Worcesteshire NOW JULY 2017

N W WORCESTERSHIRE

JUly 2017

issue 168

Beautiful retirement apartments in worcestershire and the West Midlands

see page ELEVEN for more information @WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

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ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

WORCESTERSHIRE Now 2nd Floor, Richardson House, 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP Tel: 01905 723011 www.nowmagazines.co.uk

CONTENTS

ADVERTISE

Rachel Seabright Tel: 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Michele Ford Tel: 01905 727902 michele@pw-media.co.uk

Editor

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

DESIGN

Paul Blyth Amy Thomas

The roof is designed so you can keep your existing build and frames and the warm system works so that you can save energy

CONTRIBUTORS

Wendy Carter Glynis Dray Emily O'Keefe Mercedes Smith Age UK Court Barn Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions House of Colour The Battle Proms The Malvern Worcester BID Wyevale Garden Centres

COMPETITION WINNERS

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Is your conservatory too hot in summer and too cold in winter?

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An Overnight Stay For Two at The Wood Norton P. Robbinson, Worcester A Pair of Tickets to Camper Calling V. Lewis, Worcester J. Peachey, Pershore B. Scott, Worcester P. Valentine, Worcester ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

Please note that if you enter a competition in the Worcestershire Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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Discover the distinctive chequerboard pattern of the marbled whites

small spaces, big ideas

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Bright, bold and beautiful! Here are some colourful favourites of ours. Enjoy!

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CONTENTS

52

40

Hallow to Monk Wood

how to travel in style

44

Morue à la Catalane - Cod Catalan Style

by Jean-Christophe Novelli

JUly 2017

56

ISSUE 168

54

Inheritance Tax - Making the Most of your Tax Free Allowance

TRACE YOUR FAMILY TREE

win a spa stay at the malvern

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ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

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Win tickets to the 20th Anniversary Year Ragley Hall Battle Proms Concert

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HERE & NOW

Gervaise Phinn and polar explorer are among

guest speakers at new Worcester care home

A

uthor and broadcaster Gervaise Phinn and the first Welsh woman to conquer Everest are among a

Adventurer Tori James is one of the dazzling line up of guest speakers at Fernhill House

selection of guest speakers booked to entertain and enlighten family, friends and residents of new luxury care home Fernhill House over the coming months.

The free talks are open to the wider public and drinks and nibbles are offered for added appeal!

Tori James, who at 25 became the youngest British woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, will be talking on Thursday June 15th from 6 til 8pm.

She was also part of the first ever women’s team to tackle a 360 mile race to the magnetic north pole, some of which was through polar bear territory, and has cycled the length of New Zealand.

Thursday July 27th between 6 and 8pm.

Other speakers poised to grace the rather

and former footballer and stadium design expert Paul Fletcher.

Novelist and writer Prof Phinn, who is

splendid interior of Fernhill House in Fernhill

most well known for his autobiographical

Heath over the coming months include

memoirs set in the Yorkshire Dales, will

Wimbledon reporter Garry Richardson,

be recounting humorous tales of his life

Rob Smith who twice overcame cancer and

info@fernhillhouse.co.uk

working in education when he visits on

skied to both the North and South Poles,

01905 679300.

To book any of these free events and find out about future talks, contact or

call

KNOW YOUR BREED MEET UP FOR OWNERS OF FRENCHIES AND PUGS

C

lent Hills Vets in Bromsgrove

will be a Q&A session and an

is holding a free ‘Know Your

opportunity to talk informally to

Breed Meet Up’ for owners

the experts on hand.

of Frenchies and Pugs. The event

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ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

takes place on Monday July 10,

To register a place at the free event

7.45pm – 9.15pm. Topics covered

email

will include conditions typical to

co.uk with your name, a contact

these breeds with advice as to

telephone number and how many

how best to manage them. There

people will be attending.

theteam@clenthillsvets.

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7

bistrot pierre opens in kidderminster

bistrots, they can earn eight points which are then redeemed against food or drink from the menu,” Rob explained. Mon Pierre is available to download now in the App store or on Google Play."

Rob added: “Our ‘raison d’être’ is great

value

French

cooking

and

seasonal menus. We like to combine French bistrot classics such as steak-

S

ituated in the new Riverside leisure

I’m confident we will grow a loyal

development, this will be the third

customer base in the area - just as we

Bistrot Pierre in the West Midlands

have across other regions thanks to

region to open in less than 12 months

our popular seasonal menus which use

following Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield

the freshest ingredients. All dishes are

and Gas Street Birmingham.

freshly prepared by the restaurant’s

Kidderminster is undergoing significant regeneration and this new addition to the food and drink scene will bring up to 40 new jobs to the town. The restaurant has space

talented chefs, using a mix of artisan produce

and

carefully

sourced

ingredients; something which really appeals to our customers."

for 140 diners, has impressive floor-to-

Earlier this year Bistrot Pierre launched

ceiling windows, an open kitchen, stunning

Mon Pierre Rewards, an innovative loyalty

French-styled interiors and offers traditional

app whereby customers collect points

Parisian styled outdoor seating too.

with purchases which are deemed for

Rob

Beacham,

co-owner

of

Bistrot

rewards.

frites, boeuf bourguignon and crème brûlée with our own take on regional favourites like confit de canard and paté de campagne."

Diners

at

the

independently-owned

French restaurant group can enjoy a twocourse prix-fixe lunch for £11.95, twocourse pre-théâtre menu for £14.95 or the sumptuous à la carte menu.

Bistrot Pierre is open seven days-a-week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with gluten-free dishes and a Menu Enfant children’s activity pack.

To book a table or find out more

Pierre, said: “We are looking forward

“Mon Pierre Rewards is our way of

information about Bistrot Pierre visit

to

French

saying thank you to our customers.

www.bistrotpierre.co.uk or call 01562

bistrot cooking to Kidderminster and

Every time someone spends £1 in our

733 610.

8

bringing

our

delicious

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

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Business owners facing court judgements

for ignoring workplace pension

notices warns local tax specialist

L

ocal business owners could face

Judgements, which could seriously

“Any employer who fails to comply,

County Court Judgements if they

affect their credit rating and ability

could

fail to act on workplace pension

to borrow money in the future. The

escalating to daily fines set at a

schemes, a local tax specialist has warned.

Pensions Regulator has also said that

minimum of £50 per day, £500 per

it intends to publish details of those

day if they have over five employees,

Martin

Nicholas

who

runs

TaxAssist

Accountants in Worcester said: “In the first

companies.

reaching

quarter of this year, over 17,000 fines

“We’re advising many local business

and other sanctions have been issued to

owners

small businesses who did not meet their

notices from the Pensions Regulator

staging date for the new auto-enrolment

giving the date from which they

pensions. One small business, which

must automatically enrol all eligible

cited work pressures as a reason for not

employees into a pension scheme and

complying with the new regulations, was

contribute to their pension pot. Some

given a £40,000 fine plus court costs.

have planned well in advance and

“Businesses that have ignored penalty notices are now receiving County Court

who

face

have

now

received

have fully compliant schemes up and running already.

a

a

£400

fixed

maximum

of

penalty

£10,000

per day if they have 500 or more employees, with the possibility of civil penalties and court action.”

In 2017, some 200,000 employers per quarter will be reaching their staging date for workplace pension schemes under the Government’s automatic enrolment rules. Nearly eight million people, across over half a million businesses, are now saving for their retirement.

SIx weeks of summer fun at eastnor

T

he six weeks of the school summer

David Littlewood, General Manager at

admission, castle upgrades are available).

holidays are set to be fun-packed

Eastnor Castle said “We’re thrilled to be

Fast-track tickets are available online

at Eastnor Castle as they roll out

able to offer such an exciting range of

along with a full list of summer holiday

their annual Summer Holiday programme

summer holiday events this year and

activities at www.eastnorcastle.com or

which will include several brand new

are looking forward to the new events,

call 01531 633160.

events, as well as some popular family

as well as welcoming back some of

favourites, to keep everyone entertained

the old family favourites. All of these

whilst the children are off school.

events are included in our entrance

Eastnor Castle will be open every Sunday through to Thursday from 23rd July until 31st August, with an event included in the entrance price on every open day.

Activities will include a repeat of some

price so alongside all of our permanent attractions, we’re sure our visitors will have a fantastic day out here at Eastnor.”

Eastnor Castle has a great collection of permanent attractions within the

popular events from last year such as the

grounds which include a maze, junior

Dinosaur Show and Bounce & Boing. The

assault course, adventure playground,

Dinosaur Show was a huge hit last year

tree-top walkway and woodland play

and saw a life-like walking, roaring T-Rex

area. All of these, alongside the castle,

causing mayhem on the Lower Terrace.

arboretum, tea room, ice cream parlour

Some new events will include Astronaut Training Workshops and a Climbing Wall &

and gift shop will be available every day they are open.

Karts week which will see a huge climbing

Opening times are 11.00am until 5.30pm

wall set up on the Valley Lawn for all our

and prices are Adults: £7.00, Children:

visitors to enjoy.

£5.00, Families: £20.00 (Grounds Only

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ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

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11

PERSHORE PLUM FESTIVAL

QUADRUPLE AWARD WINNING EVENT

P

ershore town will be going plum

tour guides. To book your seats call

Holiday Monday takes over the entire town

crazy by turning purple to celebrate

01386 792206

with attractions throughout. Highlights

the fruit that makes it so famous.

The festival is unique and quirky packed full with events and activities to suit the whole family.

The festival starts with The Angel Hotel Pershore Plum Festival Evening Races on Tuesday 1 August, where historic Pershore races with plum connections are run at this purple themed evening race meeting.

For a unique experience, Plum Coach Tours offer great value on Wednesday 9, 16 & 23 August. You’ll be guided around the beautiful Georgian town of Pershore and visit an orchard to pick your own fruit

–

complete

with

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ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

professional

Thursday 24 August sees the emergency services join forces with the South Midlands Bike Club for the 999 Bike Nite.

All bikes and trikes are most welcome for a night of fun with riders encouraged to

include a 1000+ classic car show, over 70 exhibitors, a farmers’ market, boat trips, entertainment, Food Village and Abbey activities.

To see why the festival is a quadruple award

don purple attire.

winner, it’s most definitely worth a visit.

The pinnacle of the festival is the Bank

For further information call 01386 565373,

Holiday weekend on 26, 27 & 28 August.

