Worcestershire NOW MAY 2018

Worcestershire

Now

Carlton Care Group

Award-winning Care See page 43 for more information

MAKING A HANGING BASKET Choosing a wedding band helping local food banks MAY 2018 | Issue 177

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

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Worcestershire

12

Now

20 24

Contents

30

MAY 2018

HOME & GARDEN 12

Using Tiles to Create Colour

18

Making a Hanging Basket

20

How to Have Fantastic Summer

Hanging Baskets

24

Celebrating the Houseplant Renaissance

26

Nature Notebook

26

Health & Beauty 28

The Pedicure Guide for Summer

30

Your Guide to Manicures and Pedicures

34

Walk Hagley - Clent Hills Circular

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

NOW 01905 723011 nowmagazines.co.uk 2nd Floor, Richardson House 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP

editor

design

Contributors

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Wendy Carter Worcester Wildlife Trust

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

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Glynis Dray Mary Jane Gunn - CABA Miles Jones Emma Kay Sanguan Parr - Nipa Thai The Royal Three Counties Show Worcester Racecourse

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42 38 48 WEDDINGS 36

Choosing the Right Wedding Band

Food & Drink

50 58

38

Massaman Thai Curry

40

Helping Worcester Food Banks

Golden Years 42

An Alternative to Equity Release

EDUCATION 48

Spotting the Signs and Seeking Support for Autism

Our Events Diary 50

Living History - More Than a Sauce

52

Competition - Worcester Racecourse

54

What’s On

58

Competition - The Royal Three Counties Show

competition winners Elemis G. Goodman, Worcester

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RHS Malvern Spring Show R. Cartwright, Stoke Prior J. Cound, Bromsgrove M. Jeynes, Malvern J. Summers, Droitwich E. Watkins, Claines

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

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA BOOK LAUNCH FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Bromsgrove photographer Henriette Lang has teamed up with a local personal trainer, Stu Baker, to write a special book to help reduce the stigma around mental health. ‘The Mindset Triangle Book’ launches on Monday May 14, to coincide with the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Henriette and Stu are strong advocates of mental health, each having their own personal

experiences of living with depression and mental illness. Their collaborative book focuses on the lifestyle triangle – sleep, healthy eating and exercise. People who seek to improve these three areas of their lives can enjoy improved mental wellbeing.

interactive, to live on reader’s work surfaces

‘The Mindset Triangle Book’ was developed with a scrap book style approach, with shopping lists and easy to follow recipes for healthy living; workout suggestions; tips for better sleep; inspiration quotes; and interviews with high profile personalities who have experienced mental health issues. The book isn’t a one-off read but a lifestyle guide that can be dipped into on a regular basis. There are pages where readers can make their own notes on adapting the recipes or creating their own exercise routine from suggestions given.

by helping them stick to the three mindset

Henriette said: “We want the book to be

troubador.co.uk or themindsettriangle.org n

and not hidden on a shelf.”

Stu added: “Mastering that inner voice is often a challenge… Lifting the duvet can often feel like a ten-tonne weight. Our book aims to make people’s life that little bit easier rules – exercise, sleep and healthy eating.”

The book launch heralds the start of this years’ Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs May 14 - 20. The Mental Health Foundation is the UKs charity for everyone’s mental health.

Prevention is at the heart of the charity, which aims to find and address the sources of mental health problems.

The Mindset Triangle Book, which costs £19.99,

is

available

to

buy

online

Research Reveals Shocking Number of UK Residents Who Have Bought a Dog on a Whim Almost one in ten Brits who have bought a puppy ended up

“Preparation is everything – from vaccinations and puppy-proofing

giving it away, after just one month according to a new survey.

to ensuring your dog has a nourishing, balanced diet. There will

The research has revealed the shocking number of UK residents

be so much to learn about your puppy, his needs, his character

who have bought a dog on a whim, resulting in 9% re-homing the

and his health. Getting to know your new puppy won’t happen

animal after as little as four weeks of buying it.

overnight but there is nothing more heart-warming than seeing the

Over a quarter said the reality of the commitment of having to look

bond between an older dog and its owner, from a lifetime working

after the puppy was simply too much to take on. More than quarter

together to make each other’s lives better – and this comes from

said that having bought a puppy, it caused too much damage to the

getting it right from the start. I hope this campaign helps to

house, while a further 24% admitted they struggled to train the dog

promote all the considerations necessary before people rush out

and a further 24% said they were totally unprepared for the expense.

and get a puppy.”

According to the research over half admitted they realised it was a

Gerard Lovell, Managing Director at Forthglade who commissioned

mistake almost as soon as they brought the puppy home, with one

the report, commented, “We know a puppy is bought with the best

in twenty dumping the animal with a dog’s charity and a further 3 %

intentions, but when the reality of the situation hits home, that’s

relying on parents to take the burden.

when the panic sets in. Welcoming a dog into the family can be

Forthglade published the report for National Puppy Day to mark the launch of its ‘Prepare for Puppy’ campaign, backed by TV Vet and dog owner, Steve Leonard, who comments “The results of this poll are deeply concerning.”

a wonderful experience, but sadly if you’re not fully prepared, things can go wrong very quickly and this is when we see puppies being dumped at rescue centres or sold on online. We hope this campaign will make people stop, do more research and decide whether a puppy is right for them.”

“Unfortunately, there is a real lack of education around what is involved when taking on a puppy. Raising a dog of any age requires

For more information on Forthglade’s ‘Prepare for Puppy’

consistent, gentle handling, teaching and care; and this is never

campaign, visit Forthglade.com to download the One Paw at a

more crucial than when you welcome a puppy into your family

Time guide for expert tips and advice. n

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at

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Here & Now

Royal Porcelain Works’ Iconic Victorian Finials to be Immortalised

and were found to be irreparably damaged by over a century of British weather.

A team of craftsman from Kent based stone specialists Chilstone, has been working on the urns’ (left) to restore them sufficiently to enable a mould to be made for two stone replicas to be cast. Once complete, the replica urns will then be installed back on to the roof of the Henry Sandon Hall, in time for the RPW opening in June.

The moulds will then be held by Chilstone

Two prominent ornamental stone finials,

as part of their historic architectural

which have looked out over Worcester

stonework collection and a series of Royal

City’s skyline for over 160 years, are

Porcelain Works Urns will be produced

being restored and immortalised for

and available for the public to buy for their

future generations, as part of the major

own homes and gardens.

redevelopment project of the Royal Porcelain Works, Worcester, which will open to the public at the end of June 2018.

Royal Porcelain Works Limited Chairman, Colin Kinnear OBE said, “The urn finials were an iconic feature of the old Royal

The Victorian urn shaped finials were

Porcelain Works. We wanted to ensure their

originally installed at each end of the

design remained within the redevelopment.

ornate frontage of the Royal Porcelain Works (RPW) Exhibition Hall, when it opened in 1851.

The Royal Porcelain Works is going to be a lively new cultural space in Worcester, which combines the very best of its

The old Show Room is being completely

Victorian heritage with modern and exciting

restored and redesigned to provide the

exhibition spaces, arts and crafts and a

exciting new Henry Sandon Hall, at the

fabulous deli/café – ‘The Nest, Worcester’.

centre of the redevelopment.

We hope these new urns will provide an

Once the urns were carefully removed from

ornamental feature on the Henry Sandon

the roof, they were examined by experts

Hall, for at least the next 150 years.” n

Hotel’s Superior Facilities Undergo a £100,000 Transformation Nestling in 175 acres of stunning countryside, The Abbey Hotel is the perfect venue for leisure, business, and golf. The hotel’s superior facilities include an exclusive health and fitness club, which has just undergone a £100,000 transformation and has been re-named Peak Gym & Spa. Peak Gym now features all new Matrix gym equipment, one of the world’s finest fitness equipment. With amazing Virtual Active software, the technology will allow you to choose where in the world you would like to run, hike, bike or climb. Experience an exhilarating journey to the top of natural and man-made wonders of the world.

“We are so excited for the launch of Peak Gym & Spa. We know our guests and members will be blown away with the new equipment and the virtual active software, allowing you to climb up the Eiffel Tower, or many other amazing landmarks. It really will transform your workout.” (Peak Gym & Spa Manager – Marc Wood).

