Worcestershire Now - JULY 2022

Worcestershire

Now

Caravan Stuff 4U

Malvern’s one stop shop for camping and caravanning accessories See page 21 for more information GETTING AN EXTENSION CARERS’ BREAKS & RESPITE CARE RISING CHILDCARE COSTS JULY 2022 | ISSUE 219 t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

NEWS • HOMES • GARDENS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • GOLDEN YEARS • PUZZLES • WHAT’S ON

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

Worcestershire

Photo courtesy of Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions. Visit www.ensignroof.co.uk

Now

JULY 2022

08

16 20

HOME & GARDEN 08

How much do you need that extension?

16

How often you should be washing your pillows and pillowcases?

20

Nature Notebook

GOLDEN YEARS 22

Carers’ breaks and respite care

22

Quality care you can trust in Worcestershire

EDUCATION 30

1 in 5 consider quitting work in top UK cities due to childcare costs!

22

30

WHAT’S ON 32

Puzzles

34

Great Days Out

36

What’s On

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

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd

EDITOR

ADVERTISING

CONTRIBUTORS

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

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

DESIGN

Kate Gilmartin 01905 727904 kate@pw-media.co.uk

Wendy Carter, WWT Care UK Each Night Easy Offices NHS Randall Architectural Ltd Rotherwood Healthcare Worcester County Council Worcester Museums Worcester Theatres

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Worcestershire Now magazine t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 3 n your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA OPEN AIR THEATRE AT THE COMMANDERY GARDENS

RETURNS THIS SUMMER! The Worcester Rep Company have begun work on their annual performance at the beautiful Commandery gardens in Worcester, where this year they will be reinterpreting the ageless comedy by Alan Ayckbourn, Round and Round the Garden.

After their successful run at the Commandery last year the Worcester Rep are hoping to bring the same magic, humour and delight to their audiences once again in this exquisite setting. Last year’s production Elsie and Norm’s Macbeth proved very popular with audiences and it was named the ‘perfect post-lockdown tonic’. Worcester Theatres are thrilled to be able to return to the Commandery for another year with an equally entertaining play by another great British playwright.

Sarah-Jane Morgan, CEO & Artistic Director at Worcester Theatres, said “Performing in the beautiful surroundings of the Commandery gardens is a very special time of year for the Worcester Theatres team and a highlight in our calendar. We are always delighted to see so many of our loyal patrons supporting us from near and far and the Commandery gardens

is the perfect setting to come together with friends and family in the summer sunshine (fingers crossed). I adore watching patrons, laden with chairs, picnics and pavlovas – there is always a real sense of occasion and excitement, it’s a special time for us and the city.

I’m overjoyed to be sharing this production with our audiences this year, it’s going to be a really entertaining production with a superb cast of new and old Rep cast members; definitely one not to be missed and I can’t wait!”

Round and Round the Garden, written by Sir Alan Ayckbourn, is the last in the trilogy of Normans Conquests, often said to be the best of the three and is actually set in the garden of a family home. It all starts with sunshine and scandal as we discover Annie is running off for a secret weekend away with her brotherin-law, Norman. But everything begins to go wrong when the rest of Annie’s family arrives including Norman’s wife, her sister, Ruth.

Hilarious shenanigans unfold as Annie’s idyllic weekend becomes a disaster.

Director of Round and Round the Garden Ian Good said “I’m delighted to be back

working with Sarah-Jane Morgan and the team at Worcester Theatres on this delightfully funny play. Round and Round the Garden is perfectly placed to play out in the gardens of the Commandery – it’s a light-hearted comedy perfect for a summer evening, full of fun, frustration and compassion, I’m certain this humorous British adaptation will be the ultimate delight in Worcester’s summer season!”

Fans of last year’s Elsie & Norm’s Macbeth will be pleased to hear director Ian Good is returning as well as Ian Parkin, who played Norm, and joining them this year will be Worcestershire and West Midlands locals Katherine Parker–Jones, Dru Stephenson, Laurence Saunders, plus Deborah Vale and Marvyn Dickinson.

So, invite your family and friends, have a drink, take a picnic, have a laugh and enjoy a lovely summers evening watching live theatre with Round and Round the Garden - don’t miss this highlight of Worcester’s summer calendar.

Tickets

are

available

online

at

www.worcestertheatres.co.uk or from the box office at 01905 611 427 n

DROITWICH NURSING HOME HOLDS JUBILEE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY Dorset House Nursing Home has held a tree planting ceremony in the presence of the Droitwich Mayor to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. The ceremony took place on 2nd June and united residents, staff, and members of the local community to honour the Queen’s reign and paid homage to ‘The Queen’s Green Canopy’ initiative which encourages communities to plant trees to create a lasting environmental legacy.

speech. A commemorative ‘Queen’s Green

The cherry tree was planted within the home’s

Canopy’ plaque was fitted for the home to

grounds having been donated by ‘David’s

honour the happy occasion.

Garden Centre by Cherry Lane’. The Garden

Karen Johnson, the Home Manager, said: “The Jubilee has brought residents pure joy. By planting this tree, our residents feel a part of The Queen’s tree-planting initiative and that they have contributed to a greener environment for future generations. This event is just one of the many Jubilee activities we

The home served a three-course luncheon and raised a glass to The Queen before excited residents and staff congregated outside.

Residents at the home, many of whom are keen Royalists, sung the National Anthem as the tree was planted, led by lifelong choirsinger Reg. The Droitwich Mayor, Councillor George Duffy, said a few words before the Home Manager, Karen Johnson, gave a n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

have held in the home. We’re going to look back on these happy days for years to come”.

Centre Manager, Dawn Szmydt, attended the ceremony and said: “We at Cherry Lane David’s are so thrilled to donate the cherry tree to Dorset House Nursing Home and to be involved with the Jubilee lunch and planting of the tree with the Mayor of Droitwich! The team and I hope our cherry tree brings the residents of Dorset House joy and brightens up their garden. We are delighted to see the tree planted amongst the others and look forward

Following the success of the Home’s Jubilee

to the delicious cherries being enjoyed!”

event, Councillor George Duffy said: “Thank you for inviting me to join your residents

Dorset House Nursing Home in Droitwich

for a Jubilee meal and to help plant the

Spa is operated by Rotherwood Healthcare

commemorative tree. The food was great and

and provides Residential and Nursing Care in

seemed indicative of incredible all round care”.

luxury surroundings. n

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 5 n

HERE & NOW

TENBURY WELLS TEEN’S FIRST EVER BOOK SET

TO RAISE THOUSANDS FOR NHS WORKERS A TEENAGER from Tenbury Wells is on a mission to raise thousands of pounds for NHS Charities Together.

