Worcestershire NOW - MARCH 2021 by PW Media & Publishing Ltd

Worcestershire

Now

Magnificent Refurbished Mansion Now Complete Contact us to book a viewing

See page 39 and visit www.erl.uk.com for more information TIME FOR THE PERFECT SLEEP VEG OUT THIS SPRING GIFTS FOR MOTHER’S DAY MARCH 2021 | ISSUE 204 t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

NEWS • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD & DRINK • HEALTH & BEAUTY • GOLDEN YEARS • PUZZLES

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

Worcestershire

Now 18

MARCH 2021 HOME & GARDEN 8

Time For The Perfect Sleep

Spring Is On Its Way - And We Have Never Needed It More!

Food Waste Action Week

Veg Out This Spring

Nature Notebook

HEALTH & BEAUTY 24

Happy Mother’s Day

GOLDEN YEARS 26

A Pressing Deadline

EDUCATION 30

Ledbury Poetry Festival’s Influential International Poetry Competition is Open for Entries

What Did You Learn at School Today?

We’re Growing, Grow With Us

LIVING HISTORY 34

From Edward Hurdman to Jo Hodges The 400th Anniversary of the Worcester Mayoralty

PUZZLES 36

Puzzled? Stay Home. Stay Safe.

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

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd

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

ADVERTISING Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Lis Gardner Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk

Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk

DESIGN Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Daisy Bennett Wendy Carter

Age UK Botany Bay Nurseries Colour Fence The Downs Hallfield School Ledbury Poetry Festival The Museum of Royal Worcester Platform Housing Group TPG DisableAids Ltd Worcester County Council

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Worcestershire Now magazine t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 3 n your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

HOSPICE CALLS FOR HELP

FROM GREEN-FINGERED GARDENERS

A Worcestershire hospice is calling on green-

are temporarily closed for the third time

fingered gardeners to join a campaign to

of lockdown and many fundraising events

help grow the future of hospice care.

postponed, this is a great way to support

St Richard’s Hospice, based in Wildwood

our care.”

Drive, Worcester is looking for plant lovers

He added, “Last year thanks to volunteer

who wish to see their seeds, cuttings and

growers, we raised more than £20,000 from

bulbs spring into life to raise funds towards

selling plants through our shops – a fantastic

the care of patients and their loved ones in

amount to help fund our care. We hope, that

the county.

with lots of people getting involved, we will

The charity is asking growers to bring on three and five litre pots of plants which they

be able to raise a significant amount with the ‘growing our future’ campaign.

then deliver and donate to designated St

Mr Corns said by donors gift aiding the plants

Richard’s shops when they reopen. People

when they deliver them to participating

taking part in the campaign are asked to

shops, the charity can benefit from even

supply the pots, plants and compost.

more funds. n

St Richard’s Shops Director Dan Corns said,

Unique ‘Growing our Future’ pot labels

“At a time when our shops and warehouse

will be available from participating shops

n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

or print off from the St Richard’s website www.strichards.org.uk/our-shops/growingour-future/

St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones. Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,300 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire. St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS. For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk

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HERE & NOW

Museum of Royal Worcester Celebrates

Finnis Scott Foundation Award!

we are creating new works to be displayed throughout the Museum and will show our latest work, while celebrating the skill of Stuart Lafford, a much-loved art tutor.”

The Museum of Royal Worcester, in partnership with Gloucestershire Society for Botanical Illustration (GSBI), are excited to announce they have received the prestigious Botanical Art Award 2020 from the Finnis Scott Foundation. This will fund a new exhibition, opening the 27th May to October 2021, ‘Botanical Treasures - inspiration from nature in porcelain and on paper’, with an accompanying programme of family workshops, demonstrations and talks. Sophie Heath, Museum Director says: “We are thrilled to receive this award and want to extend our thanks to the Finnis Scott Foundation! The core of the exhibition will be works created by the GSBI’s talented members, several of whom are RHS medal winners, displayed alongside the Museum’s beautiful collections of porcelain and original archives. The new exhibition will also celebrate the life and

legacy of a well-known local botanical art tutor, Stuart Lafford (1953-2016), who taught many of the GSBI’s members and started his career as an apprentice artist at the Royal Worcester Porcelain Factory in 1972, working on limited editions. He later designed some high-profile commissions including the floral centre on the commemorative plate for the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986.” Rachel Needham, Honorary Secretary for GSBI says: “Winning the Award was like a dream come true! We are delighted to be collaborating with our partners at the Museum of Royal Worcester to produce this new, exciting exhibition ‘Botanical Treasures’. We have been warmly welcomed behind the scenes to explore the Museum, its glorious archive of art works and their stunning design library. Inspired by all we have seen,

The Museum looks after the largest collection of Worcester porcelain in the world, together with the factory and design archive. The worldclass collection tells the stories of the people who made and enjoyed these extraordinary objects, celebrating the colourful history of 250 years of ceramic design, local skill and innovation. The Museum is located in historic Severn Street, adjacent to Henry Sandon Hall and GoodRoots Café, which form part of the regenerated Royal Porcelain Works. Following the increased lockdown restrictions, the Museum is currently closed. There are lots of Museum from Home activities to get involved in, including an audio tour online, behind the scenes videos and creative activities, as well as the online shop, which features vintage and modern pieces of Royal Worcester Porcelain. Please support the Museum’s Recovery by making a donation at virginmoneygiving.com/ fund/MoRW-ResilienceFund. n To find out more about the Museum of Royal Worcester, visiting and booking info, please visit: www.museumofroyalworcester.org Email info@museumofroyalworcester.org facebook.com/TheMoRW Twitter @TheMoRW Instagram @The_MoRW

