Worcestershire NOW JUNE 2018

Worcestershire

Now

New Curtains For Summer

With an In-House Consultation from Malvern Curtains See page 13 for more information CHOOSING A NEW MATTRESS Father’s Day Gift Guide MADRESFIELD COURT JUNE 2018 | Issue 178

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

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Worcestershire

10

Now

16 20

Contents

30

JUNE 2018

HOME & GARDEN 10

Do You Need a New Mattress?

16

Competition Cottage in the Hills

20

The Green Thumb Makeover

22

Red Garden Rooms

24

Gardening Jobs for June

26

Nature Notebook

26

Health & Beauty 28

Our Ultimate Summer Skin Care Guide

30

Essential Style Tips For Father’s Day

34

Walk Broadway to Snowshill Manor

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

NOW 01905 723011 nowmagazines.co.uk 2nd Floor, Richardson House 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP

editor

design

APAC Ltd

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Cottage in the Hills

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Droitwich Spa Food Festival

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

Deaf Direct Green Thumb House of Colour

Contributors

Nozstock

Wendy Carter Worcester Wildlife Trust

Red Garden Rooms

Glynis Dray

Wyevale Garden Centres

Worcester BID

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36

40 Father’s Day

52 58

36

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Food & Drink 38

Chicken Piccantino by Benedicto’s

Golden Years 40

How to Hear Better on the Telephone

EDUCATION 50

Therapy as a Career Opportunity

Our Events Diary 52

Living History Madresfield Court

54

What’s On

58

Competition Tickets to Nozstock Festival

competition winners The Royal Three Counties Show J. Dawson, Bromsgrove S. Dobbins, Worcester F. Emmerson, Worcester J. Killam, Malvern J. Lock, Worcester Worcester Racecourse Fun Day M. Jeynes, Ombersley H. Jones, Bromyard G. Portmann, Stourport J. Vaughan, Kidderminster

t @WorcestershireNow G Worcestershire Now w www.nowmagazines.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 your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Community Shop Launches Share Scheme Sale After some frustrating delays, the team behind Lower Broadheath’s new community shop have now launched their Share Sale.

Despite early encouraging signs, the community shop’s bid for support from the Booster Fund was not successful, however the committee remain hopeful for their other 2 live funding applications.

ahead. If for any reason they are unable to

The official Share Sale was launched on the 16th May and shares will be on sale until 30th June 2018 – to support the efforts to bring a village shop and Post Office back to Lower Broadheath and become a shareholder you can buy your shares now!

committee hope to place a 40ft cabin once

Anyone over the age of 16 can buy shares, and every shareholder will have a vote about how the community shop is run at the Annual Members Meeting.

Money paid now for shares will be kept untouched until the team have enough from outside sources to enable the project to go

find the funds needed, the project will close down and shareholders will get all their money back.

The community shop, which will be staffed almost entirely by volunteers, is set to open later this year. Planning permission has been granted for a site near The Bell Inn where the enough money has been raised through the share sale.

With a target to sell 2500 shares at a price of £10 each before the end of June, the team have already received pledges from people in

It is quick and easy to become a shareholder.

Share application forms can be downloaded from www.lowerbroadheathshop.com/ documents and there are spare copies available from The Bell Inn. Shares cost £10 each and payments can be made by cash, cheque or BACS. Additionally, some members of the committee will be on hand in Lower Broadheath Village Hall between 9am-12pm on Saturday 23rd June to answer questions and to help with filling out application forms.

If you are interested in getting involved with the project in the meantime you can find out more information by email, following on social media or visiting the website. n

the village and surrounding areas for almost 2000 shares. “This means that the target is within reach” said Chairman Mark Glossop.

“We are really encouraged by the support we have had, but we do need to get a few more people on board, so if you’d like to support the project please get in touch today!”

The Droitwich Spa Food & Drink Festival This year The Droitwich Spa Food & Drink Festival takes place in the Lido Park Droitwich Spa on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th June. There is something for everyone in this lovely venue: 100 food & drink stalls; Entertainment in the main bandstand all day; Sit down area to enjoy food & drink and music; Demonstration cookery theatre featuring GBO Finalist Steven Bailey-Carter and local chefs; Free entertainment for children Steven Bailey-Carter will officially open the festival together with Nigel Huddleston MP on the Saturday morning at 10am along with meeting and greeting festival goers.

100 food & drink stalls: The food & drink stalls feature a wide range of products and many have won awards for the quality of their products. In addition nearly 90% are local as in within a 30 mile radius of Droitwich Spa. Entertainment: The entertainment in the bandstand features local singers, bands and choirs so lots to keep people entertained during the day. So buy your food from the large variety of stalls around the park and sit back and enjoy.

Cookery Theatre: In addition to Steven Bailey-Carter, local chefs and food producers will give demonstrations on a range of food dishes.

n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Children’s Entertainment: This year we have a special area for children’s entertainment and the majority of it is free thanks to the generous sponsorship by Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council. Bouncy Castles, Award Winning Madame Zucchini, Discovery History and find out what the Romans Ate when they lived in Droitwich, Face Painting and A Smoothie Bike so you can peddle away and make yourself a delicious fruit smoothie. Or try your hand at learning to play tennis on the tennis courts where Droitwich Tennis Club will be organising games on the brand new tennis courts.

So make it a great family day out in the fabulous setting of the historic Lido Park in Droitwich Spa. The Droitwich Spa Food & Drink Festival has become one of the main events in the town during the summer and is fast building a reputation as one of the leading foodie festivals in the Midlands.

The Droitwich Spa Food & Drink Festival is run by a committee of volunteer representatives and is supported by Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council and Local Businesses. If you would like to find out more please contact the organisers or visit the website www.droitwichspafestival.co.uk or info@droitwichspafestival.co.uk. n

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Here & Now

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Receive £350,000 to Improve Perinatal Mental Health Services New and expectant mums are going to get improved mental health services, thanks to £350,000 in new funding into the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sustainability

and

Transformation

Partnership (STP).

Perinatal mental health problems are those which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child and affect up to 20% of women. It covers a wide range of conditions and if left untreated can have significant and long-lasting effects on the woman and her family. They can also have long-standing effects on children’s emotional, social and cognitive development.

In Herefordshire and Worcestershire, there will be: Greater access to psychological therapies and interventions; Specialist Perinatal Occupational therapists; and Community Nursery Nurses to offer work related to maternal bonding This will enhance the existing service in Worcestershire and start-up a new service in Herefordshire, making the care across both counties available in the right place and the right time, providing advice to maternity, mental health and community services.

Dr Barnaby Major, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for 2gether NHS Foundation Trust in Herefordshire, said: “This investment is a significant step

towards improving equal access to specialist mental health care and will improve the health and wellbeing of the population of Herefordshire.”

Kathryn Hankins, Service Lead for Adult Mental Health Specialist Services at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in obtaining these additional national funds to enhance our existing perinatal service to the women and families of Worcestershire.

“Our team will now be able to offer additional psychological therapy, occupational therapy and nursery nurse support. Importantly we will now also be able to offer the input of a peer support worker who has a real lived experience of these sorts of issues who can support mums at a time of vulnerability.

Dr Ian Tait, Chair and Clinical Lead for NHS Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Providing the right care in the right place and at the right time is the priority of everyone in the NHS. “The targeted funding means we can do exactly that, putting the support which new and expecting mums need, where they can access it, when they need it.

For more information about the current Perinatal service visit: www.hacw.nhs.uk/ our-services/perinatal-psychiatry/ n

Major Award For Kidderminster Garden Centre A Kidderminster garden centre has won a major award at the Harrogate Flower Show, one of the most prestigious in the country. Fuchsiavale - based at De Beer’s Garden Centre at Hartlebury - scooped the Gold Premier Medal in the fuchsia and pelargonium category, as well as in other plants.