Anatole. “Even if you don’t understand words or

Neeko Hewson, 13, who has both dyslexia and dyscalculia, became a first-time published author with the release of ‘Abberley Hall: The Magical Clock Tower’ in May.

the process of creating what Neeko hopes

numbers, you can do so much more than you think. You just have to follow your dreams.”

Proud father James Hewson, 45, said that will be the first book in an ‘Abberley Hall’ series gave the family a positive focus during the pandemic: “Creating this book has been an amazing father-daughter bonding

All profits from her adventurous tale for nine to 12-year-olds will support NHS staff across the UK.

experience; it is something we will have in our family forever more.

‘When Neeko’s mum Francesca and I saw

“I dreamt of writing a story to tell other children when I was nine years old, but I didn’t think it would be possible to create – let alone publish – a book because of my learning difficulties,” revealed Neeko, who is a pupil at Abberley Hall School in Worcestershire.

“My English teacher said: ‘Write what you know’, so I thought about the old clock tower at my school and what magic might be hiding behind its door. I started putting a picture book together; then, when Covid hit, I worked on my project even harder. I used my time in lockdown to work on my characters and the magical lands – painting pictures of them with my family. It became a book of more than a hundred pages, which I hope other children will enjoy. Covid was really hard for NHS key workers and so, through my book, I really want to raise money to help with their mental health.”

Over the course of two years, ghost writer

her initial picture book, we knew it had to be expanded to do it service. With her dyslexia and dyscalculia in mind, we wanted to give her confidence going forward as a young person that you do have choices – even if sometimes you have to work harder. We also wanted to expose Neeko to working with other people and making use of their skillsets, Jude Lennon and illustrator Lisa Williams from publishing house TAUK Kids helped Neeko to develop her ideas during a series of Zoom calls and home visits.

which is healthy both in life and in business.

She also received encouragement from her Learning Support Teacher Mrs Beaumont, as well as Headmaster Mr Besley, and her Art teacher.

‘Abberley

Hall:

Tower’

available

“Albert Einstein had dyslexia and he could still do things!” said Neeko, who has a twin brother, Darcy, and a six-year-old brother named

Donations to Neeko’s JustGiving page can

There is great strength in collaboration and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in bringing this book to life.” n

is

The to

Magical purchase

Clock from

galaxy-publishing.com

be

made

at

justgiving.com/fundraising/

TheMagicalClockTower

THE MAGIC OF MIDDLE-EARTH AT WORCESTER CITY ART GALLERY & MUSEUM On 9 July, all the way from Middle-earth comes an absolute must-see for Tolkien fans. The Magic of Middle-earth, a celebration of the incredible fantasy world which has inspired so many, is going on display in a stunning, free exhibition at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, opening on Saturday 9 July and on throughout the summer holidays.

Regarded as the “father” of modern fantasy literature, J. R. R. Tolkien has inspired creative minds of all types, from artists, musicians and film makers to environmentalists and game designers. Tolkien himself took inspiration from Worcestershire’s landscape and was a regular visitor to the Malvern Hills in the 1930s with fellow writer C.S. Lewis.

imagination and I’m really happy to be able to share it with others.”

The Magic of Middle-earth is a magical treasure trove of over 200 rare books, objects, and artworks to explore, providing family fun for all ages, from little halflings to wizened wizards!

This exhibition comes from collector Matt Fox, who has previously broken visitor attendance records around the country with his Star Warsthemed exhibition May The Toys Be With You which was on show at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum in 2019.

Some very special guests are visiting the museum for the official opening of the exhibition on Saturday 9 July. Visitors are also encouraged to come in their own Middleearth-inspired costumes. n

The exhibition includes first edition copies of the books, incredible artworks and objects from across the decades including stunning paintings of Dragons, Ents and Elves, dramatic models and dioramas including The Battle Of Helms Deep, and Middle-earth inspired video games and Lego sets.

n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

“I want to really transport visitors with this exhibition,” Fox says, “and allow those who enjoy immersing themselves in Middle-earth that indulgence. This is the first exhibition to bring together and make sense of Tolkien’s cultural legacy. For me, it’s a feast for the

As well as marvelling at the amazing collection, visitors will be able to enjoy craft activities, dress up as their favourite Tolkien character, take a selfie in the Hobbit chair and follow a Mystical Quest family trail through the museum.

The Magic of Middle-earth is free and open Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm from 9 July to 17 September.

For more information contact the Art Gallery and Museum on 01905 25371, visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk or follow @worcestermuseum

ANDREW ALEXANDER GARDEN DESIGN NDH Hort. (Pershore)

G LO AR W DE M NS AIN A TE SP N EC AN IA CE LI TY

THREE TIMES ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEDAL WINNER Let me design your dream garden, tailored to your individual style, budget and needs.

• Full standalone garden design available from design to construction • Low maintenance gardens a speciality • 3D freehand designs • Covering Herefordshire & Worcestershire • 20 years experience

Tel: 07968 371828 | Email: aaoutdoors@live.co.uk

www.aaoutdoors.co.uk

Find us on Facebook at Andrew Alexander Outdoors for an| extensive gallery of photos7 n t @WorcestershireNow G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

t d nee

x e hat

e som o t g erin h d by a entals. e m r ho fundam u o n fy ut o l desig o t ra es e b hitectu h t rc et to g basic a w Ho

o d h

c u m ow

H

you

n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

? n o i tens ED

NU

NTI

CO

R OVE

THE

E

PAG

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING CONSERVATORY INTO A LIVING SPACE YOU CAN USE ALL YEAR ROUND

CONSERVATORY ROOF REPLACEMENT Every Ensign conservatory roof is bespoke. Accurately surveyed and precision built in our own factory.

• Large range of lightweight tile colours • U-value 0.18 is better than current building regulations • Keylite Roof Windows • Electrics & Plaster Finish

BUILD CONSERVATORY & ORANGERY EXTENSIONS • Cost effective extensions • Large range of designs • LABC Approval Undertaken • Average build time 4 weeks

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AND DOORS USING PROFILE 22 SYSTEMS • Aluminium bi-fold doors • Composite Doors • Profile 22 Optima Systems • Planitherm Technology • Sealed Units for maximum efficiency • High security locking systems

CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION SITE SURVEY

01527 69296

www.ensignroof.co.uk t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 9 n

HOME & GARDEN Photo courtesy of Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions. Visit www.ensignroof.co.uk

As an environmentally conscious architect, I prioritise conserving resources – and that includes clients’ financial resources. If you follow these basic design principles they can help you determine whether an extension is necessary, as well as how to maximise the function and beauty of any additions or changes you do make.

