Worcestershire JUNE 2022 | ISSUE 218
Now
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 218 | June 2022
Worcestershire
08
Now 14
16 JUNE 2022 HOME & GARDEN 08
Take the Stress out of Moving
14
Pin Cushion Collection totals £49,000 in The Cotswolds
16
A Quick Guide to House Hunting
20
Nature Notebook
20 22
GOLDEN YEARS 22
The State of Ageing 2022 and Ageism
22
Quality Care in Worcestershire You Can Trust
26
Woody the Woodland View Mascot goes on Tour
32
LIVING HISTORY 28
County Hero Killed at Waterloo
WHAT’S ON 30
Puzzles
32
What’s On
38
Great Days Out
WO RC E S T E R S H I R E
NOW 01905 723011
nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd
28 EDITOR
ADVERTISING
CONTRIBUTORS
Dawn Pardoe PW Media & Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk
Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk
Wendy Carter, WWT
DESIGN
Kate Gilmartin 01905 727904 kate@pw-media.co.uk
Ageism
Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk
Paul Harding, Discover History Action of Pre-eclampsia The Commandery Kingham’s Auctioneers Uplifting Removals Worcester City Council Worcester County Council
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
ACTION NEEDED ON MATERNAL MEDICINES SAYS EVESHAM CHARITY AS NEW REPORT CALLS FOR CHANGE. In a UK-first report launched during May, in the House of Commons, leading figures from charities including Evesham based Action on Pre-eclampsia, healthcare, industry, law and academia have outlined a collaborative vision for UK leadership to improve maternal health. The Healthy Mum, Healthy Baby, Healthy Future: The Case for UK Leadership in the Development of Safe, Effective and Accessible Medicines for Use in Pregnancy report proposes a clear roadmap to improve the lives of millions of people, not just for women while they are pregnant, but for future generations. Globally, over 800 women and 12,000 newborns die every day from preventable pregnancy-related complications - that is one woman and 17 babies every 2 minutes. Pregnancy complications affect two lives in one short period of time, yet only two medicines have ever been developed specifically for pregnancy-related conditions, and not a single new medicine for some of the most serious pregnancy- specific conditions has reached women in decades. Over the past year, a Birmingham Health Partners led Policy Commission - co-chaired by Baroness Manningham-Buller, Copresident of Chatham House and Professor
Peter Brocklehurst, University of Birmingham and including Marcus Green CEO of APEC - has heard from key stakeholders on how best to develop safe, effective and accessible medicines for use in pregnancy. Compelling evidence gathered throughout the process has informed eight critical recommendations which, if implemented by government, will successfully prevent needless deaths and find new therapeutics to treat life-threatening conditions affecting mothers and their babies. Key proposals include strengthening the UK’s research capabilities to address gaps in our biological knowledge; more effective clinical trials support; and harnessing collaborative partnerships between government, universities and the pharmaceutical industry. Importantly, the report advocates for women who have been historically excluded from clinical trials to be a vital part of future research, ensuring they are not left behind and can benefit from modern medical advances. The UK, with its existing track record of pregnancy research, and lifelong NHS health records, is uniquely placed to lead this overdue and vital reform, working alongside global partners to deliver real change Commenting on the report, Co-chair, Baroness Manningham-Buller LG, DCB, FMedSci said: “When I was asked to become joint chair of the
Commission that has produced this report, I am ashamed to say that I wasn’t aware that there was an acute problem. Despite being at Wellcome for twelve years and Imperial College for six, I had no idea that research into conception and pregnancy was largely neglected and that virtually no drugs had been developed and trialled for pregnant women in the many decades since thalidomide. This leaves women at the mercy both of general diseases, the diseases of pregnancy and drugs which are usually unlicensed. The evidence taken by the Commission in its inquiry convinces us that this urgently needs to change. We suggest how.” Co-chair, Professor Peter Brocklehurst said: “The Commission’s role was to provide a blueprint for action and will provide ongoing support in implementing the recommendations set out in this report, as there is an urgent need for action to address this underserved area of medical need. Without it, women and babies will continue to die when they could be saved. They will continue to experience long-term health effects, disability and distress, which might be avoided.” n For further information please see www.apec.org.uk. The full report is available from www.birminghamhealthpartners.co.uk/ healthy-mum-healthy-baby-healthy-future/
WEDDINGS AT THE COMMANDERY, WORCESTER
Spend your special day in the stunning setting of The Commandery in the heart of historic Worcester. This Grade I listed building and beautiful gardens have a thousand years of stories to tell, so why not make yours the next one? The medieval Great Hall is at the very heart of The Commandery and is a truly unique space which can accommodate around 80 guests. The Oak Apple Suite is a small, peaceful set of rooms with a lovely entrance hall where drinks can be served, a comfortable side room with sofas in which to relax, and the ceremony room overlooks the beautiful herb garden. The charming, enclosed gardens behind n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
The Commandery overlook the picturesque Georgian wing and provide a beautiful space for an outdoor wedding.
The best way to experience The Commandery’s unique atmosphere is to visit. For a tour please contact weddings@museumsworcestershire. org.uk or call 01905 361821 to arrange a date. Whether you envisage a string quartet serenading you from the Minstrel’s Gallery above the historic Great Hall, or an intimate ceremony overlooking the beautiful herb garden, The Commandery will help you create a truly memorable day. n For more information please visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 5 n
HERE & NOW
A PLASTIC BAG’S JOURNEY The plastic carrier bag has been a part of our everyday lives since the 1970’s. They can now be found all over the world; quite literary, from the depths of our oceans to the sides of our mountains. It is not surprising considering they have been produced at a rate of billions of bags a year worldwide, and in most houses there is a carrier stuffed full of other carriers in some dark hidden corner. But where do all the rest go if they are not being reused? And what do we do with these pesky plastic cast-offs that are no longer fit for reuse? We can’t put them in our recycling bins as they will mess up the machinery at the recycling centre. Fortunately at last there is a solution; we send them back to where they came from.
