Worcestershire Now - December 2019-January 2020

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Now

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A WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVE FOOD TRADITIONS WHAT’S ON IN YOUR AREA DECEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020 | ISSUE 195

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

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

Worcestershire

08

Now

22

20 DECEMBER 2019 - JANUARY 2020 HOME & GARDEN 08

Winter Wonderland

14

Transform Your Garden into a Winter Wildlife Haven

20

Nature Notebook

HEALTH & BEAUTY 22

24

Rejuvenate Your Skin

30

FOOD & DRINK 24

Festive Food Traditions

GOLDEN YEARS 30

Dementia is on the Rise

34

Burcot Grange Care Home Celebrates ‘Outstanding’ CQC Rating

38

EDUCATION 36

Leaders Urged to Tackle Inactivity in Young People

OUR EVENTS DIARY 38

36

What’s on this month?

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

NOW

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

ADVERTISING

01905 723011

Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk

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

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

nowmagazines.co.uk

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

DESIGN Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Daisy Bennett Wendy Carter Alzheimer’s Society The Artrix Burcot Grange Clearwell Caves Just Fabrics The Regal, Tenbury Worcester County Council Wyevale Garden Centres

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 @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire 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 HOW TO HAVE A GREENER CHRISTMAS AND CUT YOUR WASTE Christmas is always a time of excess; excess food; excess booze; excess waste... In the UK we create 30% more waste than usual over Christmas and Worcestershire County Council is encouraging residents to think about the waste their households are producing.

It is estimated that 2million turkeys, 17.2 million sprouts and 74 million mince pies go uneaten every year. Add this on top of 6 million Christmas trees and 1 billion Christmas cards, that is a massive amount of waste being produced.

There are many ways to help cut your waste and these can be seen on www.letswasteless.com, but the easiest ones are: • Save paper by sending e-cards. Or make a donation to charity in lieu of Christmas cards;

• Don’t buy glittery cards and paper – they can’t be recycled; • Check if your wrapping paper can be recycled by doing the “scrunch test” – if it springs back when scrunched up, it’s probably plastic based and needs to go into your black bin; • Buy gift experiences rather than physical presents.

• Shop locally when buying the food for Christmas Day; • Use the portion calculator on www.lovefoodhatewaste.com to make sure you don’t over cater. If you do, use your freezer as your friend and freeze what you can; • If you have gone overboard on boxes of biscuits and chocolates, why not donate

them to a local food bank; • After Christmas, remember to use your nearest Household Recycling Centre to recycle all your extra packaging, cans and bottles and use charity shops or go online to reuse children’s toys and bikes that have been superseded.

Remember – the main sources of extra rubbish are packaging, cardboard, glass, drinks cans and food, most of which can be recycled or composted-make it your New Year resolution to slim your bin! n Check www.letswasteless.com for what to do with all your waste and recycling and have a great waste free Christmas!

CHRISTMAS COMES TO BROMSGROVE

WITH A WINTER WEEKENDER AT ARTRIX

Bromsgrove might be feeling the winter chill, but it’s warm and festive at Artrix!

In a break from the tradition of the last few years, we’re taking this year’s festivities inside to the warmth of the foyer and stage, as Artrix hosts a Winter Weekender of festive family events, live music, food and good cheer!

The Winter Weekender festivities begin on Saturday 7 December from 11am for a fun-filled family day inspired by the festive classic The Polar Express (Cert U). Come dressed in your pyjamas and be whisked away on a magical adventure to the North Pole with a screening of the best-loved film The Polar Express, a free hot chocolate for every child, followed by festive music and activities in the foyer. Tickets for this magical event are just £7 for adults, £5 for children or £20 for a family of four. The wonder never fades for those who believe!

Later the same day, Artrix welcomes legendary folk collective Quill for their Christmas Concert. From 8pm, lead vocalist Joy Strachan-Brain heads up the seven piece band in an eclectic mix of Christmas favourites.

Expect stylish covers of well-known Christmas songs, Fairytale In New York, Rocking Around

The Christmas Tree and Happy Christmas

(War is Over) plus original songs such as Grey Goose Call. Get ready for a fabulous night of music. Tickets for Quill Christmas Concert are £20 each.

But the very next day... on Sunday 8 December Artrix is screening latest rom-com Last Christmas (Cert 12A) at 11am. Starring Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians), Last Christmas is a romantic comedy inspired by a George Michael beat. Kate (Emilia Clarke), harumphs around London, a bundle of bad decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes. When Kate meets Tom (Henry Golding) on the job as an elf in a Christmas shop, her life takes an unexpected turn. As London transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you gotta let the snow fall where it may, you gotta listen to your heart … and you gotta have faith. Last Christmas features the music of George Michael, including the bittersweet holiday classic of the film’s title.

Audiences are encouraged to get into the Christmas spirit by sporting their very best

n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

(or worst!) Christmas jumpers! Tickets for Last Christmas are £8 each or £6 for concessions.

On the evening of Sunday 8 December Cara Dillon returns to Artrix with her Christmas show Upon A Winter’s Night at 8pm. Cara and her band will once again capture the mystery of Christmas with a collection of songs, ancient and modern, providing a welcome reminder that the festive season can be about more than just commercialism. Tickets for Cara Dillon are £23.50 each.

Throughout the Winter Weekender there will be festive music in the foyer and mince pies in the cafe. The merriment continues throughout December with a great mix of live theatre including Little Star Baby Show on 17 December and Santa’s Christmas Countdown on 23 & 24 December, along with All & Sundry’s Panto, Snow White from 14 December.

There will also be all the very best in festive films from the latest releases, including Frozen 2 and Hollywood classics Singing In The Rain and Calamity Jane. n For full details of all events and the most up to date listings visit www.artrix.co.uk.

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HERE & NOW

Just Fabrics Opens Spacious New Showroom On Monday 16th December thriving Cotswolds based soft furnishing retailer Just Fabrics are expanding to open a brand-new interiors showroom, warehouse and offices in the Kingsditch Retail Park, on Runnings Road in Cheltenham.

Spread over a spacious 10,000sq foot, the fully refurbished unit has been designed to provide an inspirational space that will house Just Fabrics’ extensive range of beautiful woven and printed interior fabrics from the most creative fabric houses and showcase their bespoke, made to measure services.