Pupils’ Joy as Laptops Donated to Local Schools Two Worcester schools are celebrating after receiving a grant to purchase laptops. Carnforth School in Warndon and Hollymount School in Tolladine have been awarded a total grant of £10,500 from Platform Housing Group; the money has been used to purchase 33 laptops. The school’s successfully applied for the grant through the social landlord’s Platform Community Chest, with a customer panel approving

the

customers,

charities,

application; clubs

Platform and

other

not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding to bring about positive changes for Platform communities. The laptops – which are helping to support children accessing remote learning during the n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

pandemic – are currently on loan to families, will return to school when children are back and continue to have a positive impact on the education of pupils. School children at both the schools – part of the Black Pear Trust, which also includes St George’s Church of England Primary School – have suffered from digital deprivation for many years, which has led to inequality of provision. Grants such as these help to narrow this inequality. Emma Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer at the Black Pear Trust said : “Platform Housing continues to be very supportive of both Hollymount and Carnforth schools and we would like to send heartfelt thanks for their generosity. We are incredibly fortunate to have been given this money that will ensure

children who have little or no access to digital devices, are now able to take part fully in their learning. During school closure, both schools have developed a system of blended learning, including both paper based and digital resources, as well as daily opportunities for children to join live learning sessions.” Paul Edwards, Community Officer at Platform Housing Group said : “Giving back to our communities is a vital part of the work we do and we are absolutely delighted to be able to provide funds to help make a positive difference.” Platform Housing Group’s operating area is from Herefordshire in the West to the Lincolnshire coast in the East, and from the Derbyshire Dales in the North to the Cotswolds in the South. n

HERE & NOW

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HOME & GARDEN

P e Th

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p e e Sl

, 3th 1 h arc n M tuary in o g allin g sanc f y a in ep D a calm e l S E PAG nal m into o THE i t R a oo OVE UED ith N r bedr ng. TIN w N d u ri CO h an orm yo for sp t n o n sf ed M to tran paratio B l na w pre atio at ho N s look ch i r a a e M tak we

Tim

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Secret Linen Store www.secretlinenstore.com n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Weaver Green Juno Dove Grey Runner - £170 www.weavergreen.com

Duvet Days Bed sheets and covers made from natural fibres such as 100% cotton and linen will be more beneficial to your health, helping your skin breath easily as you sleep. The natural fibres in cotton help regulate the body’s temperature, with less chance of waking, whereas linen linen is anti-static, antibacterial and acts as a natural insulator.

keeps skin feeling fresh and cool throughout

including a luxurious Merino Lambswool

the night.”

Tartan Throw available in several colours, a

The Secret Linen store offers premium cotton and linen bedding, bed linen and accessories, such as their Cumin bed linen set made from 100% linen. Molly Freshwater, Secret Linen Store Co-Founder and Creative Director says; “Choosing the right bedding can transform a night’s sleep. Thanks to linen’s unique properties, it boasts moisture absorption and ventilating capabilities, whilst being antiallergic, making it suitable for people with skin sensitivities. As it can absorb over 20% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet, linen’s ability to wick moisture away from the body

magic number. Experiement with different

n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

Pile Up Those Cushions

perfect partner for cooler weather.

Pillows aren’t just for resting your head on,

Pay Attention to the Floor

they can be decorative and a simple way to

You wake up, lift the covers off you, climb out

bring out your personality whilst redeorating

of bed and step onto a cold, rough, uninspiring

your bedroom. There’s no official way of how many pillows and cushions you need, but recommendations suggest three is the shapes, designs and textures that match with your colour scheme. Made To Last, the company that produces long-lasting sustainable products designed in Britain have an assortment of quirky and unique cushions that suit all personlities, like the Bike Cushion (shown over the page), hand made in the UK

floor. What better way to make the first step of the day your best than to place your feet onto a soft comforting rug. It’s a perfect additon to bring style to your bedroom, however you choose to decorate. Without one, a room can seem unfinished, plus they can reduce noise and protect your floors. somehwere to place your Weaver Green are a company that create beautiful rugs and textiles made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Their selection of

using 100% linen.

rugs include a Dove Grey Juno Runner Rug,

For an extra layer, place a throw on top of your

warmth and comfort to bare floors.

bed give you extra warmth on cold nights. The House of Bruar have a selection of throws

that’s as soft as wool, perfect for adding some

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

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Call Justin: 01905

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HOME & GARDEN

Choosing the Right Storage Having too much clutter around you in the bedroom can lead for a disruptive night’s sleep. Disorganisation can have a negative effect on the brain, disrupting our working memory. It’s not about throwing everything away in order to create a peaceful space, but making sure everything has it’s place. Wardrobes, shelves, tallboys or small drawers tucked neatly under the bed, all offer easy solutions to get your bedroom organised. If it seems like an overwhelming prospect to reorganise your space, then there are companies that offer bespoke designs that can do all the hard work for you. Neville Johnson offers fully tailored solutions to work with the shape of your room, fitting effortlessly into your decor and style Simon Tcherniak, Senior Designer from Neville Johnson says; “Bespoke storage solutions such as custom made shelving and cabinets can be designed to cleverly hideaway all your items whilst creating a beautiful feature in your bedroom. The key advantage of bespoke furniture is that it can

seamlessly fill a space and work with any idiosyncrasies. You can gain so much storage in a bedroom by using the full height of a wall, and if you make it no deeper than it needs to be your room will still feel spacious and open. Hiding clutter can help your bedroom feel more serene, spacious and calm – the perfect environment for a good nights’ sleep.” Black Out For a perfect night’s sleep, it’s best to invest in thick curtains or black out blinds. In the winter, thicker materials will help keep the warm in. If the thought of a heavy material in the summer months put you off, there are plenty of options for blinds that come in different patterns and styles. Whether its roller, venetian or shutter, there’s something to suit every taste. They play a perfect role in of blocking out sunlight and can be made from anything from wood to vinyl. Hillarys offer an excellent blind measuring service ensuring a perfect fit for any shape or size. n

