Worcestershire NOW FEBRUARY 2018

Worcestershire

Now

Apprenticeships with WCG A Great Option for a Successful Career See page six for more information

THE ART OF DECLUTTERING THE IMPORTANCE OF COLOUR REMEMBERING WHAT YOU LEARN February 2018 | Issue 174 Your Free County Magazine t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

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

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Worcestershire

10

Now

18 24

Contents

34

FEBRUARY 2018

HOME & GARDEN 10

The Art of Decluttering

16

Darren Spencer - A Bright Spark

18

Red Garden Rooms

20

February in the Garden

24

Nature Notebook

28

Health & Beauty 26

The Gifts She’ll Love

28

The Importance of Colour

34

Competition - SAKS Hair & Beauty

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

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

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

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Contributors Wendy Carter Glynis Dray Mick Dunstan

Annie Murphy Paul Darren Spencer Age UK APAC Ltd CBSO Cheltenham Racecourse House of Colour Pershore Patty Red Garden Rooms SAKS Hair & Beauty Worcester BID

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36

38 44 Food & Drink

47 48

36

Coconut & Tomato Lentil Curry

Golden Years 38

Walking Tips & Advice

42

Moving Here Was The Right Decision

Education 44

Remembering What You Learn

Our Events Diary 46

Walk: Droitwich - Chateau Impney

47

Living History

48

Competition - Cheltenham Racecourse

50

What’s On This Month?

competition winners Astley Vineyard M. Mansell, Pershore

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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.

n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Everyone’s Talking About Apprenticeships!

C ome along to information evening for parents. As a parent you want your child to get the best possible start in their career and there are many options available to young people after they leave school. However, with the many changes in the routes available and qualifications required, it may be a little confusing. That’s why WCG Apprenticeships will be holding an information evening for parents to come and find out more about the apprenticeship route.

Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional full time courses and university. An apprenticeship is a genuine job in which apprentices receive training, both on the job and by a training provider. This allows them to earn a wage whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification as well as the potential to work towards industry recognised certifications. At any one time there are up to 28,000 apprenticeship vacancies available online in a variety of careers and industries across England.

Apprenticeships are available right through from Level 2 to degree level. Your child can apply depending on their attained qualifications and receive a professional qualification equivalent to academic study.

What are the benefits?

• Earn a salary and paid holiday • Excellent progression opportunities for further study or to climb the ranks within the workplace • Increased future earning potential • Working alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills

n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Meet some of our apprentices...

Rebecca Shaw is an Advanced Programming and Machining Apprentice with Jaguar Land Rover. She wanted a hands-on career: “I never saw myself as a university person.

I still wanted to learn but was keen to start earning as well, so the apprenticeship route was a good option for me. I have never looked back. I would definitely recommend apprenticeships to people who want to develop hands-on skills alongside qualifications – it is a good route into an enjoyable and fulfilling career.”

Bricklaying apprentice Connor Keyte followed in his father’s footsteps by winning the regional Guild of Bricklayers junior competition and becoming the best at bricklaying in the West Midlands. Connor is currently studying Level

2 Brickwork and is an apprentice at Noralle Country Homes. Connor said, “It was the first time I had done a competition, so I was a bit nervous beforehand, but as soon as we were given the task I was quite confident. Everyone was really proud when I told them - my dad won the same award when he was younger so I’m definitely following in his footsteps!”

Come and speak to us We will be holding an information evening for parents to come along to one of our colleges, find out more about apprenticeships and get the answers to any questions. This event will take place during National Apprenticeship Week 5 - 9 March 2018. n Find out more and book your place at www.wcg.ac.uk/apprenticeships

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Here & Now

Success at Socks Drive for the Homeless Forgotten Feet provides free chiropody and podiatry services for the homeless and socially isolated in Worcester and other locations up and down the country, as well as socks and shoes.

Charity founder and podiatrist Deborah Monk commented: “The sock collection from Regent has been fabulous, we have so far had a large bag of both new and used socks and several pairs of boxed boots – ideal for the homeless during the wet and cold winter months.”

Helen Park, receptionist from Regent, who has led the sock collection added: “To be involved in such an innovative, exciting project has been amazing.

“Our residents, their families, staff and

Worcestershire school named among best in UK by Tatler A Worcestershire school has been named among the best in the UK by Tatler Magazine, The Chantry School, Worcestershire.

The Chantry School Headteacher Andrew Dickenson said visitors to the school in Martley, Worcester “are always impressed with the courtesy and positive atmosphere in the school. We encourage our pupils to aim high, embrace challenge and develop the resilience to achieve their highest possible potential.”

The Tatler Schools Guide 2018 is an annual guide to the top 20 non fee-paying schools that offer ‘gold star’ quality education. n

friends of Regent have risen to the challenge filling our box not once but twice. I’m sure 2018 will bring more socks and more support for this worthwhile Sanctuary Care’s homes in Worcestershire have been collecting footwear throughout the winter as part of an on-going project to help the homeless.

Since Kindness Day in November 2017, residents and the team at Regent Residential Care Home in St John’s have been supporting registered charity Forgotten Feet and have now filled two large boxes with warm socks and footwear for the homeless this winter.

charity.”

Deborah continued: “The charity is rapidly expanding and exceeding all expectations and we now have about 25 clinics running or opening across the UK.” n For

more

information

Forgotten

Feet,

or

how

can

help

you

Debimonk@hotmail.com.

to

about find

please The

out email

charity’s

website is www.forgottenfeet.uk.

Round Table Wants to Support Your Charitable Cause Today!

The Worcester Round Table volunteers organise social and fund-raising events like the Pitchcroft Fireworks to support our local community, make friends and have fun while doing it.

Over 50 years they supported various charitable causes like the New Hope foundation, St. Paul’s Hostel, WMSAR, New College for the Blind and many more.

Thanks to the generosity of the Worcestershire public they managed to raise funds to continue this work again.

If you represent a charity of have a local good cause needing some support then contact them today and they will see if they can help you but requests need to be in by Monday January 29th! More information on our Facebook page or contact Jan via worcestertable@googlemail.com. n If you want to find out more about all the other activities that they do reach out via our website on www.worcester.roundtable.co.uk

n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Smart Motorways Drivers using the M5 between Junction 6 (Worcester) and 4a (Bromsgrove) are being made aware that speed enforcement is in place.

There will be variable speed limits in place and, if a section has no sign, the 70mph national speed limit will apply.

Highways England has been developing sections of the M5 motorway as ‘Smart Motorways’ in order to increase the capacity, reduce congestion and to improve journey times.

Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager at the Safer Roads Partnership for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, said: “Speed enforcement is in place on this particular section of the M5 to ensure traffic is moving smoothly through our area and region.

“In cases where a variable speed limit is in place a speed limit inside a red circle will be displayed on overhead gantries and is legally enforceable.

“These limits can be changed at certain times to help manage the traffic flow.

“We’re urging all motorists to be aware these are now in place as they travel through the area and to comply with the speed limits.” n

15%OFF ALL ORDERS IN FEBRUARY

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Home & Garden

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n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

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Home & Garden

Kondo asks that you consider your clothing’s feelings...

It had sounded very left field when I read it, but suddenly my clothes looked totally miserable.

In case you haven’t - The Life-Changing

office/computer space first, the sitting room next.

Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organising, Kondo set off a decluttering craze across the globe, even making the Radio 4 series – The Archers.