General Manager and Lead Horticulturist Emilio De Beer said it was the biggest success in the centre’s history. Twenty seven year old Emilio was years younger than most entrants, in some cases decades. He believes more young people should get involved with the world of flowers: “It’s very relaxing and rewarding working with nature all day”, he said. “Maybe some youngsters should put down their mobiles and give it a try. n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Emilio didn’t much fancy the family business when he was 18 and looked destined for a degree in sports science. But he’s glad he got involved and now boasts medals from the Malvern Flower Show and the famous Chelsea Flower Show. n

Worcestershire cyclists take on 100 mile route Two cyclists from Worcestershire have joined forces to raise funds for Deaf Direct.

Lorraine Westcott and Julie Gerrard will be taking on the gruelling Ride London- Surrey cycle race.

The 100 mile journey begins in London before heading out in to the countryside of Surrey, returning to London for the final stretch along The Mall.

Julie, a part time maths teacher and mum to two boys has been cycling for two years, completing the Worcester Classic 100 mile and the Evans Ride Worcester 100k challenges.

She mentioned ‘I have just completed the London Marathon, and have signed up to an ironman challenge as well. I hope I can raise lots of money for Deaf Direct’.

Lorraine is also looking forward to taking to the streets of London again after only recently completing the London Marathon and is ready for her next challenge!

Andrew Stevenson, CEO for Deaf Direct said ‘We are incredibly grateful to both Lorraine and Julie for taking on such a big challenge to help raise funds for Deaf Direct. The ride is incredibly tough and we look forward to supporting them both’.

If you would like to find out more about Deaf Direct, or to sponsor Julie and Lorraine visit www.deafdirect.org.uk n

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Home & Garden

d e ? e s s N e r u o tt a Y o M D New a

ge

e pa

C

ed

nu

i ont

th ver

o

The Otty mattress, available from www.otty.com n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden SilentNight Mirapocket, available from www.silentnight.co.uk

So when’s the right time for a new bed? Getting a good night’s sleep is so good for your wellbeing, it leaves you feeling fit, thinking sharply and happy! The foundation of good sleep is a comfortable bed and the right mattress. Research by the National Bed Foundation (NBF) shows that sleeping on an uncomfortable bed could rob you of up to an hour’s sleep – yet the deterioration may be so gradual and invisible that many people fail to make the connection between an uncomfortable bed and poor sleep.

Beds don’t last forever. Even if it looks okay, it may not be giving you the support or comfort you need for a good night’s sleep. A mattress’s life span is affected by several factors such as the quality, care and amount you use it (e.g. reading, watching TV & sleeping each night versus occasional use of a spare bed). Changes in lifestyle (marriage, new home) and in our bodies (losing or gaining weight, ageing, etc) can also necessitate a change of bed.

The NBF suggest you should consider a new mattress/bed if: You have had your mattress more than seven years; You wake up with stiffness and/or aches and pains; You don’t sleep as well as you did a year ago?; You’ve had a better night’s sleep in a bed other than yours; Your mattress show signs of visible wear and tear (it sags, is lumpy etc).

There are literally thousands of beds from which to choose and there’s no such thing as the perfect type of bed for a particular condition or situation (e.g. one ideal bed for a back pain sufferer).

Although a good retailer will arm you with lots of information to make the process simpler but only you can make the final, important decision, so take your time and make it wisely.

Before you go shopping for a new bed, think about what you want from your bed: What sort of style do you prefer?; What do you like or dislike about your current bed?; Do you prefer a firmer or softer feel? n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Always shop for the best value not the lowest price. Of course, there are some perfectly acceptable, lower priced beds available but the better the construction, the better the support and comfort and the longer the bed will last.

With a larger bed you are less likely to disturb your partner.

You should be able to lie side by side, with your arms behind your head and your elbows out, without touching. Your bed should also be 4-6in (10-15cm) longer than the tallest partner so anyone over 6ft (1.8m) tall should consider a bed longer than standard.

Bed sizes are not standardised and even if they have the same name (eg King size) they may not be the same size especially if the mattress and base are not from the same manufacturer. European common sizes are different and many imported bedsteads come in European sizes. So it is best to buy the base and mattress together. At the very least, make sure you try mattresses on a similar type of base.

The two are designed to work together and a change of base will affect the feel and performance of the mattress.

Jonathan Warren, director at bed and sleep specialist, Time 4 Sleep, said: “Once you’ve decided on the size, your next step is to choose the right frame. This is unique for each buyer, and depends on your priorities. For smaller rooms, ottoman beds are fantastic for providing extra storage space underneath the bed. If style and design are your major motivations, consider a sleigh bed to introduce sophistication and luxury to your bedroom. For a touch of glamour, why not treat yourself to a TV bed, where an LED screen is discreetly hidden in the footboard, ready for those cosy nights in.”

If you are worried about getting the bed upstairs, remember most divans have split bases; while many bedsteads are Continued over the page

Home & Garden

NEW CURTAINS FOR SUMMER

MALVERN CURTAINS In-Home Consultation Service

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

CONTACT ELLEN NOW TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT

T: 01684 561425 • M: 07955 074813 E: malverncurtains@btconnect.com

www.malverncurtains.co.uk

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Home & Garden

actually delivered in pieces for assembly in situ. To avoid

fairly easily. As a general rule, the heavier you are, the

problems with delivery, you should tell the retailer about

firmer the tension you will need. You don’t necessarily

potential access problems (narrow staircases, tight

need a hard bed if you have a bad back.

corners etc) before you buy.

Comfort is very subjective: Some people like the

Mark Cort, Commercial Director at Bensons for Beds

sensation of being cocooned in a bed; others prefer to

said: “We spend around a third of our lives in bed, so it’s

lie on top of them. Those that sleep on their back may

vital that people find the most comfortable one for them.

like a firmer feel than people who sleep on their sides.

Before buying a bed, one of the most important things

There are lots of different “feels” around you can choose

to consider is its size. You need to make sure it meets

what works best for you.

your own height requirements, fits into your bedroom and ultimately, can be carried into your property without any problems. Bensons for Beds offers an online measurement guide to ensure you pick the perfect size for you”.

Most manufacturers will offer mattresses in firm, medium and soft options: Try different options to be sure which is best for you. Remember there is no industry wide standard to compare firmness ratings from one manufacturer to the other. For partners of widely differing

Helpful tips from the NBF

size and weight (3 stones/18kgs or more), different

Try, try and try it again!: There is no substitute for lying

mattresses may be required. Some manufacturers make

on mattresses when selecting the right one for you. You

double beds from two single mattresses zipped together,

wouldn’t buy a new car without taking it for a test drive

which can be of differing tension. Others can combine

first and you’ll be spending even more time in your bed!

different degrees of firmness in one mattress. Look for

So wear comfortable clothes, remove your coat and

the NBF Mark of Approval For added reassurance.

shoes and lie on the bed for quite a long time – at least 10 minutes (preferably more). Adopt your normal sleeping position and lie on your side as well as your back.

If you buy a bed in a box check their reviews from people who have returned the bed successfully for a full refund.

Remember a really cheap offer is cheap for a reason and

Always shop together if the bed’s for two, to ensure

you might not get what you bargained for! A good way to

you are both happy with your choice: Set aside enough

check if the bed you are lying on is too soft, too hard, or

time to do the job properly. Don’t shop when you’re

just right is to lie on your back, and slide your hand in the

tired or rushed you run the risk that the beds will all feel

hollow of your back. If it slides in too easily, the bed may

wonderful.

be too hard for you (leading to pressure on your hips and

Correct support depends on your weight, height, build and even preferred sleeping position: Ideally the mattress should mould to the shape of your body while

shoulders); if it’s a struggle to slide your hand in, then the bed is probably too soft. If you can move your hand with just a little resistance, the bed may be just right for you. n

remaining supportive. When you lie on your side your

National Bed Federation: Dr Nerina Ramlakhan,

spine should be horizontal. You should be able to turn

Johnathan Warren and Mark Cort

Virage Ottoman Bed Frame available from www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Home & Garden

Home2Home Supported Lodgings

DO YOU HAVE A SPARE ROOM IN YOUR HOME?