Bike cushion - £48.95 www.made-to-last.co.uk

By Daisy Bennett

The Wentworth Bedroom and Neville Johnson Fitted Furniture is priced from £3,000 + VAT. n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

We could help you buy your new home in Colwall Chevenham Close, Colwall is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The development has been designed carefully to ensure it remains in keeping with the area and surrounding properties. 2 Bedroom Cottages and 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now Prices start from £42,500 for a 25% share You only need a deposit for the share you’re purchasing, not the full 100%. Other shares are available subject to an affordability assessment. What is Shared Ownership? Shared Ownership is a fantastic opportunity whether you’re a first time buyer looking to get onto the property ladder or a second time buyer unable to afford on the open market.. It allows you to buy a share in a brand new property on a part buy/part rent basis and pay a subsidised rent on the part that you do not own. We will offer shares for sale normally between 25-75% of the property depending on how much you can afford to purchase and charge rent on the remaining share. The bigger the share you buy, the less rent

you have to pay. You will need to be able to raise a mortgage for the share you want to purchase unless you have sufficient money to enable you to purchase without. The combined cost of mortgage and rent is often cheaper than privately renting in the area. Staircasing – did you know after your initial purchase, you’re able to buy further shares in the property and own 100% at any time. Am I eligible? Shared Ownership uses the following criteria: - Maximum annual household income of £80,000. - Unable to purchase a home suitable for your needs. Contact us: sales@platformhg.com 0345 450 3995 We have many other developments available across the Midlands and Lincolnshire, please visit our website for more information www.platformhomeownership.com/find-a-home/

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HOME & GARDEN

Spring is on its way - and we have never needed it more! At this time of year, most of us are eager for winter to relinquish its hold over our lives and for spring to arrive and this year is no exception to that rule - in fact even more so in 2021, with the constraints of lockdown bearing down upon us for many months. However, no matter how dismal things may sometimes feel, records suggest that recent springs are occurring about 11 days earlier than they did a century ago, even though the promise of increasingly warm and bright days ahead seems a way off following the recent cold snap and snow we have just experienced. What’s more, with lockdown restrictions easing in the upcoming months we can all look forward to family gatherings, garden parties and some sense of normality over the latter part of the year! Meteorologists hail the beginning of spring on the 1st March but in recent years we have had snow as late as March and April , and whilst the local kids might have welcomed the opportunity for a ‘snow day’, the keen gardeners amongst us might not have been quite so pleased, since drifted snow can crush delicate new plants, and the weight can even damage larger conifers or even garden structures like fences, sheds and greenhouses. This said, according to n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) chief horticultural adviser Guy Barter, a blanket of snow later in the year is not always a bad thing, flowering bulbs can be delayed slightly, prolonging the flowering period and leading to a more impressive show as they all bloom together. You may even be treated to seeing hardy spring flowers like primulas and anemones flowering alongside your hellebores and winter pansies as the late winter blooms are prolonged. So, you have provided a bit of extra food for the winged garden visitors and mother nature seems to have the borders sussed giving you an even more colourful garden this spring -but where does this leave the hardscape elements of the garden? Well if your fence was groaning under the weight of drifted snow and struggling to stand against the accompanying icy winds then you could consider an alternative that is tougher than traditional wooden fencing - such as ColourFence. This type of steel fencing needs very little aftercare and can stand up to 130mph gusts leaving you more time to knock the snow off the roof of the

greenhouse! Oh and it makes for a very attractive decorative feature in your garden too – perfect for all those post lockdown get togethers, and BBQs! Did you know too, that ‘Astronomical Spring’ is due a little later in March so maybe we can hope for some more sunshine then. Keep a look out for bumblebees and butterflies waking from their winter slumber, frog spawn in ponds and garden birds collecting nesting materials, all of which hail sunnier days to come! And if you’re not looking to replace a fence, but you’re looking for a beautiful new gate, or garden rail to add even more beauty to your Spring garden, we do those too, as well as garden sheds that also won’t groan under the weight of a thousand April showers, some late snow and a gust or few of wind! Bring on those post-lockdown garden parties! n Colour Fence T: 01905 783 232 colourfenceworcester.co.uk

FINANCE OPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE

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HOME & GARDEN

Food Waste Action Week As WRAP (Waste Resources Action Programme) launch their first ever “Food Waste Action Week” this week, Worcestershire County Council are asking people to realise the impact that food waste has on the environment. A lot of water, land, energy, time and transportation goes into producing our food, yet In the UK over 4.5 million tonnes of perfectly edible food are thrown away: costing the average household over £700 per year. And that’s enough to make 10 million meals, which in a time when reliance on food banks is higher than ever, is a really shocking thing to hear. “But surely the supermarkets waste more food than the householders?” we hear you say. No - 70% of all food wasted in the UK is thrown away at home, so everyone has a part to play in reducing this figure. Luckily this year, for Food Waste Action Week, here are some things you can try to stop wasted food feeding climate change: 1. It’s a date! People find dates labels confusing, which leads to unnecessarily wasted food. “Use By” is about safety – food should not be eaten after this date (especially fish, dairy, eggs and meat), but sometimes a bit of common sense and your nose can make the decision for you. “Best Before” is about quality – food won’t n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