There will be plenty of plum products and entertainment on the Saturday, a Family Fun Day on the Sunday featuring a dog show, 10k race, craft market, children’s entertainment, open air praise service and the new Plum Pedal Push.

The Plum Festival Fayre Day on Bank

email info@pershoreplumfestival.org.uk or visit www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk, Facebook: Pershore Plum Festival Twitter: @PlumFestival Instagram: pershoreplumfestival

EVESHAM RIVER FESTIVAL IS BACK

T

his

fabulous

the worlds number one life dog,

river festival will return to

year

the

the Newfoundland Rescue Dogs

Workman Gardens on 8th &

from South Wales where they

9th July 2017, where a wonderful programme of events will ensue alongside and on the River Avon.

Many of your favourites will return to the water such as a colourful parade of steam boats from the steam boat association, who this year we are delighted to announce

will showcase their skill at water rescue.

Many more river bound activities such as the water sports relay, local flood rescue group, South Worcestershire Life Savers will be there too displaying their wares

BARNT GREEN

MOTOR FESTIVAL

B

arnt Green’s first Motor Festival is being held on

Sunday afternoon, 2 July 2017, from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Organised by Barnt Green Parish

Council, the event is featuring a display of cars and motor cycles owned by local residents.

With over 60 vehicles have registered including motorcycles range from Lambretta scooters to Harley Davidsons. Cars range from a Model T Ford to a Hummer, a steam car to an electric car and classics such

recognise Evesham River Festival

and offering trips on their boats

as an official rally!

for those who dare.

If you join us as a boater, we would

If you are a little more adventurous

competition for children. The display will be in the heart of

challenge you to enter this years

and fancy your hand at some boat

Barnt Green village outside the shops in Hewell Road. Food

themed boat competition where

building, you are invited to get your

and drink will be available from the outlets in the village.

we will be judging the best dressed

best team together and join in the

boat, under this years Book Titles

make your own raft race.

theme. Plus the show welcomes back what is considered to be

as E Type Jaguars.

There will be an award for the best car of the day and a

www.theeveshamriverfestival.uk

The event is free, so why not come along and wander round an intriguing array of vehicles. www.barntgreen.org.uk

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nozstock ¯ final artists announced

All events and activities are free of charge in the Little Wonderland Kid’s Area across the whole weekend, as the festival always strongly believes families shouldn't foot the bill for festival fun. There’s even a bottle warming service!

Nozstock’s Little Wonderland Kid’s Area this summer includes: Spare Room Arts; Glittery, gluey art boxes; Let's Go Fly A Kite; Surreal Frames; Marvellous Masks; Wacky sunglasses; Fantastic flip flops; Festival Fashions; Bandhani Tie Dye T Shirts; That's not a pot! Or is it?; See the world upside down; Freedom of expression table; The Theatre of Endless Possibilities!; Surreal Sculptural Headdresses; face painting; temporary tattoo workshop; Adults & Kiddie Yoga & Meditation; interactive

W

story telling; and Chill Out Corner. ith Nozstock now just a few

to great effect, Neck’s six-piece psycho-

Set on a beautiful working farm in the

weeks away, the festival is very

Ceilídh will have everyone jumping.

heart of Herefordshire, the reassuringly

proud to announce its final

round of artists and also to introduce this summer’s Little Wonderland for kids and

In the Velveteen Valley Owen Niblock, Kiki Mellek and Sophia Disgrace have

welcoming and independent festival has evolved from 50 friends at the inaugural gathering and flourished into an intimate,

families of all ages.

been revealed, and over In Cabinet of

Ella Nosworthy, one of the festival

Laptop Orchestra, Collective Unconscious,

founders, explains: “We are getting very

The Demon Barbers, Play It Again Dan,

excited now as the festival is getting

Masked Life Drawing, Deaf Pictures and

closer and are really happy to reveal

Nikki Boraston. At Elephant’s Graveyard

out final round of artists, and also what

on Sunday, there’s a vinyl only takeover

all the families and children can enjoy

from Emotion with Delirium, Stinger and

pop-up performances, and workshops at

at Little Wonderland. It’s incredible to

Dangerous Davies, and further electronic

every turn.

reach our 19th year and we are going

music across the weekend from Neutron,

to make it our biggest and best yet!”

Jagerhertz,

Lost Secrets, additions include Swansea

They Say Jump bring their energising

Steve

OOOD,

musical cultures, whilst story telling from

Wonderland Kid’s Area features a vibrant

Westerman is influenced by John Martyn,

spectrum of children’s entertainment

Nick Drake and Neil Young. Cousin Kula’s

this summer. The festival embraces a

Bristolian psych-pop will have Nozstock

whole family festival experience from

jumping, as will Noble Jacks’ rip-roaring

beginning to end, and this is a friendly

alt-rock. They are joined by Deaf Pictures,

welcoming environment for both parents

King

Harwicke

and little ones alike. All are welcome to

Circus’ rock and roll, alongside Professor

get creative, be amazed by wondrous

Elemental’s inspired mix of hip-hop and

stories, sculptures and entertainment, or

comedy. Wovoka Gentle fuse folk and pop

roll their sleeves up for some physical fun.

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ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

The

Hidden

Valley’s

With

interactive

adventure and performance for all ages, Nozstock is a playground for everyone, from seasoned festival goers to newbies setting out for the first time. The festival features a huge range of entertainment and inspiration for families with games,

Orestis Sundance, Rama and DJ Choppa.

Nozstock

Band

odyssey.

Psydigital,

live show drawing on a wide range of

Solomon

musical

Little

© Caz Holbrook

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Bishop Perowne Headteacher taking on Three Peaks Challenge England, Scotland and Wales in just 24

I jumped at the chance. I’m looking

hours. With a staggering combined height

forward to getting started and in

of 3,407 metres and an estimated walking

advance I would like to thank everyone

distance of 27 miles, the National Three

that donates to our challenge.”

Peaks Challenge is one of the toughest tests of stamina and endurance climbers will undertake in the UK and requires participants to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

T

he

Headteacher

from

Bishop

Perowne CE College, Mark Pollard, is joining a team of 10 adventurers

taking on the mighty National Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 24th June all in the name of charity.

The full team is: Mark House – Freelance Mountain Leader; Richard Thomas – Runs and owns Academic Choice and coowns A Sporting Choice; Bryn Thomas – Headteacher at Wolverley CE Secondary

The team is aiming to raise £15,000 which

School; Dr Tom James – Research Fellow

will be split between Parkinson’s UK,

at Leeds University, School of Chemistry;

Rory the Robot, which funds equipment

Gavin Haynes – Owner of First Class

and resources that are over and above

Cricket Coaching and co-owns A Sporting

current NHS provision, The Mary Stevens

Chance; Rob White – Self-employed

Hospice, Sunfield Children’s Home and

builder; Dave Scriven – Deputy Head at

Cancer Research UK.

Pedmore Technology College; Andrew

Commenting on the gruelling challenge ahead, Mark said: “We have a school motto of Endeavour Forever which we use to encourage not only our students

Jones – Chief Operating Officer at Nuffield House; Richard Harrison – Works in IT at Uniper; Mark Pollard – Headteacher at Bishop Perowne CE College

The challenge will see the team aim to

to push themselves but also our staff,

To make a donation please visit the team’s

conquer the three highest summits in

so when I was asked to join the team

website www.ourthreepeaks.co.uk.

Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award 2017

T

udor House Museum in Friar Street,

eye-level, and dressing up clothes for

family

Worcester has been SHORTLISTED

adults and children.

developing

for the annual Kids in Museums

Family Friendly Museum 2017 award!

The Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award was launched in 2004,

friendly,

and

events

innovative

that

appeal

in

to

families. Size isn’t important, it’s how you make the families visiting you feel, and here we’ve always prided ourselves

Based in a mid-1500s, Grade II* Listed

and is based on public nominations,

building,

has

with the field wide open to museums of

been run by the Worcester Heritage &

all shapes and sizes. Previous winners

Amenity Trust group of volunteers since

include the York Art Gallery (2016), Tuille

Each of the 10 SHORTLISTED museums

2004, when they determined to keep the

House Museum (2015) and the National

will visited anonymously by families over

building open as a museum. It has grown

Maritime Museum (2014).

the summer, using the Kids in Museums

Tudor

House

Museum

over the past 13 years, gradually increasing its opening hours, events programme and visitor numbers. The latter now stand at a healthy 15,000+ a year.

Museum manager, Tonia Collett, said “We’re so proud that Tudor House Museum has been shortlisted as one of the TOP TEN FAMILY FRIENDLY

The volunteers have taken the time to

MUSEUMS in the UK! Credit must go to

ensure that visitors of all ages feel warmly

the incredible volunteers here at Tudor

welcomed,

measures

House Museum who go out of their

as high chairs, baby changing, buggy

way to make sure every visitor feels

parking, trails that appeal to boys and

welcome. They have been creative in

girls, prompts for children at their own

their approach to making the museum

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including

such

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

on making everyone, regardless of age and ability, feel welcome and included.”

mini manifesto (http://kidsinmuseums. org.uk/manifesto) as a guide to their family friendliness. The winner will be announced in October 2017.

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17

Burford House Motor Show

returns for a second lap

T

he Burford House Motor Show

grounds of the Burford House Garden

again by the Café-Bar, providing home-

will return once again on Sunday

Store, located next to the stunning 18th

cooked treats, afternoon teas and ice cream throughout the day.”

6th August for another great day

century Burford House. Exclusive tours of

of automotive fun for all the family. The

the grounds will be available to visitors of

event might still be two months away, but

the motor show, led by the Burford House

With over half of the places already

organisers, Burford House Garden Store,

Garden Angels who are lovingly restoring

filled, owners of classic and interesting

are already gearing up to host hundreds

the garden to its former glory.

vehicles (four, three or two-wheeled)

of visitors to see a wide variety of classic, vintage and unusual cars.

