5.00 and under 10s Free. Dogs on leads are welcome. Parking is free. n See www.kingtonshow.co.uk or call 01544 340598 for more information.

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HERE & NOW

A Generous Donation From Gloucestershire

& Herefordshire Mark Master Masons The Province of Gloucestershire

weather when conditions are too

& Herefordshire Mark Master

dangerous for motorcycle use.

Masons have officially handed over a fully funded 4x4 vehicle to enable Severn Freewheelers the local Bloodbike group to deliver fresh blood supplies to the Midlands Air Ambulance base to enable them to carry out emergency blood transfusions at the scene of an incident.

Severn

Freewheelers

Severn

Freewheelers

is

a

motorcycle based, free delivery service to the NHS; moving vital medical supplies, from blood, tissue samples, documentation and other vital medical supplies between Hospitals, Hospices and Supply Centres inHerefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire

can

and

North

Wiltshire.

These

and

unsung heroes are all volunteers

Blood

and are on call 365 days a year, 7pm

from Worcester Royal Hospital

until 7am weekdays and 24hrs at

blood bank to the Midland Air

weekends. Severn Freewheelers

Ambulance operational base at

deal with around 400 calls per

Strensham every 48 hours and

month on emergency response

during emergencies. The multi-

BMW R1200RTs. They make a

purpose vehicle will also be used

significant personal sacrifice to

to deliver and transport frozen

help others, which has a positive

human milk from the donor to the

impact on local community. Their

milk banks and special baby care

aim is to alleviate suffering and

units when the quantity exceeds

to save the NHS hundreds of

the capacity for a motorcycle,

thousands of pounds in courier

as well as enabling them to

costs, so that it can be spent on

continue their work during bad

frontline patient care. n

now

deliver,

replenish

return

whole

Caravan Stuff 4U Caravan Stuff 4 U is a small, family run business set deep within the heart of the Worcestershire countryside amidst the backdrop of the beautiful Malvern Hills.

Being close to many local caravan and camping sites makes them ideally situated for those in need of retail therapy - however they are also known all over the UK for their fast and friendly mail order service.

Their product range is vast with brands such as Isabella, Kampa, Milenco and Vango to name but a few. They are also Calor and Camping Gaz stockists. Common spare parts are kept in stock and many others can be ordered.

Caravanning gadgets are often driven by necessity and the Caravan Stuff 4 U team can often find a solution for those of you who have caravan hiccups whilst on holiday even if it’s just to get you out of a Friday night fix!

Come and see their stand at the Malvern Caravan Show between

4th and 6th October for lots of excellent show deals and 2020 awning previews or visit their large showroom packed with great accessories just a stones-throw away from the Three Counties Showground itself, at Hanley Swan.

Caravan Stuff 4 U offers free delivery on UK orders and their showroom is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. With the run up to Christmas, many of you may be looking for that perfect gift so why not pop in for some inspiration and if you really can’t decide, how about one of their gift vouchers?

So, what are you waiting for?

Come and see what you’ve been missing - the Caravan Stuff 4 U team look forward to welcoming you! n Unit 12, Hanley Workshops, Hanley Swan, Worcestershire, WR8 0DX www.caravanstuff4u.co.uk

A Global Street Food Event with a Difference! connections along the way.

This is the

second Ledbury event for the project, and the first collaboration with the 5 star theatre company of actors - who all came to the UK as unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

Phosphoros Theatre ‘bring the unseen to light’ - and Pizza Shop Heroes is their third production. Four young men working your average shift in your average pizza shop take us on a journey across time and continents to show how extraordinary they are.

Stories & Supper director and Ledbury resident Rebecca Tully is excited to bring the collaboration to Herefordshire; “Our county’s foodie events are going from strength to strength, with a great range of local produce A theatre show fresh from Edinburgh and a supper club are joining forces to bring us the stories behind your takeaway. The ‘Pizza Shop Heroes’ event will serve mouthwatering global dishes, and stories from around the world in a street food and theatre event at Canon Frome Court this autumn.

and great global recipes - so we’re continuing

Stories and Supper brings together volunteers, refugees and dinner guests - sharing food and stories, and building

this event the focus is on the people who

this love of food and adding some stories behind it too. Every dish has a story - and finding those stories out is such a pleasure and a feast for our ears and our taste buds!

