Worcestershire
Now Audley Ellerslie Luxury Retirement Village, Great Malvern
See page 29 and visit www.audleyvillages.co.uk/now for more information
GET COMPOSTING RECRUITMENT FOR OLDER WORKERS APPLYING FOR STUDENT FINANCE MAY 2021 | ISSUE 206 t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n
NEWS • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD & DRINK • HEALTH & BEAUTY • GOLDEN YEARS • PUZZLES
n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
Worcestershire
8
Now
18 16 MAY 2021 HOME & GARDEN 8
Spring Greens
14
Get Composting!
16
Painting Your Room
18
Reach For The Sky
20
Secondary Glazing in Listed Buildings
and Conservation Areas
22
Nature Notebook
22 24
GOLDEN YEARS 24
Good Recruitment For Older Workers
28
Thinking of Your Independence
EDUCATION 30
34
Applying For Student Finance
LIVING HISTORY 34
How County Soldiers Helped
Bring an End to the War in Europe
PUZZLES 36
30
Criss-Cross! Sudoku! Wordsearch!
WO RC E S T E R S H I R E
NOW 01905 723011
nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd
EDITOR Dawn Pardoe PW Media & Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk
ADVERTISING Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Lis Gardner Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk
Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk
DESIGN Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS Daisy Bennett Wendy Carter Botany Bay Nurseries
The Centre for Ageing Better Discover History The Downs Ludlow Assembly Rooms Midlands Air Ambulance Oddbox Midlands PTES Student Finance England TPG DisableAids Ltd Worcester County Council Wychavon Leisure
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
A GRAND WAY TO SAVE LIVES IN
HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE As part of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations, and due to a community fundraising shortfall over the last 12 months, the vitally important service is asking people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to join in the fun and play its Lifesaving Lottery. The local charity, which responds to an average of 31 lifesaving missions in Herefordshire and Worcestershire per week, has an established lottery scheme which boasts almost 69,000 members, 36 per cent of which reside in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. With chances for participants to play more than once, the current total of live numbers played on a weekly basis is in excess of 95,000, funding four out of ten critically important missions. The scheme has increased in popularity over the last three years. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the Lifesaving Lottery raised over £3.8 million** in 2020 funding 1,290 air ambulance and 2,580 critical care car lifesaving missions. This popular way to support the charity is enhanced because for a donation of £1 per, the supporter also has the opportunity to win prizes – either a jackpot cash prize of £1,000 or four prizes of £25.
Emma Gray, chief operating officer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Its thanks to the kindness of local people, like the supporters of our Lifesaving Lottery, we are able to continue making critical care missions possible and saving lives across the Midlands. This year has been exceptionally challenging for us all, which is why we offer this additional way for support the charity, which is mutually beneficial as the supporter also has the chance to win money each week,
while helping to fund our extremely important pre-hospital service.” n To find out how you can get involved and play the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Lifesaving Lottery, please visit: midlandsairambulance.com/lottery
and
follow the organisation on social media. For
full
terms
and
conditions,
visit:
midlandsairambulance.com/lottery
Secret Gardens of Ludlow Sunday 4th July 2021, 12noon - 6.00pm After the disappointment of having to cancel last year’s event owing to Covid, we are delighted once more to offer a selection of gardens, not normally open to the public, for Secret Gardens of Ludlow. Ten delightful private gardens, all within walking distance of the town centre, will open their gates for this year’s popular fund raising event. Diverse in setting, style and size, the gardens range from an elegant courtyard to a meadow sweeping down to the river Teme, and everything in between. n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
Breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, early evening food and wine on sale at the sparkling new Bill’s kitchen, part of the newly refurbished Ludlow Assembly Rooms, it’s entrance now in Castle Square. Bill’s Kitchen is open from 8.00am to 8.00pm. Book for breakfast or early evening food and wine manager@billskitchenludlow.uk. Lunch is first come first served. For menus visit www.billskitchen.uk
Rooms Box Office, 1 Mill Street, SY8 1AZ.
Tickets/map £10 gives entry to all gardens, available from early June at Ludlow Assembly
for meetings, workshops and a wide range of
01584 878141 or at the gardens on the day. (The entrance to the box office is now in Castle Street). Ludlow Assembly Rooms is an independent charity.
This lively arts and entertainment
centre offers a full and varied programme of streamed performances, live theatre, music, comedy and children’s events. community activities. n
Plus space
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 5 n
HERE & NOW
Survey local riverbanks this spring to help save endangered water voles Wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered
90% of the population was lost between the 1980s
their signs. To find out more and to take part in
Species (PTES) is calling for volunteers across
and 1990s alone - so they really need our help.
England, Scotland and Wales to search for
Due to lockdown last spring, we were unable to
the survey, visit www.ptes.org/watervoles
sightings and signs of water voles along local
survey water voles, meaning we now have a gap
riverbanks, canals and other inland waterways,
in our dataset. Finding out where water voles are
from the 15th April – 15th June 2021.
is crucial to their conservation, so now more than ever we need feet on the ground to help us look
Water voles used to be a familiar feature of Britain’s inland water networks, but loss of suitable habitat and the arrival of non-native American mink in the 1980s and 1990s drove them out of their former
for these adorable riverside residents to see how
riverbank and waterway homes, decimating them.
they’re faring.”
PTES set up the National Water Vole Monitoring
conservationists find where water voles are living,
Programme in 2015 to help counter this, building
how their populations are changing each year,
To take part, individuals, ‘bubbles’ or households
on work previously carried out by the Vincent
and most importantly, where they are in most
are asked to select one of the 850 pre-selected
need of help.
sites close to their home, which can be found
Wildlife Trust.
online. If there isn’t a pre-selected site close by,
Henrietta continues: “Despite the shocking
PTES needs to build on the survey data gathered
new sites on a local waterway can be registered.
statistics, knowing the reasons behind the decline
since 2015 to create a long-term picture of how
Volunteers are asked to walk along the riverbank
means it’s in our power to reverse it. By restoring
water voles are faring, especially after having
looking for sightings of water voles, listening
bankside vegetation and connecting patches
to cancel last year’s spring survey season. The
out for the characteristic ‘plop’ as they enter
of existing habitat across the landscape, water
charity hopes that the positive relationship
the water, or spotting the signs they leave
voles can be successfully encouraged to return
people developed with nature during lockdown
behind, such as footprints, droppings, latrines
to our waterways. With the help of the public
will mean the public are keen to get involved and
or bankside burrows. Surveyors are also asked to
this spring, we hope to better understand where
help look for these endearing creatures, or their
record any sightings or signs of American mink
water voles are living so we can best protect
signs, this spring.
and otters, both predators of water voles.
them – and hopefully, one day they will become
Henrietta Pringle, Key Species Monitoring &
No previous experience is needed, as there are
a common sight on our riverbanks again.” n
Data Officer at PTES, explains: “Water voles are
detailed survey guidelines and online training
To find out more and to take part, visit:
Britain’s fastest declining mammal – a staggering
materials to help you identify water voles and
www.ptes.org/watervoles.