1. Function Question your rationale for the extension.

Could you simply change your existing way of living in the house? I frequently visit clients who just need to make better use of their space, not create more space. For example, relocating some room functions within your existing house is an easy fix. As is doing a proper clear out or relocation of unnecessary furniture and belongings.

Ask yourself, do I need this many rooms or just one big one for entertaining? How many times a year do we actually have a guest over to stay in the spare room? Do I ever put a car in the garage or do I just need more storage? Do we need a formal dining room just for Christmas?

Do we need a utility room or can the washing machine and dryer be located in the first floor bathroom? Do I need this many kitchen units, n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

or do we actually need a pantry? For example.

Once you’ve reassessed your functional space, then define the current issues that are promoting your desire to extend or remodel.

protection, for this the building layout should

Remember, a larger house is not always a better house; always aim for quality not quantity. If you can reduce the number of functions within a house, you then have the opportunity to focus you time, money and energy on what you really need.

required with carful consideration to the

2. Working with existing constraints and opportunities While keeping within the laws of planning and building regulations can seem restrictive, remember that designing from a blank page is difficult. Where there are no constraints, there are also no justifications for design. Working with constraints always creates aesthetic and functional opportunities.

Constraints can consist of environmental factors like wind, rain, or sun exposure, or physical entities such as existing buildings, trees, drainage, and sight lines. Yet all these constraints can also offer original design opportunities.

work outside of the root protection zone and should focus on the tree as a main feature.

Where the building is listed a soft touch is use of the existing rooms and the selection of the material palette. Coastal properties experience more exposure to wind, rain and salt corrosion and should be design with these elements in mind by using robust materials.

Likewise planning restrictions, listed building consents, ecology protection, and low carbon design can influence and often improve overall design decisions.

3. Views and Light It seems obvious to point out, but think carefully about the views from the house, whether they look onto a garden, landscape, or roofscape beyond. Views with significant historical or natural features should be focused upon and made the most of. Unsightly local features such as power pylons, roads or overlooking houses can be avoided by carefully locating openings and glazing, or, as the Japanese do, by creating internal views. Some Japanese

For example an existing constraint could be a veteran tree within the garden which requires

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 11 n

HOME & GARDEN from the room is attractive try to make the glazing as large as possible to provide full

Photo courtesy of Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions. Visit www.ensignroof.co.uk

vertical and horizontal perspective.

The sizing and positioning of glazing is paramount to the success of a building, but the other fundamentals should be factored into your decisions to visually bring the outside in.

4. The psychology of space As humans we naturally respond to spaces differently depending on their size, height, material and the level of physiological exposure. Many of us can relate to the idea of evening and winter ‘cave’ spaces versus morning and summer ‘meadow’ spaces. In practical terms, a solid wall is more enclosing than a glazed wall; a long view makes a room feel bigger; changes in level create interest; sitting with your back to a door feels more oppressive than facing a door; a white wall

architecture in built up cites have created ‘introspective’ or ‘forced focused’ buildings by creating internal courtyards or walls that turn their back on negative attributes.

In this way, even the most built-up areas can be transformed into a private oasis.

Small internal light wells and courtyards can

n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

create a light space with highly controlled framed views.

One of the most important factors in any design is natural daylight. If you are trying to bring daylight into a room, but the view out from the room is not attractive, then either position the glazing at a high level or through the use of roof lights. In contrast, if the view

is physiologically less busy than a patterned wall; and a natural material feels warmer than a manmade material.

Ceiling heights can also have an effect on the feel of a room, so try to keep the ceiling heights relative to the room size. The bigger CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL DECORATORS IN DROITWICH SPA

Spa Decorators Limited, based in Droitwich Spa was established in 1993 and has serviced the local community for over 25 years.

• Decorating • Building Work • Plastering • Kitchen Fitting

• Carpentry • Fire Door Installation, Maintenance & Stopping

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n

HOME & GARDEN the room, therefore, the higher the ceiling height. Good architects can play around with this rule to create a feeling of tension or a sense of journey through a building; however, done incorrectly and it can make spaces feel oppressive.

might not work as well in some areas. Brick is surprisingly diverse, so research the local

The most interesting spaces to play with are the areas that connect the outside and inside. Indeed, areas where you are unsure of the boundaries can be the most satisfying.

Large picture windows that invite you into the landscape beyond are an obvious feature, but you can blur boundaries in other ways. For example, by creating areas of cover and exposure, or using external materials inside.

5. Materials and form For extensions, the materials should relate back to the original house or offer a clear contrast. For new houses the materials should always relate back to the style of the area (local vernacular), the geographical location, or, again, contrast clearly with it. For example, use slate in northern Wales, flint in East Anglia, and Oolitic limestone in the Cotswolds, but try not to use these natural stones in areas where they do not belong. Natural materials such as timber are generally nationally relevant, but

brickwork types and bonds.

necessarily be expensive or overly large for the sake of it. Again, quality not quantity.

6. Approach

Materials also include window treatment.

Finally, don’t set out only to make the building

It is fashionable right now to use the cast industrial crittal style windows, but whilst

look ‘architectural’; it will fail. Instead try to justify everything back to the fundamentals:

they look very good on an early 20th-century

function, constraints, views and light, the

building, they will probably look wrong on a 1960’s semi-detached house.

psychology of space and materials and form.

The form or shape of your new building should follow the same rule as materials –

increasingly seeping into home design, but remember that they are ephemeral and

that is, follow the local vernacular – but with

unsustainable. Unless you are happy with

a further consideration. The form should either relate back to the original house or

the environmental and financial impact of remodelling and refurbishing your house

contrast clearly to enable the building’s

every 4 years, try not to follow these trends.

history to be clearly read. A third option is to blend traditional with contemporary, but this should only be attempted by a good

The best designs look timeless because they are borne out of thoughtful processes and justification. Working within existing

designer as it is a fine balance.

constraints and opportunities will help you

Material

choices

are

a

key

budget

consideration. If you can keep the construction simple, you can then afford higher quality materials that will help define your building. For example money spent on well-made brick and good quality glazing, will carry a building even if it is small and simple. A well-designed building shouldn’t

Quick

fashion

and

Instagram-envy

are

to push the boundaries of design in more meaningful ways. Follow these fundamentals and you will have a house that is aesthetically pleasing and enhances your lifestyle for many years to come. n

By Randall Architectural Ltd www.randallarchitectural.co.uk

Photo courtesy of Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions. Visit www.ensignroof.co.uk

n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

HOME & GARDEN

DISCOVER SIEMENS AT CHAPMANS

FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, BRILLIANTLY ENGINEERED

Full product ranges available in our showrooms in Bromsgrove and Cradley Heath Full fitting and installation service carried out by our own engineers.

