Worcestershire Now MARCH 2019

Worcestershire Because Kitchens

Now

are for more than just cooking

THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION PROPERTY TRENDS FOR 2019 KEEP SMILING THROUGH MARCH 2019 | ISSUE 186

PI C I’M K M FR E U EE P

See page 11 for more information

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

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

Worcestershire

08

Now

MARCH 2019

24

HOME & GARDEN 08

The Industrial Revolution

14

Delightful Green Spaces Creating Happy Homes in Hallow

16

Bricks and Mortar Remains a Sound Investment

20

Spring Your Lawn Back to Life

22

Red Garden Rooms

24

Nature Notebook

16

HEALTH & BEAUTY 26

Considering Cosmetic Medical Treatments?

28

The Most Reasonable Jewellers in Worcester

26

MOTHER’S DAY 30

Mum’s the Word

FOOD & DRINK 34

Worcestershire Food Links

36

Competition The Cottage in the Wood

36

GOLDEN YEARS 38

Keep Smiling Through

44

EDUCATION 42

How to Choose the Right Secondary School

OUR EVENTS DIARY 44

What’s on this month?

46

Keeping Active Ombersley Across the fields to Doverdale

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

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazine.co.uk 2nd Floor, Richardson House 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP

42

EDITOR

DESIGN

Quarter Jewellery

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Red Garden Rooms

ADVERTISING

CONTRIBUTORS

Mel Penkoks 01905 727901 mel@pw-media.co.uk

Daisy Bennett

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

Wendy Carter Glynis Dray

Regenix Cosmetic Medicine The Cottage in the Wood

COMPETITION WINNERS One Gin C. Merry, Worcester

GreenThumb Hayfield Homes

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

Dementia Café Opens For Community

at Willow Bank Residential Home Willow

Bank

Residential

Home

in

Pershore,

Worcestershire has opened a Dementia Café, which has been registered with the Alzheimer’s Society, to support the local community. ‘The Cotswold Café’ is a free of charge, safe and supportive place for those affected

by Dementia, their families and health professionals to come together and talk about their experiences.

The Cotswold Café held its Opening Party on the 13th February and is now open to the public on the second Wednesday of every month.

The Cotswold Café has been redecorated to replicate a 1950s café with images taken from all over the Cotswolds adorning its walls. Sarah, Willow Bank’s chef, will create a selection of special cakes for every event and there will also be activities for our visitors to join in with.

New manager, Carole Hall says “The opening of the

Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes join Matisse at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum Stories from the Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes told through costumes, programmes and objects will be shown together for the first time in the UK at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museums alongside a Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition Matisse: Drawing with Scissors from 2 February until 27 April.

Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes features a unique collection of costume and ephemera telling the stories of the Ballets Russes, the most spectacular and scandalous ballet company of the early 1900s. Matisse was one of many artists commissioned to create costumes and scenery for the company, the exhibition also includes work by other great artists of the period including Dame Laura Knight.

Henri Matisse was one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. His vibrant works are celebrated for their extraordinary richness and luminosity of colour and his spectacular paper cut-outs were his final triumph. This exhibition features 35 lithographic reproductions of the famous cut-outs that he produced in the last years of his life. It includes iconic images such as The Snail and the Blue Nudes.

others in the same situation, where they can also seek

Philippa Tinsley, Curator Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum said: “We are very excited to bring these two fabulous exhibitions to Worcester. We are very proud to be the first venue in the UK to show the Ballets Russes collection, it is an extraordinary collection of objects illustrating just how spectacular the Ballets Russes was in the early 1900s. Matisse: Drawing with Scissors will be a visual delight for all visitors; spring will

advice from people who have many years’ experience

be an exciting time to visit Worcester Art Gallery & Museum.”

Dementia Cafe is an exciting and positive step for Willow Bank. It will be a place for those living in the community with dementia and their carers to meet

supporting people whose lives have been affected by this disease.” n For

more

the

manager

information on

please

01386

contact

556844

willowbank@bucklandcare.co.uk.

n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

or

Carole, email

Both exhibitions are free and run rom 2 February until 27 April, more information can be found here: www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk. Hear more about Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes from the exhibition’s curator on Tuesday 12th March, 1pm, £3 per person.

Tickets can be booked in advance - call 01905 25371. Matisse: Drawing with Scissors is A Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition from Southbank Centre, London. n

FINANCE OPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE

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HERE & NOW

£100,000 of National Lottery funding up for grabs to celebrate community spirit in the West Midlands Following the huge success of the first Mayor’s Community Weekend last year, communities across the West Midlands are being given double the cash to host celebrations this summer. This is thanks to a partnership between the West Midlands Combined Authority and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. This year, the Mayor’s Community Weekend will take place on Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June 2019, with £100,000 of National Lottery funding up for grabs for communities to hold over 200 celebratory events across the West Midlands. Twice the amount of cash is on offer this year, after thousands of people came together to celebrate their community for the Mayor’s Community Weekend in 2018. More than 100 events took place across the region, with something for everyone. Festivities included a 1940s tea dance in Sutton Coldfield, cardboard box wars in Birmingham city centre and a dragon boat festival in Kenilworth.

Dawn McCarthy, Commercial Operations Manager at Age Concern Birmingham, said: “It was fantastic taking part in the Mayor’s Community Weekend last year. Our café has become a real part of the community and we wanted to get people together to celebrate this. It’s a space open to everyone, young or old, to socialise and meet new people. A group of veterans, who loved the event, gather here weekly and they’ve become a really close knit group of friends. Our 1940s style tea dance was the first of event if its kind we’ve held in the café and we’ve continued to expand our offering and hold special gatherings like this since.”

Grants of up to £500 will be on offer to groups across the region including Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Herefordshire, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford, Walsall, Warwickshire, Wolverhampton and Worcestershire.

The aim of the Mayor’s Community Weekend is to bring people and communities together, to celebrate the experiences they share and make new memories. It will encourage people from all walks of life to build stronger community bonds and embrace community spirit by holding events such as a street party, a sports festival or a picnic in the park.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, said: “The Community Weekend was a real highlight of last year and I am so pleased that The National Lottery Community Fund is doubling its commitment to real community-led events over this weekend again. Last year we saw neighbourhoods eating, playing sport and being creative together and moments like this are what make communities stronger. I would encourage new groups to come forward and organise an event in their local area for this year’s Mayor’s Community Weekend.”

Matt Poole, Senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Doubling the National Lottery funding up for grabs will provide even more opportunities for communities to get creative, whether it’s an established organisation or a group of people planning an event together for the first time. We hope the weekend will help communities to thrive across the West Midlands, creating memorable experiences, boosting wellbeing and sparking new friendships.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded over half a billion pounds and supported over 11,000 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes. 90% of the grants it makes are for under £10,000. Communities can apply for funding from 9am on Friday 22 February 2019 to hold an event during the Mayor’s Community Weekend. Applications close at 9pm on Sunday 17 March 2019. n To find out more visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/ programmes/mayors-community-weekend and www.wmca.org.uk/MCW n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

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HOME & GARDEN

Th

l a i r t s

o v Re

n o i t u l

n esig d om dro e b n nd i e. e r t E t yl PAG ates strial st l THE R e E OV th du ED NU with the in NTI l O a C ic o ract uide t p t e lg to g sentia e Tim the es with

u d n I e

Palma range - www.nathanfurniture.co.uk

n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Industrial interior desgn is still going strong in 2019, but how do you create a warm and cosy bedroom from the rustic unfinished look of an old factory setting.

