Worcestershire Now MARCH 2018

Worcestershire

Now

REFURBISH YOUR HOME MOTHER’s DAY GIFT GUIDE Mr PhoEbus and elgar MARCH 2018 | Issue 175

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

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

Worcestershire

10

Now

20 26

Contents

36

MARCH 2018

HOME & GARDEN 10

Refurbish Your Home

16

RICS UK Residential Market Survey

20

The Top Health Benefits of Gardens

22

Spring Your Lawn Back to Life

26

Nature Notebook

30

Health & Beauty 28

Our Gift Guide For Mother’s Day

30

Pretty in Print

34

Walk - Malvern to Callow End

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

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

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

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Contributors

Brooks Country House Elgar Birthplace Museum Green Thumb RICS UK Sapey Golf Club The Chateau Impney National Garden Scheme West Midlands Safari Park Worcester Festival Choral Society

Wendy Carter Glynis Dray Age UK

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42 40 44 WEDDINGS

52 54

36

How to Choose Your Wedding Venue

40

Competition - Brooks Country House

Food & Drink 42

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Golden Years 44

Debt Advice

EDUCATION 50

Get Ahead With Pitman Training

Our Events Diary 52

Living History

54

Competition - West Midlands Safari Park

56

What’s On This Month?

competition winners Cheltenham Racecourse M. Hillman, Malvern SAKS Bromsgrove G. Byatt, Bromsgrove

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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.

n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA Safari Park Leaps to Sponsor Worcestershire School Games West Midland Safari Park are delighted to announce that they will be the education sponsor for Worcestershire School Games in 2018.

Local schools have spent weeks taking part in numerous inter-school competitions, culminating in the county final on 12 February for the Winter Games. The Summer Games will take place on 3 July and will include some of the Park’s very own costume characters, who will be cheering the students on.

park, said, “The Worcestershire School

Holiday Clubs at the Park’s Safari Academy

Games is a fantastic opportunity for all school

are available during the summer holidays

children to participate and keep themselves

and February, May and October half term for

active. We are very pleased to be their

8 to 15 year olds. Further information can be

education sponsor.”

found at www.safariacademy.co.uk.

She continued, “We have Holiday Clubs in our brand new Safari Academy for children from 8 to 15 years and ensure that they balance keeping active whilst exploring nature.

This partnership is the perfect fit for our Education Department as it really matches

Two lucky student leaders from Bewdley School were invited to celebrate this exciting partnership by meeting the park’s troop of ring-tailed lemurs, alongside staff from Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire (SPHW) and the safari park.

our own message for young people. We’re

Nicola Anslow, Education Manager at the

really looking forward to both the Winter and Summer Games!”

The ring-tailed lemurs can be seen in Lemur Woods, which is included in the standard admission charge of £24.00 for adults, £19.00 for children aged 3-15 and £22.00 for concessions. Admission includes a Free Return Ticket. Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra. n Further information and tickets are available

The Winter Games will take place at

from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk

Bromsgrove School, where students will have

or by telephone 01299 402114. You can

the opportunity to compete, officiate events

find out more on the Safari Park’s official

and even have a go at media reporting.

Facebook page: WestMidSafari.

Worcester Festival Choral Society brings Haydn’s masterpiece The Creation to Worcester Cathedral this spring retelling of the seven days of the creation of the world, with texts from Genesis, the Book of Psalms and Milton’s Paradise Lost, all set to Haydn’s glittering score.

Appearing with the 140 members of Worcester Festival Choral Society will be acclaimed soprano Sarah Fox, tenor John Bowen and bass Edward Seymour, whose voices firstly represent the angels Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael, and later, Adam and Eve. Meridian Sinfonia provides the symphony orchestra and Worcester Cathedral’s Director of Music, Peter Nardone, will conduct. The concert will be sung in English.

The Creation was the first work ever performed by Worcester Festival Choral Society after its formation. The 1862 concert, held in Worcester’s former Music Hall in Cornmarket, marked the start of an illustrious history for the Society that has included being One of the region’s leading choirs, Worcester Festival Choral

conducted by Sir Edward Elgar, and performing for HRH Prince

Society, is bringing Haydn’s choral masterpiece The Creation to

Charles as part of the Three Choirs Festival chorus. n

Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 17th March, the same work the Society’s predecessors sang 156 years ago at its historic inaugural concert.

Featuring extensive choral and orchestral forces, The Creation is widely regarded as Haydn’s most popular and enduring choral work. Its powerful choruses and solo arias create a musical

n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

Concert tickets are £10 - £25 (some concessions available) from the Society’s website www.worcesterfestivalchoralsociety. org.uk and the Worcester Live Box Office, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, tel: 01905 611427.

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Here & Now

GOLF CLUB SAVED FROM CLOSURE CELEBRATES 100 NEW MEMBERS Last summer the doors of Sapey Golf Club were due to close for good when, with only days to go, Wyldecrest Golf & Leisure bought the Club as a going concern. Seven months on and the newly named Sapey Golf & Country Club is thriving following an initial programme of investment which included repairs to the course’s signature hole water features. But that’s not all, many of the original members have re-joined and innovative membership offers have attracted many young players to join a golf club for the very first time.

“We have created a membership level for occasional golfers as well as offering junior membership absolutely free of charge. To secure our future we have to keep recruiting young members and we are delighted that the average age of our membership has dropped from 64 to 59 in just over six months” says Sales and Marketing Manager, Cheryl Waring.

The club have also introduced a successful programme of social events which have become the talk of the area, So much so that the club has introduced social membership for the first time in its history with 49 members joining in the first 3 months. “The January Abba and Rod Stewart tribute nights were complete sell outs, says Cheryl.

The Chateau Impney Hill Climb 2018 Chateau Impney Hill Climb will return on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July 2018. Expect the unexpected at the fourth instalment of this spectacular event offering the thrill of motorsport combined with the pleasure of a summer garden party.

Climb and the Bugatti Owners’ Club will

The Hill Climb will be hosting the second round of Ralli 22, a selection of Group A, Group B and WRC cars competing against the clock.

played host to a series of speed trials,

The Michelin Supercar Expo will wow the crowds in conjunction with the Supercar Driver Club, with 100 supercars on display within the grounds.

There will be over 200 invited pre-1967 cars tackling the challenging 885-metre course, along with exotic cars and bikes from every era performing demonstration runs.

Once again, the Chateau Impney Hill n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

be jointly awarding The ERA Challenge Trophy to the best performance by an ERA or ERA-engined car at both La Vie en Bleu, held at Prescott Hill Climb, and the Chateau Impney Hill Climb.

From 1957 to 1967, Chateau Impney attracting

some

of

the

best-known

hill climb competitors and thousands of

thrill-seeking

spectators.

The

Chateau Impney Hill Climb has brought motorsport back to Droitwich as an annual event, celebrating the Chateau’s unique and exciting motoring heritage.

Once again, this summer the Hill Climb will welcome in excess of 18,000 visitors and VIP guests to the grounds, which will be transformed from a country estate into one of the most picturesque motorsport venues in the country. n

Wyldecrest Chairman and CEO, Alfie Best always has time to hear the views of members and staff at all levels but doesn’t see himself as the Club’s owner, “I just steer the ship, my team and I are just caretakers of this business.

The real success is building a business that can sustain itself far into the future, long after we’re gone and we do that by putting people at the heart of what we do”. Alfie knows a thing or two about developing businesses.

