Worcestershire Now - FEBRUARY 2021 by PW Media & Publishing Ltd

Worcestershire

Now

Beautiful & Strong The garden fence designed to withstand all weathers!

See page 9 and visit www.colourfenceworcester.co.uk for more information IT’S POTATO TIME! DOORSTEP BIRDING WALKING WELL IN WORCESTERSHIRE FEBRUARY 2021 | ISSUE 203 t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

NEWS • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD & DRINK • HEALTH & BEAUTY • GOLDEN YEARS • PUZZLES

CRISS-CROSS

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 13 1

11 12

15 18

29 30

32 33 34

39 40

47 48

4 letter words BETA SURF 5 letter words ANGLE APPLE CLEAN DEFOE DOUGH DOZEN DRIVE DWARF EBONY EDGAR

ESSAY ETHER FLUTE GABON GEKKO GRASS HOBBY IGLOO LEMMA PIKES RANGE RHYME USAGE VISIT

6 letter words APIARY METHOD 7 letter words BARN OWL EDITION GLOWING JUGGLER NETWORK ROUTINE SEAGULL STELLAR

8 letter words BURGUNDY GAME PLAN GERANIUM HERITAGE INCA DOVE MUSINGLY NAVIGATE SNOWBALL STONE AGE TWILIGHT

9 letter words ADAGIETTO ASYMMETRY DECORATED FIREPLACE 10 letter words GOGGLE EYED TRAMPOLINE 13 letter words KIDDERMINSTER SCOTCH TERRIER

THERE ARE MORE PUZZLES ON PAGE 30!

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

Worcestershire

Now 12

FEBRUARY 2021 HOME & GARDEN 8

Creating the Perfect Home Office

It’s Potato Time!

Here’s Why The Orchards is the Perfect Family Haven

Nature Notebook

HEALTH & BEAUTY 20

Rejuvenate Your Senses

Walking Well in Worcestershire

21 22

GOLDEN YEARS 22

What to Expect After Your COVID-19 Vaccination

Keeping Your Independence with TPG DisableAids

EDUCATION 26

Schools Not to Re-open Until After Easter?

LIVING HISTORY 28

From Worcestershire to the New World

PUZZLES 30

Puzzled? Stay Home. Stay Safe.

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

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd

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

ADVERTISING Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Lis Gardner Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk

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

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Paul Harding Botany Bay Nursery Christie & Co Discover History Herefordshire & Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust NHS Redrow Midlands TPG DisableAids

Daisy Bennett Wendy Carter

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

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS

DURING THIS 3RD LOCKDOWN Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important way of keeping a good quality of life, but it’s not just about hitting the gym; you need to care of your whole body, from the inside and outside. Sleep well The best thing you can do for your body is to rest it. Sleeping allows your body to repair and restore itself and the brain to recharge. It’s recommended for an adult to get eight hours of sleep a night, but it’s not always that easy, especially with all the distractions of modern technology. Put your phone away an hour before you go to sleep, and don’t be tempted by watching one more episode – the blue-light technology will keep you awake far longer than you want to be awake for.

physical health. Getting five portions of fruit and veg is important for keeping a healthy diet, so think about adding in some greens to your meals or waking yourself up with a fruit smoothie. Starchy carbohydrates should make up a third of what you eat and you should look to add carbs that are high in fibre to your meals, including pasta, rice, potatoes and bread. Having a good diet will help fight illness, fatigue and keep your body properly regulated. Try to avoid highly processed foods or ones that are high in fat or sugar.

Get outdoors There’s nothing better than getting some fresh air. Getting out and about is also a great way to reset your energy levels, so take a walk at lunchtime or when you start to feel run down, to help keep yourself motivated.

Take some time for self-care It is perfectly normal to need a break sometimes. Overdoing it can put your body through unnecessary stress, which then can cause illness or health issues. Schedule in some you-time once a week to relax and destress. Take a walk, have a warm bath or just enjoy a good book to clear your mind and reset your week. Your mental wellbeing is just as important to your physical health as exercise.

Regular exercise Having a good workout plan will make sure that you look after every part of your body, from your lungs and heart, to your muscles and bones. Not only does exercise keep your body healthy, it’s also a great way to keep a routine in your life. Whether you exercise once a week or every day, the routine will help keep your brain healthy too. Keep yourself hydrated Water is a necessity to us and our bodies as it fuel most bodily functions. Dehydration can be a real issue; it can make you feel unfocused, faint and can cause headaches. Not drinking enough water can also give you low mood, lead to grumpiness and make you feel extremely tired. Water makes up 60% of our bodies, so it’s clear to see why it’s so important to drink enough. Doctors recommended we all aim to drink around six to eight glasses of water a day. Maintain a healthy diet Eating right is really important to your overall n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

you have picked up an injury, make sure you use the correct treatment, whether that be cold therapies, resting or light movement and rehabilitation. Wash your hands regularly You may think that you’re doing your best to ward of viruses and diseases, but there are often things beyond your control exposing you to possible illnesses. From computer keyboards to mobile phones, germs can get everywhere. That’s why washing your hands regularly throughout the day can help fight off infections, especially before you eat. Try to cut down your sugar and salt intake There’s no need to completely get rid of your favourite snacks, but cutting down on sugary drinks or salty foods can help to maintain overall health. Consuming a high level of salt or sugar can make you feel sluggish and tired throughout the day, contributing to higher blood pressure. Instead of adding salt to your meals, why not use spices to give your