Just Fabrics Managing Director Ross Pieters is proud to be investing in the new location in Cheltenham: ‘I am delighted to have found the perfect opportunity to support this vibrant and thriving Regency town.

Increasing our showroom space from our existing unit will allow us to expand our ranges, create inspiring displays, offer our customers a programme of workshops and

instore events and importantly create new jobs in the area.’

Established over 30 years ago in the iconic market town of Burford, Just Fabrics has bucked the retail trend of late and seen remarkable growth over the past 5 years. Their broad customer base, ranging from individual homeowners and crafters to professional interior designers, are offered an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of competitively priced soft furnishing fabrics and services. Beginning out of one small fabric shop in the Cotswolds, Just Fabrics has evolved into one of the largest independent fabric retailers in the country. With significant growth in online sales, the new location enables Just Fabrics to serve local, national and international customers.

Ross Pieters concludes: ‘We are very excited to have such a significant presence in Cheltenham and very much look forward to engaging with our loyal customers as well as meeting new.’ n

Christmas at Clearwell Caves:

Archie & the Unicorn

magical journey through the story to a happy ending on Christmas Day.

Christmas at Clearwell Caves takes you into a whole other world where forests grow underground and the delightful new story of ‘Archie and the Unicorn’ unfolds in beautiful displays through caverns filled with twinkling lights. Father Christmas awaits you, along with his elves, who will help you choose an early gift.

Half-way through, in the largest cavern, there are Christmas stalls where you can buy stocking fillers, Christmas decorations and seasonal treats. There’s also a festive underground café selling hot drinks and cakes before you continue on your

New Girls Football Team Nets

Sponsorship From Local Housebuilder

A new football team created for girls aged 9 and under has bagged sponsorship from housebuilder, Bloor Homes, which is building The Grove at Worcester development off Oak View Way, to the west of the city.

West Worcester Youth FC, which was set up four years ago, has secured kit sponsorship from Bloor Homes for its new under 9 girls’ team.

Simon Hill, Chairman of West Worcester Youth FC, said: “There is very little funding for grassroots football, so we rely on the support of local businesses, like Bloor Homes, to help us make football accessible to as many children as possible in the local community.

Sally Holt, Regional Senior Sales Manager at Bloor Homes Western, added: “We are always looking for ways to contribute to the local communities where we build new homes and are particularly pleased to be able to support a new girls’ team, providing opportunities for more young girls to access the sport.”

The Grove at Worcester is a superior development of two-, three- and fourbedroom homes and two- bedroom apartments off Oak View Way, only 3 miles from Worcester city centre. Potential housebuyers can view the new three-bedroom The Heywood and four-bedroom The Wyatt and The Brooke house-type showhomes.

The houses at The Grove at Worcester are all available to buy with the Government Help to Buy scheme. It enables buyers to secure a new home with just a five percent deposit and a 75 percent mortgage. The remaining 20 percent is provided as a Government equity loan, which is interest free for the first five years.

The scheme is currently available on homes up to the value of £600,000. With its location on the outskirts of Worcester and with good travel links into the city and nearby towns and cities including Hereford, Cheltenham and Gloucester, The Grove will be attractive for a variety of house hunters, from first-time buyers and downsizers to growing families.

Strong demand is anticipated from the local community. To find out more about the homes available at The Grove, please call {have requested no. from Space & Time} or visit www.bloorhomes.co.uk n

n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

On the surface, there is an unusual gift shop, lovely café with a roaring fire and free parking.

This is a magical experience for both children and adults and the perfect way to start your Christmas.

To book, visit the website or call between 10am–4pm on weekdays.

Opening Times: 29th November – 23rd December: 10am – 5pm (daily except late night Fridays). Late night opening on Fridays: last entry 7pm (close 8pm). 24th December, Christmas Eve: 10am-4pm. n www.clearwellcaves.co.uk Tel: 01594 832535

Snow White at The Regal Over the past six years the professional pantomime at The Regal in Tenbury had been growing in style, quality and reputation. Once again this year promises to be even bigger and better with it’s very own in house production of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’.

The cast of professional actors will be supported by 28 junior ensemble cast members who have all been individually selected from Tenbury and the surrounding areas.

From Wednesday 18 December through to January 3 there will be a total of 28 performances including 14 matinees and one special relaxed performance on Thursday 2 January. It’s best to book your tickets early though, as some performance have already sold out!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs promises to bring everything you want from a pantomime to the Regal including laughs, audience par ticipation, singing, dancing and a little bit of cheekiness! And of course, a Pantomime is not a Pantomime without a Wicked Queen to boo and hiss at and a Dame to make you laugh (and possibly blush), all framed around a classic fairytale love story that has been passed down through the ages. All the music will be performed live by professional musicians adding to the atmosphere and experience of this quality production. n Tickets are available from regaltenbury.co.uk or from box office on 01584 811 422

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HOME & GARDEN

W

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r, yea d. s i h n or t nderla c e as d ter wo m t s i n Chr fect wi r u r o to y the pe e l k r g spa reatin y r c e t win uide to e m so ur g Add wing o ollo by f

n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

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HOME & GARDEN

Christmas is fast approaching and if you’re stuck of ways to decorate, why not adorn the house in a Narnia inspired Winter Wonderland, full of enchanting decorations and timeless elegance.

A white Christmas is not always guaranteed, but you can get a feel for a crisp winter evening by bringing the outdoors in. White for the snow, pale blue for the cold sky and evergreen colours, blend together with silvery metallic tones to make the perfect magical space. Warm the space up by adding different textures such as pale wood, faux fur and frosted glass.

We take a closer look at the different ways you can bring your home to life and get in the festive spirit.

The Tree Modern Christmas trees originated during the Renaissance of early modern Germany.

Usually an evergreen conifer, such as a spruce, pine or fir, the Christmas tree was originally decorated with paper decorations and edible treats. If you prefer a traditional look and want a real tree this Christmas, place

white ornaments along with pale green and blue accents to get a more crisp feel. Get the whole family involved and create your own

Grey & Silver Christmas Cushion - £9.95 www.dibor.co.uk

baubles and garlands made from white paper or even old newspaper. Snowflake shapes can add a simple wintery effect.

