Worcestershire NOW - MARCH 2022 by PW Media & Publishing Ltd

Worcestershire

Now

Foley Grange and Woodland View Person Centred Luxury Care in Worcestershire See page 27 for more information WOOD-FIRED PERFECTION LET’S WASTE LESS FEELING LONELY MARCH 2022 | ISSUE 215 t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

NEWS • HOMES • GARDENS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • GOLDEN YEARS • PUZZLES • WHAT’S ON

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

Worcestershire

Now

MARCH 2022 HOME & GARDEN 08

Wood-Fired Perfection

How to Choose Fencing for your Garden

Let’s Waste Less and Get Composting

Nature Notebook

20 22

FASHION 22

Into The Nude

GOLDEN YEARS 24

Feeling Lonely

Keep your Social Media Use Safe

LIVING HISTORY 32

A Plague on both your Houses

WHAT’S ON 34

Puzzles

What’s On

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

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd

EDITOR

ADVERTISING

CONTRIBUTORS

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

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

DESIGN

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

Wendy Carter Age UK Alvechurch Legal Bliss Hair Therapy Discover History Ideal Care Homes Orchard Ovens Worcester BID Worcestershire County Council Worcester Timber Products

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

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

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 WORCESTER BID ANNOUNCES SAM MCCARTHY AS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE. Sam joined the team in 2015

of a key partnership with Worcester’s Big

exploring ideas to activate space and utilise

and has since worked on

Parade, acting to connect the community and

our outdoor areas more effectively creating

managing

partnerships

businesses, building customer confidence

a continental dining experience. Also, with

and has actively developed brand awareness

and to reconnect with the city. Further

a key focus on the night-time economy,

within the city. Sam has a strong background

engagement with the local community has

Worcester BID will be leading on delivering

in business support and engagement and will

been undertaken to support local businesses

Purple Flag status to the city as well working

strive to build awareness and improve business

through shop local campaigns and the recent

with our licensed venues to achieve Best Bar

within the commercial area of Worcester in

development of the brand Make it Worc, which

None standards.”

her new position of Chief Executive at the

has improved B2B relationships in the BID

Worcester BID.

area. Sam has also overseen the installation

Mark Hughes, Worcester BID Chairman,

of infrastructure within two of Worcester’s

said: “The board of directors is delighted to

most iconic heritage streets to permanently

welcome Sam to the role of Chief Executive.

enhance and create a vibrant space.

Sam has a genuine understanding of the

Notably,

Sam

has

key

managed

the

BID

through a difficult Covid period and has achieved a plethora of triumphs that have benefited Worcester’s business district. Such

Sam said: “I am thrilled to be appointed Chief

achievements

funding

Executive at such a pivotal time to support

through the Worcestershire LEP to set up

the recovery of our High Street. We recognise

peer to peer networks and the development

the need to be creative and ambitious by

include

securing

REDDITCH MIDWIFE AWARDED

WATERWIPES PURE FOUNDATION FUND WaterWipes®, the world’s purest baby wipes have honoured an exceptional midwife in Redditch with the prestigious Pure Foundation Fund trophy and a monetary prize of £2,500 towards the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, Bromsgrove. The Pure Foundation Fund, which launched in 2020, celebrates the achievements of healthcare professionals working with parents and babies in maternity, neonatal and health visiting care and this year recognised the efforts of three outstanding women in the UK including local Redditch midwife, Claire Slater. Claire Slater, Midwife at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Community Midwife at Princess of Wales Community Hospital, was nominated by patient and first-time LGBTQ+ parent, Holly. Claire was nominated for her compassion and support during the birth of Holly’s son, Dylan. During her pregnancy, Claire ensured that Holly received support for her mental wellbeing. n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

Claire said of her win: “It was a real joy and genuine privilege to be able to care for and to support Holly and her lovely partner through their pregnancy and also since the birth of beautiful baby Dylan.” WaterWipes® healthcare

encouraged professionals

both and

expectant and new parents to nominate individuals, specifically involved and

neonatal,

health

visiting

maternity care,

who

had gone above and beyond to make a difference to the lives of parents and babies. With a significant

number

entries,

showing the breadth of fantastic healthcare workers in the UK. and the three winners were chosen by a panel including Ailbhe O’Briain, WaterWipes®

HCP

Marketing

Manager UK & Ireland, Claire Ryan, Medical Science Liaison & Midwife at WaterWipes® and Carol LeeDavey, Chief Executive at Bliss. n To find out more about the Pure Foundation

Fund

www.waterwipes.com

please

visit

complexities of operating a BID and we are confident in her ability to lead the team over this critical post covid time.” n For more, please see worcesterbid.com

THE KNIFE ANGEL IS

COMING TO WORCESTER The Knife Angel is coming to Worcester, and the Cathedral is playing its part. The Knife Angel will be located opposite the Cathedral in Cathedral square from 1st to 31st March. Throughout this time there will be a prayer space inside the Cathedral for quiet reflection with resources to aid prayer and reflection. There will also be a memorial service at Worcester Cathedral for victims lost due to knife crime, violence and aggression on Saturday 26th March at 12pm. There will be several events at the Knife Angel itself throughout the month. Engagement sessions for school groups will be taking place in the Cathedral’s Undercroft Learning Centre. These sessions are now fully booked. The Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, said: “We are delighted to be able to host the learning and engagement sessions for young people visiting the Knife Angel in our newly redeveloped Undercroft Learning Centre at Worcester Cathedral. The vision of the project to redevelop the Undercroft into a Learning Centre is to create a place available for the community of Worcester to learn together. Therefore, it is a fulfilment of this vision to host sessions supporting the Knife Angel’s objective to create social change and raise awareness of the effects of violent crime. “The Cathedral will also be providing an opportunity for the whole community to engage with the Knife Angel through space for prayer and reflection and through our memorial service towards the end of the month.” n

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 5 n

HERE & NOW

The Perfect OXO Family? Legal

“I have re-written the Will and they (Lynda’s

explores the problems faced by Lynda

sons) will get nothing from me.” Michael told

Bellinham’s family after her death.

the Daily Mail.