This survey, which is part of PTES’ National Water
Vole
Monitoring
Programme,
helps
ODDBOX ENTERS THE MIDLANDS WITH ‘ODD’ VEG BOX IN A BID TO SAVE OVER 35 THOUSAND TONNES OF FOOD WASTE BY 2025 Having already rescued nearly 14 thousand tonnes
from going to waste and 15 million kgs of carbon
favourite during Spring, and is the perfect
of food from being wasted, Oddbox is now
emissions would be avoided. That equates to the
example of a crop that needs a lot of care and
offering people in the Midlands the chance to join
amount of water that 19,454 people drink in their
attention. Over the two harvest months, there
its mission to fight food waste and climate change
lifetime and the equivalent to the emissions of
are many factors that could lead to waste. As
powering 3,581 homes all year.
the temperature rises the asparagus growth can
Oddbox,
which
rescues
and
delivers
the
accelerate and this is a crop which needs to be
delicious ‘too odd’ or ‘too many’ fruit and
On the expansion, Emilie Vanpoperinghe, Co-
vegetables
has
Founder and CEO of Oddbox, said: We’re
announced its expansion into the Midlands,
delighted to be expanding Oddbox into the
including Birmingham, Coventry and Leicester
Midlands, grow our community of people doing
and Worcester*. Oddbox has been operating its
good for the planet and support our growers by
weekly rescue missions in London and the South
rescuing delicious ‘odd’ fruit and veg from going
East for the last five years and has delivered
to waste. We’re committed to helping people
This is why we’re pleased to be a supply partner of
over two million boxes of ‘odd’ produce (aka
live more sustainably – widening our reach into
Oddbox. Better for us, as we’re paid for delicious
the stuff that’s ‘too big’, ‘too ugly’ or ‘wrong
the Midlands means we can have a greater
asparagus that we couldn’t sell otherwise. And
collective impact. Knowing that, according to
better for the planet, as we reduce food waste
the Drawdown Project, fighting food waste is the
along the way.
directly
from
growers,
colour’) during that time. Having already saved 13,790 tonnes of food from going to waste, the equivalent of how much food 29,977 people would eat in a year, Oddbox is expanding its delivery radius to an additional 1.5 million+ households across the Midlands. If food waste was a country, it would be the third largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions**, which is why the Oddbox mission to help reduce food waste at the farm level is so important. With the climate change crisis only becoming more and more urgent, signing up to Oddbox is a small action people in the Midlands can now take to join a growing community making a big impact. In fact, if every household in the new
number one solution to reverse the climate crisis, this gives us hope that, together, we will leave the planet in a better place for our children.
harvested when ready. Naturally this can lead to surplus product... On the other hand, some of the spears grow naturally with a curvature, some grow too thick and some too small for the specifications of the supermarkets.
With the expansion, Oddbox is also hiring five employees in new roles within the company in the Midlands and extending its partnership with
Beyond serving delicious fruit and veg to people
Birmingham-based Minor, Weir and Willis as
in the Midlands, allowing them to ‘eat good,
fresh produce suppliers and packers. Its delivery
do good and stay odd’, Oddbox is bringing a
partner G Allegro will also be hiring new local
boost to the region’s economy by partnering
drivers familiar with the area of expansion to
with local farms, packaging and delivery firms.
ensure for smooth delivery for customers.
Worcestershire-based asparagus grower Red Star Growers, is one of the local Oddbox suppliers who will be bringing its delicious asparagus directly to new Midlands customers.
People can join the Oddbox Midlands waiting list now to be the first in line, with delivery bookings live from the 28th April at www.oddbox.co.uk/ . Join the Oddbox mission to ‘Eat good. Do good.
Oddbox radius signed up for one medium box,
Jon Newell, Account Manager at Red Star
Stay odd’ with boxes starting at £10.99 for up to
over 1 billion litres of water would be prevented
Growers, said: Asparagus is a British seasonal
nine varieties of fruit or veg. n
n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
ANDREW ALEXANDER GARDEN DESIGN NDH Hort. (Pershore)
G LO AR W HERE & NOW DE M NS AIN A TE SP N EC AN IA CE LI TY
THREE TIMES ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEDAL WINNER Let me design your dream garden, tailored to your individual style, budget and needs. • Full standalone garden design available from design to construction • Low maintenance gardens a speciality • 3D freehand designs • Covering Herefordshire & Worcestershire • 20 years experience
T: 07968 371828 | E: 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
s n e e r G g n i r p S
le
mp
si the
nd ic a t e esth me. a e o d E rysi ceful h PAG t n THE u R a o E e OV ED ith c and p w INU T , N e n CO en gre a sere g n hi te eryt u crea v e yo in self o help r u o t nd y life,
rou
Sur
Heritage Bathrooms - Victoria suite with fitted bath www.heritagebathrooms.com n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
HOME & GARDEN
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 9 n
HOME & GARDEN
Beckworth Table Lamp (£95) pictured with Evie Mirror (Oval - Arriving in July) www.darlighting.co.uk/laura-ashley-lighting
Beautiful greens and bold
harmony, freshness and tranquility as well as
florals are everywhere this
nature and the outside world.
spring. No room in the house is spared from the serene green shades. From pastel colours to deep emerald hues, there is nothing more calming than an element of nature seeping thrugh your
James Hare are a designer fabrics specialists for interior decoration and fashion fabric. Their creative director, Saffron Hare, explains; “Green is an extremely calm, positive colour
home. Match that with some flashes of
as it stimulates thoughts of balance, growth
florals and you have the basis of the spring
and restoration in colour psychology. This
green trend.
colour immediately brings nature to mind
A fresh and serene home Green is considered the most restful color
and it’s such a refreshing way to bring the outdoors in.”
