Worcestershire
Now
AN ELEGANT TOUCH ATTENDING WEDDING FAIRS THE RISING COST OF CARE MARCH 2020 | ISSUE 197
PI C I’M K M FR E U EE P
Book now for the open day on March 21
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HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD & DRINK • WALKS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • WHAT’S ON
n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
Worcestershire
08
Now 20
22
MARCH 2020 HOME & GARDEN 08
An Elegant Touch
14
CRG Kitchens
16
Wet & Waterlogged Soil
20
Nature Notebook
24
HEALTH & BEAUTY 22
Mum’s the Word
26
WEDDINGS 24
Attending Wedding Fairs
FOOD & DRINK 26
The Chicken and the Egg
GOLDEN YEARS 28
36
The Rising Cost of Dementia Care
EDUCATION 36
Hidden Scholarships and Funding
OUR EVENTS DIARY 38
28
What’s on this month?
WO RC E S T E R S H I R E
NOW 01905 723011
EDITOR Dawn Pardoe PW Media & Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk
ADVERTISING
nowmagazines.co.uk
Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk
PW Media & Publishing Ltd Lower House, Whyle Lane, Pudleston, Nr Leominster Herefordshire, HR6 0RQ
Lis Gardner Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk
Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727905 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS
DESIGN
Alzheimer’s Society
Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk
Daisy Bennett Wendy Carter CRG Kitchens Hartlebury Castle Lower Broadheath Community Shop Midlands Air Ambulance Worcestershire County Council
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Worcestershire Now magazine t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 3 n your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.
THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA
FASHIONING PEACE: LIFE AND LIBERTY AFTER
THE GREAT WAR AT HARTLEBURY CASTLE War were reflected in clothing and fashion from 1918 through to the roaring twenties.
The exhibition Fashioning Peace: Life and Liberty after the Great War explores how the changes brought about through the Great
The Great War changed everything. From science and medicine to art and culture to the very core of society and its values, its effects were far reaching and dramatic. The exhibition starts with stories of scientific, medical and cultural changes brought about by the war - including a wonderful model of an aeroplane and an unsettling gas mask - before moving on to displays of costume which may seem an unlikely conduit for demonstrating change, but in fact exemplify social, economic and technological advances in a succinct and beautifully visual way. The struggle for women’s suffrage began long before the Great War, but it was the valiant
efforts of the women and girls during the conflict that is widely regarded as being the catalyst for women gaining the right to vote in 1918. Echoing these developments, the restrictive crinoline and bustle, tailored seams and intricate boning of female costume prewar period disappeared forever. A typical 1920s dress had minimal shaping, no tailoring and hems at knee level: fashions for women were unlike anything that had gone before. It was a revolution in dress and paved the way for the modern age. n Hartlebury Castle is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 11am – 5pm. For information visit: www.hartleburycastle.com
Lower Broadheath Community Shop
Trading for a Whole Year! 8pm on Wednesday 11th March 2020 at Lower Broadheath Village Hall. The meeting is open to everyone, not just shareholders - pop along to hear updates and to have your say on how the community shop is run, as well as vote in the members of the management committee. The committee is still looking for people with all sorts of skills to help with phase 2 of the shop project if you are interested in putting your name forward for the committee you can send an email to info@lowerbroadheathshop.com
The Lower Broadheath Community Shop and Post Office has been running for a whole year now, and in that time is has become an essential lifeline for many of the village’s older residents without cars. It is a social centre at the heart of the community where villagers can access household essentials, postal services, newspapers, pick up Worcestershire Now and local produce – and it is run almost entirely by volunteers! LBCS celebrated its first birthday on the 4th February, finishing the year hitting all the targets in their business plan! The shop which sits in a portacabin in the car park of The Bell Inn on Martley Road sells a range of local produce including cakes, jams & chutneys, fudge, sandwiches, pies, cheeses, gin, beers and ciders. The Post Office has just been awarded a remote support payment of £5000 spread over the next 12 months due to their success in supporting the local community. The n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
Post Office is open 10am – 3pm Monday to Friday, and 10am – 12pm on Saturdays, and supplies a range of services including full banking facilities. Villagers who are going to be affected by the closure of Lloyds banks in St Johns can pay in cash and cheques through the local Post Office as well as making free cash withdrawals. The Lower Broadheath Community Shop Committee will be holding their AGM at
What makes Lower Broadheath Community Shop so special is its wonderful team of volunteers! If you’re interested in helping out, please get in touch - anyone over the age of 14 can volunteer, with flexible shifts the shop provides full training, friendly conversation and cups of tea! n If you are interested in finding out more you can email, follow on social media or visit the community shop’s website.