The hotel’s enviable range of facilities includes a magnificent 18 golf course, a luxury pool complex and spa. After an intensive workout, guests can also benefit from a wealth of beauty and therapeutic treatments using ESPA and Dermalogica products, and enjoy an exquisite dining experience in Bramblings Restaurant, or a light bite in Tawnys Bar & Terrace with glorious views over the 18th hole. n n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Plots for Pollinators

Get the kids gardening for wildlife in halfterm with this easy and low cost project from the charity Butterfly Conservation.

You can help save butterflies, moths and other pollinators by setting aside one square metre of garden or patio to create a wildflower haven or nectar pit-stop. ‘Plots for Pollinators’ could even be created along fences and walls as vertical gardens!

Find out more about the different ‘Plots for Pollinators’ you can create, why pollinators are important, which plants you need to help them and download step-by step-planting instructions at www.butterfly-conservation.org/PlantPlots n

Local runner supporting a local charity

An amateur runner from Worcestershire took to the starting line for the London Marathon on April 22nd 2018.

Bobbi Spragg, who ran on behalf of Worcestershire based charity Deaf Direct, endured the 26 mile course to help raise vital funds for the charity which supports deaf, hard of hearing and deaf blind people and has done since 1927.

Andrew Stevenson, CEO of Deaf Direct said ‘We are so pleased that Bobbi was keen to run on behalf of Deaf Direct. We provide a range of services to deaf and hard of hearing people, family members, carers, professionals and other organisations in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Oxfordshire and fundraising is key to ensure we can continue to deliver these vital services’.

If you would like to support Bobbi please visit her virgin Money giving page https:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BobbiSpragg or to find out more about the services that Deaf Direct provides please visit www.deafdirect.org.uk/ n

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Here & Now

Join Orchestra of the Swan at Malvern Theatres Orchestra of the Swan, an internationally acclaimed chamber ensemble based in Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, will be back in Worcestershire for a fantastic concert at Malvern Theatres on 9 May, with the legendary pianist Bernard D’Ascoli. Blind since the age of 3, D’Ascoli began learning piano and organ at the age of eleven, using scores written in Braille.

Best known for his exquisite and deeply-felt performances of the Romantic repertoire, the well-loved French pianist Bernard d’Ascoli will be performing the intensely lyrical Mozart Piano Concerto no21, which moves from cheekiness to anguish to catharsis with a whole lot more along the way!

Bernard D’Ascoli says: “The piano offers us the huge privilege of bringing to life the great works which we love, and which deserve to be constantly revisited. […] Whether I am playing, teaching or recording, it is the sharing of insight that gives me most satisfaction”.

Join Bernard and conductor Adrian Partington at 6.45pm for a free pre-concert talk.

You will also hear colours and atmospheres of Italy, with the Overture of L’italiana in Algeri, Rossini’s first real smash in 1813 which has maintained its place in the repertory; and the Symphony no4 in A Major ‘Italian’, the “jolliest piece” Mendelssohn ever wrote, as described by Mendelssohn himself in a letter to his sister Fanny.

Please visit their website (www.orchestraoftheswan.org) for further details and tickets, priced from £17.00. n

On song! 150 Singers Take on Verdi’s Requiem in a Day at Worcester Choral Workshop More than 150 amateur singers from across the country flocked to

had some fantastic feedback. Plans are already in place another

Worcester on Saturday 7 April to learn choral blockbuster Verdi’s

singing workshop next year.”

Requiem in just one day.

The event was Worcester Festival Choral Society’s third, annual

Hosted by Worcester Festival Choral Society and held at The

Come & Sing day. The next workshop will be held on Saturday 6

King’s School’s historic College Hall, the exhilarating ‘Come

April 2019, offering the chance to ‘Come and Sing’ Beethoven’s

and Sing’ one-day workshop gave singers the chance to try out

magnificent Mass in C. Tickets will be available from the WFCS

their vocal chords on the Requiem’s many choruses, such as the

website early next year. n

dramatic Dies Irae (Day of Wrath).

The day was led by former Belgian National Opera chorus master Piers Maxim, who is now Director of Music at Great Malvern Priory and conductor of the Elgar Chorale. With pianist Euodia Jordan providing accompaniment, participants were lent a vocal score of the Requiem to help them sing through the popular choral work.

The afternoon finished with an informal performance at College Hall, attended by singers’ friends and family free of charge.

Ben Cooper, Chairman of Worcester Festival Choral Society, confirmed: “Verdi’s Requiem is many peoples’ favourite choral work, it sends shivers down the spine. People came along from right across the country for the chance to sing it themselves under a top conductor. One participant was even an American who had given up a day of his London holiday specifically to take part. We

n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

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Home & Garden

o t r s u e o l i l T o C g n e i t s U Crea

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London Funk Wave: ÂŁ54 per sq m from bakedtiles.co.uk n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

arble ct Glass & M le Stone Ef fe Q , £11.49 B& , m m Camden Purp 00 )3 (L)3 00 mm (W Mosaic Tile,

Konkrete Multicolor Matt Ceramic Wall Tile, Pack of 14, (L)500mm (W)200mm, B&Q, £22.40

Injecting pattern into a room can transform a space, adding a detail of interest, colour and light

Over the past few months, we have seen

can transform a space, adding a detail of interest, colour

top interior designers getting creative and

and light.

setting the trend with tiles, experimenting with colour, pattern and texture.

Encaustic Tiles The next trend is encaustic tiles, with a riot of colour

It seems new trends these days are seen first on instagram

and pattern to choose from. First made in Europe in

as designers experiment to test market reactions. We

the late nineteenth century, encaustic tiles were used

have travelled through the new trends and some seem

to decorate the floors of palaces in Russia, and grand

‘very back to the future’ for the designers. The spaces

hallways from Paris to Saigon. Today, these beautiful

are no longer constrained by hard surfaces and straight

tiles can be found in countless chic bars, restaurants and

lines; spaces can be fluid, full of energy and character.

homes in major cities. Encaustic tiles are great for lifting

Patterned Tiles The first trends is using patterned tiles and are a great way of adding personalization to a room. Formerly bathrooms and kitchens have adhered to the white walls and neutral floors. Injecting pattern into a room n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

the atmosphere of a room, adding colour and design.

Repetitive patterns and multi-coloured tiles can make a room feel bigger whereas neutral patterned tiles can add a sense of warmth and texture.

Continued over the page

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

Brick-shaped Tiles On trend for urban, chic interiors, is the ceramic tile, a popular choice for when mixing materials in a kitchen or bathroom. The brick shaped ceramic tile is very now, as it allows you to play with design. Use bricks horizontally for a classic, modern look, or vertically for a sleek urban feel. Brick ceramics can also be used to create the ever-popular chevron pattern.

Silver Mirror ed Bevelled Wall Ti ÂŁ25.9 9. M Y Fu rniture. Tel: 08 les.

00 092 1636 ww w.my-furn iture.co.uk

Mirror Tiles Mirror tiles with metallic accents are tipped to be fast sellers for 2018. They must be used sparingly to avoid turning your home into an Austin Powers set but can add a touch of luxury to a space. The mirrored effect tiles bounce light around the room, making a space feel more open. n

Use bricks horizontally for a classic, modern look, or vertically for a sleek urban feel

Trentie Red Gloss Ceramic Wall Tile, Pack of 40, (L)200mm (W)100mm, B&Q, ÂŁ9.60 (3) n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

t e k s a

B a g g n in i

res ent C en ard ift any G ll ins ask ket wil ips for H t a as et isor ging b e som � v d . a n ar m it lant out ha Here o p r f , g. ht art est quh l thoug in sprin the b r U ir wel ecially getting sda A a l “ A d sp s: lain area, e self an p x e r ur doo one yo t u o ting 1. Choose your basket a e r c Baskets come in all shapes and sizes, some even have

g k n a a M H 1

2

a flat back that would be perfect for a wall mount.

Choose one that suits your style. When hanging your basket, brackets and supports can be located on walls or sturdy garden frames, such as a pergola. Remember to position them so they are not a hazard to passing foot-traffic.

2. Fill a third with potting compost Add enough compost to allow your plants to stand at the right height for arranging.

3. Select your plants, considering their height, colour and shape Stick to an odd number of species as this creates a balanced look. Good plants for this time of year include miniature daffodils, primulas, primlets, heathers, pansies, polythanus and the grass Carex evergold.