Paul Benson, Burford House Garden Store Manager, said: “This is only the second

More than 100 cars, motor bikes and other vehicles will be on display, including envy inducing makes such as Austin, Bentley, Daimler, Desoto, Jaguar, Land

year of the motor show, but the success from last year’s event has been driving us in planning for this year, whilst also fuelling the buzz from local classic car

are encouraged to register as soon as

possible

by

emailing

gardenstoreonline.co.uk.

enquiries@ A

limited

number of motor trade stands are also available (5 x 3 metres) for £30, but must be connected to the motor trade and be

fans and the clubs and owners that

booked in advance. For all Motor Trade

Rolls Royce, Triumph and TVR.

will be exhibiting. We’ve added new

Stand bookings contact Burford House

elements for visitors, including Motor

Garden Store manager Paul Benson on

The event will once again be held in the

Trade stands, which will be joined once

01584 810777.

Rovers, Lotus, Maserati, MG, Porsche,

Exciting refurbishment & collaboration for

popular Worcester bar

collaboration with local burger hero Carl Sampson has also been announced! Carl Sampson is the man behind what The Times dubbed Britain’s Best Burger Van and he is now set to take the helm in the Conservatory kitchen!

Local man Carl took part in reality TV series ‘Best Chef, Worst Chef’ in 2015 which paired him with celebrity chef Daniel Clifford. This gave Sampson the opportunity to work in the double Michelin-starred Midsummer House in Cambridge where he turned down

an

apprenticeship

opportunity

to return home to his Worcester-based

B

family and gourmet burger van. Two years

ristol-based

on Sampson’s have big plans for the new

design

weeks and the finished makeover will

began

include open brickwork, abstract tiles, and

work on the Conservatory’s new

wood cladding, accessorised with brightly

The Conservatory is due to reopen on

coloured bric-a-brac.

Friday 14th July. To be in the chance of an

company

interior

Simple

Simon

look on Monday 20th June; first preparing the space for a new layout and revealing

food offering in The Conservatory.

invite to the relaunch party and/or preview

the contemporary new logo has also

Due

The

nights, follow The Conservatory on social

been revealed on social media. The

Conservatory is bringing much more

media and sign up to their mailing list at

refurbishment is expected to take 3-4

to Worcester than a new image as a

www.conservatory-worcester.co.uk

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ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

to

reopen

in

mid-July;

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19

homestyle

The roof is designed so you can keep your existing build and frames and the warm system works so that you can save energy

too hot

or too cold?

Is your conservatory too hot in the

Replacement Conservatory Roofs

summer and too cold in the winter?

Unfortunately a conservatory ends up being too cold in winter

Don't worry, there are several solutions available... and they won't cost as much as you think!

and too hot in summer, so often it is not used as frequently as you would wish. Not only that but when it rains you can hear the rain pounding on the roof and this can be very noisy indeed. You can change your old conservatory roof for a new energy efficient, PCL replacement conservatory roof. This can effectively turn your old conservatory into an extension that can be used all-year-round. PCL replacement conservatory roof is a warm roof system that does as “it says on the tin� and can completely transform your conservatory.

20

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

>>

T: 01905 358 384 - M: 07789 791 982 / 07970 636 827

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21

homestyle

The complete changeover takes a

of a switch. Manual blinds come

4 degrees cooler. Ceiling fans come

short space of time with minimal

in a variety of different sytems – it

in a wide range of styles, colours,

disruption to your home. The roof is

just depends on the look you desire

and prices. They can come with or

designed so you can keep your existing

and how much cleaning you want to

without ceiling fan lights. Some are

build and frames and the warm system

undertake. Look for wooden blinds,

operated by remote control, others

works so that you can save energy

roman blinds and venetian blinds.

by wall switches in combination with

and subsequently your fuel bills are reduced. Your conservatory will now be cool in summer, warm in winter and quieter when it rains.

22

Fans A ceiling fan doesn’t cool a room, it cools people. It does so without changing indoor temperature one

Blinds

degree. The movement of air over

If your budget doesn’t run to a

the surface of your skin removes heat

replacement roof then blinds are

from the boundary layer — a warm

the first thing to consider to help

layer of air that surrounds us at all

you keep your cool! The ultimate

times. By stripping heat from the

offering are electric roller blinds

boundary layer, a ceiling fan makes us

that position themselves with a flick

feel as if the air in the room is about

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

pull chains. Most ceiling fans come with a switch to change the speed.

In addition, most have two settings so you can control the direction in which the blades turn — one setting for winter (that brings warm air down) and another for summer. In the summer, you should be able to feel “cool” air moving if you stand directly under the fan.

Before shopping for a ceiling fan,

>>

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23

homestyle

there are few things more luxurious than the feeling of a warm, heated floor on a cold winter’s day. Underfloor heating is hidden away and out of view, doing away with the clutter of radiators. And, due to the even distribution of heat, it is an efficient way to heat a room as it works at a lower temperature.

Electric underfloor heating relies on a network of wires under your floor that heat up. Depending on the shape of the room, you can go for heating mats, which cover large areas, or individual wires which can get in every nook and cranny. measure the volume of the room (length x

Underfloor heating can be either a

width x height), and select the right size fan

'wet' system that pumps warm water

for the room. When selecting a ceiling fan,

through pipes under the floor, or 'dry'

bear in mind that larger rooms may require

system of electric coils placed under

two or more ceiling fans.

the floor. Underfloor heating uses the

Heating mats are generally a bit cheaper.

Water-based systems, in contrast, are a network of pipes linked to your boiler that pump hot water around your rooms.

basic principle of heat rising. Underfloor

The difficulty with water systems comes

Under Floor Heating

heating is often associated with luxury —

in the installation, and costs are typically

What is underfloor heating?

think plush hotel rooms — and indeed

initially higher for this reason.

24

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

A conservatory with a beautiful tiled roof. What a brilliant idea.

By installing a thermally efficient GuardianTM Warm Roof you’ll be creating a comfortable, practical room that you can use every day - without any of those nasty heating bills!

In just a few days we can transform your conservatory into an all-year-round living space.

Whatever the weather.

THE PERFECT LIVING SPACE

Cosy and warm in the winter, nice and cool in the summer, we’ve now created a conservatory you can enjoy all-year-round by simply changing the roof.

Call us for a FREE no Obligation Quote

01905 695393 • 01905 726727

Watch the transformation online:

www.windows-directuk.co.uk Restdale House, 32/33 Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1EE

Guaranteed for your peace of mind @WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

25

homestyle

let us help you transform your conservatory If your conservatory feels too cold to use this winter why not consider having a perfect job done by Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions? A modern new roof which will turn it into a warm, comfortable space which

C

you and your family can enjoy all year round. onservatories

traditional

sunlight so it doesn't interfere with watching television

materials offer no insulation so the heat

roofed

with

and comes in a wide range of colours and finishes to

rapidly escapes into the great outdoors. They

suit your personal taste.

also become too hot and stifling in summer,

leaving another big gap in the year when that valuable extra space is closed off and vacant.

vented ceiling which prevents up to 90% of the heat loss, immediately rewarding you with much reduced heating

Based in Redditch and working through out the

bills and lower maintenance costs. The insulation can

Midlands, Ensign has two ways of transforming your

be added in two days, work which includes a thorough

conservatory into the all weather, all purpose space

roof check.

you had in mind when you bought it.

26

The other measure is a special insulation system, a twin

Ensign is a Which? Trusted Trader offering quality service

One is to replace the old roof with a modern,

from fully trained staff and all its installations have an

thermally efficient tiled roofing system which enables

insurance backed 10 year guarantee. The company

householders to experience the perfect ambient

offers friendly, expert advice in your own home about

temperature in all seasons, whatever the weather

how it can help with your home improvement project

outside. This lightweight system also cuts the

and it also promises to beat any like for like quotation

distracting noise from rainfall, reduces the glare from

from its competitors.

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

@WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

27

homestyle

SMALL SPACE, BIG IDEAS Whether you have a small garden, or you’re simply stuck for ideas on how to utilise your patio, or balcony space, Wyevale Garden Centres have some tips and tricks to get you started.

Hide fences and walls

Open up

Plant climbers and hedges to give boundaries a softer

Removing raised beds, terraces and walls will instantly

edge. A lick of dark green paint on exposed fences can

make a small garden feel more spacious. The only

also help them blend into the background.

exception is if you have a very long, narrow garden

Clever colours To give the garden a more open feel, go for pastel colours, planting pinks and purples nearest the house and blues further away.

Keep it curvy As with walls and fences, straight edges on paths, lawns and ponds can feel constricting. Soften them with sweeping curves and flowing lines.

28

where a few dividers will make it feel wider.

Size matters Whether you’re choosing trees and flowers or furniture and water features, keep everything in the garden to scale, choosing dainty, delicate versions where you can.

Sunny spot or shady?

Vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit all love sunshine.

So, if you are planting on a balcony or other small area,

Mirror, mirror

have a look at where most sun falls during the day and, if

Hanging a mirror is a great way of reflecting more light

you can, plant in the sunniest spot. A south-facing space

into the garden and creating the illusion of extra space.

is best. An east or west facing area will usually spend

Before you invest, use a mirror from the house to help

half a day in sunshine, while a north-facing garden will

find the right spot and the view you want to reflect.

get hardly any at all.

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

>>

N W WORCESTERSHIRE

if you would like to advertise in the next issue please contact one of our sales team Rachel Seabright Tel: 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk

Michele Ford Tel: 01905 727902 michele@pw-media.co.uk

Business Storage • Household Storage • Archive Storage Pick and Pack Service • Next Day Parcel Service Packing Materials • Van Hire • Student Summer Storage

50p VAN HIRE FOR NEW STORAGE CUSTOMERS Please contact for more details.

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29

homestyle

Stewart Blenheim Copper Barrel (61cm), £48, available at Wyevale Garden Centres

If you only have a shady area, don’t worry too much, because

room for them to grow.

quite a few of the most popular vegetables can grow well

6. Always plant the largest plant first.

there. Beetroot and radishes and herbs like mint, parsley,

7. Once planted, the surface of your compost should

fennel and coriander should be fine. And there are flowers

be 2-2.5 cm (3/4–1in) below the rim of the pot, to leave

that are well-suited to shady spots, like begonias, fuchsias,

room for watering.

and Busy Lizzies. Foliage plants like hostas, heucheras,

8. Fill in with compost all around the roots of your plants.

ferns and laurel do especially well in shade.

9. Give them their first watering. A watering can is

Pots & containers: Planting in pots and containers is a great way to maximise space!

1. First, water the plants you’re planting and allow to drain. This will stress the plant less and firm up the compost making it easier to handle when transplanting.

2. Good drainage is essential. We recommend you use materials specifically devised as a drainage medium for pots, such as perlite or vermiculite.