“Stories and Supper is about enjoying, connecting - and finding out more - and for often prepare our food.

We are excited

to also be producing our first Stories &

n 6 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

Supper recipe book this year giving you the opportunity to get these stories and vibrant flavours into your own kitchen!

“The reason I decided to bring Stories and Supper to Ledbury was because I was struck by the similarity of stories that have woven through rural England over the years, and the stories I hear from people who’ve migrated from other rural areas around the globe. This area has received a number of resettled refugee families in the past few years and has been quick to establish support networks such as Malvern Welcomes and Ledbury Refugee support. We also, as a rural farming area, have hosted many seasonal farm workers through the years.

We all see the negative migration headlines in our newspapers but knowing more about each other can only be a good thing for a harmonious community in the future – which is what we all want after all!”

Tickets are £20 and include entertainment and food. n

theatre,

More information on the food, the chefs and the stories - and how to get tickets or order the book - on www.storiesandsupper.co.uk.

FAIRWAYS FIREPLACES

• Newly refurbished showroom • Over 70 live working displays • Manufacturers of solid oak surrounds • Stockists of marble and stone fireplaces

THE FIREPLACE & STOVE WAREHOUSE THE LARGEST SHOWROOM IN THE MIDLANDS

15 Sherwood Road, Bromsgrove B60 3BG

01527 575567

www.fairwaysfireplaces.co.uk

• Hole in the wall fires • Gas fires and stoves • Electric fires and stoves • Multifuel and wood stoves

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HOME & GARDEN

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www.valegardenhouses.co.uk

n 8 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

HOME & GARDEN

Top quality Ironwork that adds Value and Beauty to your home.

Beds, Lighting, Furniture, Sculpture, Garden Structures, Gates and Railings.

Servicing local, national & international customers 01905 457596 www.spwironworks.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN 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.

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

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 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 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

www.valegardenhouses.co.uk

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

n 10 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

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

bright light and space. Perfect for combining a dining area with a separate playroom.

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

By Daisy Bennett

HOME & GARDEN

Cele brati 37 ye ng in bu ars sines s

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NATURE NOTEBOOK Badger © Richard Steel

Barn Owl © Donald Sutherland

From Dusk Until Dawn

at Brilley Green Dingle

With the nights beginning to draw in, there is no better way to experience wilder places than a dusk or dawn visit to one of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s woodland reserves. Grab your torch, your hot flask and head out for a twilight encounter with wildlife.

Some of the best opportunities to see and hear our year-round resident woodland animals is over the autumn and winter months. In the evening, just as the sun sets or in the early hours of the morning as the sun rises are ideal. These species benefit from the shorter day lengths, to forage in the quiet and dark of the night, perhaps feeling safer from being detected by predators.

You can look for signs of bank voles, wood mice and yellow-necked mice by the 3cm diameter entrance holes to their extensive burrow systems, often under tree roots. Stop, listen for their high-pitched squeaks, maybe a rustle of nearby vegetation and perhaps an elusive appearance!

No small mammal is truly safe with nearby specialist nocturnal hunters like tawny owls. You will certainly hear the “kewick” of the female or “hoohoo” of the male anywhere across the nature reserve and nearby woodlands. If you are fortunate, one may swoop down through the woods as it looks for its prey.

KEEP UP TO DATE Herefordshire Wildlife Trust @HerefordshireWT t HerefordshireWT G www.herefordshirewt.org w

Foxes and badgers live and forage around most of our woodland reserves. You can smell the distinct scent of a fox from where they cut across onto the reserve from the nearby fields and you may be lucky enough to meet a badger, as they bimble along the path on their evening jaunts. Early in the morning you

n 12 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

may also catch site of a brown hare on any nearby meadows. Later in the autumn, you may also hear the echoing calls of rutting deer bucks.

Bats may still be seen emerging from their roosts, well into the autumn. At many of our reserves there are bat boxes distributed high up in the trees to supplement any natural roosts.

The vigour of the spring and summer may be dwindling but there is always plenty of wildlife to experience, all year round and at any time of the day or night.