for the eye, and can bring about a feeling
The natural world
of calm and peacefulness to a home when
Bringing elements of the natural world inside
used in interior design. It symbolizes growth,
our homes, could be the way to bring a
n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
sense of calm to your surroundings. Evoke the feeling of walking through a garden meadow and having the fresh sun on your face. Pair with yellows or pale pink tones to really brighten up your room. In its basic form, the trend cottagecore came about from people wanting to get back to a simple way of living and be at one with nature. Think open fields and pressed flowers and tea parties; a romantisiced version of how we can find joy in the simple things. Fox & Ivy at Tesco have a selection of elegantly designed dinner sets, transforming any room into a beautiful space. Their hummingbird teapot made from CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
HOME & GARDEN
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
Worcestershire
Now
If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team. Rachel Seabright
Lis Gardner
rachel@pw-media.co.uk
lis@pw-media.co.uk
Tel: 01905 727900
Tel: 01905 727901
Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727904
kate@pw-media.co.uk
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 11 n
HOME & GARDEN Fine China with floral and silver design with matching tableware range available. One of the best ways to create the feeling of being outside is to bring plants and flowers into your home. Pick flowers from your garden and place them in a vase to put on your window sill. Peonies and tulips are perfect to pick in May and come in a wondrous variety of colour to enhance your home. And as a bonus, plants inside the home freshen the air, filter out pollutants and release oxygen. Don’t forget the detail The key is in the details when it comes to a fresh spring design. No matter what shade you decide to try, or how minimal you like your home, there are beautiful pieces that you can add to create the maximum effect. Think hand drawn art, simple floral designs, hand embroidered cushions and blankets. Boutique and bold Heritage Bathrooms have created a beautiful and timeless bathroom suite that exudes romantic opulence, full of deep greens and a wonderful floral masterpeice in their Painterly wallpaper from Ellie Cashman. Shown as the main image the whole aesthetic creates a
bathroom with a high-end boutique feel.Then you can add your own personal touches with flowers, accessories, candles and trinkets. For a unique and vintage twist on the floral trend, Caroline Inchyra creates a range of unique and timeless fabrics and accessories inspired by antique fabrics. From the original archive inspired linens first released in 2012, the Inchyra range has grown to include pure Scottish wools alongside co-ordinating cushions, throws and lampshades. Her Dianthus / Vintage Duck Egg pattern (right) is an example of her fabulous collection. If a bold green colour scheme feels a bit too daunting for you, you can always bring in element of green to a neutral pallette. A simple cushion or a piece of art hung on your wall to create that feeling of being outside.
Linen Vintage Colourway Duck Egg www.inchyra.com
The Laura Ashley Beckworth table lamp in Polished Nickel Lattice is a modern lamp base in a gorgeous lantern style. A slick, curved lattice in vintage polished nickel encasing a clear glass cylinder gives this table light a contemporary style that enhances any interior theme. n By Daisy Bennett
Fox & Ivy Hummingbird Teapot, £12 www.tesco.com
How many parents are not installing safety equipment to prevent accidents occurring A new report by The Compensation Experts has questioned parents on the safety features they have and haven’t installed in their homes to help reduce accidents. The % of parents not installing safety equipment around the home, and the potential hazards this can cause: The Compensation Experts questioned 1000 parents with children to reveal how many homes aren’t installing injury preventing equipment such as stair gates. The below table reveals the percentage of parents who have not installed basic protection features around the home, as well as the hazards this can cause: Hob safeguard • 50% of parents have never installed a hob safeguard • 16% of parents state that their children have burnt themselves on a hob before Table corner guards • 42% of parents have never installed rubber table corner guards. • 27% of parents state that their children have injured themselves by hitting their heads on table corners. n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
Cupboard safety locks • 41% of parents have never installed cupboard safety locks • 13% of parents state that their children have accidentally consumed detergent pods Electrical plug socket guards • 40% of parents have never installed electrical plug socket guards • 13% of parents state that their children have injured themselves on electrical sockets before Stair gate • 37% of parents have never installed a stair gate • 33% of parents state that their children have injured themselves falling on the stairs Bed/crib barriers • 34% of parents have never installed bed/ crib barriers • 23% of parents state that their children have injured themselves falling from a bed or crib. The most dangerous rooms in the house The survey of 1000 parents revealed that the most common room for an accident to occur is the living room, with 43% of parents stating their child has injured themselves in this room. The most dangerous rooms in the home, based on accidents are:
Living room - 42% Garden - 37% Bedroom - 32% Kitchen - 30% Hallway - 24% Bathroom - 21% Garage - 13% Injury Prevention Top Tips Cupboard safety locks: These inexpensive plastic locks will prevent children from opening cupboards and trapping their fingers. Hob safeguard: Place childproof covers on oven hobs and stoves to prevent nasty burns. Electric plug sockets guard: Keep all electrical cables out of reach and insert plastic socket covers to prevent your child touching electrical outlets. Rubber corner guard: Childproof all sharp corner edges with rubber corner guards to prevent head bumps and injuries to the eye. Baby gate: A baby gate is an efficient way to stop children getting into a room on their own. A baby gate will allow you to rest easy, knowing that your child is safe. Full information at: the-compensationexperts.co.uk/hidden-household-dangers/
HOME & GARDEN
SOLID OAK
DOORS professionally painted, supplied & fitted
ONLY £209 each
Call Justin: 01905
672079
www.door-suppliers.co.uk
Made-to-Measure Curtains & Blinds Saphira by Romo
• Free consultation in your own home • Fitting service available • • Extensive range of fabrics and accessories • Opening Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm | Sunday - Tuesday : Closed
61 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1EU
T: 01386 556 411 | M: 07527 047647 | E: veragilesinteriors@btconnect.com
www.veragilesinteriors.co.uk
CARPENTRY & BUILDING SERVICES EST. 1993
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 • Plastering
• Building Work • Carpentry • Kitchen Fitting • UPVC Fascia & Sofits
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n
HOME & GARDEN
Get Composting! Approximately, only 1 in 4 households composts 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! If you fancy producing your very own nutrient-rich compost at the same time as being sustainable, then this is definitely worth a go! Worcestershire County Council offer subsidised compost bins from £15.00 to start you on your composting journey. air, makes it better at holding on to water
What is compost? Compost
up
of
and stops it from eroding away; so, it’s great
such
as
to add to the soil in the borders and pots in
fruit, vegetables, leaves, twigs and grass
your garden. It also works well to feed your
that has broken down in the presence of
lawn, as well as fruit bushes and trees.