Chapmans - experts in everything electrical for nearly 100 years Chapmans 112-119 Reddal Hill Road Cradley Heath B64 5JN Tel: 01384 566497

Bromsgrove Domestic Appliances 124 Worcester Road Bromsgrove B61 7AG Tel: 01527 871478

| G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 15 n VIEW OUR FULL RANGE OF SIEMENS PRODUCTSt @WorcestershireNow AT WWW.CHAPMANSRETAIL.CO.UK

HOME & GARDEN

How often you should be washing your pillows and pillowcases?

Dirty pillows and pillowcases can lead to numerous issues including bad skin and poor sleep hygiene. Bedding expert Malik Karman from Eachnight Mattresses breaks down how and when to wash your pillows and pillowcases to ensure a better nights sleep.

How often should you wash

We must note that not all types of pillows

your pillowcases?

can be washed, such as solid foam pillows

As a general rule, bedding

or buckwheat pillows. A rule of thumb is that

should be washed once a week, and that

a pillow that can be fluffed up is machine

includes

washable,

pillowcases.

However,

some

such

as

feather

pillows

and

people may find themselves benefiting

shredded foam pillows. However, it’s important

from washing their pillowcases even more

to double-check the pillow’s care tag to make

often. Cleaning a pillowcase can eliminate

sure it can go through the washer safely.

skin oils and other allergens that collect in the fabric, ensuring the surface stays clean

What can be expected if you don’t wash

and comfortable.

them regularly? (for example, skin reactions,

How often should you wash your pillows?

You don’t need to wash your pillow too often as long as they’re kept covered in a clean pillowcase. The average pillow can

be

washed

every

four

to

six

months to help it maintain its comfort and support.

n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

allergic reactions, odours, etc) Pillows absorb many things throughout the night, such as skin oils, sweat, dead cells, dust, and other allergens and irritants.

The effects of a pillow left unwashed can be minor, such as a sleeper noticing they CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

SOLID OAK

DOORS professionally painted, supplied & fitted

ONLY £219 each

Call Justin: 01905

672079

www.door-suppliers.co.uk

Opkill pest control are an approved contractor under the Worcester regulatory services to provide pest control for local residents and businesses.

WE’RE READY FOR WASP SEASON INSECTS | RODENTS | BIRDS FLIES & FLEAS | WASP NEST REMOVAL PROFESSIONAL, RAPID RESPONSE TO DEAL WITH YOUR PEST PROBLEMS Residential & Commerical | Fully insured | Accredited by BPCA

TEL: 01905 402333

INFO@OPKILL.CO.UK | WWW.OPKILL.CO.UK

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 17 n

HOME & GARDEN have more facial acne or their pillow has a funky smell. However, people with allergies may notice an increase in symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life.

What supplies are needed to wash pillows?

All you need to wash your pillow is a gentle detergent. Dryer balls or a few tennis balls can also be helpful when tossing the pillow in the dryer, as the balls can help the pillow dry faster and fluff it up, too.

If your pillow cannot be machine washed and you want to freshen it up, we recommend sprinkling baking soda across its surface and leaving the powder alone to soak up moisture and odors. Vacuum or shake off the powder and replace the pillowcase.

What are the steps required to wash pillows? Should you place them in a standard washing machine or are there certain types/ fillings that should only be spot-cleaned?

Reading the included care instructions are the best way to understand how to wash your pillow. Not all pillow types are machine washable and can be damaged if placed through a washer. Memory foam pillows that are a single block of foam need to be gently spot-cleaned and freshened up with an occasional coat of baking soda.

n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

Meanwhile,

buckwheat

pillows

aren’t

If your pillow can be washed at home, remove

washable at all. Instead, sleepers will need to

any protective coverings and place the pillow

refresh the filling with new hulls and wash the

in the washer. If your washing machine has

pillow’s cover.

an agitator, it’s best to wash two pillows to

Size is also important to consider. King size pillows typically need to be washed in an industrial washing machine, so you likely won’t be able to wash them at home.

better maintain balance. Once the pillow has been washed with gentle detergent, tumble dry it on low heat. n For more sleep insights visit eachnight.com

HOME & GARDEN

ONE STOP ROOFING YOUR FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST

Lanterns - Glass - Skylights While having your roof replaced with rubber or fibreglass why not treat yourself to a cost-effective upgrade at the same time.

Consider one of our lantern or skylight roofs, which will give any room a sense of style, spaciousness and added light.

Not only that but these features are guaranteed to increase the value and marketability of your property.

One Stop Roofing Phone: 07538 471274 / 0800 0855 277 onestop-roofing.co.uk onestoproofinguk@gmail.com

TEL: 07538 471274 / 0800 0855 277 t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 19 n

NATURE NOTEBOOK

Slow-worm © Magnus McLeod

Slow-worm City

As well as being the Faithful City, Worcester is also known as Slow-worm City...

Back in the 1990s, surveys of Worcester’s allotments revealed that they supported unusually high numbers of these legless lizards. Colleagues helping communities connect to wildlife in Worcester now are finding that this is still true; Worcester’s allotment-holders are proud providers of homes for these wonderful reptiles.

Across Worcestershire, gardeners and nature-seekers alike are excited if they’re lucky enough to find slowworms on their patches too.

It would be easy to mistake slow-worms for snakes but if you’re lucky enough to see one up close, you might spot that, unlike snakes, they have eyelids.

Adult males are grey-brown, sometimes with tiny blue specks, with a grey-blue underside and a thicknecked look. The larger females vary from gold to deep copper and they have dark strips along their flanks. Breeding gets underway in May and the young develop inside the female for four to five months.

Slow-worms are ovoviviparous; they give birth to live young. The hatchlings are a beautiful gold or silver in colour, topped off with a black stripe along the back and with black flanks.

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

As well as being found in Worcester’s allotments, they’re widely distributed throughout gardens, ‘waste grounds’, churchyards, scrub and woodland edges across the whole county. Gardeners appreciate their large appetites for slugs; one allotment-holder in Worcester claims to have watched a slow-worm eat 17 slugs in one sitting! If you’re a keen gardener and would like to attract them to your patch, there are several ways you can give them a hand:

n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

• Provide safe areas for them to hide from predators (birds, mammals or even your cat) – log piles or a hidden mound of rubble is a great start.

• Offer somewhere for them to warm up – they love to shelter under sheets of corrugated metal, roofing felt and the like placed on the ground in warm spots.

• Leave some parts of your garden a little wild – long grass can be a great place for a slow-worm to go hunting in.