3

4. Create interest by adding some evergreen plants Adding a trailing ivy will soften the edges of the basket whilst small starter shrubs and dwarf conifers are great for height and structure.

5. Arrange your display Position your plants until you are happy with the effect, then top up with compost, working it into the gaps.

Feed your basket with a general purpose slow release fertiliser for great results.

4

5

6. Aftercare Water your basket regularly, especially during dry weather. Some people opt for an automatic irrigation system that they can hook up to an outside tap.

Dead-heading the old flowers will keep displays going, extending the show into the following season if the weather is favourable.

Remember that you can hook out old plants and replace them with new to keep your basket looking good. n For more information visit www.haskins.co.uk TURN THE PAGE TO FIND OUT ABOUT HANGING BASKETS IN SUMMER

n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Home & Garden

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Study Kids Cave

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Home & Garden

How to Have Fantastic

Summer Hanging Baskets Here is some great advice for planting your summer hanging baskets, courtesy of Hayes Garden World Summer hanging baskets are ideal for a splash of colour, even if space is limited.

Size can range from a slim flower pouch to a 45cm (18”) basket. There are infinite colour combinations and a huge range of plants to choose from; it can range in price from £10 to £60. The cheapest option can be achieved by buying a plastic hanging pot for a couple of pounds and a ready themed bedding pack, usually containing 10 – 12 plants; these usually retail for approximately £6 - £10. If money is not a consideration there are a lot of beautiful wrought iron hanging baskets which will last for many years. Just make sure that the supporting bracket is secure enough to support the weight of a heavy basket plus wet compost and plants.

It needs a sunny sheltered site. If you don’t fancy flowers why not try strawberries or tomatoes instead?

When do I plant my basket?

Small plug plants are available at Hayes Garden World from February, so the basket can be planted up from then if you have somewhere light and cool to keep it.

Make sure you don’t over-water as the small plants will rot easily. The larger plants are available from mid-April

n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

but also need to be kept inside, somewhere light and cool. Put the baskets outside when all danger of frosts have passed, usually the beginning of June. If you live in a mild area or can’t wait that long make sure you keep an eye on the weather forecast and are prepared to bring the basket in, or insulate it if frost is forecast.

What basket do I choose?

There is a vast range of baskets from which to choose; from the simple plastic hanging pot to elaborate wrought iron baskets. There is also a plastic basket with sections that pop out making it easier to plant around the sides and avoiding damaging the plant roots. If using a wrought iron or wire basket don’t forget the liner. If using a coir liner line it with plastic, making sure to slash the bottom to avoid the water collecting, this extends the life of the liner. You can be inventive and recycle an old colander, a sturdy wooden crate or even an old pair of boots (making sure there are plenty of holes in the bottom. Chain can be bought from any hardware store.

Continued over the page

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden What compost do I use?

Any good quality multi-purpose will suffice. Adding a water retention gel will cut down on watering. As bedding plants need a lot of feeding I always add a slow release feed. This should be enough to feed the plants through the main season, a supplementary liquid high potassium feed, such as Tomorite, may be necessary to prolong the show into early autumn. There are composts available which already have water retention gel and slow release feed incorporated.

Which plants do I choose?

There is an infinite variety of summer bedding so first decide on a colour theme. You roughly need a plant for every inch of hanging basket plus a larger upright one for the centre of the basket. For example, if planting a 14� basket choose 14 trailing plants plus a large upright one for the middle. Trailing plants are usually sold in small single pots costing approximately £1.50 - £2.00 each. To keep costs down pad the basket out with trailing lobelia, which usually comes in packs, costing just a few pence per plant.

How do I plant the basket?

Place the basket on a pot or bucket to keep it stable.

Fill the basket half full with the compost, water retaining crystals and slow release feed mixture. Make slits around the sides of the basket to push the plants through. A

n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

good idea is to wrap a cone of cardboard around the plant roots; this makes it easier to push through and protects the roots. Once the side plants are in place, put in some more compost mixture and place the top plants, filling in any gaps around the plants. Once planted water well and leave to drain. Leave the basket to settle in for about a week before putting in position.

How often do I need to feed and water the basket?

On a hot day you may need to water twice a day, morning and late afternoon, try and avoid watering in the midday sun. If reaching the basket is a problem there are products on the market to hang the basket from which lowers it for ease of watering and deadheading. If you have several baskets it may be worth considering investing in a watering system. Incorporating water retention gel into the compost will help prevent the basket drying out. Feed weekly with a high potassium feed, such as Tomorite, if there is no slow release feed in the compost. If there is slow release feed in the compost you will probably only need to feed with a high potassium feed in late summer when the flowers are starting to fade.

What else do I need to do?

Make sure you keep deadheading the plants as this prolongs the flowering period. n

By Angela Slater, Gardening Expert Hayes Garden World

Home & Garden

Worcestershire

Now

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

Genna McCann-Taylor

Rachel Seabright

Tel: 01905 727902 Email: genna@pw-media.co.uk

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Home & Garden

Celebrating the Houseplant Renaissance

at BBC Gardeners’ World Live

As the resurgence in house plants takes the UK by storm in 2018, BBC Gardeners’ World Live has introduced a new stage dedicated to the art of indoor gardening – Blooming Interiors.

The Blooming Interiors stage brings indoor gardening gurus to the fore including Matt Biggs, author of Practical Guide to Growing Healthy Houseplants and Jane Perrone, presenter of podcast On The Ledge. Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) completes the line-up with an exclusive Houseplant Edition of his Weird and Wacky Plant Show.

Complementing the houseplant hotshots, British Florist Association experts present daily demos on how to create the most stunning indoor displays with your garden flowers.

You can even pay a visit to renowned floral designer Jonathan Moseley and his team on the British Flower Bus for more floristry tips, situated next to the Blooming Interiors stage.

Then all you need to do is start creating your own indoor jungle! Browse over 100 places selling quality plants, many suitable for indoor gardening, in the Floral Marquee and Plant Village at BBC Gardeners’ World Live (14-17 June at Birmingham’s NEC). From Streptocarpus, orchids and air plants to cacti, carnivorous plants and the stunningly colourful Coleus you’ll be spoilt for choice!

As houseplant-mania hits the streets, we’ve asked Jane Perrone, famed Gardening Editor of Guardian and presenter of On the Ledge, for her top tips for extending your garden indoors.

1. Know your plants!

Houseplants come in all shapes and sizes, and all have different requirements for watering, feeding, light, humidity and potting compost. For instance, plants that come from tropical climates tend to like moist soil and high humidity, n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

whereas cacti from desert areas are happy in dry air and don’t need watering as much. The more you can find out about the houseplants you own, the better you’ll be able to care for them, so invest in a good book on houseplants or join an online community to connect with others who share your interests. (And listen to On The Ledge podcast of course...)

2. Don’t overwater Most houseplants are killed by one thing - too much water.

Confusingly, plants are just as likely to be wilting because they are waterlogged as opposed to because they are short of water. Always test the compost with your finger before watering, and as a rule only water when the soil feels dry down to a depth of about 3cm (although bear in mind point number 1 - there are many exceptions to this rule!). Finally, make sure you allow pots to drain and remove any water from the bottom tray or cachepot so the plant isn’t sitting in water.

3. Keep them close Stick a houseplant high up on a shelf and the likelihood is you won’t spot when it needs some TLC. Instead, place your most prized houseplants somewhere you’ll see them often - on the kitchen windowsill where you can look at them as you wash up, or perhaps on your bedside table. That way you can enjoy their beauty and step in quickly when your plant has a problem. n For more houseplant advice visit janeperrone.com. Celebrate the best of summer gardening at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 14 – 17 June at Birmingham’s NEC. Find out more and book tickets today at bbcgardenersworldlive.com

Home & Garden

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 25 n

50th Video Montage © Emily Brazier

Nature Notebook

50 Years Wild

Hugging a Tr ee © Mat thew Ro bert s

On 28th March Worcestershire Wildlife Trust turned 50. We celebrated in a number of ways but not least with a video produced by undergraduate film-maker and Trust volunteer, Emily Brazier of Redditch. The video celebrates some of the 9935 species that have been recorded on our nature reserves during our 50 year history.