When actress Lynda Bellingham died in 2014,

Can Michael do that?

her sons were left an unexpected nightmare.

In a word: yes. Having executed Mirror WIlls,

Laura

Hawkins

from

Alvechurch

Lynda and her husband, Michael, made Mirror Wills, in which Lynda left her entire estate to her third husband, expecting him to leave her share of their combined assets to her sons on her death. “We both wrote wills as a married couple and they mirrored each other in how we would leave our estate.” admitted Michael. Lynda will undoubtedly felt that she could trust her husband to carry out her wishes and provide for her sons. But, it turns out that her trust was misplaced. What actually followed was a very public dispute between Lynda’s husband and her sons... Michael decided to re-write his own WIll, disinheriting them altogether and leaving

Lynda passed all her assets to Michael when she died. His promise to look after her sons was never legally enforceable. Lynda’s assets are now Michael’s to do with as he wishes. There is nothing in law to prevent Michael going back on his promise and re-writing his earlier Will. Can ths be prevented? Sadly, these types of disputes are common

Estate planning is complicated. This is why

amongst families, but they are preventable.

it is important you speak to someone like

Property Protection Wills could have been set up to safeguard her properties for both her husband and her sons. This

would

have

protected

Laura from Alvechurch Legal Serivces, who specialises in offering sound advice. If you would like to discuss updating your WIlls, you can contact Alvechurch

her

son’s

inheritance, whilst ensuring that Michael’s had somewhere to live for the rest of his life. n

everything to his own children.

Legal Services on 0121 445 3307 or email laura@alvechurchlegal.co.uk Or

visit

their

website

www.alvechurchlegal.co.uk

Local Business Unveils Sustainable Influenced Refurbishment to bring the salon into the modern day whilst giving clients an eco friendly and welcoming space, with a timeless feel and touch of luxury. Founder Zoë Rees intrusted the help and guidance of local interior designer, Jennifer Suzanne Interiors, who helped bring together a plan for the work space, designing the new kitchen and staff areas. With a passion for hairdressing, customer service and sustainability, it is with great delight that a local hairdressing salon announces their reopening, following a refurbishment, inspired by the ethical and sustainable standards witnessed around the world. Bliss Hair Therapy located on Red Lion Road, Alvechurch, undertook a refurbishment during Christmas and the New Year, in order to give the salon a new look and feel, matching the brand ethos of being as sustainable and eco friendly as possible. Over the past 14 years, the salon and it’s team have gone to every effort to work on their sustainable journey, partnering with similar brands and companies who also share their beliefs. Having opened 14 years previous, the salon was renovated in year 10 and again this year, in order n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

In keeping with the sustainable theme, the colour palette for the salon features both light and dark taupe hues, which compliment the linen textured wallpaper featured around the reception area. The linen material is breathable, and works extremely well in working surroundings. The contrasts of lighting throughout the salon compliments each other beautifully, with a lighter huge used throughout the client waiting area, which is warm and cosy, and a darker grey used around the main salon floor, essential within a working salon. Taking advice from a local flooring specialist, Zoë and her team opted for a hard wearing LVT floor, designed to ethically withstand commercial environments and heavy footfall, whilst being non slip – a must for this busy working space. It’s elegant look brings a sense of opulence.

Lighting was also a focus point with the team opting for real crystal chandeliers in order to add that extra touch of luxury to the space, with the bulbs fitted with energy efficient light tubes and bulbs. The 600m diameter of the chandeliers not only provides incredible lighting for the space, but is extremely eye catching. The addition of continuous greenery such a bambino plants, help purify the air for the client and team, resulting in a much cleaner atmosphere and natural material furniture adds to the ongoing sustainable journey. Founder Zoë Rees explains, “At Bliss we are really mindful of making positive changes to help preserve our beautiful environment. We partner with suppliers who are also eco conscious, and bringing. We supported local tradesmen to carry out the work in the salon. We sourced the furniture from our local warehouse.” “We love that our clients are proud to say they come to Bliss, knowing that when they visit us they are also helping to protect and look after the environment. All hair, metals, chemicals are recycled using the Green Salon Collective and we are proudly zero waste which means Bliss are zero to landfill.” n

ANDREW ALEXANDER GARDEN DESIGN NDH Hort. (Pershore)

G LO AR W DE M NS AIN A TE SP N EC AN IA CE LI TY

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Tel: 07968 371828 | Email: aaoutdoors@live.co.uk

www.aaoutdoors.co.uk

Find us on Facebook at Andrew Alexander Outdoors for an| extensive gallery of photos7 n t @WorcestershireNow G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

d e r i -F

f r Pe

n o i t ec

e n th g. e v uyin en o ard hen b g d fire work w d o E e o PAG r, w ir hom HE o RT o E e V O td th ED NU e ou to do h NTI t O C ed ed clar ers ne e d n as s, h omeow n e v h rd O t says a h rc bu rt, O living e p en ex ven in gard o d fire trend d o Wo t 2022 tes hot

d o o W

n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

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www.ensignroof.co.uk t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 9 n