3. Fill container with compost until it’s about two-thirds full. Firm lightly with your hands.

30

probably better than a hose for the first watering, since you need to be careful not to wash away the compost.

10. If you’re planting a large container, put it in the position you want it before starting to plant – once it’s filled with compost and plants it may be too heavy to move.

Top tip: Containers dry out very quickly, so keep them wellwatered. Don’t be fooled into thinking that your planters have been watered by the rain unless it has been raining hard for hours! But be careful not to over-water either. A slightly moist soil is what you’re ideally after.

4. When planting, don’t just make a hole – instead draw

For more information and gardening advice, head

the compost back with a trowel, place your plant in

to your nearest Wyevale Garden Centre and speak

position and let the compost fall back around it.

to an in-store expert. Find your nearest Wyevale

5. If you’re planting more than one plant in a pot, start

Garden Centre by calling 0344 272 3000 or visiting

in the middle and then plant the edges, leaving some

www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

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

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More than just the Michaelmas daisy specialists

We are a family business with 111 years experience in supplying high quality home grown plants, most can also be found in the 1.5 acre adjoining garden.

Walwyn Road, Colwall, WR13 6QE • Tel: 01684 540416

www.autumnasters.co.uk

Opening Times - July: Wednesday-Saturday, 2-5pm August: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am - 5pm (also Bank Holiday Monday) @WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

31

homestyle

the beginner's guide to

buying art The first painting I ever bought was a ten-inch painting of the Duomo in Florence. I was teaching a painting

class, admiring this wonderful little work by a new student of mine who had never picked up a brush before in her life, and decided to buy it off her immediately. Amazed and slightly embarrassed I should want it, she asked for £5, but I gave her £25, because I loved it, because I already knew what a great artist she would become, and because frankly that’s all I had in my pocket. valid as anyone’s. That said, the first thing to do is get a little education. I don’t mean an MA in Art History, I just mean a basic understanding of what you like. Visit a few local galleries and look at public art collections online. Be open minded, and pay no attention to prices as you look.

This is an exercise in determining your taste, because the greatest thrill of collecting is buying what you love.

Love Conquers All Winning at art collecting is like winning at romance: you need to take your time finding what attracts you, and if you fall in love, go with it - but apply some common sense before you commit. I can say with complete honesty that every piece of art I’ve ever bought has been a ‘passion buy’, but I’ve used my head when it comes to the figures. If you’re investing for profit that’s fine, but the art market is famously volatile, so only buy 'Threshold', by Trudy Montgomery, acrylic on canvas

I 32

works you’re genuinely crazy about whatever the return might be, just in case.

tell you this story as an example of how to buy art

Money Isn’t Everything

well: luck, judgement, passion and paying only what I

Don’t imagine you need tons of money to start collecting

could afford got me a painting I still admire every day

art, and don’t fall into the trap of thinking a big spend

that’s now worth ten times what I paid for it. For all

means a smart investment. It doesn’t. Remember the

you would-be collectors – especially those with just £25

most you’ll pay is at a commercial gallery, but there are

in your pocket - here is my beginners guide to buying

good reasons why buying from a gallery can work in your

your first work of art.

favour. Galleries are interested in building relationships

Slightly Savvy Will Do For Starters

offer for a work you like. If they politely refuse, go back

Don’t be intimidated by the notion that art is only for

and restart the conversation later, particularly if the

the arts educated. That’s nonsense - your opinion is as

work is still unsold towards the end of a show.

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

with collectors, so don’t be afraid to make a sensible

>>

Worcestershire Winning Style - Grand Designs Live An emerging interior stylist from Worcestershire has just won the title ‘Room Set Designer of the Year’ at Grand Designs Live in London Caroline Oakey from Oaki Design was one of only six national finalists chosen to create a room set at the interior design show. The Grand Designs room sets are created each year to inspire visitors with new ideas and where to find them.

The six designers were challenged to create interiors that were based on a TV series. Caroline chose Blackadder II as her theme. “My scheme was influenced by the textures and colours of the clothing, as well as the personalities of the cast.”

The result was an opulent scheme with dramatic dark walls, oak flooring, wooden panelling and finishes of leather and suede. Two large armchairs were selected as fun representations of Edmund Blackadder and Lord Percy. The large paperbased artwork was inspired by the Elizabethan ruff worn by Queenie. The themed room sets are a great way of illustrating how design inspiration can emerge from anywhere.

The designers were required to source products from suppliers across the UK. They were each given two days to build and dress their room sets. Caroline sourced oak flooring from Ted Todd, wall paint from Little Greene, lamps from India Jane, fabric from Zoffany and accessories from Mulbery Moon. Not forgetting the most gorgeous faux fur throw from Bell & Blue. “My favourite parts of the scheme are the panelled alcoves and grand fireplace. I commissioned local craftsman Adrian Williams of Bewdley Carpentry Creations to create the amazing Tudor style panelling. The fire surround was finished with a brilliant limestone effect paint from StoneLux, and the showstopping textile artwork was made by Gill Wilson Paperworks in Derbyshire.”

The Blackadder room scheme was selected as the overall winner by judges Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood - both from the Great Interior Design Challenge.

“We thought it was very professional, excellent use of materials and exquisitely styled.” Sophie Robinson Caroline, previously a graphic designer and graduate of Worcester University, is planning to continue her success with a career in set design, interior and editorial styling. “I love the intense creativity of design installations for shows, events, or displays - It’s great to create something that is visually exciting and challenging too.”

For more details on Caroline’s winning room set, please visit the website.

www.oaki-design.com @WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

33

homestyle

'Newhams Tree', by Kerry Harding, oil on canvas

'Apollonian', by Simon Williams, alkyd oil on polyester

Stoneware Vessel by Hilary Mayo

'Jane's Studio', by Colin Orchard, oil on board

Open Season

particularly at auction. If you’ve money to play with, do

The least you’ll pay for a work is direct from the artist.

your research and give it a go, but crucially, don’t simply

Artist/gallery relationships require that the artist

trust the name. All great artists will, at some time in their

doesn’t undercut the gallery by selling direct, with one

career, have made terrible works, so be discerning.

notable exception: Open Studios events. Once or twice a year, artists open their studio doors and try to move on unsold works. Buying at Open Studios is a great move, because you’ll pay considerably less than the gallery price, sometimes 50% less, particularly if you’re interested in more than one work. It’s a ‘win win’ for everyone, and the most financially smart and ‘feel good’ type of art investment you can make.

What’s in a Name?

If new artists aren’t your thing, buying from established artists might suit you better, but be warned: a well-known signature won’t guarantee you a sound investment.

You’ll pay considerably more for this work, so there’s further for your investment to fall. That said, investing in the right work can reap huge rewards if you get it right,

34

'Breezy Day at Priest Cove',

by Neil Davies, oil on board

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

Fun Stuff to Focus Your Investment On There’s a saying in the fine arts – if something won’t sell, ‘paint it blue’. It sounds ridiculous, but art experts will tell you that the colour blue has a positive impact on the value of a work. Blue paintings then, are a safer investment than red, and there are other fun factors to look out for when investing. ‘Nudes’ hold their value well compared to other genres. Artists with a well documented temperament problem are another good bet, since the artist’s ‘backstory’ adds the value of their work. Finally, paintings of an artist’s ‘muse’ are always in demand, and if the poor girl died horribly, so much the better for your investment.

by Mercedes Smith

Made-to-Measure Curtains & Blinds

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Just off the High Street next to The New Inn Pub. Parking at the rear of Pershore Market

T: 01386 556 411 | M: 07527 047647 | E: enquiries@veragilesinteriors.co.uk

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Malvern’s Leading Curtain Fabric Specialists

Clients have praised Ellen’s experience and advice, commenting that her ‘in home consultation service’ is ‘just what they were looking for’. From a varied selection of fabrics, clients can perfectly match colours to complement existing décor.

As a long established business, which she previously ran for 20 years from her Malvern shop, Ellen provides experience and uncompromising quality and Malvern Curtains’ clients have returned to see Ellen again and again.

Ellen will visit your home to help you choose your fabric, measure up and fit bespoke curtains, blinds and rails.

There is a wide range of competitively priced, high quality fabric to choose from suiting all budgets and personal choices. From black out curtains for a child’s bedroom to full length curtains for the living room; kitchen roller blind or Roman blind for a cloakroom - Malvern Curtains can create it all.

Changing your window dressing, either with curtains, blinds or adding a pelmet, can alter the whole look of a room, and Malvern Curtains offer a full service from start to finish.

CONTACT ELLEN NOW TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT T: 01684 561425 M: 07955 074813 E: malverncurtains@btconnect.com

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N W worcestershire

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

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we will be delivering even more copies to more homes and are looking for distributors in the following area:

MALVERN

If you are interested in earning extra income please contact: Dawn Pardoe Tel: 01905 727909 dawn@pw-media.co.uk @WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

35

NATURE NOTEBOOK

Marbled White © Wendy Carter

chequerboard flutter The distinctive chequerboard pattern marks out one of my favourite butterflies; marbled whites.

I

distinctly remember the first time I saw a marbled

thistles and knapweed (especially if there’s a meadow

white. I was entranced by this cream and black

nearby), keep a look out for marbled whites. They’ve

butterfly fluttering rather lazily through a shrubbery

been found on railway embankments, woodland rides

next to a meadow. I followed it for a short while

and even road verges.

hoping to catch a photograph; a passer-by told me that I was wasting my time – marbled whites don’t settle for

Possibly the best time to see one is in the morning when

long. I marvelled at the name. I’d never heard of it let

their wings are open and they’re soaking up the sun.

alone ever seen one before. So I persevered and waited

They roost about halfway down grass stems and can be

for it to finally settle on a flower long enough for me to

surprisingly hard to spot so you’ll need to get your eye

snap a couple of shots.

in, so to speak.

These delicate and captivating flutters are butterflies

Rather amazingly for such a beautiful looking creature,

of grasslands. You perhaps know that caterpillars can be rather fussy eaters but these chaps and chappesses will munch away happily on a wide range of common grasses such as cock’s-foot, fescue and Yorkshire fog.