• Start a compost heap – these are wonderfully warm places for slow-worms and can provide brilliant hunting grounds.

• Be careful when mowing or strimming – always check for wildlife first.

If you spot ‘reptile mats’ when you’re out for a walk, please don’t lift them up. Whilst a quick look by one person may not cause too much disturbance, the combined effect of lots of people doing it, will.

Tempting though it may be, please don’t pick them up. They’re able to drop their tail in order to flee but it’s much better for them not to lose their tail at all.

We’d love to know how slow-worm populations are doing across the county. If you’ve got them on your patch or you’re lucky enough to see one when you’re out and about, please take a quick picture and upload the details to our website www. worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings If you live in Worcester and are interested in getting involved in a Wilder Worcester, take a look at www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wilder-worcester n

HOME & GARDEN

Made-to-Measure Curtains & Blinds

61 High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1EU T: 01386 556 411 M: 07866 765686

ANSWERS

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Carers’ breaks and respite care Respite care means taking a break from caring, while the person you care for is looked after by someone else.It lets you take time out to look after yourself and helps stop you becoming exhausted and run down.

There are lots of respite care options.

They

range

Different types of respite care The main types of respite care are: • day care centres • homecare from a paid carer • a short stay in a care home • getting friends and family to help • respite holidays • sitting services

from

getting a volunteer to sit with the person you look after for a few hours, to a short stay in a care home so you can go on holiday.The person you look after could go to a day care centre. Or, a paid carer could visit them at their home to look after them.

Your local council or local carers’ centre can give you information about local support www.worcestershire.gov.uk/adultsocialcare First step – getting assessed Local councils will only fund respite care for people that they have assessed as needing it. So, if you want the council to pay for respite care for either yourself as a carer or the person you look after, it’s important that you both have an assessment. The carer should have a carer’s assessment. The person

you’re looking after should have a needs assessment. Even if they don’t want council funding, it’s still useful for the person you look after to have a needs assessment as it will say which type of respite care is most suitable.

Day care centres Day care centres offer a chance for people who find it difficult to get out and about to socialise, make friends and take part in activities. For example, day care centres might offer tea dances, singing, games and arts and crafts. Some offer hairdressing, foot care and assisted bathing. Transport is often provided, but there may be a charge.

To qualify for council-funded day care centre CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Quality care you can trust in Worcestershire When a family is thinking about care for a loved one, they want the best - they want to know that the care home they choose will put their loved one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first.

Care

UK’s

Brook

Court,

Brook Court, Chandler Court and Perry

Chandler Court and Perry Manor

Manor care homes are part of award-

care homes in Worcestershire

winning provider, Care UK – one of the UK’s

provide residential, dementia and nursing

most successful care home operators* with

care, giving families peace of mind that their

over 40 years’ experience of delivering high

loved ones can stay living at the home should

quality care to older people. n

their needs change.

Brook Court care home

Living at Brook Court, Chandler Court

37-38 Oldnall Road, Kidderminster DY10 3HN

and Perry Manor is all about quality of life.

kay.mayes@careuk.com

Every colleague in the home is passionate

Careuk.com/brook-court

about enabling residents to enjoy a fulfilling

0333 331 7657

lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and preferences. The lifestyle teams organise

Chandler Court care home

a huge variety of group and one-to-one

Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT

activities, with plenty going on each day.

paul.chambers@careuk.com

With the extra support that Brook Court, Chandler Court and Perry Manor offer, new residents are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even discovering new hobbies with our daily activities. n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

Careuk.com/chandler-court Whether your loved one enjoys a quiet cup of tea in bed before starting the day, loves going for strolls in the landscaped grounds, or enjoys a chat over a beer, the team at Brook Court, Chandler Court and Perry Manor will spend time to enable them to continue living life the way they want to.

0333 331 7657 Perry Manor care home Charles Hastings Way, Worcester WR5 1ET careuk.com/perry-manor donna.townley@careuk.com 0333 331 7657

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

GOLDEN YEARS

To qualify for council-funded homecare, the person you look after will need to have had a needs assessment.

Arranging it: Ask your local council’s adult social care department for information on homecare agencies in your area. They may have a directory of homecare agencies on their website. Search the NHS website for a list of local homecare agencies and a list of national homecare organisations, ask the United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHMA) for a list of approved homecare agencies in your area. The Carers Trust supports carers by giving them a break from their caring responsibilities through homecare services. Contact Age UK to see if it offers help at home from a paid carer in your area visits, the person you look after will need to

for yourself, you can arrange for a paid carer

have had a needs assessment.

to help at their home. This is also called homecare. It might be regular (for example,

Arranging it: Day centres are usually run by

one day a week so that you can work, study or

councils or local charities.

have a day off) or for a short period, such as a week, so you can take a holiday. If the person

Help at home from a paid carer

you care for needs 24-hour supervision, you

If you care for someone and need more time

can arrange live-in care.

A short stay in a care home Some care homes offer short-term respite care. It can be difficult to get respite space at short notice, but some care homes take advance bookings which can help you to plan ahead, for example if you want to book a holiday.

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Expert Advice for Independent Living

Free no obligation in home assessments and free three months fully comprehensive insurance on all scooters and powered chairs

Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0ED | 01432 351666 enquiries@tpg-disableaids.co.uk | www.tpg-disableaids.co.uk

Winners

Retailer of the year 2017 Team of the year 2018

n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Getting friends and family to help Friends and family might temporarily move into the house of the person you care for. Or, they could invite the person you care for to stay with them for a while.

Respite holidays Respite holidays allow carers and people with illnesses or disabilities, to take a break from everyday life.

Arranging it: MindforYou offer supported holidays in the UK for people who are living with dementia and their carers to enjoy together, some charities, such as Revitalise, offer subsidised holidays for elderly or disabled people. Family Fund has grants towards the cost of holidays for families on a low income who are caring for a child with a severe disability Family Holiday Association has breaks at holiday sites, or grants to help with the cost of a holiday, to low-income families. You need to be referred by your social worker, GP or health visitor, or by a charity or other welfare agent.

Sitting services Some charities and carers’ organisations offer sitting services where a trained volunteer

n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

keeps the person you care for company for a while, usually a few hours at a time.

This type of sitting service is often free, or there may be a small charge.

Arranging it: These organisations offer sitting services. Find out if they are available in your area: your local carers’ service; Age UK; Royal Voluntary Society (RVS); Independent Age

Emergency respite care Think about who you could contact in an emergency if you couldn’t reach the person needing care, for example, due to an accident or sudden illness. This might be another relative, friend or neighbour who could step in for a few hours while proper arrangements are made. Make sure they: CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

GOLDEN YEARS

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

GOLDEN YEARS

• have door keys or know the code to a key safe • know the type of care the person you look after will need – this may be as simple as sitting and chatting with them, making a meal for them or helping them take their medicines • Write some notes about what kind of care the person you look after needs and leave them in a prominent place to help anyone who steps in to help at a moment’s notice.