organic
is
made
matter
-
air, so it is called aerobic decomposition. The breakdown of the materials is carried out by millions of bacteria, fungi and microscopic organisms, as well as ants, worms and other ‘minibeasts’. One gram of compost can be home to millions of microscopic creatures! Why compost? Each compost bin diverts 150kg of waste a year, creating free, top quality compost at the same time. Emissions from trucks and processing are also reduced and it means less peat compost is being purchased. In the UK, more than 24 million wheelbarrows of peat are used every year. Extracting peat destroys wildlife habitats and releases thousands of tonnes of CO2, something we
Where to put the bin The perfect position for a compost bin is ideally in a semi-shaded position on bare earth, but it doesn’t have to be. It is best if water can drain away, but small creatures can get in from underground. How to Compost The golden rule is to get the right balance of “greens” (which are nitrogen-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
it, provides structure and airflow as well as helping to absorb excessive moisture. Which bin? There are many different types of compost bin and “hot” bins which compost all food waste. The standard “dalek” bin is the most popular and is subsidised by Worcestershire County Council via Get Composting at www.getcomposting.com. For more information on composting and the types of bins available please visit www.letswasteless.com or for more indepth advice Garden Organic have lots of information at www.gardenorganic.org.uk n Content produced by Elisabeth Johnston Let’s Waste Less in Worcestershire Volunteer
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
really need to stop doing in a climate crisis.
“GREENS”
“BROWNS”
AVOID
DEFINITELY NOT
Making compost is a closed loop cycle: you
Grass clippings
Straw
Meat
Crisp packets
are the waste producer, processor and user;
Plant trimmings
Pine needles
Fish
Plastic bags
in other words, you turn your waste into
Weed stalks and leaves
Wood chips
Cooked food
Any plastic
something else which you can then use.
(not roots or seeds)
Autumn Leaves
Bread
Milk or juice cartons
Raw fruit and veg scraps
Wood prunings
Bones
Cling film
Each year tonnes of home compostable
Crushed eggshells
Torn cardboard
Pasta
Glass
waste are disposed of in residents’ bins, or
Hair
Sawdust
Liquids (custard, gravy
Metal
even worse, the recycling bins, which can
Poultry manure
Shredded or scrunched
etc.)
Cat and dog poo
Flower and plant
paper
Dairy products
Nappies
remains
Paper towels
Thick woody material
Coke and ash
contaminate a whole load. This is a waste of a good resource and of taxpayers’ and councils’ money. Uses of compost It improves the soil in your garden by adding n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
Egg boxes
Diseased plants
Straw based manure
Perennial weeds
Vegetarian pet bedding
Weed seed heads
Coffee grounds (loose) and tea bags (not plastic)
Receipts
HOME & GARDEN
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 15 n
HOME & GARDEN
Painting Your Room Are you looking to change up the colour of your room this spring? We give you the five steps to help you try and create that professional look at home. 1. Prepare your room Once you have chosen the perfect colour for your room, you’ll need to prepare to protect your room from damage to the furniture and floor. There is nothing worse than doing a beautiful job to your walls then realising your brand new sofa now has an interesting green splodge on the arm. For starters, wear old clothes including a hat to protect yourself and your hair from having a brand new hair colour. Make sure all furniture that can be moved easily is removed from the room that you are painting, and anything else covered fully with old sheets. If there are any imperfections on the walls, they will need to be filled in before you start any painting. You can use a filler or a putty to smooth out any lumps and bumps and let it dry completely. The space needs to be well ventilated or if the fumes are particularly strong, it is advised to wear a meask. 2. Apply tape Painters tape is key in order for you to not get any mess on surfaces that you don’t want painted. It forms a barrier and is a guide to where you want the paint to go up to. The tape needs to be pressed down firmly to prevent bleed through. No matter how neat you feel you are with a paintbrush, there will n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
always be paint where you don’t want it if you don’t use tape. It is important to use the right tape as some are specifically made for textured surfaces.
completely dry, sand down any lumps,
3. Prime and paint ceiling Always start with the ceiling first. Use latex primer to help seal the wall and prevent the spread of mold. Use a roller to spread the primer acroos the ceiling. When the primer is completely dry, it is then time to start applying the paint . Use a paintbrush to cut in the edges where the ceiling meets the wall, allowing for full coverage that the roller might not reach. Load the paint try regularly and work in a grid-like pattern to ensure an even coat, varying the direction to avoid overlaping marks. Don’t roll directly over your head and make sure any splatters are wiped with a damp cloth.
5. Paint the walls
4. Prime and sand walls Primer for your walls is essential especially if you want to go from a dark to a light colour. Cut in with your paintbrush around the corners of your room and then pour the primer paint into a paint tray. Start painting the primer in 3x3ft sections, working top to bottom, one section at a time until the area is covered. Try to cover as much as you can while the primer is still wet, overlapping areas of wet primer. When the primer is
bumps and ridges. This will ensure for a smooth finish when painting the walls. Wipe the wall clean.
When all the preparatory work has been done, it’s time to grab your painting tools. Make sure you have enough paint for two coats, start painting one wall at a time. You’ll find that the coats will have a smoother finish if you take each wall at a time. Work your roller in V or W shapes , working back and forth to give the best coverage. Blend the sections as you go give an even finish. Be sure to have a mixing tool on hand to stir your paint if it has been sitting around for a long time as paint left to stand will affect the colour and finish. n
HOME & GARDEN
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 17 n
HOME & GARDEN
Reach For The Sky With Climbing Plants Climbing plants are a great addition to any garden. Use climbers to add interest to bare fences and walls. A covering of beautiful flowers tumbling over an archway, pergola or gateway adds a real feeling of romance and a hint of mystery.
Clematis are quite thirsty plants so give them plenty of water, especially while they are establishing. It is also a good idea to feed them with either a specialist Clematis feed, or you can use a rose or general flowering shrub food.
There are many climbing plants to choose from and the garden centre has a great selection in at this time of year.
When you are locating your Clematis remember it will need to be trained up a support using clips or ties at regular intervals until it is established, this will minimize damage to the stems and will help it find its own way.