Take a break from screens It’s tough to not be constantly surrounded by phones, computers and TV screens in modern life. Staring at screens for prolonged periods of the day can have an effect on your eyesight and can make you feel tired and unable to concentrate. Although it’s impossible to avoid if you work at a computer, be sure to take plenty of breaks where possible, and try to take a break from technology for an hour or so, especially before bed.  Take care of your body after a workout

meals a bit of flavour and look to replace

It’s just as important to look after your body following a workout, as it is to warm up before starting a workout. Take care to look after the parts of the body you’ve used during your sports or exercise, by stretching out and relaxing your muscles – this will help prevent both muscle soreness and injury. If

lockdown, in which there are fewer hours

sugar with substitutes. Check in with your mental state We know that while lockdowns are intended to prevent the spread of a deadly disease, they can carry a high emotional toll for some of those told to stay at home. Experts have raised concerns about the impact less sunlight, uncertainty about the new coronavirus variant and more restrictive measures coming into force again could have on people’s mental health. A winter of daylight and when it is more difficult to engage in outside activities like exercise, may be more more impactful for mental health compared to a spring lockdown CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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HERE & NOW Check your employment and benefits rights

Talk about your worries

You may be worried about work and money

It’s normal to feel a bit worried, scared

while you have to stay home – which can have

or helpless about the current situation.

a big effect on your mental health. If you

Remember: it is OK to share your concerns

have not already, you might want to talk with

with others you trust – and doing so may help

your employer. Find out about government

them too. If you cannot speak to someone

support for businesses and self-employed

you know or if doing so has not helped, there

people and understand your sick pay and

are plenty of helplines you can try instead.

benefits rights. Knowing

the

details

about

what

The NHS mental health and wellbeing advice

the

pages also have a self-assessment, as well

coronavirus outbreak means for you can

as audio guides and other tools you can use

reduce worry and help you feel more in

while staying at home.

control.

They also have guidance and information to

Plan practical things If you’re unable to get to the shops, work out how you can get any household supplies you need. You could try asking neighbours or family friends, or find a delivery service. Continue accessing treatment and support for any existing physical or mental health problems where possible. Let services know you are staying at home, and discuss how to continue receiving support. If you need regular medicine, you might be able to order repeat prescriptions by phone, or online via a website or app. Contact your GP and ask if they offer this. You can also ask your

help others if someone you know is struggling pharmacy about getting your medicine delivered, or ask someone else to collect it for you. If you support or care for others, either in your home or by visiting them regularly, think about who can help out while you are staying at home. Stay connected with others Maintaining healthy relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing. Think about ways to stay in touch with friends and family – by phone, messaging, video calls or social media.

with their mental health. Remember, it’s quite common to experience short-lived physical symptoms when you are low or anxious of these, like feeling hot or short of breath, could be confused with symptoms of coronavirus. If this happens, try to distract yourself. When you feel less anxious, see if you still have the symptoms that worried you. If you’re still concerned, visit the NHS website. www.nhs. uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ n

HISTORIC MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL AND HOLIDAY LET PROPERTY IN LEDBURY FOR SALE THROUGH CHRISTIE & CO Specialist business property advisor, Christie & Co has brought to market Eastnor House, an historic, mixed-use property which offers a collection of eleven modern holiday and residential lets. The property is situated in the honeypot market town of Ledbury, just a stone’s throw from the main high street which offers an abundance of tea rooms, cafes and boutique stores. Ledbury lies between Hereford and the Malvern Hills and is highly accessible with great road and rail transport links to key nearby cities such as Hereford, Worcester, Birmingham, Oxford, and London Paddington. The town is steeped in history, with cobbled medieval streets and famous timber framed buildings, notably the 17th-Century, Grade 1 listed Market Hall. Eastnor Castle is also less than 2.5 miles from the property. Eastnor House, the principal building is a considerable three-story end of terrace property comprising three one-bedroom residential flats situated across three floors, which are held on long term AST agreements. n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

The ground floor also incorporates a recently refurbished, self-contained one-bedroom holiday apartment, named ‘Bishop’s’. Adjoining the main house to the rear, The Courtyard features five self-contained holiday cottages, which have recently been refurbished to an excellent standard. ‘FeverTree’, ‘Bumbu’, and ‘Rubi Roy’ consists of three one-bedroom cottages with a double bedroom, kitchen, flat-screen TV, WiFi, and other modern amenities. The remaining cottages named ‘The Drying House’ and ‘The Barn’ offer two en-suite double bedrooms on the ground floor, with a kitchen and various other amenities on the first floor. The sale of Eastnor House presents a rare opportunity to acquire a profitable turnkey business, and a prime piece of real estate, in the centre of an affluent and soughtafter market town. The current owner has recently invested a considerable amount in refurbishing all eleven units, meaning little, if any further investment is required. In addition, the sale offers the chance for an investor to capitalise upon the continued growth of the staycation market in the UK, fuelled by