Having started Wyldecrest Parks in 2001, it has grown to be Europe’s largest holiday park operator with more than 60 sites in the UK. In the meantime, membership at the Club continues to grow and at a recent new member welcome evening Alfie Best announced the imminent arrival of three golf lodges for play and stay golf, confirmed that the new swing simulator installation project is set for a spring 2018 opening and that plans to build a new swimming pool and gym were advancing well. n

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Home & Garden

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15%OFF ALL ORDERS IN MARCH

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Home & Garden

Cosmetic Makeover Michael suggests that a property that is looking unloved, full of clutter with tired decor and a worn out kitchen and bathroom can be transformed for under £5,000. A clever cosmetic makeover scheme can up to 10% to the value of a property, and more in some instances.

Start by removing old tired floor coverings, curtains and as much clutter and nick knacks as possible. Prepare the walls so they are ready for painting, stripping old wallpaper and sanding and filling to get a smooth finish. If the walls are in very poor condition it is best to get a local plasterer to reskim with a finishing coat of plaster throughout the house, creating walls that are completely new. The approximate cost for a three bedroomed average house is about £2000. You can then repaint the walls in a nice light neutral shade, such as an off-white, and the same on the ceilings. This will reflect light and make the property feel more spacious.

Repaint the woodwork such as skirting, architrave and doors, in a complementary neutral colour. n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

If you have found lovely wooden floors, these can be sanded down then stained or painted. If they are not in good enough condition wooden laminate is from just £3-4/m2. Using the same neutral carpet throughout your home is a great way of creating flow and there are great savings to be had by buying larger quantities. Update the light fittings and shades for inexpensive new ones. If the bathroom suite is out of date, replace it with a simple new white suite (from only £300-£400). If you have the budget, consider updating the kitchen too.

Update the Kitchen Giving your old kitchen units a new look can be easily achieved without tearing it all out and for a fraction of the cost of a totally new kitchen. If you like the layout and storage space, keep your carcasses and simply replace the doors, handles, worktops, sink, taps and splashbacks for a fresh look. If you look at a new standard kitchen (including handles but excluding appliances and worktops) that costs about £3,500, around £2,200 Continued over the page

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden of the price goes on the carcasses. Replacement doors starting from around £20-50 per door will save on the units and labour costs, but also on a lot of disruption. If you want to change your kitchen’s layout, you can reuse the existing carcasses for one run, and add new ones elsewhere, and then fit matching doors and worktops, or choose two complementary styles.

clean up and remove the dead plants; remove all weeds;

Adding an En-Suite Shower Room Having an en suite to the master bedroom is a must-have for many new purchasers and young families. This improves privacy and neatly solves the morning conjestion in larger households. Providing the layout is carefully thought through, an en suite shower room need not be very large – a space as small as 0.9m x 2.7m is adequate for a WC, basin and 900mm square shower tray, and anything larger than this is a bonus. A wet room design, where the floor forms the shower tray, with an in-floor drain, can fit in even less space - just 0.9m x 2.4m. Space can be found by subdividing one end of a large bedroom using a timber or metal framed stud wall. Alternatively, a section of an adjacent bedroom can be divided off using a stud wall, and a new doorway formed in the partition wall. A simple shower room can be built for about £3,000 including stud/metal framing, basin and taps, enclosed cistern WC, shower mixer and arm, tray, door and basic white tiles.

If your home’s exterior is looking tired or is characterless

Makeover the Garden Or at the very least tidy it up! An attractive, tidy and well designed garden can make a property far more saleable and will in turn add to its value. Make sure you carry out the basics:

quick cover it is a fast-growing vine that clings to walls and

n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

repair and feed the lawn; cut back overgrown and prune trees and shrubs. Then create interesting shapes with beds and borders, adding in colour and interest with planting. Most garden work can all be done on a DIY basis but a designer to give you a layout to work to is a good investment.

Makeover the Exterior you can do a great deal to improve its kerb appeal and add value in the process. Clean down and repaint the windows, doors and garage door, plus any external joinery such as bargeboards of fascia and soffits. Removing tired and out of vogue features can restore a property’s value by widening its appeal, as can reinstating period features. Adding a well chosen porch or porch canopy in a style appropriate to the existing house can do a lot to provide a focal point and add character. If the roof is covered in moss you can clean this off with a pressure washer but be sure not to do any damage to the tiles of slates. Repair any cracks or damage to render, brick or stonework, including repainting if necessary. If the walls are patchy or the house has been altered, repaired or extended using different mismatching materials, consider painting with masonry paint. If you have green fingers, an alternative would be to plant a fast growning climbing plant, Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus Quinquefolia, provides other surfaces. The leaves turn brilliant colours in the Autumn and can work wonders in hiding an ugly exterior. Be sure to keep any vine well trimmed to keep the kerb appeal. n

Home & Garden

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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. n Don’t delay contact Ellen today to arrange your free quotation: Tel: 01684 561425 Mobile: 07955 074813 www.malverncurtains.co.uk t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 15 n

Home & Garden

RICS UK

Residential Market Survey, January 2018 The West Midlands housing market has started the new year off in a similar fashion to the closing stages of 2017, according to the January 2018 RICS UK Residential Market Survey.

In January, new buyer enquiries, instructions and sales all continue to drift lower, across the region, as the three month sales expectations also point to further declines in the coming months. Having said that, there is a little more optimism regarding the twelve month sales projections which are now modestly positive for the West Midlands, this is also visible in the accompanying comments from contributors to the survey.

Meanwhile, there is no sign of an upturn in the flow

For a fifth month in succession, new buyer enquiries in the region declined with 11% more respondents reporting a fall rather than rise. Similarly, newly agreed sales also slipped, extending the run of negative readings back to December 2016. Only London has seen a longer run. Going forward, this subdued sales trend is expected to continue in the near term with 18% more respondents expecting sales activity to fall in the coming three months. However, respondents envisage sales slightly picking-up for the West Midlands over the next twelve months as a whole.

The price balance for the West Midlands remained

n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

of properties coming to the market with 40% more respondents seeing a further decline in new instructions this January. Nationally, respondents were asked about the pipeline for instructions going forward. At a headline level it does not appear to be improving, with 10% more respondents noting the number of valuations undertaken over the month was below the figure for the equivalent period of last year.

positive in January with 28% more respondents seeing a rise in prices across the region. UK wide there has been modest price growth.

Moving to near term expectations, price expectations over the next three months remain flat pointing to the pace of growth potentially easing in the region. However, at the twelve month horizon, expectations are positive Continued over the page

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Home & Garden in the West Midlands. In the West Midlands’ lettings market, tenant demand edged up in the three months to January (seasonally adjusted series), but landlord instructions fell back slightly once more. This imbalance prompted positive rental growth expectations for the near term.

Andrew Grant, FRICS, of Andrew Grant LLP in Worcester commented: “There is a continuing shortage of new instructions coming onto the market which is stagnating activity.”

Colin Townsend, MRICS, of John Goodwin in Malvern commented: “It has been a slow start to the year particularly on new instructions. However, there are plenty of new buyers entering the market and the last week of the month saw an upturn in activity.”

John Andrews, FRICS IRRV, of Doolittle & Dalley, commented: “A quieter market over the last month

due to shortage of new stock. More property will come up for sale as spring approaches with strong demand anticipated.”