I don’t know about you but that

be your garden or a walk that you tramp regularly

sounds like a lot of wildlife to me! It

with your dog or family, it could be a place that you

includes birds, wildflowers, trees,

love to visit that gives you a sense of wellbeing. Do

fungi and insects so small that you need a hand

you take time to notice what you share your space

lens or even a microscope to see them. I’m proud

with? Whether it be ‘weeds’ (they’re just flowers

to work for an organisation that does so much to

in the wrong place) growing through cracks in

help wildlife across Worcestershire; we share our

the pavement, flowers that you’ve planted, bees

beautiful county with a wonderful natural world.

buzzing, butterflies fluttering or birds singing

In 1968 we had just 400 members; we now have a voice of over 23,000 people across Worcestershire.

It’s coming up to that time of year when we

own or manage more than 75 throughout the

challenge people to do a Random Act of Wildness

county – wherever you live, there’s sure to be a

every day throughout June. Last year 50,000

nature reserve not far away. We’re supported by an

people across the UK took part. Perhaps this is the

army of over 400 volunteers and, together with our

year that you’ll sign up and use your 30 Random

members, we do all we can to help Worcestershire

Acts of Wildness to find out more about wildlife

be a better place for both wildlife and people.

that is local to you?

Everyone is different. I get stir crazy when I can’t

You can watch the video on our YouTube channel

get into the great outdoors…and it can’t just be

www.youtube.com/c/WorcsWildlifeTrustUK1

for me to wonder at. I know people who shriek at the sight of a creepy crawly or shiver at the mere suggestion of leaving behind social media for a couple of hours. Not me though; and studies are showing that getting away from technology and into wildlife-rich green spaces make us healthier Worcestershire Wildlife Trust @WorcsWT t

space with?

We had a handful of nature reserves then but now

a green space, it needs to be filled with wildlife

Keep up to date

overhead. How many species do you share your

Sign up for 30 Days Wild to receive a wallchart, loads of inspiration and regular emails from us to keep you

going:

www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild

Visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/whats-on for more information about the Trust and our events

and happier, which brings me back to those 9935

Share your ideas and experiences on Twitter

species recorded on our nature reserves.

@WorcsWT

worcestershirewildlifetrust G

How well do you know your ‘patch’? Do you have

worcswildlifetrust.co.uk w

a ‘patch’ – a space that you can call yours? It could

n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

#30DaysWild

and

on

Facebook

www.facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust n Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

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Health & Beauty

The Pedicure Guide

for Summer

With Summer coming up fast, it’s officially flip flop season!

Here’s our guide for an ultimate pedicure this summer...

1

2

3 4

n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Health & Beauty

5 6

7

8

1. chanel

4. L’OCCITANE

7. BARE FEET

The must-have partner of the ROUGE COCO collection, LE VERNIS LONGUE TENUE reinvents itself in six nail polishes that all boast electrifying shades and mirror shine. Available in Prune Dramatique, Exquisite Pink, Bleu Trompeur, Rose Néon, Violet Piquant and Brun Contraste.

A prescription for relief and well-being. Rich in nourishing shea butter (15%) and containing antiseptic A.O.C. lavender essential oil to purify, and anti-inflammatory arnica extract to help reduce redness and irritation, this cream moisturises and relieves irritated and tired feet.

A relaxing foot soak formulated for its soothing benefits, leaving feet cleansed, moisturised and refreshed. Use daily for tired feet and legs or weekly as a luxury treatment to maintain the beauty of the feet.

£22.00

£115.00

2. L’OCCITANE

5. BARE FEET

Our classic formula is enriched with 20% Shea Butter which penetrates quickly to help protectand nourish with no greasy film. You can use it daily, just squeeze a generous amount in your hands and gently massage into hands, nails and cuticles.

A conditioning foot cream with antibacterial properties, blended with ginger and manuka honey to moisturise and hydrate skin leaving the feet soft and smooth.

£20.00 - 150ml

6. BARE FEET

3. L’OCCITANE Often neglected, your cuticles and nails need extra love sometimes too. Enter our nourishing nail and cuticle oil. Formulated with 30% Shea oil that softens cuticles whilst helping strengthen nails.

£9.50 - 200ml

8. BARE FEET

£7.50 - 100ml

A relaxing foot soak formulated for its soothing benefits, leaving feet cleansed, moisturised and refreshed. Use daily for tired feet and legs or weekly as a luxury treatment to maintain the beauty of the feet.

A conditioning nail and cuticle serum formulated with sweet almond oil, ginger extract and manuka honey to condition and hydrate nails and cuticles. Absorbs quickly to leave nail cuticles nourished and moisturised.

Leading Podiatrist Margaret Dabbs has collaborated with Marks & Spencer to offer a uniquely formulated foot care range to pamper and beautify your feet.

£8.50 - 7ml

£9.50 - 200ml

£14.00 - 7.5ml

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

Health & Beauty

Your Guide to

Manicures & Pedicures Manicures and Pedicures are a simple and delightful way to look good, feel good and show off something different. It can be confusing to know which type to go for, as there are many choices and several factors to take into consideration before choice the right nail art. It’s time to decide which is right for you using this handy guide.

The art of taking care of your hands is as varied as the individual lines on our palms and the swirls on our finger tips. The options are many and the effects instant.

Depending on your experience with manicures, it may be best to start off simple.

Gel based manicures last far longer (approximately for four weeks) and do not chip thanks to a special varnish which is applied. Gel based manicures will be hard to remove however, your hands needing to be soaked for some time or even employing a UV light to help.

A basic manicure is one that you can do at home.

They are quick, simple and easy to change if needed. No fuss and no mess. Not even a UV lamp is required for these types of manicures. A nail technician will apply a lotion or oil to the cuticles which will then be left to soak for about five minutes. Once the cuticles have been attended to, a base coat (or two) will be applied and the hands placed under a dryer to speed up the process.

Acrylic nails are less resistant to chipping and these can even be fixed at home in emergencies. They last the longest out of all the types of manicures available but if you tend to use your hands regularly for work, this type may not be for you. For those who are expecting, it is recommended to avoid this type as the process involves potent chemicals.

If you long for something more extravagant, go and see a professional. Gel, Acrylic and Shellac are the more common types to be found on the High Street. n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Finally, Shellac manicures are a new alternative and are a hybrid of gel and nail polish. They have the benefit of being nearly as durable as gel manicures along with the more natural look but without the Continued over the page

Health & Beauty

Luxury Lingerie, Swimwear and Nightwear Cup sizes A to K

New season

lingerie & swimwear now in stock 23 Reindeer Court, Worcester

Tel: 01905 619031

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

Health & Beauty potentially damaging chemicals. With the previous types however, there are disadvantages. You have to get these removed by a professional and this manicure requires a healthy nail bed.

These are the basics and the most cost effective.

If you really want to go full flamboyant you can try paraffin manicures, ideal for people with dry hands.

Or how about a hot stone manicure that is part manicure, part hand massage? Even more recently, 3-D manicures have seen a rise in popularity. Now you can walk around with miniature designs that have a wonderful textured look.

If you are going to accessorise your hands then why not do the same and treat your feet? The choices of pedicure are even more varied and interesting than those available for your hands. You can still pamper yourself with Acrylic, Gel and Shellac types of pedicures but if you want something extra then there are some real exotic treatments.

If you are a serious chocoholic then you will be pleased to hear that chocolate pedicures are available. Everything from chocolate foot soaks

chocolate lotions are used to soften and even protect your feet. Cocoa moisturises and firms your feet, acting as a powerful antioxidant.

If you want some real pain relief then try a sports or athletic massage. They add some extra massaging with cooling scented aromatics, helping to soothe sore and tired feet. This is highly recommended if you have stubborn calluses and other serious issues.

Costing for these various manicures and pedicures will vary from salon to salon. The average price will be £25-£35 depending on the type of treatment you want. Express pedicures may be even less since they won’t involve soaking your hands or feet and fancy oils. If you wish to combine treatments you are looking at an average of £50-£60.

Whether you want to go for a simple treatment or go all out at a spa weekend there are plenty of suitable choices that will make you look good and more importantly, make you feel good. n

By Miles Jones

If you are going to accessorise your hands then why not do the same and treat your feet?

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Health & Beauty

15m swimming pool, sauna & steam Prowler running track The latest Life Fitness equipment Spin, functional training and group fitness studios 50+ FREE classes per week FREE workout plans and personal training

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

Genna McCann-Taylor

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Tel: 01905 727902 Email: genna@pw-media.co.uk

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

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n

KEEPING ACTIVE Start / Finish: The Walk starts and ends at Hagley Railway Station.