Much-loved flowering climbers include Clematis, Honeysuckle, Wisteria, Jasmine and Hydrangea Petiolaris. Clematis are very versatile. They come in an array of stunning colours and there are varieties for every location in the garden, even including shady spots. Clematis are most commonly deciduous plants which lose their leaves in the winter, but you will find evergreen varieties too, providing all year round colour. A much requested species of Clematis in the garden centre is Montana, or the Mountain Clematis. This is a deciduous variety which will grow happily in full-sun or partial shade, producing masses of small pink or white flowers in late spring.
Wisteria likes a sunny spot and is perfect growing against a south-facing wall. If your garden is not in full sun it will still grow well but may not produce quite as many flowers. For the best results make sure you give your Wisteria plenty of water and feed it in spring.
Another firm favourite type of climbing plant is Lonicera, or Honeysuckle. Once again, there are many varieties of Honeysuckle to choose from, including deciduous and evergreen varieties. They will produce masses of gorgeous scented flowers which are followed by brightly coloured berries. Honeysuckle likes a well-drained soil in a sunny spot, but it will grow in partial shade. Just like Clematis it needs a trellis or frame to climb up and will need the help of ties or clips to secure it. Honeysuckle can look sensational growing up a tall obelisk or over an archway, providing a lovely fragrance and a splash of seasonal colour.
There are lots of other varieties of climbing plants for every garden. Ivy is the traditional choice and needs no training, it is a self-clinging climber that will grip to most surfaces, easily finding its own way. There are lovely climbing and rambling varieties of Roses that will grow to quite a height over a trellis or framework and produce an abundance of the prettiest flowers with a delicate fragrance too. Whether you are looking to create colour across an arch or pergola, or simply cover the side of a plain shed, you can’t go wrong with climbing plants. n
Clematis is happy in most types of soil as long as it is well-drained, it does not like sitting in water-logged soil. It likes its roots to be kept cool too, so if it planted in a sunny spot it is a good idea to cover the roots with bark, gravel or even decorative stones. n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
Well-known for its weeping cascades of mauve, pink or white blossom, Wisteria is a free-growing favourite that looks stunning. It is fast growing and requires some pruning to keep it in good order, ideally giving it a trim twice a year. It can sound daunting but it is very satisfying and well worth the effort.
Botany Bay Nurseries, Garden Centre & Café Edgioake Lane, Astwood Bank, Redditch. B96 6BG 01527 893885 www.botany-bay.co.uk Find us on Facebook & Instagram
HOME & GARDEN
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 19 n
HOME & GARDEN
Secondary Glazing in Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Many older properties in rural locations suffer from draughts and heat loss through their ageing windows. Homeowners want to keep their original windows as they keep the charm and appearance of heritage buildings whether they are large, country properties or town centre cottages. Replacing such windows with uPVC units while reducing heat loss, detracts from the character of the property and may not be permitted in buildings with listed status or in conservation areas.
n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
Secondary glazing is an independent window installed on the room side of existing windows - the original windows remain in position in their unaltered form. Lansec specialise in installing bespoke secondary glazing in such properties achieving all the thermal benefits of plastic replacements. They are also efficient in reducing outside noise more effectively than double glazing. Lansec M.D. Dave Priscott says, “We install secondary glazing which match any existing
windows including hinged units, vertical sliding ‘sash’ and arched windows. We care about maintaining the appearance of the original window so our secondary glazing units perfectly match the host window making it barely noticeable from either inside or outside.” If you suffer from heat loss or outside noise, it’s worth contacting Lansec for a secondary glazing quote – it may not cost as much as you think. n
HOME & GARDEN
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n
NATURE NOTEBOOK
Broad-bodied Chaser © Gail Hampshire
Dragon Spotting If you’re lucky enough to have a pond in your garden or local area, why not go dragon spotting... As spring warms up there can be few nicer things to do than whiling away an afternoon alongside a pond. There’s something relaxing about sitting by water and if you’re visited by dragons, so much the better. Dragonflies have a long lineage, with fossils indicating their presence as long ago as 250million years! The largest in the fossil record was about the size of a sparrowhawk but today’s UK dragons top the charts with just a 10cm wingspan. As April turns to May you’re likely to bump into a broad-bodied chaser or two. As their name suggests, broad-bodied chasers are quite stocky dragonflies with broad, flattened abdomens and each of the lattice-like four wings has a dark patch at the base where they meet the body. Unlike some species of wildlife, it’s easy to identify the males from the females and doing so allows you a glimpse into their behaviour. Females are a bright golden yellow and the males, although they’re yellow when they emerge, turn a dusty pale blue with two pairs of yellow spots on the side. This blue colouring is actually made up of tiny particles of fat that are arranged on the body like roof tiles; over time the colour rubs off and reveals more of the
KEEP UP TO DATE Worcestershire Wildlife Trust @WorcsWT t worcestershirewildlifetrust G worcswildlifetrust.co.uk w
yellow underneath. Once you’ve spotted males and females, keep a look out for their different behaviour – females will stroke the water with their tail in order to lay eggs whilst a male may hover nearby to guard her from other males.
n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
Broad-bodied chasers are often one of the first dragonflies to colonise newly dug ponds. These pioneers of new habitats can complete the full lifecycle within twelve months (it takes some species three years or more) and the larvae, which normally live partially buried in silt at the bottom of the waterbody, can even tolerate some drying out of the pond. If you’ve got a garden pond, or you’re able to ask permission of someone who does, why not sink a stick or two around the edges to help watch these delightful insects. Not only will this help the nymphs to emerge from the water but it provides a perfect perch from which the adults can hunt…and offers you the perfect spot to watch and photograph them. We know that broad-bodied chasers favour ponds and small lakes but we’d love to know more about where they’re found across Worcestershire – are they more or less common than we think? You can help us with this. By completing our short online form (www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings) and submitting a picture (a quick snapshot will do) as well as information about where you saw it, how many you saw and what the habitat was like, you’ll help us to know more about these magnificent flying hunters. Are garden ponds even more important for dragons than we thought? n To report your sighting of a broad-bodied chaser, visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings
NATURE NOTEBOOK
Worcestershire
Now
If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team.