St Basils are recruiting people from the local community (“Hosts”) across Worcestershire to provide emergency, short or longer term accommodation and support in their homes to local vulnerable young people who are leaving care.

Your help can ensure young people have somewhere safe to go.

If you feel you have the skills and experience, through your own life experiences or through a profession, are able to provide support to develop independent life skills to bridge the gap between leaving care and living independently and can provide accommodation to a young person aged 16 - 21 in your spare room(s) in your home.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! No formal qualifications necessary.

Benefits: You will receive a fee of £125.00 a week plus contribution from the young person. You will also receive training and a support package including social events, meeting other hosts and the opportunity to develop skills working with young people. You will be fully involved in placing a young person and it will be your decision as to who is placed with you.

For an application pack ring St Basils Home2Home Team on 0121 772 2483 ext 1188 or email admin.home2home@stbasils.org.uk. For informal enquiries and to find out more about this scheme, ring the Manager on 0121 772 2483 ext 1193. Visit www.stbasils.org.uk for more information about the work of St Basils helping homeless and vulnerable young people.

(This scheme is working in partnership with Worcestershire County Council)

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HOME & GARDEN

Competition

COTTAGE IN THE HILLS

Cottage in the Hills are a family run business

nestled

in

the

Malvern

Hills, Worcestershire. Selling Ethical, Enduring and Organic Homewares and Gifts that are inspired by a rural country lifestyle. From personalised apron’s, cushion’s and tea cosies to stylish table linen and kitchen textiles, all in their pretty organic cotton prints and weaves.

They also sell a tail-waggingly good collection of fully washable pet beds that will coordinate perfectly with the rest of your kitchen and that will make sure your four-legged friend can snuggle up in comfort.

Perfect for small and medium dogs, and discerning cats.

Their round softy pet bed has plenty of recycled polyester fill so that it doesn’t go flat, but it is soft enough that your pampered pet will still sink into it comfortably. With a removable

base so you can fit the whole bed in the washing machine. It has a non slip base, so it won’t move around.

The sides have stitched vertical lines to keep the fill in place and stop it from bunching up in one area after washing.

Available in two sizes the Small is perfect for cats and small breeds like Jack Russells, and the medium is ideal for Spaniels, Frenchies and Beagles.

If your pampered pooch prefers to stretch out there is also the luxurious pillow pet beds in two sizes ideal for Labradors, Collies and Lurchers. Again with a recycled fill and fully washable.

All of their cat and dog beds match the rest of the Cottage in the Hills kitchen textile ranges so you can have a perfectly coordinated kitchen. Choose from pretty print aprons to practical oven gloves and mitts, hob covers and stylish table ware perfect for family meals and gatherings with friends. n

www.CottageintheHills.com

To be in with a chance of winning one of four pet beds (worth up to £60 each) from Cottage in the Hills, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Where in Worcestershire is Cottage in the Hills based?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Cottage in the Hills WN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 20th June 2018. Terms and Conditions: Free UK delivery of the prize only. Winner can select a small or medium size bed in either style. No cash alternatives offered. Prize will be sent recorded delivery by Royal Mail or courier. n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Answer: Name: Address: Tel: Email:

If you wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Cottage in the Hills please tick this box

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Home & Garden

The Green Thumb

Makeover

Get a wonderful lawn with a GreenThumb Makeover and save the hassle and cost of re-turfing.

GreenThumb - pioneers in British lawn care have been treating the nation’s lawns for over 30 years. We have grown from humble beginnings in North Wales to become the UK’s largest and most recommended provider, with over 220 branches across the UK. Over the last two years, we have developed and trialled a Lawn Makeover - specifically design to create a new and beautiful lawn.

We use the best materials, including our bespoke ‘Diamond Green’ grass seed, our premium Nutragreen® feed, and 100% organic top-dressing.

Best of all, as well as creating a luxurious new lawn, GreenThumb’s Law Makeover is a fraction of the cost compared to re-turfing. The process takes approximately one day to complete and within 6-8 weeks, you’ll have a luxurious new lawn. n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Our Lawn Makeover is ideal for: • Anyone who wants the best lawn available • Worn-out lawns, maybe many decades old • Lawns with very little grass - almost all moss & weeds • Lawns full of unsightly weed grasses • New-build homes or properties with poor quality turf For your free Lawn Makeover analysis, call GreenThumb on 01905 840740. You can also locate your branch and measure your lawn online at www.greenthumb.co.uk n

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden Composite Decking now available

Red Garden

Rooms

Red Garden Rooms put the emphasis on quality with every garden room build and that is what truly sets their buildings apart from the alternatives.

Every room is built using the same materials as those found in a modern timber framed house. Structural grade timber frames incorporating rigid insulated panels for all year round comfort, High spec double glazing to let in as much light as you could hope for and to keep out the cold, stunning exterior cladding in beautiful Red Cedar and incorporating low energy lighting, heating and wiring to suit your individual needs.

Their buildings are enjoyed in a wide range of different ways from a Kids Cave and Games Room to a Home Gym and Relaxation Studio.

That’s as well as their Best Selling Home Office which is a great work space away from the hustle and bustle of busy family life.

In most cases Red Garden Rooms can be built without the need for planning permission and can include removing any existing building you have within a fixed price quotation.

If you have an idea, give them a call and let Red Garden Rooms bring your imagination to life. n

RED Garden Rooms Bespoke Garden Rooms Designed Around Your Needs

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

Home Office

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

Art Studio

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

Study Kids Cave

T: 01905 928202 | M: 07858 601500

www.redgardenrooms.co.uk n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Home & Garden

Worcestershire

Now

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

Genna McCann-Taylor

Rachel Seabright

Tel: 01905 727902 Email: genna@pw-media.co.uk

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

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Home & Garden

Gardening Jobs

For June

As temperatures rise across the UK, so does the nation’s appetite for gardening as Brits venture outdoors to reap the rewards of their springtime gardening efforts.

Bulbs come into bloom, fruits begin to ripen and perennials prove their worth, bringing Brits’ gardens to life after the prolonged winter. With the Outdoor Living trend continuing to sweep the nation and more people than ever choosing to make their garden the ‘fifth room’ of the house, this time of year is pivotal to ensuring your dream summer garden is set to flourish all season. Lilidh Matthews, horticulture buyer at Wyevale Garden Centres, is on hand with her jobs to do in the garden in June: 1. Snip off and spray your roses June is a prime time to deadhead your roses after they have flowered. This is a quick and easy job which stimulates the growth of new blooms and extends the flowering season.

Make sure you snip off the old flower at the base of the bloom; this will encourage the plant to send new shoots to produce smaller flowers, with the added benefit that deadheading can prevent the roses scattering debris around your garden. Don’t forget to spray your roses with feed to ensure they remain nourished and healthy throughout the drier months.

2. Protect ripe fruits from ravenous wildlife!

Your garden is looking particularly vibrant, packed full of exotic colours and scents, which means it won’t just be friends and family flocking to enjoy it, but plenty of wildlife too – the wanted and unwanted! Birds and other species will be seeking out fruits and seeds to snack on, so be ready to protect your produce. Mesh netting is a great, nonchemical solution to deter pests and allow your fruit to fully ripen. Remember, it’s important to wait until the bees and butterflies have worked their pollinating magic before you cover your plants.

3. Plant out tender vegetables Prep your veg patch ready to plant tender vegetables such as cucumbers, courgettes, and peppers. June is the perfect time to plant up these vegetables as there is a significantly n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

reduced risk of wind and frost, conditions which are detrimental to the growth of tender vegetables. The hot weather provides optimum conditions for these vegetables to grow, ready to harvest in the next few months!

4. Start feeding and pinch out tomatoes Pinching encourages branching on the tomato plants, and by cutting off part of the main stem the plants can grow two new stems from the leaf nodes below the pinch. This causes the plant to focus its energies into developing fresh fruits, results in a stronger plant and more tomatoes for your enjoyment. Simply use your fingernails to pinch off the new growth at the end of the stem - if you don’t want to use your fingers you can always use a sharp pair of pruning shears!