Public Transport: HagleyRailway Station is on the line between Birmingham Moor Street and Worcester. Please use ‘Traveline’.

Parking: Street parking in the vicinity, please park sensitively.

O/S Map: Explorer 219 Distance: The main walk is 8 miles. Shorter 6 mile walk omitting Clent Hills (see ‘sketch-map’).

Hagley

Clent Hills Circular

Time: Allow all day. The shorter route is a half-day walk.

Refreshments: There are eating places in Hagley but limited shops and only a few pubs en route. Stock up before you leave Hagley.

Terrain: The route is a mixure of level sections and gradual gradients, Some minor climbs involved. Waterproof boots or comfortable ‘Wellies’ are essential in winter or wet weather. There are several kiss-gates and narrow paths so the walk is unsuitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs but you can explore Hagley!

History: This walk takes you to a group of Four Stones, at around the 1000 ft mark, erected as a ‘Folly’ in around 1750 by Lord Lyttelton of Hagley Hall.

Visitors to the Clent Hills still like to climb to this viewpoint across Birmingham and to see the Welsh Mountains on the south-western horizon. In Victorian times, children and young ladies were led up the hills on donkeys! The Clent Hills Country Park is crossed by St. Kenelm’s Pass. This walk explores the western area nearest to Hagley. ‘Adam’s Hill’ is on the southern end and much of the ‘Clent Hills’ area is owned by the National Trust and cared for by wardens and volunteers. You will pass through the pretty estate village of Broome, Holy Cross and Clent on the outward walk with their pretty stone and timberframed cottages. You will pass the aforementioned ‘Hagley Hall’ on the return route (see sketch map).

1. Leave Hagley Station and walk diagonally right towards playing field, keeping to path on left to exit near Library in West Hagley. Turn right along Worcester Road passing ‘King Arthur’ PH and ‘Station Inn’ to A456 Birmingham to Kidderminster Road.

2. Cross this major junction via pedestrian crossing, turning right briefly to Western Road, left then right along South Road. At end of South Road, take footpath opposite. Cross gated footbridge and walk along right side of boundary hedge opposite up to metal gate onto Thicknall Lane.

3. Turn left along Thicknall Lane then right opposite converted farm buildings. On left are ‘Clent Hills’. Enjoy this country lane that leads to Broome Lane. Turn right then fork left opposite ‘Broome Farm’ into Village of Broome with its former ‘Victorian’ estate workers cottages and coach-houses from days of pony-traps. Notice brick-built Church and old School-House on corner. Turn left and climb gently upwards out of Broome towards Clent Hills. Across to left is Hagley Obelisk on Wychbury Hill, part of Hagley Estate and Clent Hills.

4. At end of lane, is drive to ‘Red Hall’. Turn left briefly then right and follow this old drove road intuitively towards Clent Hills until you reach stile onto lane. Turn right into village of Holy Cross. (Beware of traffic!)

5. At five-way junction at Holy Cross Green, take road straight across that will go beneath A491 Hagley to Stourbridge Road and up to village of Clent.

6. Note: Shorter walk turns left and avoids climb up onto ridge. Walk with care along Odnall Lane to point 8 on main walk (Fountain PH) and follow directions from there. Main walk goes straight on up Vine Lane, with Church on right. After 75 yards take bridleway on left and climb steadily up hillside. Shortly take left fork and at junction take path on left that contours round hill slightly, drops into valley, crosses stream then turns right up track to follow stream. Near top, join one track then left along another which leads ‘right’ to ‘The Four Stones’.

As long as you keep going ‘uphill’ you will be fine.

7. Retrace your steps downhill going ‘right’ round clump of trees to see ‘Toposcope’ then rejoin track beyond trees and proceed down hill for n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

½ mile. The path forks right to car park then passes cottages on Adams Hill to exit at ‘Fountain Inn’ where shorter route joins from left.

8. Continue right, along Woodman Lane, to corner then take path between hedge and fence that joins North Worcestershire Path at next corner. Proceed along this LongDistance Path, crossing Gallows Brook and passing Hagley Hall to exit at Hall gates.

9. Turn left along Hall Lane to Bromsgrove Road and left then right passing ‘Lyttelton Arms’ to exit at Large roundabout on A491. Keep to right and use pedestrian crossings to reach Park Rpad straight ahead. This will take you past Hagley Primary School.

10. Cross Worcester Road to Station Road and Hagley Railway Station. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

Health & Beauty

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

WEDDINGS

Choosing the Right

Wedding Band

The sheer volume of wedding bands on the High Street is overwhelming so it’s worth narrowing your search by deciding on the basics before you leave the house.

Traditionally the material will be dictated by the engagement ring, yellow gold is a timeless choice in 14 or 18 carat both are more robust than 22 carat gold and therefore more suitable for everyday wear. While white gold and platinum, the strongest, most durable metal, have become the most popular contemporary styles.

Rose gold has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as has mixing and matching metals.

Gold Gold is one of the most common and desired metals used in rings of all varieties. The metal’s popularity for men’s or women’s engagement and wedding rings is unsurpassed. The larger the carat, the higher the percentage of pure gold in the ring and the more expensive it will be. The hardness and durability of gold varies depending on carat, so it is important to take these factors into account when selecting a gold ring.

“If you fall in love with a ring that doesn’t perfectly complements the

Platinum

engagement ring, don’t worry”, says ring designer Anja Potze of Anja

Platinum is a white metal and the most expensive and prestigious option for a ring. It is long wearing and already exceptionally white, so it does not need to be rhodium plated like white gold. Platinum is also used in rings at almost 100% purity.

Potze, Worcester. “They are two separate rings for two separate reasons and sometimes it is good to be able to see the distinction.”

It’s also important to consider how the wedding band sits with your engagement ring. “I would always recommend choosing a wedding ring that is a similar width to the band of the engagement ring, not to dominate,” says Anja. If the engagement ring has a very large central stone then this may cause a gap between it and the band, in which case it’s worth considering a shaped band or one which interlocks with the stone.

So the shopping starts, do you want to leave room for an eternity ring? Do you fancy a plain band or one that is diamond set. You can also choose a classic style or a contemporary one? To help with the search. n n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Tungsten Carbide Tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon that is hard, heavy and durable. A tungsten carbide ring will stand up to any degree of wear and tear and remain looking like new. One major benefit of tungsten carbide rings is that their durability makes them much more scratch resistant than rings made of other metals. The drawback of tungsten carbide’s durability is that it cannot be cut and resoldered which prevents rings made of the metal from being resized. This makes having your finger sized accurately extremely important when buying a tungsten carbide ring.

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

Food & Drink

Authentic Massaman Thai Curry

from Head Chef Sanguan Parr at Nipa Thai

Ingredients (serves four) • 2 Chicken breasts • 600ml Coconut Milk • 2 tbsp Roasted Peanuts • 5 Small Onions; sliced • 4 Medium Potatoes; cubed • 3 tbsp Massaman Curry Paste • 2 tbsp Fish Sauce • 3 tbsp Palm Sugar • 3 tbsp Tamarind Juice • 3 Bay Leaves • 1 piece Roasted Cinnamon; 1cm long • 5 Roasted Cardamom Pods • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Method 1: Cut the chicken into chunks, around 2 inches in length.

2: In a wok, heat the vegetable oil, curry paste and 200ml of coconut milk. Keep stirring over a low heat until fragrant.

3: Add the chicken to the wok, turning frequently so all the meat is covered in sauce.

4: Pour in the remaining 400ml of coconut milk and simmer gently for 5 minutes.

5: Add the cubed potatoes, roasted peanuts, onions, fish sauce, palm sugar, tamarind juice, bay leaves, cardamom and cinnamon. Keep over a low heat to simmer until all the ingredients are tender.

6: Remove from the heat and serve with steamed white rice. n

Songkran is the annual festival which takes place over three days during the traditional Thai New Year, this year it fell on Friday 13 – Sunday 15 April 2018. Throughout Thailand there are celebrations, festivities and plenty of food; all culminating in a momentous country-wide water fight!

In the run up to Songkran, Sanguan Parr, Head Chef at Nipa Thai in London, shared her recipe for Massaman Gai (Yellow Chicken Curry).