Alternatively, choose a white tree for a dramatic effect and add in metallic decorations to add a frosty look. Darker shades look best on a white tree, but to make the overall look feel more natural, add a hint of red for berries or wooden forest animals like the beautiful silver glittery bristle owl pictured opposite from Dobbies Garden Centre or pinecones placed sporadically on the branches. If you prefer a more traditional look and want a real tree this Christmas, place white ornaments along with pale green and blue accents to get a more crisp feel.

If you want a more minimalist look to your home, go for a simple tree and add simple decorations and LED lights that are made to last year after year.

n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Frosted Flower and Pinecone Christmas Wreath - £25 www.dibor.co.uk

Lay the Table

to your home. Wreaths invite the spirit of

When it comes to laying the table, silver

Christmas into the home along with the belief

and white are the standard colours that

that they spread good luck. Traditionally

you use every day of the year, so spruce up

made of evergreens, wreaths also symbolize

your Christmas dinner table by bringing the

eternal life, holly oak, and red berries. The

outdoors inside. Paint pine cones a frosty

wreath opposite from Dibor, embodies the

white colour and add some silvery sparkle

winter wonderland theme and combines

to the ends. Go on a forest walk and pick

frost flower and pinecones capturing the

up twigs, pine cones and crisp leaves to

beauty of a glistening frost. Featuring silver

then brighten up at home. Candles are also

pinecones, pine cone flowers and pearl-

reminiscent of a romantic winter walk, but if

coloured Osmanthus fruits, it is finished with

you’re frightened of recreating Bonfore night

added sparkling shimmer for a brilliant look.

in front of family and friends, buy LED candles

This hand finished wreath is equally suited to

that give the same effect.

being hung on your front door, or indoors on

If you’re feeling really crafty, use old jars and fill with biodegradeable fake snow and

Large Stag Tea Light Holder - £69 www.marksandspencer.co.uk

the back of a door, mantelpiece or shelf using the attached jute string.

Christmas ornaments, to create small wintery

Line your staircase with an LED candle on

scenes. For a dramatic effect choose the

each step. This will make sure they last for

silvery stag Tea Light holder from Marks and

the duration of the Christmas period Twist

Spencer (shown below); the perfect finishing

evergreen branches around a wire mesh

touch. Its antlers are adorned with six candle

and attach around the banister. Sporadically

holders to make a striking feature out of your

place silverly glass baubles and white icicle

tea lights.

decorations to give it that festive feel. n

Finishing Touches

By Daisy Bennett

Welcome the festive spirit into your home by adding special touches to the entrance

n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

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www.bromsgrovewindowdoor.co.uk n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

So, as 82% of the British public want to attract more wildlife to their gardens and help the birds, bees and hedgehogs, Wyevale Garden Centres and The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) are providing ‘wildlife guardians’ with ten top tips on how to start creating safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly havens for wildlife to flourish through the cold season.

Mark Sage, Head of Horticulture at Wyevale Garden

Centres,

says:

“Whatever

size

outdoor space you have and whether you live in the country or an urban environment, I guarantee you’ll be able to see and support a range of species over the autumn and winter. Protecting wildlife over the cooler seasons is extremely important – it’s also a great way of getting your children excited about – and closer to - nature.”

John Capper, National Account Manager from the RSPB, says: “Although feeding birds is important all year round, it can be life-saving during the winter – when food is scarce and the cold can take its toll.

Birds need high-energy foods such as suet

balls or cakes during the cold weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights. Sunflower seeds and nuts are also high in fat, as are small black nyjer seeds, which are favourite of goldfinches and siskins, though you will need a special feeder as they are particularly small.

Peanuts should be fed in a secure Nut & Nibble feeder to avoid birds choking. They can also contain a natural toxin which can kill birds so make sure you buy your peanuts from a reputable trader. Avoid bird seed mixtures with wheat and barley grains, split peas, beans, dried rice or lentils. These are added to some lower seed mixes to bulk them up but only attract the larger birds such as pigeons and doves. The better mixtures contain plenty of naked oats, sunflower seeds, and peanut granules.”

wild area also provides a home for insects

Wyevale Garden Centres list 10 ways to transform your garden into a wildlife haven for winter:

back to the same box in spring to nest. Nest

1. Keep gardens untidy!

If you can leave an area of your garden naturally unkempt, hedgehogs, dormice and other wildlife can use the fallen leaves, twigs and dead vegetation to build their nests. A

wagtails. The RSPB recommends that you

that hedgehogs and birds can feed on.

2. Hedgehog homes and compost heaps You can make a hedgehog home from woodpiles, which will give the nations much loved spiky friends somewhere to hide, sleep and hunt for insects. Shelter is essential for a hedgehog’s survival during the winter so choose a quiet spot that is unlikely to be disturbed from November to March when they will be hibernating. Compost heaps also provide another cosy location, so check for signs of wildlife before turning it and try not to empty your bin before April to avoid evicting any hibernating wildlife.

3. Nesting boxes for birds Put up a nesting box as small birds will use them as shelter in winter and often come boxes with a hole of 32mm is perfect for blue tits, great tits and house sparrows whilst open boxes will attract robins, wrens or pied site your nesting box to face between north and east, so that it’s shielded from direct

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n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

sunlight and the wettest winds, and well out of reach of roaming cats and squirrels.

4. Ponds Unless you have a very shallow pond, it’s unlikely to freeze and will remain a crucial spot for birds to drink and find bugs and insects to eat at a time when other sources of food and water are scarce. Bathing’s also important for birds as they need to keep their feathers in good condition and coated in natural oils to help keep them warm. Hedgehogs are able to swim and may want a dip before they hibernate, so make sure there is a sloping edge so that they can easily climb out.

privacy in your garden so hedgehogs and

supplies for birds through the winter, these

other garden wildlife, before they hibernate,

berry trees make great refuges for birds to

can get in and out with ease. Hedging is also

hide in.

an excellent habitat for wildlife; evergreen hedges such as holly ‘Handsworth New Silver’ and firethorn ‘Teton’ (Pyracantha) not only provide year round colour but their

9. Bug homes and butterfly boxes You can buy or make a bug home or butterfly box so insects can sleep soundly over the

berries provide winter food for garden birds.

colder months. You may find some species

7. Fences

hollows in trees and ivy thickets, but it’s best

If hedging isn’t an option for your garden,

to just leave them alone until the spring.

