Warwickshire NOW - MARCH 2022

Warwickshire

Now

Our New Homes Are Here From our family to yours, in Shottery See page 18 for more information

WOOD-FIRED PERFECTION HOW TO CHOOSE FENCING FEELING LONELY MARCH 2022 | ISSUE 61 t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

NEWS • HOMES • GARDENS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • GOLDEN YEARS • PUZZLES • WHAT’S ON

n 2 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

08

Warwickshire

Now

14

12

MARCH 2022 HOME & GARDEN 08

Wood-Fired Perfection

12

Are You Fed Up With Clutter?

14

How to Choose Fencing for your Garden

18

Our New Homes Are Here

20 22

FASHION 20

Into The Nude

GOLDEN YEARS 22

Quality Care You Can Trust

EDUCATION 24

Children’s Annual Design Competition Opens For Entries

WHAT’S ON 26

Puzzles

28

What’s On

WARWICKSHIRE

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd

22

EDITOR

28 ADVERTISING

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

Lis Gardner Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk

DESIGN

Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Access4Lofts Age UK Bloor Homes Care UK Hatton World of Adventure King’s High, Warwick Orchard Ovens Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Tangent Clubs Warwick Arts Centre

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 Worcestershire Now magazine t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | 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

SIXTH FORM: EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT OF KING’S

Is an independent education more or less likely to help my child gain a place at a prestigious Russell Group university? The answer to this is very clear, believes Dr Stephen Burley, Head Master of King’s High, Warwick, as he explores what excellence looks like in preparation for Higher Education.

university places and we also connect them with a Personal Statement Tutor or an Oxbridge Mentor to offer bespoke and tailored support for their applications.

“At King’s High we pride ourselves on offering the very highest quality preparation for the myriad post-18 pathways of our students, whether that is an application to Oxbridge, Russell Group, Medicine and Overseas Universities, or to music and drama school, or apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships.

“There has been an average 22% rise in the number of our students gaining places at their first choice university: from 2014-2016 an average of 68% of our Upper Sixth cohorts went to their ‘firm choice’ destinations; we are now averaging 90%. In addition, last year, 82% of our students took up places at prestigious Russell Group universities and each year at King’s High up to, and sometimes more than 10% of the cohort gain places at Oxbridge or go on to study Medicine at university.

“Our Inspire Higher Education Programme has been very important in enhancing our students’ preparation for competitive

“So, what does excellence look like? – I think that this, ultimately, comes down to a school’s agility and flexibility in responding to the

exceptional and exciting variety of student interests. At King’s High we offer excellence

in all that we do, and our Higher Education preparation, and successes of our students, whichever pathway they choose, are strongly based on the excellence of the preparation that they enjoy.”

Read

Dr

Burley’s

blog

in

full

at

kingshighwarwick.co.uk/headblog and book a tour to experience the Spirit of King’s at kingshighwarwick.co.uk/tour n

CHILDREN INVITED TO ‘BOOGIE WITH THE BARD’ FOR SHAKESPEARE WEEK Sally Gray, education officer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said, “Building on the success of last year’s programme of wellbeing activities we want children to make the links between their

physical

and

emotional

wellbeing,

something Shakespeare understood and wrote about over 400 years ago. For Shakespeare Week this year we will be encouraging children to take part in active learning experiences inspired by Shakespeare’s words and the stories he tells. As well as creative storytelling through dance and movement children will have the opportunity to learn about sport, dance and leisure in Shakespeare’s time through an online exhibition that showcases some of the treasures in our collection. As Shakespeare Week, the annual national celebration of Shakespeare in primary schools is back for another year of Shakespearian fun. This year children across the nation are invited to ‘Boogie with the Bard’ in an exciting programme of Shakespeare-inspired activities, challenges and events to be enjoyed in school, at home and at the Shakespeare Family Homes in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Shakespeare Week 2022 runs from 21 27 March and carries the theme of movement and dance, using sport, dance and leisure in Shakespeare’s time as inspiration for n 4 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

an exploration of our physical wellbeing.