We take a look at how to create your ideal industrial-sytle bedroom.

Metallic Furnishings Create a clean contemporary look by adding metallic accents to your bedroom furnishings.

One of the Cornish Bed Company’s most popular bed frames is the Maud (shown over the page).

Based on the classic Victorian hospital bed, the Maud’s versatile, industrial style design means it can sit comfortably in both contemporary and traditional settings. The iron frame is available in black, white, and a clear powder coat, or can be made bespoke.

John Lewis Marlo Floor Lamp in Brass

n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

To add warmth to the crisp lines of metal based furniture, surround the object with warm colours and different textures. Deep purples and greens can mix well with brass or iron tones, whilst adding a faux fur rug

underneath a metallic frame, helps balance the room.

Light It Up Bring light into the bedroom by creating a feature of your windows. Open up the space by framing the panels with neutral colours and simple fabrics. Painting the window frames a dark colour helps enhance the light coming into the room and act as a contrast to the outdoors.

For interior lighting try John Lewis’s Marlo Floor lamp in brass (shown left). This sleek and contemporary lamp has a large etched glass bulb with an LED light to give your bedroom a more sophistated feel.

Alternatively, try the Ypres Pendant Light from made-to-last.co.uk, most definitely an industrial pendant light. The Ypres features a classic factory-style curved aluminium shade. The shade can be ordered in black, racing green or bronze and measures 30cm in diameter.

Pendant lighting is perfect for creating the illusion of height into any room.

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Practical Functionality Look out for furnishings and decor that provide a multitude of functions.

Palma bedroom are modern industrial-look collections with minimalist styling designed to perfectly complement their practical functionality.

The high-grade teak panels and tops are sourced from sustainable and managed forests. They have been hand-brushed with a matt lacquered finish to create a tactile and natural looking clean finish, bringing out the best of the hard wood’s character.

The robust metal work has been stylised with epoxy resin to create an aged appearance while remaining hardwearing. Attention to detail and subtle features include contemporary handles with finger grip and drawer boxes made from mindi wood to add to sense of craftmanship.

Strong Spaces Highlight the structure of your room by embracing the strength of natural materials such as brick and stone-work or by exposing the pipes running through your home.

Castrads, a UK company specialise in cast

n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

iron radiators. Their Rococo collection is perfect for any room looking to make a bold statement. The ornate floral patterns give a softer edge to a classic look, whilst still maintaining a strong image.

Wallpaper company, muralswallpaper.co.uk have released a range of brick and concrete themed designs for those who want that urban-decayed feel. ‘Fortify’, a modern Concrete Block Wallpaper Wall Mural is a beautifully clean, contemporary design that is absolutely perfect for adding that modern

Cornish Bed Company - Maud

edge to your interior décor.

Go Large Fill the open spaces on your wall with large pieces of simple black and white artwork; animals, architecture, technical drawings or large typography. The bigger the decor, the larger the space will feel. Leave mirrors propped up against the wall for a purposeful unfinished look. n

By Daisy Bennett

Castrads Rococo III Castrads.com

HOME & GARDEN

Willow Bank Residential Home Dementia specialist home in stunning rural location near Pershore • 24 hour personalised care for your loved one • Extensive activities schedule and regular events • Excellent home cooked meals and fresh cakes daily

“I would without reservation recommend Willow Bank. Their understanding of dementia care is second to none.”

Relative Review, carehome.co.uk Call us now to arrange a tour and an informal chat with the manager, Carole.

Tilesford Park, Throckmorton, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 2LA Tel: 01386 556844 • Email: willowbank@bucklandcare.co.uk t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n

HOME & GARDEN

Delightful Green Spaces

Creating Happy Homes in Hallow House hunters have been flocking to the recently-launched second (and final) phase at Hayfield Meadow, the remarkable collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom new homes in the historic village of Hallow, to experience the ‘Hayfield difference’ first-hand.

Already home to some of the happiest residents in Hallow thanks to the beautiful open green spaces thoughtfully incorporated around the development, visitors to the show home have been delighted by the exceptional craftsmanship and enviable specifications, all of which are included as standard.

Jane and Lindsay Griffiths, who were the first residents to move into Hayfield Meadow and have been thrilled with their new home, explained, “Our home is even better than we could have imagined – we love the layout and the bright rooms. Our favourite elements are the pretty walled garden and the well-chosen specifications.

Beautiful throughout the year, but especially during the spring and summer months, residents will enjoy exploring Hayfield Meadow’s own apple orchard, large swathe of wildflower meadow and nature walks, whilst families with younger children will appreciate its adventure play area, complete with trim trail and ‘kick about’ zone.

“Our move ran like clockwork thanks to Hayfield and its highly professional Sales Team, whose aftercare has been marvellous. All the little touches really add up, like regularly calling us to check in, or the handyman helping us with the things we find a bit tricky at our age; going up ladders and hanging our pictures for example. It’s been 46 years since we bought a house and we’ve been impressed from start to finish – we’ve been superbly looked after and feel very valued.”

A range of home types are available, from spacious 2 bedroom bungalows to detached 4 bedroom family homes, each displaying the meticulous attention to detail and premium specifications for which Hayfield has become known. Special finishing touches include integrated Bosch appliances, bespoke kitchens with curved corner cupboards and internal glazed doors, to name just a few. n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

With the first phase nearly all sold and a number already reserved in the second and final phase, visit the show home (open daily 10am-5pm) at Hayfield Meadow, Main Road, Hallow, Worcestershire, WR2 6LD or contact Connells on 01905 611 411. n

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HOME & GARDEN

M nd

r t a n t e r o m t

s e v n I d a n s u k o c S i a r B mains Re

r clea m o fr g s far makin s i 9 n re 01 in 2 ty befo redictio m r p ri o perf for cla ir 2019 l l i tw he ing E arke le wait aking t m PAG g p m THE n o i t R e s E u p ou OV UED e ho a lot of sual ab h TIN t N u CO d ow t), h rexit an ful than o n r it (o s over B re care x e r o er B n mark ven m v o ne ng tio omi g ques ve bee o l ty in ha rtain y linger xperts e c an ye h un Wit With m ropert cut. oves, p rm thei

n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

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HOME & GARDEN

At least there are some positive trends in the property market forecasts for 2019, as well as a recognition that, although these are times of unusual political instability, bricksand-mortar remains a sound long-term investment.

Property investment specialists JLL are expecting UK house prices to inch up by 0.5 per cent in 2019 subject to a Brexit deal being agreed. Others are similarly cautious although some are anticipating a ‘Brexit bounce’ if negotiations go better than expected. “The Brexit noise can threaten to drown out everything else,” says Grainne Gilmore, Head of Residential Research at Knight Frank. “But outside London, where affordability has been stretched, price growth continues apace.”