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HERE & NOW
Making A Pledge Can Save A Life Midlands Air Ambulance Charity needs your help. The charity is encouraging people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to sign up to its ‘I Pledge’ campaign and make 2020 another successful year for the lifesaving service. Emma Gray, fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, explains: “We are asking people and businesses within the local communities we serve to pledge their ongoing commitment and support to help us save more lives in the future.” There’s a wide range of activities and things you can do to pledge, such as: • Volunteer at one of the charity’s shops • Make a donation – no matter how big or small, by visiting: midlandsairambulance. com/donatenow
• Attend a local charity event • Sign up to the charity’s weekly lifesaving lottery • Host a tea party • Participate in a sporting event To get involved, it’s really easy, just write down how you plan to make a difference by supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and email your pledge to: ipledge@ midlandsairambulance.com or you can tweet the charity, @MAA_Charity and ensure you use the hashtag #IPledge. Visit: midlandsairambulance.com/ipledge to find out more. Without the support of the general public and local businesses from across the region, the vitally important pre-hospital care service of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity would
Vintage family festival offers free school choir workshops Primary school pupils across the West Midlands are being invited to take part in free choir workshops and perform live on the main stage at an award winning family music festival. Swingtime In The Gardens is returning to Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June and will feature world class performances from vintage, jive and swing acts across two stages. Festival organisers have teamed up with Sutton Coldfield’s The Singing Community of Choirs to offer Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils the chance of learning four songs, including famous numbers from The Jungle Book. There will be three workshops at each school before the event, as well as rehearsals on the day when the school choirs will combine to perform on the big stage with a live band. There will be no charge for performing pupils or their teachers to attend the festival. Swingtime 2020’s Operations Director Tim Chamberlin, the former Head Teacher of Chase Terrace Technology College, commented: “This is a wonderful chance for local children to learn from professional musicians and gain valuable experience of performing live at a big event. Many studies have shown that children who engage with The Arts consistently perform better academically, so we hope schools across the region will take advantage of this rare and free opportunity.” Parents who accompany their performing n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
children to Swingtime In The Gardens will get a 50% discount off their tickets, and Earlybird savings for all festival goers apply until the end of January. Among the 15 acts taking to the stage are Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists The Jive Aces, The Magic of Miller, Amy Baker and Bamboozle. Festival Director Antonio Socci, who’ll be performing with his swing band, commented: “Last year’s event was so successful that this year we are running Swingtime over the whole weekend and also offering camping to festival goers. We’re really looking forward to the school choir workshops and it’s sure to be a magical moment when the children take to the stage. When they’re not performing they can soak up the atmosphere, listen to the fantastic bands and also enjoy the fairground and boat rides.”
simply cease. Each year it costs in excess of £9 million to maintain the aircraft and land vehicles and the provision of a lifesaving service. Each air ambulance mission costs an average of £2,500 and each critical care car mission costs an average of £224. The charity is responsible for funding and operating three air ambulances and two critical care cars serving the communities of six Midlands counties: Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands. This constitutes the largest air ambulance operating region in the UK. n For more information on Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and how to make the next Mission Possible, visit midlandsairambulance. com or follow the organisation on social media.
Canal Clean Up attracts Distinguished Support Children from King’s Hawford and St. Barnabus Schools were involved in clear up of litter and abandoned items along the Worcester Canal on Thursday, in support of the work of the Canal and Rivers Trust, at the launch of the Worcester section of the charity, ‘World Against Single Use Plastic’. The children were greeted by the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Allah Ditta, and the Mayoress, Mrs Naseem Akhta, and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Major General Mark Armstrong and blessed by Canon Stuart Currie before setting off to clean up the canal. Andy Train, Olympian and three times World Champion in canoe pairs marathon, took volunteers out on the canal in a bell-boat, giving those who attended a close-up view of the rubbish that had been dropped into the canal. Miss England finalist and University of Worcester student Isobel Lines also gave her support and encouragement to those taking part.
Swingtime In The Gardens will also feature vintage trade stalls, street food and dance workshops for adults, including Ballroom and Salsa. The grand raffle will raise money for Acorn Children’s Hospice and The Not Forgotten Association. n
Professor Dr Rashid Gatrad, who founded WASUP originally as “Walsall Against Single Use Plastic’, spoke to encourage all within the community to engage in clean-ups both along the canal and in our streets to fight the scourge of litter.
Primary School teachers who want to find out more about the choir workshops and school performance s at Swingtime In The Gardens 2020 should email tim@swingtimeinthegardens.com. For more information about the festival and to book tickets, please visit www.swingtimeinthegardens.com.
Jim Turner, Head of King’s Hawford, said, “It was good to see so many joining this venture on the day. The children were terrific, enthusiastically gathering bags of rubbish and showing great support for WASUP and the Canal and Rivers Trust in their quest to clean up our waterways, removing a great deal of plastic along the way.” n
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HOME & GARDEN
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HOME & GARDEN
Make a statement this spring, by turning your bedroom into a luxurious haven full of bold colours and decadent fabrics. We take a look at the ways to upgrade your room with a touch of elegance. Bold colours Don’t be afraid to add some colour into your bedroom. Deep blues and greens can add drama to your room without it being too over-the-top colourful. Stick to one colour scheme and build from that foundation. Iliv Interior Textiles have thoughtful, beautiful and unique fabric designs to inspire you to create stunning interiors. Like the Cotswold Prussian fabric, pick out the bold colours and run with it. By adding accents of browns and yellows to compliment the deep hues, you can brighten up the space. Experiment with different fabrics If bold colours aren’t your thing, mix different fabrics and textures throughout the room to add depth and style to your bedroom. From lush velvet to faux fur, bold brass decor to simple elegant wood finishings, there is a multitude of ways to feel luxurious without comprimising on style. Velvet is a type of
n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft feel. Choose the Orbit accent chair in blue. Invitingly deep seated, with curved, velvet covered arms that invite touch. With hardwood in the frame, and slim hardwood legs, the accent chair is made to last. Add comfort and glamour with a faux fur made from 100% acrylic, ideal for adding a luxurious feel to your home. A perfect addition to bedrooms, the deep and shaggy pile offers a super-soft warming effect, especially on hard-flooring. A popular textile throughout interior design, silk is a natural fiber known for its luster, shine, strength, and durability. Silk is the epitome of luxury due to its soft touch, and elegant appearance. You may not want however to cover all your furnishings in this luxurious fabric, instead, use it sparingly in cushions, headboards, drapes or curtains. Just Fabrics, one of the leading independent designer fabric retailers in the country has a huge selection fabrics for curtains, upholstery, cushions. Their range of range of velvet CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
Fox & Ivy Cushions, From £12 www.tesco.com
HOME & GARDEN
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18 Mosel Drive, Droitwich Spa, Worcester, WR9 8DB
Tel: 07970 310 534 / 01905 827114 Email: mark@aaj-electrical.co.uk www.aaj-electrical.co.uk
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HOME & GARDEN
Instead, go for a two or maybe even three rows of plumped up cushions, varying in size and texture. Again go for high end fabrics; silk, faux fur and velvet.
or velour and chenille fabrics are great for adding a touch of luxury to your interiors. Velvet fabrics make fantastic upholstery fabrics for a sophisticated look. Visit them online at www.justfabrics.co.uk or visit one of their fabric shops and warehouses in Burford or Cheltenham.
window to instantly make the room seem
Don’t forget the walls Go for wallpaper with bold prints and different textures. Available in a variety of colours, Club Damask by Eijffinger (shown above) is a large scale damask design printed on a foil wallpaper, resulting in a stunning wallpaper with a wow factor. For an added dramatic effect, try adding large mirrors to your wall to open up a room. Place them opposite a
elegance to your bedroom.