you can create a five inch hole in the bottom of your fence or gate so that hedgehogs and other wildlife can crawl in and out. If your

of butterfly hibernating in sheds, outhouses,

10. Bird feeders Fat balls and cakes are full of high calories

neighbours do the same, you can create a

and perfect food for birds over winter. If they

series of ‘linked’ gardens through which

come in mesh bags take these off first, as

5. Bird baths and water features Make sure your bird baths and water features are clean, topped up and free from ice. You can do this by either putting a table tennis ball in the water (the breeze will move it and keep the bath free from ice); installing a heated bird-bath; moving it to a spot where it’ll get the most sun or pouring some hot water on the ice (make sure no wildlife are in the way before you add the hot water!).

wildlife can explore and hunt for food.

birds can get tangled in them. You can make

6. Hedges It’s best to use hedges rather than fences for

rose, wild rose, blackthorn or hawthorn. Not

8. Planting for wildlife Nectar and pollen tends to be in short supply during this time but they are still essential foods for many insects that over-winter as adults. The RSPB says that you should ensure you have some late-flowering plants such as Michaelmas daisies, sedums, ivy and asters.

And include some native trees and shrubs in your garden such as rowan, holly, guelder only will you be sure of creating natural food

n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

your own by adding a range of seeds, nuts and cheese to suet or lard. When buying bird food, always make sure it’s high quality as lower priced foods are often bulked out with nutrient poor grains like barley, or large pulses like lentils and beans, which only the very large birds can eat. Don’t put food out on bird tables or in open feeders as grey squirrels and other pests may get them before the birds! n www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

Female Chaffinch in the snow © Mark Hamblin 2020VISION

Bachelor Birds The familiar chaffinch in your garden may be joined by its continental cousins this winter.

British chaffinches are relatively sedentary and largely resident, pairs stay together throughout the winter.

Their Scandinavian counterparts, however, are migratory and move through Europe as their cold weather arrives – many arrive here in the UK and some will make their way into our gardens. Males spend their winters further north than females and juveniles, often congregating in large flocks, which has earned them the nickname of ‘bachelor birds’.

Chaffinches are traditionally woodland birds and the song of the male chaffinch was one of the first songs that I remember learning. It’s hard to describe but once you’ve picked it out from other birdsong, it’s easy to remember; some people describe the ending flourish, which follows a series of staccato notes, as sounding like ‘ginger beer’. You can be fooled, however, as chaffinches have regional accents and don’t always sound quite how you’d expect them to.

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

You’re unlikely to hear chaffinch song during winter but come spring, listen out for the male proclaiming his territory; he’ll sing his catchphrase up to 3000 times a day! As the breeding season gets going, the females take charge - choosing the nest site and raising the young (it takes more than 1300 visits to build a nest). The female birds are a rather dull colour compared with the flashy tones of the males but this is often the case in the bird world as it’s frequently the females who spend more time on the nest and, therefore, need to be better camouflaged.

n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

If you spend time feeding and watching the unfolding soap opera of birds visiting your garden you may have noticed that chaffinches occasionally have growths on their legs. These are caused by mites or a virus and whilst some birds can survive for long periods, complications can arise. It’s one of the reasons that it’s so important to regularly clean your bird feeding area; whilst many birds have adapted to our gardens, communal feeding in this way is artificial and can quickly spread disease.

For more information about the health of wildlife in your garden visit www.gardenwildlifehealth.org.

At this time of year it’s really important to give our garden wildlife a helping hand. From creating a wildlife-friendly garden to putting out seed, your garden birds will be grateful during this time when their natural foods are much harder to come by. It’s well worth looking at bird food producers like Vine House Farm, who not only deliver to your door but also help wildlife on their farm too. Vine House Farm also donate 4% of their sales to local Wildlife Trusts (£10 for new customers) so it’s a win-win situation. You can find more on their website www.vinehousefarm.co.uk If you’re feeding the birds and helping wildlife in your garden, why not consider pledging your patch for wildlife and help us to turn Worcestershire wild www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/pledgeapatch. n Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

NATURE NOTEBOOK

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Rejuvenate Your Skin Give life back to your skin in the New Year by trying some of these Winter skin friendly products.

No7 PROTECT AND PERFECT ADVANCED DAY CREAM 50ml - £25 Smooth the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles and help delay new ones with No7’s advanced protecting & renewing daytime formula. www.boots.com

sk:n CALMING BODY LOTION - £21 sk:n Calming Body Lotion leaves skin feeing soft, comfortable and hydrated all day long. Suitable for all skin types, it provides an instant soothing effect on the skin, leaving skin feeling nourished and comfortable. www.sknclinics.co.uk

CUREL - From £12.50 Renowned for its unique propriety Ceramide Care System, the top-selling Japanese skincare range was created to replenish, protect and promote the natural ceramide moisturisers in the skin. The products are exclusively sold in Boots stores.

n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

SKINFUL PURE MARINE COLLAGEN POWDER - £35 Add Skinful collagen powder to protein balls, muffins and cookies, as well as soups and stews. Collagen offers support to everything from our skin, muscles and bones to our fingernails and hair. www.barebiology.com

E.L.F SUPERMASK - £12 This soothing treatment face mask is like a warm, comforting hug for your skin. This Cica mask helps to calm stressed skin for a complexion that’s as cool as a cucumber. www.elfcosmetics.co.uk

CLARINS PLANT GOLD - £48 A unique 2-in-1 oilemulsion moisturiser housed in an innovative dual-chamber bottle blends together the perfect balance of Clarins’ iconic Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil and a melting lotion providing skin with comfort, vitality, and radiance. www.clarins.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Lis Gardner

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Tel: 01905 727900

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Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727905

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FOOD & DRINK

Festive Food

Traditions

Food traditions are an important part the celebrations in countries around the world, even if the foods are different from country to country. Likewise, Santa is different too, depending on where you live.

You might indulge in mince pies,

time of the year for Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, a fast food chain. Because about 3.6 million Japanese families eat KFC on Christmas Eve, they often need to reserve their meal up to two months in advance.

or perhaps ham is more your style. For others, a holiday meal wouldn’t be complete without fried chicken, fruit cake or salted cod. Depending on where you grew up, and where you live now, the seasonal delicacies that grace your table may be sweet, savory, or a little bit of everything in-between.

So who looks forward all year to what?

Including what the world thinks is our Christmas centre piece.

