Worcestershire NOW AUGUST 2018

Worcestershire

Now

Great Adventures Start with CaravanStuff4U

See page 44 for more information

REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE GARDENING JOBS FOR AUGUST PERSHORE PLUM FESTIVAL AUGUST 2018 | ISSUE 180

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

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

Worcestershire

Now

16 10

18

Contents

24

AUGUST 2018

HOME & GARDEN 10

How to Reduce Plastic Waste at Home

14

Clever Ideas For A Beautiful Balcony

16

Gardening Jobs For August

18

Nature Notebook

22

HEALTH & BEAUTY 20

Our Guide to an All Natural Look

22

Use Style to Blow Away

Negativity During Menopause

24

Walk Malvern to Bransford Circular

WO RC E S T E R S H I R E

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

EDITOR

DESIGN

Miles Jones

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Caravan Stuff 4U

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Independent Age

ADVERTISING Genna McCann-Taylor 01905 727902 genna@pw-media.co.uk Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk

House of Colour JSL Productions Kitchen World Ltd

CONTRIBUTORS

Pershore Patty

Wendy Carter Worcester Wildlife Trust

St Cloud Care Worcester Racecourse

Glynis Dray

Wyevale Garden Centres

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26

28 FOOD & DRINK

50

26

Charcoal Mushroom and

Minute Steak Flatbread

27

Worcestershire Foodie Card

GOLDEN YEARS

36

28

Things to Talk About Before Someone Dies

34

The Boynes Care Centre

OUR EVENTS DIARY 36

Living History Worcester Racecourse

38

Great Days Out

46

What’s On

50

Competition Malvern Autumn Show

ABD Productions: Peter Pan C. Lavery, Worcester The Battle Proms N. Davies, Worcester J. Killam, Malvern

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

DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Worcestershire Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Lower Broadheath Community Shop Hits Its Target We are delighted to report that we have met our £25000 share sale target, thanks to a great response from all those in our village and beyond. We have also been awarded grants of £10,000 each from The National Lottery Fund Awards for All and The Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation.

Can you help with Phase Two? We are looking for a standalone shop group to start thinking about what goods you want to see for sale, a volunteer group with a leader or two to organise hours/days, Post

One-click access to business funding and support The wraps are off a revamped Open For Business portal on the Worcestershire Business Central website, which aims to make it even easier for businesses to access funding and support in order to thrive and grow.

Seven business support programmes can now be easily accessed via the new landing page, www.business-central.co.uk/open-for-business/, plus WINN, the county’s innovation programme.

The business support programmes are funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and include Worcestershire’s highly successful Low Carbon programme, LoCOP, which organised the county’s first Clean Tech conference in June, showcasing the work of local companies involved in development of new clean technologies.

Also included in the suite of seven Open for Business programmes is the Business Energy Efficiency Programme, (BEEP), which signed up its 200th service user earlier this year, just one year into a three year project. On the back of this success, the programme launched into Shropshire in June.

The Enterprising Worcestershire Start Up programme is also one of the Open For Business support programmes and has already helped over 300 individuals explore the possibility of launching a new business.

As well as easier navigation features, the new website pages aim to improve user experience by weaving in photography and videography. The Proof of Concept (POC) page details how individuals and businesses can access the resources they need to explore and commercialise new innovations and features a video of former comedian Pete Hill, director of Petvictus. Hill used the POC programme to help develop his innovative pet feeding system Pedaldish, which went on sale in Pets at Home stores in April this year.

The Open For Business support programmes also include the Investing in Growth programme, which is proving to be an important key to boosting business growth in the region. n

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Office volunteers (the number of hours we can open depends on how many volunteers we can obtain), a site group for arranging utilities, upkeep, gardening, decorating etc to keep our shop looking smart.

We also have a vacancy for a part time shop manager, working 20 hours a week on a competitive salary. Please see the website www.lowerbroadheathshop.com or email info@lowerbroadheathshop.com for details of this and other opportunities. n

Wyre Forest Riders Riding for The disabled In July we hosted our first Summer Show at Stourport Riding Centre. Watched by parents, sponsors and supporters the children displayed their capability and joy of riding a pony.

What do we do: All our riders have special needs and are pupils at Wyre Forest School in Kidderminster. In the region of 30 to 50 children aged 5 -16 years old annually benefit from our support, some riding for the whole year other for 1 or 2 school terms.

What you can do: We ride at Stourport Riding centre on Thursdays in term time from 1.00 to 2.30pm. Each rider can require 2 side walkers and a pony leader. As well as this we would welcome any one who can help with our administration and most importantly fundraising. n All details on our website www.wyreforestriders.org.uk

Kitchen World Worcester Ltd As a small family run firm, Kitchen World Worcester Ltd, are able to offer a complete and personal service to all our customers and we get involved right from the very start, through to completion.

They want you, the customer, to be happy and recommend them.

83% of their business is generated this way and they would like for that figure to improve further still.

Kitchen World offer a full Plan & Design service to ensure that your new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or study meet your needs precisely.

They can provide you with a free design service where they can either visit you at home or you can bring your plan to them, we are “The One Stop Shop”.

They also have sub-contractors who work along side them all year around so that they can offer their customers the full package or they can also offer supply only.

So go and have a cuppa with Mark, Keith, Gary or Hayley while they take you through your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or study possibilites. n For more information please contact Kitchen World Worcester on 01905 429000 and don’t forget to visit our website for our promotional offers - www.kitcheworldworcester.co.uk

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HERE & NOW

Worcestershire Open Studios 2018 5

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1

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(1) Jane Spencer (2) L Pilditch (3) Jacqui Worrall (4) Andrew Gurnett (5) Photo by Lewis Membery (6) Nicola Currie

Discover fantastic art and crafts created in Worcestershire when artists, craftspeople and arts organisations open their studios, homes and shared spaces for three days at 81 different locations across the county from Saturday 25th - Monday 27th August, 9am-6pm.

2018 marks the fourth year that Worcestershire Open Studios has provided the public with the chance to explore the wonderful creative spaces of local artists and craftspeople as well as galleries and arts organisations. Over the three days, visitors will be able to take themselves on a self-guided art tour through the county, uncovering sensational artwork as well as interesting creative people and take the opportunity to chat to them about their intriguing techniques and inspiration.

One such fascinating artist who is more than happy to discuss his artwork and the inspiration behind it is fine art photographer, Andrew Gurnett, “I love the unintentional beauty and enticing stories that are told by the functional, forgotten and discarded. I really believe there is visual beauty and intrigue all around us every day if we take the time to look. Consequently, I am inspired by the most mundane things: a chair, a piece of tarpaulin, the side of a truck, a concrete floor. Capturing the image is an instant, conceptualising the theme is an evolution and finding a shot can take anywhere from hours to weeks or even months. What I find most interesting is the looking.”

With the work of over 170 different artists and craftspeople on display, there’s more than enough to suit every taste. From drawing, painting, printmaking and photography, to ceramics, jewellery, textiles and mixed media, n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

there’s both traditional and contemporary styles and two and three dimensional work available to view and purchase.

Don’t miss the chance to buy direct from artists and makers such as expressive oil painter, Anna Cumming, who creates stunning paintings inspired by moody skies, turbulent seas, interesting reflections and the play of light. This year she will be displaying a new body of work featuring local scenes and (weather permitting!) will demonstrate her skills by setting up her easel outside and painting the lovely view from her garden!

If you have a love of ceramics, we also have a great selection of makers for you to meet.

Potter, Chris Greening and his wife, Sarah Greening who creates beautiful bright glass fused jewellery, are opening their fantastic home studios for this year’s event. Chris says, “This is my first Worcestershire Open Studios and I’m looking forward to it immensely. Bringing awareness of the creativity in the county is such an important aspect of what defines Worcestershire and having an opportunity to see it in the actual artist’s place of work provides an additional vibrancy to that.”

Learn more about Sarah’s encouraging and experimental practice, “I am a latestarter with creativity! I have always been a passionate gardener and, having access to my husband’s kiln, I started by fusing free recycled greenhouse glass and plant material which extended into other free things like bottles and marbles. When I was made redundant from my job, I devoted my ‘career break’ to research and practice, using my science background and using bought

coloured glass in various formats to create my own designs of fused glass jewellery. I love creating new designs and was encouraged by great feedback (and sales!).”