Top tips for Nocturnal Wildlife Walks • Visit the site first in the daytime to make yourself familiar with the pathways, notable landmarks and any hazardous terrain • Go in small numbers to reduce disturbance to wildlife • Take a torch, a warm drink, a map and fully charged mobile phone • Walk quietly, slowly and stop occasionally to listen and look, so as not to alert wildlife to your presence • Let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to return. n

By Lewis Goldwater, Reserves Officer Herefordshire Wildlife Trust

NATURE NOTEBOOK

We offer a range of bathroom facilities to suit any requirements

STANDARD UNITS

TRAILERS

OAK ALVAC

DOORCHESTER

We offer units for Construction and Event Hire across Worcestershire and surrounding areas

01299 254420

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WEDDDINGS

9 1 0 2 s d n e r T g in d Wed To get the lowdown for Summer 2019 wedding Grazia chatted to event planner to the stars, Mark Niemierko. His company Niemierko Weddings organised Julia and James Corden’s Babington House wedding and Rochelle and Marvin Humes’ Blenheim Palace nuptials, and when it comes to weddings there’s not much he doesn’t know.

From glass straws to wildflowers and everything in between, these are the trends to look out for now and next year.

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.

n 14 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

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 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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GOLDEN YEARS

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!

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!

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.

What is moderate activity?

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

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.

• Gardening • Housework • Using the stairs • Walking

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

Also try activities that are specifically designed to be kind to joints and can easily be adapted to suit you. Why not try one of the following:

n 16 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

• 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 www.sportengland.org

GOLDEN YEARS

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Welcome to

Brockington House, Hereford The latest addition to Dormy Care Communities.

Officially opened on the 5th August, Brockington House is a new state of the art luxury care home with all the facilities of a five-star hotel. This new nursing home offers 24hour care and support as well as dedicated dementia care – giving peace of mind to all that this really is a home for life.

of dining rooms are spread throughout the

The 70 ensuite rooms are all furnished to a high standard, including tv, personal phone line and falls monitoring nurse call system. Many of the rooms have patio doors opening on to beautifully landscaped grounds that are safe and enclosed. Upstairs offers fabulous views of the Malvern Hills, Hereford Cathedral and beyond. The home also offers companion suites designed for couples to stay together, with a separate lounge and bedroom.

various group sessions and clubs – you really

From the moment you walk in, a warm welcome awaits. A coffee lounge offering complimentary refreshments including delicious home-made cakes, a fully stocked all-inclusive bar, beauty salon for hair and nails and a little shop for those extra essentials are all on offer. A wide choice of beautifully furnished lounges and choice n 18 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

home as well as several quiet lounges and a library. Upstairs a gym designed for older people with a visiting personal trainer is included in the weekly cost.

The home offers a range of daily activities, seven days a week, to include trips out in our own transport, visiting entertainers and can be as busy as you wish!

Fine dining is at the heart of our home and using locally sourced produce the chefs will create fine dining menus that suit all tastes and dietary requirements. For those who prefer lighter bites then a separate snack menu is offered daily. n To find out more drop in to the home in Hafod Road or contact us enquiries@dormycare.co.uk Tel: 01432 623308

Dormy Care Communities operate three other homes, Foxhunters in Abergavenny, Bramshott Grange in Liphook and Pine Martin Grange, Wareham. www.dormycare.co.uk

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EDUCATION

Hereford Sixth Form College An Outstanding Education Right on the Doorstep

When it comes to education, you need to make informed choices – especially when it comes to A Levels, as these results can make or break your chance of getting into employment or your preferred university.

Which is why more and more students

are

choosing

to

study at Hereford Sixth Form College - it gets outstanding examination results, making it one of the top schools and colleges in national value-added tables.

The College has both a local and national reputation for excellence as one of the top sixth form colleges in the country, recognised

in

the

educational

sector

when it received The Times Educational Supplement’s inaugural ‘Sixth Form College of the Year’ award in 2016.

It has also retained its Ofsted Outstanding grade for the last 15 years being the only sixth form college in the West Midlands to have achieved this.

The College is a few minutes’ walk from the bus and train stations and once you are on campus you have everything to hand. Specialist classrooms, laboratories, a n 20 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

professional standard theatre, music studio, recital room, green room, Library, Café, Sports Hall, 3G pitch and netball/tennis courts, a Well-Being Centre, a Careers Centre as well as lots of study and social spaces.