A popular but classic recipe from the Southern region of Thailand, the curry is simple to make but guaranteed to impress – the perfect dish!

Nipa Thai, Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY Tel: 020 7551 6000 www.niparestaurant.co.uk Open from 5pm-10.30pm, Monday-Sunday

Food & Drink

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

Food & Drink

Helping Worcester

Food Banks

Every foodbank in the UK relies on your goodwill and support.

Did you know that over 90% of the food distributed by foodbanks in The Trussell Trust network is donated by the public – that’s why your food donations are absolutely vital to their ability to give everyone referred to a food bank a balanced and nutritious three day supply of food.

• Tesco, St Peters Drive, Worcester, WR5 3SZ

The shopping list below shows the food and other items that are needed right now: Dried rice, sponge puddings, UHT fruit juice, UHT Milk, crackers, peanut butter, small boxes of washing powder, anti-bacterial surface cleaner, salt & pepper, mixed herbs, tomato puree, shampoo, soap, non-bleach toilet cleaner, cloths and strong carrier bags.

• Sainsbury’s Superstore, Windermere Drive,

Your donations can be dropped at: • Tesco, Mill Wood Drive, Worcester, WR4 0UJ

they experience shortages. This ensures your donations go

n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

• Worcester Guildhall, High Strett, Worcester, WR1 2EY • ASDA Supercentre, Silver Street, Worcester, WR1 2DA, • Mayfly Cafe, Cob House Country Park, Worcester Road, Wichenford, Worcester, WR6 6YE • Sainsbury’s Local, Barbourne Road, Worcester, WR1 1HU Worcester, WR4 9JN • Waitrose, London Road, Worcester, WR5 2JG Collection points can also be found at your local church.

They always welcome donations and promise to use them to provide help to people in crisis. Occasionally food to other nearby foodbanks to support their work particularly if to help people wherever in the UK they are. n

Food & Drink

Buy British, Buy Best, Buy from your Local Butcheress!

Suppliers of fresh British meat to the catering industry and direct to you door 6 days a week!

Monthly Meat Boxes

Available starting at ÂŁ20 with FREE delivery A wide selection of homemade free range sausages available!

Why not visit us at our shop: 9 Ryefields Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4NA Tel: 01527 435669 or 07496 632 010 Follow us on Facebook @ thebutcheress

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

Golden Years

o t e v ? i e t s a a n e r l e e t l R A y n t i A u q E e

C

n 42 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

ed

nu

ti on

over

the

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Older borrowers could continue paying their mortgages until they die or move into care, under a new proposal by the The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). At the end of 2017 they launched a consultation to consider introducing retirement interest-only loans. These mortgages would see borrowers paying the interest on their mortgages without repaying the loan, and would last until death or a move into a care home. In a recent article Which? looked at how retirement interest-only loans would work and the pros and cons of these arrangements.

will ultimately end up paying more interest over time

Under an interest-only deal, retired borrowers would pay the interest due on their mortgage, but do not make regular repayments on the loan itself. Over the years, the balance you owe doesn’t decrease. The FCA is proposing to allow older borrowers to take out interestonly loans, which they would continue to pay until they moved into a care home or died. At that point, the lender would sell the house to repay the loan. The owner – or their estate – would benefit from any value growth in the property, and the initial deposit. While repayments are significantly lower on an interest-only loan, a borrower

need to repay the original loan to the bank. The interest-

n 44 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

without increasing their share of ownership. But if the property grows in value while you own it, you could still stand to make money on an interest-only deal.

It is tempting to think that the interest only mortgage payer ends up better off because the amount they pay a month is much lower than a repayment but that isn’t the case. When the house is finally sold the capitalrepayment borrower will keep the proceeds (leaving aside any sale costs). But the interest-only borrower only keeps any capital appreciation on the property, as they only borrower saves in mortgage payments but usually the cost of clearing the mortgage at the end means they are slightly worse off. Of course this also assumes your property will grow in value, which it’s not guaranteed to do. If your property price stagnates, an interest only borrower may walk away with much less – and if were to drop, you or your estate could end up owing the bank money after the sale.

Continued over the page

Golden Years

• Hourly Care • Daily Care • Live in Care

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01905 641 070

www.eclipsehomecare.co.uk

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Named Retailer of the Year 2017

by BHTA

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 45 n

GOLDEN YEARS

So why is the FCA proposing the change?

This is because there are few interestonly loans available and borrowers looking to take one out need to show evidence of a plan to repay their loan. Yet more than 1.9 million borrowers remain on interest-only loans today from deals agreed in the 2000s, when they were more readily available. While the majority of people on interest-only arrangements have a plan to repay, many don’t. When their term runs out, these homeowners must try to remortgage or face losing their homes. But in order to successfully remortgage, homeowners need to show they can afford the payments on the new deal – which might be significantly higher. Older homeowners may also be ineligible for a repayment mortgage, as they’re unlikely to be working long enough to pay it down. The FCA is hoping a retirement interest-only proposal could be the answer for these homeowners.

The lower payments mean they need a lower income to qualify, while allowing the deal to extend to retirement could

n 46 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

help older borrowers. At the same time, there is some concern that paying off an interest-only mortgage is effectively the same as renting – especially if your property doesn’t grow in value. Currently, one of the main options is a lifetime mortgage (equity release) where a new mortgage is placed over the property and interest payments are ‘rolled up’ into the loan. When the owner dies or moves into care, both the loan and interest are repaid from the sale of the house. But lifetime mortgages have high interest rates that can quickly eat up any equity in a home, leaving very little for the person’s care needs or heirs. The FCA currently classifies retirement interest-only mortgages as a type of lifetime mortgage. Their proposal would see the two concepts separated out, with different lending criteria applied.

At the time of writing The FCA is currently reviewing the community’s views about its proposals. For detailed information please take professional advice. n To read the consultation document please visit www.fca.org.uk

Golden Years

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education

Spotting the Signs

and Seeking Support for Autism

With around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK – more than 1 in 100 – autism is far more common than many people think. If you include the family members and carers dealing with autism as part of daily life, the number of people affected rises to 2.8 million.

Experts now believe that the true number is much higher, with a “lost generation” of thousands missed due to low awareness and understanding of the condition. 5 times as many men than women are diagnosed, indicating an under-diagnosed female population. If you believe someone you care about may have autism, the wellbeing experts at CABA have provided this guide on the signs to look out for, following the charity’s partnership with the National Autistic Society.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability that affects how someone interacts and relates to other people, as well as how they experience the world around them.

Social scenarios, including family events, school and work, can be difficult, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

How is autism diagnosed?

Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning that, while all autistic people share certain difficulties, they will all be affected in different ways. In order for an autism diagnosis to be made, an individual will be assessed for persistent difficulties with social communication. Signs to look out for include: n 48 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

• A very literal understanding of language.

They may find it difficult to use, or understand, facial expressions, tone-ofvoice or jokes • Difficulty making eye contact • Avoiding or resisting physical contact, they often want to be alone • Not responding to their name • Getting upset over minor changes • Displaying extreme anxiety and phobias • Have unusual reactions (over or undersensitivity) to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel • Having obsessive interests While there is no cure for autism, having the right support at the right time can make a huge difference to the lives and wellbeing of those affected. Yet, according to The National Autistic Society, 70% of autistic individuals aren’t getting the help they need from social services, with the same number saying they would feel less isolated if they had more support. But, help is available.

Pre-diagnosis? Help is at hand If you have any concerns about booking an assessment for a friend or family member, pre-diagnosis support is available. Charities such as CABA provide practical and reassuring advice over the phone.

Volunteers are a phone call away There are trained volunteers out there, who are all parents themselves of a child, or adult, with autism. They know the impact autism has had on their own families, and can offer emotional support whenever you need to

talk about your situation or feelings – or just when you need someone to listen without judging. Volunteers are available to speak over the phone, or using online services.

The National Autistic Society has a specialist parent-to-parent service.

Join support groups Joining a support centre can help you, and the person you care about, feel less isolated. Click here to find a network of local support groups and branches run by volunteers, most of whom have a personal connection to autism.

Schools entitle you to education rights If you’re a parent or a carer of a preschool or school-age child on the autistic spectrum, you are entitled to impartial, confidential information, advice and support on education rights. The National Autistic Society, for example, aims to explain education law and can help you explore your options and make informed decisions about your child’s school education. It also offers advice on specific subjects such as getting extra help in school, assessments, education plans, reviews and school transport.