Shakespeare mentions nearly 50 different sports and games in his plays, including archery, fencing and even football and tennis.

always, Shakespeare Week 2022 will make

In line with the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, this year’s programme offers plenty of Shakespeare-themed activities and events for children to get active, including dance and circus skills performance based on The Tempest at the Birmingham Children’s Library, a Shakespeareinspired workout led by CBeebies presenter Ben Cajee and the Shakespeare’s Eleven fantasy football-themed literacy resources developed by children’s author Matt Oldfield.

are amongst the most powerful and profound

the nation’s favourite playwright exciting and accessible to a whole new generation.”

Shakespeare’s own story and his timeless works avenues for understanding ourselves and our experience in the world. This year’s theme is designed to offer teachers, home educators and parents with valuable cross-curricular resources and activities, using Shakespeare’s works and his language to inspire children to enjoy Shakespeare in fun and meaningful ways. All of the resources are available free of charge at www.shakespeareweek.org.uk. n

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HERE & NOW

President’s Charity Ball for Crisis raises over £23,000 The twice postponed Tangent President’s Charity ball to raise funds for Crisis finally took place.

Attended by 200 guests, the evening started with a Rat Pack Singer and a generous Champagne reception. A representative from Crisis – Matt Green Director of Skylight Birmingham spoke about the work of Crisis to kick off fund raising activities and the delicious dinner was interrupted by surprise singing waiters which added to the party atmosphere, the band filled the floor from the first moment to the last. A great time was had by all.

Tracey Pickin, President of the National Association of Tangent Clubs, has nominated Crisis as her charity for 2021/22. Tangent is one of the largest womens’ organisations in the country offering opportunities for women to enjoy friendships, whilst supporting communities and raising money for good causes.

Tracey said ‘I am overjoyed with the total raised, people were so generous. Thanks to Stratford Manor Hotel and our sponsors (Segro PLC, Prosperity Wealth, L&Q Estates and Bookers) we were able to give guests a lovely evening, which together with the huge support for Crisis resulted in the event raising over £23000!’ n For further information contact Tracey Pickin on 07880 656675 or president@tangent-clubs.org

Pupil’s have a hearty breakfast at Hatton Adventure World!

A hearty full English breakfast was dished up to 21 school children at Hatton Adventure World on Thursday 3 February.

Children aged 5 – 6 from Ferncumbe Church of England School in Hatton were collected by tractor and open-top trailer and transported to the popular family attraction where they learnt about the benefits of eating a hearty breakfast. Now in its 16th year, having been postponed for the last two years due to covid, this initiative is thoroughly enjoyed and supported by the school, National Farmers Union, and Hatton Adventure World.

the classroom. It’s important for children to understand why breakfast is so essential”.

Charlotte Forbes, a teacher from Ferncumbe School said “We are so fortunate to have Hatton Adventure World on our doorstep and for the children to visit the Farmyard. Many children believe the food comes from the supermarket so it’s important they realise where the food comes from and the link between the animals they feed and what they eat.

It’s important they take responsibility for their healthy food choices both at home and school”.

Breakfast, including locally sourced bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, baked beans, and wholemeal toast, was served by members of the Warwickshire branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) including the NFU Group Secretary, Danny James.

Before breakfast was served the children took part in drawing activities and games to understand where the produce comes from. After breakfast they walked around the Farmyard to feed and pet the animals including the guinea pigs.

Danny James, NFU Group Secretary, Central Warwickshire & Henley in Arden said “The NFU are delighted to encourage children to eat a good hearty breakfast.

Going to school having eaten a nutritious breakfast gives children so many health benefits and helps them perform well in

Hatton Adventure World is open every day throughout the year (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day) from 10am to 5.30pm. For more information, please visit the website at www.hattonworld.com/adventure-world or telephone 01926 843411. n

Benugo Bar and Kitchen comes to Warwick Arts Centre Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre is pleased to announce the much-anticipated opening of Benugo Bar and Kitchen on Monday 7 March 2022.

The highly popular arts venue began to reopen for events in October 2021 after the largest transformation in its history 48-year history. Following the opening of three new plush cinema screens and January’s Mead Gallery relaunch, the arrival of a vibrant new cafe bar and restaurant completes the final phase of the four-year redevelopment project.

Situated in the building’s new foyer, the stunning Benugo will open daily from 9am11pm, serving award-winning carbon neutral Benugo blend coffee and pastries alongside such tasty breakfast fare as vegan overnight oats, chia seeds, coconut and dark chocolate chips, and French toast, with blueberry, raspberry and maple syrup.