The College is proud to offer an outstanding sixth form experience, with the aim of helping you develop your interests and skills and help you fully achieve your potential.

With top results, a huge range of courses and enrichment activities alongside excellent support and guidance, an outstanding education is closer than you think. n Our first Open Event of the year takes place on Wednesday, 23rd October 2019 from 5.00pm-8.00pm. For further details please check our website www.hereford.ac.uk Hereford Sixth Form College Folly Lane, Hereford, HR1 1LU T: 01432 355166 E: sixth-form@hereford.ac.uk

EDUCATION

A-Level pupils excel at HCS who had not studied Art before joining the school two years ago, both gained an A. The School’s Business Studies and Economics departments also boast strong results this year, with 70% A*/A grades in Economics and 83% A*-B in Business.

Hereford

Cathedral

School

students

celebrated outstanding successes in this year’s A-Level results, with over 70% of all grades achieved being awarded A*-B grades and nearly half of all students securing nothing less than a B grade in their exams.

Art, which is a particular strength of the School, performed exceptionally well, with all candidates achieving at least an A grade.

Three students, William Owens, current Head of School Lily Matheson and Emily Lewis, who joined HCS Sixth Form from Malvern St James, secured A* grades in the subject. Harriet Grange who was Deputy Head of School this year and International student Wendy Feng

One stand-out pupil, Joanna McKay, achieved an exceptional A* in Maths and As in both Biology and Chemistry. She will be going on to study medicine at Queen’s Belfast, following in her father’s footsteps. Joanna whose parents are both doctors working locally in the county, said “It feels like the hard work has paid off.

I got so much help from all the teachers. My Mum and Dad are both doctors and Dad went to Queen’s as well. I think he was more excited than I was!

worked diligently to achieve excellent results and who are now able to embark on their future careers. Our Sixth Form have been ably supported by excellent tuition from highly motivated, experienced and hardworking teaching staff. It is impressive to see the results achieved by students who have also excelled outside the classroom in a wide variety of ways.” n

“I’ve really enjoyed Sixth Form. I joined HCS in Reception and the school has just got better and better.”

The school are impressed with their students’ achievements with 100% grades A*-B in seven subjects. Headmaster Paul Smith said: “I am very pleased for our students, who have

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EDUCATION

Steady Growth at Lucton School latest inspection. “I am so pleased that the inspection commented on just how happy they found the students at Lucton to be and there was also great praise for the breadth of opportunities and the quality of pastoral care at the School.”

An

Oxford

University

admissions

tutor

commented that the typical thing about Lucton students is that there is no typical student – they are very much individuals! What they do have in common is their confidence in their abilities and strengths, they are ready to embrace opportunities. They also achieve excellent results at A-level and GCSE and Recent years have seen a rise in Lucton’s day pupil numbers and just before the summer break, the Department for Education agreed an increase in the capacity of the school to 400 pupils. Lucton is set in a safe, rural location in 55 acres of beautiful Herefordshire countryside. There is a good mix of day pupils, weekly boarders and full boarders.

After they reach Year 3, day pupils have the opportunity to experience flexi-boarding, where parents often find it helps at times,

saving on babysitting for events and reducing the travel and time involved in the school run.

Many team and individual sports and activities

secure impressive university places. The School is justly proud of its remarkable valueadded scores and its ability to draw out the full potential of every individual.

are offered and pastoral care at Lucton is

To find out more about Lucton School, please

second to none. In fact, Lucton has its own

contact the admissions department on 01568

Equestrian Centre and the excellent sports

782000 or email admissions@luctonschool.org

facilities include an indoor swimming pool.

to receive a prospectus or to arrange for your

Mrs Thorne, Lucton School’s Headmistress,

own personal tour of the school. Alternatively,

is very happy with the recognition of the

take a look at www.luctonschool.org, the

diverse

School’s website. n

n 22 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

extra-curricular

offering

in

the

t @ThreeCountiesNOW | G ThreeCountiesNOW | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n

EDUCATION

Take the Next Step and Study at Herefordshire & Ludlow College universities. Ludlow College offers excellent modern learning facilities provided in superb buildings, which date from the middle ages to the 21st century.

The Hereford Campus The superb Hereford Campus is one of the best further education campuses in the UK, offering outstanding learning facilities.