All the major supermarkets have signed up to something called the UK Plastic Pact, and as well as carrier bags, other ‘soft’ plastic items including salad bags, crisp packets, bread bags and frozen food bags can be returned to the stores for recycling. Check out www.recyclenow.com/recycling-locator to see what facilities are available in your area for recycling soft plastics. Currently only 6% of plastic bags and wrapping are recycled in the UK, although soft plastic packaging makes up around 20% of all plastic packaging on the market. So there is much more we can all do. So, what happens then to the plastic you returned to the store? It gets bundled up into
a bale where it transported to a specialist recycling facility and sorted into different types of plastics as much as possible and sent to other plastics recycling companies. It is turned into plastic pellets which are then be reformed into new plastic items, both large and small including more bags, packaging, garden furniture and compost bins. We can all do our part to improve the recycling rate and a visit to your local supermarket with a bag of plastic bags is a great place to start. n For more information on reducing waste please visit www.letswasteless.com Written by Dean Warren, Let’s Waste Less volunteer
Plastic is a problem...
...that we can solve together
n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
ANDREW ALEXANDER GARDEN DESIGN NDH Hort. (Pershore)
G LO AR W HERE & NOW 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
M f o t u
g n i ov
g ntin u a d s. This nd tip . e a e tak der advic n E u PAG to owing e THE v R l E l OV fo e ha UED s w rd the TIN k N s a CO a ful t on bo s s e str ing yet by tak g ly itin exc cessful t s o uc he m ore s t f m o one igated s i e av hom n be n g vin ca Mo spect pro
S e h t e
o s s e r t
k a T
n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
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 Get organised and plan early Make a list to help you prioritise the actions and make a note of the timeline for when those actions need completing. You will then be able to check that you remain on schedule to avoid the need for urgent last minute activity. So get organised and plan early, essential for as successful move… Consider using a professional moving firm Using professional and experienced movers is one of the best ways to make moving house less stressful. This will save you much time, headspace and things will be loaded correctly, lowering the risk of breakages in transit. Select a professional removal company that offers dedicated move managers also has the added benefit of someone who helps people move house every day guiding you through your move to make sure everything’s on track and that nothing is overlooked. Let someone else pack... Ask your removal company about their professional packing services. Whether you opt for full packing to save you the hassle or part packing just for valuables like antiques and china, you can relax knowing that everything has been packed safely and
correctly into the appropriate boxes with the right labels. Allowing the professionals to pack is likely to mean you are fully covered by their insurance arrangements also.
Always speak to your move manager about
Obtain comprehensive removals insurance This is essential. It’s highly likely that nothing will get broken, but it’s always the way that if you don’t have insurance, something will.
and essentials box
your insurance options and check the detail of what is and isn’t covered. Ensure you have an overnight bag The kettle, tea bags, milk, sugar, snacks, CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
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 n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
HOME & GARDEN
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 11 n
HOME & GARDEN problems to make loading and unloading as straightforward as possible. Do you have a shared drive? If so warn the neighbours and put our cones to prevent visitors taking the space you need. Do you have a refuse collection that day, are there any road works planned that will affect access areas, do you need a permit from the local authorities etc. Last minute problems cause the stress levels to go sky high so minimise the risk by preparing your access in advance.
phone chargers - these are just some of the items you’ll want to keep on you on the day of the move. Other things to consider include freezer boxes for moving frozen goods, pen and paper for taking meter readings and towels and toiletries for a quick-post move shower along with a change of clothes. Think about the first
things you will need in your new home in addition to the kettle - bedding, food items, cutlery etc, and ensure these are ‘last in first out’ of the van, or kept in your car. You also need to consider who will look after the pets and children on the day. Easy access? Make sure you have sorted out any access
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
Advise people early that you are moving – make a list One of the best tips for a stress-free move (and one that people often forget in the rush to get packed and moved) is to start contacting people about your change of address before you go. Make a list of people and companies you must tell about your move? Friends, relatives, schools, utility companies, etc. Get new address cards printed and put together an email distribution list to simplify the process by only needing to send the email once. n Max Edwards Uplifting Removals Suite 146, 79 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NT Tel. 07717 509613 www.upliftingremovals.co.uk
n Innovative Design n Competitive Pricing n 40 years Experience n Free 3D Cad design Service n Professionally operated by caring tradesmen n Please check our customer reviews on our website n Every Contract Fully Project Managed
Lifetime Guarantee on installation work Contact Chris direct on 07791 661 347 E: chris@crgkitchens.co.uk
www.crgkitchens.co.uk
n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
HOME & GARDEN
Made-to-Measure Curtains & Blinds Saphira by Romo
• Free consultation in your own home • Fitting service available • • Extensive range of fabrics and accessories • Opening Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm | Sunday - Tuesday : Closed
61 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1EU
T: 01386 556 411 | M: 07527 047647 | E: veragilesinteriors@btconnect.com
www.veragilesinteriors.co.uk
ANSWERS
Opkill working in partnership with Worcestershire regulatory services to provide pest control for local residents and businesses.
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 13 n
HOME & GARDEN
Pin Cushion Collection totals £49,000 in The Cotswolds On 3rd March, Cotswold auctioneers Kinghams offered a private single-owner collection of novelty silver pin cushions and enamel boxes which totalled £49,00 hammer price in their Fine & Decorative Arts auction.
The collection consigned by a private collector is one of the largest and finest of its type to come on the open market in recent years. Comprising over 40 silver pin cushions mainly from the early 20th Century, there were various shapes and forms to indulge connoisseurs of this niche collecting market. Attractive pre-sale estimates, detailed photography and marketing helped generate worldwide interest resulting in most estimates exceeded on the day and a delighted vendor. At the turn of the last Century, a number of Birmingham silversmiths cemented a reputation for creating ‘toy’ silver items, ie small novelties such as miniature furniture, boxes, vesta cases and of course pin cushions. Most of the key Birmingham makers were represented here including Adie & Lovekin, Levi & Salaman, George Loveridge & Co, Crisford & Norris and Robert Pringle to name a few. A few London and Chester makers were also represented such as Sampson Mordan and Henry William Curry. It is easy to see why the market for small novelty silver items is so buoyant. Small in size means posting is a simple affair, an endless array of shapes and makers to pursue plus easy to
display and upgrade/exchange should the collector wish. In this unique collection there was a menagerie of farm, domestic and wild animals on offer. From ducks, hedgehogs, pigs and elephants to more unusual examples such as a goat, a monkey, frog, polar bear and even a kangaroo and Humpty Dumpty. Individual highlights included Lot 165, a kangaroo resting on a bar made by W.J. Myatt of Birmingham in 1908 which fittingly sold to an Australian collector for £1,050. Also on the safari theme, Lot 174, a cushion in the form of a giraffe with 1912 import marks for Berthold Muller exceed its £400-600 estimate to bring £1,800. Lot 162, another wild animal, this time a rhinoceros hallmarked for Birmingham 1908 brought £1,660. Another wild rarity was Lot 181, a 1906 Crisford Norris cushion in the form of a lizard which sold for £900.