Pizzas are served freshly made straight from Benugo’s pizza oven, available to eat in or to takeaway (11.30am-9pm), while other delicious dishes on offer include harissa and chilli pulled lamb shoulder, cucumber sambal n 6 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

and tzatziki on flat bread, and fregola, rocket, tomato salad and roasted lemon. There’s also a selection of indulgent desserts, such as Basque cheesecake and blood orange compote, with a special children’s menu available at weekends too. Benugo will also be running the theatre bar, which will be well stocked with a wide range of classic drinks and specialities.

Warwick Arts Centre Director, Doreen Forster, said: “We’re so looking forward to welcoming Benugo Bar and Kitchen into Warwick Arts Centre - it’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal before, or after, a performance, as well as being a destination in itself, perfect for meeting up with friends or family.

“With our amazing new cinemas, and superb reconfigured gallery spaces now open, the arrival of Benugo Bar and Kitchen completes our transformation.”

Ben Warner, Benugo Founder, said: “We can’t wait to open our new Benugo Bar and Kitchen and bring our impeccably sourced, delicious food, carbon neutral coffee, and wide range of cold press juices and local beers to a new audience.

“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the prestigious Warwick Arts Centre and look forward to welcoming our new friends to this beautiful space from March 7.”

The largest arts centre in the UK outside of London, Warwick Arts Centre has been at the forefront of cultural life in the region since 1974, hosting an ongoing programme of world-class dance, theatre, stand-up comedy, film, spoken word, festivals, visual art, and more.

Since opening their first ever cafe in London in 1998, Benugo have gone on to open beautifully modern, elegant and welcoming premises across the UK, including within some of the most famous cultural institutions in the world. Amongst the iconic locations where you’ll find a Benugo are the V&A, BFI, the Wellcome Collection, British Museum, Asmolean Museum, Bletchley Park, and now Warwick Arts Centre.

Benugo Bar and Kitchen, at Warwick Arts Centre, is open (from Monday 7 March 2022) 9am-11pm, daily. For reservations and more information see: www.benugo.com or warwickartscentre.co.uk n

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t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 7 n

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

“2022 should be the year in which the barbecue finally bows down to the wood-fired oven and exits gracefully,” says Orchard Ovens’ Andrew Manciocchi. “Ever-increasing sophistication of the al fresco diner is one reason; the other is outdoor kitchens. These have become desirable additions to the home, increasing leisure space and adding value to a property.

“To make a statement, an outdoor kitchen needs a centrepiece and there’s nothing more dramatic or engaging than an authentic, artisan-built wood-fired oven.”

This year’s outdoor garden oven trend will be based on a few years of lockdown experimentation, according to Orchard Ovens.

Although not terribly efficient or capable of adding much drama, pellet ovens have lured garden owners into the world of outdoor cookery by means other than charcoal.

Other garden owners have road-tested a lowquality pizza oven, often UK-built and marketed on the basis of lots of style. Unfortunately, this is backed by little substance, despite some carrying a reasonably hefty price-tag.

The swift disintegration of such an oven has proved a financial mistake in many cases.

When other issues such as poor oven heat retention, dangerously high external surface temperatures of the oven ‘shell’, poor fuel efficiency, and a tight cooking space that makes food and cookware hard-tomanoeuvre, have added to the drawbacks, many owners have been left with much food for thought. However, at least there’s been a lesson learned and the experiment has shown n 10 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

that the ‘dream’ is one that should continue to be sought, if the right oven can be sourced.

“It’s all about the upgrade for many of us in 2022,” says Andrew Manciocchi. This is being interpreted in different ways. Firstly, there are those who want to go wood-fired, but are abandoning their lump of concrete, micro-mesh technology oven, or pellet oven and plumping for a mobile/wheeled or static, artisan-built baby oven, with all the right culinary credentials.

Orchard Ovens ‘Fornino by Valoriani’ is ticking this box, whether buyers choose a smaller Fornino 60 or go bigger with a Fornino 75.

“Those with more budget, a greater passion for outdoor entertaining, or a desire to add value to their property, are choosing an artisanbuilt, wood-fired oven fitted into a bespoke and exclusive garden ‘surround’. This satisfies those wishing to have the fun of designing a unique, personality-filled installation to suit their own aesthetic, or wanting to house an oven in a luxury outdoor kitchen.”