1. Christmas Fried Chicken (Japan) Christmas Fried Chicken in Japan, the Christmas season is the most wonderful

n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

During the 1970s, KFC put together a holiday party bucket and behind it, a brilliant marketing plan. At the time, Japan didn’t have many Christmas traditions. KFC filled that void by telling consumers “here is something CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

FOOD & DRINK

Visit Gwillam’s this year for all your festive goodies Superb fresh local Poultry & Meat Dairy delights, cheeses,chutneys & biscuits Fantastic Vegetables & Fruit Together with your favourite tipples

All at sensible prices

Christmas & New Years Bookings NOW BEING TAKEN Enjoy a 5 Course Meal during the festive season Choose from the Indian or Traditional menu PER ADULT

PER CHILD

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

FOOD & DRINK

that you should do on Christmas”. The trend caught on quickly.

Today, the KFC Christmas bucket doesn’t include just fried chicken. It also includes a Christmas cake – another important food item on Japan’s holiday menu.

Originally kucios had nine dishes. It was a

Hanukkah tradition. Latkes are fried potato

pagan practice that later expanded to 12

pancakes are cooked in oil. This recognizes that

dishes (one for each apostle) when it was

the Second Temple kept the Menorah burning

appropriated by the Christian church.

with oil for eight days. Other dishes enjoyed as

No meat, dairy, or hot food are a part of this meal. Instead, it includes fish, breads, and vegetables. Some of the items you might

a part of this tradition include fried donuts and fritters. Hanukkah gelt, small chocolate coins, are given to children by relatives.

see on the menu are herring served in a tomato, mushroom or onion based sauce, smoked eel, vegetables such as potatoes, sauerkraut

and

mushrooms,

bread

or

cranberry pudding.

4. Christmas Goose (Germany) 2. Kucios (Lithuania) Kucios, the traditional Lithuanian Christmas dinner, is held on December 24th every year.

And hosting kucios is no small feat – this meal can take up to a week to prepare. For Lithuanians, the holidays are about spending time with family, so a week-long meal prep is certainly a great opportunity for families to get together and is likely why the tradition has persisted.

The German Christmas feast is historically centered around the Weihnachtsgans, the Christmas goose. A tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, eating goose was originally tied to St. Martin’s Day, but eventually became a part of the Christmas meal.

Often stuffed with apples, chestnuts, onions, 3. Latkes (Israel) Since the Middle Ages, latkes – in some form or another – have been an important part of

Christmas & New Years Bookings NOW BEING TAKEN

Enjoy a 5 Course Meal during the festive season Choose from the Indian or Traditional menu PER ADULT

PER CHILD

£29.95 £17.95 Open for Christmas Day Lunch

T: 01527 87 11 87

BOOK ONLINE: www.zingarestaurant.co.uk 3 Stoke Road, Astonfield, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 3EQ

n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

and prunes, then spiced with mugwort and CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

ADULTS £50 KIDS £25 (under 1.5 metres)

Christmas Day Lunch WEDNESDAY 25th DECEMBER FIVE COURSES TRADITIONAL OR TANDOORI CUISINE All orders must be placed and confirmed before 1st December 2019

1st Course

2nd Course

Served with crusty bread

King prawns cooked in a creamy garlic sauce

Vegetable Soup (V)

Garlic Mushrooms (V)

Tomato Soup (V)

Served with crusty bread

Mulligatawny Soup (V) A lemon and lentil soup served with crusty bread Prawn Cocktail

Prawns in a classic prawn cocktail sauce with segmented cucumber, tomatoes, spring onion & shredded lettuce

Poppadoms (V)

Served with sweet onion relish, mint sauce, chilli sauce and onion salad

3rd Course

Garlic King Prawns

Whole mushrooms simmered in a creamy garlic sauce

White Chicken Tikka

Tender chicken fillets marinated in yoghurt, cream, cardamom seeds and cheese. Then delicately grilled in a clay oven

Karahi Kebab

Exquisite seekh kebab cocktail served with fried onions, peppers, a hint of ginger and roasted garam masala

Roasted Paneer, Broccoli & Cauliflower (V)

Cubes of paneer, fresh broccoli and cauliflower marinated with exotic spices and roasted in the oven. Sprinkled with lime juice and garnished with fresh coriander and chat masala

ADVANCED BOOKING

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO AVOID ANY DISAPPOINTMENT

4th Course

Traditional Roast Turkey

Traditional Christmas Pudding

Maharaja Lamb

Decorated with mixed fruit, drizzled with strawberry sauce, served with crispy wafers

Served with stuffing, roast potatoes, parsnip, sprouts, sweet cabbage, carrots, mash, sweetcorn, gravy and cranberry sauce Lamb shank marinated overnight with our exquisite spices, slow roasted then served in a thick medium sauce with a medley or seasonal vegetables. Served with rice and naan bread

Maharani Chicken

Served with brandy sauce

Vanilla Ice Cream Kulfi Medley

A mix of pistachio, mango and coconut

Cheese & Biscuits

A selection of cheese and biscuits

Whole breast of chicken marinated overnight with light spices, coriander, garlic and parsley, stuffed with spinach and cheese then slow roasted and cooked in a light flavoured sauce and accompanied with lightly spiced seasonal vegetables. Served with rice and naan bread

Mango Cheesecake, Cherry Bakewell Tart and Hazelnut Praline Chocolate Bar

Tandoori Roasted Salmon

Luxurious Warm Gulab Jamun

Fresh salmon fillet marinated overnight with Five Spice tandoori spices and served with seasonal vegetables, slightly tossed in spices

Christmas Mixed Vegetable Relish (V)

Indian Honey Glazed Carrot Cake Served with vanilla ice cream

Trio of Desserts

Served with vanilla ice cream

5th Course Coffee & Mince Pies

Seasonal vegetables tossed in exquisite spices then cooked in our wonderful relish sauce. Served with rice and naan bread

New Years Eve PARTY and Four Course Dinner Come and join us for your New Year Party! TUESDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2019

FIRST SITTING

3 Course Dinner & Entertainment

£20.00 per person

Children - £10.95 (under 1.5 metres)

Tables must be vacated by 9pm and no Fireworks Show.

Bookings taken between 6pm-7pm.