HOME & GARDEN “2022 should be the year in which the barbecue finally bows down to the wood-fired oven and exits gracefully,” says Orchard Ovens’ Andrew Manciocchi. “Ever-increasing sophistication of the al fresco diner is one reason; the other is outdoor kitchens. These have become desirable additions to the home, increasing leisure space and adding value to a property. “To make a statement, an outdoor kitchen needs a centrepiece and there’s nothing more dramatic or engaging than an authentic, artisan-built wood-fired oven.” This year’s outdoor garden oven trend will be based on a few years of lockdown experimentation,

according

Orchard

Ovens. Although not terribly efficient or capable of adding much drama, pellet ovens have lured garden owners into the world of outdoor cookery by means other than charcoal. Other garden owners have road-tested a lowquality pizza oven, often UK-built and marketed on the basis of lots of style. Unfortunately, this is backed by little substance, despite some carrying a reasonably hefty price-tag. The swift disintegration of such an oven has proved a financial mistake in many cases.

n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

When other issues such as poor oven heat retention, dangerously high external surface temperatures of the oven ‘shell’, poor fuel efficiency, and a tight cooking space that makes food and cookware hard-tomanoeuvre, have added to the drawbacks, many owners have been left with much food for thought. However, at least there’s been a lesson learned and the experiment has shown that the ‘dream’ is one that should continue to be sought, if the right oven can be sourced. “It’s all about the upgrade for many of us in 2022,” says Andrew Manciocchi. This is being interpreted in different ways. Firstly, there are those who want to go wood-fired, but are

abandoning their lump of concrete, micro-mesh technology oven, or pellet oven and plumping for a mobile/wheeled or static, artisan-built baby oven, with all the right culinary credentials. Orchard Ovens ‘Fornino by Valoriani’ is ticking this box, whether buyers choose a smaller Fornino 60 or go bigger with a Fornino 75. “Those with more budget, a greater passion for outdoor entertaining, or a desire to add value to their property, are choosing an artisan-built, wood-fired oven fitted into a bespoke and exclusive garden ‘surround’. This satisfies those wishing to have the fun of designing a unique, CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN personality-filled installation to suit their

Homeowners buying from Orchard

own aesthetic, or wanting to house an

Ovens want an oven with a verifiable

oven in a luxury outdoor kitchen.”

track record and view longevity as

Orchard

Ovens’

sales

come

from

homeowners recognising the AngloItalian family’s expertise in building garden installations around artisan-built Valoriani

essential, because of the investment made in their ‘build’. Without that longevity, the spend on a wood-fired oven can be a serious financial mistake.

ovens – not just for everyday homeowners,

Whist the garden ‘pizza’ oven trend is

but for the rich and famous and discerning

riding high in UK gardens, ‘pizza oven’

Italian cuisine-loving chefs.

is becoming a term shunned by Orchard

They are also coming from homeowners who have done their homework and actually examined the build properties

Ovens, as it tries to help homeowners get things right when it comes to purchasing a wood-fired oven.

of Orchard Ovens’ ‘Valoriani’ range.

“The ‘pizza oven’ space has been

These ovens are created with top-quality

taken over by all-style-no-substance

Tuscan refractory clay, which generates a

manufacturers

superb cooking environment and retains

pellet oven factories,” says Andrew

heat brilliantly – vital if you want to avoid

Manciocchi. “Added property value

frustration and cooking inconsistency.

isn’t about a ‘pizza oven’ per se, as

It also enables overnight slow-cooking

many ovens labelled as this won’t

of dishes and even the rustling up of

survive one summer. Googling for

breakfast the next morning, using the

‘authentic wood fired oven’ is the

residual heat still in the oven.

starting point for savvy homeowners

They are also fitted with all the insulation the oven needs to stay warm and which keep cooks safe. With these ovens you do not have to beware a red-hot shell that can cause serious burns.

and

halfway-house

not wishing to get their fingers burned. From there, it’s about examining the quality of the materials and seeking real evidence of oven longevity.” n www.orchardovens.co.uk

n Innovative Design n Competitive Pricing n 40 years Experience n Free 3D Cad design Service n Professionally operated by caring tradesmen n Please check our customer reviews on our website n Every Contract Fully Project Managed

Lifetime Guarantee on installation work Contact Chris direct on 07791 661 347 E: chris@crgkitchens.co.uk

www.crgkitchens.co.uk

n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL DECORATORS IN DROITWICH SPA

Spa Decorators Limited, based in Droitwich Spa was established in 1993 and has serviced the local community for over 25 years. • Decorating • Building Work • Plastering • Kitchen Fitting

• Carpentry • Fire Door Installation, Maintenance & Stopping

HOME & GARDEN

SOLID OAK

DOORS professionally painted, supplied & fitted

ONLY £209 each

Call Justin: 01905

672079

www.door-suppliers.co.uk

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n

HOME & GARDEN

How to Choose Fencing for your Garden The first thing to remember is the function of the fence, your garden fence marks, secures and protects your property. To establish which sort of fence is right for you start by asking yourself a few basic questions: • What’s the main purpose of the fence? • Does it need to provide privacy? • Does it need to provide shelter and a windbreak for your plants? • Does it need to stop your pet from straying? • Does it provide a backdrop for your floral displays - does it need to be aesthetically pleasing? • Are you willing/able to do maintenance on your fence? • What’s your budget? Also consider the size of your garden when choosing a fence. In a smaller garden for example, a common technique employed by experienced garden landscapers or fencing contractors to make smaller gardens appear more spacious is to use horizontal lines in their design concepts, elongating the space to make it appear longer. In a larger garden, fencing can be used to

n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

define different areas.