5. Feed baskets and containers Baskets and containers are a great way to introduce life and splashes of colour to your patio, balcony or window box – but it’s important to keep an eye on them during the warmer months. Check baskets and containers every day in June to avoid them drying out in the hot weather. Ensure that they remain moist but not soggy; over-watering can be as damaging to new plants as drying out! Give your plants a helping hand by applying a liquid fertiliser once a week.

6. Offer your support for tall-growing perennials June is the perfect time to support your tall-growing perennials. During these warmer months perennials are in full bloom and therefore vulnerable to collapse as their long stems and heavy heads make them top-heavy and prone to flopping. Give them plenty of support to stay upright and prevent damage during windy or rainy days by using frames or canes and tying the stems securely using twine.

For more information and advice on June’s jobs of the month, along with all the tools you need to gain ground in the garden, visit www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk n Lilidh Matthews, Horticulture Buyer Wyevale Garden Centres

Home & Garden

SALES | SERVICE | PARTS | HIRE

Here at Holden we offer a professional and friendly service to all our customers and are happy to give free advice on all types of equipment such as ride on tractors, chainsaws and lawn mowers on sale in our showroom. Our showroom displays the latest models available on the market with great showroom prices to go with it.

Customers need to go no further in their search for their perfect piece of equipment as we have a wide range of machinery, friendly staff and a service department to back you up all the way.

We also provided our customers with demonstrations on the larger machines, giving you the peace of mind that the machine is the one for the job.

If you’re looking to part exchange your current model of machinery, we offer a free valuation of your machine from our showroom.

We also have a hire department within our showroom with the latest models for all your gardening needs.

Holden Garden Machinery Weston Industrial Estate, Honeybourne, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7QB

TEL: 01386 841285 | www.holdengardenmachinery.co.uk

Worcestershire

Now

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

Genna McCann-Taylor

Rachel Seabright

Tel: 01905 727902 Email: genna@pw-media.co.uk

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

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

Pollinator-friendly patch © Wendy Carter

Nature Notebook

Plant a Patch

Shor t-s pined

Nomad Bee © Wendy Ca rter

For Wildlife

In the last issue I challenged you to get to know your patch better. Whether it’s your garden, your local green space or a nearby nature reserve, I (hopefully) encouraged you to start taking a bit more notice of it and to see if you could explore just how many wild species you share your patch with.

Are you ready to take it one step further? Will you help us to turn Worcestershire wild? Our 75+ nature reserves across the county make up less than 1% of our landscape; what if they were connected? What if your patches helped to join them up and helped wildlife to thrive?

Recently I found a rare bee roosting in my garden.

It’s a bee that many people wouldn’t consider to be a bee even if they spotted it. It doesn’t have an easy-to-remember name but what it’s called doesn’t really matter; my garden isn’t special and isn’t home to this rarity that has a set of habitat requirements that aren’t found in my garden. Yet the bee found a quiet place in a patch of garden that has been specifically planted for pollinators just like her. Perhaps she’d spent a while foraging on the flowers before roosting on a leaf for the evening. She was on her way between suitable habitats and found a patch that she could spend the night in – a stepping stone between the places that she needed.

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

Our nature reserves are stepping stones in the landscape and that’s exactly what your patches could be – window boxes, patio tubs, flower beds, areas of lawn left a bit long, community spaces planted for pollinators, school grounds with nest boxes and hedges, business premises with pollinator-friendly hanging baskets, flower-rich strips along the edges of fields…the list goes on.

n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

As part of our 50th birthday celebrations, we’re asking you to officially Pledge a Patch for wildlife and help to turn Worcestershire wild. Take a look at

www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/pledgeapatch

for ideas on how you can help; you can sign up to receive seasonal tips and we’ll add your patch to our map so you can see how connected Worcestershire is becoming.

Why not create a butterfly haven by planting nectar-rich plants in a tub, tyre or an old pair of boots? How about creating a hedgehog highway by chatting to neighbours and ensuring your fences have holes that will allow hogs to move freely through your gardens. Lots of species of wildlife are great for your garden so do your best to encourage them – do away with the chemicals and encourage ladybirds, who’ll munch on your aphids, or slow-worms who’ll gladly chomp on your slugs.

Pledging a patch can count as one of your Random Acts of Wildness for 30 Days Wild too; there’s still time to sign up www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild.

Why not join us for our Big Wild Weekend on Saturday 16th June at Lower Smite to discover more about Worcestershire’s wonderful wildlife.

Visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/whats-on for more information about the Trust and our events n Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

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Health & Beauty

Our Ultimate Summer

Skin Care Guide...

Summer is finally here! Check out our recommended products to help protect your skin and help you get that sunkissed glow!

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n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Health & Beauty

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1. CLARINS

Sunshine in a compact! This maxi-size caramel case decorated with pink flamingos and palms contains a harmony of three matte bronze shades to complement all skin tones whilst the formula cares for the skin and gives luminosity to the complexion.

£31.00

2. ERBORIAN

This multi-tasking, ultra-fine powder compact provides the final touch for an instant glowing complexion. Enriched with Camellia oil, known in Korea for it’s antioxidant and nourishing properties, COPPER GLOW helps to enhance your complexion and gives an instant satin finish with a subtle bronze hue.

£34.00

3. CHANEL

With its creamy, melt-away texture, enriched with moringa butter, LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW LIP BALM nourishes, protects and envelops the lips in wonderful comfort. After the very first application, they are smoother, softer and more comfortable. Available in three shades: Light, Medium and Deep.

£31.00

4. CHANEL

To illuminate and intensify the eyes, CHANEL carefully selected two new harmonies, each composed of five light to dark, matte and satin eyeshadows. The lightest shade illuminates the eyes. It is applied to the entire eyelid, on its own or as a base under another color, for a luminous natural makeup result. It can be blended with darker shades at the base of the lashes for more intense and contrasted eyes. On their own, the darker shades outline the eye contour to discreetly open up the eyes.

£45.00

5. MARKS & SPENCERS

Created by leading Australian sun care experts, these advanced five-star formulas are available in a wide selection of sun protection factors and defend against UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. Perfect for the whole family.

£4.90 - After Sun (200ml) £8.40 - Moisture Protect Spray (150ml) £8.40 - Moisture Protect Nourishing Oil

oil-free formula with a “blur” effect that instantly illuminates and corrects the complexion to prepare the skin for make-up and prolong make-up hold. Including Clarins Plus formula with organic sea lily extract to help boost skin hydration for 24 hours and Clarins Anti-Pollution Complex to protect from the harmful effects of urban life.

£26.50

6. CHANEL

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW LUMINOUS MULTI-COLOR POWDER meets every demand and every desire. The powder case presents a harmony of several shades. Apply to areas on the face that catch the light for a subtle result or to the entire face for a glowing complexion.

Gently sweep the half-moon brush over the powders to perfectly blend the different shades.

Subtle and sheer, luminous and shimmering, makeup becomes buildable, intensifying with each stroke of the brush. The powder comes in three shade variations: Light, Medium and Deep

£42.00

6. CLARINS

Clarins range of complexion bases gets a summer twist with two new shades specially formulated to warm skin for a sunkissed glow. An

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Health & Beauty

s p i T e l y y a t D S s ' l r a i e t h n t e a s F s E r o F HE

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Shirt £22 | Shorts £20 | Trilby £12 Available from M & Co

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Health & Beauty

Luxury Lingerie, Swimwear and Nightwear Cup sizes A to K

New season

lingerie & swimwear now in stock 23 Reindeer Court, Worcester

Tel: 01905 619031

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

Health & Beauty

Father’s Day may be the one day of the year when it is all about celebrating you as a Dad and those you love will appreciate you looking great!

1. Horizontal stripes are on trend.

Experiment with stripe widths to find the most flattering look. Choose interesting colour combinations that suit your colour palette.