Orchard Ovens’ sales come from homeowners recognising the Anglo-Italian family’s expertise in building garden installations around artisan-built Valoriani ovens – not just for everyday homeowners, but for the rich and famous and discerning Italian cuisine-loving chefs such as Jamie Oliver.

They are also coming from homeowners who have done their homework and actually examined the build properties of Orchard Ovens’ ‘Valoriani’ range. These ovens are created with top-quality Tuscan refractory clay, which generates a superb cooking

environment and retains heat brilliantly – vital if you want to avoid frustration and cooking inconsistency. It also enables overnight slowcooking of dishes and even the rustling up of breakfast the next morning, using the residual heat still in the oven.

They are also fitted with all the insulation the oven needs to stay warm and which keep cooks safe. With these ovens you do not have to beware a red-hot shell that can cause serious burns.

Homeowners buying from Orchard Ovens want an oven with a verifiable track record and view longevity as essential, because of the investment made in their ‘build’. Without that longevity, the spend on a wood-fired oven can be a serious financial mistake.

Whist the garden ‘pizza’ oven trend is riding high in UK gardens, ‘pizza oven’ is becoming a term shunned by Orchard Ovens, as it tries to help homeowners get things right when it comes to purchasing a wood-fired oven.

“The ‘pizza oven’ space has been taken over by all-style-no-substance manufacturers and halfway-house pellet oven factories,” says Andrew Manciocchi. “Added property value isn’t about a ‘pizza oven’ per se, as many ovens labelled as this won’t survive one summer. Googling for ‘authentic wood fired oven’ is the starting point for savvy homeowners not wishing to get their fingers burned. From there, it’s about examining the quality of the materials and seeking real evidence of oven longevity.” n www.orchardovens.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Are You Fed Up With Clutter?

Do you need more storage space? Well the answer could literally be under your own roof! supply and install a new loft hatch and a safe, sturdy aluminium loft ladder in your home in just one day! That means that your dark and dismal roof space suddenly becomes a useful storage area for all that family clutter. “My experience enables fitting the ladder and converting the access hatch, in double-quick time the space is accessible and I leave no mess behind” explains Wayne Reid, Access4Lofts Warwick.

For extra peace of mind, Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been assessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, they also have full public liability insurance , are DBS checked, and all work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. n

For many home owners, the loft

Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote

is an underutilised area because

service so you can find out what is achievable

To find out how Access4Lofts can create

it can be difficult and dangerous

with your loft area.

more space for you and your family or to book a free survey and quote visit

to reach. Warwick based loft ladder installer Access4Lofts (whose slogan is ‘creating space

The majority of properties have an access hatch

www.access4lofts.co.uk/warwick

the easy way’) can change all that, often in

to the space in the loft. Access4Lofts create

01926 679591. You can also find them on

less than a day!

space the easy and affordable way. They can

Facebook @Access4LoftsWarwick.

n 12 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

or

call

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

How to Choose Fencing for Your Garden The first thing to remember is the function of the fence, your garden fence marks, secures and protects your property.

To establish which sort of fence is right for you start by asking yourself a few basic questions • What’s the main purpose of the fence?

• Does it need to provide privacy?

• Does it need to provide shelter and a windbreak for your plants?

• Does it need to stop your pet from straying?

• Does it provide a backdrop for your floral displays - does it need to be aesthetically pleasing?

• Are you willing/able to do maintenance on your fence?

• and the all important question what’s your budget?

Also consider the size of your garden when choosing a fence. In a smaller garden for example, a common technique employed by experienced garden landscapers or fencing contractors to make smaller gardens appear more spacious is to use horizontal lines in their design concepts, elongating the space to make it appear longer.

In a larger garden, fencing can be used to define different areas. Decorative fence panels can work beautifully as a backdrop for n 14 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

climbing plants or to separate a patio, or to screen bins and storage areas.

LARCHLAP Larch-lap panel fencing is a common type of budget fencing made of horizontal slats. Like closeboard fencing, it can be used with either timber or concrete posts and gravel boards Although offering good value, larch-lap panel fencing is not as robust as closeboard fencing, it’s more prone to damage in high winds.