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist commented: “The latest RICS results point to housing transactions at a headline remaining pretty subdued over the coming months despite some more positive comments from contributors to the survey. Lack of inventory on agents’ books continues to provide a major challenge with the number of valuations being undertaken not suggestive of a pick-up in new supply anytime soon.

“Divergent regional trends remain very much to the fore with the market in many parts of the country still actually behaving in a solid if unspectacular way despite the downbeat headlines. Affordability issues continue to play a key role in explaining this pattern with those areas where house price earnings are most stretched seeing the softest markets.” n

...there are plenty of new buyers entering the market and the last week of the month saw an upturn in activity.

n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

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Home & Garden

The Health Benefits of Gardens

Chosen by National Garden Scheme Garden Owners

The National Garden Scheme has been helping garden owners open their gardens to raise money for nursing charities since 1927, and subsequently the link between gardens and health has always been prevalent in their work.

To further delve into the reasons gardens can benefit a person’s health, The National Garden Scheme has been gaining feedback from their most valuable resource, their garden owners and visitors. Over 600 of their National Garden Scheme garden owners responded to an online health survey, here are their top health benefits of gardens and gardening: Gardens can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Perhaps a widely assumed statement that 91% of garden owners surveyed agreed with, affirming that having access to a garden has had a positive impact on either their physical or mental health.

Garden owners also felt their physical strength was improved because of gardening, including better recovery from illness or having better than average health for their age. 85% of garden owners who answered the question ‘Does gardening help you with mobility on a day to day basis?’ responded that it did. n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

National Garden Scheme Garden Owners agreed that gardening was the perfect way to de-stress and get through any periods of sorrow, depression or anxiety, with 70% agreeing that their garden gave them a feeling of happiness and positivity. 74% of garden owners surveyed said that they use their garden for relaxation, whether by gardening or relaxing in their garden and enjoying their achievements.

Many garden owners commented that gardening helped them build muscle, including after treatment, like orthopaedic surgery.

When asked how gardening has helped them physically, one garden owner commented: “Gardening helps to keep you flexible. I’m 70 this year and can still bend down and touch my toes easily. When gardening you are using all your muscles to bend and stretch and as long you don’t overdo it. Constantly using my hands has helped keep arthritis at bay apart from the odd twinge.” n For more information please visit www.ngs.org.uk

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Home & Garden

Spring Your Lawn

Back to Life!

Spring cleaning your house is traditional, but your lawn too deserves the same TLC to keep it healthy, weed-free, and looking its best for the busy Summer ahead.

Households in Worcestershire can contact GreenThumb, the UK’s premier lawn care company. Its mission, as THE specialist local expert, is simple: to give customers a wonderful lawn and exceptional service.

GreenThumb Worcester offers a wide range of Lawn Care Programmes, from a top-quality Spring Treatment to the best-ever, brand-new Lawn Makeover. It gives your grass all it needs, at exactly the right time, and throughout the year. And it tailors all its programmes/ treatments to your turf’s needs.

The standard seasonal programme – in Spring, EarlySummer, Late-Summer, and Autumn-Winter – provides a finely ‘balanced diet’ to ensure maximum benefit. Each treatment is customised to target weeds, feed the lawn and control moss, and so ensure a continuous pinnacle of health. n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

Lawnmowing Tips GreenThumb Worcester advises on how correct lawnmowing on dry and sunny days can make a huge difference. It specifically recommends: • Always sharpen or replace your lawn mower blade regularly, to avoid tearing the grass.

• Never remove more than one quarter the grass height in any one cut. Cutting it too short can weaken the grass and encourage weeds, moss and lawn disease.

• Remove grass clippings which contribute to surface thatch and then moss.

Continued over the page

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Home & Garden Good Spring weather allows GreenThumb Lawn Operatives to apply a special seasonal fertiliser – formulated to work even in cooler temperatures – to give grass essential nutrients to grow strong and vibrant in colour. They also control any emerging, young weeds, especially broad-leaved such as Dandelions, with a selective post-emergence herbicide.

GreenThumb uses unique, bespoke products – especially their exclusive range of Nutragreen® fertilisers – to ensure the best possible results. Their lawn operatives are professionally trained to advise and treat to the highest specifications.

As the very first to operate in the UK and with over 30 years of experience, GreenThumb is the largest and most recommended by customers. Proof of this is its Which? Trusted Trader accreditation. The Worcester branch treats the lawns of over 3,000 customers a year, with up to 40% recommendations from their highlysatisfied customers.

ever possible – the company has just launched its unique, exclusive, and revolutionary Lawn Makeover programme! It creates a perfect lawn, at a fraction of the cost, time, and inconvenience of laying new turf!

GreenThumb Worcester owner, Mark Bishop, says: “Our Makeover is ideal for anyone who wants the ultimate lawn. You can replace old, dying or poor-quality turf full of coarse and weed-grasses, with the most luxurious, green and weed-free lawn possible. Re-turfing is often a householder’s first thought – but our Makeover is far superior and saves around 50%.”

GreenThumb Worcester leads the way locally, setting the gold standard others may try to follow. The team would love to hear from you. For a free, no-obligation appointment and quote, you can: • Call 01905 840740 or email worcester@greenthumb.co.uk • Visit www.greenthumb.co.uk/branch/worcester • Measure your own lawn at www.greenthumb.co.uk/measure for an estimate. n

Unique Lawn Makeover If you want THE GreenThumb lawn – the best-

Re-turfing is often a householder’s first thought – but our Makeover is far superior and saves around 50%.

n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 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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Nature Notebook Common Frog © Jim Highman

Perfect Weather...

Com mon To

ad © Dawn M

onrose

For Amphibians

It’s about this time every year that I call a few friends and we get wet for the sake of a few frogs and toads.

When this happens depends on the weather; what’s great for them – a mild, drizzly evening – isn’t necessarily the kind of weather that we normally like to head out in! So why do we do it and how do we know what we’re doing?

Rather amazingly and completely unknown to our noses, ponds give off pheromones. To me it seems like alchemy - when the temperature is right, the daylight is lengthening and, seemingly, the stars are aligning, it’s time for our amphibian friends to wake up and head to ‘their’ water body to meet a mate and breed. Unfortunately, because we’ve either filled in their usual ponds or broken up their routes with roads and other obstacles, sometimes our croaking pals need a helping hand. Welcome in ‘toad patrollers’! On toad crossings up and down the country, people wearing high-vis jackets move toads (mainly) from one side of the road to the other, helping them on their way. We count how many animals have been rescued (and how many haven’t) as well as noting what kind of animal they are; last year we rescued more than 450 toads, frogs and newts on the four toad crossings that we monitor.

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

Contrary to popular opinion, amphibians such as toads, frogs and newts don’t spend all year in ponds. Outside of the main breeding season, you’re more likely to find a toad under a clump of earth or a frog hiding under a pile of rubble at the bottom of the garden. During winter, as the

n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

temperature drops, they enter a state of torpor (it’s like hibernation) before waking up to the smell of ponds as milder weather approaches in late winter/early spring. For toads, this means heading from their hibernation grounds to their traditional breeding ponds and this can bring them into conflict with cars.

As we’re moving toads from one side of the road to the other, how do we know what we’re moving?