2. Denim shirts are popular this summer, however make sure it is the right colour denim as different shades suit different skin tones. If you are working a smart casual look, a fitted button-down denim shirt works well. Denim shirts also go well with on trend chino shorts that are tapered slightly if this suits your style personality.

3. Pastels are good colours to wear in the summer, but not everyone can wear them. Make sure you know if you are a warm or cool toned and if more yellow or blue based colours suit you to get pastels right.

4. Belts, sunglasses, hats and bags are the details that will determine whether you are truly a style pro. Invest in these accessories carefully, as quality will always make you stand out from the crowd.

5. Take time to search for the perfect sunglasses that suit your face shape and find the colour which compliments your face the best. Unless you are a winter palette, totally black sunglasses are unlikely to suit you. Start with neutral coloured sunglasses n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

from your colour palette and work your way around different colours, sizes, shapes and even textures.

6. Colour is in this summer! Don’t be afraid to wear the bold or bright colours that work with your skin tone. Equally use patterns to stand out from the crowd on Father’s Day. 7. Hawaiian Tropical print shirts are trending right now and a bold design in your best colours will always make an exciting style statement in your summer wardrobe.

8. Do not feel obligated to follow the trend of super skinny trousers and jackets unless it really suits your style personality! Well-fitting clothes is key.

9. In the shops many shorts this year are finishing just below the knee, but different lengths and materials suit different people. Shorts are a great way to add colour or pattern. Pair with a leather belt for style finesse.

10. Consider loafers and sandals this summer but it is all about the colour. Neutrals to work with most of your wardrobe or a colour to make a statement.

The choice is yours. n Jane Brook, House of Colour Jane.brook@houseofcolour.co.uk 07070 293341

Health & Beauty

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KEEPING ACTIVE Start/Finish: The Walk starts and finishes at Broadway’s Memorial.

Public Transport: Nearest railway station is at Evesham. There are various bus services through Broadway. Please use ‘Traveline’.

Parking: There is a ‘long term’ fee-paying car park. (see sketch map).

O/S Map: Outdoor Leisure 45 (‘The Cotswolds’ sheet).

Distance: The main walk is 8 miles. The shorter option is 5 miles.

Broadway to

Snowshill Manor

Time: Allow all day so that you can explore Broadway on your return. The shorter walk will give you time to visit Snowshill Manor (NT).

Refreshments: There are numerous eating places in Broadway but no-where en route so you may need to take a picnic.

Terrain: The route trends ‘upwards’ with a few steady climbs on the outward walk and ‘downhill for much of the return walk. There are several kiss-gates and narrow paths so the walk is unsuitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs but an interesting time can still be had exploring picturesque Broadway.

History: The Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway has spent the last few years extending its steam heritage line from Laverton Halt to Broadway and Broadway Station opened Easter 2018. The walk takes you through some stunning Cotswold countryside along a section of the Long Distance Path ‘Cotswold Way’ to the pretty village of Snowshill. Here is the former home of Edwardian Gentleman, Charles Paget Wade. He restored Snowshill Manor to gradually house his private collection of 22000 objects collected from his travels. He had an eye for colour, design and craftmanship which is also apparent in his ‘Art and Crafts’ style garden designed to make the most of the sloping hillside upon which the Manor House (now NT) was built.

1. From War Memorial by Village Green in Broadway, walk along left

back through Snowshill Village to point 5. Turn right down a concrete

side of ‘Lower Green’ to Church Street. Turn left, passing St. Michael

paved trackway and bear left at private gateway to cross a tributary

and All Angel’s Church. Take ‘Cotswold Way’ on right.

stream then up to stile and along pretty woodland path.

2. Walk down track to gate and take worn path along side of

7. Climb to Great Brockhampton Farm, via 14 steps to small gate.

meadow to stiled footbridge. Go through small gate following path

Turn right then left along track that leads to Manor Farm.

gently upwards towards right-hand end of wooded hillside ahead.

Go through wooden kiss-gate, across West End Lane to small gate opposite and on up ‘Cotswold Way’. Keep along edge of field and follow path round and up to top corner where you enter woodland.

Broadway Tower is on opposite hillside. Climb on up through woodland and up flight of 14 shallow steps to metal kiss-gate then go left along top edge of woodland. Go through two small gates and

8. Walk through Farmyard to large gate beyond and cross two stiles then a 3rd stile from which you can see path aiming for clump of trees. This path continues straight down hillside over a series of stepstiles (passing old church ¼ mile to your right) and continues towards St.Michael’s Church at Broadway.

9. Exit into driveway turning right to Snowshill Road. Turn left (no

between fences to bottom right corner, through small wooden gate,

pavement in places).

up to track where you turn left. Keep walking up track to cross-road in

10. On reaching St Michael’s Church, retrace route to War memorial. n

paths at Manor Farm. (note: you will return to this point later).

3. From farmyard the ‘short walk’ goes straight on as far as ‘Winchcombe Way’ on left that cuts across valley to Snowshill Manor (NT property). Meanwhile, main walk goes through large gate then ‘right’ up track gradually scaling hillside. Go through series of gates and keep to track as you wend your way upwards. Shortly after reaching Littleworth Wood, you will come to a crossroads formed by two restricted by-ways. You bear round to left via an old ‘holloway’ carved through layers of golden limestone.

4. Walk alongside woodland until you reach a path on left that drops steeply down wooded slope and across a field to exit through kissgate into lane just above village of Snowshill.

5.Go straight on then turn left down into Snowshill Village with its pretty Church of St. Barnabus and ‘Snowshill Arms’. ‘Snowshill Manor’ is on left beyond Church.

6. If you choose to visit Manor House you need to walk 500 yards northwards to access grounds, afterwards it is best to follow shorter route along ‘Winchcombe Way’ towards Manor Farm (point 8) to reduce distance for return walk to Broadway. If you are not visiting ‘Snowshill Manor’ or want to complete entire walk, retrace your steps n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

Health & Beauty

Burford House Bridal

Bridal Fayre

Burford House Bridal is a wedding dress buying experience with a difference. Set in seven acres of magnificent grounds in the heart of Tenbury Wells, our boutique can offer you a tranquil and relaxing ultimate bridal dream appointment in our beautifully refurbished dressing rooms.

We currently stock Pronovias wedding dresses that will allow you to fulfill your beautiful bridal dreams – you won’t want to take them off!

Sunday 3rd June

10am - 4pm

Free Veil OR

Once you have had your bridal experience, why not treat yourself to afternoon tea in our rustic café or take a walk around the grounds, go down by the River Teme and take inspiration from the beautiful natural surroundings for your exciting day.

10% off any orders placed at the event

Burford House Bridal, Burford House, Burford, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, WR15 8HQ

Tel: 07991 131 16 or 01584 319382 www.burfordhousebridal.com

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am - 4.30pm Monday & Sunday by appointment only

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Elements Eight Republica Rum British independent craft rum brand, Elements Eight, specialises in pure unadulterated, small batch, artisan rums made in the Windward Islands with a new expression recently introduced - Republica from Cuba and Panama.

Originally created as “the bartenders rum” Elements Eight rums are crafted to be complex, smooth and very drinkable, perfect as both a neat serve or cocktail base.

Star Wars Darth Vader Small Tin Sign £5, www.disneystore.co.uk

Elements Eight “Republica” is a premium, 5-year-old aged blend of two single rums, sourced from distilleries in Cuba and Panama. The rum is produced from traditional column stills, non-chill filtered and aged for a minimum of five years in Bourbon casks. It has a naturally sweet character which attests to the harmonious balance of two single rums, from two historically important rum-making Caribbean republics. www.e8rum.com

Hallmark Itty Bitty The Hallmark Itty Bitty range comes in many character variations such as Star Wars and Marvel, starting at £6 each and available from www.hallmark.co.uk

Father's Day

Gift Guide Peatheart

GoPro HERO Whether they are into their sport, fitness, travel or they simply don’t want to miss capturing their most special moments with their children, the HERO is perfect for all dads. What’s more, at just £199.99, is the HERO is GoPro’s most affordable device to date! www.shop.gopro.com/cameras

n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Peatheart is the most recent release from the brand and is the seventh Peaty whisky to join the award-winning collection.