These notes could include essential information on medicines, and any dos and don’ts for the substitute carer to be aware of.

According to the UK care guide, respite care costs on average £700-800 a week. It can be as much as £1,500 a week, for emergency respite care, live-in care, or staying in a care home. There are 2 main ways of getting help with the costs of respite care from the council, from a charity or you can pay for it yourself.

From the council: Councils will only pay for respite care for people who they’ve assessed as needing it following a needs assessment and carer’s assessment. If you or

n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

the person you care for qualifies for respite care, the council will do a financial assessment to work out if it will pay towards it. If you or the person you care for qualifies for councilfunded respite care, you can ask the council to arrange it for you, or you can do it yourself through a personal budget or direct payment.

they might be able to raise money towards this from: income from pensions, work, investments or property savings or benefits, such as Attendance Allowance.

The Disabled Holiday Directory is an online directory of organisations and venues, in the UK and abroad, that cater for children and

From a charity: The Carers Trust offers some grants to carers who need respite. The charity, Turn2us, can help to find grants for people who need respite care but can’t afford it.

adults with disabilities

Paying for it yourself: If the person you care for must pay for their own respite care,

Carers UK has more info for carers on taking

The

government

has

advice

specially

for disabled people travelling abroad

a break n

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

EDUCATION

1 in 5 consider quitting work in top UK cities due to childcare costs!

The ever-rising cost of living and childcare is making many people have to make the difficult decision on whether to continue working, or give up their career.

A study has shown that a staggering 1 in 5 people are now considering quitting their jobs in the UK’s biggest cities due to this.

The study by Easy Offices, surveyed 2000 people across the country, asking how they felt about topics surrounding parental leave, childcare costs and the financial burdens surrounding time away from work. It was found that a striking 18% of brits are deciding not to have children due to childcare costs.

The five UK cities where this mindset was most prominent was London (24.1%), Birmingham (22.6%), Liverpool (20.9%), Manchester (19.9%), and Glasgow (18.8%).

Key findings: • 1 in 5 UK workers consider quitting their jobs for good due to childcare costs • 18% of Brits want to have children, but cannot afford it n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

• 23% said they would consider taking a new job with a lower salary in return for better parental benefits • 18% of Brits reported childcare costs were a prohibitive factor in deciding on whether to start a family, rising to 37% in under 25’s • On average, respondents said they would be willing to sacrifice 9% of their salary for childcare vouchers • 24.1% of people in London have not had children due to high childcare costs • 22.6% in Birmingham, and 20.9% in Liverpool have chosen not to have children due to these costs.

them from starting a family. For those over 25,

37% of under 25’s are deciding not to have children due to childcare costs Due to the current cost of living crisis in the UK, many young people are switched off from the idea of starting a family, as childcare costs are too high. Over a third of under 25’s (37%) reported childcare costs were prohibiting

• Allow for flexible and customised schedules

it was 18% choosing not to start a family due to the costs.

How companies can support parents with the cost of childcare Around 23% of employees agree that better

paid

parental

leave

would

be

an encouragement in starting a family.

Businesses can help by: • Give mothers and fathers the same benefits • Establish more family-friendly policies • Consider using coworking spaces with childcare facilities • Build a strong and empathetic company culture n

EDUCATION

Worcestershire

Now

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

Rachel Seabright

Kate Gilmartin

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

Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk

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

Puzzles

SUDOKU - FIENDISH

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 21

3

2

7

8

1

3

1

3

7

6

4

9

6

5

1

4

3

4

9

6

4

1

8

2

6

8

5

4

2

7

6

3

8

1

7

9

9

1

3 6 5

4

5

1

7

8

2

4

4

3

8

1

6

7

2

6

9

4

9

1

2 7

3

8

9

3

3

5 3

2

6 9 2

7

8

2 7

6

1

4

1

9

7

7

4

3 5

9 7

2

3 5

7

5

6

2 8

8

8

4

4 5

5

5 5

1

3

1

4 8

1

4

8

7

4

2

1

2

7

6

Find and cross out all the listed words.

The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.

6

6

6

WORD SEARCH

3

2

S

F

L

I

P

F

L

O P

S

U

N

S

C

R

E

A

U

N

G

U

E

B

N

E

G

A

P

O

R

U

S

I

S

L

E

P

E

N A N U O

S

I

S

T

H D O N

V W C

J

O C

E

A N

F

S

I

N

O

L

J

U

R

Y

S

U H O M

I

G

U

S

A

T

A

E

U N

S

A M A

S I

H

S

C

N

I

U

S

U M M E

R

I

P

E

T

H

I

N

T

R

A

I

AUGUST

ICE POP

SPRINKLER

B

M

G

C

R

E

BARBECUE

JULY

SUMMER

E

E

N

U

F

O N

BEACH

JUNE

SUNGLASSES

C

M

A

A

S

T O H

FAMILY

OCEAN

SUNSCREEN

U

V

A

C

A

T

I

O N

S

R

H

L

FLIP FLOPS

PICNIC

SUNSHINE

E

R

O

B

I

L

K

R

X

J

O

I

O U N

FUN

POOL

SWIMSUIT

I

I

N

S

E

F

I

T

S

F

U N

P

T

K

HOT

RELAX

VACATION

C

A

R

E

L

A

X

S

U

L

T

L

O

L

L

ICE CREAM

SHORTS

E

J

U

N

E

A C

F

A M

I

L

Y

S

E

I

C

E

P

O

P

A H O T

S

R

E

L

R

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

S

S

CASH IN YOUR GOLD! OLD JEWELLERY, SOVEREIGNS, DAMAGED & SCRAP ITEMS, CHAINS, BRACELETS, INGOTS, RINGS, WEDDING BANDS, BANGLES, ODD EARRINGS & CUFFLINKS, WATCHES, WATCH CHAINS, CIGARETTE CASES, ETC.

Established in Worcester for 100 years

THE

BELL

Martley Road, Lower Broadheath, Worcestershire, WR2 6QG Tel: 01905 640220 | www.thebellinnbroadheath.co.uk

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

Great Days Out

Come out and play with the National Trust this summer There will be free games and activities on the

Green, set within the gardens. Welcome

south lawn as part of our ‘come out and play’

to the Three Choirs Festival – A grand

initiative in conjunction with Sport England.

celebration of choral, vocal and classical

You can also follow our family friendly trail

music in all its forms! Join us to experience

and discover more about Ted Deerhurst, the

the powerful sound of massed choir with

UK’s first professional surfer who once stood

symphony orchestra in the magical setting of

to inherit the Earldom of Croome.