Pros • Suitable for most gardens • Cheaper than closeboard fencing • Provides privacy • Deters intruders • Ideal for homes with pets Cons • Not as robust or long-lasting as close board fencing • Maintenance required to prolong the life of the timber • Functional, however it’s less attractive than other styles CLOSEBOARD Closeboard fences, also called featherboard,

are strong and solid, constructed with overlapping vertical feather-edge wooden boards. This type of fencing is commonly used in back gardens – it’s a mid range budget option, neat and attractive, offering good privacy and providing some shelter from wind and frost to delicate shrubs.

Closeboard fencing is typically 6ft (1.8m) tall, but it’s available in various heights. Bear in mind, however, that local authorities often have height restrictions on boundary fencing.

Pros • Ideal for most gardens • Robust and long-lasting • Its height provides some security • Provides privacy • Deters intruders • Good for pet-owners • Offers shade and shelter for tender plants and shrubs Cons • Can be expensive for a large garden • Its closed-up boards can be buffeted by strong winds, though it’s stronger than a CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

Warwickshire

Now

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

Lis Gardner

Kate Gilmartin

Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk

Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN pass through - less wind resistance • Vertical hit and miss styles are also available Cons • They can be higher maintenance, it’s tricky to reach boards on the inside of the panel for painting • Gaps between boards can be a route for persistent weeds on the other side • At the top end of the price range Fence Posts If you’ve got some idea now which type of fence panel would suit your garden, there’s one more major consideration - which type of fence post is best?

There are three main options,timber,concrete or galvanised steel Timber posts can be a cheaper option if you’re on a tight budget, but they can rot if not well maintained and may eventually start to lean or even be blown over in heavy winds.

larch lap fence panel • Annual maintenance is required PICKET or PALISADE If you’re going for a look that’s traditional and decorative, you may consider timber palisade fencing, more commonly known as picket fencing. Picket fences are mostly seen in front gardens, where they give a home traditional kerb appeal, and if you’re a sociable type that likes to chat over the fence with neighbours, a picket fence in the rear garden would look lovely too.

Although wood is the conventional material, picket fencing can also be made from PVC for a lower maintenance option. There are a few disadvantages to using PVC however: temperature change can make it brittle, prone to mould and it can be more expensive than wood.

This style of fencing is traditionally quite low.

With its spacing between the timbers, it’s less prone to wind damage and it doesn’t offer much protection to tender plants either.

Pros • A good option for front gardens • Ideal to protect ponds or swimming pools • Provides a good boundary marker • Traditional, attractive looks • Lets light through / doesn’t block your view • Less prone to wind damage Cons • Doesn’t provide privacy • Doesn’t provide much security • Would not contain some dogs n 16 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

• Some maintenance required to protect timber • Won’t provide much protection for plants SLATTED FENCE PANELS Slatted fence panels give a sleek, more contemporary look to your outside space, perfect if privacy is not an issue. They can make great dividers for different sections of your garden. The effect of sunlight slanting through the gaps is particularly attractive as well.

Pros • Available in a range of heights and styles • Sleek, modern appearance • Horizontal slats can make your garden appear longer • Gaps between slats allow wind through, reducing resistance and improving longevity Cons • Don’t offer complete privacy on a boundary • Can let weeds grow through HIT & MISS FENCING There’s a distinctive and particularly attractive pattern to hit and miss fence panels, created by smooth-planed horizontal boards that are alternately fixed to the front and back of the panel. This is a medium-range budget type of fencing that can look good in both traditional and contemporary gardens.

Pros • An attractive fence type that looks good on both sides • Offers good security and privacy • Gaps between the boards allow wind to

By contrast, concrete posts are more likely to last in the long term, especially against strong gusts of wind, they need less maintenance than wooden posts Concrete posts incur a higher up-front cost than timber posts, but their longevity makes them a better investment. You’ll still need to change the fence panels from time to time, but concrete posts won’t need to be replaced as often.

Galvanised steel posts are lighter and stronger than concrete, and twice as quick to install. They don’t warp, crack or rot, and they can withstand winds up to 110mph. They’re compatible with almost any type of fence.

Painting If you choose a timber fence it will usually come in a natural wood colour. If you don’t like this look, you can paint the fence a different colour. Even if you like the natural colour of the timber, it’s a good idea to safeguard your fence against harsh weather with a protective treatment for wood.