COVID-19 and international travel restrictions. They comment, “It has been my privilege to develop these wonderful historic buildings to secure their future and create a successful business that will continue to thrive. Ledbury is a fabulous hidden gem of a market town, which offers so much to visitors and residents alike. I know whoever takes over the properties and the business will not be disappointed.” Joshua Sullivan, Senior Business Agent in Christie & Co’s Hospitality team is handling the sale and adds, “Eastnor House is a superb product which has been comprehensively refurbished to a superior standard and commands an enviable position in the centre of Ledbury. The property offers a unique blend of commercial and residential income that would suit a variety of investors seeking to safeguard their capital from the turbulent market conditions. The business has performed robustly with future bookings confirmed for later in the year, and this will undoubtedly give comfort to prospective purchasers.” Eastnor House is currently on the market with a guide price of OIRO £1,950,000 for the freehold. n

HERE & NOW

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HOME & GARDEN Furniture And Choice (furniturechoice.co.uk)

P e th

t c e erf

e m Ho

e c i f f O

ust

m en a

s be a h ce 20. spa 0 2 e c in fi t of home c e f r e pe ng from h t i eate e work r c le to anyon b a g for Bein

g n i t rea

With distractions coming in left right and centre, it’s becoming increasingly difficuly to have a calm and relaxing soace to work in. We give our top tips on creating your own haven when it comes to the perfect office space at home

mimics the effect of sunlight, like the Lumie

working in a quiet space, why not make your

Vitamin L Slim SAD Light, that is a ‘convenient

office sound proof. This could help others in

way to treat SAD or improve mood, energy

the house who are also trying to concentrate.

Plenty of natural light It’s important to get your vitamin D supply coming in from natural light. Vitamin D helps balance calcium in the body; the nutrients needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. Natural light also regulates the body’s natural cirdian rhythms to help your body recover whilst sleeping. Place your desk next to a window, or if you don’t have a lot of natural light flooding in, invest in a SAD light that n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

and focus’

Organisation is the key

Paint your room in neutral colours so that

Only surround yourself by things you actually

the light bounces off walls to brighten up the

need for working and place them in folders

whole space.

or containers that can be set aside neatly. You

Peace and quiet This may be a hard one to find, especially if you are trying to balance work life with looking

could also use a peg board to put up nearby to pin useful papers and messages nearby; maybe even pinning a few images for inspiration.

after small children. Even if you find the perfect

How much space do you need?

spot in the house for your office, there may

If you do not have much room for working

be external factors that are hard to change.

from home, there are plenty of ways to fit a

Instead try and remove all distractions and

space into your already tight space. The Tiva

clutter from around you, amd organise your

Oak Ladder Desk from Dunelm is only 85cm

workspace so that you only have exactly what you need in order to work. For the ultimate in

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

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01905 783232

www.colourfenceworcester.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

wide and can fit snugly into any situation at home. It’s the ideal workspace, with storage above and below for everything you need for working in a small home or flat. Another way to save space is to have a corner desk. The corner of a room is usually a wasted, so by having a desk placed in the corner will free up a lot of floor space, making the room feel bigger and more spacious. Look after yourself Instead of curling up on the sofa to do your work, it’s important to get into the habit of sitting upright whilst doing long hours from home. The NHS website gives tips on how to sit properly at your desk; these include; • Supporting your back • Adjusting your chair • Resting your feet on the floor • Placing your screen at eye level • Having the keyboard straight in front of you • Taking regular breaks

Shutterly Fabulous - Shell Office

n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

Visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/howto-sit-correctly/ for more information on how to sit at your desk correctly. A major problem with not going out to work and being able to walk around as often is the risk to your health in the long term. Those who sit regularly without any breaks are at more risk of diabetes and heart disease. A standing desk or height adustabkle desk is used in office spaces to help lower your risk of weight gain and obesity and help reduce back pain. There are many standing desks for your home now but my favourite is the Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk from www.fully.com. Not only is it adjustable but it is made from eco-friendly bamboo and comes in seven different sizes. n By Daisy Bennett Tiva Ladder desk www.dunelm.com

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

o P t's

o t ta

! e m i T

self

r you n w gro g. e v ’ you atisfyin t a s th od just so o f is ng eati er and e k li tt uite uch be q g thin s so m o n re’s It taste e h T

This is a great time of year

First Earlies, as the name suggests, are the

Varieties include Kestrel and Charlotte, well-

to start planning your “grow

first ones to mature and will be ready in

known and delicious in salads.

your own” fruit and vegetable

about 10 or 12 weeks from planting. These

garden. And what better way to start than

can be planted in March ready to harvest

with potatoes, a versatile and healthy staple

May to July. They are ideal for growing in

of our diets. Potatoes are really easy to grow,

containers and bags and will produce small,

even for beginner gardeners. You don’t need

tasty new potatoes. You’ll find varieties such

These are best grown in the ground as they

an allotment or a large garden, a small area

as Pentland Javelin and Duke of York, which is

need more space. They will produce delicious

will do. You can even grow them in sacks,

great for boiling.

larger potatoes which are perfect for roasting

bags or containers on your patio.