To help you get involved with the creativity, some artists are also offering demonstrations and have a go sessions. One such participating artist is fibre art and mixed media crafter, Jane Spencer. Using wool and other fibres such as silk and lace, Jane creates tactile pictures, pots, animals and wreaths and adds extra details with free motion machine embroidery.

She will be demonstrating needle felting and give visitors the chance to practice themselves and understand how her dimensional artworks are designed and created.

Guides containing details of all the venues, opening times and examples of some of the work that you will be able to see over the weekend are available to download from the website or to pick up from libraries, Tourist Information Centres and other locations. With FREE entry to all venues, it’s a great way to spend a bank holiday with the whole family!

Pick up a printed guide or simply follow the dark blue arrows to design your own creative adventure through the county, discovering parts of Worcestershire you never knew existed! To find out more and plan your trip, visit www.worcestershireopenstudios.org.uk Worcestershire Open Studios is a not for profit organisation and is sponsored by Bevere Gallery and Malvern School of Art. n Twitter: OpenStudios_WR Instagram: @worcestershireopenstudios Facebook: worcestershireopenstudios

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HOME & GARDEN

How to Reduce

Plastic Waste at Home Time is up for plastic waste. The UK has grown more conscious about protecting the environment. Plastic waste is no longer silently strangling our world, rather the endless shocking photos of plastic found in the stomach contents of animals, wrapped round fish’s fins, bird’s wings and all across the globe have shone a piercing light on the stark realities of the global consumption of plastic and the price we are now paying. It is something we should all take responsibility for because plastic is engrained in our lives. Much like wi-fi and the internet, it seems we can’t live without plastic items. But we can start to make changes which are easier than you might think.

It’s pretty easy to continue using plastic items and not think about where you can cut down on plastic items.

They may seem necessary but there are many areas where you can reduce the plastic usage or cut it out completely.

The first and most obvious area to look at is food packaging. Much of the food we buy from supermarkets will have some form of plastic packaging. From cold meats and cheese to ice cream and pots of coffee, almost all food uses some form of plastic packaging.

Modern supermarkets often have loose food options

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as well as pre packaged goods. Have a look round to see which foodstuffs you can get. Fruit, vegetables and most meats can easily be bought unpackaged. Not only will this reduce your plastic consumption, you buy the amount you need rather than a pre set amount. Large supermarkets will have different counters for fish, meat and dairy products so take a look there to see what you can buy from them.

Alternatively, research whether you have any local farm shops in your area. These may seem less convenient and out of the way but everything will unpackaged and even be cheaper. The same goes for using separate shops to buy separate ingredients. Local independent butchers and bakeries are good places to buy unpackaged food.

Not only will these work out cheaper but you are also supporting local businesses. It’s a win-win situation.

In recent years the UK government added a 5p tax to plastic bag usage in most stores and supermarkets. If you are still buying plastic bags then now is the time to stop and use ones you already have. The major supermarkets have their “bags for life” which are stronger and can carry a larger amount of goods. They are certainly worth investing in. Just remember to take them with you.

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

The most recent controversial plastic stories have been about micro beads that are, as the name suggests, microscopic. These damaging micro plastics are in countless cosmetic

products

such

as

exfoliating

scrubs and even in toothpaste. Watch out for any products that contain polyethylene (PE),

polypropylene

(PP),

polyethylene

terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),

polytetrafluoroethylene

(PTFE)

and nylon. Any products containing these ingredients will contain microbeads.

Toothpaste are not the only toiletries that use plastics, think of all the plastic containers we use. Shampoo, conditioner, cotton buds, deodorant bottles. All of these can be bought without the use of plastic. These so called ‘naked’ toiletries are available from all the major high street stores and are just

as effective at scrubbing us up nicely as anything in a plastic bottle. Lush are currently leading the charge on ‘naked’ toiletries and have been doing so for a number of years.

Keeping your house clean is another area where plastic can be replaced by more traditional methods. Instead of the countless plastic cleaning containers needed for different type of surfaces try some good old fashioned vinegar and water. This mixture is an all purpose spray that can be used all over the home and is just as good as any high street brand. Similarly, baking powder is extremely effective as a scouring powder and for doing the washing up. Of course, homemade cleaning products can be stored in reusable plastic bottles.

Despite the many things we can do to turn the tide on the plastic waste that is gripping

Garages - Carports - Stables & Field Shelters Garden Rooms & Home Offices - Log Stores

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www.severnstructures.co.uk n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

the globe, we must remember that plastic is everywhere and is part of our everyday lives. Nothing will change overnight but if we each of us took some responsibility for what plastics we can cut out of our lives then we can certainly help a fragile and overburdened natural environment recover from this plastic menace.

We should not limit the war on plastic to just the home either. Chew less gum, don’t use plastic straws in drinks, even just making your own sandwiches for work rather than buying meal deals will count as a small victory in this troubling conflict. There are many alternatives to using plastic that are readily available. All we have to do is make them part of our everyday lives too. n

By Miles Jones

HOME & GARDEN

The New AGA 3 Series Collections temperature fully when the lid is opened. It can be set either to boiling or simmering mode.

Next to the hotplate you can opt for either a useful warming plate or a state-of-the-art, two-zone induction hob complete with bridging feature.

Flexibility is key to the appeal, as is choice. If you love the The new AGA 3 Series collection of modern range cookers offers brilliant cast-iron, radiant heat cooking performance as well as a host of innovative features and the considered design values you’d expect from the iconic brand.

convenience of an induction

These innovative cookers are designed for busy people who value quality and style, love good food and want a cooker that fits perfectly into their kitchen and their life.

warming oven. Plus, you can opt

3 Series AGA cookers also have a highly efficient triple-element hotplate, which comes up to

action visit AGA Kidderminster

hob, but also want the cast-iron radiant heat cooking the AGA cooker is famous for, then this is the cooker for you.

Each model has an oven that can be set for roasting or baking, a simmering oven and a useful for a model with handy additional built-in storage space too. Prices from ÂŁ7865. n For more information and to see the AGA 3 Series cooker in 44 Mill Street, Kidderminster DY11 6XB or call 01562 865112

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HOME & GARDEN

Clever Ideas For a Beautiful Balcony With green space at a premium, especially in our towns and cities, it’s a crime not to make full use of your balcony. A balcony should be so much more than a bike shed or dumping ground for that cross trainer you never use.

With Elho’s clever ideas it’s never been easier to love your balcony and get closer to nature. So go on, get outside and feel happier, healthier and more energetic.

Make the most of what you’ve got There’s a Green Basics pot or planter for every nook and cranny. If you don’t have floor space to spare on your balcony, use railings, tables and hanging spaces. Liven up a wall with Balcony Pot Holders, or make a humble

drainpipe look good with Drainpipe Clickers.

And grow your own herbs, vegetables or fruit with the Flower Bridge Grow House.

Light up the night Extend the long summer nights with the clever Flower Light. It’s a pretty planter for your outdoor table and a practical light that works on solar energy. For every hour of full sun it gets during the day, you’ll get back an hour of light in the evening.

Happy plants, happy you Many Elho pots and planters come with an in-built water reservoir. If you overwater, or a heavy summer rain shower comes along (remember rain?) the excess water is

collected. So you don’t need to spend hours tending to your plants - just sit back and enjoy the sunshine.

Going up If your balcony needs more green, embrace the trend for vertical gardening with the Corsica Vertical Garden. With brightly coloured pots you’ll always have colour on your balcony, even when the Summer is over. Extending the use of your balcony well into the Autumn.

Elho pots and planters are widely stocked at all good garden centres, retailers and available online. n www.elho.com www.facebook.com/elho

SALES | SERVICE | PARTS | HIRE

Here at Holden we offer a professional and friendly service to all our customers and are happy to give free advice on all types of equipment such as ride on tractors, chainsaws and lawn mowers on sale in our showroom. Our showroom displays the latest models available on the market with great showroom prices to go with it.

Customers need to go no further in their search for their perfect piece of equipment as we have a wide range of machinery, friendly staff and a service department to back you up all the way.

We also provided our customers with demonstrations on the larger machines, giving you the peace of mind that the machine is the one for the job.