Toads and frogs are surprisingly different when you take a good look. Toads tend to crawl rather than hop like a frog (and often take a breather right in the middle of the road). Although frogs can be varied in colour, toads are usually brown and their skin is warty; frogs are often more mottled and have a stripe across their eyes.

After all the peril of their long journey, life doesn’t get much better for the offspring! Toads and frogs lay c2000 eggs each – garden ponds can look like they’re overflowing with spawn. Don’t despair though – females lay so many eggs because a staggeringly small percentage will survive to adulthood; you won’t be over-run.

Discover more about wildlife in our Species A-Z www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife/species-a-z or look for a registered toad crossing near you www.froglife.org/toadsonroads. n Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Nature Notebook

Have You Treated Yourself to

a New Caravan or Motorhome?

Caravan Stuff 4 U is an independent, family run business that has been serving the local community and beyond for around 14 years.

Its aim is to provide top quality goods at sensible prices, along with sound advice from fellow caravanners. From small beginnings the company now sources more than a million pounds worth of caravan & camping accessories and spares for

you every year - and this number is growing!

With their outdoor awning display and well stocked shop, choosing goodies to bring extra space, comfort and luxury to your home from home is a pleasure. You’ll also find all the essentials like Calor gas,

kettles and loo chemicals too. If you are new to the hobby, they can help you kit out your van with everything you need – pop in or shop online for free UK delivery. They even offer 0% finance on larger purchases (t&c’s apply) and gift vouchers if you really can’t decide what to choose! n

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Health & Beauty

Our Gift Guide

for Mother's Day...

Here’s our Mother’s Day gift guide. Whether you know her taste to a ‘t’ or you’re totally stuck, you’ll find something perfect for her here.

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Health & Beauty

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1. NATURA SIBERICA

Love the benefits of active charcoal face masks but don’t have a spare 20 minutes to leave them on? Well, it seems those in the know can’t get enough of Natura Siberica’s Northern Soap Detox for Deep Facial Cleansing. What’s more, this award-winning soap is certified organic and packed full of adaptogenic wild harvested Siberian herbs and berries, rich in valuable oils and vitamins. With a gorgeous almond aroma, this soap is easy to use, simply apply to the skin with the soft sponge, which is included in the box, and then wash off. No waiting, no peeling, no mess and no fuss.

£12.00

2. ELEMIS

Finding a product that works to deliver a 24hour solution to radiant skin can prove difficult.

ELEMIS Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules work to deliver around the clock replenishment.

These purifying pods contain Moringa Oil which provides 1700% more anti-oxidant power than other essential oils, quickly rejuvenating your skin. Medical-grade Rose Absolute in the pink morning capsule works to hydrate, whilst the Lavender Essential Oil in the green evening capsule relaxes, balancing skin before sleep.

£66.00

3. ELEMIS

If your mum is new to the Pro-Collagen range, the Pro-Collagen Starter Collection is the perfect introductory collection to gift this Mother’s Day. With four of the best-selling Pro-Collagen products, this curated collection will provide her with a potent marine regime, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Complementing our hero Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 (30ml), the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (20g) is a luxurious cleanser that removes all beauty products from skin in an instant, leaving the face renewed with a glowing complexion. To complete the set, the Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment (15ml) and the Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Mask (1 pair) will be a saviour this Mother’s Day, with instant hydration and firming for a more youthful appearance around the eyes.

£65.00

4. CHANEL

selected an anti-puffiness and anti-dark circle complex, which decongests and energises the eyes, as well as a moisturising complex to smooth and firm the eye contour and combined them with the three BLUE SERUM longevity ingredients.

£57.00

5. CULT51 A revolutionary 3D experience, Cult51 Day Cream has been formulated with high quality active ingredients to leave skin softer, firmer, and more luminous from the inside out. Day Cream is the ultimate moisture-boosting cream, with skin still 20% more hydrated after 12 hours than before it was applied.

£40 - 20ml £100 - 50ml

6. ELEMIS

In 2018, the BLUE SERUM line expands with a care product specifically for the eye area, made for those in search of instantly fresh and luminous eyes with youthfulness that lasts.

It is widely known that the eye contour is a delicate and vulnerable area subject to dehydration and premature ageing. In order to meet these needs, CHANEL Research has

For the third-year in a row, ELEMIS is proud to support Women for Women International with the launch of a Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 100ml designed exclusively by British Accessories Designer Karen Mabon.

£99.00

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Health & Beauty

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Health & Beauty

Catchment areas: Solihull, Central Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Warwick & Worcester

Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com Call: 01827 892952 or 07815 460786 Quote: HAND&WRIST1 All patients welcome whether you have private medical insurance or you are self-paying Midland Hand Clinic lead by Mr G Shyamalan FRCS NHS consultant hand surgeon.

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1. Powder Forest Hare Print Scarf in Mustard Yellow | £22.00 | www.cuckooland.com 2. Deep Red Floral Asymmetric Hem Dress | www.sosandar.com 3. Botanical Floral Tea Dress | £69.00 | www.sosandar.com 4. Floral Clutch Bag | Faith | £20.00 5. Black Floral Print Backless Loafers | £16.99 | TK Maxx

Health & Beauty

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KEEPING ACTIVE Start / Finish: Walk starts/ends at Newland near Malvern.

Public Transport: Nearest Railway Station at Malvern Link. Please check current timetables. One mile each way to Start/Finish point or catch No. 44 Bus from opposite ‘Co-op’ towards Worcester and ask for ‘Newland’.

Parking: There are a few parking areas around the greens near ‘Pyndar Court’ and at Newland or you can park in nearby Madresfield and start and end the walk at Point 3. No parking at the Retail Park, Malvern as this is for customers.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 190

Malvern to Callow End

Circular Walk

Distance: The main walk is 8 miles. Shorter option 5 miles (see map).

Time: Allow all day to do main walk. Shorter walk approx. 2-3 hours.

Refreshments: There is a supermarket at the Retail Park. There is a convenience store at Callow End. Coffee or a light lunch can be provided at ‘The Old Bush Inn’ between 12noon and 2pm for walking groups by prior arrangement. Please telephone: (01905) 830792.

Terrain: This walk is almost level with a few gentle slopes, some stiles, gates, kissing-gates and foot-bridges. Unfortunately, the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Dogs on leads near livestock and traffic please.

After heavy rain, some areas get waterlogged. Please wear waterproof walking boots or comfortable wellies. Poles can be useful.

History: Along the route there are historic Churches at Newland, Madresfield and Callow End and a more recent Church at Stanbrook Abbey designed

by E.W. Pugin in the 1860’s. During the French revolution (1838), two dozen Nuns moved to Stanbrook Hall. In 1876 a printing Press was started here and did not cease until 1990. In 2002, 28 Nuns moved to North Yorkshire to a new Stanbrook Abbey and in 2010, the building at Callow End was refurbished as an Hotel and venue for Weddings, conferences and other events.

1. From Pyndar Court, Newland, walk west towards Malvern. At roundabout, turn left along grass verge, passing the Retail Park to small roundabout then 150 yards to crash barrier taking footpath into community woodland on left.

2. Walk with stream on right to open field. Cross stream into filed on right. Turn left down path between crops and under pylon line.

Continue to gateway with stile straight ahead (between houses). Take track to junction. Cross to lane opposite passing Madresfield Estate cottages painted dark green and bearing the Beauchamp Family Crest. The lane exits near pond (left) and an old timber-framed house on right. Pass ‘Hayswood Farm’ to next corner.