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bigger than it actually is. Light it up Add a statement pendant light or a sleek metallic floor lamp for a simple luxurious look. Be bold and choose an unusual shape with a shiny glass or crystal finish, to really add
Pillows pillows and pillows When you see perfectly designed luxury hotel rooms, there are always more than enough pillows on the bed, piled high to to sink into after a long day. In your own home however, it may not be practical to have layers upon layers of pillows strewn across your bed.
Fabulous furniture Boutique hotel-style furniture immediately instils contemporary and modern bedrooms with a luxurious presence. Avoid highly detailed and complex designs and instead aim for simple elegance through softly balanced frames and straightforward colour combinations. Layering simplistic furniture pieces with defined features across a richly coloured backdrop evokes feelings of an opulent and luxurious night-time retreat. Pavillion Broadway has a range of luxury bedroom furniture in all shapes and styles, offering a selection of individual pieces and designer bedroom furniture sets to create your desired interior look. Their Theodore Alexander Bedside Chest Eli in Polished Nickel is a perfect example of how to get the polished luxury look by using a simple colour in an elegant design. n By Daisy Bennett
HOME & GARDEN
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HOME & GARDEN
CRG Kitchens If you want a bespoke kitchen fitted, then look no further than CRG Kitchens Ltd of Worcestershire. Chris Grantham is a kitchen specialist. Based in Worcester he has been designing and fitting kitchens for the past 35 years, carrying out installation work for all the major kitchen retailers. Over the last 10 years he has achieved a very high standard of customer satisfaction by carrying out the design, supply and fitting of kitchens himself, so you only have one point of contact throughout. Total Project Management He is very passionate about the fact that the company do not mass produce their designs and that the service is bespoke and based entirely on the clients’ needs and vision. Initially Chris will meet you with the aim of gaining as clear a picture of your ideal kitchen as possible by discussing it in detail and clearly listening to what you want. He is happy to offer suggestions as to how your objectives may be achieved and great attention will be paid to the layout of the room and how the space may best be used. n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
The result will be a unique kitchen that reflects your style and personality and a kitchen that works for YOU. Whether your budget is £5000 or £50,000 the company will endeavour to meet your requirements in a way that does not merely fit “boxes” into a room. Having perfected the art of supplying and fitting kitchens over many years, Chris has identified key areas where his service & products are superior to other companies, these include: • Use of high density moisture resistant cabinets • Only using top quality British manufactured doors • Using top quality draw runners, hinges & accessories • Bespoke sizes for doors and cabinets • Excellent customer service & communication • Innovative kitchen design • 25 year guarantee on kitchen cabinets • Lifetime warranty on installation • One point of contact for the whole project
• All other trades arranged to complete the whole project • 3D kitchen planning using the very best software available • Using the very best qualified tradesmen Chris is absolutely committed to providing customers with a top quality job, often going the extra mile to achieve a finish and service better than they could imagine. Having completed a 4 year Apprenticeship in Joinery & Shop Fitting coupled with having a building construction background gives customers the confidence that they are going to receive the very best products, professional installation and a service second to none. As he fits and project manages each installation, he will oversee the other trades as well, whether you use his list of registered tradesmen or your own. As a local Tradesman Chris is proud & passionate about achieving the very best job for you and every testimonial on his website is contactable for verification. n Please visit www.crgkitchens.co.uk
HOME & GARDEN
Made-to-Measure Curtains & Blinds Saphira by Romo
• Free consultation in your own home • Fitting service available • • Extensive range of fabrics and accessories • Opening Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm | Sunday - Tuesday : Closed
61 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1EU
T: 01386 556 411 | M: 07527 047647 | E: veragilesinteriors@btconnect.com
www.veragilesinteriors.co.uk
n Innovative Design n Competitive Pricing n 40 years Experience n Free 3D Cad design Service n Professionally operated by caring tradesmen n Please check our customer reviews on our website n Every Contract Fully Project Managed
Worcestershire
Now
Lifetime Guarantee on installation work
If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team.