valuations are also undertaken. Specialists in all fields are on call, from jewellery, watches, silver and paintings to furniture, collectables, ceramics, glass and much more. For further information or to make a booking please phone 01608 695695, email enquiries@kinghamsauctioneers.com
or
visit
our
website:
www.kinghamsauctioneers.com n By Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director, Kinghams Auctioneers, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire Note: all individual prices quoted include the 23% buyers premium and any other additional online bidding fees
SPECIALISTS IN SINGLE-OWNER COLLECTIONS NATIONWIDE VALUATIONS & ADVICE Jewellery | Watches | Silver | Ceramics | Glass | Decorative Arts Paintings | Furniture | Clocks | Design | Books | Designer Goods
One of the top prices and a particular rarity was Lot 178, a realistically modelled polar bear by Cohen & Charles, Birmingham 1906 which was hotly contested to £2,050 by a UK private collector. Kinghams Auctioneers offer free home visits for clients who would like items valued for auction, estate clearance and downsizing advice. Probate and insurance
n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
Lange & Sohne wristwatch. Sold for £22,300
FREE HOME VISITS FOR LARGE/MULTIPLE ITEMS, ESTATE CLEARANCE & DOWNSIZING ADVICE
10-12 Cotswold Business Village, London Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0JQ 01608 695695 enquiries@kinghamsauctioneers.com www.kinghamsauctioneers.com
HOME & GARDEN
DISCOVER BOSCH AT CHAPMANS
WHEN QUALITY MATTERS
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
@WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 15 n VIEW OUR FULL RANGE OF BOSCH PRODUCTStAT WWW.CHAPMANSRETAIL.CO.UK
HOME & GARDEN
A Quick Guide to House Hunting Stipendium, has compiled a
Initial preparation - finance first
guide on what to expect when
Before doing anything, it’s vital to precisely
it comes to finding the right
calculate what budget you’re working with. This
property to buy, as well as running through
means figuring out how much you have for a
some of the most common mistakes house
deposit, how much you can borrow and how
hunters make when searching for their
much you are going to be able to afford for the
perfect home.
monthly repayments you’ll be required to make.
They have broken down the homebuying
On top of this, it’s important to budget for other
process into 12 essential steps via their
costs like house moving, conveyancing fees,
first product release, Merge, and will be
stamp duty, and furniture for the new home.
releasing a series of essential guides to help the nation’s homebuyers based on
Wants and needs
these 12 steps.
With your budget in place, it’s time to separate your wants from your needs. Start by making
• Get mortgage ready
a list of everything you want in a new home -
• Book mortgage appointment
garden, garage, number of bedrooms, location,
• Find a property
and so on. From this, extract the things you
• Make an offer and get accepted • Instruct a conveyancer • Understand property surveys
actually need. You might want a fourth room, but you only need three, for example.
• Offer and exchange
Doing this will make it easier to identify potential
• Get new home ready
properties and will also reduce the risk of you
• Get utility ready
getting in over your head with a home that is
• Exchange contracts
out of your price range and unnecessary to
• Moving day checklist
your requirements. The help of an experienced
• Completion day
estate agent can make this process much easier.
n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
Get on the market If you’re funding your purchase with the sale of an existing property, it’s definitely a good idea to get your house on the market as soon as you can, and well before you start searching for your own. This will help avoid delays later down the line. Begin the search There are a number of ways to search and it’s best to do all of them at once. Under your own steam, you can utilise all of the popular property portals while also speaking to estate agents in the area you are hoping to buy. When speaking to them, be as specific as you can about your needs and wants, timeframe, and budget. It’s also important to consider the local neighbourhood, from the road itself to the surrounding area. Can you see yourself being happy living in this community? Location, location and life stages While your initial view of an area is the primary indicator of whether or not you’ll want to live CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
PRE-PAINTED
DOORS professionally painted, supplied & fitted
ONLY £135 each FREE SE HOUVEY SUR ay! to ll d ca
Choice of 4 different designs, complete with 3 hinges plus a choice of high quality brass or chrome handles.
Call Justin: 01905
inc
Hanluddes Hing les & VA es T!
672079
www.door-suppliers.co.uk
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 17 n
HOME & GARDEN there, it’s also vital to consider what may be important to you going forward. For example, those with plans to start a family further down the line may not be considering school catchment areas when it comes to their current purchase, but this could be a vital factor in a year or two, so it’s well worth thinking about when looking to buy. You may find a nice property to downsize to later in life, but if that town is earmarked for considerable regeneration, it may not provide the peace and quiet you value once this regeneration begins and more buyers are attracted to the area. Future regeneration may also be a positive, allowing you to buy at a lower price point in an area that’s due to benefit, with the value of your property also likely to rise as the years go by. Buying a property is often a long-term commitment and so it’s as important to think about where you will be in five years, as it is to think about where you currently are and what it is you value the most. Viewings and follow ups Viewings are all about you. Not the agent. Not the seller. This is potentially your new
home so you need to make sure you’re looking at it carefully and thoroughly. Take notes, including on how you feel, not just what you see. Always turn up on time, and be polite to the seller. If you end up in a competition with another buyer, it can often come down to which buyer the seller prefers. Finally, always try to look around the property with vision - what could you do with it? How will it look once your furniture is inside? Or if this wall was knocked down and that one painted in a brighter colour?