Decorative fence

panels can work beautifully as a backdrop for climbing plants or to separate a patio, or to screen bins and storage areas. LARCHLAP Larch-lap panel fencing is a common type of budget fencing made of horizontal slats. Like closeboard fencing, it can be used with either timber or concrete posts and gravel boards Although offering good value, larch-lap panel fencing is not as robust as closeboard fencing, it’s more prone to damage in high winds. CLOSEBOARD Closeboard fences, also called featherboard,

are strong and solid, constructed with overlapping vertical feather-edge wooden boards. This type of fencing is commonly used in back gardens – it’s a mid range budget option, neat and attractive, offering good privacy and providing some shelter from wind and frost to delicate shrubs. Closeboard fencing is typically 6ft (1.8m) tall, but it’s available in various heights. Bear in mind, however, that local authorities often have height restrictions on boundary fencing. PICKET or PALISADE If you’re going for a look that’s traditional and CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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HOME & GARDEN decorative, you may consider timber palisade fencing, more commonly known as picket fencing. Picket fences are mostly seen in front gardens, where they give a home traditional kerb appeal, and if you’re a sociable type that likes to chat over the fence with neighbours, a picket fence in the rear garden would look lovely too.

pattern to hit and miss fence panels, created

Although wood is the conventional material, picket fencing can also be made from PVC for a lower maintenance option. There are a few disadvantages to using PVC however: temperature change can make it brittle, prone to mould and it can be more expensive than wood.

fence panel would suit your garden, there’s

This style of fencing is traditionally quite low. With its spacing between the timbers, it’s less prone to wind damage and it doesn’t offer much protection to tender plants either.

Timber posts can be a cheaper option if

SLATTED FENCE PANELS Slatted fence panels give a sleek, more contemporary look to your outside space, perfect if privacy is not an issue. They can make great dividers for different sections of your garden. The effect of sunlight slanting through the gaps is particularly attractive as well.

By contrast, concrete posts are more likely to

HIT & MISS FENCING There’s a distinctive and particularly attractive

the fence panels from time to time, but concrete

by smooth-planed horizontal boards that are alternately fixed to the front and back of the panel. This is a medium-range budget type of fencing that can look good in both traditional and contemporary gardens. Fence Posts If you’ve got some idea now which type of one more major consideration - which type of fence post is best? There are three main options,timber,concrete

Galvanised steel posts are lighter and stronger than concrete, and twice as quick to install. They don’t warp, crack or rot, and they can withstand winds up to 110mph. They’re compatible with almost any type of fence. Painting If you choose a timber fence it will usually come in a natural wood colour. If you don’t like this look, you can paint the fence a different colour. Even if you like the natural colour of the timber, it’s a good idea to safeguard your fence against harsh weather with a protective treatment for wood.

or galvanised steel.

you’re on a tight budget, but they can rot if

If you’ve chosen PVC as a material keep in mind that it can’t usually be painted so you are committed to the colour as you purchased it.

not well maintained and may eventually start to lean or even be blown over in heavy winds.

last in the long term, especially against strong gusts of wind, they need less maintenance than wooden posts Concrete posts incur a higher up-front cost than timber posts, but their longevity makes them a better investment. You’ll still need to change posts won’t need to be replaced as often.

When it comes to choosing fencing, your outside space is an extension of your home, and so it is important to ensure it reflects your style and taste, as well as working for you and your garden on a practical level. To enjoy your garden or entertain friends without having to see unsightly clutter, as well providing as a safe, secure and robust perimeter, you can utilise fencing as a key element of your outdoor space. n www.worcestertimberproducts.co.uk

ONE STOP ROOFING YOUR FLAT ROOF SPECIALIST

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TEL: 07538 471274 / 0800 0855 277 n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Let’s Waste Less and Get Composting Only 1 in 4 households compost their green waste, yet around 40% of the average waste bin could be composted. Along with other garden waste, this could provide a garden with its own free, organic growing material! Emissions from trucks and processing are also reduced and it means less peat based compost is being purchased. Extracting peat destroys wildlife habitats and releases thousands of tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. Each year tonnes of home compostable waste are disposed of in residents’ bins, or even worse, the recycling bins, which can contaminate a whole load. This is a waste of a good resource and of taxpayers’ and councils’ money. The golden rule is to get the right balance of “greens” (which are nitrogen-

n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

rich, moist and rot down very quickly) and “browns” (which are carbon-rich but take longer to break down on their own). Get this right and you don’t even need to turn it to add air. If you add too much green or food waste, the contents of your compost bin could become slimy and smelly. Mixing browns to it, provides structure and airflow as well as helping to

absorb excessive moisture. For information on what is a good mix for your bin visit www.letswasteless.com. There are many different types of compost bin and “hot” bins which compost all food waste, some of which are subsidised by Worcestershire County Council via Get Composting at www.getcomposting.com. n

HOME & GARDEN

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

Brimstone male © Bob Tunstall

Fly Butterfly Let’s take a closer look at the most ‘butter’fly of butterflies... As I write it feels that spring has sprung; the sun is shining and the birds are singing. It can’t be spring, though, because I haven’t yet seen my first butterfly. And the most butterley of all the flutterbies is the brimstone. Why? Because it’s thought that the name ‘butterfly’ originates from this colourful species. It is believed that the word butterfly derives from ‘butter-coloured fly’ and that this, in turn, came from the bright yellow colour of the male brimstone. Brimstone is another name for sulphur, which gives you an indication of just how yellow the males can appear. The females are a paler, almost lemon-green, colour. Both sexes rest with their wings folded up and, despite the strong colouring, this gives them the ability to look just like a leaf and fade away into the surrounding vegetation.