If you’re looking to part exchange your current model of machinery, we offer a free valuation of your machine from our showroom.

We also have a hire department within our showroom with the latest models for all your gardening needs.

HOLDEN GARDEN MACHINERY WESTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HONEYBOURNE, EVESHAM, WORCESTERSHIRE WR11 7QB

TEL: 01386 841285 | WWW.HOLDENGARDENMACHINERY.CO.UK

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HOME & GARDEN

Gardening Jobs

For August

The UK’s gardeners are making the most of the August weather to spend time outdoors, but they should also be looking to the seasons ahead and begin preparing their garden for the colder spell.

There are plenty of jobs to keep you busy in the garden this month; it’s the perfect time of year to plant your winter vegetables and start cutting back and deadheading flowers to encourage continual healthy growth.

David Mitchell, buying manager for horticulture at Wyevale Garden Centres, shares his gardening jobs of the month, helping you to get one step closer to your dream back garden:

you are on holiday. A great way to make sure your plants are being watered without asking the neighbours to cover is to invest in a growbag waterer. Once set up, you can control the amount and frequency of water needed for your plants, leaving them perfectly hydrated without becoming waterlogged.

4. Lop back your lavender As with many blooms, it’s important to cut back lavender after its flowering period to promote new growth. Make sure

1. Safeguard your tomato plants Remove the lower level leaves from your tomato plant to help reduce its risk of disease and keep it thriving for longer. When a tomato plant’s growth is dense or when the leaves lie to close to the ground this can mean that the leaves are permanently in the shade. By removing the lower level leaves from the plant the remaining leaves have more space and access to sunlight so are more likely to stay drier and free from soil containing pathogens, thus they are more protected from disease.

you do so lightly to help maintain the plant’s well-rounded

2. Prune your perennial herbs Whether you’re looking to flavour your meat or garnish your cocktails, herbs are the plant of the moment and a fantastic addition to gardens of all sizes. Oregano and thyme are perennial herbs which mean they grow back each year without needing to be replanted. To promote their growth each year, trim them in August before the winter months hit to ensure they withstand the frost.

6. Wind down for winter

3. Plan ahead for gardening leave It is important not to leave your plants neglected while

month, along with all the tools you need to gain ground in

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shape. You should be pruning around one third of the plant using a sharp, clean set of pruning shears.

5. Deadhead petunia and potted dahlias Deadheading ensures that plants maintain a healthy continual bloom and August is the ideal month to trim back potted petunias and dahlias. Plants such as dahlias have tough and stringy stems so opt for secateurs, scissors or knives when removing the flower heads.

Use this month to plant your hardy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussel sprouts, so they are ready to be harvested throughout the winter months. Make sure you plant in an open site with free-draining soil and cultivate before planting to ensure these vegetables have the best chance of growing. n For more information and advice on August’s jobs of the the garden, visit www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk.

HOME & GARDEN

Family run and owned with origins in construction, ground works and specialist civil contractor to the utility sector we have vast knowledge of what works within the rental sector.

Our ever expanding fleet of machines and equipment are bought to suit our customers needs. With all our excavators having either reduced tailswing or no overhang at all, the latest fuel efficient engines, easy to use quick hitches and the latest attachments.

TEL: 01527 304003 • EMAIL: INFO@MAGNETPLANTHIRE.CO.UK

WWW.MAGNETPLANTHIRE.CO.UK

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

Bredon Hill Academy Wildlife Garden © Sara Bankes

Worcestershire's

Wildlife Heroes

In June I wrote how, as part of our 50th birthday celebrations, we’re asking you to help make Worcestershire wild and Pledge a Patch for wildlife. We’re also trying to find Worcestershire’s Wildlife Heroes!

We’re asking you to nominate people

I never met one of my wildlife heroes; one of the

who have done or are doing, great things

Trust’s founding fathers. I only learnt about the true

for wildlife right across our fabulous

brilliance of Fred Fincher relatively recently. Wildlife

county. It doesn’t matter whether they’re individuals,

Heroes is about celebrating people who are doing

communities, groups, schools or businesses, we’re

things for wildlife independently of the Trust and

sure there are plenty of people doing their thing to

although Fred helped to establish the Trust and gave

help wildlife. From people who help toads across the

us our very first nature reserve, he did so much more.

road in winter to those who have turned their gardens

Fred dedicated his life to wildlife and, through his

into wildlife havens. From individuals who have

knowledge and enthusiasm, he inspired many people.

motivated their community to restore an orchard

Although he couldn’t drive, he was never short of a lift

for wildlife to schoolchildren who have inspired

from people who wanted to be in his company and

classmates to love wildlife.

learn more about Worcestershire’s fascinating natural

There are so many ways that people can help wildlife.

KEEP UP TO DATE Worcestershire Wildlife Trust @WorcsWT t worcestershirewildlifetrust G worcswildlifetrust.co.uk w

world. Fred died in 1995 but his legacy lives on.

Take Marilyn McCarthy as an example. She’s the

Have you been inspired to love wildlife by someone

driving force behind a team of volunteers that set

like Fred; after all, this is the first step of wanting to

out to provide healthy food for the 100+ swans on

protect it? Do you know someone who inspires others?

the River Severn in Worcester. You can buy the Swan

Does your community have someone who pulls you

Project’s bags of floating swan food pellets from a

all together to help wildlife in a local greenspace?

number of locations in Worcester (and now Bewdley);

Are you in awe of your neighbour’s beautiful wildlife

each bag comes with information and advice about

patch? If you know of an unsung wildlife hero, please

feeding these elegant birds. How about the pupils of

consider nominating them for an award; they’ll receive

Bredon Hill Academy who take pride in their form’s

an invitation to an awards ceremony, a certificate and

gardens and who delight in the presence of wildlife at

a specially commissioned pin badge.

their school. They installed bird, bat and bee boxes to help wildlife and even restored a pond in the grounds to provide a refuge for newts. Some of the pupils even offer tours of their wildlife-friendly garden on open days.

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www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-heroes n Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

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Our Guide to

an all Natural Look

1. L’OCCITANE Enriched with fair trade Shea Butter (10%), this moisturising certified Organic Shea Lip Balm helps to nourish, repair and protect dry and chapped lips leaving them soft and supple.

£9.00

2. THE ENGLISH MINERAL MAKE-UP COMPANY The hard-working Fairy Godmother doubles as a primer under or as a finishing product over foundation to add even more luminosity. It can also be used as a bed-time treatment to heal and add moisture, working overnight to give a dewy quality to skin, softening fine lines and evening out skin tone.

Fairy Godmother contains millions of microscopic prisms which reflect light, giving the appearance of fewer wrinkles and fine lines, whilst providing smooth texture. Although it is in loose mineral form, Fairy Godmother is filled with antioxidants to nurture skin, as well as rejuvenating rosehip and jojoba oils and can be worn by women with all skin tones.

£55.00

3. CLARINS These new luscious, ultra-absorbent balms come in six flattering shades to illuminate lips with sheer colour. Rich in active plant ingredients, they contain nourishing mango and shea leaving lips soft all day long, vitamin E to protect against free radicals and a natural peptide which helps to

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encourage the synthesis of hyaluronic acid thus maintaining optimal hydration and giving lips a fuller and more beautiful appearance.

The sensitive pigments in the My Pink shade, react with the pH level of your lips, producing a bespoke pink colour created just for you.

£18.50

4. CHANEL For the ÉCLAT ET TRANSPARENCE DE CHANEL collection which plays on the idea of colour in its sheerest and most carefree form, Lucia Pica takes the effort out of applying lip color and presents four delicious new summer colors in the soft, easy texture of LE ROUGE CRAYON DE COULEUR. No need to perfect a painter’s technique this season; no need to take lip liner and lipstick together; instead opt for the perfect, polished lip crayon which will allow you to create beautiful colour whenever and wherever the summer takes you.

Choose from the perfect pastel milky pink of À La Rosée; the ultimate rosy caramel nude of Au Naturel; the fruity coral raspberry of Rose Shocking or the vibrant tangerine red of Ultra Rose.

Beautifully hydrating and comfortable to wear, these four modern classics can be worn as a light, “just bitten” stain or built up to be more intense colour statement. They represent freedom, and the ability to be whomever you choose.