Perhaps this is the reason that the females drop their eggs randomly onto the ground as they flick through the grass rather than carefully choosing somewhere to lay them. Whatever the reason, when the larvae hatch they clamber into clumps of grass and chomp their way to pupation. The adult butterflies emerge from the middle of June and are on the wing into August.

marbled whites are poisonous to birds. Naturalist and author Miriam Rothschild had always believed that such an eye-catching pattern must act as a warning to birds.

Eventually, shortly before her death in 2005 and with the development of chemical analysis, she was proved correct. Whilst still caterpillars, it seems that some feast on grass that has been infected by ergot fungus; the toxins are stored in their bodies and the adults are subsequently dangerous enough to be left alone.

Nature is, indeed, quite fascinating!

We’re really lucky in Worcestershire because, although

Wendy Carter,

England has lost around 97% of its wildflower-rich

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

meadows, we have about 20% of those that remain right here in our beautiful county. They support a huge range of wildlife...including marbled whites. Meandering in meadows is quite tricky as there are so many delicate plants that can be squished by our feet but while some

Keep up to date with us...

are inaccessible others have paths mown through them.

• on Twitter @WorcsWT

The range of marbled white butterflies has expanded so if you’re somewhere with lilac-coloured scabious,

36

MORE INFORMATION

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

• on Facebook worcestershirewildlifetrust • our events www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/whats-on

01527 821848

hello@riversideshepherdhuts.co.uk www. riversideshepherdhuts.co.uk @WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

37

BEAUTIFUL

COLOURS OF SUMMER Bright, bold and beautiful! Here are some colourful favourites of ours. Enjoy!

ESTE LAUDER

CHANEL

ELEMIS

Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess

A lipstick with a melt-

This is a new dawn in skin protection, in choice, in

The Summer Look Palette

away balm texture that

technological development and outstanding results.

helps you achieve the look

becomes fluid as soon

Where the addition of SPF actives has compromised

of beautiful, sun-drenched

as it touches the lips. A

many creams, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 has

holiday skin and mesmerising

palette of dazzling shades,

been developed using the latest technology to preserve

eyes with ease. Featuring three

from semi-sheer to more

everything about it that makes it the hero of the ELEMIS

silky shadows to highlight,

intense. The lightweight,

anti-ageing collection. Using a new sunscreen with

define and dramatize your

shiny version of ROUGE

enwrapping technology, ELEMIS is able to deliver a more

eyes, alongside a peachy blush

COCO, contained in

evenly distributed layer of protection which provides high

for an instant healthy glow, this

a travel-friendly and

SPF with lower concentrations of sunscreen actives. The

all-in-one compact is perfect

practical metal tube

result is a formulation comfortable in texture and easy to

for popping in your handbag

faithful to the black and

apply.

for use at home, or away.

gold codes of the House.

£45.00

£28.00

38

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

£82.00

CHANEL

ELEMIS

CLARINS

Limited edition, a palette of blushes to play

This gentle purifying treatment

Instant Light Natural Lip

with the colour codes of Chanel. Chanel colour

toner effectively tones the

Perfector. With one sold

codes reinterpreted with new shades and

skin and helps rebalance the

every 36 seconds worldwide,

multiple effects. A palette that invites you to

pH level, without the use of

the Instant Light Natural Lip

apply makeup while breaking the rules.

alcohol or harsh detergents.

Perfectors are one of Clarins

Extracts of Lavender, Quillja

most popular products! To

£49.00

Wood and Sweet Betty Flower

continue the beautiful story,

help to balance and soften the

Clarins launches two limited

skin, leaving a fresh and clear

edition shades; Pink Grapefruit

complexion.

and Juicy Mandarin.

£22.50

£18.00

@WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

Stockist Details: Estee Lauder - 0870 034 2566 - www.esteelauder.co.uk. Chanel - 0207 493 3836 - www.chanel.co.uk.

Elemis - 0117 316 1888 - www.elemis.com or www.timetospa.co.uk. Clarins - 0800 036 3558 - www.clarins.co.uk.

BEAUTIFUL

39

BEAUTiful

how to travel in style Once you know your colours and style, packing becomes a lot easier.

H

olidays are a chance to wear something a bit

Roll your clothes into three sausages for packing to

different compared to what you might wear

avoid creased clothes. Lay out your tops and dresses,

at home and so provide a great opportunity

one inside the other, with the most crushable fabrics on

to make the most of your wow colours to

the outside and roll them into a sausage. Trousers and

really make a gorgeous impact.

Pack a capsule wardrobe which you can make all sorts of combinations from. Make a list of how many of each item you should be taking e.g three pairs of trousers, two skirts and ensure that you have something for every occasion and for all expected weather conditions. Take interchangeable staples.

40

skirts go in the second sausage. Everything else goes in the third from swimwear, sarongs and pashminas in your wow colours of course! Turning jackets inside out will help avoid creases, but if space is limited, wear your jacket while travelling. Stuff sleeves with underwear and fill your clutch bag with socks, adapter plugs and belts. Essentially leave no space unfilled!

Pack trousers that can be dressed up or down, or

If you are buying a new hat to keep the sun off your face,

dresses that look good with heels and flats. Patterned

before you choose try on lots different colours and styles

clothes are less prone to showing creases or sweat so

from a floppy straw hat to a panama to a baseball cap.

they’re a great choice if you’re travelling somewhere

Find a style and colour that really suits you. A good rule

hot or somewhere that has no iron.

of thumb is to keep the brim no wider than your hair!

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

>>

Luxury Lingerie, Swimwear & Nightwear Maternity, Bridal, Sports & Teens Mastectomy specialists Cups AA to K

New season swimwear now in stock 23 Reindeer Court, Worcester

Tel: 01905 619031

www.embraceluxurylingerie.co.uk www.embracecancerbeauty.co.uk @WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

41

BEAUTiful

Make up musts are waterproof mascara and eyeliner,

when you are wandering around touring, and a clutch

bronzer, a kabuki brush and a couple of wonderful

bag for night time. Make sure your bags go well with

lipstick shades for day-time and another for a bolder

most of the clothes you are packing.

look in the evenings. A swirl of a dual mineral compact to avoid looking shiny will help too. Buy travel size

Choose your shoes carefully and wrap them in plastic

paraben-free creams for as many of your must-haves

bags to keep the rest of your packing clean. Think

as possible.

about shoes for walking and travelling in, shoes for by

A holiday is a great chance to wear some different jewellery. Try brighter colours from your season palette and different styles and materials. Consider rings, earrings, belts, necklaces, bracelets when packing! Have fun with your holiday jewellery.

the pool and something special to wear at night.

When you are travelling wear something comfortable and stylish, in breathable fabrics that can be worn in layers in case you have different weather conditions between home and your arrival destination.

Stylish sunglasses will make a vibrant addition to the face, especially in the summertime. Carefully consider the colour, the shape and size and don’t just automatically opt for black. Make sure they offer 100% UV protection.

Consider carefully what handbags you might need – a tote for the beach, a small cross-body bag for days

42

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

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

NATURAL BROWS MICROBLADING 38 Belle Vue Terrace, Great Malvern WR14 4PZ

Tel: 07513 240 110

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43

Morue à la Catalane

Cod Catalan Style

by Jean-Christophe Novelli

This dish originates from the Catalan region that borders France and northern Spain.

A celebration of all things tasty in Worcester Foodies will be in for a treat from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th August when the popular Worcester Foodie Festival will return to the city centre again.

This free event organised by Worcester BID will be even bigger and better than last year with an additional event area at the new Cathedral Square, around 50 stalls in High Street offering delicious food and drink from local businesses and selected specialist producers, as well as food and drink matching sessions, cookery demonstrations and master class workshops by a variety of well-established chefs. Visitors will be in for a treat with Michelin awardwinning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli headlining the Worcester Foodie Festival on Saturday.

The ‘nation’s favourite French chef’ will be running free cookery demonstrations on the main stage at Cathedral Square, followed by book signing sessions. ChefRichard Fox has become a popular fixture throughout the 3-day event, renowned for cooking with beer, his other great passion is on the subject of reducing our food waste by performing cooking demonstrations on the theme of ‘ Love Food, Hate Waste’ .

Local chefs from new and established Worcester city centre restaurants will also be on the line up showcasing their skills and summer menus at the Foodie Festival stages. With free face painting, exciting food experiments and dedicated kids’ cookery workshops, youngsters will also enjoy their visit to the Worcester Foodie Festival.

Live music by talented local artists, fun roving street entertainment, competitions, special offers and in store activities will make sure that there is something for all the family at this celebration of all things tasty. Foodies can also tantalise their taste buds at Worcester’ s 150+ quality local restaurants, cosy cafés, stylish bars and traditional pubs.

For further details visit www.worcesterfoodiefestival.com, follow @WorcFoodieFest on twitter or take a look at www.facebook.com/FoodieWorcester.

Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Ingredients

B 4 cod fillets (skin on) B 700g plum tomatoes (chopped)

B 3 shallots (chopped) B ½ bulb garlic B 1 sprig rosemary B 1 sprig thyme B 2 bay leaves B 1 tbsp parsley and fresh basil (chopped)

B 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil B 10 black olives B Cracked black pepper B 2 tbsp extra virgin rapeseed oil (for frying)

B Crispy salad and steamed rice (to serve) Method 1. Preheat the oven to 160ºC (fan), 180ºC (non-fan), or gas mark 4.

To Prepare The Sauce 1. Using a blender or liquidiser,

44

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

blitz the tomatoes and shallots for a few seconds. Transfer this mixture into a sauté pan, with a lid, and bring to the boil. Add the garlic, rosemary, thyme and bay leaves and simmer for 10 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Season with black pepper to taste, then add the olives.

For The Fish 1. In another pan, heat the rapeseed oil. Introduce the fish, skin-side down. Sear for 2 minutes then remove from the heat.

2. Place the fish in an ovenproof (gratin) dish. Cover with the tomato sauce and bake for 10 minutes.

3. While the fish is in the oven, mix the fresh herbs with the olive oil and let it infuse.

4. When the 10 minutes of baking time is finished, drizzle the infused oil over the fish dish and serve. This is perfect with steamed rice and a crispy salad.

Chef’s Tip Any good quality, firm fish can be used for this dish, especially one of my favourites, red snapper.

BUY

BRITISH

It’s Summer (and BBQ) Time!

Have you tried Our Homemade Beefburgers?

Sausages, Steaks, Chops & Chicken.

In fact everything you need for a BBQ. Also now available: Delicious Strawberries from Ledbury, perfect with a glass of Rose Bank Sparkling Wine.