SECOND SITTING

4 Course Dinner, Entertainment, Champagne, Fireworks & Dedicated Dance Floor & DJ

£45.00 per person. NO CHILDREN LIMITED SPACE. BOOKINGS ONLY. (Deposit of 50%pp required to confirm reservations)

Second sitting from 9pm-9.30pm. Dance Floor open at 11pm Champagne & Fireworks Show at Midnight

TEL: 01562 730 499 | WWW.FIVESPICEONLINE.CO.UK

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n MONDAY - THURSDAY: 5PM - MIDNIGHT | FRIDAY - SATURDAY: 5PM - 1AM | SUNDAY: 1PM - 11PM

FOOD & DRINK

marjoram, the goose is served alongside red cabbage, dumplings, gravy and sauerkraut.

5. Panettone (Italy) Italy has numerous regional traditions when it comes to Christmas dinner. In some parts of Italy, they celebrate with The Feast of the Seven Fishes. This meal includes seven different fish prepared in seven different ways.

More often than not, two of the featured items are baccala (salted cod) and calamari. In other areas, they eat roasted lamb, or poultry roasted or boiled and seasoned with sauce.

Sweets also play an important role during the holiday season, and in Northern Italy, one of

Other foods that may be a part of the filling are garlic, onion, potatoes, or raisins.

7. Christmas Pudding (UK) This dish goes by many names. Whether you call it figgy pudding, plum pudding, ‘pud’ or Christmas pudding, this dessert is a key Christmas tradition in England, Ireland and some parts of the US. Despite its name, plum pudding doesn’t actually include plums. PreVictorian era, ‘plums’ referred to what we now call raisins, and because dried fruits are an important part of this pudding, it is how it earned its name. Primarily made of suet, egg, molasses, spices, and dried fruits, Christmas pudding is set alight with brandy immediately before it is served.

dessert, have emerged. Now you can find recipes for anything from tiramisu to cranraspberry mascarpone, caramel cream to Meyer lemon.

9. Kolivo (Bulgaria) Kolivo, boiled wheat with sugar and walnuts, is often the first item to appear on tables come Christmas Eve in Bulgaria. Similar to a pudding, both Russia and Poland (kutia) have comparable dishes.

Sometimes served with honey, poppyseed, other grains, rice, beans, or dried fruit, kolivocan be prepared many different ways. It is often connected with Orthodox traditions. In addition to Bulgaria, it also appears on tables in Serbia, Romania, Georgia, and Ukraine.

the infamous holiday sweets is panettone – a cake with candied fruit, chocolate, raisins, and nuts. Other treats include torrone, nougat, marzipan, zeppole, cannoli, and pandoro.

6. Tamales (Costa Rica) In Costa Rica, making tamales is a Christmas tradition and every family has their own ‘secret’ recipe. The basis of tomales is a corn dough, wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk, and then steamed. Some are stuffed with pork, and some with beef or chicken.

8. Bûche de Noël (France) La Bûche de Noël is a dessert that symbolically represents the Yule Log – a wood log that was traditionally carried into the home, sprinkled with wine, and then burned on Christmas Eve. In the 1940s when the practice started to disappear, this dessert took up the mantle.

Often made from sponge cake and chocolate buttercream, La Bûche de Noël looks quite a bit like a real log. Other variations on the

n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

10. Melomakarona (Greece) Sweet orange-zest cookies soaked in honey and topped with walnut? Yes, please! This item is a holiday treat that regularly appears on tables in Greece. Known as melomakarona, these cookies are often said to taste much like baklava.

Immediately after they’re baked, melomakarona are soaked in a honey-sugar water mixture then sprinkled with walnuts.

There is also a less traditional version of this recipe dipped in dark chocolate. n

The Hampstall Inn is the perfect spot for anyone seeking great pub food along the River Severn. Our menu stays true to traditional tastes, with classic English favourites served up alongside daily specials and delicious sharing platters.

On Sundays, don’t miss our sumptuous roast lunch with homemade Yorkshire puddings and lashings of homemade gravy. Choose from local beer and fresh real ales, lagers, ciders and an exclusive Hampstall wine list.

THE HAMPSTALL INN

HAMPSTALL LANE STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN, DY13 0RY TEL: 01299 822600 WWW.THEHAMPSTALLINN.COM

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Dementia is on the Rise People with dementia in Worcestershire set to increase by 42% in next decade, with families struggling to cope.

13,696 people are estimated to have dementia in Worcestershire by 2030, up from 9,632 in 2019.

The number of people with dementia in Worcestershire will increase by nearly half in the next decade, warns a report published today, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The report predicts that as our population ages, a higher proportion of people with dementia will have higher care needs for longer, driving up the average amount spent on care. In Worcestershire in 2019, dementia care costs £374 million. This will soar to £652 million by 2030.

More than 60% a year of social care costs in England will fall on people with dementia and their families. Previous research by Alzheimer’s Society has shown that someone with dementia will typically have to spend £100,000 on their care. Many are forced to sell their homes to pay for it.

Alzheimer’s Society released the figures as it launches its election manifesto ahead of the general election, ‘Demanding action on dementia’.

Kumbi Mandinyenya, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for the Midlands Shires, said: “Dementia is heart-breaking for families. It’s not right that those going through it have to battle to get the care they need on top of battling the disease.

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

“From the working mum struggling to find hundreds of pounds every week to ‘top up’ her mum’s council-funded care home place, to the woman who had to sell her home of 50 years to pay for her husband’s care – families affected by dementia are already at breaking point. With costs set to treble in the next two decades, how on earth will they cope?

“The cost of dementia care is too much for an individual to bear. It should be spread between us – just like schools, the NHS and other public services. Every party must go into this election with a solid plan to radically reform dementia care. Families in crisis need action, and they need it now.”

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

GOLDEN YEARS

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GOLDEN YEARS

• Close the research funding gap between dementia and other disease areas to ensure new treatments and life changing care interventions are available to everyone living with dementia, as soon as possible.

Too many people are facing dementia alone without adequate support. Dementia Connect is Alzheimer’s Society’s new pioneering, expert service that will transform the lives of all people affected by dementia by providing one contact who can guide you through the complex maze of health and social care services. As Dementia Connect is new, parts of the service may not be available in your area just yet.

Alzheimer’s Society is calling for three

families, face in accessing the good quality

commitments from the next government:

care to which they are entitled.

• Radically reform dementia care to address

• Ensure that people with dementia can

the specific needs of people with dementia,

participate in their communities on the

ending the daily injustice they, and their

same basis as everyone else.