be the best quality after this date, but is still perfectly safe for you to eat. 2. Compleat Are you always binning crusts or broccoli stems? Over two thirds of the food we waste is perfectly edible, so using every edible bit of your food is important. Broccoli and cauliflower stems have so much flavour so add them to stews or stir fries. Try leaving the skin on when making mash potatoes – saves time as well! 3. Chill the fridge out The average fridge temperature in UK homes is nearly 7°C, but foods will last longer if they are kept at under 5°C. 4. Perfect portions The thing that is wasted most is rice and pasta – people always cook far too much. You can buy scoops that measure out the right amount of rice or you can use a mug, which is enough dried rice for 4 adults. 5. Savvy storage Most fruit and veg stay fresher for longer in the fridge, with the exception of bananas and pineapples. Onions and potatoes

prefer a cool, dark place like a cupboard. The Love Food Hate Waste website (www. lovefoodhatewaste.com) has a really good A-Z of Storage which will help you if you are unsure what’s the best way to store food. 6. Use your freezer as your friend All foods can be frozen up to their “Use By” date, even meat. Pop fresh herbs into an ice cube tray with olive oil so you have some to use in a recipe at a later date. 7. Use your loaf Bread freezes beautifully and people don’t realise this. Put your sliced loaf in the freezer and you can pick it out and straight into the toaster. 8. Stop the UFO’s (Unidentified Frozen Objects) Before you freeze your leftovers label the bag/container, so you know what is inside and when it was frozen. n For more information about cutting your food waste visit www.lovefoodhatewaste. com or for help with reducing your waste visit www.letswasteless.com.

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HOME & GARDEN

T t Ou

S s i h

! g n i r p

e hop s ’ t s r. Le come e h t g wea . Sprin rch is r e a mild spring ring M o t way oll into ture du n e r v a e gi as we key fe v a s h e u n to hind and o ’. ars e e b p n r p re ar a winte n cent our Ow e y e Y de he th to t rst of he gar ‘Grow t r t o ta ys ld s t the w ace in lwa a o c p The ave pu uite a q h we d at n u aro

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Lots of different vegetable and salad plants are available and it’s time to start planning your vegetable garden. Even if you are a complete beginner, do think about having a go. It is a super-satisfying project with delicious and healthy rewards throughout the spring and summer. It’s also a great project for the whole family. Getting the children involved teaches them where their food comes from, gets them outdoors in the fresh air and they will learn to appreciate the importance of hard work and patience!

a bit of preparation in order to maximise

Then it’s time to decide which varieties you

your harvest.

are going to grow.

Find a nice sunny but sheltered spot in

Salad Leaves and Lettuce are a great choice

your garden if possible. You can also grow

to start with. In only a few weeks you could be

vegetable plants in raised beds and even

cutting leaves for a delicious salad. There are

large pots and containers. You will need a

lots of delicious colourful varieties to choose

plentiful water supply, so try to make your

from. The fast-growing ‘cut and come again’

vegetable garden close to your hose or

varieties will keep on growing through the

water butt.

season, you only need to cut as much as you

Starting your own vegetable garden might seem a little daunting, but it is worth doing

improve the soil. Rake it so that it is quite level

n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

Prepare the soil by removing large stones

need and they will just keep going!

and weeds, including the roots, and digging

A great root vegetable to start with is

in some manure or well-rotted compost to

Beetroot. Equally delicious warm or in salads,

and smooth.

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HOME & GARDEN

Worcestershire

Now

If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team: Rachel Seabright

Lis Gardner

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

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

Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

beetroot is easy to grow and will be ready to eat in just a few weeks. Look out for a variety called ‘Boltardy’, this is a nice shaped, tasty beetroot with deep red flesh. Plus, it is easy and fast growing.

instructions and be careful not to overfeed as

Other great options for the novice vegetable gardener include:

crops to continue to grow. Alternatively you

this can create problems too. When they have reached the right size it’s time to harvest your first crops! You can just harvest what you plan to eat, leaving the remaining can harvest more of your veg and plant a second crop if the season allows.

• Radishes and carrots super easy and fast growing • Onions • Chillies • Courgettes • Peas and Beans - these will need some supports as they grow taller You will find some really useful information on the plant labels or seed packets. Consider when each variety should be planted and try to stagger your planting rather than put everything in all at the same time. You will also find out how deep and far apart to plant so everything has enough space for its needs. Remember to water your new plants. Try to keep the soil nicely moist without

Gardening is such an effective way of lifting our spirits. It is perfect exercise and so good for our well-being. And producing a fantastic crop of delicious fresh home-grown produce too – what could be better? n Botany Bay Nurseries, Garden Centre & Café Edgioake Lane, Astwood Bank, Redditch. B96 6BG 01527 893885 www.botany-bay.co.uk waterlogging or allowing it to dry out. Keeping the beds weed-free will help otherwise they might overtake your plants. A good-quality plant food can help, but be sure to read the

...producing a fantastic crop of delicious fresh homegrown produce... what could be better?

n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

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HOME & GARDEN

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

White-tailed bumblebee © Penny Frith

Bumblebee © Jon Hawkins, Surrey Hills Photography

s r o t a in ll o P r o F g Plantin With spring around the corner, what will you be planting for your doorstep pollinators... The few mild days we had in early February made me want to leap outside and start gardening. I only have a small flower bed and a patio but I make it work hard for wildlife. I prune what needs pruning in the autumn and then leave the garden alone – fallen leaves, seed heads and springpruned plants offer vital shelter for over-wintering insects as well as seeds or berries for the birds. As days start to lengthen and birds start to sing, the urge to get outside and ‘potter’ really starts to nag. Whether you’ve got window boxes or balcony pots, flower beds or hanging baskets, you can make a difference for wildlife. Where you’re planting will influence what you plant but our pollinating friends need a couple of things - a variety of plants that offer diversity of flowers for as much of the year as possible. Insects have tongues of different lengths – some bumblebees will find it easy to reach into the deep tubes of penstemons or foxgloves whereas butterflies and solitary bees may prefer the openness of coneflowers and scabious. Choose simple flowers – single flower varieties (a pot marigold rather than a fancy marigold, for example) usually have more pollen and nectar than more ‘showy’ ones.