3. Take driveway through wooden gate on left. Fork right, passing beneath two driveways, to old kissing-gate at corner. The footpath goes left towards corner then right along edge of two large fields.

4. In third field, go through kissing-gate on left just past ‘Woodsfield Coppice’, across Madresfield Brook via brick arch bridge then up hillside, bearing right with hedge on right. Follow smaller brook to top right-hand corner, through metal kissing-gate, cross tributary stream and stile then walk up through woodland with stream on left to the ‘spring’. Note: Short walk – retrace steps to bottom of hill then follow bridleway to point 8.

5. Main walk continues over ridge to path behind cottages, pond on left, down track to cross-roads in paths. Go straight ahead over stile and along right side of field, over stile into Bush Lane. Turn right to main road at Callow End. The ‘Old Bush Inn’ is up next turning on left. Cross road and walk right through Callow End passing Village Hall, old milestone, ’The Blue Bell’ and the village store at Pole End. 6. ‘Stanbrook Abbey’ is worth the detour. Retrace steps back to two octagonal lodges. Turn right up lane for ¼ mile, taking stile into narrow woodland path. Follow stream and old drove road to timber framed cottage. Turn left.

7. Follow track and fenced detour round farm to small gate that leads onto common-land of Old Hills. Turn right then at next junction, look n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

for stile on left bank which you cross and walk parallel to track (hedge on right) as far as modern brick house. Turn right into ‘Deblin’s Green’. Path is in left hand corner but can get flooded (use lane). Turn left along bridleway and just before ‘Upper Woodsfield Farm’, short walk joins from left.

8. Turn right (left then right for those on short walk) to cut corner off.

Continue along track to sawmill and ‘Lower Woodsfield Farm’.

9. Turn left and either follow Jennet Tree Lane to Madresfield or take footpath on right that cuts across fields towards Newland via footbridge.

10. At lane, turn right then fork left where walk ends. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

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WEDDINGS

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WEDDINGS

Of course, this isn’t an easy task at all, so before you go rushing to see every possible wedding venue within a 100 mile radius, here are our top tips to help you with your search.

1. What suits you Nobody knows the type of wedding you want better than you! Deciding on the type of wedding you want and how your venue can reflect your tastes is all part of the fun. Are you going for a church wedding? Do you want to have your ceremony and reception in the same place? If so, then you’ll need to find somewhere with a license for civil ceremonies.

Think about whether you would like a formal or traditional wedding, or whether you’re going to do something more unusual. If you are absolutely set on bringing your own suppliers, you’ll need to choose a venue that will allow you to do so. Logistical details aside, choosing a venue has much in common with falling in love,sometimes you just ‘find the one’, and that’s it.

2. Your wedding date If you have your heart set on getting married on a particular date like an anniversary, you’ll need to choose a venue that’s available on that day. It really depends on what’s more important to you: the time or the place.

Remember that some venues are incredibly popular during the summer months and can get booked up years in advance. High summer is also peak wedding season so venues are often priced accordingly. If you’re after some savings and are flexible about your dates, weddings on Sundays, weekdays or in the winter can offer a great reduction.

3. Size What comes first, the guest list or the venue? In a chicken and egg conundrum, one can determine the other. If n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

your plans are for a small wedding with a small guest list, it makes sense to choose a smaller venue. However, if you fall in love with a venue but it can only cater for a party much smaller or larger than you’d planned, what will you do? You can make your guest list first then shop around for a venue to fit, or find your venue first and compile your guest list to size both can work.

4. Price Talking about the costs of a wedding is a very real part of choosing your wedding venue: knowing your wedding budget is key and can dictate your choice of venue to some degree. If you’re on a tighter budget, decide where you will splash out and where you will try to make savings. Do you want to spend more on your food and less on your venue, or vice versa? Or treat your guests to some stunning entertainment? Decide how much in total you have to spend, add a contingency amount for unexpected costs and then be prepared to have some discussions about what to spend on each wedding element!

5. Location Whilst it used to be tradition for a bride to get married in her hometown or at least where the parents live, but this is increasingly impractical for many couples. These days couples are more likely to choose a venue close to where they currently live, or a destination that is close to their hearts. One of the key decisions you have is choosing city or country. Both have their pros and cons: country weddings mean a good choice of venues and beautiful scenery for the photographs, but can be remote, inaccessible and have a lack of other amenities. Although your feelings about your venue are paramount, you may want to consider whether the location is a reasonable travel distance for your friends and family. If you have guests travelling from afar, is there plenty of other things to do in the area to allow them extend their wedding attendance into a mini break? n

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Competition

BROOKS COUNTRY HOUSE

Brooks Country House is a stunning Georgian manor house set in 15 rolling acres of Herefordshire countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty the Wye Valley. The manor dates back to the 1790s when it was home to Lord Symonds. Now it’s a newly refurbished boutique hotel family owned and run with a restaurant & wedding venue with twenty-two beautiful bedrooms all ensuite with goose down feather duvets big comfy four poster beds & vintage style furniture. Bathrooms are modern and slick with Hansgrohe power showers and marble tiles.

Additionally, there are three vintage horsebox glamping units which are situated by the old stables in the courtyard perfect for horsey types or fans of glamping.

The house has great facilities with on-site bar, restaurant serving delicious breakfast, afternoon tea, day time snacks and dinner daily. We are foodies at Brooks we have a kitchen vegetable garden a vineyard producing crisp white wine and our own chickens we source the remaining produce from local suppliers in Hereford.

The house has a snooker room with retro record player, a pretty guest lounge perfect for

afternoon tea or board games, a games room, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub & sauna and gym. There are lovely walks from the hotel and pretty market towns to discover along with kayaking locally in Symonds Yat. Should you require a private space we also have a garden conference room which is ideal for meetings or private group hire for classes with seating up to 25 guests.

In the summer our new marquee can be hired for a large party day time or night such as a wedding anniversary or milestone birthday.

We are easily found off the A49 between Hereford and Ross on Wye with close proximity to the M50 and A40 roads.

We would love to welcome you to Brooks Country House a hidden gem in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside nestled between Ross on Wye and Hereford.

Throughout 2018 children between the age of 0 – 15 can stay free at Brooks Country House when you book direct. n To book call 01989 730211 or email info@brookscountryhouse.com or www.brookscountryhouse.com

www.brookscountryhouse.com

To be in with a chance of winning an overnight stay and an evening meal for two people at Brooks Country House, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Which Lord lived in the Manor during the 1790s?

Answer: Name: Address: Tel:

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Brooks WN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP.

Email:

Closing date for entries is 21st March 2018. T&Cs apply. n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Celebrating

Mother’s Day Mothering Sunday is the perfect excuse to cook something delicious and get loved ones together just as a loving mother would. It is a time to focus on savouring the moment and celebrating one another. Along with great food, why not treat her to a bottle of something special to be shared and enjoyed.

Here at Upton-upon-Severn Wines we specialise in small, artisan producers who make wonderful, characterful wines that reflect their dedication to their craft. Wine is our passion and we would be delighted to welcome you into our shop and guide you to styles you love and to new tastes to try. We also stock a wide range of spirits including craft gins, fine malts, single estate rums and pure vodkas.

If red wine is the colour of choice the Il Passo Verde Nero

There are so many tastes to cater for and here are a few that may appeal to get you started.

started to stock two amazing non-alcoholic gins by Seedlip.