One of the smokiest offerings to date, Peatheart results in an intensely warm yet smooth finish.

This expression delivers an initial smoky burst on the nose which surrenders to a surge of fruitiness, with ripe pears, apples and lime cutting through. To taste, smokey flavours are laced with leather and sweet stewed apples closely followed by chocolate and sweet vanilla. Peatheart’s dark but delicate spirit is the ideal dram for connoisseurs looking to explore a different side of whisky. www.masterofmalt.com

Get that special personalised card or gift for Father’s day or your favourite teacher

YOUR design on a gift of your choice from our selection and ready in minutes St. John’s Post Office, King Charles Place, St Johns, WR2 5AJ Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm

Tel: 01905 427386 Email: colin@stjohnspostoffice.co.uk StJohnsPO @Stjohns_post

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Food & Drink

Chicken Piccantino Ingredients

Method

• 4 boneless skinless

1. Using a sharp knife, gently slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Try and slice as deep into the chicken as you can without coming through the other side.

chicken breasts • 2/3 cup Nduja sausage • 2/3 cup grated smoked cheese • 1/3 cup diced pancetta • Splash of Oil for the pan • 1 small white onion (finely sliced) • 1 cup dry white wine • 1/3 cup beef stock • Dash of cream

2. Stuff the chicken with the Nduja sausage and smoked cheese making sure the same amount goes into each chicken.

3. Place oil in the pan and add the chicken breasts.

4. Gently cook the chicken breasts on all sides until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Remove chicken breasts and leave to rest and leave any remaining oil in the pan.

6. In the same pan gently cook sliced onions and diced pancetta until golden brown.

7. Add beef stock and dry white wine to the pan and simmer for a few minutes to deglaze the pan.

8. Finally, add a dash of cream and serve with delicious new potatoes. n

n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

A scrumptious chicken breast stuffed with a soft and spicy Calabrian Nduja sausage and smoked cheese, wrapped in ham and fresh sage, this dish is pan roasted with onion, white wine, pancetta, beef stock and a touch of cream while served a long side the finest new potatoes.

This authentic Italian dish is best complimented by a glass of Greco Di Tufo, a white wine originating straight from southern Italy.

If you would like to try this beautifully crafted dish, the team at Benedictos are always welcoming new friends to enjoy the authentic taste of Italy. www.benedictos.com You can find Benedictos expert chefs giving a demonstration of their work on the main stage of the Worcester Foodie Festival!

Food & Drink

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

Buy British, Buy Best, Buy from your Local Butcheress!

Suppliers of fresh British meat to the catering industry and direct to your door 6 days a week!

Monthly Meat Boxes

Available starting at £20 with FREE delivery A wide selection of homemade free range sausages available!

Why not visit us at our shop: 9 Ryefields Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4NA Tel: 01527 435669 or 07496 632 010 Follow us on Facebook @ thebutcheress

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r e tt e B r e a n e o H h p o e t l e w T o e H h t on

Golden Years

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Golden Years

Hearing Your Telephone Ring If you sometimes miss your telephone ringing, you can get an adaptor that flashes along with the ring. You can also get an adaptor that rings extra loud with different tones so you can choose the one you hear the best. The extra loud equipment is called a ‘tone caller’ and is available free of charge to BT customers with a hearing loss – just call BT Inclusion on 0800 800 150, or for non-BT customers this can be bought from the BT shop for £17.00 Listening on the Phone Without a Hearing Aid Look at your telephone earpiece and you will probably find that the holes or slots that the sound comes out of are in the centre. It is important to make sure you place the holes in the earpiece directly in front of the entrance to your ear-hole. It is also important that the earpiece is touching your ear – even a ½ inch gap can halve the volume heard. n 42 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

If you still can not hear well then you can change your phone to one with a speech amplifier and volume control. Models called BigTel 480, Powertel 780, BT4600, DoroMagna 2005 and PhoneEasy 100W are all capable of overcoming quite a pronounced hearing loss. Each model will show the maximum volume and when purchased from some suppliers will state whether they are suitable for Mild, Moderate, Severe or Profound hearing loss.

Using a Hearing Aid on the Phone There are 2 ways of using the phone: • Using the microphone on the hearing aid • Using the loop (T switch). There are different types of hearing aids – the most common ones are called ‘behind the ear’ which have a mould in your ear and the actual aid sits behind your ear. The diagram above is for analogue behind the ear hearing aids only.

Continued over the page

Golden Years

TPG DisableAids Ltd

Named Retailer of the Year 2017

by BHTA

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Golden Years Using the Microphone Do not put the earpiece part of the phone to your ear!

Your ear has a plastic mould in it – the microphone on your hearing aid is at the top of the part sitting behind your ear. So you need to move the earpiece of the phone up to the top of your ear, over the microphone.

If you switch your hearing aid to the T position when using a digital phone with an analogue hearing aid it will cause interference When you do this you may find your hearing aid whistles!

If it does then slide the earpiece forwards, against the side of your head, towards your eyebrow up to your temple. Then twist the handset so that the earpiece is turned from your temple towards your ear. This will project the sound back towards the microphone. You can then adjust the position of the earpiece to move it progressively nearer to the microphone until just before the whistling starts.

n 44 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Using the T Switch/Loop Some phones are fitted with an ‘inductive coupler’.

Some phones list it as a feature, calling it ‘hearing aid compatible’. If appropriate you may find you hear even better by turning your hearing aid to the T position and using the loop. You must turn your aid back to the M or main setting when you have finished using the phone.

The system is fitted around the rim of the earpiece so it is important to get the rim as close as possible to the pick up point on your hearing aid. This is usually about 1cm back from the microphone. You may need to practise to get this in the right position!

In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids Rest one edge of the earpiece against your ear so the sound from the earpiece flows across your ear canal – experiment by pivoting the earpiece at various angles until you find one you are comfortable with. If your aid has a T switch then turn over the switch and you should be able to use the same technique.

Digital Telephones If you switch your hearing aid to the T position when using a digital phone with an analogue hearing aid it will cause interference and you will hear a loud buzzing noise.

Continued over the page

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Golden Years

Digital hearing aid wearers should also be able to use digital cordless and mobile phones as long as the hearing aid is not on the loop programme

Digital Hearing Aids If you switch your hearing aid to the T position when using a digital phone it will cause interference and you will hear a loud buzzing noise.

Digital hearing aids are programmed in different ways to suit your particular hearing loss. The telephone earpiece should be held in the same way as for the above analogue hearing aids. However, Digital hearing aid wearers should also be able to use digital cordless and mobile phones as long as the hearing aid is not on the loop programme.

Handsfree or Loudspeaking Phones Some phones also feature loud speaking or hands free speech that allows you to have a conversation without holding the handset. This can be particularly helpful if you wear two hearing aids, body-worn aids or have a very severe hearing loss. The phones use batteries to increase the quality of the speech.

Cordless Phones There are two types of domestic cordless phone, digital and analogue. Both connect to your ordinary phone n 46 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

line and calls are charged at normal rates and they have a limited range of up to a couple of hundred yards.

However, if you wear an analogue hearing aid, do not use a digital phone because their electronic circuitry is designed in such a way that even holding the handset near your head will produce horrible interference in your hearing aid. Most digital hearing aids have not been found to pick up this interference.

Mobile Phones All current mobile phones are digital and will cause interference if you wear an analogue hearing aid.

However, it is possible to buy Inductive loops, neckloops or headsets, which also feature microphones and plug into the phone. These can overcome the problem by allowing you to hold a normal conversation while keeping the phone far enough away from your head, on your belt or in a pocket, to prevent nterference occurring. Digital hearing aids are not affected by this interference and you can hold your mobile normally to the microphone of your aid.