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

Plant snowdrops, crocuses, aconites, mahonia and winter heathers for winter into spring. Comfrey and lungwort are wonderful for bumblebees in early spring, followed by flowering currants and rosemary. As the seasons turn, try lavender, scabious, alliums, Stachys and buddleia (you can get dwarf varieties

n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

if you don’t have much space). Ice plants, ivy and Michaelmas daisies help our pollinators into autumn. Don’t forget that plants are important for caterpillars too; it’s a compliment if you spot a mullein moth caterpillar munching on the leaves of your buddleia! When buying plants, check whether they’ve been grown in the UK (to minimise the chance of importing non-native wildlife or diseases) and if they’ve been pre-treated with pesticides. One last thing to consider is what we grow our plants in. If you’re planting into containers, it’s really important to choose peat-free compost. I’ve been peat-free for years – seeds sprout and plants thrive in it. Peat bogs are exceptional places for wildlife and are important in our fight against climate change (UK peatlands store an incredible 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon). It’s difficult to replace a peat bog once it’s gone – they form over hundreds and thousands of years so it’s really important that they remain intact. Always check compost labels and if you’re unsure or can’t find a bag of peat-free compost, ask – the more we ask, the more likely it is to be stocked. Check whether the plants you’re buying are grown in a peatfree medium too. We’re lucky to have several peat-free nurseries in the area so seek them out and pay them a visit (when Covid restrictions allow, of course). n For information about helping wildlife www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-gardening Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

NATURE NOTEBOOK

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Happy Mother's Day Mother’s Day falls on March 14th this year. We take a look at a selection of hampers and gift sets you can send out to your mum during lockdown. THE EVERYTHING CHOCOLATE GIFT HAMPER COLLECTION £27.50 A carefully curated collection of some of Hotel Chocolat’s best-loved recipes will make an effortless gift. hotelchocolat.com

RELAX BROWNIES GIFT SET £50.95 Give Mum the ultimate relaxation gift set for Mother’s Day brownie filled gift set! bakerdays.com

MOTHER’S DAY ROSE EXPRESSION GIN £67 The gin is distilled with a unique rose tea infusion to create a distinctive yet delicate rose flavour. In a stunning presentation box you will find a 70cl Silent Pool Rose Expression Gin packaged with a pair of beautiful Copa style glasses, silentpooldistillers.com/

SACLA SWEETS IN STORE GIFT BOX - £35 A beautiful tasty gift box from Sacla including honey, apricot jam,traditional Amaretti, and Hazelnut Crem DeRí sacla.co.uk

n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

HEALTH & BEAUTY

WELLNESS HAMPER - £195 Soothe the body and soul with this Wellness Hamper from Harvey Nichols. Offering the ultimate in self-care, this transformative collection of products has been handchosen to enhance wellbeing and ensure a restful moment of calm. harveynichols.com

ETHICAL GIFT BOX - £34.99 A brilliant array of nine divine food and drink items all from ethical producers, makes this gift a fantastic gift for Mother’s Day. boroughbox.com

THE COSY NIGHT IN TREAT BOX £45 Grab the blankets, light the fire, pop your favourite film on the TV and snuggle up with Cartwright & Butler’s Cosy Night in Treat Box cartwrightandbutler.co.uk

THE SIGNATURE HOT CHOCLATE HAMPER - £50 Luxury and Luxury White hot chocolates, a tower of mini marshmallows and a pair of SoHo glasses. whittard.co.uk

LUXURY PAMPERING SET GIFT BASKET WITH ALCOHOL-FREE PRESSÉ £94.80 The perfect hamper for those going alcohol free this Mother’s Day. regencyhampers.com

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GOLDEN YEARS

A Pressing Deadline The UK has now officially left the European Union (EU). News reports have so far have focused on the impact of leaving on fishing or vaccines, but there are important considerations for EU citizens who’ve made the UK their home, many of whom have lived here for much of their lives. Using statistics published by the Home Office, Age UK estimates there may be somewhere in the region of 40,000 people aged 65 years and older who are yet to make an application to the Settled Status scheme. This is the process that every EU citizen living in the UK needs to go through,in order to be given something called ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’. As the name suggests, once you are granted this you can remain living in the UK for as long as you want. However, the closing date to make your application is 30 June 2021, so time is getting short. n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

EU citizens who don’t make their Settled

Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Status application by this deadline could

Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,

potentially lose their rights to social security

Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia,

benefits, social housing, and social care

Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,

services, among other things. Paul Treloar of

Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,

Age UK – “We want to avoid that possibility,

Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

of course, so we would strongly encourage

and Switzerland.

anyone from another European country to find out more about applying, as the

Who should apply?

Government has so far refused to consider

If you’ve lived here for more than 5 years,

extending the deadline.”

it’s very possible you will qualify for Settled

Citizens

from

the

following

countries

are affected: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,

Status, especially if you already receive a CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

GOLDEN YEARS

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GOLDEN YEARS

to apply is available by telephone as well as online. Please see the resourses link at the end of this article for more information. For people who live in care homes or who might not have mental capacity, it’s going to be very important their carers and other support workers look to assist them with making the application. Age UK, has raised the particular problems faced by these people but, other than the help outlined above, the Government has not put anything more supportive in place. Check now and apply before June So if you’re an EU citizen, you know someone who is, or you work with or care for someone from the EU, it’s worth checking they know about the Settled Status scheme and the need to make their application before the end of June. They shouldn’t need to provide UK State Pension. Government guidance suggests that anybody receiving a UK State Pension should not have to provide any other evidence to demonstrate they satisfy the necessary criteria. In some cases, you might only need to have lived in the UK for 3 years, provided you worked for at least 1 year during that time.