£31.00

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Use Style to Blow Away Negativity During Menopause Menopause is steeped in negativity, rarely talked about openly and is often associated with weight gain, mood swings and hot flushes.

However, menopause is different for every woman and there are many ways we can halt the negative association of this all-important phase in life that every woman goes through. To follow are tips on how to build your confidence using style and colour during menopause.

1. Its not always easy but try seeing this as a new phase to your life; perhaps a new chance to reinvent yourself and to celebrate your body, skin and confidence. Always highlight your body parts that you like and don’t think, just perhaps because you are on the good side of fifty, that you must fade into the background! Now is your time!

2. Oestrogen is key to building collagen in our skin, so during menopause your skin may lose elasticity, or look duller and feel thinner or drier. Being well moisturised and wearing the right coloured makeup will make you appear healthier and more radiant. The right lipstick is key!

3. Black is often thought of as a slimming colour but if according to the House of Colour Wheel, you are not a winter season, then it is not your colour. As we age even some winters begin to struggle to carry it off! Tailoring and the art of layering is far more helpful in creating a slimmer look.

4. If you feel like foundation is too chalky on your skin now, try using a BB cream as it has all the benefits of hydrating like a moisturiser, providing the coverage of a light foundation and often contains a sunscreen.

5. It is important to exercise when going through menopause so keep active and choose great sportswear to keep you motivated. Get re-measured for a good fitting bra, invest in some quality sports kit including a n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

great sports bra and choose some trainers in a fabulous colour from your colour palette and you are ready hit the gym or pound the pavements!

6. If you are feeling flushed, know that the right colours will bring down high colouring and if you feel your complexion needs a lift try the more vibrant colours in your colour palette. Importantly, autumns and springs suit warm tones whilst winters and summers should wear cool tones.

7. Use accessories close to your face such a scarves, necklaces or earrings in one of, or an assortment of, your wow colours to highlight your complexion and to look radiant.

8. Comfortable dressing will be another vital consideration during menopause so wearing the right size and shape is important. Some of us may want our clothes to skim over our torso, but make sure you do not swamp your body; you can always add a belt to bring the silhouette in a little. Learning where on your body to best wear a belt is key. It is absolutely possible to prioritise style whilst still being comfortable.

9. You may be getting hot flushes, so wearing more breathable fabrics that allows the air to flow such as linen or 100% cotton will really help. Avoid anything labelled 100% polyester.

10. Patterns are a great way to hide sweat but choose one that really suits you. Different patterns suit different style personalities. You may have something with a lovely pattern in your wardrobe right now that fits well but never feels quite right. It probably isn’t a pattern that suits YOU. n Jane Brook, House of Colour Jane.brook@houseofcolour.co.uk Tel: 07070 293341

HEALTH & BEAUTY

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n

KEEPING ACTIVE Start/Finish: Walk starts/ends at Malvern Link Railway Station.

Public Transport: Nearest Railway Station at Malvern Link. Please check current timetables. The ‘44’ bus serves Malvern Link (ask for Co-op then walk uphill for ½ mile). Station on right. As a mid-distance walk, the 417 bus serves ‘Leigh Sinton’ to Worcester (then 44 bus to Malvern Link) cutting the main walk down to 7.5 miles. (Traveline). Another option is to walk one way to ‘The Fox’ then use 417 and 44.

Parking: There are a few places to ‘street-park’ near station but please do not use Station car park as this is for rail users only.

O/S Map: Explorer Maps 190 and 204 Distance: The main walk is 10 miles. Shorter option 5 miles (see sketch-map).

Malvern to

Bransford Circular Walk

Time: Allow all day to do main walk. Shorter walk am/pm.

Refreshments: ‘The Fox Inn’ at Bransford (see sketch-map) is a great place to aim for in the morning then after your meal, walk back to Malvern or catch buses back via Worcester! For walking ‘groups’ or individuals and families who like to plan ahead, meals can be booked by telephoning ‘The Fox Inn’ at Bransford on 01886 832247. Food is served from 12 noon to 10pm every day.

Terrain: This walk is gently undulating but has steep steps, stiles, gates, kissinggates and foot-bridges. Unfortunately, the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs though you will be very welcome at ‘The Fox Inn’ at Bransford.

Dogs on leads near livestock and traffic please. Supportive boots and long trousers essential. Poles can be useful as some nettles and vigorous growth in places. Credit to local land-owners that this very rural walk is, on the whole, easily navigated. The River Teme is visible from a few points History: The walk starts and ends at the recently restored Victorian Railway Station at Malvern Link. Along the route there is an historic Church at Bransford, numerous timber-framed buildings, many views of the Malvern Hills near and far and several hop-kilns.

1. From Malvern Link Station, cross car-park to Worcester Road turning left past Fire Station and WCs. Cross Howsell Road taking Cromwell Road on left. Follow Redland Road to Church Road. Go beneath railway arch and up 15 steps on right through kissing-gate.

Follow railway path northwards for ¾ mile with railway on right to Lower Howsell Road.

2. Path opposite currently ‘closed’ so turn left, taking path through large gate on right (after two bends in road). Walk diagonally to far right corner to re-join route (see sketch-map). Next ¾ mile deviates from railway and follows ‘wildlife margin’ with hedge on right to Stocks lane near brook.

3. Turn right, over brook, towards railway ‘level crossing’ and Newland East Signal Box (don’t cross railway and beware of barrier arm). Go through kissing-gate on left near barrier and follow uneven field margin alongside railway. Persevere because things do get better! Pass railway ‘under-bridge’. Continue towards woodland, skirting end of field to footbridge. Turn right over bridge then right to wooden barrier onto bridleway then turn left. Follow track to Brace’s Leigh, through farm buildings and ½ mile beyond to crossroads in paths. (Short walk turns left to point 8) 4. Turn right and walk along right edge to gate and stile, turning left over stock-bridge before gently climbing slope to kissing-gate into lane past picturesque Bransford Church. At Chapel Lane, turn right for 300 yards to footpath on right going diagonally across large field. Field narrows into strip leading through several gates and over track bearing left to another gate. Continue uphill towards houses on skyline, through kiss-gate down onto busy A4103. Cross with care turning right along pavement. Walk for ¼ mile crossing disused railway and just before Bransford Bridge ‘Fox Inn’ on right.

5. Opposite ‘Fox Inn’ take gate into meadow. Turn right round wide path alongside River Teme, through small gate, veering right to ‘fenced’ riverside path. Cross stile and walk to ‘promontory’ with private woodland. Turn left along ‘Riverside Trail’ via several flights of steps. Turn right along pretty woodland path up above river for about ½ mile to Bransford. Exit into meadow and follow path to lane. n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

6. Turn right towards Leigh turning left on hill-top. Take ‘right’ of two paths downhill, turning right along Suckley Road. After ½ mile take ‘by-way’ on left (avoiding golf-course).

7. Turn left to ‘Castle Green’ turning left again along bridleway leading south towards Malvern Hills. Take next footpath on left, shortly turning right then left along well-worn paths and finally through back garden of cottage onto A4103 near hop kilns at Leigh Sinton.

8. Turn left along A4103 then right along Stocks lane. Take track on right leading to Brook Farm. Cross stream at ‘ford’ walking southwards to fork in paths. Turn left and walk with hedge first on left then on right taking path through hedge and right to Lower Howsell Road.