Contact Chris direct on 07791661347 E: chris@crgkitchens.co.uk
Rachel Seabright
Lis Gardner
rachel@pw-media.co.uk
lis@pw-media.co.uk
www.crgkitchens.co.uk
Tel: 01905 727900
Tel: 01905 727901
Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727905
kate@pw-media.co.uk
Unit 2 Aston Fields Trade Park, 18 Sherwood Road, Bromsgrove, B60 3DR
Free No Obligation Quotation Call: 01527 877300
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HOME & GARDEN
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HOME & GARDEN
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HOME & GARDEN
How to improve soil drainage You can improve your soil’s drainage by adding coarse grit and this is highly desirable on heavy, sticky soil - but counter productive on lighter soil. However adding well-rotted, home-made garden compost on a yearly basis will helps to aerate any soil, thereby aiding drainage. If you haven’t got a compost heap, build one. The other thing is to lightly fork the soil surface, using a small hand fork, without treading on the soil. There are long-handled versions available at your local garden centre for bigger borders . This will break up the crust, and allow further rain to sink in better. The other great way of draining soil is to create a woody canopy using shrubs and trees. If the soil is very wet throughout the year consider the European dogwoods and willows. The red-stemmed dogwood Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ and the green-stemmed Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’ will both grow in very damp conditions. These produce pencilthick stems that pop up every now again, so they are not suitable for the small garden. The technique is to cut out the old stems every April to encourage new, colourful growth, but do allow the plant to get established for
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two or three years first. The cream and green leaved ‘Elegantissima’ is pretty throughout the year and still has red stems, although not as bright as ‘Sibirica’. Willows are notoriously thirsty, but they can be pollarded back to the base every year - again, once established. The orange-stemmed Salix alba var. vitellina ‘Britzensis’ glows in winter light. Heavy rain and its effect on the soil structure Heavy rain compacts and pans the soil surface. Keep off until it’s drier. Use a plank to stand on when digging and try to aerate the soil surface with a fork to prevent panning, but without setting foot on it. Excessive rainfall tends to wash out nutrients and you will need to feed your plants. Use a potashrich slow release fertilizer that’s excellent for roses, peonies and fruit trees, or you may prefer an easily applied powdered chicken/ animal manure. All feeds are best applied to damp soil on still days when your plants are dry. Yearly applications of garden compost will also feed your plants and then you will not need to purchase manufactured fertilizers which take a great deal of fossil fuel to produce. It will also save plant material from being transported by fossil fuel and either composted under heat for green waste, or put into landfill.
Which plants will suffer in wet conditions? Alpine plants need very sharp drainage during winter because they’ve evolved on bare mountainsides where snow and frost desiccate the ground. These plants will struggle and many will die in very wet winters. If you love alpines, consider making a sunny scree slope, using rocks and gravel so the water can escape. Or plant on a slope, or create your own slope, to aid drainage. You could also invest in an alpine bulb frame, or glasshouse to keep your treasures dry. Bulbous plants may also suffer, although those with large bulbs will cope far better than smaller bulbs. Fungal diseases are more of a problem, usually showing themselves as brown leaf tips or leaf margins. Also look out for botryitis, grey mould. If you see either of these remove the bulbs and examine them. Throw any infected bulbs away, or move them to a quarantine area and watch them carefully. Silver-leaved Mediterranean plants (sages, thymes, dianthus etc) may also suffer in wet conditions. These short-lived plants should be regularly propagated because older, leggier plants are more vulnerable. Cut all leggy Mediterranean plants back in late March: this will rejuvenate them. n
HOME & GARDEN
Worcestershire’s largest selection of Bouncy Castle and Soft Play Packages
FREE PLASMA CARS WITH ALL INDOOR BOOKINGS
OTHER THEMES AVAILABLE t: 01905 841902 m: 07765 000777
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NATURE NOTEBOOK
Hairy-footed Flower Bee © Wendy Carter
! m o o Z , m o o Z , Zoom
It’s been an odd winter but as spring (hopefully) arrives, check out your flowers for a zooming bee
KEEP UP TO DATE Worcestershire Wildlife Trust @WorcsWT t worcestershirewildlifetrust G worcswildlifetrust.co.uk w
At this time of year a few of us have a competition to see who can spot the first hairy-footed flower bee of the year. Yes, you read that right, hairy-footed flower bee. The numbers involved in this competition grow each spring because who can resist the challenge of looking for something with such an odd name?
and May last year. When these hatched, they ate
To be more accurate, they really should be called feather-legged flower bees because their long hair extends all the way up the middle legs of the male bees; they use them to stroke the female when mating. Males emerge a little before the females so that they’re full of energy when the females emerge. The males are relatively easy to spot with their bright gingery bodies and striking yellow/white faces. In contrast, females are black bundles of hair with orangey-red hind legs. Both are distinctive zooming around your garden, feeding from lungwort (their favourite), comfrey, rosemary or borage flowers. They really do zoom and are rarely stationary – it’s one way of telling them from the more bumbling bumblebees but it means that getting a really good look or capturing a photograph can be challenging.
harm to the structure, they just exploit a hole.
Hairy-footed flower bees are just one of more than 200 species of solitary bee in the UK.