What more could you want?

Gwillam’s Farm Shop OPEN Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm Telephone: 01905 756490 Ombersley Rd. Claines, Worcester. WR3 7RH

www.gwillamsfarmshop.com

@WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

45

FOOD & DRINK

YOUR EDIBLE GARDEN Preparation is everything. Start by cleaning your pots, troughs, boxes and planting up with soil or, if you've got more space, choose a spot with plenty of sunlight and prepare the ground by digging over and removing large stones.

T

he current fashion for raised beds will save you time spent digging. You can build them using sleepers or scaffold boards or of course visit your local garden centre to buy a kit for one.

Label your vegetables as soon as you plant them. Good labelling and even keeping a record in a gardening journal help you remember what is where, plus the varities that you love. Your local garden centre has readymade labels or you can make your own by cutting down more rigid yogurt pots, using ‘Magnum’ style ice cream sticks writing on them with a permanent marker.

If growing fruit, choose a site that has some sun during the day and rich, moist soil. Raspberries are easiest to grow and give a good harvest in the second year. They are

Chrysanthemum - a little bitter, come in a rainbow of

really fun to pick with children. You may need to net them

colours and a range of flavours range from peppery to

though as the birds love them as much as you do. Once

pungent. Use only the petals.

they have given their crop you cut the old cane down and fasten the new canes ready for the next years crop.

Edible flowers Allium - All blossoms from the allium family (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic chives) are edible and flavourful!

Every part of these plants is edible.

Angelica - flowers range from pale lavender-blue to

Fuchsia have tangy fuchsia flowers make a beautiful garnish.

Lavender - is sweet, spicy, and perfumed, the flowers are a great addition to both savory and sweet dishes.

Use sparingly.

deep rose and have a liquorice-like flavour.

Nasturtium - is one of the most popular edible flowers,

Basil - the blossoms come in a variety of colours, from

floral flavor bursting with a spicy pepper finish. When

white to pink to lavender; flavour is similar to the leaves,

the flowers go to seed, the seed pod is a marvel of sweet

but milder.

and spicy. You can stuff flowers, add leaves to salads,

Borage - the blossoms are a lovely blue hue and taste like cucumber!

Calendula/Marigold - a great flower for eating, calendula blossoms are peppery, tangy, and spicy — and their vibrant golden color adds dash to any dish.

nasturtium flowers are brilliantly coloured with a sweet,

pickle buds like capers, and garnish to your heart’s content. Pansy, the petals are somewhat nondescript, but if you eat the whole flower you get more taste.

Rose - remove the white, bitter base and the remaining petals have a strongly perfumed flavor perfect for floating in drinks or scattering across desserts, and for a

Carnations/Dianthus - Petals are sweet, once trimmed

variety of jams. The flavour more pronounced in darker

away from the base. The blossoms taste like their sweet,

varieties.

perfumed aroma.

46

Clover - the flowers are sweet with a hint of licorice.

Violets - are another much used edible flower, violets are

Chervil - has a delicate blossoms and flavour, which is

floral, sweet and beautiful as garnishes. Use the flowers

anise-tinged.

in salads and to garnish desserts and drinks.

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

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47

FOOD & DRINK

AFTERNOON TEA One of the UK’s oldie worldy traditions, the afternoon tea, has been revived by a new generation of tea and cake lovers. Helped hugely by the ever-popular Great British Bake Off TV show, which will take up our viewing, believed to be in Autumn 2017 on Channel 4, demand for a combination of English tea and cream cakes is back on the rise.

I

n figures reported by Tesco sales of typical afternoon

friends and family. This resurgence began around 10

tea related foods and kitchen items have soared over

years ago, but it has definitely changed since its first

the last few years including: Tesco finest* cream

appearance over two hundred years ago. Nowadays

cakes, 4.5 million more sold year on year; The classic

afternoon tea is enjoyed by many, fast becoming an

Battenberg cake was up 45 per cent 2016 over 2015;

outlet for chefs to express their creative flair and add

Speciality teas like Earl Grey, Assam, Darjeeling has sales

their own special twists to the indulgent, very British,

growth of nearly four per cent which is the equivalent of

tradition.

250,000 packets

48

The birth of afternoon tea is widely recognised to be

The trend has been just as steep climb within the offering

attributed Anna Maria, the 7th Duchess of Bedford

in hotels and restaurants with great menus for treating

around 1840. At the time, it was customary for people

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

>>

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49

FOOD & DRINK

"Truly Alice" - all items available from www.talkingtables.co.uk

"Japanese Blue Daisy Swirl" - available from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

"Japanese Dot Dash" - available from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

"Japanese Green Circles" - available from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

"Japanese Sunflower" - available from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

"Japanese Sunburst" - available from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

to enjoy only two main meals a day: a hearty breakfast

The Bank House

and a lavish dinner (around 8pm). Maria is said to have

www.bankhouseworcester.com

complained of “having that sinking feeling” during the

Tel: 01886 833551

late afternoon. So, the solution for the Duchess was a pot of tea and a light snack taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon. She then started to invite friends to join her in her rooms at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire and the spread became more lavish.. the tradition fast became popular within fashionable society, wanting to emulate royalty.

Now this tradition is no longer reserved for royalty and

50

"Japanese Petite Daisy" - available from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

Henry's www.henrysofupton.co.uk Tel: 01684 438300 Minnies Tel: 01684 491754

the rich – Afternoon Tea is now a treat to be enjoyed

Revills

by everyone. Try the following places with offerings

www.revillsfarmshop.co.uk

available to suit all pockets and tastes:

Tel: 01386 750466

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

Revills Farm Shop &

Farmhouse Café

Strawberries Now Available Treat yourself to homemade cakes and pastries, afternoon tea or a traditional English cream tea.

• Breakfast • Seasonal Lunch Menu

Bourne Road, Defford, Worcestershire, WR8 9BS

Tel: 01386 750466 www.revillsfarmshop.co.uk

Come Visit us at: St. Michael’s Farm, Stourport Road, Great Witley, WR6 6JB Opening Hours: Monday: Closed • Tues- Sat: 9am-5.30pm Sunday: 10am-4pm

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51

keeping active

Start/Finish: The Walk starts at Hallow near Worcester.

Public Transport: The nearest Railway Station is at Worcester with buses 294/5 and 308 to Hallow. Please consult ‘Traveline’. Parking: There is street-parking in Hallow but please try to keep to side roads.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 204. Distance: 7 miles. Shorter 3.5 mile route from Sinton Green shown by purple dots on sketch-map.

Time: Allow all day to do the main walk to fully enjoy the countryside.

Refreshments: You will need a picnic and drinks as there are no shops along the route after leaving Hallow’s shop or Hallow Post Office.

Terrain: This walk is mainly flat but can be a little uneven in places so boots or walking shoes recommended. Poles are useful for dealing with nettles and rigorous undergrowth around stiles. The nature reserve at Monk Wood has been managed by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation since 1986. Please remain on the path, keep dogs on leads and do not drop litter. History: Monk Wood is an ancient semi-natural woodland that has survived from the days of William the Conqueror. Planted on land once owned by Worcester Priory. 17th and 18th century records show that this woodland was regularly coppiced to provide Hazel hurdles and this tradition which continued until the 1950’s is now being reintroduced. In 1950’s the woodland was purchased by ‘Harris’ – the manufacturer of paint-brushes. The wood was replanted with trees to produce brush handles until the ‘WWT’ bought the wood in 1986. They now own or manage around 100 reserves across the County.

1: The walk starts outside school at Hallow. Walk north along A443 to Moseley Road and turn left. After ¼ mile you will reach pond at Heath Farm.

2: Take path signed ‘Sinton Green’ through gate on right. Walk straight on to another gate that leads across fields to large farm gate in bottom right-hand corner. Walk straight on up next field with hedge on right and at far end cross boarded stile with footbridge beyond. Take footpath diagonally right across

Sinton Court, Sinton Farm and ‘Peace Hall’ before arriving at ‘ Green’. Cross ‘green’ via lane ahead then take ‘Wichenford’ road straight over at cross-roads, passing ‘New Inn’ on right, remaining on lane for further ½ mile. Pass turning from Oakall Green and curve round to entrance into ‘Monk Wood Nature Reserve’. (For a shorter walk, park in Sinton Green and follow purple route on sketch-map).

4: Take track on right into reserve, shortly fork right and follow track for ½ mile to far end where bridleway narrows to path.

Note - many plants, insects and butterflies in summer that should re-awaken your senses and put you back in touch with nature. WWT has been thinning out non-native species and opening up ‘rides’ to encourage re-population of bluebells and wild garlic. For a longer walk you can follow signs to ‘Ockeridge Wood’ further north then retrace your steps back to this point on main walk.

5: At far end of reserve, marked by another board, turn left back on yourself to large gate. Go through gate and straight on along

corner and over stile into next field continuing with hedge on

right edge of field to exit at ‘Green Farm’, with pond on left. Right

right. Cross another stile and continue straight on to small gate

of way now channelled between two fences around farm so

and walk up right side of field between two fences. Go through

please follow signs and keep dogs on leads.

another gate and walk between two hedges. Walk alongside wall

6: Go through small metal gate into track with pond on left. Take

on left, exit in hamlet of Sinton Green.

track past ‘Whitehouse Farm’ to join lane and turn left to hamlet

3: Turn left along lane through this old settlement, passing

of Monk Wood Green itself. Notice older cottages bordering village ‘Green’.

7: Turn left at junction and walk along lane through Commonland. At next junction, keep straight on unless you have parked at Sinton Green to do ‘shorter walk’, in which case you turn left.

8: Notice ‘The Fox Inn’ public house on left. Remain on lane for ½ mile to right-angled bend to left, opposite ‘Holywards Farm’.

9: Turn right along bridleway at Moseley and follow it round hairpin and along track to another bridleway on left that cuts back across to Moseley Road as this avoids ½ mile lane walking.

10: From where the bridleway rejoins the lane, walk back towards Hallow. Turn right where Moseley Road joins A443.

Written and illustrated by glynis dray

Hallow to Monk Wood Nature Reserve 52

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

living history

Court Barn A museum of craft & design

Many pieces are held by private lenders and have not been seen by the public before.