Hereford Cathedral.

Greyfriars’ House & Garden

This 8-day festival showcases rich and varied

Pay a visit to Greyfriars garden this summer,

musical traditions from around the world.

a peaceful, colourful oasis situated right in

From our evening offering in the Cathedral

the heart of Worcester city centre. Relax on

to our family programme, from our work with

the sunny terrace with a cuppa and a slice of

school children through to performances

homemade cake from the Old Oak Café or

on our community bandstand, there is

pack a picnic and play garden games on a sun-

something

drenched piece of lawn. Enjoy charming yellow

If all you would like to do is have a beer

begonia and see the roses reach up and climb

or tea and cake in our café bar and soak

To start planning your summer adventure, visit w w w. n a t i o n a l t r u s t . o r g . u k / d a y s - o u t / worcestershire-and-herefordshire

the walls of the timber-framed house.

up the atmosphere, you can still join the

Take in the glorious gardens at Hanbury Hall,

Performances will take place in a variety

Croome Croome offers you and your family the perfect place to spend warm summer days. Whether you want to explore the acres of parkland, sit quietly in the bird hides’ and watch our feathered friends or simply stroll around the lake and miles of footpaths, there’s something for everyone.

made up of our Parterre and Formal Fruit

of venues across the city of Hereford and

and Vegetable Gardens, at their peak during

beyond, centring on the beautiful and historic

the summer with striking colours and scents

Cathedral, home of the Mappa Mundi. For

to take in. the gardens and surrounding

further information about our events and how

parkland are the perfect place for a picnic,

to book, please get in touch either through

with the Orangery Lawn and Orchards among

our website www.3choirs.org, or by calling

our favourites. Have fun and challenge your

our friendly box office team (01452 768928

family to a game of bowls on our Bowling

Monday-Friday, 10am until 4pm). n

From pop-up play pavilions with a familyfestival feel to interactive storytelling and open-air theatre, there are lots of events and activities on offer this summer from the National Trust.

And thanks to funding from Sport England over 140 National Trust houses, gardens and parks nationwide will be encouraging families to get active and take part in a Summer of Sport. With drop-in ‘come out and play’ sports sessions including archery and athletics, hopscotch and hockey.

Here we’ve rounded up some of the best and most exciting National Trust events and activities to keep the whole family busy this summer.

n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

Hanbury Hall

for

every

music

lover.

extended family!

8!

kets from £ Combi-tic

Maze e z i a M i r a f a S lf & Frizbee Go Combo!

NOW OPEN

THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Trailer Tours August 8th-13th & 15th-19th, 11am-3pm

Activities • • • •

Maize Maze Challenge!

Frisbee Golf Visit & feed the animals Refreshments available

Coffee Cabin

Hot & Cold Drinks & Refreshments Available

Prices • • • •

Maze - £6 Frisbee Golf - £4 (£5 deposit) Trailer Tour - £3 (when running) Combi-Tickets

Maize Maze & Frisbee Golf - £8 Maize Maze, Frisbee Golf & Trailer Tour - £10

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

EDUCATION What's On

JULY Saturday 2nd

weekend – but the sequence of events that

foods. Tony Elvin of the Wine Events Company

unfold, as her family members arrive, ensures

will coach you through the basics of tasting,

(not surprisingly) a weekend of disaster!

looking at quality, aromas and tastes. You’ll taste six different wines including examples

Worcester Carnival Pitchcroft and around Worcester. A full day

Friday 8th

of grape varieties from different countries,

of events including the Carnival Village at

Pudding Nights

discovering the impact that climate, food and

Pitchcroft and the Grand Parade through

Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury Road,

production methods can make on the taste of

the city centre.

This year, our theme is

Hanbury, Bromsgrove, B60 4BU. Pudding

the wine in your glass. Please dress warmly if it

“Celebration” – we want this year’s carnival

Nights are our most popular regular theme

is a cool evening. ALL TICKETS £22. Bookings

to be a celebration of Worcester, the place

nights, and the Jinney Ring looks forward to

in advance can be made via the Palace Theatre

and the people.

website: www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Whatever that means to

bringing them back after a period of such

We want Worcester Carnival to be

uncertainty. Tickets are £30 per person with

every bit as big a party as we all remember.

a minimum booking of 2 people per table.

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th

www.worcester-carnival.co.uk

A child’s ticket is £17.50 and applies to under

Hagley Beer & Music Festival

12-year-olds. Please phone in to book children

Old Halesonians RFC, Wassell Grove Lane,

in. Pudding nights start at 7:30pm.

Hagley DY9 9JP. Fun Fair, Market, Workshops,

you!

Wednesday 6th & Sunday 17th Round and Round the Garden Commandry stunning

Worcester.

Join

Commandery

gardens

Repertory

Company’s

Entertainment & Displays. £20pp on the

in

the

Saturday 9th

for

the

The ABC of Wine

music, street food and the largest beer &

us

gate.

The festival brings together great

annual

Forge Mill, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside

cider festival in the area. All staged under

theatre production! Round and Round the

Redditch, B98 8HY. Join us for a fun and

the watchful eye of the Clent hills and the

Garden by Alan Ayckbourn is part of The

engaging wine tasting experience withing our

Wychbury monument. Entertainment for all

Norman Conquests trilogy and is a Tony award

atmospheric covered cloisters area. ABC of

everyone including a fun fair, craft market,

winning play. It is wildly comic and deeply

wine, not only an introduction to wine tasting,

show, displays and workshops and of course

moving which is perfectly positioned for the

but reference to the phrase ‘Anything But

award winning street food. Kids under 12 are

Commandery Gardens and the annual return

Chardonnay’. This wine tasting will challenge

FREE! Under 18s just £5 Adults £20 unless you

of our alfresco theatre production! The Plot -

your preconceptions of wine and include some

manage to get limited early bird tickets.

All is calm, serene and peaceful when we meet

top tips for your next supermarket visit as well

Sarah who is desperate to have a nice, civilized

as help you pair the right wines with the right

Worcester

n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

National Association of Goldsmiths Member

Quarter Jewellery(Worcester) and Malvern Goldsmiths

Getting married? §

We make wedding rings, all carats, all widths, all patterns.

We beat any other jewellers price, even the internet.

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) + £25 3. Set some bright white diamonds + £45 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 £47.50 per gram for 9ct or £95 per gram for 18ct

Free valuations on items you wish to sell

We also value for insurance, sale between parties and probate.