Others share this optimism. “If the uncertainty lifts in the months ahead and employment continues to rise, there is scope for activity to pick-up through next year,” explains Robert Gardner, Chief Economist at Nationwide. “The squeeze on household incomes is already moderating and policymakers have signalled that, if the economy

n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

performs as they expect, interest rates are only expected to rise at a modest pace.”

strongest growth will come in the North East

Prime central London (PCL) continues to be out-performed by the regions with high stamp duty rates on multi-million pound properties still on the radar. For 2019, Strutt & Parker predicts UK-wide growth of 2.5 per cent and two per cent growth in London as a best-case scenario, with a five per cent drop as the downside risk.

If the short-term outlook has become murky

Industry analysts and economists surveyed

by Reuters have predicted that house prices in the capital will fall by 0.3 per cent in 2019 after a fall of 1.7 per cent in 2018.

Things are looking rosier in the North West, where Savills expects price growth of 21.6 per cent over the next five years. Knight Frank’s forecasts for 2019 anticipate that the

to rise by 18 per cent between 2018 and

and Yorkshire.

with Brexit, experts are confident of modest but sustained growth in the medium term.

“Our assumption is that gradually rising interest rates will support property price growth of 14.8 per cent at national level over the next five years,” adds Lucian Cook of Savills. Strutt & Parker expects house prices 2022. “The fundamentals of the UK economy remain broadly positive with sentiment remaining cautious,” explains McMahon. n Content provided by OnTheMarket.com is for information purposes only. Independent and professional advice should be taken before buying, selling, letting or renting property, or buying financial products.

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HOME & GARDEN

Spring Your Lawn

Back to Life!

Spring: the season of awakening and new life, the blooming of fresh buds and re-emerging beautiful colour.

It can be a truly inspiring time that is invigorating to the senses. GreenThumb Lawn Treatment Service share their expert advice to help you get the very best from your lawn over the spring months and prepare it for the transition into summer.

The GreenThumb NutraGreen Spring treatment equips the lawn with everything it needs for a great start to the season. GreenThumb use no-scorch technology in their controlled-release fertilisers: NutraGreen is manufactured to require water to activate and break down the polymer coating – heavy morning dew, rain or any other moisture will do this. They are manufactured completely bespoke and to the specifications of GreenThumb, based on over 30 years’ experience in lawn treatments.

Not only are unwanted weeds unsightly, but grass will also have to compete with weeds for sunlight, water, air and nutrients. As well as the NutraGreen fertiliser, the GreenThumb Spring Treatment includes weed-control.

Their Lawn Operatives apply a targeted herbicide spray to target and control weeds. Because all lawns are unique, GreenThumb customises each treatment to the needs of each lawn; as there are many different species of weeds.

The result of the NutraGreen fertiliser and weed-control duo? A beautiful, green and healthy lawn, free from the nuisance of weeds.

A lawn needs to be watered, just as any outdoor or indoor plants do. Given that spring spans a number of months, it’s good to notice whether a lawn is lacking moisture; hotter, drier weather can turn a lawn yellow and dry. As the grass plant is 93% water, it will therefore eventually die if it hasn’t been able to absorb any water: it’s most beneficial to give a lawn a drink early in the morning or late in the evening.

GreenThumb’s Oasis Treatment is designed to effectively conserve water. Oasis increases absorption of any available n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

moisture, from rain or watering, meaning the lawn has access to what it needs during any drier spell.

The amount of lawnmowing required now winter is over will naturally increase; it’s important that mower blades are kept sharp or replaced when needed, to avoid causing damage to the grass plant. It is best for a lawn to be cut at least once a week, to about 25mm (1”). A little maintenance in the form of consistent mowing will help train the grass to be stronger over time. GreenThumb’s SlowMow Treatment helps reduce the amount of lawnmowing needed. SlowMow reduces the vertical growth of grass but increases lateral growth; improving the density of the lawn.

Many lawns unfortunately, despite best efforts, are wornout; perhaps decades old, severely drought-damaged, made with poor quality turf or overrun with weed-grasses.

GreenThumb can expertly assess whether a lawn is in simply in need of treatment or if it may be best to essentially begin again. GreenThumb’s Lawn Makeover is a programme that results in a luxurious lawn, created from scratch. The quality resulting from a Lawn Makeover is far superior to re-turfing; it also comes at a fraction of the cost, time and inconvenience to carry out. Unlike laid turf, a Lawn Makeover is grown within the lawn’s environment and therefore adapts to that ecosystem. The lawn is grown using GreenThumb’s bespoke ‘Diamond Green’ grass seed and 100% organic, weed-free, recycled top-dressing; resulting in a fantastic, brand-new lawn - a GreenThumb lawn.

GreenThumb treatments are tailored with the greatest care for the UK’s lawns: they have the solution to transform any piece of grass, whatever the size or condition - into a healthy, fresh and beautiful lawn. n Tel: 01905 840740 Email worcester@greenthumb.co.uk Visit www.greenthumb.co.uk/branch/worcester

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Red Garden Rooms Red Garden Rooms now offer a range of Living Garden Rooms

Red Garden Rooms now offer a range of Living Garden Rooms with a bedroom and en-suite shower room included for complete independence for your loved ones but with the added reassurance of being close by in case of an emergency.

Every Red Garden Room is built using the same materials as those found in a modern timber framed house. Structural grade timber frames incorporating rigid insulated

panels for all year round comfort, High spec double glazing to let in as much light as you could hope for and to keep out the cold, stunning exterior cladding in beautiful Red Cedar and incorporating low energy lighting, heating and wiring to suit your individual needs. Their buildings are also enjoyed in a wide range of different ways from a Kids Cave and Games Room to a Home Gym and Relaxation Studio. That’s as well as their Best Selling Home Office which is a great work

THE

Fabrik SHOP

24a Broad Street, Pershore Tel: 01386 553 626 e: thefabrikshop@btinternet.com

Stockists of: Dressmaking, patchwork and curtain fabrics as well as waddings, cutters, boards and useful craft items.

Fat quarters from ÂŁ1

n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

space away from the hustle and bustle of busy family life.

All Red garden Rooms can usually be built without the need for planning permission and can include removing any existing building you have within a fixed price quotation If you have an idea... Give them a call and let Red Garden Rooms bring your imagination to life. n

HOME & GARDEN

RED Garden Rooms Bespoke Garden Rooms Designed Around Your Needs

Husqvarna 125BVX Blower Vac Offer price £260

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

Home Office

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

Art Studio

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

Study Kids Cave

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Husqvarna chainsaws from £150

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

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NATURE NOTEBOOK Marmalade Hoverfly © Bob Gillmor

Flying About

Bee Fly © Pete Smith

2019 is the International Year of the Fly so I thought I’d introduce you to an amazing world of winged creatures that feature more than just the ‘annoying’ fly in your house.

Flies come in a myriad of shapes, sizes and colours and not only are they important pollinators but the larvae of some species eat garden (and farm) pests. On a warm day in March keep your eyes open for two of our most common flies – the marmalade hoverfly and the darkedged bee-fly.

There are over 270 species of hoverfly in the UK and they’re often mistaken for bees because many have yellow and black stripes and some are even furry.