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

Alzheimer’s Society is here for anyone affected by dementia, whatever you are going through, you can turn to us for support, information and advice by calling Dementia Connect on 0333 150 3456 or emailing dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk Thanks to the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, Alzheimer’s Society can continue transforming the lives of people affected by dementia. n

GOLDEN YEARS

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Burcot Grange Care Home Celebrates ‘Outstanding’ CQC Rating Care home rated in top 3.7% of the country by health and social care regulator.

Burcot Grange, a 40 bedded luxury care home in Bromsgrove which is part of the Cinnamon Care Collection, has been awarded an overall rating of outstanding following an inspection

by England’s health and social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Outstanding ratings were given for being ‘Caring’, ‘Responsive’ and ‘Well Led’.

The report from the CQC highlighted the exceptional ‘five star’ level of care from all staff and the impressive focus on catering for the individual needs of residents. It singled out the General Manager, Vicky Osborne, for her passion and commitment to achieving high standards of care and the importance she placed on forging strong links with the local community and nurturing connections with family, friends and former residents.

The report also stated that ‘exceptionally good governance was embedded into the provider and the Registered Manager’s

processes’ and that best practice was at the heart of the care provided. The Inspector was also impressed by the choice of home cooked food and the fact that residents and their families were involved in planning their care and assessing their needs, even to the point of choosing the décor for their bedrooms.

Carole Hunt, Director, Cinnamon Care Collection commented, “Huge congratulations to Vicky and her entire team who work tirelessly to provide the very best care and support to our residents, ensuring that their safety and individual needs are a priority at all times. Only 3.7% of care homes across the UK are awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating so this a very significant achievement.”

Vicky Osborne adds “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by the CQC. I am so proud of the whole team who always go out of their way to ensure our residents live life to the full and that their individual needs are catered for. I

was particularly pleased that many residents, relatives and staff used the word ‘family’ when describing our services and that the report mentioned the ‘genuine relationships’ between staff and residents. This is so key to our ethos.”

During the inspection, a resident from Burcot Grange commented, “This home is amazing.

It’s the management and the staff, nothing is too much trouble.”

The CQC endorsement follows on from the Cinnamon Care Collection being recognised as one of the Top 20 Recommended Care Home Group operators in the country by the UK’s leading care home reviews website, Carehome.co.uk - the ‘Trip Advisor’ of the care home industry, with over 123,000 independent reviews of care homes. n Burcot Grange, located on Greenhill, Burcot, provides residential care, dementia care, and respite care. For further information, please call 0121 445 5552 or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/burcotgrange

Worcestershire

Now

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

Rachel Seabright

Lis Gardner

rachel@pw-media.co.uk

lis@pw-media.co.uk

Tel: 01905 727900

n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

Tel: 01905 727901

Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727905

kate@pw-media.co.uk

GOLDEN YEARS

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

EDUCATION

Leaders Urged to Tackle Inactivity in Young People More than 40 leaders from across British sport have written to the main political parties to request a public commitment to tackle the “alarming public health emergency” of inactivity among young people.

The open letter has been signed by the chief executives of major sports governing bodies and charities, including the Football Association, the English Cricket Board, England Athletics, the Lawn Tennis Association and the Youth Sports Trust.

people across the United Kingdom is in

It specifically urges Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and the other party leaders to outline measurable plans which will ensure that every young person “enjoys an hour a day of sport and physical activity, backed up by good quality teacher training and investment in school sport facilities”. The letter asserts that the wellbeing of young

health and wellbeing, is nothing short of a

decline and says that they are increasingly missing out on the benefits of sport and play. Quotes published from the open letter said “We believe that the inactivity of young people, and the associated problems this is posing for their physical and mental public health emergency,” say the sports leaders. It also said “Too many are growing up overweight, obese, unhappy, lost and lonely. Only one in five young people is active for 60 minutes every day and physical education is being squeezed from the timetable in many state secondary schools.

n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

“We ask for your public commitment during this General Election campaign that, should your party form the next government, you would set out a long-term, bold and measurable plan.”

Just eight per cent of girls and 16 per cent of boys aged between 11 and 18 are currently meeting guidelines set by the British Medical Officer of an hour of physical activity each day. A third of children are even doing less than 30 minutes of activity a day. Research has also showed that 38 per cent of secondary schools have cut their PE time in the last five years for children aged between 14 and 16 amid the pressure of exams. n

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What's On

What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

DECEMBER November 29th -

to choose their very own present in the elves’

formal attire for your Christmas Party this

workshop. Additionally, children can complete

year? Worcester Racecourse are hosting a

their very own Santa Activity Book, watch the

Masquerade Ball in December for a group

Tuesday 24th December

festive Sea Lion Show and a visit the Elf Craft

of people to come to as part of their own

Archie and the Unicorn

Club in the Safari Academy. There’s also an

Christmas Party. Celebrate the festive season

See Father Christmas underground, choose

‘Elfie’ competition where guests can take a

with us on Friday 6 December or Saturday 7

a present and then follow Archie on his

picture with one of the merry elves, to post

December for a night to remember. Whether

enchanting adventure. As you walk through

on Facebook for a chance to win a fabulous

it is a party with friends, family or co-workers

the caves, the magical story unfolds.

prize! Admission to Santa Safari also includes

this is the night for you. Nights include a

www.clearwellcaves.co.uk

access to the Park’s four-mile self-drive Safari,

welcome drink and a three-course menu at £35

where guests can spot our new baby animals

per person. Their award-winning chef and his

(Granville the rhino, Gerald the giraffe and

team have created the perfect menu for you

Grace and Gamba the zebras) and share their

and your guests to enjoy before you dance the

first Christmas with them. They can also visit

night away. www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk

Daily until Tuesday Santa Safari Staff at West Midland Safari Park are busy making the last few preparations for the Christmas festivities at West Midland Safari Park, with the help of a few special guests.