By about 1904 sales had begun to drop. The Guild, more suited economically to the city than the country, could not respond. In 1908 it went into liquidation. Some of the guildsmen stayed on, working under their own names, The Silk Mill, Sheep Street, photography by Jessie Taylor

T

and the silk mill has housed craft workshops ever since.

But most of them had to go back to the city and look for work. In this sense the Guild in Campden was both

he Arts and Crafts movement set great store

a beginning and an end. It was pretty much the end of

by handwork, and at its height round 1900 it

Ashbee’s creative project. But it was the beginning of the

stimulated a wealth of individual creativity in

story of craft and design in Chipping Campden.

silversmithing, stained glass, bookbinding,

embroidery, furniture, printing and many other trades.

Ashbee was a leading figure in the movement. But for

him it was not just about creating beautiful things. It was also about giving people satisfying work.

In 1888 he started a craft workshop called the Guild of Handicraft in the slums of East London - craft as an alternative to factory work. By 1900 it had grown to about forty craftsmen: cabinetmakers, metalworkers, jewellers, blacksmiths and printers. It was a many-sided project, economic, artistic and social, and it was successful in all these ways. Critics particularly admired the simple but elegant silverwork and jewellery which Ashbee designed.

The permanent display tells the story of artists, designers and craftspeople who have worked in the north Cotswolds in the last hundred years or so. There were, of course, many more than nine such people, but we have focused on a small number to give a feeling of individual lives.

One or two of these people were born here, but mostly they came to the Cotswolds, drawn by the beauty of the place, feeling a kind of sympathy between the Cotswolds and their creative work. F. L. Griggs fell in love with Campden because it seemed to belong to the medieval dream-world of his imagination. The silversmith and industrial designer Robert Welch liked the small-town

In 1902 Ashbee moved the Guild from East London to

quietness of Campden and worked in the Silk Mill in

Chipping Campden, to give his craftsmen a healthier

Sheep Street all his life.

life. They took over a disused silk mill in Sheep Street as their workshops, and at first things went well. Business was good, and Ashbee went about the town in his eager, improving way, building a swimming pool, starting a craft school, staging Elizabethan plays.

The Museum celebrates the importance of craft and craftsmanship, the central part played in the lives of all these people by patient creative work with your hands.

That is obvious enough in the work of Katharine Adams, binding books by hand with a strength to last for centuries;

Our current exhibition Cockneys in Arcadia: C.R.

in the throwing of pots at the Winchcombe Pottery; or in

Ashbee in Chipping Campden curated by experts Alan

the Hart family of silversmiths who have worked now in

Crawford and Mary Greensted is the first to showcase

Campden for more than a hundred years. But craft was

C R Ashbee’s Campden period. It includes the full range

also important to designers like Gordon Russell who

of Ashbee’s work during that time, as a designer of

steered his furniture workshop in Broadway towards

furniture, metalwork, silver, jewellery and printed books.

modernism and mass-production in the 1930s. @WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

53

golden years

Inheritance Tax

Making the Most of your Tax Free Allowance For many who are trying to preserve assets for their loved ones, or those dealing with the estate of a family

P

member or friend, Inheritance Tax and the reliefs available can be a minefield.

resently, every individual in England and Wales can leave an estate of £325,000 without any Inheritance Tax being paid. Everything in the estate above £325,000 (the “Nil Rate Band”)

is taxed at 40%.

However, if a husband, wife or civil partner leaves anything to their spouse, there is no Inheritance Tax to pay in relation to this gift. If “A” were to leave all of their estate to their spouse (“B”), there will be no tax to pay as it passes “spouse exempt”. This means that A has not used their Nil Rate Band.

This means that, when B passes away, they will have their own Nil Rate Band to set against their estate and they can also use A’s unused Nil Rate Band to also set against the estate. In essence, when B passes away this means they can potentially leave £650,000 without any Inheritance Tax being due.

By 2021 a married couple, leaving everything to each

Inheritance Tax is a constantly evolving area of law, and

to their children on the second of them to pass away,

as of 6th April 2017 a new relief has become available

could potentially leave up to £1million Inheritance tax

in relation to Inheritance Tax, which everyone should

free.

be aware of.

Clearly, it is so important that you always take

This relief is called the Residence Nil Rate Band

professional legal advice to ensure that any Will is as

(“RNRB”) and it allows an individual to leave some,

tax efficient as possible, and is maximising the assets

or all, of their share and interest in a property to

you leave to the ones you love. At Thomas Horton LLP

their children, grandchildren or other direct lineal

we have 150 years of experience providing an award

descendants without Inheritance Tax being due.

winning service, and our established Probate team

At present under this RNRB, each individual can leave £100,000 of their property Inheritance Tax free using this relief. This is set to increase over the coming years as follows:

can help you with any queries you may have. The price for preparing a Will for an individual is just £125 plus VAT, or mirror wills for a couple at just £200 plus VAT. Contact them today on 01527 871641.

2017 to 2018

£100,000*

Emily O’Keefe

2018 to 2019

£125,000*

Solicitor

2019 to 2020

£150,000*

Thomas Horton LLP

2020 to 2021

£175,000*

(*capped at the value of the share and interest of the property owned by the individual)

54

other on the first of them to pass away and everything

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

Specialising in: Administration of estates, preparation of Wills and Court of Protection matters

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55

golden years

TRACE YOUR FAMILY TREE R Have you ever wondered who your ancestors were and what life was like for them?

esearching family history is a hobby that’s booming archives

in

popularity,

became

especially

accessible

online

since and

TV shows such as ‘Who do you think you

are’. Here we aim to answer your questions about genealogy, and look at what's involved and how you can get started.

So, what’s genealogy all about, then?

The word Genealogy stems from the Greek for 'generation' and 'knowledge'. Essentially, it’s the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history.

Your approach to genealogy will depend on your particular interests. For instance, you might want to find out if you’re related to somebody famous, or

information I find out?

Take care to keep all of your research well organised

discover the truth about a family legend.

so you can come back to it at any time. Many of the

How would I get started?

of building a family tree online which you can update

It can be tempting to dive straight in and search for a particular ancestor but this tends to produce a lot of results which can be confusing. So it’s best to start with yourself and then work backwards, finding proof that connects each generation together.

Through public records you can find evidence in birth certificates, marriage certificates and Wills for instance. Talking to people and writing to relatives could also provide clues and ultimately your detective

dedicated websites will guide you through the process as your research progresses. These websites can also alert you to anyone else researching the same people as you, giving you the opportunity to share your work.

What else you do with the information will depend on which aspects take your interest. You may decide to learn more about a particular ancestor, or the social history of a certain time or even connect with living relatives from a different family line.

work could take you anywhere from local graveyards

Useful websites

and memorials to record offices abroad.

The UK government's official archive holds records

Going through old records sounds like a lot of hard work...

Yes, tracing your family tree can be a very timeconsuming hobby, but don’t underestimate the thrill of

which can help you find out about people's lives, deaths and careers. They provide many research guides covering records of army personnel, workers, migrants, religious groups and more.

unearthing results! Some days will be more successful

There are also many websites on which you can look

than others so you can expect peaks and troughs as

for, store and share information. Most offer a free trial

you gradually piece parts of the puzzle together.

period so you can shop around before you pay for

You may also find that you can share some of the work load when your research over-laps with someone else’s. That’s just one reason to make contact with people who are connected to your family tree. In fact,

56

What do I do with the

full access. For example, the Ancestry website claims to have the world’s largest online library, and The Family History Centre website say they only charge for positive results.

a large part of the fun is about sharing research and

for more information visit

stories, so it’s not all about paper work.

www.ageuk.org.uk

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

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57

COMPETITION

20th Anniversary Year Ragley Hall Battle Proms Concert The UK’s Premier Picnic Concert Series Returns to Ragley in their 20th Anniversary Year on Saturday 12th August… and we have tickets to giveaway!

S

ince their first concert in 1997 the Battle Proms have

afternoon, the Battle Proms have worked closely with the Grace

been treating their audiences to a heady mix of sublime

Spitfire team over the years to create one of the most carefully

classical music, carefully choreographed Spitfire and

choreographed Spitfire displays you are likely to catch this

cavalry displays, dramatic cannon fire and stunning

summer. So much more than just a fly past, this display has the

firework finales. As the series enters its 20th anniversary, the Battle Proms will once again return to the stunning lake side setting of Ragley Hall on Saturday 12 August.

The Battle Proms takes much of it’s historical inspiration from the Napoleonic wars. As well as staging a colourful skill-at-arms cavalry display in full regalia, the Battle Proms is also the only place in the world you can see Beethoven’s Battle Symphony performed as he intended – with 193 live firing cannons providing a thunderous percussion!

And if this wasn’t drama enough excitement for a summer’s

Competition For your chance to win one of three pairs of tickets to the Battle Proms Concert at Ragley Hall, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

When was the first concert held?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Battle Proms WN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries ISSUE 168 is 19th July 2017.

58

WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

iconic plane dancing through the sky to the opening pieces of the orchestral performance by the New English Concert Orchestra.

The full orchestral programme then takes centre stage for the rest of the evening, complete with a stunning performance by star soprano Denise Leigh and culminating in a flag-waving, sing-a-long ‘last night of the Proms’ style finale as a spectacular firework display lights up the sky!

Don’t want to leave it to chance? For more information, or to book tickets for this spectacular night out, visit www.battleproms.com or call 01432 355 416.

Answer: Name:

Address: Tel: Email:

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

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59

our events diary

JULY

Sunday 9th

Evesham River Festival

Worcester, 12noon – 4.00pm.

Warndon Villages Summer Fete

Friday 7th – sunday 9th Evesham, WR11 4ST. Great Family Weekend of Entertainment, This year’s theme is ‘Book Titles’ www.theeveshamriverfestival.uk

Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Email: info@lyppardhub.co.uk www.lyppardhub.co.uk Monday 10th

Saturday 8th – sunday 9th

KNOW YOUR BREED – A MEET UP FOR

Fladbury Walkabout

OWNERS OF FRENCHIES AND PUGS

Just off the A44 between Pershore and Evesham

Clent Hills Vets. 7.45pm – 9.15pm. Topics covered will

WR10 2QX. Admission by Programme - available at

include conditions typical to these breeds with advice as

the car parks and in front of the church. Adults £6.50,

to how best to manage them. There will be a Q&A session

Children under 15 free. Weekend Ticket £10

and an opportunity to talk informally to the experts on

www.fladburyvillage.co.uk/walkabout

hand. To register a place at the free event email theteam@ clenthillsvets.co.uk with your name, a contact telephone

Stourport Vintage Steam Rally & Country Show

number and how many people will be attending.