Having autism doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a normal life. For inspiration that it can be done, check out Marion’s story. A single, working parent with a young, autistic child, Marion shares how the support on offer has made life easier for her whole family. To find out more, visit caba.org.uk. n

By Mary Jane Gunn, Support Manager Wellbeing Charity CABA

education

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Images © Nick Kay

Living History

More Than a Sauce Worcestershire’s Culinary History Every county in the UK seems to have some sort of culinary attribute with which to easily apply the standard cliché food label to – Pembrokeshire for laverbread, Aberdeen for its cattle, Norfolk for turkeys and who can resist a Devon cream tea, a Cornish pasty or Northern Irish soda bread.

Worcestershire has rather modestly always retained a sort of quiet, diligent and modest approach to food production, which seems regrettable considering it is as equally fertile and green as Kent’s so called ‘Garden of Eden’.

I am a Worcester girl, born and bred, until the call for University and the wider-world took me away in the late 1980’s, although my family continues to contribute to the county’s culinary offerings, with my sister and brother-in-law’s burgeoning honey bee pursuits in South Worcestershire.

I was lucky to grow up in a household where our Grandmother lived alongside us and I subsequently learnt a thing or two about War and Post-War culinary practices, which mostly, to my young mind consisted of never throwing away any food, until it looked like it could get up and walk away on its own accord, boiling everything within a millimetre of boring a hole through the pan and watching the practice of all manner of offal being prepared, cooked and eaten by both Grandmother and colluding Mother. Special occasion meals were spent at the now defunct Giffard Hotel, Pack Horse Berni Inn, or if we were really lucky, the towering sophistication of Chateau Impney. Incidentally, it wasn’t until I started researching Worcestershire’s culinary past, that I realised one of the original n 50 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

and most wonderfully eccentric of celebrity chefs, Keith Floyd had actually started his career at the Giffard, during its heyday in the 1960s. Just another of the county’s many delicious secrets.

Worcestershire’s food folklore is steeped in traditions like Wassailing, Apple-howling and Clementing, with superstitions that include bee whispering, feeding cattle mistletoe and enchanting pigs.

others. Worcestershire is an important hub of local food producers who supply some of the top food establishments in the country, like Pershore College’s micro veg, leaves and flowers that keep Claridge’s of London’s Fera restaurant stocked and Malvern’s Friday Beer Company whose products can be found in Harrods and Waitrose.

Malvern Pudding, Malvern Cakes, Tenbury Pies, Evesham Pie and Lamprey Stew, are just some of the old recipes that are synonymous with Worcestershire, which has a broad tradition of manufacturing world leading vinegars, ciders, salt, fish hooks, asparagus and of course that most globally of acclaimed condiments – Worcestershire Sauce.

Many wouldn’t associate Worcestershire with its once world leading salt mining and fish hook industries, or value the reputation of its widespread market gardening, high profile cider, beer and wine manufacturing, or versatile dairy production. Apples and Hops were once Worcestershire’s staple consumable goods and today, thanks to community orchards, reinstated local rare varieties and risk-taking landowners, this tradition is being sustained and revived. If you never associated the county before as a leading producer of food and drink; with a culinary heritage to rival any other, then you certainly will after reading More Than a Sauce: Worcestershire’s Culinary History,

by Emma Kay. Available in paperback from Amberley Publishing. n

The county’s award-winning market gardens, wineries, breweries and farms, operate alongside globally successful businesses, including; Kraft, BHGS, Orchard Valley Foods, Webbs and Kerry amongst

By Emma Kay Find out more about Food Historian Emma Kay and her collection of Kitchenalia by visiting www.museumofkitchenalia.com and www.foodcurator.co.uk

From well dressing to salt blessing, the county has a very real spiritual grounding in natural resources and fertile landscapes that are both ancient and fruitful. It was also once famous for its great food markets and fairs, with Pershore at the centre of this activity, since the tenth century.

Living History

Take a Trip Back in Time on the SVR

Stunning scenery, historic attractions and lots to see and do – take a trip down memory lane and enjoy a great day out on the Severn Valley Railway.

More than 250,000 visitors each year board one of the SVR’s heritage steam locomotives for a journey back in time along the stunning 16-mile line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, passing through the beautiful Severn Valley scenery.

Get on and off en-route to take in any of the SVR’s six historic stations or head to The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, packed with interactive and informative exhibits, café and gift shop.

Relax and enjoy freshly-cooked food from cream teas to Sunday roasts at The Engine House café and the Refreshment Room at Kidderminster while watching the trains pass by.

The new Refreshment Room at Bridgnorth also opens this summer. A range of indulgent, on-train dining experiences are on offer too.

The SVR’s fantastic range of events includes spring and autumn steam galas, Step Back to the 1940s weekends, Classic Vehicle Day and the much-loved Santa Steam Specials.

Steam Trains run daily between May and October, and at weekends and in school holidays from February to December. n For more information, visit www.svr.co.uk, call 01562 757900 or see the Severn Valley Railway Official Site or Families pages on Facebook.

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competition

Competition

FOOTBALL FEVER COMES TO WORCESTER RACECOURSE

As the summer is quickly approaching we’re all starting to look forward to sunshine, blue skies and of course the football World Cup! England play Panama on Sunday 24 June, coinciding with the first Family Fun Day of the year at Worcester Racecourse.

In association with the West Bromwich Albion Foundation, Worcester Racecourse present the Football Extravaganza Family Fun Day on Sunday 24 June. Children under 18 go FREE, and there will be a host of FREE children’s entertainment, including the West Bromwich Albion Foundation football skills station where you can win free soccer camp places, enjoy mini quad bikes, giant inflatables, an England bouncy castle, penalty shoot out, face painting, pony rides and much more! Picnics are welcome in the Centre Course, parking is FREE at the Racecourse and there will be special drinks offers during the England match.

This will be the perfect day for the whole family to enjoy seven thrilling horse races and the England V Panama match live on the big screen. Adult tickets start from £10.

Other highlights this season at Worcester Racecourse include the Cider Racenight, the perfect start to the bank holiday weekend on Friday 25 May with plenty of unique ciders to

try plus live music from The Mangled Wurzels. The famous Crowngate Ladies Day is back on Saturday 2 June, where we’ll have live music after racing from Abba Revival.

This is a special year for Worcester Racecourse, as one of the oldest racecourses in the UK they are celebrating 300 years of racing in Worcester. The 300 year anniversary raceday will be taking place on Wednesday 4 July, and to celebrate the Worcester Grand Annual Steeplechase is being revived after an 85 year absence. Once one of the most important steeplechase races in the National Hunt calendar, the Worcester Grand Annual ran from 1836 until 1933. The importance of this race was highlighted in 1853 when Bourton won the Grand Annual, then went onto win the 1854 Grand National.

Book in advance for best prices, with Centre Course tickets starting from just £10 and County Enclosure tickets £17 when booked in advance. Or why not experience a day at the races in style in the Severn Restaurant, with stunning views over the city and the racecourse and fine dining menus for only £65 per person. n For more information or to book tickets visit the websitebelow or call 01905 25364

www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk

For your chance to win one of four sets of four adult tickets (children under 18 go free) to the Family Fun Day on Sunday 24th June simply fill

Answer:

out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Name:

Which football team are England playing on Sunday 24th June?

Address: Tel:

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

Email:

2DP. Closing date for entries is 16th May 2018. n 52 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

If you would like to receive news, special offers and exclusive discounts via email from Worcester Racecourse please tick this box

Our Events Diary

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What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Saturday 19th

St Richard’s Hospice - Malvern Hills Walk

MAY Friday 4th Theatre & Dance Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED. The English Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the renewing force of spring on the first weekend of May, with a celebration of young people in the performing arts across the region, ‘On Stage in Elgar Country’. In the course of these festive few days, the region’s leading professional orchestra is joined in performances by young dancers, singers, actors and instrumentalists for performances of music ranging from Copland and Stravinsky to Beethoven and Weber. Tickets (£5-£23) are available online, from the Worcester Live Box Office in Huntingdon Hall, or at the door.