Rachel Seabright
Lis Gardner
Kate Gilmartin
Tel: 01905 727900 Email: rachel@pw-media.co.uk
Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk
Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n
GOLDEN YEARS
Good Recruitment
For Older Workers
50 years after Sir Ian McKellen first played the role of Hamlet, he is set to take up the part once again when theatres reopen this summer. The production has been cast ‘age, colour and gender-blind’, benefiting actors and audiences alike. The aim of having the best person for the role whatever their age is just as worthy an aim in the workplace as it is on the stage. Unfortunately, we know that just as with actors, older workers get typecast and pigeonholed in certain roles, and too often don’t get cast at all. People in their 50s and 60s do not think that recruitment is working for them In the toughest job market in recent memory this really matters. The Centre for Aging Better in thier latest research, ‘Too much experience’, shows that a third of people in their 50s and 60s feel their age disadvantages them in applying for jobs, higher than any other age group.
were put off work altogether or went into
sexism, were also more likely to endorse
early retirement. Most alarmingly, 43% said
‘succession-based ageism’ – the idea that
it had affected their health and wellbeing,
older people should step aside to improve
and more than two thirds (68%) said it had
younger people’s job opportunities.
And this doesn’t only affect people for one role or one job, this has long standing impacts long after a rejection letter is sent. The nationally representative survey found that of people aged 50-69 who had experienced age discrimination in recruitment, a third (33%) felt stuck in insecure work and two thirds (64%) were financially less well of. Three quarters (76%) were put off applying for jobs and a third n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
undermined their confidence.
Older workers may be there because they
The relationship between age and inclusion
have been there a long time, but they aren’t
is a complex one. Employers look around the
often hired there. Not everyone who is older
office, or the shop floor, (or these days the
at work is senior. Many people do not make
Zoom gallery view) and they see plenty of
it to the top, or even off the bottom with
people of different ages. They also see lots
research showing that older workers are
of people who are older than average at the
more likely to be stuck in low pay for longer.
top of the organisation. If they see barriers to inclusion at workplace there are other factors that feel much more pressing.
Applying for a job when you’re younger feels like an opportunity, applying for a job when you’re older feels like a risk. It feels
A
study
published
in
the
American
like a risk because with any change comes
Psychological Association found that people
uncertainty. People have something to lose
who were most likely to oppose ‘injustices
and responsibilities to keep – mortgages,
and inequality in society’, and who were most likely to disapprove of racism and
CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
GOLDEN YEARS
Mobility Services Midlands Ltd For all your Mobility needs
We are mobility specialists offering you affordable and professional equipment to help you with your general day to day activities Ask about out price promise
01562 743660
www.mobilityserviceskidderminster.com 410 Stourport Road, Kidderminster
Worcestershire
Now
If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team. Rachel Seabright
Lis Gardner
rachel@pw-media.co.uk
lis@pw-media.co.uk
Tel: 01905 727900
Tel: 01905 727901
Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727905
kate@pw-media.co.uk
Pavement Scooters | Road Legal Scooters | Powerchairs Wheelchairs | Rise Chairs | Stairlifts | Walking Aids | Bathing Aids
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 25 n
GOLDEN YEARS
less than half the rate of people in their 30s
and having a less diverse workforce all have
and 40s. This results in a lack of job mobility
business costs. In terms of the bottom line,
and people being stuck in jobs that become
a poor hire at middle-management level is
unsustainable.
estimated to cost a business over £130,000 to resolve. As employers try to recover these
Changing our thinking
are costs they can’t afford.
about changing jobs
dependents, parents to care for, reputations to uphold, a working identity to maintain, security in working routines, patterns and conditions. On top of all those perceived risks of change, people shouldn’t also need to look over their shoulder and wonder how other people will judge them because of their age. A quarter of over 50s in the survey said they had wanted to move jobs, but felt unable to do so because of their age. It is little wonder then that only 0.23% of people over the age of 50 voluntarily move jobs each quarter –
n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
We need opportunities to change jobs no
The Centre have found steps that employers
matter our age, whether to progress, take on
can take to reduce age-bias in recruitment
new challenges, or balance work with other
– considering where they are placing jobs,
needs. People need to move, up, down or
considering whether ‘cultural fit’ means more
sideways based on where they are in their
‘people like us’, using structured interviews
life or their career, but they are often stuck
and processes, and collecting and analysing
because they are seen as too experienced,
the age profile of applicants and recruits. We
set in their ways, or lacking potential.
want to work with employers and recruiters
With more of us living a ‘hundred year life’
to make these work in practice.
it is in all or our interests to make sure that
Many jobs have been lost, others are in
we can move and change jobs free of bias at
limbo. The worst may still be to come but
any point of our working lives. Age bias can
with half of UK employers planning to
affect anyone. The research has found that
recruit this year, we need to make sure that
even applicants in their 20s had been told
we hire back better, for everyone, whatever
that they were ‘too old’ for a role.
their age. n
Time is of the essence for
By Patrick Thomson The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Their vision is a society where everyone enjoys later life.
employers and recruits alike Getting
recruitment
right
matters
to
employers as well. Missing out on the best candidate, failing to represent customers
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n
GOLDEN YEARS
Thinking of Your Independence It goes without saying that this winter has been a challenge for many of us and now that hope is on the horizon of better times, we all start to think and dream about what the warmer months may hold for us. Meeting friends and family is
all our mobility scooters come with a
of course something we are all
free assessment and training to help you
looking forward to, but until that
understand how to use your scooter within
time comes simply getting outside, enjoying
the law and more importantly safely. We
the better weather and staying independent
can do this in your home, our showroom or
is something that all the team at TPG
the environment which you are likely to use
DisableAids are passionate about helping our
your scooter, be that the local shops or even
community achieve.
your favourite parks we are happy to help you
We have an extensive range of product to
and your loved ones find their independence
help you and your loved one keep moving,
again and be ready to enjoy the times that are
from walking aids such as the Topro Rollator
sure to come.
to 4mph and 8mph mobility scooters.
From all the team stay safe. n
Our team of assessors are working with
Contact TPG DisableAids via
some of the finest suppliers in the country to
enquiries@tpg-disableaids.co.uk
bring you a range of product to support you whether you are walking to the local park, needing to pop to shops on your scooter or moving around your home and garden safely. We offer full bespoke assessments, completely free and with a guarantee of no obligation to
buy or hard sales technique, our aim is first and foremost to get you the right product for your needs.
or 01432 351666 or via our social media sites.