Try the Dominio de Tharsys Cava Brut Rose, (£11.50, 75cl), a beautifully coloured pink fizz from the Valencia region with lush smooth summer fruits. If feeling more extravagant, why not go for the Ruinart Rose Champagne, (£48.80, 75cl). This is a real treat of a Champagne with a pink-gold colour a fine mousse and tasting of ripe berries and cream with toasty pastry notes on the finish.

Spice 94 is packed with all spice, cardamom, oak and citrus

For white wine Grange des Rocs Picpoul de Pinet, (£9.90, 75cl) is a superb example of the style with lime zest, white flowers and a savoury finish and is great with seafood. Spain is producing great whites at the moment and the Davila O Rosal, (£14.40, 75cl), is beautifully clean and balanced with citrus, pear and nectarine flavours and a lovely linear mineral finish. n 42 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

D’Avola, (£11.60, 75cl), from Sicily is packed with ripe red and dark fruits and a smooth palate. The sunshine really comes through. For a classic Rhone the Lirac Moulin des Chenes, (£13.80, 75cl) is a fabulous wine in a similar style to Chateauneufdu-Pape. It is full, soft and generous with beautiful berry fruits, a velvety mouthfeel and long, balanced finish.

Not everyone wants an alcoholic drink and we have recently Garden 108 is a floral blend of pea, hay and herb flavours and peel. These are a super treat and the alcohol won’t be missed.

Clearly you know what the Mums in your life enjoy so if these suggestions don’t quite hit the mark please pop in and see us and we’ll find the bottle that says ‘thankyou’. n

Food & Drink

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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Golden Years

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ry ut t b , r ns aso ly o r e r a e of nd o nge ver to ntrol a a r e o e wid d it’s n gain c a r n re t, fo lone a ps to b e a e d t st into ’re no rst e t fi e e pag u g h e. o t f n y i the l a r e t c k e a ove ed one ber th elp. Ta ebt-fre y inu t n n h A m d Co eme o seek k to a r o t t ac late way b o o t r you d n fi

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Golden Years When should I seek help for debt?

It could be time to get help with your debt if you are regularly worrying about money; struggling to pay your household bills or paying them with credit; relying on your overdraft or credit card to get by; missing credit card repayments; hiding your spending habits from your family or avoiding letters and calls from your creditors.

What should I do if someone I know is having problems with debt?

You may have noticed a family member or friend acting differently. These signs may indicate they are having problems with debt: hiding post; being unusually secretive about money and finances; getting phone calls from unknown callers; struggling to make ends meet; avoiding activities they used to enjoy or asking to borrow money.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs or think someone you know may be having problems with debt, encourage them to seek help. But remember that they need to make the decision to get advice themselves. Giving them support and listening to them can make a big difference.

Who can I contact for free debt help and advice?

Some debt management companies charge fees for their advice. There’s no need to take on more debt when there is free help available. These registered charities have debt advisers who can give you free, confidential debt advice: • Your local Age UK can direct you to organisations that can help.

• Citizens Advice offers help face-to-face, by telephone or by email.

• Debt Advice Foundation provides free debt advice and support through its helpline (0800 043 40 50) and website.

There’s no need to take on more debt when there is free help available

n 46 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

• National Debtline provides advice over the telephone (0808 808 4000), online and by email. They can send you a free self-help information pack.

• My Money Steps is a free online debt advice service run

by National Debtline. You can develop your personal action plan to help manage your money and deal with debts.

• StepChange Debt Charity provides advice over the telephone (0800 138 111) or online via its Debt Remedy advice tool, providing a personal action plan and a recommendation of available solutions for dealing with debts.

• Advice UK has a network of independent advice organisations.

• Shelter provides advice about housing and homelessness, including managing debt, paying rent or mortgage arrears, and dealing with possible eviction or repossession.

How can a debt adviser help me?

A debt adviser will help you come up with a budget and a plan to pay back your debts. They will advise you on how to contact your creditors to arrange repayments. Some advisers will negotiate with your creditors for you.

Below are some things your debt adviser may discuss with you: • your income and expenses so the adviser can help you complete a budget.

• your circumstances, such as whether you own your home, so they can understand your personal situation and discuss what options might suit you best.

• your debts and creditors so they can advise you on the options for dealing with them.

• all your options and identify what steps to take next.

Continued over the page

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Golden Years

It’s important to tell the debt adviser if any of the following applies to you: • if any of the debts belonged to a spouse, partner or civil partner who has died • if your debts come from signing an agreement or a loan that you didn’t properly understand The following information is helpful for your debt adviser so try to have these on hand before you speak or see one: • bank statements for the past 3 months • how much you owe and to whom • any letters or demands from your creditors • how old your debts are.

What debts should I pay off first?

Be open with your debt adviser about all your debts so that he or she can help you to prioritise them, as not all debts are the same. Some debts, called ‘priority debts’, can lead to serious trouble if they aren’t paid. For example, if you don’t pay your mortgage, your home could be repossessed.

Priority debts include mortgage, rent, Council Tax, gas or electricity, water and unpaid fines Don’t panic if you’re behind on these bills. Seek advice as soon as possible so that you and your debt adviser can work out a plan of action to repay the money.

Can my energy be cut off if I can’t pay my gas or electricity bills?

If you don’t pay your gas or electricity bill within 28 days, your energy supply could be cut off. However, it can’t be cut n 48 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

off without notice and your gas or energy company must send you a warning letter. If everyone in your home is of pension age, they can’t cut off your energy supply between 1 October and 31 March.

If you’re having difficulty paying your gas or electricity bills, tell your supplier as soon as possible. You may be able to work out a payment plan or install a pre-payment meter.

What if I’m being pressured by creditors, bailiffs, or debt collectors?

You have rights when dealing with creditors, bailiffs and debt collectors. Talk to a debt adviser about what you can do.

Creditors can’t call you at unreasonable times, take payments without your permission, or add unreasonable charges. You can write a ‘holding letter’ to your creditors asking them to suspend any repayments and interest while you’re seeking advice.

Bailiffs can take non-essential possessions (for example, a television) and sell them to repay your debts. They can’t turn up without notice or force themselves into your home – they must give you 7 days’ notice of their first visit. Make sure you check a bailiff’s ID and get a receipt for everything they take.

Debt collectors can’t force entry, take anything from your home like a bailiff can, or demand cash payments from you.

They can serve you notice of court or debt proceedings so that the creditor will know you are aware of the proceedings. n For more information call Age UK on 0800 055 6112 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk

Golden Years

• Hourly Care • Daily Care • Live in Care

If you would like to give or receive care from our ‘Award Winning’ team then please give us a call

01905 641 070

www.eclipsehomecare.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

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EDUCATION

Pitman

Training

No matter what government is in power, no matter what political issues arise, you will always hear it’s all about ‘Education, Education, Education’.

The problem for many people is education and training finishes between the ages of 16-24 and unless you have a vocation where you have to undertake continuous professional development ‘CPD’ or a supportive employer, it is easy to become ‘stuck’ with no improvement to your skills.

Learning and training can be a ‘Lifelong’ experience that will provide many benefits both financially and personally and it’s easy to make a training plan to suit whatever spare hours or training budget you have available.