Second Earlies will be ready in 13 -14 weeks.

It is important though to start with proper

Plant them in March and April and they will be

seed potatoes, specially developed for

ready in July-August. These are also perfect

growing. You will see them labelled as First

for growing in bags as they take up less

Earlies, Second Earlies and Main Crop.

space and will produce small new potatoes.

n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

Main Crop Potatoes should be planted in late April, but they won’t be ready to harvest for 16-20 weeks, until late July-October.

and baking. You will recognise some of the of main crop varieties, such as King Edward and Maris Piper - the chip shop favourite! CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

ACROSS 10. Game Plan 11. Burgundy 12. Gekko 13. Snowball 14. Navigate 15. Essay 18. Dwarf 22. Defoe 23. Kidderminster 28. Stone Age 29. Geranium 35. Scotch Terrier 38. Flute 39. Dozen 41. Edgar 45. Twilight 46. Heritage 47. Hobby 48. Inca Dove 49. Musingly 50. Range

CRISS-CROSS: DOWN 1. Barn Owl 2. Network 3. Clean 4. Angle 5. Pikes 6. Ebony 7. Drive 8. Juggler 9. Edition 16. Surf 17. Apiary 19. Fireplace 20. Adagietto 21. Asymmetry 22. Decorated 24. Usage 25. Dough 26. Visit 27. Lemma 30. Method 33. Beta 34. Glowing 35. Stellar 36. Routine 37. Seagull 40. Igloo 41. Ether 42. Gabon 43. Rhyme 44. Grass

HOME & GARDEN

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found the answers, now turn to page 30 to find the puzzles!

ANSWERS

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HOME & GARDEN

v-shaped trench that is about 12 cm deep and place your tubers along the trench with the shoots pointing upwards, about 30cm apart. Cover them with soil. When you see the shoots poking through the surface, draw some soil up around them, creating a ridge so only the tips are showing. This encourages more growth and a better crop. You can add a general fertiliser to the soil in May, June and July to encourage growth. A good tip is to be careful to water the soil rather than the leaves. Ready Steady Chit! Before you plant your potatoes, we would recommend ‘chitting’. This is something you can do now to get your seed potatoes, or tubers, ready for planting. Place your tubers in egg boxes or trays with the eyes pointing upwards then put them into a cool bright place, no warmer than 15 degrees, then wait for them to shoot. When it is time to plant your tubers, remove any additional shoots by rubbing them away. Get Potato Planting In the ground - Potatoes will do best in well-drained soil in a bright location. Dig a

In bags or containers – Choose a good multi-purpose compost and fill your bag or container leaving 20cm of space at the top. Pop in your tubers with the shoots pointing upwards, about 20cm apart. You may only need 2 or 3 potatoes per container or bag. Then completely cover them with about 10cm of compost. Keep it in a cool spot and remember to water it, do not let it dry out. When you see the shoots emerging, keep adding more soil to cover them until the compost has reached the top of your container. Protect your emerging shoots from frost too.

The last decision to make is how to cook them! Boil, Bake, Mash, Chip – they will all be delicious!

n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

Harvesting – the Best Bit! Wait until the buds drop from your potato plants and any flowers that have opened begin to fade. Carefully stick a fork in the soil underneath one of your plants to see if your crop is ready. First Earlies can be harvested in May/June. Second Earlies can be harvested in June. Main Crop potatoes can be harvested from late July to September. Leave them in the soil for as long as you can so they will be good sized potatoes. You don’t need to dig up your whole crop at the same time. If you are only taking enough for your dinner, be careful not to disturb them more than you need to and they will continue to grow. The last decision to make is how to cook them! Boil, Bake, Mash, Chip – they will all be delicious! n Botany Bay Nurseries, Garden Centre & Café Edgioake Lane, Astwood Bank, Redditch, B98 7NR T: 01527 893 885 www.botany-bay.co.uk Find Us On Facebook

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Here’s Why The Orchards is the Perfect Family Haven Located in the charming market town of Droitwich Spa, just six miles from Worcester and just over 30 miles from Birmingham, Redrow Midlands’ The Orchards is perfectly situated for those looking for a slice of country life. The development, which is surrounded by open countryside, features homes from the housebuilder’s award-winning Heritage Collection, which has proven popular with homebuyers looking for traditional, 1930s charm combined with a contemporary and high-spec interior. Available from £262,995, each home has an individual style and the option for bespoke finishing touches, meaning no two are the same. Perfect for downsizers is the two-bedroom Hadleigh Bugalow. This home is nothing short of elegant and comfortable, thanks to its bright open-plan kitchen and dining area. Featuring French doors opening up to the garden, perfect to bring the outside in, the home also boasts a separate garage. n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