KEEP UP TO DATE Worcestershire Wildlife Trust @WorcsWT t

bright fluttering through our gardens, along our hedgerows and down woodland paths offers a sign of warmth and colour to come. As they wake from their winter slumbers, they’ll seek out nectar-rich flowers to help restore their energy levels. In spring they’ll look for dandelions, primroses and cowslips as well as bluebells and bugles as the weeks slip past. The next generation, which emerge in midsummer, have a preference for purple flowers so think about planting buddleia, teasel, thistle or scabious if you’d like to attract these beauties to your garden. Once the adults have emerged and fuelled-up they’ll be looking to create the next generation. Males will patrol hedgerows and woodland edges looking for a female to meet. When a pair find each other, they fly high into the air, circling each other before tumbling

In fact, during winter they’ll have been doing just that. They’re one of few UK butterflies that spend the colder months as an adult – many other species survive as an egg or as a caterpillar tucked up safe from the worst of the weather and predators. If you’ve got a dense stand of ivy or holly in your garden or nearby there’s a good chance that it’s been a winter home for a brimstone as well as other butterflies, moths and more. As persistent warmer temperatures take hold, you can prune back the ivy to allow it plenty of time to produce flowers for autumn and berries and cover for winter.

into vegetation to mate. As with many butterflies

Perhaps brimstone butterflies are even more of a

www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/photography-competition n

worcestershirewildlifetrust G worcswildlifetrust.co.uk w

harbinger of spring than the return of cuckoos? Their

n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

and moths, the caterpillars are quite particular about what they eat – in this case the females will hunt down buckthorn and alder buckthorn to lay their eggs on. It takes about two weeks before the caterpillar hatches from the egg and begins to munch on the leaves of the plant. A month or so later and the caterpillar will pupate, undertaking the amazing process that transforms it into one of our most beautiful insects. If you’ve captured the arrival of spring, why not enter our photo competition; you’ve got until 4th April to do so

HOME & GARDEN

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FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY

Into the Nude

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FALKE Cotton Touch Socks - £13 www.falke.com

JAEGER Coat - £325 www.jaeger.co.uk

GUINEA LONDON Marianne Cashmere coat - £565 www.guinealondon.com

LEOCÉ Sand Silk Night Dress - £60 www.leocecouture.com

LAIRD UTILITY Workshop Jacket - £260 www.lairdutility.com

THE BIAS CUT Fabienne Chapot Odillia Pullover - £159.99 www.TheBiasCut.com

MARC CAIN Backpack - £199 www.marc-cain.com

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n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

HEALTH &FASHION BEAUTY

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t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n

GOLDEN YEARS

Feeling Lonely If you’re feeling lonely, remember you’re not alone. Feeling lonely doesn’t necessarily mean you have no one nearby. You can be surrounded by friends and family but still feel lonely. How to deal with loneliness Everyone can feel lonely, and you don’t necessarily need a reason to feel this way. Sometimes it might even just pass. But maybe there is a reason, or maybe it’s just not passing this time. However, it features in your life, and however it makes you feel, there are things you can do to feel less lonely. Knowing what can affect your mental wellbeing might help you understand the feelings you’re experiencing and help you think about the steps you can take to look after yourself. This is the best place to start. Although it’s hard, and sometimes there might not even be a reason, it’s a good idea to think about what is making

and family. Whatever might be making you feel lonely, we are here to help. What can cause loneliness? There are different reasons why you might be feeling lonely – perhaps you’ve lost a loved one, moved away from friends and family, lost the social contact and enjoyment you used to get from work, or have health problems that make it difficult for you to go out and do the things you enjoy. There also might not be any clear reason at all to explain how you’re feeling, and that’s fine too. How can I find someone to speak to? Talking to people is a great way to relive old memories and remind you of all the positive things in your life.

you lonely. It might help you try and find a way of feeling better. Although it might not feel that way, if you’re feeling lonely, remember you’re not alone. That feeling of loneliness can hit us at any time in life, often unexpectedly, even if it seems as though we’re surrounded by friends n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

When you feel lonely it can be tempting to think nobody would want to hear from you. But often you’ll find people do want to help. If there are people around you who you can talk to, it can be a good idea to talk about your feelings. This might seem like a difficult conversation to have, but actually talking

is often the best way to start feeling better. Talking to someone you know could let them try and help you, while they may not necessarily have the answer it can make you feel listened to and often outside perspectives can really help. Have a chat with a volunteer Or you could take advantage of services that tackle loneliness. If you like having a chat there are several services that could match you with someone to talk to, including: • Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service allows you to sign up for a free weekly friendship call. It can be a great way to speak to someone new. • Silverline also offers weekly calls to people aged 55 and over. This is a free service for people looking to have a chat with a friendly and supportive volunteer. • Many local age UKs offer face-to-face CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

GOLDEN YEARS

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GOLDEN YEARS

How can I make new connections? Spending time with other people can prevent you from feeling lonely or anxious and give you a chance to share experiences, thoughts and ideas. • You might want to consider joining a friendship group. This can be a good way to build new and meaningful friendships and help you to regain your confidence.

befriending services. These often involve a volunteer visiting someone at home for a cup of tea and a chat. How can I make new connections? Spending time with other people can prevent you from feeling lonely or anxious and give you a chance to share experiences, thoughts and ideas. • You might want to consider joining a friendship group. This can be a good way to build new and meaningful friendships and help you to regain your confidence.