Instead, Kondo’s first rule is to tidy by category - deal

In Japan, Kondo’s services command a waiting list a mile long but for the rest of us, her book breaks down her radical, two-pronged approach to tidying. First, pick up in your hands on everything you own, ask yourself

with every single one of your books at once, for example, otherwise they’ll continue to creep from room to room, and you’ll never rein in the clutter. She advises beginning with clothing, since it’s the least emotionally loaded of your things (books come next, old photographs are much later), so as soon as I found a free afternoon, that’s exactly what I did.

if it sparks joy, and if it doesn’t, thank it for its service

2. Respect Your Belongings

and get rid of it. Second, once only your most joy-giving

With my eyes now wide open, I realised my wardrobe

belongings remain, put every item in a place where it’s

had hit the floor. Everything had succumbed to a mixed-

visible, accessible, and easy to grab and then put back.

up mass. Kondo asks that you consider your clothing’s

Only then, Kondo says, will you have reached the nirvana

feelings: Are they happy being squashed in a corner

of housekeeping, and never have to clean again. All of

shelf or crowded onto hangers? Are your hardworking

this sounded wonderful. But I can barely keep up with

socks really thrilled to be balled up? It had sounded very

the demands of daily life . So I read Kondo’s book, I got

left field when I read it, but suddenly my clothes looked

totally sucked in. It turns out, tidying really may be the

totally miserable.

way to bliss.

1. Tackle Categories, Not Rooms Previously always tackled clutter by room, take on the n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Continued over the page

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Home & Garden

How to fold the Konmari Way

Fold one side of the garment across the centre

Fold the opposite side the same way

3. Nostalgia Is Not Your Friend As I started emptying the cupboards, I opened boxes filled with letters and old photographs. Serious mistake. Kondo knows what she’s talking about when she insists you put blinders on and focus only on the category of stuff at hand. Read one old letter, and suddenly you’re down a rabbit hole. To be honest, I was probably procrastinating. In theory, I was sold on the idea of living exclusively with clothing that gives me joy, but what will I be left with? Will I have to sacrifice beloved things, all for the sake of decluttering? I am sure that if I lose a few pounds that dress will bring me joy again!

5. Fold, Don’t Hang Once you have sorted out the things to discard and only then, you can decide where the remaining things should go. Rather than folded in a cubby or hanging in a closet, Kondo thinks a lot of our clothing would be better off (or as she’d say, happier) folded in a chest of drawers. I hadn’t been using my chest of drawers for anything other than a jumble of underwear but now, having begun with three overflowing wardrobes, I was down to enough clothing to fill one wardrobe and one chest of drawers. I started folding the tops, trousers, scarves etc destined for the drawers using Kondo’s special technique.

4. Purging Feels Good From then on, I followed Kondo’s advice to a T. I gathered every piece of my clothing and put it in one giant pile. While I normally tidy my clothes only when I’m on a long phone call - distracted from the task at hand - today I wasn’t even supposed to listen to music. Channeling Kondo, who says a prayer upon entering a client’s home, I lit a candle, said a little prayer, and started digging through the mountain of clothes.

6. The Fold Kondo’s vertical folding technique makes everything easy to spot and hard to mess up (you aren’t jostling a whole pile every time you take something out or put something back). Folded this way, clothing looks like fabric origami, ready to line your drawers in neat rows. To keep these little folded packages standing at attention in the drawer, Kondo suggests using shoeboxes as drawer dividers. A smaller box is perfect for square scarves, a deep one can go on a bottom drawer for jumpers and sweatshirts.

Once I got to work, it was so much easier and more fun than I’d thought. This question of joy gives you permission to let go of off-colour shirts bought on sale, dresses past their prime, trousers that always fitted uncomfortably. I realised I had many things that seemed great in theory but weren’t actually my style. Six hours later, I’d filled 8 bags with non-joy-giving clothes. Instead of panic, I felt relief somehow lighter. It also felt like good karma: The best stuff went to a second hand shop, and the rest to a charity shop round the corner from the office, off to see a new, hopefully better life and help someone else to raise money. n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

7. Rediscover Your Style For years, I’ve worn the same rotation of easy-tograb, reliable pieces without dipping into all the colour in my wardrobe. And there’s a lot of it I have a weakness for sky blue and pink. I had aalmost forgotten about these colours in the daily struggle to get out the door in the morning. n

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying: A simple, effective way to banish clutter forever. Paperback £7.69 first published Apr 2014 by Marie Kondo

Leave a small gap at the bottom

Roll it up

Stand it upright

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

Darren Spencer

A Bright Spark

Finding a trusted domestic electrician is worth its weight in gold, which is why Darren Spencer Electrical has become the first choice for households across Worcestershire. achieved after thorough vetting and on-site inspections have been performed. The company’s core values echo that of TrustMark with the three cornerstones of quality being... Good Trading, Good Customer Service and Technical Competence.

With over 20 years’ experience in providing reliable, stress free domestic electrical services from changing a light bulb to fuse board upgrades and homebuyers reports, the team at Darren Spencer Electrical can deliver on all levels. Their unique six year insurance backed warranty on all work carried out guarantees peace of mind to the highest standard which stands the test of time.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest electrical regularity requirements is very important to the team at Darren Spencer Electrical. As experts in their field they take the burden of electrical safety off the homeowner.

They always advise customers requiring an electricians services to do their research... is the electrician accredited and do they hold the latest qualification for the work that needs to be carried out? It’s all very well having the experience but do they have the recent qualifications to back it up?

Darren Spencer Electrical are proud to be approved by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). Having the backing by the UK’s leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry, gives their customers the confidence that all electrical work being carried out will be completed to the highest standard. Plus, they are TrustMark certified, an accreditation that can only be n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Darren Spencer, the Founder of the business gives an insight into why their customer base just keeps on growing, he explains “The success of our business is definitely built on trust. Trust that we quote for electrical work accurately, trust that we use quality products for installation & testing and trust that we always do what we say we’re going to do. That even includes tidying up after ourselves as promised! One of our biggest pleasures comes from knowing we have customers who have been with us right from when the business began and who still use us now. Many of them over the years have been so impressed with our quality domestic electrical work and great customer service that they’ve referred friends and family to us too!”. Darren adds “Above everything else safety comes first every time. We pick up the pieces on so many jobs done by other electricians that either don’t meet current regularity requirements or which are just down right unsafe. We’re always at the end of the phone for anyone who believes their home electrics aren’t up to scratch and requires a full electrical health check”.

A health check normally starts with the fuse board as the centre of the electrics in your home. Since the 1st January, 2016, new regulation means that approved contractors must only install non-combustible material fuse boards. The main reason for this is the concern that older fuse boards containing fuse wire pose a higher risk of fire as well as contributing to larger household electricity consumption. n If you are concerned about the electrics in your home and for peace of mind require a full electrical health check with Which Trusted Trader Darren Spencer Electrical, please call 01905 915001 or email darren@darrenspencerelectrical.co.uk.

Home & Garden

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GREEN SELF STORAGE 01905 427 427 info@green-self-storage.com | www.green-self-storage.com Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JS

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Home & Garden

Red Garden

Rooms

Red Garden Rooms put the emphasis on quality with every garden room build and it’s what truly sets our buildings apart from the alternatives.

Every room is built using the same materials as those in a modern timber framed house. Structural grade timber frames incorporating rigid insulated panels, double glazing to let in as much light as you could hope for, and stunning exterior cladding. We’ll also fit lighting, heating and wiring to suit your individual needs. Our buildings are enjoyed in a wide range of different ways from a Games Room to a Home Gym, from a Swimming Pool House to a Jacuzzi and Relaxation studio. That’s as well as the most popular purpose Home Office which is a great work space that’s on the doorstep, yet way from the hustle and bustle of family life.

All of our rooms can be built without the need for planning permission and we can include to remove any existing building you have within our fixed price quotation If you have an idea, talk to us, let’s bring it to life. n

RED Garden Rooms Bespoke Garden Rooms Designed Around Your Needs

Red Garden Rooms are a Worcester company offering stunning, premium quality contemporary rooms and offices to suit your exact needs and budget.

Home Office

All our buildings are made to order, so we maintain maximum flexibility in terms of creating a design that suits all of your requirements.