Pitman Training has 5 Top Tips for Lifelong Learning 1. Ignore the ‘naysayers’. You are not too old, yes you can teach an ‘old dog’ new tricks. Believe in yourself that you can learn new skills, you just need the right supported training environment.

2. Know why you want to learn. Is it for personal development, a promotion or to get your CPD done?

Be clear at the start and you will keep motivated to the finish.

3. Set realistic learning goals. Set goals week by week, this could be number of hours studied or completing a particular chapter. Learn in ‘bite sized pieces’ and remember the longest journey always begins with the first step. n 50 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

4. Learn with other people. Learning within a supported training environment with tutors to assist, will achieve a more enjoyable learning experience and better results.

Individuals learning on their own via a computer at home with no hands on support, are much more likely to either not complete the course or gain a lower grade even if they complete.

5. Embrace change, new skills, new challenges, and enjoy every minute.

Pitman Training is one of the oldest and arguably largest best well known independent training company in the UK. Founded by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1837, his invention of ‘Shorthand’ is still in use today.

Issac never stopped learning, founded a private school and was the first advocate of ‘continuing to develop new skills whilst working’, which is now known as CPD, Continuous Professional Development.

Do you want to make a change in your life? Do you want to achieve success? Do you want to prove to yourself you can do this? Then consider adding new skills and embracing Lifelong Learning and wait and see the results! n To find out more call Jazz today on 01905 20443 or email: Worcester @pitman-training.net.

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Living History

Mr Phoebus

and Elgar

Elgar’s wife Alice’s diary for the 10th July 1900 simply reads ‘bicycle sent for’. It’s hard not to imagine the long, heavy sigh accompanying these words as she penned them.

In 1900 Elgar was 43 years old, but he was never a man to let something as trifling as middle-age get in the way of his leisurely pursuits. His friend Rosa Burley had written to him from Scotland a few weeks previous, where she had attended a cycling holiday with cousins, only to discover on her return that he had bought his own machine and had immediately ‘wobbled round to The Mount with the suggestion that (she) should go for a ride with him’.

For the next decade or so, Elgar would travel far and wide upon his state-of-the-art ‘Golden Sunbeam’ bicycle, which he nicknamed ‘Mr Phoebus’ after the sun God of antiquity. He mapped out his travels on ordinance survey maps in thick red pen.

Along with the bicycle display we will have a special offer in the tea-room for those who arrive ‘on your bike’.

With free bicycle maps for those who wish to explore Lower Broadheath on two wheels.

The significance of The Firs’ collection is impossible to ignore. The myriad possessions that made up the world of an exceptional figure such as Elgar offer us truthful and poignant insight into the inner-workings of his mind – and his music.

Elgar often found inspiration in his wanderings, and cycling was no exception. Friends knew that should a sudden silence descend during a bike ride, it was best to keep quiet so as not to interrupt his mind at work.

Conserving such a broad and important collection, from manuscripts to musical instruments to gramophones requires dedication. 10 fully trained and passionate volunteers assist staff here in ensuring the collection is housed in the right conditions. Amongst other things, volunteers assist in measuring and controlling light fall, monitoring humidity conditions, updating reports on the condition of objects, cataloguing the collection and conservation cleaning.

No one knows exactly where Mr Phoebus is now, but here at The Firs we’re fortunate to have been loaned a 1910 model Sunbeam bicycle, which we’ll be displaying along with other collection pieces that tell the stories of Elgar’s cycling adventures in an inspiring and innovative setting.

We will always strive to ensure our conservation standards are of the highest level here – to ensure that these collections can be enjoyed forever for everyone.

Don’t be afraid to ask a member of the team what they’re up to if you spot them! Open Friday to Monday 10am5pm, there is always something to see at The Firs. n

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Our Events Diary

Competition

WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK

Staff at West Midland Safari Park are preparing for their best year yet, as the attraction prepares to celebrate its 45th year.

The busy schedule for 2018 includes celebrating the birthdays of animals born last year, an education partnership with art exhibit Worcester Stands Tall and the opening of their brand new prehistoric exhibit - Ice Age - which is due to arrive in Spring.

Continuing the journey from The Land of the Living Dinosaurs exhibit, the £1 million project will feature a huge volcano, ice cave and ferocious, life-sized animals, taking guests on an interactive exploration through time.

Adventurers will be able to walk amongst a gigantic woolly mammoth, a fierce smilodon and an enormous paracatherium, to name just a few.

As well as the brand new exhibit, the Park is also the official Education Partner for Worcester Stands Tall - a public art exhibition of decorated giraffe sculptures due to be dotted around the streets of Worcester during the summer of 2018. The event, facilitated by Wild In Art and brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice, will enable local schools and renowned artists to design and decorate the sculptures. Larger sculptures will eventually be auctioned off to raise money for the hospice.

The Park has also teamed up with Award-winning studio Aardman for their prehistoric comedy movie, Early Man. Fans of the film will be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of parts of the set used in the movie inside the ‘Early Man Secret Cave’, which will be at the Park until Easter.

Celebrating their first birthdays, guests can see how much the gorgeous babies of 2017 have grown during the past year. Fennessy the Rothschild’s giraffe is now a staggering 10-feet-tall and is showing no signs of slowing down!

Also on the Safari Drive-through is beautiful baby Fahari, the second southern white rhino born at the Park within two years. Full of confidence and charisma, the healthy youngsters have been a great success for the longevity of both species, whose numbers are dramatically dropping in the wild.

West Midland Safari Park opens daily for its summer season from 10 February 2018. Standard admission charge is £24.00 for adults, £19.00 for children aged 3-15 and £22.00 for concessions. Admission includes a Free Return Ticket. Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra. n Further information and tickets are available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. You can find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: WestMidSafari.

www.WMSP.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning one of three family passes to West Midlands Safari Park, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

What is the new exhibit due to open at WMSP this year called?

Answer: Name: Address: Tel:

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: WMSP WN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP.

Email:

Closing date for entries is 21st March 2018. T&Cs apply. n 54 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

If you do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from West Midlands Safari Park please tick this box

Our Events Diary

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What's On

MARCH Friday 2nd Eblana String Trio: Bromsgrove Concerts The Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove. 8pm. Formed in 2006 at RNCM, the Eblana String Trio won all the major chamber music prizes and were Junior Fellows at Birmingham Conservatoire from 2013 to 2015. Violinist Jonathan Martindale has been Assistant Leader of the CBSO since June 2016. Tickets £20. www.bromsgrove-concerts.org.uk www.artrix.co.uk Banff Film Festival Malvern Theatres. 7:30pm. Experience an extraordinary collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival. Follow the expeditions of some of today’s most incredible adventurers, see amazing footage of adrenaline packed action sports and be inspired by thoughtprovoking pieces shot from the far flung corners of the globe. This year there are n 56 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

two evenings that will ignite your passion

£14.95 plus 12.5% booking fee.

for adventure, action and travel. For double

Tel: 01684 892277

the adventure come along both nights for

www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

two entirely different film programmes. Two night discounts are available. 2nd March & 23rd March. Exciting events not to be missed with free prizes Visit www.banff-uk. com Programme highlights include: THE FROZEN ROAD Yorkshireman Ben Page is embarking on a solo bikepacking journey in the Canadian Arctic. He starts with romantic visions of perfect solitude, but as the latitude increases and the mercury falls below -30C, he discovers what it truly means to travel alone in this great emptiness.