For those looking for something a little larger, the three-bedroom Leamington has been designed to adapt to the needs of a growing family. The result is a spacious open-plan area downstairs, as well three double bedrooms upstairs, including an impressive master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. The Orchards has a host of schools just a stone’s throw away, while the town centre, located less than two miles away from the development, offers plenty of amenities, including a regular farmer’s market and traditional high street featuring both large chains and quirkier independent shops. n For more information about the Orchards, please visit: www.redrow.co.uk/developments/ the-orchards

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

Long-Tailed Tit © Wendy Carter

g n i d r i B p e t s Door From family gatherings to eye-striped bandits, say hello to one of our most charismatic bird families... I’m fortunate to have a cherry tree right outside my window. It’s about 12 feet tall and sits at the edge of my patio, a short distance from a hedge (much better for the wildlife than a fence) that connects my garden with those of my neighbours. It’s a hive of bird activity and, don’t tell my boss, it provides a welcome distraction from my computer screen. At this time of year, the bird that most makes me glance around the edge of my screen is the long-tailed tit. Their constant calling breaks my concentration and I watch as they bounce around the tree, finding hidden insects to eat or alighting on fat balls and peanuts. A flock of up to 10 birds visits the garden several times a day – and what joy they’ve brought to this winter lockdown. Long-tailed tits are sociable creatures. In winter they travel in loose family parties, lollipop-shaped birds springing through hedgerows and trees in search of food. There’s a constant chatter of “where are you?” and “wait for me.” as they flit from branch to branch. In summer, those without families will help siblings and cousins to raise theirs. During cold winter nights, they snuggle together for warmth. Their winter flocks even welcome other members of the extended family – blue tits and great tits.

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

Blue tits are one of our most common birds so should be familiar to those of you who feed the birds as well as those who spot them in your local greenspaces. These acrobatic birds are often seen hanging upside down as

n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

they hunt for insect-food but they’re also the bandits that masterminded the theft of cream by breaking through milk bottle tops on doorsteps back in the 1980s (milk itself makes them ill but the cream was too tempting a treat). The blue crown of blue tits glows brightly to these small birds that can see in ultraviolet – the brightest crown attracts the most mates. On mild days this January, I’ve heard a familiar sound that lets me know that spring is on its way…”tea-cher tea-cher” rings out, telling us that great tits are thinking about finding a mate and creating a nest. Bigger than (but similar to) blue tits, look out for the dark line that runs down their yellowy chest and under their bellies to the tail – males have thick and unbroken lines whereas those of females are thinner and shorter. Great tits and blue tits are often the most common occupants of our rent-a-nest boxes that are situated in four of our nature reserves. If your garden already has bird boxes or you don’t have a garden at all, why not consider renting a nest box this year and help to provide a home for some of our most charismatic feathered friends. n www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/doorstep-wildlife for info about wildlife where you live www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/shop to find out more about renting a nest Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

NATURE NOTEBOOK

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Rejuvenate Your Senses Take a look at our top picks to help you give your home a soothing ambience filled with aromatic scents.

RESTORE SCENTED CANDLE Come home after a long day and curl up with your favourite book while letting the rejuvenating scent of our Restore candle fill the room. £7.50 www.marksandspencer.com

SCENTED CANDLE Envelop yourself with a sense of inner peace when you light this luxurious scented candle. Enhanced with the floral and warming fragrance of Sacred Lotus and Jujube, this candle is a natural and stylish look for your home. £19.99 www.rituals.com

YLANG YLANG SINGLE WICK CANDLE A single-wick scented candle to imbue your private haven with the peaceful power of ylangylang, sweet cardamom and enveloping vanilla. £39 www.moltonbrown.co.uk ROSEMARY LUXURY CANDLE Renowned for its powerful, refreshing herbaceous scent, this Rosemary scented candle is a classic fragrance every home should have. £29 www.helmlondon.com

n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

ORGANIC AROMATHERAPY CANDLE CALMING Create a relaxing ambience with this hand-poured aromatherapy candle. Beautifully scented with soothing rose and comforting geranium organic essential oils. £35 www.nealyardremedies.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Walking Well in Worcestershire Keeping mentally and physically active throughout lockdown may have left you a little confused as to where to go and what to do but there is a way to visit truly lovely places and stay fit and healthy, on your own doorstep, with step by step Explore guides to show you the way. Worcestershire has an amazing wealth of beautiful spaces to walk. Fifteen laminated Explore guides span the whole county with options to walk on level footpaths around towns and the city while others offer stimulating walks out into the countryside. Each explores the unique nature of the area, allowing you to see sometimes familiar places in a completely new light, discovering new information and seeing details never noticed before. With so many walks around Worcestershire, you can surely find one nearby and still follow current government guidelines. Two of the Explore guides take you across the Malvern Hills and two show you the sites of interest in the town with the Great Malvern and Malvern Spouts and Stones guides. There are guides for Bewdley Town Centre, Worcester City Centre, Worcester Cathedral and Broadway which lead you around the local buildings and explain the history of the stones. The Bromsgrove guide takes you around the town and extends out into the nearby countryside giving superb and unexpected vistas. The more rural walks take you around Wyche and Purlieu, the Lickey Hills, Clent Hills and Bredon Hill. There are two Abberley guides offering you a choice of either exploring Abberleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Village Churches or taking a walk up onto the hills with stunning views of the surrounding area.