If you’ve chosen PVC as a material keep in mind that it can’t usually be painted so you are committed to the colour as you purchased it.

When it comes to choosing fencing, your outside space is an extension of your home, and so it is important to ensure it reflects your style and taste, as well as working for you and your garden on a practical level. To enjoy your garden or entertain friends without having to see unsightly clutter, as well providing as a safe, secure and robust perimeter, you can utilise fencing as a key element of your outdoor space. n

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Our New Homes Are Here It’s time to welcome you home with Bloor Homes’ brand new collection of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses at Shottery View, officially launching in March 2022. appliances and a vast choice of stylish tiling for the bathrooms. Plus, when buyers secure their home in the early construction stages, they can have the freedom to choose specific fixtures and fittings, with plentiful upgrade options also available.

Homeowners at Shottery View can also benefit from the energy efficient features of a new home. In fact, a new Bloor home can generate 60% less CO2 emissions than older properties, whilst consuming 40% less energy.

So not only will it have a lesser impact on the environment, but it can also provide lower running costs and utility bills.

It is of course hard to ignore the desirability of this Warwickshire location, renowned for being Shakespeare’s birthplace with over 800 years of interesting history woven Located just on the edge

will Shottery View struggle to keep up with

of

modern living.

Stratford,

this

highly

anticipated collection of new

into every street, alleyway and riverside walk. There are also several Good and Outstanding Ofsted rated schools within 2 miles of Shottery View. n

build homes has been designed with the

Each freehold new Bloor home will feature

recognisable wealth of culture and tradition

a superb specification as standard, with a

Interested buyers are urged to join our

of Warwickshire in mind. But by no means

brand new Symphony kitchen, quality AEG

waiting list by visiting bloorhomes.com

n 18 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

HOME & GARDEN

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FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY

Into the Nude

Invest in neutral pieces for your wardrobe to help make the shift towards a new season while still layering pieces to keep the chill at bay.

FALKE Cotton Touch Socks - £13 www.falke.com

JAEGER Coat - £325 www.jaeger.co.uk

GUINEA LONDON Marianne Cashmere coat - £565 www.guinealondon.com

LEOCÉ Sand Silk Night Dress - £60 www.leocecouture.com

LAIRD UTILITY Workshop Jacket - £260 www.lairdutility.com

THE BIAS CUT Fabienne Chapot Odillia Pullover - £159.99 www.TheBiasCut.com

MARC CAIN Backpack - £199 www.marc-cain.com

JAEGER Knitted Top - £139 www.jaeger.co.uk

n 20 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

HEALTH &FASHION BEAUTY

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n 22 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

GOLDEN YEARS

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EDUCATION WOW badge design competition 2022 launches in Aberdeen with Cllr Malik, pupils from St Joseph’s RC Primary School and Living Streets’ mascot, Strider.

Children’s Annual Design Competition Opens For Entries A national charity is on the hunt for the UK’s best young designers as they launch their WOW badge design competition 2022.

Living Streets, the UK charity behind the walk to school campaign, is asking primary school aged children to design the 11 badges to be used in WOW – their walk to school challenge.

WOW rewards pupils who walk to school at least once a week with a different collectable WOW badge each month, designed by pupils in this nationwide competition. Over 1,300 schools across the UK take part in WOW, which means winning designs will be turned into more than 300,000 badges for pupils to collect.

WOW badges are made in the UK from repurposed plastic material, which includes old fridge trays, plastic plates and off-cuts of yoghurt pot material.

As well as the prestigious accolade of seeing their designs worn by pupils across the UK, n 24 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

winning designers will also receive prizes for themselves and their school, including a year’s supply of WOW resources.

An additional 11 highly commended designers will receive runners-up trophies.

Every school that enters will qualify for a prize draw to win WOW resources for their school.

Last year, the competition had 90,000 entries, making it one of the UK’s biggest design competitions for children.

This year’s theme, Walk Through Time invites children to explore millions of years of history on earth. Entrants are being asked for big, bold, colourful designs which depict what they might see if they could travel back in time.

Stephen Edwards, Interim Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “Walking to school is an easy way for children to stay healthy and

happy, all while helping to reduce congestion outside their school gates.