Art Studio

We’d love to discuss how we can help with your garden building project. Whether you are looking for a garden office where you can break away from the daily commute, an art studio for your own quality time, a Kids Cave away from your living area or just a place to relax. Please call today for an appointment and see how we can add quality and value to your garden space.

Study Kids Cave

T: 01905 928202 | M: 07858 601500

www.redgardenrooms.co.uk n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

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Home & Garden Tulbaghia Violacea © Mick Dunstan

February

in the Garden

February’s a funny old month – one day it’s blue skies and sunshine, the next snow can be lying inches thick or there’s a layer of heavy frost across everything.

It’s still a bit too early to be doing very

and make plans to sort them. Just making the decision

much in your garden, although there are a

to do something is half way to getting it fixed.

few jobs you can be getting on with. But before we get to those, a suggestion that might just pay dividends for the whole of 2018.

In my garden, new raspberry plants a must this year, I want to grow a few more plants of my own – it’s all part of the joy of gardening – and the area around my new

Now’s a great time to think about a few things that

veg beds needs a good fettling, as my dear old Mum

maybe aren’t quite up to scratch. Maybe the shed needs

used to say.

a fresh coat of preserver, maybe there’s a problem patch that you’ve been putting off, or maybe, if you’ve got a greenhouse, it’s about time you got round to giving it a spring clean.

The good news is that it’s a bad idea to walk on sticky soil – so let that be the excuse to get on with other things. Before the year gets too much older, make yourself a list of three things that ought to get sorted – n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

February is one of the year’s driest months, believe it or not, so here are a few jobs that will see out the end of winter and kick start gardening pleasure ahead.

Sow a few seeds – annuals, plants that grow from a seed, flower, set seed and die all in one year - will be the easiest place to start. Take a look at Sarah Raven’s Continued over the page

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Home & Garden website for good ideas about new seeds to try. One recommended website that packs plenty of information about success with seed sowing is www.theseedsite. co.uk/seedsowing.html. Give sweet peas a go if you want one suggestion. Their scent and the colours are a real addition to your summer garden. Try a variety called Our Harry for a true blue, unusual variety.

them strong by cutting back miscanthus, calamagrostis, panicum and molinia varieties now. Others can be left until early April.

And finally, if you’re looking for an interesting talk, pop into our Hardy Plant Group talk on February 10 at 2pm in Crowle Village Hall. James Hitchmough, a man whose work includes the gardens at the Olympic Park

It’s time to prune roses. Later in the month, to keep your plants healthy and thriving, cut them back. Different types demand different methods but don’t let that put you off. First cut out dead, diseased or crossing branches. Then, hybrid roses can be chopped hard, back to six inches or less. Floribunda stems should be left around 18 inches but always trim to help create an open structure evenly balanced across the plant, not sloping to one side.

in London’s East End, will be talking about perennials in the urban landscape. Tea and cakes follows the talk.

You’ll be very welcome. n Mick Dunstan Chairman of the Worcestershire Group of the Hardy Plant Society

Time to tidy your border edges and beds. Let your inner tidiness come to the surface; neaten the edges of your lawn and till the soil in the beds alongside to give a smart, cared for look.

Ec hinacea Pa llida © Mick Duns tan

The end of February is the time to cut back many of your ornamental grasses. These naturally elegant plants are real winners in the summer and winter garden. But keep

Let your inner tidiness come to the surface; neaten the edges of your lawn and till the soil in the beds

© Mick Dunstan n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

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Nature Notebook Eades Meadow © Ruth Bourne

Watching the

Com mon Frog

s © Sarah Fo

wle

Seasons Change Being connected with nature can make you more tuned in to changing seasons.

It won’t be long before spring returns – a delight to anyone who dislikes the cold, wet and dreary days of winter.

How do you notice that spring is springing? Will it be because you turn the page on the calendar or will you be on the lookout for bursting buds, songs of birds or the buzz of early bumblebees in the garden? Seasons creep up on us…unless we’re out there looking for them.

I’m not wishing away the winter. I love wrapping up warm and going for a walk on crisp days looking for birds in leaf-less trees and berry-laden shrubs or listening for small mammals rustling through the undergrowth. I love the silence as snow falls and covers the landscape – followed by the hunt for wildlife footprints.

Keep up to date Worcestershire Wildlife Trust @WorcsWT t worcestershirewildlifetrust G worcswildlifetrust.co.uk w

Winter’s great but I love spotting the first signs of spring – crocuses in my garden (great sources of pollen for early insects), buds on trees and the sound of birdsong ringing through the canopy.

Hearing the ‘teacher teacher’ call of great tits in February and March signals the start of birds pairing up and it’s always a delight to hear the first chiffchaff of the year – the onomatopoeic call of this migrant bird that’s flown all the way from Africa to spend its summer with us.

Spring turns to summer - the countryside and our gardens green-up. Flowers burst out; as the months go by on our meadow nature reserves,

n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

yellows of cowslips turn to pinks of orchids then to purples of scabious as summer takes hold. Sounds change too. Birds that exploded with song to attract a mate now only sing to hold territory. The buzz of bees takes hold as they scour our gardens and countryside for pollen and nectar.

As summer slowly fades and flowers start to wilt (try not to deadhead – seedheads are great for overwintering insects as well as providing seeds for birds), autumn steals in. Leaves turn a myriad of colours before gently falling to earth; what wish will you make if you catch one? Swifts head off early but swallows gather on telegraph wires, chattering to each other as they prepare for their epic journeys to Africa. The last of the bees fly us into late autumn and early winter, when it’s too cold to fly any more.

Whatever season you admire most, I hope you’ve had your camera to catch it. The deadline for this year’s photography competition is Monday 9th April and we’re looking for your best pics of Worcestershire’s natural world. Winning photos feature in our 2019 calendar and sales raise money for our work across the county. Winners receive a copy of the calendar and, thanks to London Camera Exchange in Worcester, the overall winner will receive a print of their image.

Visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/photographycompetition for more information. n Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Nature Notebook

HELLEBORES FROM WAGON HOUSE GARDENS www.wagonhousegardens.co.uk

HELLEBORE FORTNIGHT Beginning 14th February 2018 Showcasing Singles, Doubles, Spotted Ladies & Species The Jinney Ring Craft Centre Hanbury Road, Hanbury, B60 4BU

Tel: 01527 821421

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Health & Beauty

The Gifts

She'll Love...

1

Struggling this year on what to get for your Valentine? Look no further, Worcestershire NOW has you covered with our gift guide...

2

3

4

5

n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Health & Beauty

6

7

8

10

9

1. CHANEL

5. ORGANIC SHOP

8. TONY MALEEDY

A new Naples inspired lipgloss range - Rouge Coco Gloss. A moisturising lipgloss available in 4 colours: Parthenope (Limited Edition), Sibylla, Poppea and Aphrodite (Limited Edition).

This luxurious hair mask is made with organic avocado oil and organic honey to help restore your hair from roots to ends while enhancing its structure and softness for a beautiful attractive glow.

Tony Maleedy Juniper Scalp Therapy Shampoo Cleanse and repair hair with this gentle yet effective shampoo.

£2.49

9. CHANTCAILLE

£28.00

2. NATURA SIBERICA Oblepikha and Honey Body Scrub - An indulgent body scrub rich with buckwheat honey. Perfectly cleans and refreshes skin, helping to preserve its beauty and youth.

£6.00

6. SAAF Nature’s correction fluid in a bottle, this impressive toning and smoothing oil is a skinsaving formulation. Calm irritated and itchy skin, promote healthy skin renewal and keep skin supple and smooth.

3. NATURA SIBERICA

£24.99

The ultimate treat for your skin – Everyday essential Cleansing Fluid combined with our Gentle Face Scrub and Energizing Facial Mask.

7. ELEMIS

£13.99

4. CHANEL From Chanel’s new Naples inspired range “Neapolis”. The Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner is available in two colours: Nero Vulcanico or Mare-Chiaro

£17.50

Made using finely milled pigments that contribute to the exquisite colors and a feather weight texture that brushes on lightly and blends seamlessly, each Cheek Shade leaves a gorgeous veil of flushed color.