Hoverflies can beat their wings several hundred times a second in order to hover and the adults feast on nectar and pollen; hoverfly adults are amongst the few insects that can crunch pollen into digestible material.

Adult marmalade hoverflies can hibernate during winter so they’re often seen on mild days in early spring when they wake up and head for the nearest flower. Their larvae are ferocious predators of aphids so ditch the chemical sprays and make sure to encourage them into your garden by providing lots of nectar and pollen-rich flowers.

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

Marmalade hoverflies are easy to identify by the double black bands across their yellow bodies (the smaller band looks almost like a Poirot-moustache).

Their colouring, however, can be affected by the temperature in which the larvae grow – the colder the temperature, the darker the body. What’s more, rather astonishingly these small flies are migratory

n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

and their numbers are often swelled in summer by insects arriving from the continent Bee-flies appear to be bundles of fluffy joy, looking remarkably bee-like with their fuzzy hair and buzzing nature. They have a long stiff ‘tongue’ that they’re unable to retract, which gives them a rather comic appearance as they buzz from flower to flower. You may spot one or two in your garden – look for them around flowers like primroses or lungwort. If you’re lucky to get close enough, you might notice that although they’re wonderful at hovering whilst they drink nectar, they sometimes rest their front feet gently on the petals while they sup.

All is not as it seems, however. The females flirt (there’s no other word for it) their eggs near to the nests of solitary mining bees by flicking their abdomen about; the eggs are scattered and once the larvae hatch they make their way into the nearest bee nest. Once there, they attach themselves to the bee larva and suck out their body fluids. As a big fan of bees, I’ll admit that this isn’t very pleasant but it’s all part of nature’s cycle and very few of the bee-fly eggs will make it into a bee nest in the first place. As the saying goes, nature is red in tooth and claw.

To help flies and other pollinating insects, why not pledge part of your patch for wildlife www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/pledgeapatch. n Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Considering Cosmetic

Medical Treatments?

Do you have, or are you thinking of having cosmetic medical treatments such as Botox® or dermal fillers? If so, it’s important that you choose the right practitioner – someone who is safe, competent and honest.

You might imagine it would be straightforward to identify such an individual or clinic, but in practice it can be a minefield. A good cosmetic procedure can be life-changing. A poor one can cause life-changing problems.

A good practitioner will give honest and objective advice, a poor one will seek to target the vulnerable to supplement their income. This article provides a behind the scenes insight into the industry, highlighting the pitfalls and forthcoming changes, in the light of Theresa May’s recent announcement in Prime Ministers Question Time about cosmetic regulation.

Readers may remember the case of a young lady, imprisoned in Egypt, for the possession/ supply of the prescription painkiller Tramadol®. Much of the media focused, with sympathy towards the naïve lady, on the severe laws of the middle-east. However, infringement of the laws on prescription medicines can also result in criminal prosecution in the UK. What is the relevance of this? It comes as a surprise to many that Botox® is a prescription medicine and, as such, must be handled with the same due process as Tramadol in terms of supply, and this is all too often not the case. Familiarity does breed contempt. If you are having Botox® it is an absolute requirement that the practitioner is a prescriber (e.g. doctor, dentist or nurse prescriber) who will either proceed to treat you after consultation, or delegate the treatment to another competent practitioner under their oversight. n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

The Government places emphasis on the need for you, the patient, to check the qualifications of your practitioner. Doctors, dentists, nurses and other professionals are regulated through law to provide a standard of care and to work within their competence.

This first-line check is an important one: • For doctors go to the GMC website • For dentists, the GDC website • For nurses, the NMC website.

• Pharmacists are registered with the GPhC and other healthcare professionals through the HCPC.

in partnership with all relevant regulatory

Once you have entered your practitioners name (and/or PIN number) you will be able to confirm: • That they are who they say they are • Any additional qualifications (e.g. prescribing for nurses) • Any conditions or restrictions of practice (e.g. if they have been subject to a tribunal hearing)

agreement between both practitioner and

Whilst this is an important first step, it may not be enough. Until recently there have been no agreed, formally recognised qualifications for the speciality of cosmetic medicine. This is set to change with the launch last year of the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP). This independently led, charitable organisation is not the first to hold a government approved register of practitioners. It is the first however to do so against a set of widely agreed (cosmetic specific) standards of practice and of qualification, with robust mechanisms in place to ensure adherence to these standards.

It achieves this because its standards are set

Andrew Rankin is a Registered Nurse, Partner at Regenix Cosmetic Medicine in Malvern (www.regenix.co.uk) and trustee of the JCCP (www.jccp.org.uk)

authorities, including those above.

In the future as more practitioners come through the JCCP system, choosing a safe and effective practitioner will be made much easier. Until then, identify a registered practitioner

with

proven

experience.

Question them thoroughly, seek evidence of their work (and be sure it’s their own work rather than stock photos) and don’t allow yourself to be rushed.

Proceeding to treatment should be an patient, in which you are able to weigh up the risks against the benefits to reach an informed decision. Furthermore, is your practitioner agreeing to do what you want, or what is best for you – they are often not the same thing. After your consultation, and with this in mind, ask yourself the question – does this feel right? n

Regenix Malvern, 73 Church Road, Malvern Link, Worcester, WR14 1NQ T: 01684 566789 E: angela@regenix.co.uk w: www.regenix.co.uk

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Most Reasonable Jewellers in Worcester Quarter jewellery has now been open in the Shambles for the past 16 years.

Quarter Jewellery how jewellery shops were run 56 years ago. We employ staff who are knowledgeable and are interested in helping and pleasing the customers.

Because of our long presence in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter we easily compete with the Jewellery Quarter , we manufacture most of our larger diamond rings, buying diamonds directly from one of the UK’s largest diamond dealers.

Since we opened we have advertised a lot, every advert has carried the bye- line “The Most Reasonable Jewellers in Worcester”, this has never been disputed... because it was and still is true.

I have been in the jewellery trade for 56 years and have endeavoured to operate

Quarter Jewellery’s sister shop n 28 | Worcestershire | Issue | March 2019 Malvern Goldsmith,Now 28/30 Belle165 Vue Terrace

Five years ago I was in Great Malvern and saw a shop which reminded me of a shop I worked at when I was 19. I realised that this shop which was originally a Victorian pharmacy would make a beautiful old style Jewellers. I had to wait 3 years before the shop became vacant and then instantly signed up. I was right, it has made a beautiful jewellers... It looks as if it was always a jewellers, I feel very lucky to be able to work in such an historical shop.

Most of the original pharmacists fittings are

We manufacture all our wedding rings at prices that are below any other shop, weight for weight. We sell all our wedding rings by weight.

still present in the shop and attract tourists

Because we have always tried to pay the best prices for peoples unwanted jewellery we have a large stock of antique and second hand jewellery (at most reasonable prices)

in both shops, we don’t charge for advice, if

on a daily basis.

Quarter Jewelllery and Malvern Goldmiths are sister shops, our principles are the same you’re selling we don’t charge for valuing, we also do valuations for insurance and probate.

We look forward to serving you. n

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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) + £15 3. Set some bright white diamonds + £30 each (including setting) 4. Engrave dates or something lovey dovey on the inside + £20 (approx) Congratulations, you have just designed your very own Wedding Ring!