Daily from 1 December, the Park is hosting its annual Santa Safari, where the big man himself, Mrs Claus and their jolly elf helpers

the Discovery Trail, African Village, Land of the Living Dinosaurs and the new Ice Age exhibit. Further information and tickets are available from the Santa Safari website www. santasafari.co.uk or by telephone 01299

Saturday 7th Chocolate Making Love chocolate then head to Chocolate Genie in Evesham, for a chocolate making

402114. www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari.

workshop where you can indulge in Belgian

Park’s guests. Children will get a memento of

Friday 6th & Saturday 7th

age is 18 and runs 2-4.15pm (last entry 2pm).

their day by having a picture of themselves

Masquerade Xmas Ball

with Santa to take home and they’ll be able

Thought of having a mysterious theme or

are helping to set up shop, ready to meet the

n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

chocolate, for a whole afternoon. Minimum

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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

What's On Candlelit Christmas

Registration and Santa suit pick-up takes

Prepare for Christmas in the traditional

place from 9am in the Graeme Hick Pavilion

way at Avoncroft Museum. With the site

at WCCC, New Road followed by a mass-

lit by candlelight, get into the festive spirit

Santa warm-up in the car park and a 10.30am

with the sounds and flavours of Christmas

riverside start.

Past. Entertainment includes fire juggling, Morris dancing, Punch & Judy, festive music, reindeer trail, Santa Express and Father Christmas will be on site too. For tickets visit www.avoncroft.org.uk/whats-on

Monday 9th December Sunday January 5th Cinderella Spend a fairy-tale Christmas with us at the best loved Pantomime of them all as

lead you through gates normally locked and doors usually bolted to learn of ghostly experiences and historical facts in a fascinating tour of one of the most haunted and historic cities in Britain. With entry to some of Worcester’s most iconic buildings, and an entertaining guide, it is a great night out. Regular walks Wednesdays, September to March at 7.30pm Walks start at Elgar Statue, Cathedral Square and last just under two hours, finishing at Worcester’s Guildhall.

Although you can turn up and pay on the night, booking in advance is advisable. ‘On A Role’ reserves the right to cancel a Ghost Walk – please call the Box Office on 01905 611427 to confirm if a Ghost Walk is running.

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th

we team up once more with Paul Holman

Christmas at The Castle

Associates to bring you Cinderella at The

Visit the County Museum & Hartlebury Castle

Palace Theatre, Redditch. This timeless

for a traditional Christmas celebration. Meet

tale of laughter, enchantment and true

Father Christmas, explore seasonal gifts

love will be packed with all the traditional

and craft stalls, and enjoy fun children’s

pantomime ingredients you’ve come to

activities, horse & carriage rides and musical

expect from the Palace helped along with

performances. Throughout December hunt

great big helpings of magic and stardust to

Saturday 14th

the cheeky elves hiding around the Castle.

make your festive season go with a swing.

www.hartleburycastle.com

Tickets start from £17. To book, visit www.

Tidings of Joy Christmas Concert Share in a festive spectacular of joyful seasonal music for all the family at Worcester Cathedral. A concert of Christmas favourites with audience participation.Conducted by Samuel Hudson and Richard Jenkinson.

Performed by The Choir of Worcester cathedral, Worcester Festival Choral Society

Sunday 8th

redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Santa Dash

Wednesday 11th

Join St Richard’s Hospice for a 2 mile festive,

The Historic Ghost Walk of Worcester

family friendly, fun-run or walk. Starting

Follow the guide into deep, dark pockets

at Worcestershire County Cricket Club,

of Worcester and discover a side to the

following the River Severn to Diglis and finish

Faithful City that you never knew existed.…

at South Quay, with festive refreshments.

The Historic Ghost Walk of Worcester will

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What's On wedding or would like to see your wedding ceremony layout to see a “Fake wedding” live in the beautiful Callow Great Hall (The Abbey) at Stanbrook Abbey. See the Marquee dressed for a Wedding. Over 50 Industry professionals with exhibtion spaces to enable you to Book, Hire, Try and Buy anything and everything you need to plan your wedding.

at

recycle into gift bows to use next Christmas

Thursday 16th

cards, wedding gifts, jewellery, boutiques

and wish that special someone a Happy

hunt is also available in The Commandery

Worcester Light Night Festival Light Night will be a free to access night where, using light, the city centrewill be animated via installations and live performances. Free. 5.30pm-10pm.

on these dates. Tel: 01905 361821.

Saturday 25th

JANUARY Sunday 12th

Winter Wychavon Way The event follows the Wychavon Way, which runs the length of Worcestershire covering 40 miles from the town of Droitwich Spa to Broadway. The route follows canals/ rivers and the undulating meadows of Worcestershire with 1 significant climb up Bredon Hill, with great views over the vale of Evesham. www.findarace.com

Friday 30th

in The Abbey - Please Join us to see exactly

Sunday 26th

to pay homage to the original super group

how a Ceremony will be when you get married!

West Midlands Luxury Wedding Show West Midlands Luxury Wedding Show

‘The Traveling Wilburys’. Contact venue for

and Worcestershire Youth Orchestra. Tickets £20 & £15. Under 16s £5. To book, go to www.eventbrite.co.uk

Friday 27th - Sunday 29th Twixmas Crafts Get crafty this Twixmas and pop into the Commandery for some free crafts. Bring in your old Christmas wrapping paper to

New Year by creating a New Year’s Card with fireworks design! Normal admission prices apply. A 12 Days of Christmas scavenger

Stanbrook Abbey Luxury Wedding Show Diva Wedding Fayres and Stanbrook Abbey are very proud to present The Stanbrook Abbey Worcestershire Luxury Wedding Show.

11-3pm. Free Entry. Free Goody Bag. Free Bridal Magazines. Live Music. Mock Ceremony

A great chance if you have never attended a

n 42 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020

The

display veils

&

Chateaux of

Impney

wedding

accessories,

dress

features

a

collections,

bridesmaid

dress

collections,florists & floral artists, wedding stage & displays, party decorations, wedding cakes & pastries, wedding caterers, wedding halls, bridal beauticians, tattoo artists, bridal cosmetics & beauty products, invitation & fashion designers, bridal wear, wedding planners, travel agencies, orchestra group, matrimonial bureaus, wedding astrologers, wedding photographers, wedding video & DVD, and much more. For details, go to www.chateau-impney.com

The Roy Orbison Story - West End Special This top-class production at Forum Theatre (Malvern

Theatres)

also

features

chart

busting hits originally performed by Jerry Lee Lewis, Procol Harum, Del Shannon, ELO, Tom Petty, Chris Isaak, The Spencer Davis Group and culminates in a stunningly brilliant accolade as the whole cast comes together

tickets: 01684 892 277.

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n 44 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 195 | December 2019 - January 2020