Coney Green Farm, Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 0TE.

www.clenthillsvets.co.uk

10am-5pm both days. Admission: ADULT: £6.00 OAP: £4.00 CHILD: £2.00 UNDER 5's: FREE. Family tickets are available

Friday 14th – Sunday 16th

Tel: 01299 822032 or 07989 057049

Vintage Swing Festival at Eastnor Castle

www.stourportvintagesteamrally.co.uk

Eastnor, Ledbury, HR8 1RL. Set in the breathtaking parkland

National Association of Goldsmiths Member

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Personalise Your Wedding Ring 1. Choose a plain wedding ring (9ct, 18ct or platinum 2. Keep it plain or have it diamond cut (any pattern) + £15 3. Set some bright white diamonds + £30 each (including setting) 4. Engrave dates or something lovey dovey on the inside + £20 (approx) Congratulations, you have just designed your very own Wedding Ring!

Plain Wedding Rings are £37.50 per gram for 9ct or £75 per gram for 18ct

The most reasonable Jewellers in Worcester

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Malvern Goldsmiths - 28/30 Belle Vue Terrace

60

ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

>>

Worcestershire’s Premier Coach Company Weston-Super-Mare - 2nd August 2017 & 20th August 2017 A day at the seaside. £18.00 /£16.00 per person.

Shrewsbury Flower Show – 11th August 2017

The show has been held in this location for over 129 years, the programme is yet to be released – but sure not to disappoint. £39.00 Per Person.

Emmerdale Village Tour - 16th September 2017

The live, outdoor TV set located within the Harewood Estate in Leeds. This fully guided walking tour of the exterior set takes about 1.5 hours. £59.50 Per Person.

Buckingham Palace 20th September 2017

After lunch at The Rubens Hotel we will visit Buckingham Palace. Explore the lavishly furnished State Rooms, containing some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. £69.50 per person (Includes lunch at Rubens and Buckingham Palace entrance).

Alderley Edge & Bramhall - Bubbles & Bargains - 7th October 2017 Not long ago, browsing a charity shop was a grim task. Britain’s charity shops have wised up, they have been reinvented into treasure troves. Alderley Edge is well known for its affluence with a selection of cafes, bars & designer shops and prosecco en-route. £26.50 per person.

Harewood House – Queen Victoria Exhibition 19th October 2017

The house was recently used as a major set for ITV’s Victoria series. The opulent rooms on the State Floor will come to life with costumes from the programme alongside the costumes, you will be able to discover more about the Victorian era at Harewood. Highlights include a beautiful miniature of Queen Victoria and a writing set Victoria owned. £37.00 per person includes entry.

Drayton Manor Park – 23rd October 2017

Drayton Manor is a theme park resort and zoo in the grounds of the former Drayton Manor, in Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire. The park covers about 113 acres and hosts about 1.5 million visitors a year. £39.00 per adult £37.00 per child.

Visit our website www.hardingscoaches.co.uk to view our full programme, give Amanda or Sharon a call on 01905 777119 or email sales@hardingscoaches.com @WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

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of Eastnor deer park, a designated area of outstanding

Sunday 16th

natural beauty, the vintage escape is a sparkling celebration

Animals R Magic

of a by-gone era. Featuring some of the best loved jazz and

Hanbury Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, B60 4BU. 11.00am

swing musicians in the U.K, Inspiring dance tutors, classic

– 5.00pm. The Cinnamon Trust invites you to this event

cars, vintage fashion, delicious fresh food, creative kids fun

hosted by the Jinney Ring Craft Centre, with a whole host of

and lots more. Please come and join us dance the night away,

animal visitors here to welcome you. The day is designed

under the stars with a magical soundtrack from yesteryear. 3

to raise awareness for local animal charities and has a

Day Pass £80, 1 day Pass £30, Children Between 5-16 £15 per

village fete atmosphere with lots of stalls, activities and

day £30 for weekend Local Postcode discount £20 per day.

fun for everyone. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome.

Tel 07976727959

Email: c.everall@integraprojects.com

www.thevintageescape.com

www.jinneyring.co.uk

Saturday 15th July – Saturday 5th August

Friday 21st – sunday 23rd

Droitwich Spa ArtsFest

Upton Blues Festival

Victoria Square, Droitwich, WR9 8DS. To provide

Upton upon Severn, WR8 0HB. Two main stages, an

opportunities for all members of Droitwich Arts

acoustic stage and ten pub venues creating over 130

Network to showcase their skills and work

free performances over three days! Free to attend.

Tel 07787227390

www.uptonbluesfestival.org.uk

www.droitwichartsfest.org Saturday 22nd Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th

Cherry Fair

Regency Garden Party at Harvington Hall

Bewdley Museum, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 2AE. 10.00am –

Harvington Nr. Kidderminster DY10 4LR. Join our Regency

4.00pm. Sixty years ago Bewdley was the centre of a flourishing

Tea Party in Harvington Hall's stunning gardens. Music

cherry trade, with a 200 year tradition of an annual Cherry

and dancing of the period will be ongoing throughout the

Fair since at least 1817. So we hope that people may learn of

afternoon, as costumed re-enactors bring the Regency

former times and support our effort to rescue the different

social sphere to life. Adults £9.00, Seniors £8.00, Children

varieties of cherry. There is a variety of entertainment with

£5.00. Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children)

live music. Arts and crafts stalls with local crafts people selling

£25.00. Gardens and Malt House Visitor Centre £3.50

their pieces of art. The public are being encouraged to browse

Tel: 01562 777846

around the event. Children are invited to take part in the Cherry

www.harvingtonhall.com

hunt around the museum and gardens. A display in the foyer of the guildhall will show visitors a number of different varieties

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>>

New and friendly local family run yarn, fabric and haberdashery shop

Market Hall, Unit 12 (Ground Floor) The Shambles, Worcester WR1 2RA Telephone: 07771 243 976 houseofhabyworcester

houseofhaby

@WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

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our events diary

of Cherry, gathered from local sources. These can be compared

from a trio,( Keyboard, saxophonist and vocals,) a recorder

and tasted. Alongside will be a collection of young trees to buy.

ensemble, and a saxophonist and friends. Something to

Tel: 0845 607 7819 • www.bewdleymuseum.co.uk

suit all tastes, with songs from the shows, light classical and well known music. So why not come along, sit back

Saturday 22nd - saturday 29th

and relax with a glass of wine in a comfortable chair (not

WWI Worcester and Gouzeaucourt Exhibition

pews) and be entertained. The concert starts at 7.30pm.

High Street, Worcester, WR1 2EY. As part of a national

Ticket admission on the door on the night £8.00( children

League of Help, Worcester adopted Gouzeaucourt in 1921

free). Cost includes a free glass of wine/tea/ coffee.

to help rebuild the shattered village which had been behind

Tel: 01527 544068 (Phil Jarvis)

German lines for much of the War but in 1917 and 1918 was on the front line. Battalions of the Worcestershire

Wednesday 26th

Regiment, notably 2/8th Battalion, were in the vicinity

Bromsgrove Street Theatre and more

and the adoption was based on this connection with

Bromsgrove Recreation Ground (by ASDA), B61 8DA.

the Regiment and the dead in the local cemeteries.

From 11.00am - 3.00pm. Street theatre plus displays,

Tel: 01905 766352

stalls, children's activities,and more... Featuring:- Bell

www.ww1worcestershire.co.uk

and Bullock - Cabin Fever; Join Captain Bullock & Bosun Bell for maritime mayhem with magic & mirth!

Saturday 22nd

Also Jason Maverick - solo show High-energy shows

A Concert for a summers evening

combining mime & robotics with circus skills. Free.

St Philip’s Church, Church Road, Webheath, Redditch, B97 5PD. An evening of light musical entertainment by local musicians to help raise funds for the building of our annex which is nearing completion. The concert will include music

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ISSUE 168 WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

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65

COMPETITION

WIN A luxurious overnight spa stay for two at the malvern The Malvern is an adults only luxurious spa, 4 star 33 bedroom boutique hotel, AA Rosette awarded restaurant and an amazing state of the art health club. Recent winners of the Professional Beauty Regional Spa of the year award, The Malvern

R

has everything you could want for the perfect break and so much more! elax, revive and rejuvenate yourself

Malvern Spring water and this is used

in our exquisite indoor to outdoor

throughout the hotel and they even offer

heated hydrotherapy pool with 8

signature water cure spa treatments!

different jacuzzi features to ease

Gorgeous afternoon teas are the icing on

away your aches and stresses. Take time to enjoy the thermal suite with a choice of saunas, steam room, ice fountain, foot baths and not forgetting the drench shower if you are brave enough! Our gorgeous Spa uses fantastic products by Elemis, ESPA, and Moroccan Oil to name but a few.

The first spa in Malvern since 1910, one hundred years of spa heritage has been brought to life again on the outskirts of this famous town The hotel is situated on the site of an original bore hole for

the cake to a perfect pampering visit!

The hotel is situated close to the historic town of Malvern with its links to the Victorian water cure with spring water, Elgar and of course the beautiful Malvern Hills

topped

by

the

fantastic shows with many well known stars. Morgan cars are still hand made at the small family run local factory just around the corner. www.themalvernspa.com

Competition

To be in with a chance of winning a luxurious overnight spa stay for two at The Malvern, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

What cars are produced in Malvern?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: The Malvern WN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 19th July 2017. First prize: an overnight spa stay for 2, including breakfast and a delicious 3 course dinner plus use of all of the spa facilities from check in to check out. An Express Spa Treatment per person as well as an afternoon tea. Runner up: a Discovery Spa day for 2. Includes use of all the spa facilities, light lunch and a 60 minute treatment. T&C’s: Over 18’s only. Must be pre booked. Valid Sunday-Thursday excluding Bank Holiday.

ISSUE 168 Must be taken by 31/10/17.No alternative prize offered.

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WORCESTERSHIRE Now JUly 2017

Worcestershire

beacon. Malvern theatre has all the latest

Answer: Name:

Address: Tel: Email:

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

@WORCESTERSHIRENOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.nowmagazines.co.uk

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