• Overlooking important flaws • Forgetting to consider the surrounding area • Either rushing an offer, or dragging feet both are equally bad • Getting desperate and making rash decisions Christina Melling, CEO of Stipendium, commented: “For some people, the search for a new home is the most exciting part. All of that preparation, from budgeting to mortgage approvals, is finally paying off and now you actually get to explore real world options. For others, this is when it all starts to feel very real and, therefore, overwhelming.
If you fall in love with a home on your first viewing, go back for a second time, preferably at a different time of day. Make this visit much more thorough - turn on the taps, check the oven works, flick on all the lights, and so on. If the seller is present during the viewing, DO NOT be tempted to make an offer on the spot.
This is a huge decision you’re making and
8 common house hunting mistakes • Not taking time to calculate the budget • Missing out the vital step of getting a mortgage agreement in principle • Not shopping around and therefore missing potentially ideal homes • Lacking vision and thus allowing unimportant issues disguise potential
Use these simple steps as your guide and you
not one that can be made lightly. But, if you’ve prepared well and you’ve budgeted accurately, by prioritising your needs and keeping fingers crossed for your wants, it can be a more relaxed experience. Remember, this is your search, nobody else’s. won’t go far wrong in finding the right home for you. But this is just one step of the buying process, there’s plenty more to come before you can move in. That’s why our concise 12-step programme is such a valuable tool, turning something daunting into something very manageable.” n
Worcestershire
Now
If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team.
n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
Rachel Seabright
Kate Gilmartin
Tel: 01905 727900 Email: rachel@pw-media.co.uk
Tel: 01905 727905 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk
HOME & GARDEN
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 19 n
NATURE NOTEBOOK
Glow-worm female glowing © Wendy Carter
? e n o g , g in w o l g , g in w Glo The light of a glowing beetle was once much more common across Worcestershire but they’re still hanging on... On a balmy evening last summer I left the door open later than usual and in flew a male glow worm. I was so excited! It’s hard work to try and find glow worms these days so to have one in my house was incredible. What’s even more exciting is that it probably means that there’s a glow worm population not far away – the males are reluctant fliers so, theoretically, he’d come from relatively close by. Despite their name, glow worms are actually beetles. Only the females glow brightly; males and juveniles have the ability to produce a weaker glow but rarely do. The yellow-green glow is called bioluminescence – a chemical reaction – in a number of segments at the base of the abdomen. Flightless females clamber up tall grass stems, lift the bottom of their abdomen into the air and glow to attract a mate…perhaps it was the glow of the light in my house that confused the male that arrived last year. As well as pesticide use and mismanagement of the places that they live, light pollution could be one reason for their decline – how could a female glow worm possibly compete with street or security lighting?
KEEP UP TO DATE Worcestershire Wildlife Trust @WorcsWT t worcestershirewildlifetrust G worcswildlifetrust.co.uk w
Adult glow worms live for just a few weeks and put all their energy into finding a mate and producing the next generation – they don’t even eat. This is left to the larvae who can take two to three years before fully maturing. During this time they are voracious snail
n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
hunters with toxic bites that paralyse their prey and dissolve its soft body parts. Glow worm larvae have occasionally been spotted riding on the snail’s shell, waiting for the process to complete before drinking the gloopy remains! Glow worms are widespread across Worcestershire but we think populations are decreasing – they’re certainly much harder to spot these days and in fewer numbers too. Could this be down to the fact that the females stop glowing when they’ve mated and we’re just not seeing them at the right time? So, here’s your challenge! Gardens, bases of hedgerows, railway embankments, canal towpaths, woodland rides – places where the grass is left long until late summer – are all places that you might spot a glowing beetle. To spot a glowing female you’ll need to be out when dusk has fallen and darkness is on its way (they burrow underground during daylight hours to avoid predators). Let your eyes adjust to the light levels and look carefully because they can be easy to miss. I’ll definitely be spending time this June looking for my local glow worm colony and I’ll be doing this as part of 30 Days Wild, the annual celebration of nature where we invite you to sign up for a free pack of inspiration to help you reconnect with nature each and every day of June. Take a look at w w w.w o rc s w ild li fe t r u s t .c o.u k / 3 0 Day sW ild for more information. n
HOME & GARDEN
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n
GOLDEN YEARS
The State of Ageing 2022 and Ageism Our population is ageing rapidly, and the number of people at risk is growing at an alarming rate. Across England today – depending on where we live and how well-off we are – there are differences of up to ten years in how long we can expect to live and more than 17 years in the time we get in good health without a disabling illness.
host of official statistics like the Office for
The latest data also shows a sharp increase in pensioner poverty, meaning that almost 1 in 5 people of pension age, are now living in poverty. The State of Ageing 2022 looks at data from a wide range of sources such as the English Housing Survey, the GP Patient survey, the Health Survey for England and the Community Life Survey, as well as a
England as well as its stated commitment
National
Statistics
(ONS).
Ultimately
it
shows that the experience of being older in England is getting considerably worse for many. The data demonstrates the huge challenges facing the government’s levelling up ambitions to reduce inequalities across to increase healthy life expectancy by five years. The Centre of Aging Better’s overall recommendation
is
that
government
appoints an Older People’s Commissioner for England to protect and promote the CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
Quality care in Worcestershire you can trust 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. Living
in
our
Worcestershire homes is all about quality of life. Every colleague in our homes is passionate about enabling residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and preferences. The lifestyle teams organise a huge variety of group and
one-to-one
activities,
with
plenty going on each day. Often families are so caught up in the day-to-day care of their loved ones that the personal relationship they share can take a step back. Once their relative has settled into our homes they are able to focus on spending quality time with them again just enjoying each other’s company. With the extra support that our care home offers, new residents n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
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 To find out more about care for yourself or a loved one at Care UK, call our friendly team on 0330 057 3576 Brook Court care home, Kidderminster Careuk.com/brook-court Kay.mayes@careuk.com Chandler Court care home, Bromsgrove careuk.com/chandler-court paul.chambers@careuk.com Perry Manor, Worcester careuk.com/perry-manor donna.townley@careuk.com
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n
GOLDEN YEARS
based on their age. It affects everyone. A-list Hollywood actor Maggie Gyllenhall was told at 37 she was ‘too old’ to play a role opposite a 55-year-old man – suffering from the all too common double whammy of sexism and ageism. Ageism will impact us all at some point, particularly as we get older. And we don’t have to look across the pond to see glaring examples of it: it’s the most widespread form of discrimination here in the UK.