£28.99

10. CHANEL

This unique skincare system powerfully combines BIOTEC and FOREO LUNA™ Play to re-energise skin and leave your complexion looking smooth, youthful and beautifully revived.

Rouge Allure is a vibrant and luminous lipstick.

An ultra-fine, melt-away and second-skin texture, a palette of intense shades. A bold and daring style.

£31.00

£80.00

£20.00

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Health & Beauty

e c n a t r r o u o p l m o I C e f h o T ood m r e u e; o when w f i l o n ce i he sky olour t r o f t l c erfu lour of use of envy”, a w o e o p h e is a y the c ng. Th en wit s an id r u u i e o b Col ected h morn ns, “gr , gives f c o f ea oti lue” is a b p m u e g e r in wak ribe ou , “feel . ” c des ing red t force c e “se abstra s of it

n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

e 30

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nti

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o ued

New Year,

New Hear!

With more than the average background noise at this busy time of the year, with children playing and your favourite Christmas movie on, could you hear as well as you wanted to?

Christmas can highlight the fact that you may need to have your hearing checked. If you felt you were struggling to hear your loved ones clearly, we at Worcester Hearing Centre can help you hear better.

From state of the art discreet hearing devices to ear wax removal, our professional audiologists will provide you with bespoke hearing solutions.

Health & Beauty

Now that the Christmas season is over, were you able to hear your loved ones through the festivities?

We want to give people a chance to benefit from a free consultation with an audiologist worth £90 for anyone who is having any hearing difficulties or may need to see a hearing aid specialist.

Our state of the art hearing centre is one of the highest standard practices in the country, the practice boasts a custom made sound booth for performing detailed hearing tests.

Director of Audiology Tom Dixon says “This is the perfect opportunity for any local people who have any hearing difficulties to come and see a team of highly qualified professionals who specialise in

providing a high standard expertise and care.”

The assessment will consist of a full evaluation of your hearing and ear health, you will be shown the inside of your ear on a video otoscope, pure tone audiogram will be performed to show the hearing thresholds and then a speech in noise test to establish a level of real world, effective hearing.

A new year brings a new opportunity to improve your hearing. We have 100 free hearing assessments available, to reserve your space please call 01905 617803 or visit www.worcesterhearingcentre.co.uk to register. n

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Health & Beauty

on i s i lev est in e t nd ter e. a n i lm an aranc fi t e u n th ht abo appe i r lou roug oples o c b pe of h t c n i n ve wh lour o d s ’ a 40 of co he 9 t 1 s e a s It w y in th effect str erent u d in diff e h t

Indeed, the power of colour has fascinated philosophers, psychologists and chemists, as well as artists and designers. Colour has long been associated with class, status and authority in many cultures and organisations.

Autumn and Winter because of

In the 20th century the Swiss artist Johannes Itten, who worked and taught at the Bauhaus School of Art in Germany, is attributed with being the first person to associate colours with four types of people and the twelve point colour wheel which is widely used today on paint charts for home decorators, in dyeing kits and in hairdressers’ colour charts.

It was the advent of colour in the

Itten and others, through their involvement with colour, established that each individual has a basic skin pigment which falls into one of four groupings which are defined by the unique combination of depth, hue and tone; in colour analysis these have become known as Spring, Summer,

was wearing on her skin.

the pattern of colours found in each group. Two of these groups reflect warm-based colours which complement Spring and Autumn; the other two reflect cool-based colours which enhance Summer and Winter.

film and television industry in the 1940’s which brought about an interest in the different effects of colour on peoples appearance.

Robert Dorr, an artist who knew of Itten’s theories of colour groupings, observed how an actress could look wonderful one day, yet tired and older another; he recognised this was the effect of the colour she

House of Colour was born in 1985 to take the wonderful concept of enabling the general public to discover the colours which really suit them. Those which make us look wow, our complexion glow and our eyes sparkle.

Continued over the page

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Health & Beauty

Luxury Lingerie, Swimwear and Nightwear Cup sizes A to K

New season

lingerie & swimwear now in stock 23 Reindeer Court, Worcester

Tel: 01905 619031

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

Health & Beauty

ne o d urs ich o l co g wh r nt u a i o n i d g y over ok ra n i v c “Ha ns dis you lo one...” t a me make r skin es h you t t o f l i c l and

So how does it work? House of Colour personal stylists use a selection of drapes to test what colours suit each client. Colours are compared with the pigments that sit underneath a client’s skin to determine which colours of clothing and accessories lift the face, and which ones are more unflattering.

Styling is also a key part of the process to find shapes that flatter not hide. And don’t be fooled into thinking this is just for the ladies.

You would be amazed about how the right coloured shirt, jacket or tie can change the look of our male clients. But with either sex you will see the difference instantly. That moment when a colour lights up a face is often an absolute lightbulb moment that changes our clients

confidence and mood. It’s not all about wearing bright colours, but the right colours.

Dani Before

While fashions, trends and fads come and go, the theory of colour, as interpreted by House of Colour, remains based in science, logic and objectivity; enabling each and every client to take their individual colour analysis to create and develop their own unique look in line with their lifestyle.

Dani Downey who went to a House of Colour Class said: “Having your colours done means discovering which clothes make you look radiant and lift your skin tone, lessen bags and make your skin look air brushed. It’s amazing. I lived in black bar one orange top!

Not anymore!’ n

and enables them to be far more visible for all the right reasons.

Whether we like it or not, it’s true to say that our appearance has a powerful effect on how the world sees us. But what we don’t always consider is how colour itself affects not only how we look, but also our

Colour Analysts & Personal Style Consultants jane.brook@houseofcolour.co.uk charlotte.scriven@houseofcolour.co.uk www.houseofcolour.co.uk

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Dani After

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Learn to live with it?

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Competition

SAKS HAIR & BEAUTY

SAKS

opened

in

September

2002 so have just celebrated their 15th birthday. In 15 years 250,000

satisfied

clients

have

passed through its doors! They are based within the David Lloyd Leisure complex in Bromsgrove on the north side of the town. The award winning salon offers a wide range of the latest hair and beauty services, so whether you want to drop in for a quick spray tan over your lunch break or book a full cut and colour for your hair in time for Valentine’s Day, SAKS has the right treatment for you.

The owner manager, Jane Jones prides herself that the team offer excellent customer service ensuring your visit is an enjoyable and

relaxing

experience.

Whatever treatment you go for, you can be certain that the team of skilled stylists and therapists are

using

the

best

available

products with top brands such as Kerastase, Decléor, L’Oreal, Jessica and Fake Bake being used for your treatment.

As well as offering traditional and contemporary hair styling SAKS can offer a full range of hair colouring including

baliage,

highlights,

regrowth tint and full head tint. The beauty department that uses the latest technology provides facials, massages, anti-ageing treatments and permanent hair removal as well

as the more traditional waxing, sun beds, spray tans, nails and more.

One of the four therapy rooms has twin treatment beds where two of you can enjoy a relaxing massage together.

Jane and the team are active fundraisers and have raised almost £100,000 over the past 15 years for a wide range of charities. Last year alone SAKS helped raise £6000 for Breast Cancer Now in partnership with the Bromsgrove branch of Santander, an achievement recognised by GHD at their national awards ceremony in June this year.

Gift vouchers are available, they make great presents for your loved ones. They also stock an extensive range of top quality home care products to extend your salon experience, which make perfect Mother’s Day gifts.

Although based within David Lloyd Leisure complex the SAKS salon is open to non-members of the club, a fact often overlooked by the general public, and with plenty of free, secure parking on site and late night opening till 9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the salon is very easy to visit so why not get in touch and treat yourself to something special. n Find SAKS on Facebook - SaksBromsgrove Instagram - @saksbromsgrove

www.saks.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning a Decléor full body massage and blow dry together with a David Lloyd day pass for two people, simply fill out

Answer:

the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Name:

Is SAKS Bromsgrove open to non-members

Address:

of David Lloyd Leisure?