“Pupils love taking part in WOW and collecting the badges. The winning designers will enjoy the extra pride of seeing their creations worn by pupils across England, Scotland and Wales.

“We’re encouraging pupils to stretch their imaginations in our WOW badge design competition 2022 and depict something from the past they find interesting and inspiring.

This is an opportunity for originality and diversity to shine!” n The WOW badge design competition closes on Friday 18 March 2022.

Entry forms can be downloaded now from the Living Streets website: livingstreets.org.uk/badgecompetition2022

GOLDEN YEARS

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Puzzles

SUDOKU - FIENDISH

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 29 7 2

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EDUCATION What's On

What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Magpies Tour Sunday 13th March at Queen’s Hall

MARCH Friday 11th

Ben & Soph’s Jazz Harbury Village Hall, Harbury, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9JE. Do not miss this brilliant pianist as he plays for us in Harbury!

Tom Kincaid is a phenomenal musician and a really bloomin’ nice guy to boot! He’ll grace the stage and the keys for an evening of feelgood jazz & swing. Joining Tom on stage will be - of course! - Ben Holder on violin and vocals, plus Mike Green on double bass and Mal Garrett on drums. The strongest of Birmingham fronts for this rhythm section! Be sure to join us! Ticket price: £10.00 - £15.00

Saturday 12th Stratford PlayHouse - The Magic of Queen Concentrating in sounding like the original artists,

Magic

Queen

delivers

a

blast

of entertainment in every single show, interacting with the audience to make them live an unforgettable experience. Magic Queen succeeds in blending the vocal

entertainment, plus one-hour dancing from the very first second of the show, or a two and a half hours tribute recreating bits of epic and legendary Queen’s shows (Rainbow, Wembley, Killers, Montreal…) full staging instruments, backdrops and outfits. 7.30 Tickets £26. www.stratfordplay.co.uk

Sunday 13th Waterside UpMarket Bridge Street Stratford-upon-avon CV37 6AB. Stratford-upon-Avon’s premier Sunday market, known as the Upmarket. Open every Sunday from 16 January 2022. Also open Bank Holiday Mondays. The Upmarket offers top quality products, gift ideas, treats & sweets, handcrafted items, designer jewellery, all types of artwork, wooden toys, clothing, delicious street food and occasional street entertainers and characters to delight the children. Stroll & browse along a backdrop of elegance, enjoy a treasure trove of expert vendors, local makers, crafters & artists, the loaded stalls make up this charming and splendid market with something for everyone. www.lsdpromotions.com

layering and studio precision, one of the trademarks of Queen, with the energy of a live stage production. Magic Queen’s high-energy shows offer either a one-hour condensed show, performing main greatest hits and assuring the audience the maximum n 28 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

Magpies Tour Queen’s Hall, Nuneaton. It seems no time since The Magpies burst onto the UK folk scene, but they have already made a huge impact with their fresh brand of transatlantic

neo-folk and have been ‘making waves wherever they play’ (Phil Beer, Show of Hands). Following the success of their debut album in 2020, The Magpies are set to release the third single from their upcoming album on 4th March - Undertow. The trio are also set to return to the road in March with a 12-date UK tour, ahead of their album release in Autumn 2022. The Magpies’ debut album - Tidings was released in June 2020 to critical acclaim: ‘effervescent’ (The Sunday Times), ‘folk with finesse’ (The Daily Mail), ‘check that album out’ (BBC Radio 2). A rich and varied showcase of the live show, the album draws on a range of influences and delivers a sound that can only be described as contemporary, bringing a fresh and feminist voice to the current milieu.