• You might want to be around people you have more in common with. Contact your local Age UK to find out what social activities they offer. They often have unique clubs and classes you can take part in. These can be great to maintain social connections but also are a great way to learn a new skill or revisit an old hobby. • If you’re missing the social connections you used to have through work, you could also consider volunteering or perhaps going to classes through The University of the Third Age.

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Keep your Social Media Use Safe Norton Security have come up with the top ways that our accounts can be compromised whilst using social media. Those that write viruses and other cybercriminals go where the numbers are and that includes popular social media sites. To help you avoid a con or viral infection, Norton has put together this list of the top five social media scams. 1. Chain Letters

some cash to get home.” So, being the

You’ve likely seen this one before

helpful person you are, you send some

- the dreaded chain letter has

money right away, per his instructions. But

returned. It may appear in the form of, “Retweet

there’s a problem: Your friend never sent this

this and Bill Gates will donate $5 million to

request. In fact, he isn’t even aware of it. His

charity!” But hold on, let’s think about this. Bill

malware-infected computer grabbed all of

Gates already does a lot for charity. Why would

his contacts and forwarded the bogus email

he wait for something like this to take action?

to everyone, waiting to see who would bite.

Answer: He wouldn’t. Both the cause and claim

Action - Call your friend. Inform him of the

are fake. So why would someone post this? Good question. It could be some prankster looking for a laugh, or a spammer needing “friends” to hit up later. Many well-meaning people pass these fake claims onto others. Action - Break the chain and inform them of the likely ruse.

request, get him to update his anti virus reaching out to meet new ones. But how well do you really know these new acquaintances? That person with the attractive profile picture who just friended you and suddenly needs money -- is probably some cybercriminal looking for easy cash.

software. Next, make sure your computer isn’t infected as well. 3. Hidden Charges “What type of STAR WARS character are you? Find out with our quiz! All of your friends have taken it!” Hmm, this sounds interesting,

2. Cash Grabs By their very nature, social media sites make it easy for us to stay in touch with friends, while

n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

The usual post is: You just received an urgent request from one of your real friends who “lost his wallet on vacation and needs

so you enter your info and mobile phone CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

GOLDEN YEARS

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GOLDEN YEARS

number. After a few minutes, a text turns up. It turns out you’re more Yoda than Darth Vader. Well, that’s interesting... but not as much as your next month’s cell bill will be. You’ve also just unwittingly subscribed to some dubious service that charges £9.95 every month and is not based in the UK. As it turns out, that “free, fun service” is neither. Action - Be wary of these bait-and-switch games. They tend to thrive on social sites. 4. Phishing Requests “Somebody just put up these pictures of you at this wild party! Check ‘em out here!” Huh? Let me see that! Immediately, you click on the enclosed link, which takes you to your Twitter or Facebook login page. There, you enter your account info and a cybercriminal now has your password, along with total control of your account. How did this happen? Both the email and landing page were fake. That link you clicked took you to a page that only looked like your intended social site. It’s called phishing, and you’ve just been had.

5. Hidden URLs Beware of blindly clicking on shortened URLs. You’ll see them everywhere on Twitter, but you never know where you’re going to go since the URL (“Uniform Resource Locator,” the Web address) hides the full location. Clicking on such a link could direct you to your intended site, or one that installs all sorts of malware on your computer.

Action - To prevent this, make sure your Internet security includes antiphishing defenses.

URL shorteners can be quite useful. Just be aware of their potential pitfalls and make

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Worcester porcelain painted with fruit or cattle urgently wanted. Very highest prices paid. Immediate cash or bank transfer payment

You’ve found the answers! The puzzles are on page 34

ANSWERS

Gabrielle also buys gold and silver and will be happy to call by appointment

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

sure you have real-time protection against spyware and viruses. Action - Sites that attract a significant number of visitors are going to lure in a criminal element, too. If you take security precautions ahead of time, such as using antivirus and anti-spyware protection, you can defend yourself against these dangers and surf with confidence. n For more information visit uk.norton.com

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LIVING HISTORY

‘A Plague on both your Houses’ When we watch films such as ‘Cromwell’, staring Richard Harris or think back to our school days, we see the English Civil Wars as a war of two distinct sides. In 1645 the civilian population had reached their limit! On the 5th March, 1,000 people stood on Woodbury Hill, under the Command of Charles Nott of Shelsley Walsh. They stood with Cudgels, Billhooks, Scythes, Pitch forks and Clubs. They declared that they would defend land and property or take back stolen goods from any army, no matter what their cause.