Tel: Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: SAKS WN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street,

Email:

Worcester, WR1 2DP. T&Cs apply. Closing date for entries is 14th February 2018. n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

If you do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from SAKS Bromsgrove please tick this box

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Catchment areas: Solihull, Central Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Warwick & Worcester

Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com Call: 01827 892952 or 07815 460786 All patients welcome whether you have private medical insurance or you are self-paying.

Midland Hand Clinic lead by Mr G Shyamalan FRCS NHS consultant hand surgeon.

www.midlandhandclinic.com

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Food & Drink

Coconut & Tomato Lentil Curry

Ingredients

• 300g dry red lentils • 2 tablespoons coconut oil • 1 large white onion, finely chopped • 3 cloves garlic, crushed or grated • 30g fresh ginger, grated • 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato puree • 2 tablespoons curry powder • 450-550ml vegetable stock • 400ml full fat coconut milk • 400ml chopped tomatoes • 1 mild green fresh chilli, finely sliced • 250-300g bag baby spinach • Green chillies or pickled chillies, natural yoghurt, sunflower seeds, sliced spring onion, fresh coriander leaves and fresh lemon wedges to serve

Method Heat coconut oil in a large pan or casserole pan over a medium heat.

Cook onions for 4-5 minutes until they have softened, be careful not to burn.

Stir in the ginger, garlic and chilli and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Add tomato puree, curry powder, season to taste and cook for approximately 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the coconut milk, vegetable stock, tomatoes and lentils. Sir everything together and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the lentils are tender (approx.

30 minutes). Add more vegetable stock or water throughout cooking to change consistency as desired.

n n 36 36 || Worcestershire Worcestershire Now Now || Issue Issue 174 174 || Februar February 2018

In a separate pan, add a tablespoon of water over a medium to high heat and stir in the spinach a handful at a time, stirring for a few minutes until wilted.

Serve the lentil curry in bowls and top with spinach, chillies, a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, sliced spring onion, fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of fresh lemon. n I love to try and find new things to cook at home each week, however sometimes it can be tricky to think of something quick, simple and tasty that we haven’t already done before.

Looking at recipe books, social media and what other food bloggers are cooking, I find is a good way to get inspiration.

I saw a photo recently on Instagram by Lucienne Simpson who posted a picture of a Tomato and Coconut Dahl that she had batch made on a Sunday. I used some basic ingredients to try and recreate the idea of the dish and attempted to garnish the lentil curry in a similar way. Although Lucienne’s definitely looks much prettier than mine did, it still tasted pretty good! We made this again a second time and stirred in some raw king prawns for the last 5 minutes of cooking for some added meatyness. www.pershorepatty.com

Food & Drink

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 37 n

Golden Years

es eas r c n i . also health t u r w b you e’s ho fit, s u d r o r y e a eps safegu - and h e k ly g d t on od an walkin o n o t e rcis your m s to ge e x i e . s ular , boost t ways health g e r s R ty asie ve you ibili e x e e fl pro f th o m i e On ng can ki wal

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Golden Years A daily walk, even if it’s just a 15 minute stroll to the shops, can help to keep you active and, if you walk with friends, it can give your social life a boost, too. Here’s a quick rundown of how else walking can improve your health: Walking helps with weight loss Taking regular exercise is especially important as we get older and our metabolism slows down, making us more likely to put on weight. The only way to lose weight is to use up more energy that we take in, and a daily walk can help to burn off some of those calories.

Brisk walking helps to keep the heart strong According to the British Heart Foundation, over 1 in 7 men and nearly 1 in 10 women die from coronary heart disease (CHD) in the UK. However, people who are physically active are at lower risk of CHD. Brisk walking can help to keep your heart strong by increasing your heart rate. It can also reduce your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure in the long-term.

High blood pressure is also a key risk factor for stroke, which usually affects people over the age of 65. Some communities are also at higher risk from heart disease. For example, people of South Asian origin are at particular risk of CHD. Experts think this is because of diet and lifestyle.

Walking reduces your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes There are an estimated 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK. Most of these cases are Type 2 Diabetes, which is more likely to affect adults and those who are overweight or obese.

People in some communities are more likely to have diabetes than others. For example, people of south Asian descent can be up to 6 times more likely to have diabetes than the general population. African-Caribbean, Black African, and Chinese people are also more at risk. However, you can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Walking can help strengthen your bones Walking can help to strengthen bones, helping to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and more likely to break. According to the National Osteoporosis Society, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will break a bone largely due to osteoporosis during their lifetime.

Walking will improve your mood and mental wellbeing Regular exercise will improve your mood and increase feelings of wellbeing - and it can even help to relieve depression. Being outside in the fresh air has been linked to better mental wellbeing and reduced stress.

Walking can also be a social activity when done in a group or with friends, so it can help to tackle feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Being physically active can reduce your risk of developing dementia It is now thought that being physically active and leading a healthy lifestyle could reduce the risk of developing dementia. Exercise is also beneficial for the wellbeing of people with dementia. It can lead to improved strength and flexibility, better sleep, and some studies suggest it may improve memory and slow mental decline. n For more information please visit www.ageuk.org.uk

Regular exercise will improve your mood and increase feelings of wellbeing - and it can even help to relieve depression.

n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

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Golden Years

Moving Here was

The Right Decision

The crests of four ships hang proudly in the hallway of Bob Dobney’s apartment. Each one brings back memories of the ships he served on, during a 25 year career with the Royal Navy.

‘We liked the look of the Inspired concept and the potential it had for us to enjoy this phase of our lives,’ says Bob.’ We chose a ground floor apartment which was spacious, comfortable and low maintenance.’

The couple moved into in a two bedroom apartment at the heart of the village in autumn 2016. ‘We are really enjoying living in this area, and in this retirement village,’ says Bob. ‘The management team arrange a wide variety of visits and group activities, and we are developing into a very friendly community.

Bob Dobney, OBE, a former naval commander, is now enjoying a well-earned retirement at Austin Heath, Warwick. And at his side is his wife Mary, whom he married more than 60 years ago. ‘’We are looking forward to the future, we always have done,’ says Mary. ‘Moving here was the right decision.’

Mary and Bob met at a navy dance; they married just over a year later, and had two children. Bob was an electronics and weapons engineer on board ships. He served on HMS Intrepid and HMS Norfolk. His naval history included The Cod Wars and the Falklands Conflict and he also spent two years in Whitehall as the technical desk officer for the Fourth Sea Lord.

After he retired from the navy the couple went to live in a four bedroom house in Essex but eventually the house became too big for them. ‘The garden was three quarters of an acre and the house needed a fair amount of attention,’ says Bob, who is now 85. ‘It was getting too much for us. We knew we had to downsize’ They decided they wanted to live near their son who lives in Warwickshire. n 42 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

‘Leamington Spa and Warwick are under ten minutes’ drive away and a large retail park is closer still with all the major supermarkets within a stone’s throw of each other. It is an easy drive to Stratford upon Avon and the Cotswolds and many other local places of interest.

We have also discovered that the local GP clinic and Warwick Hospital are very good.’

Bob and Mary have made friends in the village and have taken part in activities: everything from coffee mornings to ten pin bowling, pumpkin carving, and a cheese and wine event.

Bob enjoys playing the bagpipes; he plays at events and also has an electronic set which he can play at home using headphones. He regularly goes Scottish country dancing in nearby Leamington. Mary, now 83, enjoys walking.

They both enjoy travelling and have recently been on a cruise to Iceland and on a cruise along the Danube. Bob says he has probably seen more of the world since he retired than he did when he was in the navy.