9. Turn left to railway.

10. Turn right retracing outward walk (railway on left) to Malvern Link Station. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Worcestershire

Now

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

Genna McCann-Taylor

Rachel Seabright

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

Tel: 01905 727900 Email: rachel@pw-media.co.uk

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 25 n

FOOD & DRINK

Ingredients (serves four) • 4 wraps (we used Mediterranean style wraps) • 1 red pepper (we used sweet red pointed peppers) • 300g chestnut mushrooms • Salad / lettuce leaves • 250g Minute steaks • 150g drained fresh mozzarella grated • Charcoal Salt (we used Droitwich Salt) • Black pepper • Soured cream • Extra virgin olive oil

Charcoal Mushroom

and Minute Steak Flatbread

Michelin starred chef Brad Carter of Carters in

Method

Birmingham has teamed up with Droitwich Salt

1. Slice peppers lengthways and slice mushrooms.

Add to a bowl and mix together with 1 tbsp oil and 1/2 tsp charcoal salt.

to produce a new range of flavoured artisan salts, and they’re a must for any foodie’s store cupboard. I was unable to attend the recent cookery demonstration by chef Carter at Webbs to sample the dishes he made using the salts, but

a Michelin starred chef to use them. We wanted

3. Place a griddle pan on a very high heat and add the pepper & mushroom mix. Grill for a few minutes until they are cooked through. Transfer the cooked vegetables into a clean bowl.

to cook something simple that we could throw

4. Heat the flatbreads as per packet instructions.

I was sent some samples to try out for myself. The range of flavours include Charcoal, Sea Truffle and Coastline, but don’t worry you don’t have to be

together as a mid-week meal. This recipe is for charcoal mushroom and minute steak flatbreads, which are super easy to put together. The flavour of the charcoal salt we used to season the meat and vegetables really came through. We used a hot grill pan indoors, but the salt added a charred / BBQ taste without turning on the grill, as we’d For more delicious recipes visit: www.pershorepatty.com

2. Season the steaks with charcoal salt and black pepper.

hoped that it would. The flavoured salts are available to buy online at Food at Webbs.

n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

5. Cook the minutes steaks for 30 seconds on each side on the hot griddle pan for medium rare or 30 seconds longer if you prefer your meat more well done. Let the meat rest for a few minutes and then slice into strips.

6. Make up the flat bread with a handful of salad leaves, dollop of soured cream, vegetable mix, steak and grated mozzarella. Fold up and enjoy! n

FOOD & DRINK

Worcestershire Foodie Card Plans to Boost local Food & Drink Businesses and Encourage People to Choose Independents A new membership card

has

been

launched week and

this

for

food

drink

lovers

in

Worcestershire

to

make

savings

across the county.

The Worcestershire Foodies Card has been put together by local food blogger Victoria Cronin, who is also known by her readers as ‘Pershore Patty’.

The idea came about after creating the Worcestershire Foodies Facebook group, where people can talk to each other about anything food and drink related in the area. Victoria writes about her own experiences on her blog, and wanted to find a way of connecting local food lovers with independent food businesses.

Victoria said “The main theme of my blog is about supporting local restaurants, but I also think that everybody needs a bit of extra help at the moment. Lots of people have started coming back to me to say that they’ve tried somewhere because of my recommendations, and I wanted to do more to help both the consumer and the

food businesses in my local area. Similar food & drink cards have been successful in other cities, but I wasn’t aware of one that people were specifically using in Worcestershire” It’s free for food businesses of any kind to sign up to the directory as long as they are based in Worcestershire, are independently owned and offer a service to the public. Participants currently include restaurants, pubs, cafes, bars, fishmongers and butchers. Food shops, cookery schools, distilleries, breweries and bakeries are also being encouraged to get involved. The offers listed on the directory will be exclusive to card holders only and will not be valid for anyone who hasn’t purchased a card. “Supporting local doesn’t exclude the chains,” says Victoria. “I just wanted to find a way to help boost our independents by showing people there is a wide choice. There’s been a recent increase in new and unique indies, which is great news for Worcestershire, but only if people are aware that they exist”.

£20 per year (or two for £30) and the cards are printed using an eco-friendly material designed to degrade within 39 months of their introduction to the environment, without any residual negative impact. There is an option to buy the card for someone else as a gift on the site for those wanting to treat friends, family and loved ones, or for local companies looking for a unique way to reward their employees. A social media campaign will be used to promote the card and its offers, encouraging card holders to get involved and using the hashtag #WorcsFoodieCard. n For more information and to get your Worcestershire

Foodies

Card

visit

www.pershorepatty.com

The directory resides on Pershore Patty’s blog, where anybody can view the offers and easily sign up online to purchase the cards. The Worcestershire Foodie Card costs

Buy British, Buy Best, Buy from your Local Butcheress!

Suppliers of fresh British meat to the catering industry and direct to your door 6 days a week!

Monthly Meat Boxes

Available starting at £20 with FREE delivery A wide selection of homemade free range sausages available!

Why not visit us at our shop: 9 Ryefields Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4NA Tel: 01527 435669 or 07496 632 010 Follow us on Facebook @ thebutcheress

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n

GOLDEN YEARS

o t gs

k l Ta

t u o b A e n o

s e i D

e e tim h t t bou ble to a k a in o th ou are d. t t l in cu if y diffi mind eft beh y r e ve ace of erson l b E n PAG a p pe c HE e h t T i t h R rt g, bo OVE UED dyin ve you tress fo TIN s i N CO to n gi e the s a ose c l t c as e r, i to e u ar oweve o p l y e one ath. H nd h e a m , e r If so their d gethe r to afte ss this u disc

n i h T

o f Be

n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

o S re

e m

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 29 n

GOLDEN YEARS

Do you know their wishes?

A person may become unable to communicate their wishes; if they were unconscious, would you know how they would want to be looked after? And have they made their wishes for after their death clear? Try to make sure you know about: • Where they would want to spend the end of their life • Any preferences they have for their medical treatment and care. Have they made an advance decision to refuse treatment or an advance statement, or would they like to make one?

• Whether anyone has power of attorney for them, and if so which type. Or if not, do they want to appoint attorneys?

• Their wishes for their funeral and anything else they would like to be done in their memory n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

• Whether they have a pre-paid funeral plan or funeral insurance and where the details can be found • Whether they have made a will and where this is kept. If they have not made a will, it is important for them to do so.

• Whether they are on the Organ Donor Register • Their wishes for any dependants • Their wishes for any pets.

Practical matters These can often be overlooked, but are also crucial to think about. For example, if you’re living with someone, you may each have practical tasks you tend to take responsibility for and which the other person may know little about.

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 31 n

GOLDEN YEARS

Everyone deals with bereavement differently, but there is support available if you want it.

Make sure the person who is dying has made a list of their bank accounts, credit cards, bills, and insurance policies, and that you or someone else knows where this is kept. They might also need to share online passwords and tell you what they want to be done with any social media accounts.

particularly someone you’re close to, can be devastating. Even if the person has not yet died, you may already be experiencing some form of grief. You might be grieving for how your relationship used to be, or how the person was before their illness, or anticipating the loss their death will cause.

It can be easy to overlook simple things: • Do you know how all the appliances, the heating system and any alarms work?

• Will there be an effect on your income?

You might want to look into whether there are any benefits you will be able to claim.

• Are there tasks you relied on them for, such as cooking or driving? You may want to consider learning new skills (councils and local charities may run courses in basic skills like DIY and cooking) or see if there are local services that can help you.

Everyone deals with bereavement differently, but there is support available if you want it.

You might want to talk to your GP, friends and family, or a bereavement counsellor.

Read our guide Coping with bereavement for more information.

Where will you find emotional support?

The death of someone you know,

Worcestershire

Now

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

Genna McCann-Taylor

Rachel Seabright

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

Tel: 01905 727900 Email: rachel@pw-media.co.uk

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

Professionals who are involved with caring for the person who is dying may also be able to help you. For example, hospices provide a range of support for patients and their families, including bereavement support. n Visit www.independentage.org

GOLDEN YEARS

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n

GOLDEN YEARS

The Boynes

Care Centre

This historic grand family home is in an enviable position with panoramic views of the Malvern Hills. Perfectly situated in Upton-upon-Severn, only a short distance from the banks of the River Severn. This country residence combines classic English styling with a profusion of character.

The Boynes care centre offers a full range of care options including residential, nursing, and dedicated support for people living with dementia. Our respite and convalescence care include facilities, which are in high demand, specifically for those people with MS enabling guests and their families a break from the day to day challenges they may face.

The Boynes MS Care provision offers single beautifully decorated bedrooms and fully equipped bathrooms.

The Malvern Lounge and dining room, provides an opportunity to chat in a relaxed environment and make new friends.

The varied schedule of indoor and outdoor leisure activities available at The Boynes provides the opportunity for people to explore hobbies and interests, both old and new.

The many reviews constantly received on the Carehome. co.uk website, reinforces that The Boynes is a great place to live and stay.

Review submitted on 4 July 2018 from a Postal Card by J.G (Daughter of Resident). Relates to June 2018.