Jewellery repair service available & we will polish your jewellery for £10

BUYING OR SELLING, STILL THE MOST REASONABLE JEWELLERS... ESPECIALLY FOR WEDDING RINGS.

27 The Shambles, Worcester 28/30 Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern

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

EDUCATION What's On Great Malvern Food Festival Great Malvern Food Festival returns for it’s 11th year! This is the only FREE food festival in the region and this popular two day festival takes place Saturday: 10am-6pm, Sunday: 10am-5pm Food and Drink stalls from local producers. Town Trail Cooking Demonstrations Priory Park

Saturday 9th July Saturday 17th September The Magic of Middle Earth Worcester Museum, Foregate Street Worcester, WR1 1DT. From the collector who brought you May The Toys Be With You comes The Magic of Middle Earth! Journey beyond the books to discover the artistic legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s incredible fantasy world. This major new exhibition celebrates the fantasy world brought to life by Tolkien, and the generations of writers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, environmentalists, and game designers it has influenced. Discover a magical treasure trove of over 200 rare objects and artworks. The Magic of Middle Earth provides fun for all ages, from little halflings to wizened wizards! For more family fun explore the museum with the Elves and Dragons trail, just £1 from the Museum Shop.

Sunday 10th Warndon Villages Summer Fete Lyppard Hub Lyppard Hub, Worcester. Traditional Summer Fete bringing the community of Warndon Villages together for an afternoon of family fun and entertainment, hosted by Lyppard Hub and Warndon Parish Council. Fun for all the family to enjoy with live music, rides, BBQ, face painting, community and craft stalls and much much more. 12pm-4pm.

Saturday 23rd

Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th

Doddington Lodge Village Country Fair Doddington Lodge, Doddington DY14 0 Kidderminster. CALLING ALL ENTRIES! This year at the Doddington Lodge Village Country Fair on Saturday 23rd July 2022, we have decided to do things a little differently… Don’t worry, there will still be the delicious treats, food & drink’s, entertainment and stalls with lots of different goodies, but this Summer, we are giving you all a chance to get creative and have some fun! Our competition categories are as follows: The best homemade bakes & cakes (adult category and child category); The best homegrown vegetable (Open to all); Design a miniature garden (child category only); The best flower arrangement (Open to all); The best crocheted/knitted granny square (Open to all). We are so excited to announce that entries are now open! We kindly ask that all entries are amateurs, and that you have fun getting creative with your entry!

To enter, please send a email to reception@ doddingtonlodge.com with your name and category/categories you are taking part in. It is going to be an absolutely wonderful occasion, enjoy a tasty treat or a drink with live music!

Summer Fun at Hartlebury Castle Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury nr Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ. Fun hands-on craft activities and castle trail throughout the summer holidays.

Pick up a trail and find out interesting facts about travelling cultures and make traditional crafts like paper flowers. Additional charge of £2.50 per child applies for the day’s craft activities. Materials included. £6.50 – £11.50

Saturday 23th - Saturday 30th Three Choirs Festival This Festival is the world’s longest-running classical choral music festival, rotating annually between Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester and featuring a week-long programme of concerts, cathedral services, exhibitions, walks and talks, with the Three Cathedral Choirs, Three Choirs Festival Chorus and Youth Choir, the Philharmonic Orchestra, internationally known soloists and conductors, guest choirs and recitalists and young artists. 3choirs.org

Friday 15th

Sunday 24th

The Spooky Men’s Chorale Huntington Hall, Crowngate, Worcester, WR1 3LD. As thunderous as a herd of wildebeest, as sly as a wagonload of Spike Milligans and as sonorous as a cloister of monks, the Spooky Men’s Chorale are the gift that keeps on giving.

They emerged blithering and blinking-eyed from the Blue Mountains of NSW in 2001, and armed with no more than their voices, a nice line in deadpan and an ill-matched set of hats, have been gleefully disturbing audiences everywhere since. Always renowned for a combination of Visigothic bravado, absurdist humour and eye-moistening tenderness, the Spookies in middle age, and fortified with a new generation of wunderkids, are more masters of their territory than ever before. You must see them, really you must. £24.50

Hamlet The Comedy Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4JR. Enjoy this outdoor performance in the atmospheric grounds of Avoncroft Museum, on the Guesten Hall Lawn. “Hamlet The Comedy” finds the eponymous royal student returning home for the summer holidays to find something rotten in the state of Denmark and it’s more than just the bag of dirty washing!

Mum’s married Uncle Claudius and Dad’s dishing the dirt from his grave – it’s enough to make a teenager mad! Things will never be the same again in the Hamlet household.

Shakespeare’s famous tragedy is performed as you’ve never seen before with lots of laughs, music and memorable moments. 6:30pm (gates & refreshments open from 5:30pm).

n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022

Friday 29th - Sunday 31st 56th Annual Welland Steam and Country Rally Woodside Farm, Welland Nr Upton upon Severn WR13 6NG. A show for all the family!

A rally of 90 working steam engines, nostalgic fairground rides, models and crafts, vintage and classic motor cars, tractors, motorcycles and more. 9:30am-7pm Arena events – bird of prey and dog displays, sheep show, Punch and Judy show and tractor pulling. Tickets: Adult £16, Children & OAP £14, Children under 11 – free.

Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st Goodheart Animal Sanctuary Summer Open Weekend 2022 The Nickless Farm, Kidderminster, DY14 0BE. Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary’s highly popular Summer Open Event is BACK and this year, to mark their 5th anniversary, they are celebrating with a two-day open weekend at their beautiful 92-acre site. From 10am to 4pm both days. There are over 300 rescued farm animals to meet, including pigs, sheep, cows, chickens and even alpacas. There are lots of fun family activities over the weekend including a kid’s scavenger hunt, animal talks and Q&A sessions, delicious vegan food and drink, tombola, raffle, merchandise and more! Tickets are £5 per person, children under 5 enter for FREE.

Saturday 30th July Sunday 7th August Jurassic Farm 2022 Churchfields, Churchfields Farm, Salwarpe, Droitwich. Something BIG is coming back to Churchfields. After the success of Jurassic Farm in 2021 it returns to Churchfields even bigger and better than before! For nine ROARSOME days T-Rex, Triceratops and friends will escape their enclosure and take over the fun farm! The Churchfields Jurassic Farm Experience includes: Real Dinosaurs – get up close and personal with these moving, breathing magnificent beasts. Baby Dinosaur Nursery – friendly cute dinos popular with our youngest guests. As well as a Fossil Trail Map & Puzzle Sheet, Fossil Dig, Caveman Games & Activities, The Fun Farm and our Maize Maze and try and find your way out!

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

n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 219 | July 2022