When exercise is allowed further afield once more, there are another eleven similar guides to discover for destinations in Herefordshire, including a brand new one for the pretty town of Ledbury and its environs. These easy to follow guides which you can use time and again have been produced by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust. Each one offers enhanced interest on a lovely walk to stimulate your brain, get you out in the open air and see things in a new light. They include a sketch map of the area, show the route and indicate the interesting things you can spot along the way whilst enjoying the landscape and buildings around you, all influenced by the history of the area and the geology under your feet. The guides tell stories of local industry and have clear diagrams, photographs and terminology to explain everything you see along your walk. The walks take between one and three hours to complete.

Way extends across 109 miles of permanent, long distance walking trail, running from Bridgnorth in the north and ending at Gloucester

Cathedral,

offering

walking

sections in another three counties: Shropshire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. In addition to the Geopark Way itself, there are three circular walking guides available in Worcestershire which you can download for free: Mathon and the Malvern Hills, Alfrick and the Suckley Hills and one around Martley. To get a copy of any of these exciting trail guides,

www.earthheritagetrust.

org/shop/ or for more information about the

good

works

Herefordshire

and

Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust, visit www.earthheritagetrust.org n

The Abberley Hills trail also joins up with the Geopark Way, another fabulous walking route which is split in to seventeen sections, each of which can be walked in a day. The Worcestershire sections offer seven stretches of the Geopark Way from Kinlet to Bewdley, Bewdley to Larford Lake, Larford Lake to Abberley, Abberley to Martley, Martley to Alfrick, Alfrick to North Malvern and North Malvern to Colwall Stone. The whole Geopark t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n

GOLDEN YEARS

What to Expect

After Your COVID-19 Vaccination

People who are most at risk from the complications of COVID-19 are being offered the COVID-19 vaccination first. In Worcestershire, there are 2 types of COVID-19 vaccine being used. They both require 2 doses to provide the best protection. Both have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. An

you may get some protection from the first

experts has recommended that

independent

group

dose, having the second dose will give you

the NHS offers these vaccines

the best protection against the virus.

to those at highest risk of catching the infection and suffering serious complications if they do catch the infection. This includes older adults in care homes and frontline health and social care workers. When more vaccine becomes available, the vaccines will be offered to other people at risk as soon as possible. At the time of writing those aged over 70 and those clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are being called to make an appointment. Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t contact your practice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they will call you.

Very common side effects include: having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccine, feeling tired, headache, general aches, or mild flu like symptoms. Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for 2 to 3 days, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection. An uncommon side effect is swelling of the glands. You can rest and take the normal dose of paracetamol (follow the

Side effects

advice in the packaging) to help make you

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side

feel better. These symptoms normally last

effects. Most of these are mild and short-

less than a week. If your symptoms seem to

term, and not everyone gets them. Even if you

get worse or if you are concerned, call NHS

do have symptoms after the first dose, you

111. If you do seek advice from a doctor or

still need to have the second dose. Although

nurse, make sure you tell them about your

n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

vaccination (show them the vaccination card) so that they can assess you properly. Can you catch COVID-19 from the vaccine You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine but it is possible to have caught COVID-19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment. The most important symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of any of the following: a new continuous cough, a high temperature, a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) Although a mild fever can occur within a day or two of vaccination, if you have any other COVID-19 symptoms or your fever lasts longer, stay at home and arrange to have a test. Further information on symptoms is available on NHS.UK. CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

GOLDEN YEARS

93 Barnards Green Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3LT Regulated by Care Quality Commission

At Holmwood Care Centre, we have the expertise and facilities to take care of your loved one.

Offering the best quality residential, nursing and dementia care, where you or your loved one can feel at home. Our visitor pod enables existing and new residents to safely remain in contact with their loved ones. Should you like to speak to one of our caring team to discuss your care needs we can be contacted at: Holmwood Care Centre, 30 Chaddesley Road, Kidderminster, DY10 3DJ Tel: 01562 824 496 Email: holmwood@futurecaregroup.com www.futurecaregroup.com t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n

GOLDEN YEARS

doses of the same vaccine to give you the best protection.

COVID-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.

Keep your record card safe and make sure you keep your next appointment to get your second dose.

Can you give COVID-19 to anyone if you have had the vaccine? The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 infection, and a full course will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk. So, it is still important to follow the guidance in your local area to protect those around you.