Tel: 01905 611427 • www.eso.co.uk

Saturday 5th Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in Worcester Cathedral The Orchestra of St John, Bromsgrove will perform Beethoven’s magnificent Ninth Symphony “The Choral” in Worcester Cathedral in a concert that celebrates the conclusion of the orchestra performing all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies. Tickets for St John’s Church are priced at £12 in advance or £14 on the door and at Worcester Cathedral from £10 to £25 with accompanied children attending either event for free. www.osjbromsgrove.org n 54 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Thursday 10th Ladies Night Redpoint Worcester, The Railway Yard, Midland Road, Worcester,WR5 1DS. A fun night in for all our female climbers to meet up and climb together! We also have the luxury of having some talented female coaches to offer you free advice during these times. And just to sweeten the evening we have some free cake and tea to wash it down. We start to gather at 7pm, generally milling around the bouldering area, and chat and climb until the tea and cake has arrived at Boof’s Cafe just up on the mezzanine (usually 9-9:30pm).

This group is open to abilities so please don’t be shy :) we’ve all had to start somewhere.

Admission - £9.50. www.redpointworcester.co.uk

Sunday 13th Churchill Forge Water Mill Open Day The Forge is one of the last few surviving waterwheel powered forges in the country.

There are 2 working waterwheels, both 17 feet in diameter, which will be in operation on the open day. And new for 2018, it is hoped to run the Forge’s press for the first time in 30 years.

Tel: 01527 870168 • churchillforge.org.uk

Friday 18th May The Midland Sinfonia St Lawrence Church, Alvechurch. Charlotte and Bethan met as members of the North Wales Youth Orchestra in 2010 and started

playing together the following year. They have gone on to perform at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Chester Music Society. They are both very talented musicians, Bethan having been playing the harp since the age of ten; this should be a really enjoyable evening. It will be a mixed programme featuring the work of JS Bach, Debussy, Rossini and others.

Tickets: on the door £14.50, in advance £13 from ‘Gin & Pickles’, The Square, Alvechurch or online. FT students and schoolchildren accompanying an adult free.

Tel: 0121 447 7040 www.midlandsinfonia.co.uk

Saturday 19th St Richard’s Hospice - Malvern Hills Walk Register online for either a 2, 5 or 11 mile walk along the beautiful Malvern Hills (online booking fee applies). The 2 and 5 mile walk are circular and perfect for families. 10.00am start from Black Hills car park. Admin Fee: Adults £10 Under 16 years £5 The 11 mile walk you will trek across the length of the Malvern Hills from Chase end.

Start from North Quarry Car Park – coaches are provided from there to Chase end from approx. 7:30am. Admin fee: Adults £13 Under 16 years £6. Pledge to raise £50 or more in sponsorship supporting our free specialist care. You can set up a just giving page or alternatively we can send you out a Malvern Hills sponsorship form in the post. strichards.org.uk/event/malvern-hills-walk

>>

Our Events Diary

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What's On

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th

Feckenham Flower and Garden Festival

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th Feckenham Flower and Garden Festival 11am-5pm. This hugely successful triennial Festival, which is now entering its 33rd year, raises funds for the maintenance of our historic 12th Century Parish Church of St. John the Baptist. We hope to have approximately 30 gardens open to visitors.

Many of our gardens are hidden and vary enormously in size and style. This variety creates a huge amount of interest with an element of surprise. There will also be a magnificent Flower Festival in the Church themed ‘Celebration and Commemoration’. The Festival was previously filmed for and featured on the BBC Gardener’s World Programme.

Located on The Square will be stands for: well known local nurseries selling plants; traditional and contemporary garden supplies; and Feckenham Forest History Society. There will be W.I. teas in the Village Hall and a pig roast/barbeque. There n 56 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

are also two public houses and an award winning community shop in the village which will be open all day. Admission £6.00 per person - children under 16 free. www.feckenham.com

Sunday 20th Evesham 45`s Meetup Group The Angel Hotel, 9 High St, Pershore, WR10 1AF. 6.45pm - 7.45pm. Are you tired of the same old routine? Is your social-life is in need of a boost, join our Meetup group, Evesham Over 45’s, a friendship group for the over 45`s. Theatre, cinema, walks, meals and much more. Come along and meet us for a coffee/drink and a chat and find out more.

Tel: 07501023391

Saturday 26th May – Sunday 3rd June Malvern Walking Festival This year’s programme, now in its 17th

year, is the biggest and best ever for MWF. There are 51 walks available over the 9 day programme making it one of the largest walking festivals in southern England.

There are a wide variety of walks available on this year’s Festival so there’s something for everybody regardless of their ability or interests. Some of the walks are short and themed including history, gardens, geology, Elgar’s music, trees and farming and some are more challenging. There’s a 6 day 65 mile discovery trail from Ludlow back towards Malvern ; there are two walks of 3 days each covering about 35 miles around the Malvern Hills plus dozens of other shorter walks ranging from a couple of hours to full days and ranging from 1 mile to 18 miles. Full details and bookings are available on MWFestival’s website or at the Malvern Tourist Information Centre in person or phone.

Tel: 01684 892289 www.malvernwalking.uk

Our Events Diary

CROPTHORNE WALKABOUT Nr. Pershore. WR10 3LU

Bank Holiday Weekend Sunday 6th May: 12 - 5.30pm Monday 7th May: 11am - 5.30pm Flower Festival, Dog Show, Open Gardens, Many Charity Food and Craft Stalls.

Ice Cream, Children’s Entertainment, Refreshments, Pig Roast, Licensed Bar, Plants, Fruit and Vegetables, Preserves, Cakes and much more.

A free coach carries people from one end of the village to the other

Enquiries 07831 150974 In aid of Church Funds and Local Organisations www.cropthornewalkabout.co.uk cropthornewalkabout

Worcestershire

Now

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

Genna McCann-Taylor

Rachel Seabright

Tel: 01905 727902 Email: genna@pw-media.co.uk

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

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competition

Competition

THE ROYAL THREE COUNTIES SHOW

The Royal Three Counties Show returns for its 60th year at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, June 15th - 17th - and it’s the biggest celebration of the great British countryside yet.

This year Worcestershire hosts the show, sharing some of the best bits of the county with visitors. Worcestershire Music will entertain the crowds, and visitors can follow a trail of beautiful works of art from celebrated artist, David

Birtwhistle.

The

extremely

popular Medieval reenactment camp returns to focus on Worcestershire’s exciting history and The Firs, birth place of Sir Edward Elgar, will be showcasing an original piano owned by Elgar.

Highlights for 2018 include: Favourites from The Archers will give talks alongside judging a range of competitions and some lucky visitors will even get the opportunity to meet some of Ambridge’s finest.

The Gardening Hub, which will host a roadshow with BBC presenter Martin Fish, will offer interactive workshops and Q&A sessions.

Wellington Boot Theatre, hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter, Andrew Easton, will shine a spotlight on inspiring outdoor activities.

Equine Village will give visitors the opportunity to talk through all there is to know about caring for horses.

The action-packed Main Arena will feature the Shetland Pony Grand National, the jaw-dropping Red Devil parachute displays, sheepdog displays, a parade of farm machinery through the ages, and the always impressive Grand Parade.

Cookery Theatre will demonstrate a range of dishes created from produce featured at the show.

Farming Village is the place to check out some of the finest livestock around with no less than 120 breeds of animals and almost 900 classes.

Countryside Village will have galloping acrobatics, pole climbing, breath-taking falconry, impressive animal displays and country sports demonstrations.

Ask the Farmer will provide the perfect opportunity to ask any farming related questions in a relaxed setting.

Young Enterprise Zone will be business first and foremost in this new area packed with fresh ideas, inspiration and enthusiasm for the rural economy.

Aimed at encouraging youngsters to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit in the agricultural and associated industries. n Tickets are now on sale. Advanced tickets are from £19 for adults and £5 for children, family tickets are also available. For information on ticket prices and on the show, please visit the website below or call 0844 811 0050.

www.royalthreecounties.co.uk

For your chance to win one of five Family Tickets to The Royal Three Counties Show at the Three Counties Showground on June 15th 17th, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Which BBC Presenter will be at the Gardening Hub this year?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Three Counties WN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 16th May 2018. n 58 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 177 | May 2018

Answer: Name: Address: Tel: Email:

If you would like to receive news, special offers and exclusive discounts via email from The Royal Three Counties Show please tick this box

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