photo-competition for details on how to enter. We’re
Unlike bumblebees or honeybees that work together for a colony, solitary bees construct individual nests in which to lay their eggs and then provision these eggs with food (pollen) for when they hatch. Female hairy-footed flower bees laid eggs between March
n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
their fill of pollen before pupating and emerging as adults before the onset of winter. If they’ve not yet emerged, they’re sitting in their sealed cells waiting for the right moment. Their cells are pitcher-shaped and, in Worcestershire at least, they’ll most likely be in a wall with soft mortar joints; they don’t do any
Hairy-footed flower bees are often the first bees to emerge in Worcestershire but they’re quickly followed by ashy mining bees and tawny mining bees as well as marmalade hoverflies, seven spot ladybirds and a whole host of other insects. What else will you spot if you choose to join us in our race to see the first hairy-footed flower bees of the season? As your garden and the natural world awakes for spring, don’t forget to get out there with your camera. Our annual photography competition is open for entries until Monday 6th April so whether you’re heading out snapping signs of spring or rustling through last year’s photos to find your best shots, why not visit our website www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ looking for photos that make us say ‘wow’, that really capture the best of Worcestershire’s wildlife and wild places. Winning images feature in our 2021 calendar, sales of which raise money for our conservation work across our beautiful county. n Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
NATURE NOTEBOOK
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Mum's the Word
Pick out something special for your mum this Mother’s Day, Sunday March 22nd MAMA’S MOMENTS BIRTHING ESSENTIALS - £20 MILANI PREP & BRIGHTEN ROSE FACE OIL - £20 Rose Face Oil is an indulgent custom blend of Vitamin C, Sunflower, Apricot Kernel, Sweet Almond, and Crambe Abyssinica Oils designed to brighten, balance your skin, and reduce the signs of aging. www.boots.com
Wherever you plan to give birth there will always be those ‘go-to’ essentials that you will want to grab just as you need them.The Natural Birthing Company have brought together a selection of our products that we feel would really support you in a natural way during your birthing journey. www.naturalbirthingcompany.com
LUXE GARDENIA £20 A perfume inspired by bountiful, beautiful and blossoming floral bouquets. Containing 90% naturally derived ingredients and a vegetable derived alcohol base. www.yardleylondon.co.uk
ROSALIQUE 3 IN 1 ANTI-REDNESS MIRACLE FORMULA - £29.99 Combines micro encapsulated redness concealing technology as well as clinically proven redness reducing a-Bisabolol, zeolite, provitamin B5 and shea butter plus an SPF 50 for outstanding results. www.rosalique.co.uk
DAVINA STEEL BAKING KITS From £2.49 Perfect for mums following gluten-free diets who struggle to find tasty bread and cake alternatives, Davina Steel’s easy-to-make mixes are a simple way to make yummy, homemade scones and focaccia when you’re short on time or lack the confidence to prepare a recipe from scratch. www.davinasteel.com
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
BAMBU CANDLES Worcestershire
Soy Candles, Room Sprays & Reed Diffusers Lovingly handmade in Worcestershire in small batches. We use only 100% natural eco soy wax, natural wicks and the finest fragrances that are all cruelty free and paraben free. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
www.bambucandles.co.uk
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WEDDINGS
Attending Wedding Fairs Wedding fairs give you a chance to meet suppliers, get inspiration or view a venue that you’ve been longing to look at since you said yes. If you’ve recently got engaged or are attending a wedding fair for the first time, it’s hard to know what to expect. So let’s start at the beginning... A wedding fair is a prime opportunity for you to gather inspiration for your special day and meet suppliers that you might want to work with. Most exhibitions are held at wedding venues, which is a great opportunity to view a venue informally and see it set up, or in big conference centres, like the NIA in Birmingham. Most wedding fairs cover a range of different suppliers but you can also find more specialist fairs that cater to niche markets, which are perfect for vintage-loving or alternative brides. See two exciting ones at Touchwood in Solihull and Salford Hall. There will always be a range of suppliers at any wedding fair and you’ll often find a couple of suppliers in each category. The aim of the fair is to introduce you to suppliers that will fit with what you want for your big day, and no two brides are the same so it’s good to have a mix of suppliers that can cater to different budgets or who have different styles. You’ll have the chance to meet photographers, cake
makers, wedding dress designers or wedding boutiques, florists, accessory designers, hair dressers and make up artists, entertainers and musicians, caterers, stationers, jewellers... To attend the event you could bring your partner, your friend, your parents or go solo suppliers and event organisers don’t mind so it’s entirely up to you. The suppliers are there to introduce themselves to you and want you to work with them, so there will always be an incentive for you. They often use competitions to win a bottle of champagne in return for your email address or a big discount if you sign up for a consultation on the day of the fair... You might just get a bargain on your dream dress or find the entertainment you never realised you needed at a reduced rate, so it’s always worth having a look around. If you haven’t set your date yet, can I still go? It’s not essential, but a ballpark date is always welcome, from a supplier’s point of view, even if that’s as vague as “2021”. Some suppliers
get booked up very quickly so it helps if you have an idea of a date but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. To make the best out of the day - Make a list of things you need or want for your wedding; it will help you to find suppliers that can offer advice and give you an idea of how much what you’re looking for will cost. Take a little notebook and pen to write down any suppliers you liked or ideas you saw that you hadn’t considered. Pick up business cards and leaflets for things you like the look of and if you want a supplier to contact you with a quote or give you more information, scribble down your email address or phone number for them to call you later and they’ll be happy to do that for you, with no obligation. Last of all eat the cake. Always eat the cake. And try the chocolate fountain, drink the champagne and try every canapé that’s on offer...most of all, have fun. n
BEST WESTERN SALFORD HALL HOTEL WEDDING FAIR Sunday 19th April 11:30am – 3:00pm
Free entry, free goody bag, complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival, canapés and mini desserts to try
EXCLUSIVE USE PACKAGES FROM £3,500
SPECIAL OFFER
Book and confirm your wedding by 30/04/20 with a deposit and receive £500 off our platinum and diamond packages for dates in 2020
Abbots Salford, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8UT
Tel: 01386 871300 | Email: events@salfordhall.co.uk | www.salfordhall.co.uk n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
WEDDINGS
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FOOD & DRINK
The Chicken and the Egg If there was such a thing as a perfect food, eggs would be a contender. They’re readily available, easy to cook, affordable and packed with protein. Eating eggs alongside other food can help our bodies absorb more vitamins, too. For example, one study found that adding an egg to salad can increase how much vitamin E we get from the salad. Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet as a whole egg contains all the nutrients required to turn a single cell into a baby chicken. They also make great pets for adults and children alike. For more than 8,000 years, chickens have lived close to mankind, their long proximity leaving its mark on our language. Terms such as things “coming home to roost”, we worry about “putting all our eggs in one basket” all stem from keeping chickens. Francine Raymond who founded the Henkeepers’ Association in 2006 found it grew quickly in the UK to over 10,500 members. She even found that when she downsized from her Suffolk smallholding to Whitstable in Kent she “didn’t have any chickens but I really missed them. I somehow couldn’t see the point of gardening without them.” Her two hens (she usually has more), have a secure run and a beautiful, handmade n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
wooden coop but are allowed out to garden with her every day. Her most recent book, The Garden Farmer, promotes the virtues of food producing in an urban setting. “I always keep pure breeds, up to about eight hens. I try and hatch out two new ones each year. In their first year, even rare breeds will lay an egg a day.” The Orpington bantam is a fluffy mass of rusty gold feathers, laced with black, while the speckled Sussex has feathers that gleam a dark rust-red marbled with white. “The Sussex is a vigorous layer but something of a greedy pest when it comes to scratching up the garden. She has drumsticks of steel.” Raymond’s new garden is already well established with fruit and nut trees, vegetable beds and an eclectic assortment of plants growing out of pots and containers. Her chickens contribute by eating pests and clearing fallen fruits, fertilising the garden and providing company throughout the year. On a wintry day, they add a splash of colour. For Raymond, the decorative beauty of her hens goes hand in hand with their utility. “Growing your own protein gives you power,” she says.