INTO TWIN GALAXIES – A GREENLAND EPIC Top adventurers Ben Stookesberry, Sarah McNair-Landry and Erik Boomer are on an extreme mission in Greenland. Using

Saturday 3rd

kite skis, the trio tow their white-water

Judie Tzuke - Peace Has Broken Out Tour

kayaks 1,000km over the Greenland Ice

Huntingdon

Cap to reach the northernmost river ever

countrywide, sellout success of the Songs

paddled – and then the challenge gets

and Stories tour, Judie is back on the road

even tougher. Age Guidance: 12A. Tickets:

performing more of her special acoustic

Hall.

7:30pm.

After

the

>>

Our Events Diary

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What's On Tuesday 6th Cheltenham Festival Preview Evening – St Richard’s Hospice The Wood Norton Hotel, Norton, Evesham. 7pm-10pm. Come to the Wood Norton Hotel for the Cheltenham Festival preview evening at The Wood Norton.

Enjoy a delicious 2 course meal. Hear our expert panel of top jockeys giving their views, tips and predicitions ahead of the festival. For full details of this event and more, visit our website. www.strichards.org.uk/events

concerts celebrating the release of her long awaited, new album, Peace Has Broken Out. This promises to be an intimate evening of old favourites and songs from the new album, combined with stories from across her life and career. Judie Tzuke is one of the UK’s finest Singer/Songwriters and is known all over the world for her timeless song, Stay With Me Till Dawn, with many top 10 albums, including the revered classic, Welcome to the Cruise, and her exquisite live shows. Judie will be showing once again what an extraordinary artist she is! Tickets: £22.50.

Tel: 01905 611427 www.worcesterlive.co.uk Acoustic Trio Whalebone Eaton Bishop Village Hall. 7pm-10pm.

An award winning instrumental trio who blend Celtic folk music with strands of rock, Americana and Eastern European tradition are performing at Eaton Bishop Village Hall.

Critically acclaimed acoustic trio Whalebone are coming to Eaton Bishop as part of their 2018 tour promoting their latest awardwinning album Mirabilia. Tickets: £10.00 (£6.00 children) n 58 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 175 | March 2018

Tel: 01981 250408, 01981 250461 or 07754 832470 www.ticketsource.co.uk/whalebone Malvern Male Voice Choir Cancer Research Concert St Edmund’s Hall, College Road, Malvern.

7:30pm-10pm. The annual concert by Malvern Male Voice Choir in aid of the Malvern Branch of Cancer Research UK is entitled ‘Wings of Song’ Tickets are £10 (18’s and under £4) and the evening includes the usual light refreshments and excellent donated raffle prizes. Tickets should be available at the door.

Tel: 01684 892772

Thursday 8th Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea The Chateau Impney, Droitwich. 1pm-4pm.

Enjoy a luxury afternoon tea and a spot of pampering in the beautiful surrounding of the Chateau Impney’s Grand Ballroom.

With thanks to Stripes: Fashion, Beauty & Home: Sponsored by Knight Frank.

All money raised will go to St Richard’s Hospice Tickets £25.

Tel: 01905 763963 www.strichards.org.uk/events

Saturday 10th Table Top Sale to raise funds for Izzie’s ‘Off Road Buggy’ Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth, Norton, WR5 2QB. 9:30am-11:30am. This Table Top Sale is to raise £3,000 to buy an off road buggy for Izzie Whizzie who was born prematurely and as a result suffers from drug resistant epilepsy and is registered blind. Despite all this Izzie is a gorgeous and positive little girl who loves being outside.

The buggy will let the family go exploring and it will also convert to fit on a bike so the family can go on cycle rides - so please

come along and support us. Refreshments and cakes available to purchase. Sellers £8.00 per table. 50p entrance fee for adults. To reserve a table top please e-mail peakyclimbers 2018@icloud.com Fairtrade Family Fun Day The Hive, The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD. 11am-3pm. Listen to a Charlie & Lola Fairtrade tale, play your way through Fairtrade with the Bananas and Ladders game and lots more. www.thehiveworcester.org

Annual Golf Charity Day in aid of KEMP Hospice at Kidderminster Golf Club

Friday 16th Bromsgrove Classical Concerts Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove. 7pm-10pm.

Van Kuijk String Quartet with Charlotte Bonneton (2nd viola), The Van Kuijk Quartet took 1st Prize at the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition and have been BBC New Generation Artists from 2015-2017. Charlotte Bonneton is the violist with the Castalian Quartet and hence will be involved in both the opening and closing concerts of our 2017-18 season.

Playing Brahms, Ligeti, Mozart. www.bromsgrove-concerts.org.uk www.artrix.co.uk

Happy St Patricks Day The Civic Hall, Martin Way, Stourport, DY13 8UJ. 7:30pm. Guinness and Ale Pie & Colcannon Mash. Dancing with Jonah and the 45’s 50’s and 60’s live music.

Tel: 01299 823339 www.thecivicstourport.co.uk

Saturday 17th Worcester Festival Choral Society Worcester Cathedral, 8 College Yard, Worcester WR1 2LA. 7:30pm. Featuring extensive choral and orchestral forces, The Creation is widely regarded as Haydn’s most popular and enduring choral work. Its powerful choruses and solo arias create a musical retelling of the seven days of the creation of the world, with texts from Genesis, the Book of Psalms and Milton’s Paradise Lost, all set to Haydn’s glittering score. Concert tickets are £10 - £25 (some concessions available) from the Society’s website. www.worcesterfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk Tel: 01905 611427

Sunday 18th Evesham 45`s Meetup group The Angel Hotel, 9 High St, Pershore, WR10 1AF. 6:30pm-7:45pm. Are you tired of the same old routine? Is your social-life is in need of a boost, join our Meetup group, Evesham Over 45’s, a friendship group for the over 45`s. Theatre, cinema, walks, meals and much more. Come along and meet us for a coffee/ drink and a chat and find out more.

Tel: 07501023391

Tuesday 20th Exploring Ancestry The Hive, The Butts, Worcester, This popular website has over names. the workshop looks at useful sources, what has been

WR1 3PD. 16 billion the most added in

recently, and key tips to find what you want.

Cost £6.00 www.thehiveworcester.org

Thursday 22nd Annual Golf Charity Day in aid of the KEMP Hospice Kidderminster Golf Club, Russell Rd, Kidderminster DY10 3HT. 9am-6pm.

Painters Solicitors of Church Street in Kidderminster are hosting their 7th annual Golf Charity Day, raising money for the Wyre Forest hospice. The annual event is taking place at Kidderminster Golf Club and is a ‘Stableford’ competition, seeing teams of three players (men, ladies or mixed) competing. The team’s two best scores on each hole will go towards an aggregate points total to reveal an overall winner and as well as the grand prize of being crowned the champions there are also team prizes, plus individual prizes for nearest the pin and longest drive. The event costs £120 per team to enter, which includes a meal, and this year KEMP Hospice and Painters Solicitor hope it will be their most successful ever. Last year’s Charity Golf Day raised over £1800 for the local hospice. Money from the event goes toward funding specialist care for people in the Wyre Forest and surrounding areas. Golfers wishing to register can contact event organiser Will Painter on 01562 822295 or email wrp@painterssolicitors.co.uk, althernatively: Cathy Sloan at KEMP Hospice on 01562 756066 or at cathy.sloan@kemphospice.org.uk

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