As a respected and longstanding member of the British Healthcare Trades Association
Expert Advice for Independent Living
Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0ED | 01432 351666 enquiries@tpg-disableaids.co.uk | www.tpg-disableaids.co.uk
Winners
Retailer of the year 2017 Team of the year 2018
n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 29 n
EDUCATION
Applying For Student Finance New and returning full time undergraduate students in England should apply online now for their 21/22 academic year’s finance. This academic year, the Student Loans Company (SLC) has funded over 1 million students and anticipates an increase in applications for academic year 21/22. submit
university you are going to, you should apply
• Provide your supporting evidence online -
before
online now at studentfinance.campaign.gov.
To make an application you will need to
for
uk/ Select the course you are most likely to
create an online account and you may be
new students and 25 June for continuing
do and you can update the application later
asked to provide evidence to support your
students) to be confident of having their
if required.
application so don’t forget to submit any
Students their the
should
applications deadline
(21
May
funding in place before their studies start: studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk/ To help students apply we have put together
•
Have
your
important
documents
to hand when applying - Have your National Insurance Number, passport and bank
the following tips for students, their parents
details to hand before you start your
and sponsors.
application as you will be asked for this information as you apply. If you don’t have a
• Apply even if you don’t have a confirmed
bank account in your own name you should
place at university - Even if you don’t know
set one up. You will need it so we can pay
what course you are doing or even which
you your money.
n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
evidence you are asked for. All evidence apart from some forms of ID or residency evidence can be submitted digitally via your online account. We can’t process your application until we have all the evidence we need.
CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE
EDUCATION
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 31 n
EDUCATION
upload it directly from your online account: sfengland.slc.co.uk/currentyearincome • Understand how much funding you could be entitled to - You can apply for Tuition Fee Loans to cover your fees and Maintenance Loans to help with living costs. Use the student finance calculator to find out how much you could be entitled to www.gov.uk/ student-finance-calculator. • Find out if you could be eligible for extra support - Extra funding may be available if you have a disability or a child or adult dependant who relies on you financially. www.gov.uk/student-finance/ extra-help • Keep your contact details up to date – we • Tell us if your household income has
a Current Year Income (CYI) assessment. A
may need to get in touch with you throughout
changed – If you have applied for a
CYI can only be requested once you have
the year with important information, so make
Maintenance Loan based on household
submitted
sure you keep your contact details up to date
income, then your sponsor - usually your
sponsor has also submitted their household
parents or partner- will be asked to provide
income for the 19-20 tax year to support
details of their household income for the
your application too. To do this, visit the
previous tax year. For 21/22 academic year
following link to download a digital version
social media
applications, that’s the 19-20 tax year. If
of the form which will be available once
Students can stay up-to-date with all the latest
your sponsor expects their income to drop
the 20-21 tax year starts in early April,
student finance information by following
by 15% or more, it is possible to request
once you have filled it in you can then
SFE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. n
your
application
ACROSS 4. Samba 10. Rysa Bay 11. Interim 13. Barcode 14. Endless 15. Speak 17. Stonechat 18. Bletchley 22. Springfield 26. Handle 27. Locate 28. Standby 29. Chance 31. Insect 32. Everlasting 37. Astronaut 39. Blueberry 40. Sable 41. Friends 42. Attempt 43. Plane 44. Schools 45. Bonanza 46. Brief
CRISS-CROSS: DOWN 1. Dynasty 2. Dancing 3. Landscape 5. Accept 6. Baobab 7. Uninstall 8. Healthy 9. Hipster 15. Sagittarius 16. Klein Bottle 19. Agendas 20. Check 21. Inlay 22. Slice 23. Doing 24. Paper 25. Depth 30. Evansdale 31. Invention 33. Ostrich 34. Freedom 35. Renewal 36. Trapeze
ANSWERS
n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
and
your
on your online account. • Follow Student Finance England (SFE) on
EDUCATION
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n
LIVING HISTORY
Members of the ‘1st Worcs’ in a Normandy field -1944
How County Soldiers Helped Bring an End to the War in Europe In the summer of 2016 we all enjoyed International Travel and walked the streets without a face covering to meet friends for a Coffee! It was also the year when ‘Discover History’ went on a pilgrimage to follow the route of the Worcestershire Regiments, through Normandy, in the days after D Day in 1944. Today the Normandy countryside is beautiful. As many of the soldiers said in 1944, the countryside was not dissimilar to parts of Worcestershire. Especially the small picturesque villages and bountiful Orchards. However when you look closer you will always find well-manicured Commonwealth War Cemeteries, solid concrete gun emplacements and churches pock-marked from the heavy fighting. People
will
always
commemorate
and
remember the D Day landings on June 6th 1944. However the Battle for Normandy went on for weeks and saw some vicious fighting that took the lives of many people - both Combatants and Civilians alike. Caen was an objective for D Day itself. The beautiful Medieval Cathedral lay in ruins and was liberated months later than originally planned! n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
The 1st Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment landed at Ver sur Mer on June 22nd 1944. The County Infantry Regiment had a long and proud history dating back to 1694.
actions was at Mouen, at the end of June. The Divisional Commander - General Thomas, praised the Regiment afterwards, saying it was ‘one of the slickest attacks of the whole war.’
Local Gunners from the 179th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery also landed at about the same time. During the battles for Hill 112, these gunners supported their own County Infantry Regiment.
Meanwhile the Yeomanry from Worcestershire supported the airborne troops in a rather stagnant battle area around Ranville and Breville. Their role in supporting the paratroopers was extremely important, as airborne forces were usually lightly armed and equipped.
We must also remember the Queens Own Worcestershire Yeomanry too. After riding into battle during the Great War, they had become the 53rd Air Landing Light Regiment, Royal Artillery. 211 Battery landed by glider, with the famous 6th Airborne Division, in the early hours of D Day. The other Batteries landed by Landing Craft in the days that followed. The Worcestershire Regiment fought their way inland, through battle scarred farmland and ruinous villages. One of their most famous
The Worcestershire Regiment was heavily involved in the Battles for Hill 112 throughout the long hot summer. By the end of July, these men had seen the most vicious fighting since the actual beach landings back in June. The Second World War in Europe would last for almost another year and by the end of it memorials would list the names of the dead and missing in their thousands.
LIVING HISTORY Bayeux War Cemetary
When Lockdown eases please do visit the Worcestershire Soldier Galleries in the City Museum and Art Gallery in Worcester. Maybe take a few minutes to reflect on those events, at your nearest War Memorial and maybe sit for a short while in St Georges Chapel inside the beautiful Worcester Cathedral. Just as the war affected the County in the Second World War, Covid-19 has had a devastating impact too! Just as the war came to an end in 1944, one day soon, we will reflecting on the events that took place in these more recent times. Please support our Heritage by visiting the vast array of fantastic Museums our County has. Please support the veteran community by buying a poppy on what will hopefully be a more normal Remembrance period in November 2021. 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 cross Britain. Their popular walking tours of Worcester will resume after Lockdown at the end of March 2021.