“The care centre is set in wonderful gardens with amazing views. It is homely and has a very welcoming feel. The staff are friendly and caring. We are always informed of any health issues concerning Mum and she has excellent care at all times. Always spotlessly clean with no nasty smells.

We really couldn’t wish for better for our mother.” n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

How likely would you be to recommend The Boynes Care Centre? Extremely Likely. At the Boynes Care Centre we see everyone as an individual and it is our professional approach to providing person-centred care that has helped us achieve a carehome score of 9.7 out of 10.

We encourage family involvement as much as possible, so we better understand about each person’s life history.

This provides us with the tools to be able to create a care plan that is unique to the individual and allows us, the insight to encourage everyone to retain their own identity.

Many rooms offer stunning views overlooking the Malvern Hills or our well-maintained gardens, which include a sensory garden. The presence of plants, water and wildlife has a healing effect, even when viewed from indoors.

Gardens can also provide peace and quiet which can help to ease stress, anxiety and agitation.

Our aim at The Boynes is to create a home from home experience with some added extras that families didn’t dare allow themselves to think was possible.

A warm welcome awaits you at The Boynes and we hope you if you are considering a care home or need advice that you will drop in for a coffee and a chat to discuss your specific needs. If you would like to attend one of our upcoming events please do not hesitate in contacting the home for more information. n

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 35 n

LIVING HISTORY

Worcester Racecourse's

300 Year Anniversary

In a historic year for the racecourse based at the site known as Pitchcroft, Worcester Racecourse celebrated their 300th Anniversary on Wednesday 4 July.

A crowd of over 2,000 people visited the racecourse in the heart of Worcester City Centre to celebrate this historic occasion, where there were 8 thrilling summer jump races to enjoy as well as plenty of famous faces from racing past and present sharing stories of their memories of Worcester Racecourse.

Former

jockeys

John

Francombe

and

Joe Mercer were among the guests and delighted racing fans with their fascinating interviews about their time in the saddle at Worcester.

The day was given an added boost of a royal visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who was in attendance at the racecourse to help mark the occasion.

Her Royal Highness is well-connected with Worcester Racecourse, having ridden a winner in the 3 mile Droitwich Handicap Chase, on her own horse Cnoc Na Cuille, on 3 September 1987.

This was alongside the revival of the famous Worcester Grand Annual Steeple Chase, which returned to Worcester Racecourse after an 85-year absence. Once one of the n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

most important steeplechase races in the National Hunt calendar, the Worcester Grand Annual Steeple Chase ran from 1836 until 1933. The importance of this race was highlighted in 1853 when Bourton won the Grand Annual, then going onto win the 1854 running of the Grand National at Aintree.

The winner of the 2018 Arctic Spas Worcester Grand Annual, in it’s first running since 1933, was Bestwork, trained by Chipping Norton based trainer Charlie Longsdon and ridden by jockey Jonathan Burke. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal presented the winning owner, jockey, trainer and groom with their prizes to mark the feature race of the day.

In this landmark year the general public were invited via social media to share their photos of themselves at Worcester Racecourse over the years, as part of a bespoke piece of artwork commissioned by the racecourse called the ‘People of Pitchcroft’. 300 photos of the public, staff and famous faces over the last 300 years have been incorporated into the artwork which was installed for the anniversary raceday, and all members of the public that submitted a photo received a

complimentary ticket for racing on 4th July to view the artwork which takes pride of place in the grandstand reception.

As one of the oldest racecourses in the UK, the first race meeting hosted at the site in the heart of Worcester City Centre, known as ‘Pitchcroft’, took place on 27 June 1718. In the Racecourse’s 300-year history there has been everything from a bare-knuckle fight watched by a crowd of 30,000 to a record 229 runners on an 8 race card in January 1965.

The first meetings were flat races and by 1755 a four-day flat meeting had been introduced with a jumps fixture in the Autumn.

By the middle of the nineteenth century, several important races had become well established at the course, including the Worcester Stakes and the Gold Cup. The course has undergone many changes, including the layout in 1880 of a new track that featured a now long-defunct figure-ofeight course. Flat racing was discontinued in 1966, but the National Hunt meetings continued to provide competitive racing with large fields. Summer jumping commenced at Worcester in 1995. n

EDUCATION

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 37 n

OUR EVENTS DIARY

Great

Newbridge Farm Park is full of fun this summer!

Days Out

B2B Events B2B Events organizes Antiques,

Flea & Collectors Fairs, as well as Vintage & Retro Fairs. You can find wonderful things at our Fairs.

If you are looking for the unusual then these are the places to go to. Our dealers work hard to offer you a wide choice of items that

The quality of many antique, vintage or retro items is often much higher than what is new today and prices can be much cheaper than modern equivalents. Best of all, it’s ‘Fun at our Fairs...’ n www.b2bevents.info

you won’t find on the High Street.

Children of all ages enjoy the variety of play and animal contact that is offered at Newbridge; feeding and holding animals, and having a lot of fun in our soft play areas, hay bale tunnels, rope swing, sandpits, zipwire, car track, trampolines, and playframes!

Parents love our large, open play area, offering a safe play environment for their children.

Our family run farm park is a perfect way to spend a summers day with your family and friends!

Our friendly selection of animals, including

alpacas,

donkeys,

rabbits, & goats, will be happy to greet you! You can also experience a fast & bumpy tractor ride!

Check our website or Facebook page for more details and events. n

Outdoor Laser Tag Parties Redpoint Climbing Centre An outdoor laser tag party at Shooting 4 Fun is a safe, noncontact game for youngsters.

Open combat in our 4.5. acre woodland setting in Hanbury, Worcestershire, is the perfect activity for birthday parties.

Our Razorback Pro Battle Gun is sleek and rugged, made from space age composite material used

in

precision

firearms.

Designed by some of the best engineers in the industry these taggers have a powerful 8-Core Processor propelling every gun matched with a super powered RF Radio! We think it’s the best laser tag gun in the world!

Real time scoring means players can check hits, kills, who is winning, ammo, accuracy, team lives and deaths and many more features on the guns.

No Paint, No Pain, No Mess! Our outdoor laser tag guns are pure fun. No balls flying around, no

paint mess and certainly no nasty red marks on you afterwards.

Kids play in teams, picking each other off as they amass hit and loss points. Prepare for combat and hunt your friends down before they do the same to you… you’ll have to be stealth like and tactical to win your game.

You can play laser tag at our Oaklands Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Hanbury or we can bring the fun to you – Outdoor Laser Tag Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

• Exclusive use of our 4.5 acre woodland setting in Hanbury, Worcestershire.

• 90 minutes playing time.

• Additional 30 minutes to enjoy a party picnic.

• Invitations supplied.

Laser Tag is suitable for ages 6+. Players below the age of 12 years use our more lightweight crystallite guns. n

n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

Redpoint Climbing Centre are running a summer club over the school summer holidays, offering a multi-activity day for your little ones aged 7+.

The climbing centre has 1,500 square metres of bouldering and climbing walls. From complete beginners to veteran climbers,

there’s something for everyone.

Three times a week on a Monday, Thursday and Friday, there is an after-school climbing club between 4:30pm and 5:30pm.

On Saturday and Sunday they have Rock Monkeys between 10:30am and 12:30pm which is open to all ages between 3 and 17 years old. n

OUR EVENTS DIARY

Worcestershire

Now

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

Genna McCann-Taylor

Rachel Seabright

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

Tel: 01905 727900 Email: rachel@pw-media.co.uk

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 39 n

OUR EVENTS DIARY

The Amazing Hedge Puzzle Far Forest Countryside Show The Jubilee Maze is one of Britain’s most famous traditional hedge mazes, with a romantic temple at the centre and over a kilometre of hedges. It was planted by Lindsay and Edward Heyes in 1977.

Find your way then play! This maze is a great place to play tag or Marco Polo with all the family.

Not up to running around? Play by stealth! There’s a viewing platform for calling directions... but who can you trust? It’s not too difficult to have fun, but if you are up for a serious challenge you should investigate the history of labyrinths at the Museum of Mazes.

With myths, maths, mysteries and magic, it’s all hands-on, with puzzles about making mazes. How about a maze with just one path and no hedge?