rights of older people and to help make England a better place to grow old in. The Centre’s Niall Ryan highlights the consequences of ageism, and what we can do to tackle it in his latest Blog it makes a challenging read for all of us. “My friends say I should act my age. What’s my age again? The iconic MTV reality comedy show Jackass shows no sign of slowing down, returning this
n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
year with a fourth film in its franchise. The film features a cast of characters carrying out dangerous stunts and pranks on each other. Its lead performer, Johnny Knoxville, is now 50. Perhaps this is simply a form of so-called male ‘arrested development’. Or maybe these individuals mark a change – a refusal to grow up and ‘act’ as society thinks they should, simply based on their age. What is ageism? Ageism is when people are unfairly treated
For example, eight years ago Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was forced to apologise for calling Manchester City’s manager, Manuel Pellegrini, something ageist, insulting and unpublishable. Pellegrini was 60 then. Pardew is 60 now. It turns out discrimination, like life, comes at you fast. This highlights just how absurd ageist attitudes can be. Simply put, it’s a prejudice against our future selves. Age old problem Ageism is everywhere. From our workplaces, where as we get older we are treated as CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 25 n
GOLDEN YEARS
less able or given fewer opportunities for progression, to our healthcare system where older people are often described as ‘bed blockers’. Surely the real bed blockers are those in charge who failed to plan ahead. Think about it: we don’t call people who get Glastonbury tickets ‘gig blockers’. The demand simply outweighs the supply. The media often portray older people as rich baby boomers, but age does not equal wealth and millions of people in their 60s, 70s and beyond are living in poverty. In fact, the Independent Press Standards Organisation doesn’t even set standards in regards to age discrimination, despite age being a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. I’ve heard people refer to ageism as the last acceptable form of discrimination. I don’t agree. Unfortunately, racism, sexism and ableism are still all too acceptable in certain circles. But perhaps ageism is the most normalised? So much so that older people will freely describe themselves in negative ways such as ‘past it’ or ‘over the hill’. We need to avoid ‘othering’ language that positions people in different age groups as ‘them’ and not ‘us’. I accept this can sometimes be difficult. We tend to group with the people closest to our age – those
we grew up with. Sometimes I look at the generations coming after me with their Tik Tok and think ‘that’s weird’. But these snap judgements aren’t helpful to anyone. To avoid lazy stereotypes and prejudice, I must think to ensure everything I say or do is not ageist. To age or not to age? That is not the question. Ageing is living. Yesterday we were all a day younger and tomorrow we’ll all be a day older. The point being, we are on this one-way flight together. Also, age is not just a number – it’s a clear indication of how old you are. It just
isn’t anything to defy or fight. Making small changes to how we speak and write about ageing can have a big impact. Age isn’t the Let’s end it.” n
problem.
Ageism
is.
Niall Ryan Communications Officer Ageism – Centre for Aging Better ageing-better.org.uk/blogs/what-doesageism-look ageing-better.org.uk/publications/summaryreport-state-ageing-2022
Woody the Woodland View mascot goes on tour Woodland View care home in Droitwich has unveiled its very own mascot, a woodland squirrel called Woody. “When we opened in October, we wanted to welcome residents into their new home but also make sure that their connections with the local community were not lost. Having a mascot like Woody is a lovely way that we can support our residents to connect with the local community where many of them have lived their whole lives.”
The care home on Woodland Way, which opened in October, launched a competition to design a mascot which residents could share with the local community. Woody, a woodland squirrel holding a purple acorn, was designed by 13-year-old Evie Pinder, from Droitwich High School, who won the competition. Evie’s drawing has now been brought to life and is currently on display in Droitwich Library. Eight smaller Woody’s, dubbed the ‘Woodettes’, have also been made and are now on tour around Droitwich, visiting cafes, garden centres, churches and even the local hospital in the run up to Easter. The care home is inviting any local businesses, schools or community organisations to get in touch if they would like one of the Woodettes to visit them. n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
Woodland View, operated by Ideal Carehomes, is a residential and dementia care home. It is welcoming new residents for short and long term placements with a unique inclusive fee to give peace of mind to residents and their families. n Cindy Hawkins, Woodland View’s home manager, said: “Woody is a fantastic mascot for Woodland View and Evie’s design was perfect because she really considered our name and location when she came up with Woody.
For more information, call 01905 917 358, email woodland.view@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.
GOLDEN YEARS
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n
LIVING HISTORY
County Hero Killed at Waterloo One of the most famous battles in history is the Battle of Waterloo, fought in 1815 between the French Army under Napoleon and the Anglo-Allied forces under the command of Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. The 29th Regiment of Foote, that later became the Worcestershire Regiment had fought heroically for Wellington throughout the Napoleonic War leading to the Duke saying ‘we must find recruits for the 29th Regiment, one of the best regiments in the British Army.’
Waterloo. His Regiment described his great
In the summer of 1815, as regiments were being drawn together to take on Napoleon again, the 29th Regiment was on the far side of the Atlantic in America! It was called back to Europe but arrived late on the 18th June to find Wellington’s forces had won the day.
distance from the field he was thrown from
However Henry Walton Ellis was one of several officers and men who fought in the Battle in various regiments. Henry is remembered in Worcester Cathedral with a beautifully carved plaque. He is also remembered in Belgium near to the site of the fighting. Henry was born on the 29th November 1782 and was the son of Lt Col John Joyner Ellis. His Father had been MP for Worcester and was also a career soldier. The Christening took place at St Nicholas Church in the City almost a year after his birth on the 6th October 1783. The church is now a pub called the Slug and Lettice. His Military Career began when he was just weeks old, when his father purchased a Commission for him, in the Regiment he was serving in at the time - The 89th Regiment of Foot. In the 18th and 19th Century Commissions in the British Army could be purchased by Gentlemen and their Fathers who wanted to set their sons on a career for life. The higher the rank and the more important the regiment, the more money you had to part with! Unfortunately his military career almost came to an end just days after, when the 89th Regiment of foot was disbanded. He was then put onto half pay until a transfer could n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
heroism in the Battle, fought on the 18th June. He was amongst his men in one of the famous British Squares when he was shot in the chest! “Feeling himself faint from loss of blood, he calmly desired an opening be made in the square and rode to the rear. At a short his horse whilst in the act of leaping a ditch; here he was found soon afterwards, much exhausted and conveyed to a nearby outhouse where his wound was dressed. In the course of the night of 19th June the hovel in which he was lodged unfortunately caught fire and he was with difficulty rescued from the flames by Assistant Surgeon Munroe of the RWF, but was exhausted by so many shocks be arranged by his father and the government body at Whitehall in London.
and on 20 June expired.”