Members of the 53rd Airlanding Light Regiment RA - 1944
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 35 n
Puzzles
CRISS-CROSS
If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 32 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10
8
9
11 12
14
13
15
16
17
18 19
20
21
22
23
26
24
25
27 28
29
30
31
32 33
34
35
37
38
36
39
40 41
42 43
44
45 46
5 letter words ACTOR BRIEF CHECK DEPTH DOING INLAY PAPER PLANE SABLE SAMBA SLICE SPEAK
6 letter words ACCEPT BAOBAB BLONDE CHANCE HANDLE INSECT LOCATE TAILOR
n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
7 letter words AGENDAS ATTEMPT BARCODE BONANZA DANCING DYNASTY ENDLESS FREEDOM FRIENDS HEALTHY HIPSTER INTERIM
OSTRICH RENEWAL RYSA BAY SCHOOLS STANDBY TRAPEZE 9 letter words ASTRONAUT BLETCHLEY BLUEBERRY EVANSDALE INVENTION
LANDSCAPE STONECHAT UNINSTALL 11 letter words EVERYLASTING KLEIN BOTTLE SAGITTARIUS SPRINGFIELD
OUTDOOR POOL IS MAKING A SPLASH THIS SUMMER
Each year thousands flood from
Seb Parker, Lido Manager said: “we are
surrounding areas and some
unbelievably excited to get the lido back
from further afield to enjoy a day
open again after another tough start to the
out with the family at Droitwich Spa Lido. With
year. We open on 1st May, thanks to the
it’s 40m brine-based outdoor pool, it’s not like
support given by Wychavon council and the
swimming in an indoor pool, you’ll feel like
local communities around us, like Friends Of
you’re at the beach.
Droitwich Spa Lido”
The lido team have been working hard to
“We are encouraging everybody to follow the
make all the necessary preparations to reopen
swim england guidelines which recommend
on Saturday 1st May, including new covid
coming beach ready & only using the showers
safety procedures and developing their online
for the minimum amount of time required, to
booking system to allow a quick and easy entry.
ensure that we all stay safe.”
There will be daytime family sessions & early bird sessions available. All sessions will require registering and pre booking online at www.riversfitness.co.uk. Entry is only £7 per adult and £5 per child. It’s great value for a 2 hour swim and after your session, we highly recommend enjoying a coffee from Little Al’s cafe and a walk round the lido park. n Looking to book a swim or find out more about the lido, by going to www.riversfitness.co.uk/droitwich-spa-lido.
National Association of Goldsmiths Member
Quarter Jewellery(Worcester) and Malvern Goldsmiths
Getting married? §
We make wedding rings, all carats, all widths, all patterns. We beat any other jewellers price, even the internet.
Personalise Your Wedding Ring 1. Choose a plain wedding ring (9ct, 18ct or platinum) 2. Keep it plain or have it diamond cut (any pattern) + £25 3. Set some bright white diamonds + £45 each (including setting) 4. Engrave dates or something lovey dovey on the inside + £20 (approx) Congratulations, you have just designed your very own Wedding Ring! Plain Wedding Rings are £47.50 per gram for 9ct or £95 per gram for 18ct
Free valuations on items you wish to sell
We also value for insurance, sale between parties and probate. Jewellery repair service available & we will polish your jewellery for £10
BUYING OR SELLING, STILL THE MOST REASONABLE JEWELLERS... ESPECIALLY FOR WEDDING RINGS.
27 The Shambles, Worcester 28/30 Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern
Worcestershire
Now
If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team. Rachel Seabright
Lis Gardner
rachel@pw-media.co.uk
lis@pw-media.co.uk
Tel: 01905 727900
Tel: 01905 727901
Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727904
kate@pw-media.co.uk
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 37 n
Puzzles
SUDOKU - EVIL
If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 32 1
8 6
6
1 7
7 8
4 8
8
3
1
9
3 9
4
1
6
5
4
4
1
7 8
9
6
1
8 6
3
9
8
6 5
5
4 3 8
1
5 7
5 2
9
2
2
4
2 1
7 2
1 6
4
7
5
2
7
9 1
9
3
3 5
8
5
6
8
4
6
4
5
2
2
3
1 9
2
7 9
7
2
9 5
2 9
2
7
5
9 2
4
9
3
1 3
Find and cross out all the listed words. The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.
4
5
8
2
2 6 6
8
WORD SEARCH
6
2
3 1
7
8 3
S
F
L
I
P
F
L
O P
S
U
N
S
C
R
E
A
U
N
G
U
E
B
N
E
G
A
P
O
S
L
E
P
E
N A N U O
S
I
S
T
H D O N
V W C
J
O C
E
A N
F
S
I
N
O
L
J
U
R
Y
S
U H O M
I
E
U N
R
U
G
U
S
A
T
A
AUGUST
ICE POP
SPRINKLER
B
M
G
C
R
E
S
A M A
BARBECUE
JULY
SUMMER
E
E
N
U
F
O N
BEACH
JUNE
SUNGLASSES
C
M
A
A
S
T O H
FAMILY
OCEAN
SUNSCREEN
U
V
A
C
A
T
FLIP FLOPS
PICNIC
SUNSHINE
E
R
O
B
I
FUN
POOL
SWIMSUIT
I
I
N
S
HOT
RELAX
VACATION
C
A
R
ICE CREAM
SHORTS
E
J
I
C
n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021
I
S
S I
H
S
C
N
I
U
S
U M M E
R
I
P
E
T
H
I
N
T
R
I
O N
S
R
H
L
A
I
L
K
R
X
J
O
I
O U N
E
F
I
T
S
F
U N
P
T
K
E
L
A
X
S
U
L
Y
L
O
L
L
U
N
E
A C
F
A M
I
L
Y
S
E
E
P
O
P
A H O T
S
R
E
L
R
S
S
Refurbished Showrooms and New Stressless Studio
35 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NA Open: Tues-Sat 9.30am-5pm Mon by appointment only
01905 613515
www.insitufurniture.co.uk
t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 39 n
n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 206 | May 2021