It includes specialist workshops, training salons, professional kitchens as well as an extensive

Learning

Resource

Centre.

A

range of vocational, apprenticeships and higher education courses are available at the Ludlow College Ludlow College, just 20 minutes from Hereford by train, provides an excellent choice of A Levels for school leavers. Students enjoy being part of an academically rigorous

is home to an Animal Care Unit, Equestrian

Hereford Campus.

Centre and a Rural Crafts Centre; where the

The Holme Lacy Campus At the Holme Lacy Campus, only six miles from

Hereford,

an

attractive

range

of

likes of blacksmithing, farriery and welding courses take place. n

courses are provided at the specialist land-

and friendly Sixth Form College where they

For further information about Herefordshire

based campus and commercially managed

& Ludlow College, call the enquiries line on

learn in small groups and benefit from high

257-hectare country estate, which includes

0800 032 1986 or visit either of the websites

levels of personal support. Many progress

an arable, beef and sheep farm; woodlands;

www.ludlow-college.ac.uk or

to Russell Group and other highly ranked

orchards and lakes. The Holme Lacy Campus

www.hlcollege.ac.uk.

n 24 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

EDUCATION

Thursday 26th September 2019 10am–12.30pm

Interested? email teachingschool@southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk to register

FAIRFIELD HIGH SCHOOL Peterchurch, Hereford HR2 0SG Tel: 01981 550231 Email: admin@fairfield.hereford.sch.uk Website: www.fairfield.hereford.sch.uk

An “Outstanding” school set in the Golden Valley, consistently one of the best performing non-selective state schools in England

OPEN DAYS

Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th September Thursday 3rd & Friday 4th October 2019 Prospective parents/carers are invited to visit the school whilst it is in session to experience our unique atmosphere and wide range of opportunities. Tours of the school will take place each day at 9am, 11.15am and 2.00pm.

Please contact the school to reserve a place on the tour of your choice.

“Students receive an outstanding education at Fairfield High School. This includes their personal development as well as their academic achievement” Ofsted

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What's On

SEPTEMBER Saturday 7th - Sunday 15th h.ART – Herefordshire Art Week h.Art 2019 Over 100 venues across the County. Herefordshire Art Week is a nine day art trail open to all. Artists, craft-makers and creative businesses open their private studios.

Galleries put on special events, whilst groups get together to put on one-off exhibitions, in a wonderful mix of interesting venues across Herefordshire. Since 2002 this county wide art trail has taken place every year in the second week of September. h.Art has become part of Herefordshire’s rich cultural calendar, with a huge variety of art and art forms on show in Open Studios, Group Exhibitions and Gallery Events. With the vast majority offering FREE admission to visitors. www.h-art.org.uk

Saturday 14th Kington Show Kington Show offers a traditional show with horses, cattle, sheep and Poultry classes culminating with a grand parade of livestock.

There is something for everyone including a motorbike stunt team, horticultural tent, young farmers, an after show dance and much more! There will be nearly 200 trade stands at the event, with many local producers, arts and crafts, food, tools, toys, clothes, tractors to name just a few! The show will combine the traditional feel of an agricultural show, including horse, cattle and sheep classes, with an actionpacked programme of entertainment. In the main ring, excitement will be provided by the country’s top Freestyle Motorcross Team – Broke FMX with their heart stopping stunts.

In addition, we will have the grand parade of livestock, sheep dog displays, trotting races and vintage vehicles. Elsewhere on the showground there will be thrilling displays. There will be plenty of opportunity to eat and drink during the day at the wide variety of catering stands and the licenced public bar. In addition, there will be nearly 200 trade stands, a dog show, horticultural classes, shearing and YFC competitions. www.kingtonshow.co.uk Newent Onion Fayre 2019 An event like no other, Newent Onion Fayre will feature exhibitors from across the nation competing to win trophies for the most perfect produce. It’s also the place to be if you can bear to witness the infamous onion-eating contest.

Visitors can witness the world-famous onioneating event, which tests the strong-stomachs of competitors as they race to consume an entire raw onion in the fastest amount of time.

2019 is also set to see a bigger than ever, with three stages hosting live music, street entertainers, fairground rides and market stalls selling everything from crafts to plants. The ‘funion zone’ will also cater for the little ones,

whilst the dog arena will see dancing dogs and even some police pooches. Newent town centre, GL18 1BZ. From 10am – Free Event.