How to get help with an application If you need some advice and assistance, the Government has provided funding to a number of independent organisations that can help people to apply. Unfortunately, you cannot go to your local Age UK for help because they’re not registered to give immigration advice. If you are having any problems, though, help

a lot of evidence or paperwork and it could be beneficial to them in the long run to ensure a happy retirement. n By Paul Treloar, Age UK

Useful resourses www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizensfamilies/applying-for-settled-status

Keeping your independence with TPG DisableAids As with many things in life, the season often dictates what is important to you at that time. The summer brings thoughts of long lazy days basking in brilliant sunshine and day trips out to see friends and family or visit interesting beauty spots. Or at least that would be the case if it were not for our common enemy of Covid-19. Now the nights are drawing in and there is a definite chill in the air our thoughts oftern turn more to the comforts of home and the warmth of our own houses. For those less able and with limited mobility feeling the cold comes far sooner and can have a real effect on their ability to function and stay well. For this reason it is always sensible to look for measures and solutions that can assist the less able to keep warm and mobile whilst staying at home. Here at TPG DisableAids we have many solutions that range from simple wide fitting cosy slippers through to heated chair liners and riser recliner chairs. n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

The chairs assist the user to not only recline and relax, but to rise to the standing position without putting undue strain on the arms and shoulders. The heated chair liners can fit most existing arm chairs and give really good localised heat just to the individual that needs it, rather than heating the whole house to a level that others may not require. As such they are extremely efficient, costing as little as one penny per hour to keep the user warm. So with long winter nights coming, and almost certainly cooler temperatures, just give a thought to keeping safe and warm in your own home. n Contact TPG DisableAids via enquiries@tpg-disableaids.co.uk or 01432 351666 or via our social media sites.

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EDUCATION

Ledbury Poetry Festival’s Influential International Poetry Competition is Open for Entries Ledbury Poetry Festival 2021 Poetry Competition has a great first prize of £1000 cash. The competition has been an important first step in many poets’ careers, and has categories for Adults, Young People and Children. In addition to cash prizes, winners of all categories are invited to read their poems at the internationally renowned Ledbury Poetry Festival 2022. Anthony Anaxagorou is a British-born Cypriot poet, fiction writer, essayist, publisher and poetry educator. His second collection After the Formalities published with Penned in the Margins is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation and was shortlisted for the 2019 T.S Eliot Prize. It was also a Telegraph and Guardian poetry book of the year. In 2020 he published How To Write It with Merky Books; a practical guide to writing fused with tips and memoir. Among awards such as the H-100 Award (2019), Anthony is an honorary fellow of the University of Roehampton, Artistic Director of Out-Spoken, and publisher of OutSpoken Press.

step in many poets’ careers. Jacob Polley,

The Ledbury Poetry Festival Poetry Competition has been an important first

Edwards. The competition is open to all

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

winner of the 2016 T.S. Eliot Award, started his career with a win at Ledbury in 2001. “Winning the Ledbury Poetry Competition in 2001 pushed me forward, towards more poems, my first book and beyond”, Jacob says.

Other

winners

include

Maitreyabandhu (2010), Jonathan Edwards (2014)

and

2017

T.S.

Eliot

shortlisted

Jacqueline Saphra (2007). The Competition is increasingly international with several international winners. The Festival prides itself on a lasting relationship with its competition entrants and winners: many are asked back for performances, residencies and workshops. “Your Festival has been so crucial in my development” says Jonathan entries of original, previously unpublished

work across categories for Adults, Young People (12 -17 years) and also Children (11 and under). Previous Ledbury Poetry Festival Poetry Competition winners and judges describe the importance of the 25 year old competition: ‘Winning the Ledbury Poetry Competition in 2001 gave me a huge boost. I’d never won anything, and the confidence the win gave me pushed me forward, towards more poems, my first book and beyond.’ Jacob Polley, 2001 Winner 1st Prize ‘It was a great pleasure and a huge boost to my confidence to win the prize. It was also a shock; I found myself sitting down on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

EDUCATION

What Did You Learn at School Today? Pose that question to a child at The Downs Malvern and you’re likely to receive some very interesting unusual answers from excited young learners... including how they learned to drive a railway engine or design a spare part for it. As well as a host of sporting and

leisure

activities

and

hobbies that keep day-children and boarders alike busy when they’re not studying, the school is extremely proud of its unique learning resource: the world’s oldest privately-owned miniature steam railway. The “Downs Light Railway” – with its own charitable trust to fund and guide its community teaching work – has just been entered for a national heritage award, and for 92 years it has been imparting a rich range of skills to pupils. The importance for their later careers cannot be underestimated, with the nation facing growing skills shortages in science, technology and engineering. “Our

railway

really

brings

engineering

to life,” says Headmaster Alastair Cook,

not only act as a foundation should they go

the trains! They also develop life skills such

on to careers in technology or the sciences,

as leadership, teamwork, risk awareness,

but also prepare them for the world of work.

time management and responsibility which will last them a lifetime.”