‘You only get one life, you need to make the most of it’ he says. He believes ‘comfort, family and friendships’ are key to happiness in later life. ‘We are happy here,’ he says. n

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EDUCATION

Remembering

What You Learn If you’re going to learn anything, you need two kinds of prior knowledge: knowledge about the subject such as maths, history, or geography and knowledge about how learning actually works The bad news: Much of our education system skips one of them, which is concerning, given that your ability to learn is such a huge predictor of success in life, from achieving in academics to getting ahead at work. It all requires mastering skill after skill. “Parents and teachers are good at imparting the first kind of knowledge,” says psych writer Annie Murphy Paul. “We’re comfortable talking about concrete information: names, dates, numbers, facts. But the guidance we offer on the act of learning itself - the ‘meta-cognitive’ aspects of learning - is more hit-or-miss, and it shows.”

New education research shows that low-achieving students have “substantial deficits” in their understanding of the cognitive strategies that allow people to learn well. This, Paul says, suggests that part of the reason students perform poorly is that they don’t know a lot about how learning actually works.

Henry Roediger and Mark McDaniel, psychologists at Washington University in St. Louis and co authors of Make It Stick: The Science Of Successful Learning, say that “how we teach and study is largely a mix of theory, lore, and intuition.” So let’s cut through that lore. Here are learning strategies that really work.

you’re experiencing is fluency. For instance, you’re at the airport and you’re trying to remember which gate your flight to Cardiff is waiting for you at. You look at the terminal monitors — it’s C14. You think to yourself, oh, C14. Then you walk away, finish your coffee, buy a magazine, idly check your phone, and instantly forget where you’re going.

The alternative: You read the gate number. Then you turn away from the monitor and ask yourself, what’s the gate? If you can recall that it’s B44, you’re good to go.

Connect the new thing to the old things “The stronger your grasp of the new learning will be, and the more connections you create that will help you remember it later.” the ‘Make It Stick’ authors write. When you’re weaving in new threads into your pre-existing web of knowledge, you’re elaborating.

One technique is to come up with real-life examples of principles you’ve just uncovered. If you’ve just learned about half-rhyme, you could read poems that exhibit it.

If you’ve just discovered heat transfer, you could think of the way a warm cup of coffee disperses warmth into your hands on a cold winter’s day.

Force yourself to recall The least-fun part of effective learning is that it’s hard.

In fact, the ‘Make It Stick’ authors contend that when learning if difficult, you’re doing your best learning, in the same way that lifting a weight at the limit of your capacity makes you strongest. It’s simple, though not easy, to take advantage of this: force yourself to recall a fact.

Flashcards are a great ally in this, since they force you to supply answers.

Reflect, reflect, reflect Reflective learning is a way of allowing students to step back from their learning experience to help them develop critical thinking skills and improve on future performance by analysing their experience. This type of learning, which helps move the learner from surface to deep learning, can include a range of activities, including self-review, peer review, and personal development planning. Understanding assessment criteria and acting on feedback is also a way of encouraging us to reflect on what we have learned and how they will improve. n

Don’t fall for fluency When you’re reading something and it feels easy, what

Annie Murphy Paul is published by Simon & Schuster UK

n 44 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

EDUCATION

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 45 n

KEEPING ACTIVE Start/End: The Walk starts outside Droitwich Library, town centre.

Public Transport: Droitwich is served by regular trains and buses. Please check ‘Traveline’ and local timetables when planning your day.

Parking: There is a large car park between town and canal.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 204.

Distances: 7.5 miles. Shorter 4 miles route (see sketch map).

Time: Allow all day to enjoy this walk. Note: The ‘shorter’ route involves some lane walking but can be completed in a morning or afternoon. Allow for early onset of darkness in winter months.

Droitwich Chateau Impney

Refreshments: You are advised to take a picnic as there are limited refreshment places once you leave Droitwich. ‘The Robin Hood’ near Junction 5 on M5 serves food all day and there is a coffee shop nearby. Terrain: This walk is gently undulating with a few gradual climbs. There are a few stiles, gates, kiss-gates, footbridges, steps and some essential road-walking, making this walk unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Droitwich is a ‘wheel-friendly’ town with Vines Park and the canal-side walk. Boots are essential due to muddy areas. Comfortable ‘wellies’ are a good idea in winter (Winter Wellies Walk).

History: The walk starts at Droitwich Library with the fascinating ‘Saltworkers’ sculpture nearby. You will be passing quite close to ‘Chateau Impney’ built for John Corbett – Droitwich’s ‘Salt-King’. (please note there is NO public access into the grounds). A ‘history’ board has been erected nearby. The magnificent French-style Chateau can be seen from several points on the walk. Parts of the walk go alongside the Droitwich Canal that was once used by barges to ship the salt from Droitwich to towns all over the Midlands and beyond. You will also pass ‘Brine-Pits Farm’ which was where there were once troughs into which the brine was pumped and heated then when the water had evaporated off, the salt was shovelled into bags or made into ‘salt-lumps’ and transported down to the canal by horse and cart. Droitwich has the Roman name ‘Salinae’ and a number of Roman Roads radiate from this town – this walk crosses four of them! (see sketch-map).

1. The walk starts outside Droitwich Library. Notice ‘Saltworkers’ sculpture. Walk to ‘Raven Hotel’ and turn left. Cross Road to Vines Park.

2. Turn right through park and follow Droitwich Barge Canal for ¾ mile, turning off towpath up to pavement for short distance just before you reach M5 underpass (where canal passes through tunnel).

3. Turn left up Impney Way. Keep on left side of road, crossing Impney Green to follow loosely surfaced and follow bridleway diagonally right (towards radio masts) as far ‘Rashwood Farm’bridleway that veers left beyond canal then curves right to run parallel to railway track behind houses. You are on ‘John Corbett Way’ named after Droitwich’s Salt-King who lived at Chateau Impney. (route marked by ‘Raven’ Symbol from his 1893 Coat of Arms). After ½ mile turn left across railway bridge and walk past barrier.

4. There is no public access to Chateau here, please remain on ‘bridleway’ past outbuildings. Turn right to continue along ‘John Corbett Way’, a nearby board will fill you in with history. Walk up higher path to wooden gate then keep to right of avenue of trees with glimpses back towards Chateau. At corner go through gate and walk diagonally right towards ‘Rashwood Farm’ 5. Short walk turns left at ‘Rashwood Farm’ to A38. Turn left to Ford Lane on right. Walk past Golf Club to Crutch Lane turning left briefly to path on right along edge of golf-course. Follow path down steps and towards railway to rejoin main walk at point 9. The main walk goes via drive from ‘Rashwood Farm’ down lane to Roman Road (A38). Coffee shop opposite and ‘Robin Hood’ Restaurant (open all day) to right. Main walk goes right for ¼ mile to track on left leading to ‘Walkmills Farm’.

6. Beyond farm, go through small metal gate and turn immediately left following boundary down slope. Take small gate into paddock crossing causeway between ponds on right to way-marked gate beyond. Cross footbridge over River Salwarpe. Follow stream to right for few hundred yards then follow tree-line and cross playing-field diagonally onto lane beyond converted barns of ‘Ridgeway Court Farm’. Turn left for ½ mile passing gateway to ‘Brine-Pits Farm’. Walk straight on along this ridge-top bridleway to end of hedgerow. n 46 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

7. Take bridleway right through series of horse-gates into lovely old drove road to Ford Cottages. Follow bridleway opposite towards Hampton Lovett (marked ‘Wychavon Way’) for ¾ mile then down steep escarpment to footpath on left.

8. Cut across to another footpath where you turn left again. This path takes you southwards for a mile passing ‘Highstank Pool’ on left with railway and tall buildings of an industrial estate beyond that on your right.

9. Short walk joins in here. Continue walking round foot of hill and beneath A38 bearing left towards Dodderhill Church. Follow lane below Church to exit near railway bridge on B4065. Walk beneath railway, over canal bridge and turn into Vines Park on your right.