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

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 £5

THE MOST REASONABLE JEWELLERS IN WORCESTER, ESPECIALLY FOR WEDDING RINGS

Quarter Jewellery - 27 The Shambles, Worcester Malvern Goldsmiths - 28/30 Belle Vue Terrace

Worcestershire

Now

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

Mel Penkoks

Rachel Seabright

Tel: 01905 727901 Email: mel@pw-media.co.uk

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

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

Mum's the Word Treat your mum to something special this Mother’s Day

LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL 1957

This season, CHANEL celebrates the year 1957 with a new eau de parfum in the Les Exclusifs De Chanel collection of the same name; 1957. www.chanel.com

EXTRA FIRMING PHYTO-SERUM & EXTRA-FIRMING EYE

Clarins introduces new targeted serums to put the spring back into your skin. Available from March 17 www.clarins.com

STERLING SILVER ENGRAVABLE HEART BRACELET

This sterling silver double chain bracelet features a flat heart with the Dower & Hall signature hammered finish. Also available with an 18ct rose or yellow gold vermeil heart. www.anjapotze.com

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

FEATHER FRIENDSHIP BALL

These beautiful 10cm friendship balls are inspired by bird feathers As these glass balls are hand blown, each is unique. Traditionally friendship balls are given as a symbol of friendship and good luck and make very special presents on all occasions. www.peachperfect.co.uk

MOTHER’S DAY

A Breath of Spring, Cut Fresh in Cornwall Today and Available to You, the Customer, Tomorrow!

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

www.gwillamsfarmshop.com

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

CHANEL SPRING/ SUMMER COLLECTION

In this Sring/Summer 2019 Collection, VISION D’ASIE: L’ART DU DÉTAIL, depth and refinement is expressed in Pica’s signature play on light and the luminous architecture it builds. www.chanel.com

ROSE EAU DE TOILETTE

This feminine fragrance is an elegant and modern interpretation of the iconic Rose, with its floral and sweet notes. www.loccitane.com

COCOA CASHMERE

The lovely Gracie sweater combines two key trends at the same time - bold stripes with a slightly cropped length.

Crafted in the softest, most luxurious rib, the Gracie will take you through the colder months of spring with a smile. www.cocoacashmere.com

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

MOISTURE 24HR CREAM

Ultra-rich moisturiser for normal to dry skin. Contains a combination of ingredients that keeps skin moisturised by retaining skin cells hydration and water balance.

Available at Maverick Hair Salon, Alcester.

NOMINATION LINKS

High quality materials, contemporary design and a wide variety : these are some of the fundamental characteristics of Nomination jewellery.

Most emblematic of this approach is our iconic Composable bracelet, which, with its stainless steel Links, can be personalised with letters, symbols and charms.

Available from £15 at Andersons of Warwick

MOTHER’S DAY

The Riverside Inn is situated deep in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside just on the southern edge of Mortimer Forest, yet still close to Ludlow and Hereford.

Authentic and atmospheric, the 16th century black and white building is surrounded by the natural beauty of the River Lugg valley.

Enjoy award winning Marches food alongside local cider, ale or gin in a truly Herefordshire Inn and restaurant with log fires, candles, oak beams and stonework.

Extend your visit by booking an overnight stay in one of our newly refurbished rooms or one of our new garden cabins.

LUNCH

TREAT MUM TO

The Best

TWO COURSES £15.95 THREE COURSES £18.95

AT THE

BELL INN

BOOK YOUR TABLE TODAY 01905 640 220 OR VIA OUR WEBSITE

MARTLEY ROAD, LOWER BROADHEATH, WR2 6QG | TEL: 01905 640220 | WWW.THEBELLINNBROADHEATH.CO.UK t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n

FOOD & DRINK

Worcestershire Food Links

a Lottery Funded Project of Growing Worcestershire Worcestershire Food Links is funded by an Awards For All Lottery Grant and is being managed by Malvern Hills Food Alliance working with groups of volunteers around Worcestershire.

The aim of the project is to make local food and drink affordable and accessible to everyone. This will give Worcestershire more food security, make it more resilient and less reliant on fossil fuels while supporting the local economy.

• The database will enable us to engage with all food and

They will try to achieve this by: • Identifying local producers, processors and outlets • Encouraging local markets for Worcestershire food • Encouraging local food outlets and caterers to use more local produce • Making local food affordable for those on restricted incomes • Enabling local residents and visitors to access local foods more easily

Worcestershire if they wish to support and promote local

The first part of the project was to create a list of farmers, growers and food establishments in Worcestershire to create a local Food Links network.

How can growers, producers, retailers and caterers

This enabled individuals and businesses to work together as a local food network to source local food and encourage more businesses, institutions and households to value local produce.

What are their aims and achievements?

• A Worcestershire Food Links network • A website to promote local food and drink and enable households and businesses to source local food.

• A database to help local organisations to produce local directories as hard copies and online • The database will help Institutions and businesses to source local food n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

drink businesses to explore the benefits of using local food and drink Membership of Worcestershire Food Links is open to any Independent food or drink businesses located within food and drink. We also will include growers, producers and processors within Worcestershire and those within adjoining counties if they are able to supply Worcestershire food businesses within 30 miles.

How will Worcestershire benefit from this project?

• It will improve the local economy for Worcestershire • It will reduce our carbon footprint.

benefit from being part of the Food Links network?

• Assistance to source local products and outlets.

• Reduced transport costs • Increased business by developing and promoting a local food culture and brand • Free advertising through the Growing Worcestershire website • Promotion through county wide and local hard copy directories • Opportunities to work with others in the food links network to create shared opportunities They now have over 1000 business who follow these aims, for a full list visit http://www.growingworcestershire.org.uk/ wfl-main-directory/ n

the

Wagon Wheel at grimley

Join us for a unique dining experience, steeped in tradition Silver Service

• Crystal Glasses • • Linen napkins • • Dishes flambéd in the restaurant •

Restaurant Meals and Bar Snacks

Served lunchtime and evening

Interesting Main Courses

Specialities du Maitre d’Hotel

fillet wrapped in bacon, grilled and served on onions, mushrooms, peppers and red wine sauce

fillet steak, shallots, mushrooms, flamed in sherry and brandy and served with cream sauce

Fillet Steak Wagon Wheel

Steak Voronoff

Calves Liver with crispy bacon

Steak Monkey Gland

served with a Balsamic Reduction

sirloin steak in sherry, mushrooms, shallots, brandy and cream

Rack of Lamb

Steak Diane

served with a Blueberry and Port sauce

Tournedo Rossini

fillet of beef with pate on crouton and Marsala wine

Veal Cordon Bleu

escalope of veal sandwiched with parma ham and cheese, bread crumbed, pan fried and served on a clear sauce

Duckling with Blackcurrant and Cassis Sauce Chicken Ala Milanese

Chicken Breast breadcrumbed, pan fried, served on a bed of Spaghetti Bolognaise

sirloin steak, mustard, onions and mushrooms flamed in brandy and red wine

Fillet of Beef Stroganoff

fillet cut into strips cooked with shallots, mushrooms, paprika, white wine and finished with brandy, served on a bed of rice

Chicken Wagon Wheel

breast of chicken cooked in butter with chopped mushrooms, seasoned and flamed with brandy and white wine and served with cream sauce

Monkfish Newberg

escaloped monkfish tail flamed with brandy, sherry finished with lobster sauce & cream

Traditional Sunday Lunch

A choice of meats including roast beef carved at your table.