“inspiring generations of pupils. It acts as

“We teach them about design and workshop

an outdoor classroom, encouraging young

practice and often find that the children are

That’s an awful lot that children can learn

people to develop practical skills that will

more interested in this than actually driving

from just one activity! n

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EDUCATION

floor when I took the phone call. I feel I’ve

up a number of opportunities, as the festival

been remembered, affirmed and supported

has generously involved me in its projects

in an ongoing way. I return whenever I can,

and commissions since then, and that first

and I really feel as if Ledbury has become my

phone call with the news will always be one

unofficial poetry home.’

of my joyous and holy poetry moments’.

Jacqueline Saphra, 2007 Winner 1st Prize

Jonathan Edwards, 2014 Winner 1st Prize

‘Entering the competition is a way to take

‘Poetry needs good teachers. It needs

part in the wonderful Ledbury Poetry

young writers who will grow up at ease

Festival whether or not you can get along to

with contemporary poetry. Poetry needs

any of the events. Poetry is a great way to

readers and audiences of integrity. It needs

communicate with people you’ve never met’

the funding that can be raised by poetry

Fiona Sampson, 2017 Judge

competitions. Poetry needs festivals, where

‘The

Ledbury

Poetry

Festival

all these things and more can come together

Poetry

and be celebrated. Ledbury Poetry Festival

Competition is vitally important to the

has rapidly become one of the most exciting

health of new writing in many ways: it forces

and important literary festivals in England’

people to write new poems, and to send

Carol Ann Duffy, patron of LPF, and 2000

them out into the world. It reminds us, in

Judge in preface to “A Book of Ours”

these tumultuous times, of the importance

Festival Anthology.

of heightened language in helping us to

poem “On Fishing,” and as an American, it’s

think, and it places brandnew writing at the

doubly thrilling to win a contest in the UK, to

Entry fees are £5.75 for the first poem and

heart of a literary festival.’

think that my words are able to travel across

£3.50 for each subsequent poem. Children and

an ocean and still hold meaning.’

Young People enter their first poem free. n

Ian McMillan, 2015 Judge ‘It was a huge confidence boost for me

Miller Oberman, 2016 Winner 1st Prize

Entry

forms

and

full

when I found out I’d won the Ledbury Poetry

‘Having a poem acknowledged as part of

Adult,

Festival Competition. It was wonderful to

the Ledbury Competition was a wonderful

Competition

get such wide readership for my winning

experience. The competition has opened

www.poetry festival.co.uk

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

Young

People are

details and the

the

Children’s website

EDUCATION

We’re Growing, Grow With Us Hallfield School is an independent school situated in leafy Edgbaston. We have a distinguished history of educating children, and as one of Birmingham’s leading prep schools, we expanded our provision in September 2020 to become the only prep school in Birmingham to offer co-educational education to thirteen years old. HallfieldSeniors educates pupils aged 11 to 13 in preparation for entry into regional independent or national boarding schools. Boasting excellent facilities, extensive grounds and specialist teachers, Hallfield delivers an exceptional education. Joining HallfieldSeniors means that your child will benefit from a curriculum designed to enable them to become more independent and responsible for their learning; Hallfield’s Enrichment Programme runs in parallel to help develop life-long skills to foster resilience, teamwork, entrepreneurship, citizenship and social responsibility. Teaching groups in Year 7 and Year 8 are in the region of 15 pupils per group which means

that your child will benefit from individualised learning and focused preparation for entrance at Year 9 into schools beyond the Birmingham area. At Hallfield, we understand that starting a new senior school at the end of Year 6 is not the right choice for every child. In addition to offering a pathway at 11+ to local private schools and selective grammar schools, we offer additional choices for Years 7 and 8. At HallfieldSeniors, your child will be provided

with an environment appropriate to their age, be given increased independence, yet feel safe in a secure environment designed as a gradual preparation for the demands of senior school at 13+. All senior pupils will be provided with a laptop to enhance their learning. Pupils entering HallfieldSeniors will be eligible to be assessed for a scholarship prior to entry. We also have assisted places (bursaries) available; please do get in touch with our admissions department to find out more. n

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LIVING HISTORY

From Edward Hurdman to Jo Hodges The 400th Anniversary of the Worcester Mayoralty Today Tourists pause on Worcester High Street to watch a Civic Procession, today the Mayor’s Charity Banquets at the Guildhall puts thousands of pounds to good causes and the Mayor has the casting vote during important City Council meetings. However if we turn back the clock to the Middle Ages, Worcester had no Mayor. Instead the City relied on the powerful Guild that was created by the 1189 Charter from Richard the Lionheart. This had evolved to become two Chambers known as the 48 and the 24. These were made up of important men who made decisions about the City. They were led by the High Bailiff (a forerunner of the Mayor’s post). In 1621 Worcester was gifted another important Charter to create a Mayor. This was a Charter given by King James I (VI). It transferred the power from the High Bailiff to the Mayor, and created Worcester City and County. This autumn marks the 400th Anniversary of the first Mayor of the City of Worcester. It would, however, be over 200 years later when a Mayor would first wear the Chain of Office still in use today. Edward Hurdman, the first Mayor, was the second son of Thomas Hurdman of Napleton, Kempsey. We do not know much about Edward’s early life, but records show he married twice. His first wife died very early on and he then met Joan Colley, the wealthy widow of Thomas Colley, Brewer of the City. Edward and Joan married in 1595 at St Andrews Church, just behind the original Guildhall overlooking the busy sprawl of South Quay. After the Marriage they moved to the nearby Parish of All Saints in 1618 and lived in a house