So if you are inspired to start keeping chickens we are blessed with a number of people in the County who sell everything poultry related. Including hens. A great starting place for research is Francine Richmonds website www.kitchen-garden-hens.co.uk/ To
rescue
ex
commercial
hens
visit
www.bhwt.org.uk/rehome-hens/ n A single large boiled egg breaks down as following in terms of your recommended daily alowance (RDA) Vitamin A: 6% of the RDA Folate: 5% of the RDA Vitamin B5: 7% of the RDA Vitamin B12: 9% of the RDA Vitamin B2: 15% of the RDA Phosphorus: 9% of the RDA Selenium: 22% of the RDA Eggs also contain decent amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6, calcium and zinc. This comes with 77 calories, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fats. Eggs also contain various trace nutrients that are important for health.
FOOD & DRINK
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Full A La Carte available all day 01562 730 499 | WWW.FIVESPICEONLINE.CO.UK MONDAY - THURSDAY: 5PM - 12PM FRIDAY - SATURDAY: 5PM - 1AM | SUNDAY: 1PM - 11PM t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n
GOLDEN YEARS
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t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 29 n
GOLDEN YEARS
The total cost of dementia care in the West Midlands is set to almost double over the next decade, putting those affected by the condition under increasing pressure. The latest figures for the West Midlands estimate care costs will rise from their current level of £3,376,000 to £5,297,000 in 2030, an increase of 66%. The shocking prediction highlights calls by Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity, for immediate social care investment to be a key pillar of the Government’s forthcoming Spring Budget on 11 March. The figures, calculated by the London School of Economics and Political Science, combine costs to the NHS, social care and the value
urgent investment, backing calls for £8bn in
Area Manager for the Midlands said: “The
of unpaid care provided by family members.
extra funding for adult social care in England
social care system is unfair and unfit for
by 2020/21.
people living with dementia. Alzheimer’s
Worryingly, across England it is estimated
Society is campaigning to end this injustice.
that around 60% of social care costs are
The charity estimates at least £2.65bn of that
typically met by people living with dementia
amount could be spent on care for people
and their families because they do not
living with dementia to improve the devastating
qualify for state support.
financial and emotional impact they and their
bring care to an acceptable level, as well as
families face when accessing care.
a clear timetable for long-term reform that
As part of its on-going Fix Dementia Care campaign, Alzheimer’s Society is demanding
“We are calling on the Government to commit to £8 billion in immediate funding to
CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
Kumbi Mandinyenya, Alzheimer’s Society’s
From one family to another, we treat your loved ones like we treat our own. We do not offer sterile care, only pure loving care. We are a new family run business with over 20 years experience in Adult Health, geriatric care, dementia, end of life and Mental Health. We have worked previous with high end clients such as a Duchess and extended Royal Family.
highly dedicated, police checked and trained in the care industry handpicked along the way for their caring approach at all times overseen by ourselves who we will match to you for them to provide direct care to meet your needs. We will create a bespoke care package to suit with competitive clear fees and full insurance. We aim to deliver a different approach to home care.
We have decided to launch our own unique bespoke care service to extend your home and values to ours. After many years in the Health Service we have witnessed firsthand the pitfalls and lack of genuine care and attention to detail.
We offer: • 24/7 support • Companionship and Personal Assistant Services • A Partnering Service matching you with the right carer to the right home • We cater for a variety of care needs tailored to suit each individual • Home from Home Day Care • Live-in Care • Trips out in the summer • Festive Lunch
There are many care services on offer, but time slots, rushed overworked carers and lack of training being major issues. What Happy House Homecare offers is a small experienced team of carers all
Please get in touch to find out if we can be of service in your loved ones life. Tel: 07782 539891 Email: info@happyhousehomecare.com Website: happyhousehomecare.com
n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
GOLDEN YEARS
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GOLDEN YEARS
dementia will have higher care needs for longer, driving up the average amount spent on care. Previous research by Alzheimer’s Society has shown that someone with dementia will typically have to spend £100,000 on their care. Many are forced to sell their homes to pay for it. Alzheimer’s Society is calling for dementia care to be funded like other public services, such as the NHS and education, where the cost is shared across society, protecting individuals and their families from the devastating costs of specialist dementia care.
provides a fairer system and ensures access
Across England, care costs are predicted to rise
to quality care.
from their current level of £29.4bn to £50.4bn
“For far too long, families have been
by 2030, an increase of more than 70%.
privately struggling to care for their loved
At the same time, the number of people living
ones with dementia, left to pick up the pieces
with dementia across the UK is expected to
of a social care system that’s coming apart at the seams. This can’t go on any longer. The
rise from around 850,000 to 1.2m by 2030.
Government must live up to its promise to fix
The report predicts that as our population
dementia care.”
ages, a higher proportion of people with
n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
Today, the charity releases a hard-hitting animated film telling the story of one family’s financial plight to get the care their loved one with dementia needs. You can view it by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7dh3rHlB0&feature=youtu.be n To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society’s Fix Dementia Care campaign, and to write to your MP asking them to take action, visit alzheimers.org.uk/FixBudget
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EDUCATION
Hidden Scholarships and Funding
If you’re going to university, there are some hidden pots of funding available. They’re often less about academic ability and more about factors such as where you live or what your parents do for a living. Family Action’s Educational Grants Programme: This service offers students, especially disadvantaged ones, over the age of 14 the chance to get grants of £200 to £300 to start or continue their education.