Three courses plus coffee

For the Vegetarian Fillet Steak au Poivre

fillet steak with shallots and crushed peppercorns, flamed in brandy and red wine served with cream sauce

Veal Marsala

Spinach, Feta and Pinenuts Pancakes

served with a tomato and basil sauce

Spaghetti

with sauteed Spinach & Wild Mushrooms

escalope of veal, pan fried mushrooms, flamed with brandy, marsala and cream sauce

Mushroom Stroganoff

Fillet Steak Mignon

Vegetable Stir Fry

split fillet cooked with shallots, tomato, mushrooms and red wine, served with artichoke hearts with brandy and cream

Fillet Steak Mexican

fillet steak cooked with shallots, peppers, hot chillies, red wine and mustard, flamed with brandy

See our Bar Board for Seasonal Specials

served on a bed of rice

served on a bed of rice

Four Cheese Ravoli

with Tomato & Basil sauce

Sweet Temptation Crepes Suzette

pancakes finished with orange juice, sugar, a little butter and Grand Marnier, flamed with Brandy

Sweets from the trolley Selection of Ices/Sorbets A choice of Continental and British Cheese

Book now for Mother’s Day and Easter Weekend Tel: 01905 640 340 | www.wagonwheel.co.uk Situated at the end of Grimley Village, WR2 6LU. Just off the A443, 3 miles out of Worcester CLOSED SUNDAY EVENINGS AND ALL DAY MONDAY

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

Competition

THE COTTAGE IN THE WOOD MALVERN

The Cottage in the Wood is a luxurious haven in the Malvern Hills, known for its warm and friendly service. As the property celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, it is offering a reader the chance to be one of the first to stay in a newly-refurbished and individually-designed bedroom in the Main House or in the Beech Cottage. Indulge in design that beautifully combines historical Georgian glory and contemporary elegance and savour a precious moment when you wake up and open the curtains and set your eyes on views that reach far and wide.

Experience the 1919 Restaurant with exquisite, nature-themed wallpaper forming the backdrop for modern Georgian-style furniture. From your table inside or on the terrace, look out over the Severn Valley by day and see the twinkling lights of the Cotswolds by night.

Order dishes from the menu by Mark Redwood that are bursting with fresh flavours. Try poached smoked haddock & mustard sauce or wild mushrooms on toast for breakfast, or for lunch or dinner, try signature dish The Cottage Pie with black treacle braised oxtail & shin and truffle mash; charred hispi cabbage, with spiced lentils, smoked tofu, chervil yoghurt, crispy onions and pinenuts or stone bass, celeriac, pommes anna, fennel, prawns, white onion confit and tonka bean sauce. Delectable desserts follow such as roasted rhubarb with rhubarb gel, rhubarb semifreddo, liquorice ice cream and honey sesame brittle, and white chocolate bavarois with pistachio sponge, white chocolate & cardamom ice cream and candied pistachio. Fabulous wine pairings are recommended alongside the tempting desserts.

Whatever the time of day, make yourself at home in the swish bar, the venue for popular Jazz Sundays, with one-off pieces of furniture and vintage decoration. Find music themed art placed here and there as a nod to The Cottage in the Wood’s musical heritage. Sir Edward Elgar performed recitals at The Cottage in the Wood in the 1920s and Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones has stayed several times. Muse over the artwork whilst enjoying a bespoke cocktail created by the expert mixologist or select from the menu of sundowners mixed with alcohol, and sunrisers which are mixed without.

Embrace the natural playground that surrounds The Cottage in the Wood. Explore nine miles of stunning hills rising dramatically from the flats of the Severn valley forming a natural border between Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Pick up a picnic from 1919 and spend the day walking, cycling or horseriding. Visit the local family-run Lovell’s vineyard and enjoy a tasting of its awardwinning wines, or tour the Friday Beer Company Brewery, based in Malvern, founded by three scientists.

Visit the home of the famous Morgan car at the Morgan Motor Company in Malvern or enjoy culture at the Malvern Theatres (formerly the Festival Theatre) and see a play, musical, film or exhibition.

For further information: www.cottageinthewood.co.uk The Cottage in the Wood is delighted to offer a reader an overnight stay for two guests including breakfast. Please visit the Worcestershire Now Facebook page for details on how to enter.

The prize is subject to availability, valid Sunday to Friday. Prize must be redeemed by the 30th April 2019. n

Visit the Worcestershire Now Facebook page for details on how to enter! n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

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

GOLDEN YEARS

p e Ke

l i Sm

h T ing

h g u o r

HE

ED

NU

NTI

CO

T VER

O

Offering you nursing experience and expertise to ensure your stay with us feels like a home from home.

Worcestershire

Now

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

Mel Penkoks

Rachel Seabright

Tel: 01905 727901 Email: mel@pw-media.co.uk

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

n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

E

PAG

We offer: • 24 hour Nursing Care in a warm and friendly environment • Single and Double Bedrooms (Ensuite) • Specialist Care for Nursing, Dementia and Palliative/End Of Life Care • Weekly Activities Package, Day trips and Visits to the pub arranged • Large Gardens where you can watch our resident Shetland pony, cat and chickens go about their day.

• Home Cooked meals • Open Visiting hours Don’t take our word for it come and see for yourselves.

No appointment necessary

Contact Carol or Vicky on 01562 710 809 or visit us at Yew Tree Place, Romsley, B62 0NX

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Good oral health is important for your whole wellbeing.

Looking after your teeth is important at any age. It helps you enjoy your food, smile with confidence and feel good about yourself. But it’s not just teeth, your gums are important too.

Gum disease arises when you don’t clean your teeth properly and allow plaque to build up.

The best way to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy is to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean gaps between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes. And whether you have your own teeth or wear dentures, it’s important to see your dentist regularly for a check-up.

Tooth decay Left alone, the surfaces of all your teeth naturally become covered with a thin layer of bacteria, food and other substances. This layer is called plaque. When you eat anything containing carbohydrates, the bacteria on your teeth digest these carbohydrates for their own nutrition. As a waste product of this, they also produce acids. These acids soften and dissolve the hard enamel surface of your teeth. This is called demineralisation. Over time, demineralisation can cause small holes (cavities) to form in your teeth. The enamel surface of your teeth doesn’t contain any nerves, so you won’t feel any pain when you first start to get a cavity. Eventually, however, a cavity may reach the dentine. This is the substance underneath the enamel that makes up most of your tooth and covers the blood vessels and nerves. Exposed dentine can be sensitive to pain, so more advanced cavities may cause pain, especially when you eat or drink anything hot, cold, sugary or acidic.

The decay will also spread more quickly once it has reached the dentine. If tooth decay keeps progressing, it can cause severe pain.