Paul Harding with Councillor Alan Amos during the 150th Anniversary of the Mayoral Chain in 2014

n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

within the shadow of the church. Sadly their house was demolished to make way for wider roads in the 19th and 20th Centuries. As the 17th Century dawned Edward became a well-known citizen and this put him in line for official duties. Church records show that he was buried on the 13th December 1635, his wife 2 years later. His Will declared that £5 should be used to purchase a Silver Communion Cup for All Saint’s Church (still in use today), £5 for the Parish poor and £4 for St Andrew’s Church and the church in Kempsey. A further 30 Shillings were also passed to St Clement’s Church. Money was also given to the Corporation to purchase two silver bowls engraved with the City Coat of Arms. Descriptions say they were very nice pieces, but they disappeared during the looting of the City during the turbulent English Civil Wars! Since Edward Hurdman, Worcester has had many Mayors including William Shakespeare in 1930 and the first female Mayor - Mrs Ogilvy a year later. The current Mayor is Councillor Jo Hodges who became the Mayor during the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020. Arthur Calton was Mayor at the start of the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1918! Today some of these people have paintings

hanging in the Guildhall. There are also streets named after them. These include Padmore Street (Richard Padmore - 1848-49) Sherriff Street (Alexander Clunes Sherriff - 1862-64) and in more recent times Layland Walk (Mike Layland - 2010-11). Some of these people were mayors more than once. In 1864 Alexander Clunes Sherriff was Mayor and was gifted a gold Chain of Office during his time as Mayor. The back of the main pendant is 14 Carat Gold and shows a fine enamelled Coat of Arms. The back is engraved with the following words - ‘This chain was given to Alex Clunes Sherriff Esq, Mayor of Worcester, by many friends.’ The chain has 35 very unusual links with a clasp holding 7 rose cut diamonds. The chain is 18 Carat Gold and resembles railway couplings. This was specifically designed for Alexander, because of his associations with the Railway. At the end of his Mayoral year on March 1st 1864, the chain was presented to the City, to be worn by all Mayors in the future. An extremely kind gift from one of the long list of people who have been Right Worshipful Mayors over the years. Look out for news on how the City will mark this anniversary later in the year. The celebrations may be online depending on Restrictions due to Covid-19. n

Current Mayor- Jo Hodges

LIVING HISTORY

The First Female Mayor - Mrs Ogilvy (1931-32)

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Puzzles

CRISS-CROSS

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on the opposite page 1

11 12

18 19

27 28

32 33

40 41

42 43

45 46

5 letter words ACTOR BRIEF CHECK DEPTH DOING INLAY PAPER PLANE SABLE SAMBA SLICE SPEAK

6 letter words ACCEPT BAOBAB BLONDE CHANCE HANDLE INSECT LOCATE TAILOR

n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

7 letter words AGENDAS ATTEMPT BARCODE BONANZA DANCING DYNASTY ENDLESS FREEDOM FRIENDS HEALTHY HIPSTER INTERIM

OSTRICH RENEWAL RYSA BAY SCHOOLS STANDBY TRAPEZE 9 letter words ASTRONAUT BLETCHLEY BLUEBERRY EVANSDALE INVENTION

LANDSCAPE STONECHAT UNINSTALL 11 letter words EVERLASTING KLEIN BOTTLE SAGITTARIUS SPRINGFIELD

Worcestershire

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

Now

Rachel Seabright Lis Gardner

Tel: 01905 727900 Email: rachel@pw-media.co.uk Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk

Kate Gilmartin

Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk ACROSS 10. Game Plan 11. Burgundy 12. Gekko 13. Snowball 14. Navigate 15. Essay 18. Dwarf 22. Defoe 23. Kidderminster 28. Stone Age 29. Geranium 35. Scotch Terrier 38. Flute 39. Dozen 41. Edgar 45. Twilight 46. Heritage 47. Hobby 48. Inca Dove 49. Musingly 50. Range

CRISS-CROSS: DOWN 1. Barn Owl 2. Network 3. Clean 4. Angle 5. Pikes 6. Ebony 7. Drive 8. Juggler 9. Edition 16. Surf 17. Apiary 19. Fireplace 20. Adagietto 21. Asymmetry 22. Decorated 24. Usage 25. Dough 26. Visit 27. Lemma 30. Method 33. Beta 34. Glowing 35. Stellar 36. Routine 37. Seagull 40. Igloo 41. Ether 42. Gabon 43. Rhyme 44. Grass

ANSWERS

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

Puzzles

SUDOKU - MODERATE

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 37 8

9 5

6 6 6

5 4

7 9

5 7

2 4

3 6

3 5

3 4

8 2

3 6

5 9

2 7

8 4

3 6

6 7

2 5

2 8

WORD SEARCH

D C W G A

A H

Find and cross out all the listed words. The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.

O A

I U

O C W

O M R

M O

D H O

N O U

E M A C H

E O

W M E

A O

U I

APPRECIATION

HUGS

NURTURE

BEAUTIFUL

JEWELERY

PERFUME

BREAKFAST

JOY

PROTECTIVE

CANDY

KISSES

CHARMING

LAUGHTER

TELEPHONE

COMFORT

LOVE

TENDER

E M

DEVOTED

MATERNAL

WARM

FLOWERS

MOM

WISE

GUIDANCE

MOTHER

n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

P M E O T

U M R

O E

H H

E W U G

E W R

C A

N H U O

U O K F

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

n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 204 | March 2021

Worcestershire NOW - MARCH 2021

Articles inside

From Edward Hurdman to Jo Hodges - The 400th Anniversary of the Worcester Mayoralty

We’re Growing, Grow With Us

What Did You Learn at School Today?

Nature Notebook

Food Waste Action Week

Ledbury Poetry Festival’s Influential International Poetry Competition is Open for Entries

A Pressing Deadline

Veg Out This Spring

Time For The Perfect Sleep

Happy Mother’s Day

Spring Is On Its Way - And We Have Never Needed It More