In 1789 Henry Ellis was transferred into the 41st Regiment of Foote, bringing him back to full military pay. When he was 9 he then began to move through the ranks starting with Lieutenant and transferring to the 23rd Regiment of Foot (The Royal Welsh Fusiliers) in September 1795.
Henry Ellis was buried in the cemetery next
The British Army, at the time, was involved in fighting the French in Europe. He was wounded at least 8 times, including during the famous engagements in the Peninsular War - Albuera and Badajoz.
him in the church.
Henry Ellis was eventually made Colonel on the 14th June 1814, became a Knight Commander of the Order of Bath and even given the honour of being made Freeman of the City of Worcester in December of the same year. He was presented with a Silver Vase whilst the Mayor said the gift was in respect of his “meritorious services, so repeatedly displayed in the defence of his Country.”
on that fateful day. n
The following year Colonel Henry Walton Ellis was leading his Regiment in the Battle of
Two French writers in 1869 confirmed “Sir to the church of Waterloo” but sadly his whereabouts today are not known. When Discover History delivered a Battlefield Tour of Waterloo in 2015, we visited his monument now located in the courtyard of the Wellington Museum in Waterloo and also the plaque to
We would recommend visiting the battlefield or finding the magnificent Memorial Plaque in Worcester Cathedral near the West Door. The carving shows the moment he was shot
By Paul Harding, Discover History Facebook and YouTube - Discover History Instagram and Twitter -DiscoverHISTPH www.discover-history.co.uk Discover History is an award winning education and Living History Performance Company based in Worcester. They specialise in the local history of Worcestershire and deliver school workshops and history days, living history performances and talks across Britain.
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
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 29 n
Puzzles
SUDOKU - FIENDISH
If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 13 5
8
3
7 9
9
9
7 4
8
9 3
2
2
8
3 3
5
6
6
1
2
4
8
2 8
1 5
3 2
4
8
8 6
1
6
4 3
4
6 2
5
3 2 4
3 7
8 9
8
7
5
1
5
5
7
5
3 7
2
5
7
4
1
4
1
5
3
3
6
4
7
8
8
1
7
8
5 7
8
8
4
8
Find and cross out all the listed words. The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.
8
3
5
WORD SEARCH
2
8
5
1
4
9
9
4
4
4
4
3
9
3 3
1
6
7
4
4
9
3 7
5
7 5
9 4
8
9
6
6
3 6
9
8
8
8 7
1
2
7
1
2
9
1
3
5 1
2
2
4 7
5
L
E
M
O
N
A D
E W Q G
R
F
B
E
F
I
G
K
G
I
T
E
A
I
E
I
P
R
V
P
L
I
A
H
L
N H
T
F
Z
E
N
I
N
D
A
O
C
B
I
T
B
E
S
F
U U Q N
H
I
A
W
H
E
B
A
R W L
S
E
K
S
E
S
C
R M
I
V
X
J
K
N G
F
K N
BARE FEET
ICE CREAM
SUNSCREEN
B
E
N
E
J
R Q E
E M Z
K
L
Y
G
BEACH
LEMONADE
SUNSHINE
G
U
J
P
A
P
L M S
Y
I
L
H
BOAT
POOL
SWIMMING
S
H
Q
J
O W S
E O
R
P
H
F
FLIP FLOPS
STRAWBERRIES UMBRELLA
P
R
S
A
N
O G
E
N N M D
F
P
G
FLOWERS
SUMMER
W
K
Q
R
D
A
L
T
U G M R
L
G
R
V
N
I
C
E
C
R
E
A M E
S
O
J
C
U
M
B
R
E
L
L
A H
E
R
G
P
X
R
T
S
T
R
A
W B
E
R
R
I
E
S
I
L
Y
B
O
A
T
S
U N
S
C
R
E
E
N M
n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
WATERMELON
S
F
I
U
Spring forward Botanic garden | Museum | Gallery Tea room | Gift Shop winterbourne.org.uk 0121 414 3003
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 31 n
What's On EDUCATION What's On
OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH
James Bay Live After Racing Saturday 11th June, Worcester Racecourse
JUNE
Platinum Jubilee Community Festival
James Bay Live After Racing Grand Stand Road, Worcester, WR1 3EH. BRIT Award winning singer/songwriter – JAMES BAY – is pleased to announce a special appearance at Worcester Racecourse this Summer. Within a short six years since his debut, we’ve already seen many sides of James Bay... There was the GRAMMY® Award-nominated troubadour with dusty acoustic anthems of heartbreak on 2014’s Chaos and the Calm. This evolved into losing the hat and leaning into a much louder sound for 2018’s Electric Light and finally mixing the two sounds together on 2019’s Oh My Messy Mind EP. Make your Saturday extra special! Join us at Worcester Racecourse to experience the thrill of watching live horse racing as thundering hooves fly past you heading towards the finish! Then enjoy a LIVE performance from BRIT award winning singer James Bay! The perfect excuse to get family and friends together to enjoy a fantastic day of racing and live music. Tickets are priced at: £35.00 Advance STBF – Adult (General Admission) £25.00 Advance STBF – Children under 18’s (Under 5’s free admission) Parking – £5
Free entrance & activities Gates open
Saturday 11th
n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
Christopher Whitehead Language College. An outdoor festival for the whole community. 11:30am. Live music: Blobbie Williams, Polkadot Robot, Lolly Parton, I-Sing Choir, Worcester Ukulele club, Vamos Theatre, Worcester Mela, Studio B Performing Arts, Circus Skills, Drumlove Djembe drumming, Arts & Crafts, Activities & Games, Side stalls, Fairground ride, Brunswick Inn Licensed Bar, Hot food, Candy Floss, Sweetstall & much more!