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Golden Years Many mobile phones can be put into ‘Hearing Aid Mode’ which will enable the use of the Loop with their mobile phones. It also alters the acoustic settings and promotes clarity of the audio.

Some hearing aids and cochlear implants can use Bluetooth connectivity to stream audio the mobile phone speaker directly to the hearing device. This may involve purchasing audio shoes or streamers, you may wish to speak to you audiologist about the options available with your hearing device.

Telephone Strategies Remember that when people ring you up, they want to speak to you and so it is in their interest to make it easier for you to hear them. Now that you can hear better, remind your friends that they have no need to shout, but that they should try speaking a little more slowly.

• Ask them to repeat the sentence • Ask them to say the sentence in a different way • Ask them to spell important words • Ask them to say the alphabet and stop at the correct letter • If it’s a number or a date, ask them to count from number one and stop at the correct date • Always repeat back the information to check what has been said! n Deaf Direct

36 Widemarsh Street, Hereford, HR4 9EP Tel: 01905 746301 Email: info@deafdirect.org.uk www.deafdirect.org.uk

If the caller is a stranger, do explain to them that you have some hearing difficulties or that you use a hearing aid and if you’re not sure what they said:

If the caller is a stranger, do explain to them that you have some hearing difficulties or that you use a hearing aid

n 48 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

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education

Play Therapy

as a Career Opportunity Witnessing the change in a childs’ life is wonderful – it will change yours as well!

If you have at least two years’ experience of working with children in a professional capacity such as teaching, nursing, or social work and are able to study at post graduate level, then play therapy could be an attractive career for you. When fully qualified, you will be able to work full or part time and employed, contracted or as an independent practitioner in private practice.

Although this is one profession dominated by women (97% of registrants) there are equal opportunities for men. There’s also a large latent demand for registered Play Therapists throughout the UK which is expected to become taken up when the recommendations of the government’s Green Paper on Transforming Children’s and Young Peoples’ Mental Health are implemented.

Play therapy was recognised in April 2013 by the accreditation of Play Therapy UK’s Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists by the Professional Standards

n 50 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Authority an independent government funded agency, overseeing all health and social care professions. It’s important that your training qualifies you for this register to give you public credibility and protection.

You’ll be trained to work with children who have a wide range of problems the most common of which are family and social relationship problems, anger management, bereavement and loss, anxiety, lack of self confidence, depression, ADHD and autistic spectrum. Using the Integrative Holistic model the children choose what to do in the playroom from a wide range of creative art media including sandtray worlds, drawing and painting, clay, music, puppets, dance/movement and therapeutic story.

You will be trained to communicate with the children using the medium that they have chosen. n To find a therapist search www.playregister.org.uk For more information about play therapy including training: www.playtherapy.org.uk

education

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Living History

MadresfieldCourt Madresfield Court has been the home of the Lygon family for nearly 900 years, the first known house being recorded on the site in the 12th century. It stands at the foot of the Malvern Hills in a spectacular setting among parkland and gardens at the centre of a large, predominantly agricultural, estate of approximately 4,500 acres.

The earliest known construction on this site was a great hall built in the twelfth century within a moat for safety, and designed for the feudal and communal life of the Middle Ages. In the Tudor period a manor house grew up round the hall, which remained as a dining hall in the centre. The new Tudor house had more rooms for different purposes, including a Long Gallery typical of the times, which suited an increasingly private domestic life.

During the succeeding centuries this core was added to, altered and renovated to suit the current circumstances of the family.

The biggest changes were made in the last century when the Victorian architect Philip Hardwick (1792–1870) designed a major reconstruction in the Victorian Gothic style which was carried out over several years from 1865. During this time some of the seventeenth and eighteenth century alterations were removed in order to restore the original Tudor appearance of the old house. A little later, in 1875, the Bell Tower was added, echoing this general style.

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down by inheritance through the same family.

The house is first mentioned specifically in a charter of Henry I dating from the 1120s and it is known that a William de Bracy lived at the Court in 1260. His descendants, the Lygon family, have lived there ever since.

Madresfield was the seat of the Earls Beauchamp whose title died out in 1979 on the death of the 8th Earl. Mrs ChenevixTrench, the current occupier with her husband and four children, is the great niece of the 8th Earl and her children are the 29th generation of the same family to live in Madresfield Court.

The interior of the house is probably most noted for the many examples of the Arts & Crafts movement. The library contains about 8,000 books and was designed by CR Ashbee who commissioned members of the Guild of Handicraft to do much of the carving and a little later the master carvers, Alex Miller and William Hart, to carve the doors and bookcase ends. The books themselves contain many examples from William Morris’ Kelmscott Press.

The gardens of Madresfield Court were

very much enlarged in 1865 and now cover sixty-nine acres. The layout is based on three avenues of oak, cedar and Lombardy poplar, within and around which are a mass of specimen trees and flowering shrubs. In the spring the gardens are carpeted with daffodils, anemone, cowslips, fritillaries, bluebells and other wild flowers.

In addition to the formal gardens and lawns to the front of the house, features include a Pulhamite rock garden assembled in 1879, and a new iris and peony border double border, in the centre of which is a sundial reminding us “that day is wasted on which we have not laughed”. There is also an arbour of pleached lime trees, a wild garden and a large number of ornamental trees.

Fully guided tours (which must be booked in advance) run on specified dates from April to September each year. After the guided tour guests are welcome to enjoy and explore the gardens surrounding the Court.

For a list of tour dates and for booking information please visit www.madresfieldestate.co.uk or contact the Estate Office on 01684 573614. n

Living History

Prams • Buggies • Cots • Furniture • Car Seats • High Chairs • Bedding • Nursery Accessories • Mattresses • Soft Toys • Clothes • and much more •

£25 off when you spend £250 Terms & Conditions apply

Call us on 01386 750888

Open every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10-4, Saturday 10-5 Orchard Cottage Farm, Croome Road, Defford, Worcestershire WR8 9AS

Please visit our website

www.pramandnursery.co.uk

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What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

JUNE

from London’s West End including X Factor

of your favourite Rock & Pop artist across

finalist Melanie Masson. For tickets call

the eras, in celebration of an incredible

the Box Office on 01386 555488 or visit

cause Help for Heroes. We will be collecting

Friday 1st

www.woodstock-experience.com

for this amazing cause, after every show.

Performed by a full live rock band and

Janis Joplin & Friends in the Woodstock Experience

Saturday 2nd

superb singers, It’s the must see show of the

Number 8 Theatre, High Street, Pershore,

An Evening of Beauty & Wellbeing

year. With music from artists such as Dire

WR10 1BG. Three days of peace and love

Perdiswell Young Peoples Leisure Club,

Straits, Status Quo, Queen, David Bowie,

in one great show! Woodstock was one of

Droitwich Road, Worcester, WR3 7SN. A

Madonna, Spandau Ballet, Bryan Adams,

the most pivotal moments in music history

charity event in aid of ‘Railway Children’

Elton John, Simple Minds and so many

so take a trip back with us and sing-a-long

a charity that works with children living

more. You won’t see a bad wig here, this isn’t

to some of the greatest music from the

on the streets. Canapés and prosecco on

a tribute act this is simply paying tribute, the

festival, including Bad Moon Rising, I Want

arrival.

exclusive

best way we can to the legends in music.

to Take You Higher, America, Swing Low

discounts and goodie bags available on

Ticket Prices: £18.00. www.worcesterlive.

Sweet Chariot, Can’t Explain and many

the night. Tickets £10. To book or for more

co.uk. Box Office: 01905 611427

more! In addition to the great music the

information call or text 07909 588 191.

show includes a backdrop of multi-media

Email maria.craze@infinitivegroup.com

projection

fusing

together

the

Treatments,

products,

music

Sunday 10th Churchill Forge Water Mill Open Day

from Woodstock and some of the most

Rock for Heroes

The Forge is one of the last few surviving

seminal political and cultural events of the

Swan Theatre, Worcester. Are you ready to

waterwheel powered forges in the country.