Sunday 29th Avoncroft Museum Wedding Fair Avoncroft Museum offers a unique setting for your wedding, civil ceremony and reception.

Ceremonies are held in the atmospheric New Guesten Hall beneath its magnificent fourteenth century, Grade II* listed roof.

Blessings can be performed in the Mission Church, a Victorian ‘tin chapel’ rescued from Bringsty, Herefordshire, and now rebuilt in the Museum grounds. After your ceremony guests can enjoy the Museum’s extensive grounds and gardens, spread over 19 acres of English countryside, while the many historic buildings provide interesting and unusual settings for your wedding photographs. Our Wedding Fairs have Free Admission, and couples take home an exclusive Bridal Bag with complimentary copies of the latest wedding magazines. The events showcase the best local suppliers and services offering everything a couple could require for their wedding. aspireevents.net/wedding-fairs/bride-registration

OCTOBER Friday 4th - Sunday 13th Cheltenham Literature Festival 2019 Some of the book world’s biggest names will appear at The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2019, when the Regency town once again hosts hundreds of events from Friday 4 to Sunday 13 October 2019. The first names to be announced include Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Queer Eye’s Tan France, comedians Richard Ayoade and Bob Mortimer, celebrity chef Tom Kerridge; McFly’s Dougie Poynter, and presenter Dermot O’Leary. The vibrant Festival Village in Montpellier Gardens will be transformed during the festival, as it welcomes over 1000 performers, thinkers and writers for the ten-day celebration of literature. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature

Saturday 12th Eardisland Craft & Produce Fair St Mary’s Church & village hall, Church Road, Eardisland, Leominster, HR6 9BP 10:00am to 4:00pm. Stalls from £12 - £15. Public £1. The 4th annual show, featuring over 50 craft stalls both in the church and within marquees in the church grounds. Delightful produce in the nearby village hall. This is an increasingly popular fair, with footfall up year on year, reaching 387 in 2018, during a named storm.

Free parking on the recreation ground.

Breakfast from 0900 in the village hall. BBQ at lunchtime in the church grounds. £1 admission includes a free hot drink.

n 26 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th Big Apple Harvestime Weekend Share the Tradition of Apple Growing and Cidermaking. Celebrate English apples and cider at the Big Apple Harvestime Weekend.

A collection of small rural events where you can enjoy local orchards, famous for their cider fruit and excellent eating apples. In this unique event, farms and orchards will open their cider mills and barns for you to visit.

Nine special venues in all, each one of them different but all with one thing in common – apples! Your programme is entirely flexible – you can choose where and when to go for an afternoon, a day or a full weekend.

You can simply go for a walk or to buy some apples. But you can also visit several different venues and events. Of course you can use your car to get around. But many of the venues are in walking distance of each other, and cycling is also a great way to get about. A tractor and trailer service, kindly provided by Westons Cider, will be running all weekend carrying visitors between six of the venues. The service is free but donations will be welcome. www.bigapple.org.uk.

Sunday 13th Stirling Engine Rally The annual Stirling Engine Rally returns to the Waterworks Museum on October 13th where you will be able to see fascinating hot-air engines from all over the country.

Developed by the Reverend Robert Stirling, hot air engines had their heyday in the 1890’s. Small engines were often found in the kitchens of large country houses and larger engines were used in factories and foundries to drive machinery. Today they are still used in a variety of applications including powering submarines, solar electricity and MRI scanners. They can even power cars and record players. Visitors will also be able to enjoy seeing the Museum’s steam engines.

Many of the engines will be in-steam, allowing you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone age. Families can picnic in the grounds and have fun in the award-winning children’s outdoor play and learn Heritage Water Park. 12noon-4.00pm.

Admission: Adults £7; Senior £6; Children under 16 - Free Admission; Students £2. www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk

Sunday 20th Showing Off Contemporary Craft Show organised by the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft and the Worcestershire Guild of Contemporary Craft. There will be jewellery, furniture, felt work, glassware, ceramics, textiles and more to see and buy. 10am-5pm Ludlow Castle Beacon Rooms Castle Square Ludlow SY8 1AY. www.shropshireguild.co.uk.