What to do if you are not well for your next appointment If you are unwell, it is better to wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine, but you should try to have it as soon as possible. You should not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating, waiting for a COVID-19 test or unsure if you are fit and well. Can you go back to normal activities after having your vaccine? You should be able to resume activities that are normal for you as long as you feel well. If your arm is particularly sore, you may find heavy lifting difficult. If you feel unwell or very tired you should rest and avoid operating machinery or driving. What to do next Plan to attend your second appointment. You should have a record card and your next appointment should be between 3 and 12 weeks later. It is important to have both

Will the vaccine protect you? The COVID-19 vaccine that you have had has been shown to reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19 disease. Each vaccine has been tested in more than 20,000 people in several different countries and shown to be safe. It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection. Some people may still get

To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues you still need to practice social distancing, wear a face mask, wash your hands carefully and frequently and follow the current guidance How COVID-19 is spread COVID-19 is spread through droplets breathed out from the nose or mouth, particularly when speaking or coughing. It can also be picked up by touching your eyes, nose and mouth after contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. n Further information is available from NHS.UK

Keeping your independence with TPG DisableAids As with many things in life, the season often dictates what is important to you at that time. The summer brings thoughts of long lazy days basking in brilliant sunshine and day trips out to see friends and family or visit interesting beauty spots. Or at least that would be the case if it were not for our common enemy of Covid-19. Now the nights are drawing in and there is a definite chill in the air our thoughts oftern turn more to the comforts of home and the warmth of our own houses. For those less able and with limited mobility feeling the cold comes far sooner and can have a real effect on their ability to function and stay well. For this reason it is always sensible to look for measures and solutions that can assist the less able to keep warm and mobile whilst staying at home. Here at TPG DisableAids we have many solutions that range from simple wide fitting cosy slippers through to heated chair liners and riser recliner chairs. n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

The chairs assist the user to not only recline and relax, but to rise to the standing position without putting undue strain on the arms and shoulders. The heated chair liners can fit most existing arm chairs and give really good localised heat just to the individual that needs it, rather than heating the whole house to a level that others may not require. As such they are extremely efficient, costing as little as one penny per hour to keep the user warm. So with long winter nights coming, and almost certainly cooler temperatures, just give a thought to keeping safe and warm in your own home. n Contact TPG DisableAids via enquiries@tpg-disableaids.co.uk or 01432 351666 or via our social media sites.

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

EDUCATION

Schools Not to Re-open Until After Easter? The government has refused to commit to schools being open even after the Easter holidays, raising the prospect that parents will have many more weeks of homeschooling before even a phased return of most pupils to the classroom in Worcestershire. A senior government source as published by the The Guardian on the 24th January cautioned that although the data was starting to show signs of a slowing of infections, rates were not falling nearly as sharply as had been expected. The source said the picture had become “more pessimistic” over the past week about the government’s ability to ease any measures in the short term. Discussions are under way in the Department for Education to decide which pupils could be prioritised, with early years and those facing exams in the summer among those who could be brought back first. Attendance rotas could also be introduced to keep numbers down in schools, but allow for more face-to-face teaching. Robert Halfon, the chair of the education select committee said parents would be alarmed by the latest indications especially because of the advances made by the vaccination programme. “The whole engine of the state must do everything possible to get our schools open after half-term as was originally proposed,” he told

n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

the Guardian. “If it means priority vaccinations for teachers and support staff then it is worth it because despite the efforts of individual teachers and support staff who are doing their best we are facing an epidemic of mental health problems and educational poverty. Locally this is putting pressure on businessses as well as parents and families, many of whom have to give up their jobs or be furloughed to look after their children at home. The education secretary, Gavin Williamson, who has said schools will be given a minimum of two weeks’ notice to plan a return of pupils, is hoping to be able to give teachers and parents an update on the roadmap for schools’ return this week commencing 25th January.

was a “long, long, long way off” and said the UK was still in a dire situation. “You can see the pressure on the NHS – you can see it every day.” Hancock also refused to commit to either midFebruary or after Easter as a point for schools to reopen fully to all pupils. “We’re really clear we want to get schools back and as safe as we can, but we have to watch the data,” he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show. “Of course I hope schools go back after Easter and the vaccination programme is going fast. But we’ve got to make sure that we get the cases down and we’ve got to protect the country from new variants coming in from abroad.”

However, it is now believed the majority of pupils will not return until at least Easter, despite previous government aspirations that schools could begin to allow pupils to return from February half-term.

A source in the Department for Education as

The health secretary, Matt Hancock, told Sky News that any easing of lockdown restrictions

vulnerable or the children of key workers, are

reported by The Guardian said Williamson wanted pupils “back as soon as possible” but did not deny that a delay until after Easter was possible. Nationally around 14% of pupils, who are either already attending schools. n

EDUCATION

Return to Lockdown Fails to Phase Pupils! Going back into lockdown has not prevented pupils at The Downs Malvern from getting on with their studies, keeping fit and even “mixing” with classmates. “Everything we learned last year has meant we could quickly readjust, to a mixture of online and in class teaching and learning,” says Headmaster Alastair Cook. “We’re using lots of engaging and effective ways to teach subjects like art, music, drama, design & technology, as well as all curriculum studies. We’ve even managed to maintain regular assemblies to keep everyone connected – and we haven’t forgotten games and physical activities either!” A major benefit for The Downs pupils is small class sizes. The maximum is 16, enabling teachers to provide excellent tuition online, with some classes much smaller than that. In addition, all pupils enjoy daily teacher and peer-to-peer contact. “School is not just about learning,” maintains Mr Thomas, Deputy Head of Academics, “There’s a very important social and welfare side to their education, so we’re working hard

to ensure children retain as much contact as

directly throughout the day with video,

possible with classmates.”

pictures, text and audio messages.”