Well, the earliest mazes were never intended to be puzzles for people... they were used as traps for evil spirits. Discounted tickets including the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo are available, and Wye Valley Miniature Golf rounds at half price when you visit the aMazing Hedge Puzzle.

The maze is in the Wye Valley at Symonds Yat between Ross on Wye and Monmouth and a walk away from Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean. n

Hampton Court Castle

of farm machinery including classic tractors and stationary engines. Displays of vintage cars and caravans contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere always created by the countryside show.

The Far Forest Countryside Show, which has been going from strength to strength over the last few years, is now established as a two-day event over the second weekend in August. Since becoming a full weekend show three years ago it now draws around 10,000 visitors, attracted by the mix of traditional countryside pursuits, fantastic arena events and high quality stalls selling a wide variety of products, including food, wine, gifts and even livestock in the form of chickens.

This year’s show which takes place on the 11th and 12th August promises to be better than ever with Saturday evening entertainment and a programme of talks and displays in the horticulture marquee. The theme of this year’s show is Roald Dahl.

There’s

always

something

happening at Hampton Court Castle, Herefordshire.

This ‘Gem of a Find’ set in hundreds of acres in the heart of Herefordshire is a day out not to be missed.

The award winning gardens alone will take your breath away. The Victorian

walled

gardens

are

divided by water canals, pleached avenues and pavilions. The Kitchen garden is an ornamental garden of fruit and vegetables. Beautiful herbaceous borders stretch out from the 150 year old Wisteria tunnel that leads to vast lawns and ancient trees beside the Castle.

The 1,000 yew tree maze, and sunken garden with a cascading waterfall, completes the picture.

Founded by King Henry IV in

the early 15th century, and built as a result of a knight’s bravery at Agincourt, the Castle has been on an interesting, and sometimes surprising, journey through the centuries.

You can enjoy a 45 minute guided tour to learn about the history four times a day.

Go to our website to see what special events are happening for all the family throughout the season.

The gardens are open every day until 16th September 2018. The Castle is open most days except for private functions, see our website for any days it may be closed.

We would like to extend a very warm invitation for you to visit us and see what we have to offer – we don’t think you would be disappointed!. n

n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

The Stannage International Display Team are headlining the entertainment in the main arena and their daring motor bike stunts and pyrotechnics are sure to provide excitement.

Other acts in the main arena include The Falconry Centre whose interactive show is always spectacular and popular, and displays by Zennor’s Dance and Musical Theatre Academy.

The lower arena will host two days of canine capers, including IQ competitions and a fun dog show to enter as well as Dog Agility and Obedience displays from visiting teams.

There are a considerable number of animal exhibits where visitors can interact with farm birds, sheep, pigs, and horses among others, as well as take a walk with an alpaca.

Continuing the countryside theme there will be displays

Entertainment around the showground is always wonderful and provides varied entertainment including live music from the music stage, rides and activities for the young (and sometimes the not so young) which this year includes, pony rides, tractor rides and much more. There will be a treasure hunt for children of all ages to find the Roald Dahl characters.

All will be welcome to attend in fancy dress if they wish.

Of special interest this year is an opportunity to meet John Chalice from tv’s Only Fools and Horses who will be signing copies of his book on Sunday.

Food is of course of paramount importance and so the show offers a wide range of sandwiches and homemade cakes provided by the Far Forest WI through cream teas to gourmet burgers.

The food marquee is always a great attraction with locally produced products on sale to take away. Breads, cheeses, pickles, drinks and ice-cream to name but few of the delights available inside.

There is a licenced bar and teas and coffees are also on sale around the ground. Gates open at 9.30am on both days. On the Saturday evening entertainment will go on until 10 pm with the bar open until 11pm, and it is hoped that visitors will stay and be entertained in a relaxing atmosphere in the beautiful setting of the Callow Hill Showground. For those who wish to spend a full weekend at the show, overnight camping is available. Card and cashback transactions will be available onsite. n For further information and advance ticket purchases visit: www.farforestshow.co.uk

OUR EVENTS DIARY

LOOKING FOR FUN? SHARE THE JOY WITH EVERYONE

• aMazing • Hedge Puzzle • Wye Valley • Butterfly Zoo • Miniature • Golf • Wye Valley • Warfare Laser Ops

Symonds Yat West HR9 6DA

Visit butterflyzoo.co.uk FOR EVERYDAY VALUE TICKET PRICES AND EXCLUSIVE ONLINE OFFERS!

Open daily from 10am • Safe secure metered parking t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 41 n

OUR EVENTS DIARY

Pershore Plum Festival

Pershore Plum Festival is a unique, award winning event with a plethora of plum events for all the family that runs throughout August celebrating the fruit that has made the town famous.

Visit Plum Alley every Saturday throughout August to enjoy superb entertainment provided by local artists raising money for their chosen charities; savour the delights of unique plum food and drink and buy a momento of your visit from the Festival merchandise stand – so many new products on offer this year – don’t miss them!

Saturday 11th August sees the inaugural National Plum Day when Pershore and its Plum Festival leads the UK in the celebration of the plum – visit Plum Alley to join in the plum fun. Also taking place on the 11th August is the Pershore Plum Touch Rugby Day in Wyre Piddle – a taster day including demonstrations of adult and junior rugby with have a go classes.

It’s back - Pershore Past & Present The Plum Festival, along with the Fuller family, is delighted to be hosting the resurrection of a much loved and much valued slide show depicting the history of Pershore and its surrounding area. This event will take place on Thursday 9th August at the Baptist Church, Pershore. Tickets are priced at £7 and are available from Pershore Town Hall. n 42 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

Plum Coach Tours will take place on the 8th and 15th August – a unique tour for all plum lovers including the opportunity to pick your own from the orchards owned by the Vale Landscape Heritage Trust. Pick up points in YOUR area - Booking essential call 01386 792206.

Thursday 23rd August sees the famous Pershore Bike Nite return to the town - ALL bikes (especially purple ones!) are welcome to an evening of fun for all ages. Live music with Soul Stripper and plenty of plum food and drink.

Pershore’s first ever Plum Football Festival will take place on Saturday 25th August – an event aiming to promote football to all races, genders and disabilities. Culminating in a match between Growers United FC and Manchester City Legends.

The second ever running of the National Plum Jerkum competition will take place at the Great Comberton Flower show on the same afternoon.

The culmination of plum pleasure takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend – a three day extravaganza with something for ALL the family, the spectacle of purple and yellow shop windows; the excitement of the Plum Plodders 10K race; the “purple” dogs at the Plum Pooches dog show; the thrills and spills in the Plum Fun Zone; the joyous open

air Plum Praise service; cycling for all ages with the Plum Peddle push; motoring enthusiasts will be overjoyed with the classic and vintage cars and food lovers cant miss the Food Village. Award winning farmers market, boat trips, arts and crafts a Beer Festival and much much more - DON’T MISS IT!!

The final Plum event of the year is the ever popular Plum Bikeaway taking place on Sunday 16th September and offering cyclists the option of three plum routes from 8 to 52 miles. To register visit www.bikeawayventures.co.uk For more information regarding any Plum Festival event or activity, contact Angela Taylor on 01386 565373 Email: info@pershoreplumfestival.org.uk www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk G Pershore Plum Festival t @Plum Festival

OUR EVENTS DIARY

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OUR EVENTS DIARY

Great Adventures Start with Caravan Stuff 4U

and explore the scenery. You’ll be needing essential kit and maybe thinking about changing your van so check out our awning range. We’ll be here too come Winter when your pipes have frozen, you’ve run out of Calor gas or you fancy a cosy cover for your van.

Our commitment to the planet...

Based in a beautiful part of Worcestershire and close to the Malvern Hills, we want to keep our environment healthy. Having re-used our waste packaging since our brand was born over 14

It’s been an exciting year here at Caravan Stuff 4 U...

Our speedy warehouse team have picked and packed thousands of parcels every week for home delivery all over the UK and beyond, and our super Customer Service team have helped all our lovely customers to get the best deals on the products you love. We are proud of our dedicated staff and to top it off we’ve recently been awarded Best Caravan Accessories

n 44 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

Retailer 2018 - UK by the 2018 Midlands Enterprise Awards, hosted by SME-News!

We’ve been here for you through it all...