Tickets for The Magpies’ Spring tour will be available from themagpiesmusic.com:

Tuesday 15th – Saturday 19th Cluedo Belgrade Theatre Coventry. Based on the classic detective board game loved by generations and the hit 1985 film CLUE. Miss Scarlett (Michelle Collins), Professor Plum, Mrs Peacock, Reverend Green, Mrs White and Colonel Mustard are all present and correct in this fun theatrical endeavour based on the hugely popular boardgame of the same name CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Warwickshire

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The puzzles are on page 26

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 29 n

What's On Spa, CV32 4AA. Founded twenty years ago at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Heath Quartet has seen a number of changes in its line-up over the years, but has consistently won prizes first in competitions and then for its recordings. This winter season it performs in Barcelona and Berlin and in the summer will be at the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival. And it has taken Fanny Mendelssohn some time to feature in Leamington! 7:30pm £15 – £25 Concert generously supported

by Jolyon Hall. warwickdc.ticketsolve.com/ shows/1173619803

Saturday 26th Open Art Festival Mill Garden, 26 Willes Rd, Leamington Spa CV31 1BN. A brand new outdoor music concert for Leamington Spa’s Mill Garden. The first outdoor music concert produced by OAF! suitable for all audiences. Focused on classical music, it will also feature an orchestra and a stage musical medley from local and regional talent. Gates will open in Mill Garden at 12:30pm, lights go up at 1pm and the event concludes at 6pm. www.openartsfestival.co.uk

Regency 10k Sunday 10th April (and the hit 1985 movie, Clue). The show’s action unfolds at Boddy Manor, to where each of the characters has been invited, separately from one another, by Lord Boddy. Assembling at the manor on a dark and stormy night, it isn’t long before confusion about their invitation gives way to unbridled fear and hysteria, as the dead bodies begin to mount up... Mark Bell, the director of the award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong and A Comedy About A Bank Robbery, is the man at the helm for this UK premiere.

Tuesday 15th - Tuesday 29th Morag Myerscough Compton Verney. Connecting with colour across the house and the grounds, internationally-acclaimed artist Morag Myerscough will be creating two site-specific installations in 2022: one on the historic house and one in the Old Town Meadow. Morag’s effortlessly energetic visual vocabulary resonates with audiences well beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. She creates specific local responses, using her work to create community and build identity.

Expanding on these narratives, we will be providing environments that overwhelm with colour and sound, disrupting and drawing attention to the natural landscape and history of Compton Verney. A program of performances and interventions will take place within the installation in the Old Town Meadow during summer 2022, with opportunities for everyone join in. Website: n 30 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022

www.comptonverney.org.uk. Full price tickets £17 see website for concessions

Wednesday 16th Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry. Programme features: MENDELSSOHN Hebrides Overture MOZART Piano Concerto No.21, MOZART Don Giovanni Overture BEETHOVEN Symphony No.7 - 7.30pm £18.50-£42.50

Tuesday 22nd The Gonzaga Band St Marys Church Old Square Warwick, CV34 4RA. Milan around 1600 was at the centre of a musical revolution, with performers and composers like Rognoni, Cima and Bovicelli and nuns like Caterina Assandra excelling.

With the emergence of a virtuoso violin school, together with publication of some of the first instrumental music polarizing treble and bass instruments – violin and violone, cornetto and bass trombone – and a tradition of virtuoso singing both in the cathedral and in the convents, musical Milan was the place to be. This is a programme to celebrate one of the most exciting and revolutionary periods in music history. 7:30pm - £12 – £25 Concert generously supported by John and Jean Morgan https://warwickdc.ticketsolve.com/ shows/1173619801

Friday 25th Heath String Quartet Royal Pump Rooms The Parade Leamington

APRIL Saturday 2nd

Fire Engine Driving Experience British Motor Museum. We’ve teamed up with Young Driver to offer Fire Engine driving experiences at the British Motor Museum. A fantastic opportunity for anyone aged 10+ to have a go! This is your opportunity to drive a real ex fire service Dennis fire engine complete with lights and sirens. Children as young as 10 can have a go, but grown ups can too. What unforgettable fun! Website: www.youngdriver.com These experiences are run by Young Driver, the UK’s largest under 17 driving school. British Motor Museum Gaydon, Banbury Road, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ

Sunday 10th Regency 10k Newbold Comyn, Leamington Spa CV32 4EW. Challenge yourself this spring by taking part and raising money for local good causes.

Entry from £18 Join around 2,5000 others on this 10km multi-terrain course, which takes you through the some of the best parks and gardens Royal Leamington Spa has to offer.

Starting at Newbold Comyn, runners will finish at Mill Gardens. Over £350,000 has been raised to date since the event began in 2004. Proceeds are used to help local good causes such as the homeless, community youth groups and school projects. Time: 9am - 11am. www.regency10k.co.uk

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n 32 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 61 | March 2022