You probably won’t be able to bite with the affected tooth. You may have to have a filling, or in serious cases the dentist may need to remove your tooth. Saliva helps to neutralise the acid on your teeth, allowing the enamel to recover and harden again. This replacement process is called remineralisation.

Demineralisation occurs every time you eat or drink something sugary and the saliva needs time to remineralise after each ‘acid attack’. If you consume sugary food or drinks at regular intervals throughout the day, the saliva doesn’t get long enough to fully remineralise your teeth. This will n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

increase your risk of tooth decay spreading more quickly.

Gum disease Gum disease is the inflammation of your gums. It may also involve damage to the bone that anchors your teeth into your jaw.

Gum disease is very common; it affects more than half of adults worldwide. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it is most commonly associated with plaque on your teeth. If you don’t clean plaque off your teeth regularly, the bacteria in the plaque infect the gums and cause inflammation.

Gingivitis may not cause pain, but your gums will become red and swollen and they may bleed easily, especially when you brush your teeth. You can treat gingivitis by having a thorough teeth-cleaning routine. This means brushing your teeth and flossing regularly to remove plaque.

It’s important to treat gingivitis, otherwise the inflammation may spread to the structures that support your teeth. Your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth, leaving small pockets between the teeth and the gum. This stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis. If you have this, plaque can become trapped in the pockets around your teeth, meaning it’s harder to reach with a toothbrush. Over time the plaque will harden to become calculus (also known as tartar) – a hardened deposit that you can’t remove by brushing your teeth. This in turn can cause more plaque to build up, leading to further irritation. If periodontitis isn’t treated, the plaque will eventually attack your gums and the bone that holds your

teeth in place, making them wobbly and sensitive. If periodontitis remains untreated over a number of years, your teeth may become very loose and need to be taken out by a dentist. A professional clean called a scale and polish may help treat gum disease.

A dentist or hygienist will perform your scale and polish. Scaling removes calculus that has formed on your teeth, as well as trapped food and plaque. Polishing removes stains from teeth and leaves a smooth surface that slows down the build-up of plaque.

Dental erosion Dental erosion is a common condition where acid attacks the surface of your teeth, leading to the loss of enamel and dentine. However, unlike tooth decay, the acids don’t come from plaque bacteria.

They usually come from acidic drinks such as fruit juices, fizzy drinks and squashes – this includes the ‘diet’ varieties. Certain foods, for example pickled foods, crisps or ketchup, can also cause dental erosion.

Stomach acid in vomit can also cause dental erosion. If you have a health condition that causes you to be sick frequently (for example those who have a challenged immune system or a digestive problem), you may be at risk of dental erosion. You can’t reverse the damage done by dental erosion. It can cause your teeth to become sensitive if the dentine becomes exposed.

Your smile really can last a a lifetime if your teeth are looked after by the professionals, you clean them and floss twice a day, you eat and drink sensibly, avoid smoking and exercise to keep healthy. n

GOLDEN YEARS

• Friendly, personal and reliable service • Home visits available • Registered with the General Dental Council

CUSTOM MADE DENTURES Manufactured and Fitted by

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 41 n

EDUCATION

How to Choose the Right Secondary School Choosing the right secondary school can feel like the most stressful and all-consuming decision a parent can make, with so many options to consider when making this choice, one must be well informed and follow these simple criteria.

Visit Critical in making a decision, a visit reveals the ambiance of a school as opposed to what its glossy brochure edition encompasses.

Visiting on an open day/evening gives insight into the school at its ‘best’, which can be beneficial in seeing its clean and smiling front and having the full attention of the staff. However visiting on an average working day can reveal its true ethos - without the specially made display boards!

What’s key in gaining from an open day is the attitude of the teachers, and their relationship with your child; they could be spending the next seven years together.

Moreover how obliging the staff are in answering any questions and discussing their job can further expose the nature of the school.

Meeting pupils also gives an idea of the school, are they polite, welcoming? Pupils also often give an honest opinion of their

experience, sometimes far from the edited claims of a brochure.

Be familiar with Results and League Tables These give a professional opinion of an institute, often based on performance, facilities, social care and other criteria, a well-rounded and reliable view. A school’s academic record can provide an alternative perspective to seeing it first hand, potentially predicting results of future years too.

Ultimately such results can give an idea for the future of pupils, an indicator of future employability even. However you must make sure such results reflect the right climate for your child, ensure that they’ll be stretched but also that they’ll neither under achieve or be pushed unattainably.

Check the Buildings and Facilities What does the school offer, are there sports grounds, musical opportunities etc? Say your child is particularly gifted in such an area, it may be beneficial to see that your choice

Worcestershire

Now

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

Mel Penkoks

Rachel Seabright

Tel: 01905 727901 Email: mel@pw-media.co.uk

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

n 42 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

of schools includes such facilities to make the most of and develop an ability. Some secondary schools specialise in subject areas for example a ‘language college’ which can be advantageous according to an individual’s ability. Moreover if your child requires special educational facilities it’s important to check your selections provide these too.

The fabric of the buildings is a measuring criteria too, how well kept are they, is graffiti an issue, what are the classrooms like? All of these are indications of how well kept a place is and thus the level of care and pride taken into a school, and whether it is an effective learning environment.

All schools have strengths and weaknesses, if your preferred school is not what you receive it’s essential to remain open minded.

Wherever your youngster attends, is sure to have positive attributes and combined with active parenting will see your child flourish and fulfil all potential. n

EDUCATION

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 43 n

What's On

MARCH Until Wednesday 6th Colleen Donaldson - ’From Country to Coast’ Colleen’s images are personal responses to scenes captured in special, sometimes extreme lighting conditions and emphasize the magic of that moment. The exhibit is from 10am - close at Number 8, Pershore. Admission free.

Until April 1st Croome - Antony Bridge Landscapes Exhibition A new painting by Antony Bridge, Croomes artist-in-residences, commissioned by Croome makes its debut using the same view as Richard Wilsons famous landscape painting. Paintings by Wilson and new images by Bridge, promise that this exhibition will be both colourful and enticing. Booking Not Needed. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. A National Trust Event - 11-4pm. Free Event but normal admission charges apply. Exhibition is in the Court.

Saturday 2nd Elizabethan Living History Discover how the Elizabethans worked, fought and entertained at Harvington Hall, Harvington. The Hall will be kick-starting the new season by celebrating Harvington Hall’s Elizabethan heyday. Join us for a full weekend of merriments, including archery, musket fire, dancing, music, medicine and cookery of the Elizabethan era. The event runs from 11.30-2.30pm . For more information, go to www.harvingtonhall.com

Sunday 3rd St David’s Day Concert A celebration of all things welsh. Worcester Male Voice Choir will sing a selection of songs in welsh and English. Shelley Fairplay will

entertain you with songs ancient and modern, on that distinctly welsh instrument the harp. Tickets £15 to include refreshents. The event will be held at Cradley Church. For more information, go to www.cradleyvillagehall.org.uk Japanese Marbling and Travellers Leather Journal Workshop Join us for this fun-filled day where you will learn the magic of Suminagashi, producing a number of unique marbled papers that can framed, as works of art, used for card-making or even incorporated into your Travellers Leather Journal that you will go onto make in the afternoon. The day runs from 10.-4pm at Three Little Pigs, The Avenue, Birlingham and will include a pause for lunch, which is provided. The workshop is designed to be a fun and relaxing day and is perfect for beginners. All materials and equipment will be provided. Places on this workshop are limited to 8.