Head of Pre-Prep Mrs Sigley and her team

“Of course, it’s not easy for the children or

have kept in close touch with the younger

the teachers,” concludes Alastair Cook, “but

children through the “Seesaw” learning

they’ve all embraced the technology with their

platform. She says: “Home learning cannot

usual enthusiasm to ensure their education

replace ‘normal’ classroom interaction, but

won’t be detrimentally affected and that they

Seesaw is helping. It’s been wonderful to be

will benefit from new and exciting ways of

able to continue interacting with our children

giving and gathering knowledge.” n

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

LIVING HISTORY

From Worcestershire to the New World When Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church and founded the Church of England in the 16th Century, the country became very turbulent. Some people wanted to follow the old religion and others thought the Church of England was not far enough removed from it. On 18th October 1595 Edward Winslow was born in Droitwich. His father owned a Salt works and was Under Sheriff of the town. Edward was fortunate enough to get a fine education in the wealthy City of Worcester. A Cathedral and wool producing City at its peak in trade and commerce. Education was a privilege of the rich and Edward was schooled between 1606 and 1611, at King’s School. The School was refounded in 1541 by King Henry VIII, after Monastic learning, which began in 680 AD came to a close, during the Dissolution of n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

the Monasteries. Students had to be ‘already literate, of native genius and with an aptitude for learning.’ Edward’s time at King’s School set him up for his epic journey aboard the Mayflower and for life. Schooling took place in the magnificent College Hall, which was once the Refectory for the monks based at the Cathedral Monastery. This building is currently being studied and restored as part of the ‘Under croft Project’, where a new Cathedral Education Centre is being created. The school days lasted around 11 hours with lessons in Latin, Rhetoric, History, Geography,

Mythology and Music. When breaks in learning were allowed by the Masters, pupils would walk around the Cloisters where they had to be ‘of a gentle manly appearance and free from all lowness.’ When Edward Winslow left King’s Worcester, he became a Printers Apprentice in London, where he began to help a religious group called the Separatists. This group thought the Church of England was still too Catholic, and their views eventually made them leave Great Britain for Leiden in Holland. After several years struggling to settle, this group of Pilgrims decided to arrange

LIVING HISTORY him hanging in the Council Chamber. Edward Winslow is the only Pilgrim to have a painting done from real life at the time. The Science Block located in the King’s School also has a plaque remembering one of the many great scholars at the school. Covid-19 Restrictions have curtailed lots of events planned in 2020 and 2021, on both sides of the Atlantic and also across Worcestershire. However like the Storms that ravaged the Mayflower in 1620, Storms don’t last forever. As the Pilgrims who stood looking at the sea hoped and prayed for - Calm waters and an end is on the horizon. n By Paul Harding a journey to America. Edward Winslow’s

rights. When the local Wampanoog Chief

Discover History

education allowed him to help make the

was seriously Ill, Edward nursed him back to

necessary arrangements. Two ships were

health using Chicken Soup too.

Discover History was founded in 2003 with an aim of bringing history to life for people of all ages and abilities. We deliver award winning Educational Workshops to schools and home education groups, deliver accurate Living History to Heritage organisations and speak to clubs and societies on numerous subjects. We have many years’ experience in running reminiscence Sessions in Care Homes and can train museum volunteers in a number of areas. We also appear on film, TV and Radio. In 2007 we also began Walking Tours of the City of Worcester and these have become a very popular part of the City’s Tourism scene.

hired to take them to the New World - The Speedwell, which ‘leaked like a sieve’, and the Mayflower, which ended up making the dangerous voyage across the Atlantic alone, and overcrowded! When they arrived in America in November 1620, Edward became the third person to sign the Mayflower Compact, which laid out

Another

important

aspect

Edward

Winslow is the documentation of the first Thank giving celebration the following year. ‘Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a more special manner rejoice together.’ This year marks the 400th Anniversary of the first Thanksgiving.

how the Colony would govern. He went on

If you travel across our County, we still remember

to link with the Native People and created

him. In Droitwich, for example, we have a statue

Treaty’s over fishing, hunting and trading

to him. The Town Hall also have a portrait of

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

Puzzles

SUDOKU - HARD

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 13 2

4 9

6 2

8 3

3 6

8 7

1 9

7 2

2 5

3 9

2 6

4 1

3 9

3 5

5 8

3 3

4 7

9 9

5 4

4 1

WORD SEARCH Find and cross out all the listed words. The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.

Q A

H W F

N D

E W R

O G M

N G

G D W Y

S C

BUDS

KITE

SEEDS

BUGS

LEAF

SPRING

BIRDS

MAY

TREE

M P

DROP

MELT

WARM

H G

B W

FROG

MUD

WIND

GREEN

NEST

WORM

D M O

GROW

RAIN

O M E

S W D

W U

M Q A

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021

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

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 203 | February 2021