Three Counties

Now

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

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

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What's On

Competition MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW RETURNS FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Malvern Autumn Show, in association with Westons Cider Mill, returns for a fantastic harvest festival brimming with special guests, giant vegetables, stunning floral displays and family entertainment. Taking place from 28-29 September at Three Counties Showground, Malvern the show celebrates its 25th anniversary, with over 65,000 people expected to attend the two-day celebration autumn harvest in the British countryside.

Diana Walton, Head of Shows at Three Counties Showground said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the 25th Malvern Autumn Show in 2019. It’s a glorious celebration of the harvest season and we’ve got plenty of delights on offer. I’m proud to have worked at the very first Malvern Autumn Show and to be heading the show team 25 years later is a privilege.

“We hope that there will be something for everyone to take away from the show, whether it be some top gardening advice from experts, amazement at some of the largest vegetables in the UK or some brilliant fun with our family entertainment.

“Malvern Autumn Show showcases the best of what our three counties have to offer, and from humble beginnings it’s become everyone’s favourite show. We’re excited to announce for the first time we’re offering free entry to under 16’s so it really is fun for the whole family.”

This year sees the return of the Autumn Potager Theatre, hosted by James Alexander-Sinclair welcoming an array of guests including the likes of Carol Klein, Joe Swift and Jonathan Moseley.

The special guests will be hosting a variety of talks and demonstrations and sharing their gardening knowledge.

Ever popular with the crowds and a highlight of Malvern Autumn Show is the CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship, with growers from across the UK competing to see who can beat the gong for the largest or heaviest legumes. With previous World Records broken at the show, the competition is a true sight to behold. Classes range from heaviest celery, last year’ winner weighed in at over 40kg, and the longest parsnip measured over 7m to the heaviest aubergine and longest chilli.

For those with an appetite for homegrown artisan food, the Food Hall will be home to an array of incredible treats and a host of experts giving demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre, including celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli.

New for 2019, Malvern Autumn Show will be hosting the Gin Show, showcasing producers from across the three counties and beyond.

Celebrating everything from London Dry to quirky flavoured gins, there’ll be plenty of samples to wet the whistle, plus a People’s Choice award for the visitors’ favourite.

MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW 2019 The RHS Flowers Show has a record number of 40 nurseries competing for the coveted RHS medals with their colourful floral displays. . RHS Gardening Advisors will be on hand to help with any gardening queries, from wisteria pruning to planting solutions for a shady corner. The Potting Shed hosted by Three Counties favourite, Reg Moule, is the ideal place to develop horticultural skills and build up confidence in the garden.

It’s fun for all ages across the weekend, with the Family Green playing host to excellent entertainment, activities aplenty and even some giant tortoises. The Top Dogs Arena is a spectacle of displays, commentated by broadcasting legend Peter Purves. In the World of Animals, over 100 displays of animals of all shapes and sizes will be a firm favourite with the youngsters.

With hundreds of trade stands available, visitors can get their Christmas shopping in early, covering everything from regional food and drink to bespoke jewellery and flower and plant nurseries.

Tickets are now on sale, with prices starting at £18 in advance. Kids under 16 go free and group tickets are also available. For more information, please visit www.malvernautumn.co.uk/ or call 0844 811 0050. n Three Counties Now is giving readers the chance to win one of three paris of tickets to the Malvern Autumn Show 2019 on Sunday 29th September. For information on how to enter visit Three Counties Now’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ThreeCountiesNOW

Visit the Three Counties Now Facebook page for details on how to enter! n 28 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

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What's On

KEEPING ACTIVE Start / Finish: The Walk starts and ends at near the ‘Three Crowns and Sugar Loaf’ Restaurant and Public house at Franche on north-western outskirts of Kidderminster (see sketch-map).

Public Transport: The nearest Railway Station is at Kidderminster (currently being rebuilt!) with short walk to ‘Oxford Street’ for 297 bus. Please check times with ’Traveline’ and ensure that you allow time to catch last bus or walk 2 miles down into Kidderminster along the A442.

Habberley Valley Near Kidderminster

Parking: Parking in side streets - please do not block drives.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 218.

Distance: 4.5 miles with optional extra 2 miles to explore Woodland Trust’s ‘Wassell Wood’ near Trimpley. Shorter option is to walk down the lane belween points 4 and 8 (3 miles) but you miss the ‘Valley’!