10. Follow Droitwich Barge Canal through Vines Park retracing ‘outward’ route up slope to Droitwich Library where the walk ends. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

Living History

A Celebration of

Worcester Heritage The Love Worcester Heritage Festival is back for another great year, celebrating Worcester’s treasures of heritage. With nine days of events and activities across some of Worcester’s most loved venues, as well as some hidden gems, it’s a great way to get to know the city better The Love Worcester Heritage Festival was started by Worcester Heritage Partnership, with the support of Visit Worcestershire and the Chamber of Commerce, in order to highlight the great variety of history present within the city. Worcester is blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to museums and heritage; highlights include an eleventh century cathedral, a civil war HQ, world famous porcelain, and an historic infirmary. Without leaving the city, you can travel to the Georgian period, explore Tudor architecture, enjoy world-class art and connect with a wealth of spiritual heritage. But with so much to see, it can almost be difficult knowing where to start exploring Worcester’s fascinating past.

Have you entertained friends or had family visit ask you what is there to do in Worcester? The festival, with themed activities and events, is the perfect way to dip your toe in the water, revisit an old favourite, and just get stuck in and discover more about the city’s amazing past.

The festival centres on the theme of love and this year’s events range from the crafty, with the City Art Gallery

and Museum offering the chance to make your own mini Worcester, to the quirky, with heart dissections at The Infirmary Museum. Scheduled to coincide with half term, there’s heaps to keep the kids entertained with hands-on activities and opportunities to make, do and learn. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty for adults to enjoy too, with evening talks and performances. Also offering a more immersive experience, The Commandery’s ever popular Living History weekend returns with re-enactors bringing two thousand years of history to life, and there’s also the chance to meet the Georgians at Greyfriars and find out what life was really like in Georgian Worcester.

You can follow the festival on Instagram: @LoveWorcester and Twitter: @LoveWorcs to find out more about the festival and enjoy exclusive behind the scenes content. Festival programmes can be picked up from the Worcester Tourist Information Centre located on the High Street. n To learn more about Worcester BID and its work developing the city centre, please www.visitworcestershire.org/worcester/love-worcester

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Our Events Diary

Competition

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE

From hats to shoes, to scarves and gloves, it’s all about adding a splash of colour to spring on Wednesday 14th March 2018, Ladies Day at Cheltenham Racecourse for the #ColourMeMarch competition.

in the year and will be on hand to

This year the competition, exclusively for ladies only, is about bringing colour and style to The Festival™ and you have the chance of winning a brand new MINI ONE CAR from W.O. Lewis and Sytner Solihull as well as other fantastic prizes. Whether you want to show off your best boots, parade your finest hat or give a nod to your favourite horse’s colours, get ready to #ColourMeMarch.

ask if you’d like to be entered in

Our Ladies Day ambassador this year, is Miss England 2017, Stephanie Hill. The 22-year-old, who is a keen equestrian rider and studying for a degree in radiotherapy, beat off 117 other competitors to come third in the world at the Miss World contest that took place in China earlier

present the prizes on the day.

For your chance to make it a winning day, all you need to do is either get spotted by one of the racecourse team who will then to the Ladies Day competition, or you can enter yourself in the Ladies day marquee. Winners will be selected at random to win one of the many prizes and announced on the big screen overlooking the parade ring.

Other prizes that will be won on the day include a £2000 necklace from Boodles, an overnight stay at The Lygon Arms in Broadway with dinner, cocktails, breakfast and spa treatment, an Yvette Jelfs made to order hat worth £700 and more. n For further information on all racedays and to book tickets, please visit: cheltenham.co.uk

www.cheltenham.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning two Club Tickets to Ladies Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 14th, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Who is the ambassador of Ladies Day this year?

Answer: Name: Address: Tel:

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

Email:

Closing date for entries is 14th February 2018. n 48 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

If you do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Cheltenham Racecourse please tick this box

Our Events Diary

ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS

Tel: 01905 621183 perfectpartners@talktalk.net

www.perfectpartnerstheheartofengland.co.uk

Worcestershire

Now

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

Genna McCann-Taylor

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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 49 n

What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Austen the Musical at Artrix

FEBRUARY

with moments of joy, despair and heartwrenching sadness. Tickets from £12.

Tel: 01527 577330 • www.artrix.co.uk

Wednesday 7th An Evening with Aggers & Bumble

Friday 9th

Malvern Theatres, Forum Theatre. 7:45pm.

Since 2013, Evenings with Aggers have been delighting audiences all over the country.

Now, following in the footsteps of Geoffrey Boycott,

Sunil

Gavaskar

and

Graeme

Swann, Aggers teams up with cricket’s number 1 maverick, national treasure, David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd. Lloyd has done everything in cricket. An all-rounder for Lancashire and England, first class umpire, coach with Lancashire and the the national team and, from 1999, Sky TV’s most charismatic and popular commentator. Bumble is a lifelong fan and ex-semi-professional footballer for Accrington Stanley, as well as an author, journalist and columnist. This will be a fascinating, entertaining, no-holds-barred evening for cricket fans and non-lovers of the game alike and there will be an opportunity for the audience to tweet Aggers with their own questions. Tickets: £29.12 (including 12% booking fee).

Tel: 01684 892277 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk n 50 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Thursday 8th Austen the Musical Artrix, Bromsgrove. 8pm. Rob Winslow’s full version of his new musical which explores the transition of Jane Austen from country parson’s daughter to one of the most widely rea writers in English literature. Austen the Musical explores Jane’s struggle to have her work published in a male dominated environment, her failed romances and her vow to reject a woman’s conventional lifestyle in Georgian England. The stunning story of Jane Austen’s transition from a country parson’s daughter to one of the most widely read writers in English Literature.

Austen The Musical is full of stunning songs

The Sixteen: Vivaldi Gloria Worcester Cathedral. 7:30pm - 9:30pm. The centrepiece of this season’s choir and orchestra tour is Vivaldi’s Gloria – one of sacred music’s most uplifting choral works and a joyful hymn of praise with moments ranging from festive brilliance to profound sadness. Composed in Venice, probably in 1715, for the choir of the Ospedale della Pietà, its wonderfully sunny nature and distinctive melodies and rhythms gives it an immediate and universal appeal. Bach was a fierce admirer of Vivaldi’s work, and his extraordinarily inventive Mass in G major complements the Gloria perfectly.

Performers: The Sixteen choir & orchestra Harry Christophers conductor. Tickets: £10-£30. www.thesixteen.com

Saturday 11th Evesham 45`s Meetup group The Angel Hotel, Pershore, WR10 1AF. 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Are you tired of the same old routine? Is your social-life is in need of a boost, join our Meetup group, Evesham

>>

Our Events Diary

© Benjamin Ealovega

Debussy

Festival

“What rules do you follow?” asked Claude Debussy’s music teacher. “Pleasure,” he replied. But pleasure can unlock whole worlds, and Debussy’s imagination held the key to a century that would change music forever.

100 his

years

after

death,

Mirga

Gr a žiny te -Ty la and the CBSO plunge into this extraordinary musical mind – a journey through sensual pleasures and sacred ecstasies, children’s games and bold new sounds. It’s an adventure that’ll involve our entire

musical family, plus musical groups from across the whole city.

On Saturday 23 June at 5pm, Debussy’s fairytale opera Pelléas et Mélisande will make an unforgettable climax to our Debussy celebrations with a truly stellar cast.

Tickets are available for individual

events – or you can save money by buying a Weekend Pass to one or both festival weekends. For details: cbso.co.uk/debussy The Debussy Festival has been made possible

through

support

of

Barry

the and

generous Frances

Kirkham, Jerry Sykes and HSBC. n

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 51 n

What's On

Teechers by Blackeyed Theatre Company at The Swan Theatre

Over 45’s, a friendship group for the over 45`s. Theatre, cinema, walks, meals and much more. Come along and meet us for a coffee/drink and a chat and find out more.