We have visions of the Parliamentarians wearing black, wanting to remove the Monarchy! A group wanting a simple life and cropping their hair, leading to the nickname - The Roundheads! On the other hand we visualise the Royalists as dashing Cavaliers in expensive lacy collars, long flowing locks and feathered hats! Unfortunately, this was not the case at all. This was a country fighting with itself and therefore very confusing when it came to recognising the opposing sides. There was even a third faction, which was proud to have no allegiances, but to itself. This organisation began in 1645 and became very big in Worcestershire. Sadly this group is often forgotten. It was known as the Clubmen Movement. Britain had no standing Army when the Civil Wars began in 1642. Both sides had to raise their forces quickly and this was done using official letters. ‘Commissions of Array’, were letters that came from the King. Parliament sent out their ‘Militia Ordnances’. These letters ordered troops to be raised under the command of the local gentry. Traditionally people were loyal to their Landlords, rather than any cause. In a way your personal allegiance depended on that of your lord! Worcestershire received both orders in the summer of 1642! The High Constable from Worcestershire was described as being ‘very active for pressing men...’. Henry Alexander, the Constable of Droitwich spent fifteen Shilling paying for soldiers to guard his ‘pressed men.’ By the end of the war in 1651, thousands had died or were very badly injured as a result of the conflict. People we will never know the name off. People who have no marked grave or war memorial. The war affected many things! Homes and churches were used to house soldiers, bridges were dismantled to make them defensible and great houses and castles reduced to ruins by cannon fire! Money, horses, plough oxen and n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

other livestock were all taken and used! Tons of food was taken and in some cases paid for using ‘useless’ Promissory Notes! Notes that promised to pay out at the end of the war! The County also suffered, in that the traders and businesses were either put out of business or forced to supply goods without any idea of when they would be paid! A year into the war, the Worcestershire Quarter Sessions record at least 130 trades working. Stourbridge manufactured Cannon Balls, Cannons were cast in Dudley. Salt for preserving the soldier’s rations came from Droitwich, woollen hats from Bewdley, cloth for uniforms woven in Kidderminster and shoes made in Evesham. Evesham was forced to supply 1,000 pairs of shoes for Royalist recruits. Worcester, being the County Town had to supply many things, including 3,000 Bushels of Wheat, 500 pickaxes, shovels and spades, hay, oats and beans. Plundering Armies from both sides scoured the County like hungry locust, seeking out and making use of all resources! Sir Rowland Bartlett’s home in Castlemorton was plundered twice at the start of the conflict and a further three times as the war dragged on! This was by both sides too! In Worcester, the Mayor, Edward Solley, received a petition expressing how people felt in the area. ‘Cavaliers and soldiers in divers parts of the kingdom have plundered the towns, bloodily killing the kings peaceable subjects, rifling their houses and violently taking away their goods and in some places de-flowered women.’

A month later the ‘Weekly Intelligencer’ described the reality of their declaration. A skirmish that erupted in the County was described having been caused by ‘the inhabitants of Worcestershire... the reason of the restoring of their cattell.’ By the autumn of 1645 3,000 Clubmen had met on Bredon Hill and further meetings began to show the fighting armies that the people of Worcestershire would give battle to anyone who stole and damaged property. Similar groups met across Britain. As the long summer of 1646 dragged on, the Royalists were losing the war. The neutral Clubmen had succeeded in expressing that land and property was not to be taken by anyone, no matter what their cause. This year marks the 380th Anniversary of the start of the English Civil Wars and we must never forget how it affected the civilian population as much as the combatants. This was a major war that began with a small engagement at Powick Bridge near Worcester in 1642. n By Paul Harding Discover History Facebook and YouTube - Discover History Instagram and Twitter -DiscoverHISTPH www.discover-history.co.uk

Discover History is an award winning education and Living History Performance Company based in Worcester. They specialise in the local history of Worcestershire and deliver school workshops and history days, living history performances and talks across Britain.

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England Cricket Board Level 3 and Level 2 Coaches Competitions and Games Nets and Bowling Machines

For more information and to book please email: allencricketcoaching@gmail.com

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Puzzles

SUDOKU - FIENDISH

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 30 7 2

6 2

1 2

4 3

8 8 6 3

9 3

3 8

4 9

7 5 7

9 1

7 7

8 4

9 7

1 1

1 8

5 5

4 4

1 3

8 2

2 6

6 9

7 8

8 6

8 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 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

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 35 n

EDUCATION What's On

MARCH

posted beforehand. Hot and cold drinks will

The Knife Angel Worcester Cathedral, 8 College Yard, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2LA. The Knife Angel is coming to Worcester, and the Cathedral is playing its part. The Knife Angel will be located opposite the Cathedral in Cathedral square from 1st to 31st March. Throughout this time there will be a prayer space inside the Cathedral for quiet reflection with resources to aid prayer and reflection. There will also be a memorial service at Worcester Cathedral for victims lost due to knife crime, violence and aggression on Saturday 26th March at 12pm. There will be several events at the Knife Angel itself throughout the month.