Refreshments: A picnic is good. The Habberley Valley Visitors Centre which re-opened in June 2019 has snacks and is open in summer months (turn left towards Pecket’s Rock at point 7). ‘Three Crowns and Sugar Loaf’ Public House and restaurant will do coffee/light lunches for walking groups if contacted in advance (01562) 824783. There is a food shop down Franche Road ¼ mile towards Kidderminster.

Terrain: This walk trends uphill outward and downhill on return with numerous steps ‘down’ then ‘up’ involved at Jacob’s Ladder’ (note: the steps can be avoided - see ‘sketch-map’). Habberley Valley is a ‘nature reserve’ on Red Sandstone so there is no surface stream. On arriving at the valley turn northwards to look for Peckitts (Pekket, Peckett) Rock (various spellings) situated between Jacob’s Ladder and Point 8 of the walk.

History: The ‘Three Crowns and Sugar Loaf’ at Franche with the ‘crowns’ possibly referring to Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire and The ‘Sugar Loaf’ could represent the ‘sugar’ factory opened along Stourport Road in 1925 (closed 2002). The Habberley Valley has outcrops of ‘Red Sandstone’ found in in many local buildings. Peckitt’s Rock, high up in Habberley Valley, is a geological feature, worth a detour (see sketch-map).

1. Both walks start at Franche, Kidderminster at cross-roads between A442 and B4190. Cross to corner opposite ‘Three Crowns and Sugar Loaf’ Public House where A442 road leads northwards towards Telford and Bridgnorth (Bridgnorth Road). Opposite Honeybrook Lane, take bridleway on left marked ‘Habberley Circular Walk’ (please follow printed directions for walk written by Glynis Dray as route on waymaker discs is NOT the same!)

2. The ‘bridleway’ turns 90 degrees ‘right’. Sandy Lane kinks left past ‘Haybarns Farm’ then turns 90 degrees left.

3. At next corner, please note there is path through to fields and this is where return walk joins in! However, you need to remain on bridleway at moment. Imagine this ancient routeway linking farms and isolated hamlets as you climb gently westwards. You may see old carpet factory chimneys down in Kidderminster on your left. Stay on main path until you reach track. Turn left briefly along this track. Turn right along another bridleway to join Habberley Lane.

4. Short Walk: turn left and walk along right side of lane passing turning to Low Habberley Farm. After 1/3 mile and just before sharp left bend at Low Habberley, take footpath on left and follow main walk directions from point 8.

Main walk turns right along Habberley Lane near back entrance to Golf Club. Climb hill to footpath down steep woodland steps. This is ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ and at bottom it turns right then wends its way back up steeply (with steps and hand-rails) through woodland to rejoin Habberley Lane. (Note: You can walk with care along lane to avoid ‘Jacob’s Ladder’).

5. Continue along lane (point 5 to point 6) to obscure path crossing diagonally (this takes some finding!)

Note: Extended walk If you want longer walk continue to junction at Trimpley turning left along Hoarstone Lane and left again to explore ‘Wassell Wood’ (Woodland Trust – permissive paths). Please return to point 6.

6. Near ‘Give Way’ sign turn left along tiny woodland back on itself.

Cross planked footbridge over ditch. Cross track to kissing-gate. n 30 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019

Walk down field to kissing-gate into ‘Habberley Valley’. Follow steep path with woodland steps down slope. Turn left at track then left to large open space with rocky outcrops in valley itself.

7. (Note ‘Peckett’s Rock and Visitor Centre is up valley to left but return to this point. Walk goes straight ahead up slope towards large red-brick house then up narrow path into hamlet of Low Habberley (on bus route 297).

8. Turn left to Habberley Lane then 50 yards ahead take footpath on right. Follow this series of paths for half a mile. Current housing boundary is across field on right. Walk to cross-roads in paths.

9. Crop has grown over path ahead so turn left up slope and path will bring you back out onto ‘Sandy lane’ through corner of field at ‘Point 3’. Turn right and retrace route to Bridgnorth Road.

10. Turn right and walk back to’ Three Crowns and Sugar Loaf’ PH where walk ends. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

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n 32 | Three Counties Now | Issue Two | September-October 2019