During the wet and windy Spring our team were here when you wanted kettles, televisions and tie-down kits and In July’s heat-wave we’ve been here when you’ve needed fans, barbecues and chairs to relax in.

Autumn means the kids back at school and a quieter time for you to roam the open road

years ago, we are now reducing our need for plastics. Most of our parcels are now sent to you in recycled or recyclable packaging rather than in polythene bags and we’re working towards making our premises more energy efficient in partnership with the SevernWye Energy Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.

We stock everything you need for your next great adventure so come and visit us today for a truly great shopping experience! n

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What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th August Battle of Evesham

AUGUST

War. Tickets cost: £3 for students, £5 for BOWS members, £7 for guests

Wednesday 1st

Saturday 4th

Minibeast Mystery

80s Messy Madness Churchfields Farm, Salwarpe, WR9 0AH. Join us for our messiest event yet! A 5k route of powdered paint, foam and gunge. Run or walk the route in your funkiest 80s outfits!

On finishing you will get a unique medal and a scrumptious Churchfields ice cream.

On the day there will be a DJ providing the best in 80s entertainment, as well as an event village with additional family activities and the opportunity to participate in the on-site maize maze at a discounted price.

Participants will set off in 2 waves: First wave 10am – Families and young children (5years and above recommended). Second wave 11am – Children 12+ and adults.

Tickets from £20. For more information visit www.strichards.org.uk/events/

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip, Worcester, WR3 8SZ. 10am – 12pm. Join Worcestershire Wildlife Trust at Lower Smite farm for a fun morning of minibeast hunting and pond dipping. £3.50 per child, booking essential.

Thursday 2nd The Battle of Worcester Society – Civil War Nights – A Season of talks The Great Hall, The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester. 6pm – 8:30pm. Lucy Moore, Author, Historian and television presenter will talk about her recently published book Lady Fanshawe’s Receipt Book – the Life and Times of a Heroine of the English Civil n 46 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th Battle of Evesham Evesham

Town

Centre.

The

action-

packed weekend will include hundreds of re-enactors fighting ‘to the death’ on both days. The Battle of Evesham Grand Parade, with mounted knights in full amour will wind its way through the town the Saturday. On Evesham’s Crown Meadow, visitors can watch medieval musicians and dancing at the camp, along with craftsmen demonstrations

and

medieval

cookery.

Displays of 13th Century medicine, weapon demonstrations and the chance to see a mini Trebuchet in action will educate and intrigue the whole family. In addition, next to the camp, there will be falconry and equestrian displays, treasure trails and children’s activities. Various stalls and food outlets will be selling a range of dishes

>>

OUR EVENTS DIARY

Prams • Buggies • Cots • Furniture • Car Seats • High Chairs • Bedding • Nursery Accessories • Mattresses • Soft Toys • Clothes • and much more •

£25 off when you spend £250 Terms & Conditions apply

Call us on 01386 750888

Open every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10-4, Saturday 10-5 Orchard Cottage Farm, Croome Road, Defford, Worcestershire WR8 9AS

Please visit our website

www.pramandnursery.co.uk t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 47 n

What's On and snacks plus there will be a licensed bar. Free event. For more information visit www.battleofevesham.co.uk

Tuesday 7th Melody Mums Cutnall Green Memorial Hall, Addis Lane, Droitwich, WR9 0NE. 10am – 11am. Melody Mums is a fun and uplifting weekly daytime singing group for Parents2Be, Mums, Dads, & Carers that you bring your bumps, babies and toddlers along to with you. No need for childcare! The focus is on group singing for adults. The kids are our welcome guests.

Adults £6.50 Kids are FREE! For more information visit www.melodymums.com or contact Carrie on 07811 515 954 or carrie@melodymums.com

Saturday 11th Safari Trail Worcester Cathedral, 9 College Yard, Worcester, WR2 2LA. Ask a Cathedral Welcomer located by the main north porch entrance for the loan of a Safari backpack Seek out the pink giraffe and other animals on the safari trail that leads younger children around the Cathedral. Borrow a safari backpack with binoculars and torch to make your journey extra special. Free event.

Sunday 12th Worcester Show 2018 Gheluvelt Park, Worcester, WR1 3EY. 10am – 5pm. Don’t miss out on this year’s Worcester Show, set in the award-winning Green Flag Gheluvelt Park. The Worcester Show celebrates the creativity and green fingered skills of local people, alongside a whole raft of entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Over 10,000 people came to last year’s Show, and this year’s event promises to be just as much fun! There are 130 competitive classes to enter, ranging from growing giant vegetables to displaying flowers and floral decorations, creating handicrafts and photography, baking and modelling.

There really is something for everyone – including special classes for young people and novice growers. There are now Under 18’s classes in every Section, and a new Under 18’s Trophy will be awarded for the most points overall in these classes. All of the classes are free to enter. A wide range n 48 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

Saturday 11th August Safari Trail at Worcester Cathedral

of food and beverage outlets is on offer, catering for all tastes. The Pump House Environment Centre will be open as usual – enjoy a cuppa there, while finding out more about recycling and other environmental issues. So whether you have entered your prized flowers, vegetables, culinary masterpieces, photographs or crafts or just wish to browse the displays, enjoy music and dancing or simply wander through the market street stalls –The Worcester Show is the place to be! For more information visit www.worcestershow.org.uk

Wednesday 22nd Whose Poo? Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip, Worcester, WR3 8SZ. 1pm – 3pm. Explore the woodland at

Worcestershire

Wildlife

Trust’s

headquarters and try to identify animals by their tracks and droppings. £3.50 per child, booking essential.

Saturday 25th Totally Tina Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED. 7:30pm. It’s been the UK’s official number one Tina Turner tribute for the

past five years, with a Lifetime Achievement Award under its belt and a hectic, fastgrowing gig schedule right across the UK and into Europe to boot. The cast of ‘Totally Tina’ it seems, is definitely ‘better than all the rest’. Now seven years in the making, the longest running tribute to the Queen of Rock and Roll is in demand, yet with the same passion, drive and attention to detail that’s earned Liverpool-born Justine Riddoch and her band the top spot since 2013, the talents behind this much-loved Show are not resting on their laurels. Instead, they are already fine-tuning what is a unique celebration of Tina’s live concert career with a whole host of exciting set changes and flamboyant costumes, pulsating new dance routines and the characteristic custom twists which make it a hit with an army of fans nationwide. Most importantly, and for the first time ever, the band has been asking its audiences what they’d like to hear played, so songs like I Can’t Stand The Rain, Typical Male, Undercover Agent for the Blues, I Don’t Wanna Lose You, Help and Legs – all chosen by the fans – will be added to classic favourites like Nutbush City Limits and Simply The Best. Tickets - £20. To book or for more information call the box office on 01905 611427

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OUR EVENTS DIARY

Competition MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW

Malvern Autumn Show in association with Westons Cider Mill will return this September with a feast of family entertainment, artisan produce, and food and gardening royalty. The harvest show of the season in association with Westons Cider Visitor Centre will showcase the best seasonal food and gardening in the stunning setting at the foot of the Malvern Hills.

Visitors to the show will be able to browse top exhibits in the Flower Show and purchase top quality plants from these awardwinning nurseries. Each year, the show proves a one-stop destination for gardeners in search of advice for preparing and restocking their gardens for the winter months.

The CANNA UK National Giant Vegetable Championship promises to return bigger and better than ever before with a broad variety of oversized vegetables.

Nostalgia and retro fans can discover hidden gems in the Vintage Village with an array of eclectic finds including fashion, homewares, classic cars and more.

Malvern Autumn Show is a show for all the family and throws open its gates to welcome toddlers to teenagers and big kids too.

The Malvern Autumn Show will take place on Saturday 29 September and Sunday 30 September. Tickets are now on sale.

Advanced tickets are priced at £17 for adults and £6 for children.

Tickets are available on the gate at £21 for adults and £8 for children. Family and group tickets are available. n

WWW.MALVERNAUTUMN.CO.UK

To be in with a chance of winning one of three family tickets to the Malvern Autumn Show, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

In which month does the Malvern Autumn Show take place?

Answer: Name: Address: Tel:

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

Email:

Closing date for entries is 20th August 2018. n 50 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018

If you wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from The Three Counties Showground please tick this box

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n 52 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 180 | August 2018