Tel: 07501023391

12th Feb Soap Making Workshop at Three Little Pigs 10am - 4pm. This workshop will introduce you to the basic art of soap making - not the melt and pour mass produced soap but the traditional cold process soap that harks back to a simpler, more natural age. Cost: £70.

Tel: 07935208403

Saturday 17th Teechers The Swan Theatre, Worcester. 7:30pm.

Blackeyed Theatre Company present John Godber’s classic classroom comedy. John Godber’s highly acclaimed comedy tells the story of three school leavers, Salty, Hobby and Gail, who offer an account of their time in high school. Their memories focus mainly on their experience of Mr Nixon, the drama teacher who inspires them with his belief that all children should be treated equally...

A play which deals with the sense of disillusionment evident not only in students but in many of those who educate them, Teechers remains as relevant today as it was when first performed at the Edinburgh Festival way back in 1987. Tickets: £15.00, 12.50 concs.

Tel: 01905 611427 • www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Wednesday 21st The Jungle Book Palace Theatre. 1:30pm & 4:30pm.

Immersion Theatre are thrilled to bring their trademark energy to their wildest show yet, a brand new musical adaptation of family favourite, THE JUNGLE BOOK! Filled with catchy music, audience interaction, and n 52 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

the chance to meet the characters after the show, you are invited to join Mowgli and his friends Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther on a madcap adventure in the jungle as they meet and attempt to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys and the fierce tiger, Shere Khan! Funny, exciting and wildly entertaining, this larger-than-life musical promises to be the perfect treat for families of all ages! Tickets £13 - £52 (family) inclusive of booking fee £1 per ticket up to a maximum of £4.00 Age: Suitable for all Tel:01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Wednesday 21st – Saturday 24th Alan Bennett – Talking Heads Regal Theatre, Tenbury. Alan Bennett’s series of monologues have been entertaining audiences for nearly 30 years. Since they were first seen on BBC they have appeared on stage & radio the world over, charming audiences with Bennett’s style of wit, observation and social commentary. Local actors Anne Churchill, Peter Hayter & Sue Hawkins bring Bennett’s witty and charming characters to life in this live show, directed by Adey Ramsel & presented in The Regal Studio. All Tickets £14 - (£1 restoration levy added at checkout).

Tel: 01584 811 442 • www.regaltenbury.co.uk

Friday 23rd A Midsummer Nights Dream Palace Theatre. 7:30pm. Join Ballet Theatre UK as we enter the enchanting and magical realm of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Following on from the company’s critically acclaimed production of Romeo and Juliet we present a ballet set to charm the whole family. Be transported to a fantastical world of dazzling dance, music and enchantment.

Lovers, fairies, mischief and moonlight conspire in Shakespeare’s classic tale. Through the vision of Artistic Director, Christopher Moore, this innovative production gives the old tale a new life. With stunning original choreography set to the iconic Mendelssohn score and breath-taking costume you will be transported to the magical woodland of old where you will rediscovery the magical charm of this classic tale. Don’t miss your chance to see this spectacular ballet when it tours the UK Spring 2018, billed as a wonderful treat for young and old, lovers of dance, music and sheer theatrical magic. Tickets: £18.00 or £13.00* (child under 16) *inclusive of booking fee £1 per ticket up to a maximum of £4.

Tel: 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Nicholas Parsons - A Laugh a Minute Huntingdon Hall. 7:30pm - 10pm. A simple

>>

Our Events Diary

Helping Children

With Emotional and Mental Health Problems

It’s estimated that 20% of the UK’s children have a social, emotional, behaviour or diagnosable mental health problem.

The good news is that

age, condition, and severity of

which may be alleviated with play

the latest research by

the issue. As an example, when

therapy.

Play Therapy UK, the

the outcomes of children with

largest play therapy professional

a greater severity of problem

organisation shows that between

were examined, 93% observed

77% to 84% of children show a

by referrers and 87% by parents

positive change after receiving

showed a positive change.

therapy

delivered

to

PTUK’s

standards. The research is based on

over

44,000

observations

by

independent parents

and

referrers, mainly teachers.

The varies

amount

of

according

the Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists by the Professional

anger,

attachment issues, lack of self esteem & confidence, adjustment

government funded agency. n To

find

a

therapist

search

www.playregister.org.uk.

issues and bereavement. However,

For

also

children present with a very wide

play therapy including training:

gender,

range of other problems, most of

www.playtherapy.org.uk

change to

difficulties,

April 2013 by the accreditation of

Standards Authority an independent

The six most common issues were relationship

Play therapy was recognised in

more

information

about

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 53 n

What's On

Spring Tractor World & Classic Commercial Show at Three Counties Showground title for a wholly out of the ordinary event; a show full of humour, comedy and acutely observed characterisations. Nicholas Parsons demonstrates his unique ability as a solo performer and raconteur in this anecdotal entertainment based on his experience of life and working in the various media of an unpredictable and always fascinating profession. His ability to laugh at himself and see the humour in his early life and struggles to be an actor while serving an Engineering Apprenticeship in the harsh world of Clydeside, building to anecdotes based on his varied work in so many branches of show business, is a constant joy and a humorous revelation that keeps his audience continually enthralled. Tickets: £18.50 Tel: 01905 611427 • www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th Spring Tractor World & Classic Commercial Show n 54 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018

Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 9:30am - 4pm. Well established large veteran, vintage & classic tractor and machinery show plus classic commercials. Saturday HJ Pugh auction plus vintage spares day on Sunday. Location: Avon, Wye and Severn Hall Entrance: Brown and South Carpark.

Adult £12.50 at gate; Advance £10.50; Weekend £20 at gate; Advance £15 Tel: 01697 451882 www.tractorworldshows.co.uk

MARCH Friday 2nd Banff Film Festival Malvern Theatres. 7:30pm. Experience an extraordinary collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival. Follow the expeditions of some of

today’s most incredible adventurers, see amazing footage of adrenaline packed action sports and be inspired by thoughtprovoking pieces shot from the far flung corners of the globe. This year there are two evenings that will ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel. For double the adventure come along both nights for two entirely different film programmes. Two night discounts are available. 2nd March & 23rd March. Exciting events not to be missed with free prizes Visit www.banff-uk. com Programme highlights include: THE FROZEN ROAD Yorkshireman Ben Page is embarking on a solo bikepacking journey in the Canadian Arctic. He starts with romantic visions of perfect solitude, but as the latitude increases and the mercury falls below -30C, he discovers what it truly means to travel alone in this great emptiness. INTO TWIN GALAXIES – A GREENLAND EPIC Top adventurers Ben Stookesberry, Sarah McNairLandry and Erik Boomer are on an extreme mission in Greenland. Using kite skis, the trio tow their white-water kayaks 1,000km over the Greenland Ice Cap to reach the northernmost river ever paddled – and then the challenge gets even tougher. Age Guidance: 12A. Tickets: £14.95 plus 12.5% booking fee Tel: 01684 892277 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Saturday 3rd Judie Tzuke - Peace Has Broken Out Tour Huntingdon Hall. 7:30pm. After the countrywide, sellout success of the Songs and Stories tour, Judie is back on the road performing more of her special acoustic concerts celebrating the release of her long awaited, new album, Peace Has Broken Out. This promises to be an intimate evening of old favourites and songs from the new album, combined with stories from across her life and career. Judie Tzuke is one of the UK’s finest Singer/Songwriters and is known all over the world for her timeless song, Stay With Me Till Dawn, with many top 10 albums, including the revered classic, Welcome to the Cruise, and her exquisite live shows.

Judie will be showing once again what an extraordinary artist she is! Tickets: £22.50.

Tel: 01905 611427 www.worcesterlive.co.uk

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 55 n

n 56 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 174 | February 2018