Discretionary bursary: If you don’t qualify for the vulnerable student bursary, you may qualify for this. Your education or training provider will set their own criteria for this and will look at family income among other things.
Postgraduate funding: New master’s students are able to get a master’s loan of up to £10,906. Doctoral level students are eligible to apply for the doctoral loan of up to £25,700.
If you think you might qualify for the bursary you will need to apply to your school, college or training provider.
Scholarships and bursaries: Visit: www.postgraduatesearch.com/funding you’ll be surprised at what’s available. 16 to 19 Bursary Fund If you’re aged between 16 and 19, you could be eligible for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund to help with education-related costs. You’ll need to be studying at a school or college in England (not a university), or on an unpaid training course. If eligible, you could get up to £1,200. There are two ways to qualify: Vulnerable student bursary: If you’re in local authority care or have recently left it, if you receive income support or universal credit, or if you are disabled and receive both employment support allowance (ESA) and disability living allowance (DLA) or universal credit, or you get personal independence payment (PIP), you could be eligible for this.
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Widely Available Student Loans No-one in the UK should be put off studying because of potential student debt. Done right, it’s very different to normal debt. It’s only repaid when you finish studying, and if you don’t earn enough when you leave you don’t have to pay for it. Types of funding Student loans: Most UK higher education students are eligible for a student loan. The tuition fee loan can cover tuition fees up to £9,250 (for the 2019/20 academic year).
you get depends on what you’re studying and what you’re charged in tuition fees. The minimum loan is £300 and it’ll be paid directly to your college or training provider. The maximum you can get depends on your course. You might get less from the loan than your college or training provider charges – if so you’ll have to pay the difference yourself. To get this you must be 19 or over and studying level 3 upwards. Ie if you are taking 4 A Levels you get 4 loans. Those resident for more 3 years are eligible, there’s no credit check to get it, and it doesn’t depend on your household income. Once earning you pay back 9% of your earnings above £25,725 a year. There’s also an advanced learner loan bursary fund, which you can apply to if you need learning help, or to cover childcare or residential costs. It could be paid directly to you or to your landlord or your childcare provider. Apply directly to your college or training facility for the bursary.
Maintenance loan: Students are also eligible for a loan of up to £11,672 (for the 2019/20 academic year) to help with living costs, depending on circumstances.
Other grants can be found called Learner Support, Care to Learn (if you are main carer for a child), Local council grants, yes there are still some! Plus don’t forget Free online courses in almost any topic to start your education adventure.
Tuition loans for students aged 19+ in England An advanced learner loan can help with college or training tuition costs in England. How much
We recommend you start your search on Moneysavingexpert.com, they have lots of links to available funding websites. n
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What's On
What's On MARCH Thursday 5th - Sunday 8th Circus Zyair Circus Zyair is proud to present a colourful and action packed hour and a half show with high energy acts from all over the world. The 2020 tour is a dazzling combination of circus, music and laughter. With a heated big top, comfy seating and an electric atmosphere from start to finish Circus Zyair promises to be a truly magical experience for the whole family. The show comes to Worcester Racecourse, tickets are available by calling 0333 666 3366 or going to www.circus-zyair.co.uk.
Sunday 8th Wedding Fayre Explore Hartlebury Castle’s magnificent State Rooms and picturesque scenery as you discover the perfect stalls and companies for your special day. Come along to our Wedding Fayre & Open day and see this wonderful venue, while discovering a range of local
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OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH
wedding businesses. Gain inspiration and ideas for your special day while exploring a variety of stalls, finding companies to suit your needs and discover how Hartlebury Castle could be the perfect venue for your wedding. The Castle is licenced for Civil Ceremonies and its consecrated Gothic Chapel is ideal for couples wishing to have a blessing afterwards. The State Rooms (Great Hall & Saloon) also offer a versatile space for both Wedding Breakfasts and evening receptions. Our Hospitality Suite is popular with couples, offering a space for you and your wedding party to get ready in. All of these spaces will be open at the Fayre for you to see as you explore the stalls. Free entry, includes goody bag on arrival. Register your interest in advance by emailing marketing@hartleburycastle.com
Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th ABBA Forever ABBA Forever is one of the UK’s leading International tribute shows and theatre
audiences from across Great Britain and Sweden have long enjoyed this superb recreation of possibly the world‘s greatest pop band.The unique ABBA sound is replicated with an incredible attention to detail, using a six-piece band featuring electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and piano, drums and bass guitar. Two outstanding ABBA girls complete the line-up, adding the essential glitz and glamour to a well-polished and gently humorous show. Tickets are £24.50. The show starts at 7.50pm at The Swan Theatre.
Friday 13th A Black Country Night Out Everyone loves a great variety show... just look at Britain’s Got Talent. Well, here is a show that is bursting at the seams with talent! Not only that, but it is full of variety, comedy, music and even a tribute or two! Let’s start with the comedy: comedy and vocal duo Dandy are the number one comedy act on the Black CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
National Association of Goldsmiths Member
Quarter Jewellery(Worcester) and Malvern Goldsmiths
Getting married? §
We make wedding rings, all carats, all widths, all patterns. We beat any other jewellers price, even the internet.