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th Hellens Garden Festival 2022 The theme for this year’s festival is ‘Growing the Future, the revolution starts here’ and the event will showcase ways in which we can take action for the environment, inspiring creativity and change. The gardens and meadows of Hellens Manor, will once more be filled with practical and creative demonstrations, exquisite flowers and plants, skilled artists and craftspeople, delicious local food and drink, live music, sculpture and much more. The Festival programme includes informative and engaging talks, including ‘HGF Gardeners’ Question Time’
and a ‘Grow your Own’ forum with BBC allotment guru Terry Walton. This year showcases a new ‘pollinators corner’, with insect inspired workshops and a host of nature play activities and actions for wildlife. All profits from the event are donated to St Michaels Hospice and Back to the Wild CIC. www.hellensgardenfestival.co.uk
Sunday 12th Bretforton Open Gardens Main Street, Bretforton Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11. Enjoy a variety of garden styles and immerse yourself in history and tradition. More than 10 gardens are taking part and range from attractive cottage gardens with rose pathways and herbaceous borders, little hidden gems, newly constructed gardens, Bretforton Village School gardens, Bretforton’s allotments to the grounds of Bretforton Manor. Some of the surfaces and paths in the gardens may be uneven and children should be accompanied by adults at all times. The Manor dates back to 1605 and has 5 acres of mixed formal and informal areas with all yearround interest and colour with lots of unusual plants, water features and listed buildings. Refreshments, sandwiches and homemade CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
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
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n
EDUCATION What's On you whilst you enjoy your delights. Farmers Market – third Saturday of each month – Come along and show your support.
Sunday 19th Ludlow Secret Gardens 12noon-6.00pm. 10 lovely private gardens, diverse in style, size and setting, not normally open to the public, Ticket/map £10 www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk online or in person at LAR Box Office. This is a fundraising event for Ludlow Assembly Rooms, the town’s thriving Arts and Entertainment Centre, now is its fabulous newly refurbished building.
Friday 24th
Fun Dog Show Sunday 12th June Worcester Animal Rescue Shelter cakes will be available in the grounds of The Manor as well as a Tombola and Nursery grown plants. A shuttle bus will be available to take visitors around the village. A share of the proceeds will go to the Caring Hands in the Vale and Campden Home Nursing. Tickets are available on the day from Bretforton Manor and The Ark, Main Street, Bretforton. £5.00 Fun Dog Show Fun Dog Show in aid of Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter Hawthorn Lane, Newland, Worcs, WR13 5BD. £3 per class. Judging from 11:30am/ 11am-4pm. Free Admission. Raffle, Tombola, Stalls, Refreshments and much more
Tuesday 14th - Saturday 18th Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced Malvern Theatre - Middle Ground Theatre Company Ltd present A Miss Marple Mystery, A Murder is Announced. A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, 29 October, at Little Paddocks, at 6.30 pm. The lights go out and a gun is fired. Starring Sarah Thomas (Last Of The Summer Wine), Barbara Wilshere (The Lakes/The Paradise Club), Tom Butcher (The Bill/Doctors), Karen Drury (Brookside), Lucy Evans (Coronation Street), Tom Gibbons (The Archers) plus a full supporting cast.
Friday 17th Bumper Blyton The Moors, Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 3ED.A riotous improvised parody chock full of innuendo and lashings of puns, in the style n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
of the Nation’s favourite author, Enid Blyton. Come and delight in lashings of ginger beer, grab a cheeky tongue sandwich or wrap your lips round a nice spotted dick! Cast yourself back to your childhood in a show that’s utterly unique and spontaneous with this a satirical take childhood favourite books like The Famous Five and Mallory Towers. A cast of the UK’s best-known and award-winning improvisers (as seen in; Austentatious, Showstoppers! and TV’s Doctor Who) invent a hilarious improvised adventure live on the hoof based on audience suggestions. Performed in vintage costume with music and songs, the show offers a hilarious tongue-in-cheek homage. It’s Enid Blyton... For grown-ups! £13
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th Royal Three Counties Show Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW. Royal Three Counties Show 2022 is taking place June 17-19, celebrating countryside and rural life from the three counties. With over 6000 animals to see at the show, it truly is a grand day out for the whole family. £16 – £39
Saturday 18th Great Malvern Farmers Market – Boffy Markets Local products from meat to fruit, vegetables to cheese, beer and cider, sweet treats and much more. Buskers will be there to entertain
Tenbury Wells Country Market Homemade, Home Grown and Home Produced. Local market, takes place every Tuesday. A selection of homemade products such as cakes, savouries, soups, apple juice, jams, preserves, honey, eggs, fruit and vegetables, plants, crafts, soap, cards, gifts etc. Refreshments also provided Tuesdays 9:30am-12noon Held next to Tenbury Wells Swimming Pool (WR15 8SF)
Saturday 25th Enchanted Riverside Walk Join us on Saturday 25th June for an enchanted fundraising walk along the River Severn in the City of Worcester in aid of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust starts at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester. WR2 4QQ. Setting off from the Worcestershire County Cricket Club, the sun will start to set along this scenic 7k route walking alongside the River Severn and the Diglis waterside and at the time of the Summer Solstice we are inviting everyone along to an unforgettable evening of magic, mystery and memories. Entry is £10 per adult (16 years and over) and £5 for children (15 years and under). Your entry fee only covers the administration costs of the walk, so by asking family and friends for sponsorship, you can help us raise the vital funds needed to support families facing childhood cancer. 4.30 start.