1960’s. Even if you can’t remember the 60’s

ROCK! Immerse yourself in the incredible

There are 2 working waterwheels, both 17

you’ll LOVE the Woodstock Experience!

new live music experience with Rock For

feet in diameter, which will be in operation on

Performed by singers and musicians straight

Heroes. Bringing the perfect combination

the open day. And new for 2018, it is hoped

>> n 54 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Our Events Diary

Little Malvern Court PHOTOGRAPHY MARCUS HARPUR

Nr. Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 4JN

Open mid April until mid July, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

Other times by appointment.

01684 892988

littlemalverncourt.co.uk

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What's On to run the Forge’s press for the first time in 30 years. For more information call 01527 870168 or go to churchillforge.org.uk

Saturday 16th Big Wild Weekend – Farm activity Day Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip, Worcester, WR3 8SZ. An action packed, nature filled open day at Lower Smite Farm to celebrate Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s 50th birthday.

Something for the whole family to enjoy!

Free event, no booking required.

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th Droitwich Spa Food & Drink Festival This year the main festival will be held on Saturday 16th June in the Lido Park Droitwich but we will also hold a smaller event on the Sunday 17thJune. The main aim will be again to focus on attracting “local” quality producers of food & drink or related products – within a 30 mile radius of Droitwich Spa. We are still planning final details but the format of the event is as follows: Our Food Celebrity to open the event and provide a food demonstration will be Steven BaileyCarter, finalist of the Great British Bake Off 2017; We are currently in discussion with other chefs and food celebrities so will let you know once they are confirmed; A demonstration kitchen featuring local and national chefs and presenters; Entertainment and music during the festival on both days; Seated areas for people to sit and enjoy food & drink and entertainment; Children’s entertainment area which will be free of charge For more information, please visit www.droitwichspafestival.co.uk

Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th

Saturday 23rd

2018 Upton Jazz Festival Rebranded for 2018 with a bold, modern new look, this year’s festival is the 33rd to be held in the Worcestershire riverside town.

And this year, it’s heading back to its roots with a host of new, intimate venues in the town centre. Pubs, hotels, clubs and even resident river cruiser the Conway Castle will be transformed into jazz venues hosting the very best in Dixieland to boogie woogie, hot club to European, trad to swing and gypsy jazz. Artisan food and drink stalls and stands selling music memorabilia will spring up down by the riverside along with a lively fringe festival packed with up-and-coming bands and more established musicians.

Hosted by the Swan Hotel, the fringe is supported by Worcestershire mental health charity The Nathan Tomkins Trust, and will be a showcase for talented buskers, would-be bands and more experienced performers. And the festival will celebrate the 10th year of the Best of Young Jazz - the festival’s music education showcase which encourages the rising stars of the jazz world to perform with professional musicians in front of a live audience. Fifty gigs will take place over the four days of the festival, which takes place from June 21 to 24. Early bird tickets are available until May 1, starting at just £25, and weekend camping is available.

Ticket prices have been held at 2017 rates.

To book, visit www.uptonjazz.co.uk or call 01684 593254. To get involved with the fringe festival, email info@uptonjazz. co.uk with a YouTube or Soundcloud clip of your music and information about the performer.

The Midland Sinfonia – The Fret and Fiddle Present ‘And All That Jazz’ St Lawrence Church, Alvechurch. Sally Minchin and her quartet played for us last season and were so enjoyed that they return to us with the addition of Steve Street on the drums. They play Stéphane Grappellistyle jazz and during the evening will perform a Gershwin Medley, Nature Boy, Mack the Knife, and other old and new favourites. Tickets: on the door £14.50, in advance £13 from ‘Gin & Pickles’, The Square, Alvechurch or online at www. midlandsinfonia.co.uk. FT students and schoolchildren accompanying an adult free.

For more information: midlandsinfonia@ gmail.com or 0121 447 7040

Saturday 30th June – Sunday 1st July Opening Weekend Royal Porcelain Works, Royal Porcelain Works, Severn Street, Worcester, WR1 2NE. A new home for the arts in the centre of Worcester! At our heart is the Henry Sandon Hall, a multi-functional venue which will host film, music, antiques fairs, children’s & family events, to name a few. Also onsite is theNest – more than a café/deli, theNest lives up to its name, offering freshly made top-quality simple food. In addition, the Samuel Driver White Studio provides bespoke facilities for artists and craftspeople to exhibit.

Join us for our opening and see what the NEW Royal Porcelain Works has to offer.

Featuring live music, face painting, craft demonstrations, food stalls and more. www.royalporcelainworks.co.uk

Worcestershire

Now

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

ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS

Tel: 01905 621183 perfectpartners@talktalk.net

www.perfectpartnerstheheartofengland.co.uk n 56 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Genna McCann-Taylor

Rachel Seabright

Tel: 01905 727902 Email: genna@pw-media.co.uk

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

Our Events Diary

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Our Events diary

Competition

NOZSTOCK THE HIDDEN VALLEY

This summer Nozstock: The Hidden Valley celebrates its 20th anniversary, entering a small group of festivals who have reached two decades of creating magic each summer. It’s a huge achievement for the family-fun festival which is set across their working farm in the rolling hills of Herefordshire. It is an event which has grown from a group of like-minded friends gathered together many years ago into a truly mesmeric experience of wonder and enchantment for all the ages.

Ella Nosworthy, who runs Nozstock with her father, says: “No-one is more surprised than us that we’ve made it to our 20th birthday! We’re planning our biggest show ever to make it a real celebration, and we’re sure that anyone who has been to the festival will not want to miss this summer! We’ve bought back some of our favourite and most memorable artists from the past 20 years. Our Nozstalgia theme is whatever you feel fond about from the past. There’s lots of inspiration to get really creative!”

The Nozstock team are incredibly proud to be revealing the first round of artists joining them for their momentous birthday celebrations.

As ever, it’s a kaleidoscopic mix of headline names, up and coming talent and seasoned stars forming an incredible range of styles across the event’s ten intimate stages.

Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd July 2018 @ Rowden Paddocks, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4LST Live: Goldfrapp, The Selecter, Dub Pistols, Macka B, Electric Swing Circus, Kiko Bun, The Lovely Eggs, Oh My God! It’s The Church, Mr Tea and The Minions, Mad Apple Circus, Buffos Wake, Childcare, Catholic Action, Seas of Mirth, The Stiff Joints, Pengshui (Illaman, Fatty Bassman & Prav), Smiley & The Underclass, Collette The Dots, Rachel Dadd, Alabaster De Plume, Lazy Day, Samsara Collective,, Yama Warashi, Frauds, Harvey Causon, The Pink Diamond Revue, Average Sex, and many more DJ: Chase & Status (DJ set + Rage), Grandmaster Flash, Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts, DJ Marky & G.Q, Black Sun Empire, S.P.Y, Audio, Dillinja, Randall, Sonny Wharton, Taskforce, Verb T & Pitch 92, Fliptrix, Serial Killaz, Dom Kane, Dirty Secretz, and many more Comedy, Theatrics, Film & Craft: Phil Kay, Jayde Adams, Joe Davies, The Sunken Yard, Hummadruz, Puppetual Motion, Andrew Szydlo, Impermanence Theatre, Roisin Crowley Linton, MASH Cinema ft.

Eclectic Method – Retrospective, A Creak In Time - Steven McInerney, Under 7s Drive In Cinema, and many more. n

www.NOZSTOCK.com

To be in with a chance of winning two Nozstock weekend camping tickets, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Answer: Name:

Which anniversary is Nozstock celebrating this year?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Nozstock WN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 20th June 2018. T&Cs: Tickets are non-transferrable and the winner will be required to provide proof of identity upon entry to the festival. n 58 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 178 | June 2018

Address: Tel: Email:

If you wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Nozstock Festivals please tick this box

For more information or to arrange a no obligation chat call Laura on 01905 420404, 01684 438501 or 01386 300801 or look us up online at www.homeinstead.co.uk/worcester

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