Wednesday 20th Disney’s Christopher Robin In this heart-warming live action adventure, the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside. The movie is from 7.30-9.15pm at The Norbury Theatre.

Friday 22nd Murder Mystery - Carry On Murdering Join the Matron, the doctor, W C Boggs and many others as the Carry on Comeback Society (COCS) holds its annual party and announces they are funding the new film, Carry On Murdering. But is everyone happy with the choice of director? Does everyone like the new script and would somebody kill to get the part they want? Optional Costume – Carry on Characters. £32 per person to include 3-course meal with coffee. Arrival at 7.30pm, dinner served at 8pm, event closes at 10.30pm. The event takes places at Worcester Whitehouse Hotel, Foregate Street.

Saturday 23rd Worcester Festival Choral Society in concert – Mendelssohn Elijah at Worcester Cathedral Worcester Festival Choral Society is bringing blockbuster choral masterwork, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, to the impressive surroundings of Worcester Cathedral, 7.30-9.45pm. Brimming with stirring choruses, arias and dramatic orchestral settings, Felix Mendelssohn’s exciting 1846 oratorio Elijah is both tuneful and fulfilling, and bursting with Old Testament fire and brimstone. Worcester Cathedral Director of Music, Dr Peter Nardone, conducts. Tickets £10 – £25 from www.worcesterfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk and Worcester Live Box Office, tel: 01905 611427.

Potter’s Wheel One Day Course Spend a relaxing weekend making pots on the potter’s wheel. £240 inc lunch, refreshments and materials.. Call 01531 633886 or email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk to book your place. The event takes place at Eastnor Pottery, Home Farm, Eastnor.

Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th Crafting Live Malvern The award-winning Crafting Live show is back at Three Counties Showground, Malvern and bringing a whole host of celebrity crafters. Join us from 10am-4pm as we host an array of exhibitors stocking stamps, dies, decoupage, fabric, ribbon, beads and much more! Crafting Live will also feature free Make and Takes, exclusive Masterclasses, on-stand demos, and Meet and Greets with some of the biggest names in crafting! Tickets are available now at www.CreateandCraft.com and www.CraftingLive.co.uk. n 44 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

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KEEPING ACTIVE Start / Finish: The Walk starts and ends outside St. Andrew’s Church in the centre of Ombersley.

Public Transport: Worcester and Kidderminster are the nearest railway stations with 303 bus from below the bridge at Foregate Street linking the two stations.

Check times with ’Traveline’. Ensure that you know times of last buses/trains.

‘School Bank’ is ‘east’ at cross-roads Parking: Street parking with sensitivity and not outside shops.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 204 Distance: Main Walk 6.5 miles. Short route - 5 miles (points 5 to 8).

Time: Allow all day to enjoy this walk at a leisurely pace although it can be done in a morning or afternoon so that you can eat in Ombersley.

Refreshments: Useful to take a picnic. However, there is an excellent traditional food shop in the main street that sells high quality local produce. There are restaurants/tea-rooms in Ombersley.

Terrain: This walk is gently undulating with a few moderate climbs. The walk trends ‘upwards’ out and ‘downwards’ back. There are stiles, gates, footbridges and a few steps making this walk unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Ombersley would welcome you and there is a 1.5 mile route through this long village and back. Boots are essential due to uneven paths and muddy areas.

Poles are extremely useful. This is a ‘Winter-Wellies’ Walk. It would be particularly suited to a crisp ‘frosty’ day with clear skies due to views from the high ground above Ombersley that stretch across to the Abberley Hills.

History: Ombersley was once part of the Royal Forest. The A4133 which crosses the main street in Ombersley comes from the nearby Roman ‘Salt’ town of Droitwich.

Salt was once brought through Ombersley by horse and cart and loaded onto boats to be taken by river to the Severnside towns and on to Wales. Ombersley Court adjacent to the church was home to Lord Sandys and the Chancel of the 13th century St. Andrew’s Church is a Mausoleum to this family. The present Church dates from 1829 and its landmark spire can be seen from various places along the route. St. Andrew’s Church at Ombersley and the 12th century St. Mary’s Church at Doverdale are in the same Parish and part of the ‘return’ walk links these two Churches.

1. The walk starts outside St. Andrew’s Church in Ombersley. It is worth calling into fresh food shop in village to top up picnic! Walk southwards as far as ‘Kings Arms’, turning left up lane opposite Garage which, in 1729, was a schoolhouse for poor of Parish. As you approach by-pass (A449T), lane turns into a narrow path that curves left and down flight of 15 steps. Notice steps opposite! Walk ‘right’ along grass verge to end of centre barrier then cross ‘with care’ to middle, cross to far side and turn left beside slip-road to climb 34 steps to kissing-gate. You are on ‘Wychavon Way’/ ‘Monarch’s Way’.

2. It can be muddy along woodland path into field but rest of walk is okay. Once in field, walk along left side to stile at far end. Path goes straight on towards wooden post at outside corner of field then beneath power-lines to edge of woodland ‘Gardner’s Grove’. Turn right and keep curving left to corner.

3. Orchard Cottage is straight ahead with busy A4133 beyond. Walk right side of cottage, between two posts and down drive of Hadley Farm, past Cattle grid, to main road. Turn right along grass verge, crossing to wider verge opposite. Walk to lane on left leading to hamlet of Hadley. At T-junction turn right for short distance.

4. Take bridleway on left passing ‘Southall Cottage’ and walk down old Green Lane to Southall Farm. (Note: short route goes left along footpath from farm, straight on beneath power lines to woodland. Turn right along north side of woodland, over footbridge and straight on with hedge on left as far as Yardings Farm (Cross-roads in paths at point 8).

5. The main walk crosses 4 large fields (towards spire of 12th century Doverdale Church) via several stiles and was well marked through crop at time of writing. It exits into track near Church. Turn right to lane then left again briefly to view Church.

6. Go down wooden steps on south-west corner of churchyard and turn right to follow churchyard boundary northwards. Look for path on left that leads south-westwards to post and onto lane near site of Doverdale Watermill. Turn left along farm-track to footpath into field at corner.

7. Walk towards power-lines then aim for woodland and stream beyond and to right. Continue through water-meadows to brickarched footbridge which will lead through woodland strip into n 46 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019

Ombersley

Across the fields to Doverdale

large field. Turn left with woodland on left. The ‘right of way’ leads diagonally across this large field but a wide ‘margin’ has been left around left-hand edge of field which is easier to follow. Pass ‘Yardings Farm’ on left to reach cross-roads in paths.

8. (Note: short walk comes from Yardings Farm). Take track opposite, (Oldfield Lane) and follow this for ½ mile to houses on right. Continue walking to main road (A449T) at Oldfield.

9. Turn left, crossing to pavement on opposite side to join old ‘A’ road through village of Ombersley.

10. Walk southwards through village via cross-roads. Walk ends at the Church. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

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n 48 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 165 | March 2019