Sunday 26th Open Water Festival 2022 Lenches Lake, Evesham Road, Church Lench, Worcestershire, WR11 4UB. This year’s Open Water Festival will be taking place on Sunday 26 June 2022 The event is once again being held at Lenches Lake, Evesham and will be sponsored by dryrobe. Prizes will be awarded to 1st place winners in each swim, along with certificates in a presentation ceremony after all races have taken place. CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 35 n
What's On Wednesday 29th June Sunday 3rd July Evesham Walking Festival Come and explore one of the loveliest parts of England. You can put your best foot forward in Evesham’s third Walking Festival during 2022. Choose from a programme of routes that will show you why the Vale of Evesham, the North Cotswolds and Worcestershire are such wonderful places to visit.
JULY
Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd Evesham Festival of Words A celebration of words in all their forms, written, spoken, or sung. Seven years ago, the much loved Evesham Festival of Words was born. Interestingly, the word ‘festival’ is defined as an often, periodic celebration or programme of events or entertainment having a specified focus. Unlike literary festivals – which focus on the written word in book format – Evesham Festival of Words celebrates words in all forms, whether it is written, spoken, or sung. July 1-3 is when the main 2022 events happen, this is an all-year celebration. ‘We don’t have huge events; we have smaller ones in smaller venues which means it is more intimate and you can get close to the author. You don’t
have to wait a year for the next festival; there is something to satisfy your appetite every month,’ says Sue, who is festival chair. eveshamfestivalofwords.org/programme/
Saturday 2nd Funtopia At Redditch The BIG day out for little kids is coming to Redditch for the first time ever!!! We’ll be offering 3 amazing, fun-filled events in the summer of 2022!! Our fun-filled festival is packed with Bouncy Castles, Obstacle Course, Inflatable Slide, Bungee Run, Human Wrecking Ball, Inflata-Bull, Nerf Wars, Driving School, Circus Skills, Sumo Suits, Giant Games, Space Hopper Races, Crafty Corner and more – all included in the price of your wristband! We even have an incredible Under 5’s area for our mini guests, filled with Bouncy Castles, Soft Play, Ball Pool, Ride On’s, Giant Piano Mats and other fun toys and games. Funtopia is designed especially for younger visitors (Up to 10 years of age) and we encourage all grown ups to play too! Opens 11am Visitors can enjoy unlimited play on the activities and inflatables as many times as they like during their stay! Open 11am – 5pm Tickets from £2.50 - £32 There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day. Wristbands go on sale from 10:30am on the event day.
Malvern Green Space: Seed & Plant Swap Come along to support Malvern Green Space’s free, family-friendly community seed and plant swap at Somers Park Methodist Church. Bring your own seeds and plants to swap (if you can, but don’t worry if you don’t have anything to bring). You’ll also be able to get seed saving, sowing and garden planning advice, as well as join the Seed Circle. There will be activities available for children. The event will be repeated on the first Saturday of the month (10am – 12pm) until September and more information is available on the Malvern Green Space website.
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th Fae Festival Drum and Monkey, Upton, Worcs. Divine Alchemy present Fae Festival: a 2 day festival featuring The Dolmen, Connach, Aziza Belly Dance Troupe, Brumvik Viking Village, Healers, Dragon Ceremony, Archery, Psychics. Drumming Circles Special Guest: Chianna Fae Artist Weekend and Day Tickets and Camping Available Saturday & Sunday – 10am-7pm each day. Email: divinealchemyevents@gmail.com
Worcestershire
Now
If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team:
n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
Rachel Seabright
Kate Gilmartin
Tel: 01905 727900 Email: rachel@pw-media.co.uk
Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk
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
What's On
The Hanbury Countryside Show Returns! Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, Hanbury Countryside Show returns on Saturday 2nd July 2022 to celebrate the very best of Worcestershire with a great day out for all the family! The ETG Civil Engineering Main Arena is packed with exciting acts including the spectacular Broke FMX motorcycle display, show jumping and mounted games displays. With over 1000 competitions across the Show for horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, dogs, crafts,
Three Choirs Festival 2022 - 23-30 July, Hereford Welcome to the Three Choirs Festival – A grand celebration of choral, vocal and classical music in all its forms! Join us to experience the powerful sound of massed choir with symphony orchestra in the magical setting of Hereford Cathedral. This 8-day festival showcases rich and varied musical traditions from around the world. From our evening offering in the Cathedral to our family programme, from our work with school children through to performances on our community bandstand, there is something for every music lover. If all you would like to do is have a beer or tea and cake in our café bar and soak up the atmosphere, you can still join the extended family! Performances will take place in a variety of venues across the city of Hereford and beyond, centring on the beautiful and historic Cathedral, home of the Mappa Mundi. For further information about our events and how to book, please get in touch either through our website www.3choirs.org, or by calling our friendly box office team (01452 768928 Monday-Friday, 10am until 4pm). n
n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022
cookery, floral art and gardening, plus a huge selection of shopping opportunities, children’s activities and a full day of music on the bandstand, it’s truly a fun day out, run by the Community for the Community. Tickets are limited and are available in advance at £14/adult (£18 on gate if still available). Children Under 16 have free entry and car parking is free too. Membership opportunities are available too. Please see www.hanburyshow.co.uk/ for further details. n
Pershore Midsummer Brass As we get used to meeting together again it is wonderful to have so many events happening around the area.
After a long break top of the list must surely be Pershore Midsummer Brass. In open air venues the bands will delight audiences with such a variety of music that you will be spoiled for choice. One thing is certain, you can relax with friends and family while the band plays on, maybe even enjoying a convivial glass and an ice cream; or you can have sandwich, burger or a meal. From morning until evening Pershore will have music filling the air and everyone will feel renewed and ready to continue enjoying all that the summer has to offer. n
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 39 n
the
Wagon Wheel at grimley
A delightful, traditional pub and A La Carte restaurant set in the idyllic Worcestershire countryside.
STILL OPEN AS USUAL
FAMILY OWNED AND RUN FOR 35 YEARS
IDYLLIC RURAL ENVIRONMENT TO ENJOY THE QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH SUMMER
BOOK NOW FOR FATHER’S DAY 01905 640 340
Bar Meals / A La Carte Menu and Traditional Sunday Lunch. Our full menu is on our website. Call to book or for more details.
The Wagon Wheel, Grimley, Worcester, WR2 6LU | www.wagonwheel.co.uk
n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 218 | June 2022