Personalise Your Wedding Ring 1. Choose a plain wedding ring (9ct, 18ct or platinum 2. Keep it plain or have it diamond cut (any pattern) + £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 £47.50 per gram for 9ct or £95 per gram for 18ct
Free valuations on items you wish to sell
We also value for insurance, sale between parties and probate. Jewellery repair service available & we will polish your jewellery for £5
THE MOST REASONABLE JEWELLERS IN WORCESTER, ESPECIALLY FOR WEDDING RINGS
Quarter Jewellery - 27 The Shambles, Worcester Malvern Goldsmiths - 28/30 Belle Vue Terrace
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What's On Country circuit and are now causing a storm at
celebrating the TV programme F.R.I.E.N.D.S.T
treat your mum this Mother’s Day. Join us in
the Peaky Blinder theme nights! Ollie Spencer
ake some photographs on the orange sofa.
our beautiful Georgian manor house and
stormed it on his first tour in 2018 and he’s
Take part in a Quiz to truly test your Friends
enjoy a delicious three-course Sunday lunch
back hosting the show with a bag full of gags
knowledge.Test if Rachels trifle really does
accompanied by live music from a talented
for you. Call 01905 611427 to book tickets. For
taste like feet! Menu:Ross Moistmaker,
pianist!To add a bit more magic to mum’s day,
disabled booking call 01905 611427.
Joeys Meatball Sub, Rachels Trifle, Monicas
she will also receive a special gift! Lunch is
Jam, Chandlers Cheesecake, and Phoebes
served between 12pm - 2pm. Menu pre-order
Sunday 15th
Cookies. Join us on 15th March at the Granary
choices required upon booking - please email
West Midlands Luxury Wedding Show
Hotel in Shenstone to fully emerse yourself in
your choices to: enquiries@safarivenues.co.uk.
West Midlands Luxury Wedding Show at
the FRIENDS theme.£25 per person. Tickets
Price: £35 per adult, £17 per child (aged 3 - 12
The Chateau Impney features a display of
are available now at www.ticketsource.co.uk/
years), £6 per under 3 (one course only).
wedding dress collections, veils & accessories,
eventures. Please email ukeventures@gmail.
bridesmaid dress collections,florists & floral
com with any dietary requirements and any
Wednesday 25th
artists, wedding stage & displays, party
specific seating requests.
Historic Ghost Walk of Worcester
decorations, wedding cakes & pastries,
Follow our guide into deep, dark pockets
wedding caterers, wedding halls, bridal
Saturday 21st
beauticians, tattoo artists, bridal cosmetics
James Taylor Quartet
&
The
beauty
products,
invitation
cards,
legendary
of Worcester and discover a side of the UK
groove
lead you through gates normally locked
designers, bridal wear, wedding planners,
and jazz funk, mixed in with a little soul at
and doors usually bolted to learn of the
travel agencies, orchestra group, matrimonial
The Marrs Bar, Worcester. His quartet are
ghostly experiences and historical facts in a
bureaus,
wedding
guaranteed to tear the roof off with their ‘60s
fascinating tour of one of the most haunted
photographers, wedding video & DVD, and
& ‘70s-tinged funky-jazz instrumentals. For
and historic cities in Britain. With entry to
much more. The event runs from 9-6pm.
more information call www.marrsbar.co.uk
some of Worcester’s most iconic buildings,
Saturday 21st
Sunday 22nd
F.R.I.E.N.D.S Afternoon Tea
Mother’s Day Lunch
An afternoon tea to spend with your friends
Spring Grove House is the perfect place to
n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 197 | March 2020
rare
The Historic Ghost Walk of Worcester will
Hammond
astrologers,
playing
and
wedding gifts, jewellery, boutiques & fashion
wedding
guru,
Faithful City that you never knew existed... funkmeister
and an entertaining guide it is a great night out. The Walk is recommended for adults CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
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What's On and children aged 11 and over. Children must be supervised at all times and remain the responsibility of the supervising adult. Please note the walk will go ahead in any weather unless it is deemed by the Guide to be unsafe. Although you can turn up and pay on the night booking in advance is advisable.
Saturday 28th Jack Dee Off the tele Star of TV sitcoms Bad Move, Lead Balloon and Josh, Jack Dee also hosts the legendary Radio 4 show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. Additional credits include presenting Jack Dee’s Helpdesk on BBC Two, C4’s The Jack Dee Show, ITV’s Jack Dee’s Saturday Night, BBC’s Jack Dee’s Happy Hour and Jack Dee Live at the Apollo. “In fact,” explains Jack, “I’ve probably appeared in every TV show with my name in the title”. For more details on how to book go to www.malvern-theatres.co.uk
APRIL Friday 3rd The Real Thing The Forum, Malvern. The Real Thing with original vocalists Chris Amoo & Dave Smith and live five piece band will be appearing at The Forum Malvern on Friday 3 April This ‘Best of’ album contains their 3 million selling No 1 Hits ‘You To Me Are Everything’ ‘Can’t Get By Without You’ & Feel The Force. Plus their new single ‘Someone Ought to write a song about you’. The promotional video for this has had over 50,000 views on Youtube.
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THE REGAL TENBURY KEEPS THE SHOW ON THE ROAD They have been working very hard to get back up and running at the Regal following last floods in Tenbury Wells with the support of brilliant volunteers, kind members of the public, the Town Clerk and all the service providers. The flooding damaged the chairs and floor in the auditorium, and the floor in the Function Room. The Regal is an old, listed building, which means that some aspects of the clean up and repair are more complex and will take longer. We’re not yet sure how long it will be before we’re able to resume our programme at the Regal – but we’re determined that the show must go on! We’re talking to possible alternative venues around Tenbury. We anticipate that Tenbury High
Ormiston Academy will rehome our Theatre School and most of our live shows. We will be setting up a ‘pop up’ cinema on Friday evenings throughout March in the Methodist church. If you have tickets for any of the shows or films in the coming weeks, someone from our box office team will contact you soon. We may need to reschedule or cancel some – we’re sorry and hope you’ll bear with us. Please do continue to get your tickets for shows in April, as we’re doing everything to keep these events coming to Tenbury. The Regal is run as a charitable trust. If you would like to help us with a donation, we can accept donations through our ticketing system. n
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