Court. Croome canteen is accessible FOC for

Sunday 13th

Teme Valley Market

St Richard’s Hospice Bikeathon Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth, Worcester, WR5 2QB. Join the St Richard’s Hospice NEW Family Bikeathon. There is a choice of 3 different routes: 5, 10 or 15 miles. Each route starting and finishing at the Norton Parish Hall, Littleworth, Worcester, WR5 2QB. This is not a timed race. Each route will pass through predominately quiet country lanes or specific bike routes and all routes will be clearly sign

The Talbot Knightwick, Worcestershire WR6

Tuesday 1st - Thursday 31st

the

Wagon Wheel at grimley

be available to purchase from Norton Parish Hall and 10 & 15 mile routes go past Croome all, should you wish to purchase refreshments. National Trust members can access play area and grounds. £20 per family *Adults - £10 Children - £5 Under 3’s – Free *Family ticket = Family of up to 4 (Either 2 adults 2 children or 1 adult 3 children). All children16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We ask each group/booking to achieve a minimum sponsorship of £40, it is the additional money raised through sponsorship and donations that makes a huge difference to the individuals and families we support and care for. Please call the fundraising department on 01905 95 8174 or email aparkes@strichards.org.uk

5PH. One of the UK’s first Farmer’s Markets, run by its stallholders since 1998. The market is held under a huge tent beside the picturesque river Teme and adjacent to The Talbot Inn. It brings together local food, drink, arts and crafts directly from the growers, bakers, beekeepers, cheesemakers, brewers and makers. This morning market provides ingredients for the most delicious and nutritious menu or great

fuel for a countryside picnic whilst rambling in the glorious surrounding countryside. The market is on the route of The Worcestershire Way, a well-signed path running from Bewdley to Great Malvern. Fine designer-made crafts and seasonal appearances from local nurseries and fruit-growers add to the selection and make the market a good destination for anyone in need of a special gift. Visitors regularly combine a shopping trip with Sunday morning exercise on foot or by bicycle.

Saturday 19th Lino Printing Workshop The Avenue Birlingham, Worcestershire WR10 3AB. Join us for an enjoyable day exploring the world of lino cutting and printing, creating a collection of prints and a set of greetings cards during the day. The process is surprisingly relaxing, and no drawing skills are required, just the keenness to enjoy learning a new skill. Following an introduction to the craft, our experienced tutor will guide you through the entire process. There will be the opportunity to print your design many times before moving onto printing your set of A6 greetings cards. This workshop is designed to be a relaxed and friendly day for beginners. As well as learning a new set of skills, there will be time CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

A delightful, traditional pub and A La Carte restaurant set in the idyllic Worcestershire countryside.

FAMILY OWNED AND RUN FOR 35 YEARS

BOOK NOW FOR MOTHER’S DAY AND EASTER 01905 640 340

Bar Meals / A La Carte Menu and Traditional Sunday Lunch. See our full menu is on our website or call to book or for more details.

The Wagon Wheel, Grimley, Worcester, WR2 6LU | www.wagonwheel.co.uk n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

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What's On at the end of the workshop to chat about how to develop your new skills and where best to source materials. Your day will run from 10am4pm. All materials, equipment and lunch will be provided. £70.

we’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the gardens and along the River Teme, teaching you how to identify the different edible and poisonous plants, flowers, fruits and mushrooms that we find.

Sunday 27th

Malvern Antiques & Collectors Fair Three Counties Showground Malvern, WR13 6NW. Our antiques & collectors market in Malvern has long been an industry favourite. High quality goods are brought together in a single hall at the Three Counties Showground. Up to 150 exhibitors offer their wares for sale. With ceramics, glass, art, books, decorative items, art deco, jewellery and more, visitors can expect an excellent choice and a high standard of products for sale.

Mothers Day at The Commandery The Commandery Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU. Mark Mothers Day at the Commandery. Make Mothers Day special with a trip to The Commandery. Free admission for all mums with a paying child (unless under 5) plus a chance for children to create something magical for mum. No need to pre-book. 11am - 3pm. Tenbury Wells Foraging Courses Burford, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, WR15 8HQ. The countryside of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire is both beautiful and rich in wild edible plants and fungi. On the outskirts of Tenbury Wells, it is within easy reach of Ludlow, Leominster, Bromyard, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster, Hereford and Worcester. We will meet outside the cafe at Burford House. The course starts there with a short introduction on what to look for, our foraging code and a brief of the Countryside Act, where it relates to foraging. Tea or coffee is available from the cafe. Then

n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

Wednesday 30th Intro To Sewing Stretch The Fold, Bransford, Worcestershire, WR6 5JB. Sewing with an overlocker (or serger) is very different to a conventional sewing machine and excellent for sewing stretch fabrics. In this workshop we’ll take a look at the different knitted (stretch) fabrics available, how to handle them and the techniques needed to create successful stretch garments. We’ll get you familiar with your overlocker and what it can do, ready to tackle making a T-shirt in a future class.

APRIL Saturday 2nd

Soul Sisters - The Musical The Swan Theatre. Soul Sisters is the exhilarating new soul musical that will take you on a journey of success, survival and sisterhood, set to the toe-tapping music of a Soul Weekender. 2.30pm & 7.30pm boxoffice@worcestertheatres.co.uk

Sunday 3rd Alice in Wonderland performed by RSoCA The Regal, 49 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells WR15 8AE. Enjoy this lovely production live on the main stage at The Regal and help support the next generation of local talent. The Regal School of Creative Arts meets on Sundays mornings for rehearsals and accepts students from year 1 to year 13. 3pm.

Wednesday 6th Friends! The Musical Parody The Swan Theatre. Friends! The Musical Parody celebrates and pokes fun at the wacky misadventures of the group of pals we love from the hit TV show. Friends! The Musical Parody is a fabulous good-hearted romp through our favourite moments from the hit TV show in an uncensored, hilarious, music-filled production.

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O LO

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www.broadmarkdoors.com n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 215 | March 2022

Worcestershire NOW - MARCH 2022

Articles inside

Nature Notebook

Let’s Waste Less and Get Composting

Feeling Lonely

A Plague on both your Houses

Keep your Social Media Use Safe