Worcestershire NOW - NOVEMBER 2021

Worcestershire

Now

CHRISTMAS KERB APPEAL HOW TO PRUNE REMEMBER, REMEMBER! NOVEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 212 t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

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

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

Worcestershire

08

Now

16

14

NOVEMBER 2021 HOME & GARDEN 08

Creating Christmas Kerb Appeal

14

Spa Decorators Carpentry & Building Services

16

How to Prune

18

Nature Notebook

18 22

FASHION 22

Countdown to Christmas

GOLDEN YEARS 24

Exploring the Impact of Lockdown on Older Adults’ Mental Health

30

Woodland View Care Home in Droitwich

32

LIVING HISTORY 32

Remember, Remember!

WHAT’S ON 34

Puzzles - Sudoku and Wordsearch

36

What’s On

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

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd

24

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 Ageing Better Colwall Park Discover History Godwin Group Spa Decorators St Richard’s Hospice

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

WEST MIDLANDS INTERIOR DESIGNER REVAMPS WORCESTERSHIRE BASED HOTEL

An

iconic

local

hotel

is

welcoming back guests after transforming some of their rooms with the help of a West Midlands based interior designer.

Over the last few months, Colwall Park, a Victorian country house located at the foot of the Malvern Hills, saw seven of the hotel’s bedrooms refurbished, with the remaining rooms to be completed by the end of February 2022.

The revamp project has been undertaken by designer, Dominique Robertson, who has over 20 years’ experience in visual merchandising and interior design.

After setting up her own interior design business, Sewdodo Studios during lockdown, and steadily growing her Instagram through networking, Dominique was able to pitch her design ideas to the Managing Director and the owners of Colwall Park.

Talking about the project, Dominique said: “I began the project by researching the history n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

and age of the hotel and the area. It was originally built in 1904 to accommodate the visitors to the horse racetrack and the building has so much character, it was important to celebrate that. I then talked with the owners to establish what they were hoping for and how they envisaged the new rooms would make them feel when they walked in.”

Through networking, Dominique was able to utilise her local connections and enlisted the help of Caroline Gardiner, a local Colwall designer, who makes cushions and other soft furnishings. Caroline helped to introduce wellcrafted cushions into the bedrooms at Colwall Park, using vintage William Morris fabric that had been salvaged from a 1920’s home.

Overseeing the design project, Lynsey Kettlewell, Managing Director of Colwall Park, said: “We are so pleased to see the wonderful revamp at Colwall Park. We’ve had great feedback from our guests who have commented on how relaxed the design makes them feel. Dominique is an extremely talented, professional designer and it has

been a pleasure to have her work on this project with us at Colwall Park. We are very excited to continue working with Dominique on the designs for the rest of the hotel”.

In terms of the brief, Dominique told us: “The brief was very flexible. I had to really trust my gut instinct on this project. I pulled lots of inspiration together – paint colours, carpet samples and fabric swatches and began building a mood board so I could visually communicate my ideas.”

“My aim was to make the rooms look and feel totally unrecognisable from what they were.

I wanted the owners to feel proud of their hotel and guests to feel excited to stay there.

I believe that a good hotel room design is one that is aspirational and a little bit of escapism for its guests. It should be a space that is a contrast to your own home yet still feels cosy, special and a place you can unwind.” n

For more information about Colwall Park, visit www.colwall.co.uk

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HERE & NOW

CONTINUING SUCCESS FOR LOCAL LAW FIRM An established local law firm has sealed its strategy to continue to prosper and grow by converting the business to a Limited Liability Partnership and promoting several experienced and prominent lawyers within the firm.

Painters Law LLP (formerly Painters Solicitors) has been successfully serving Wyre Forest and surrounding areas for over 70 years. The Partners believe that this latest strategy will enable the Firm to continue to grow and prosper despite the difficult times that many businesses have experienced over the last 18 months.

Managing Partner Meera Khosla said that the development was “significant” and would provide the Firm with strong foundations to “push forward and demonstrate our ambition in the legal market.”

The Firm promotes Julie Fisher – Head of Litigation, to the role

of Associate and announces the following promotions of longstanding staff who join Meera Khosla, Rosalind Greig and Lee Baron to become

Managing Members of the LLP ( pictured left to right) Laura Colley – Solicitor in the Family Team; Chanal Griffiths – Head of Property; Rebecca Randle

(seated) – Solicitor in the Wills and Probate Team. Katie Jagger – Solicitor in the Family Team.

Harriet Wingfield – Solicitor in the Family Team. n

St Richard’s Hospice Lights of Love Campaign Hundreds of twinkling lights will be lit in

festive season is a time when many reflect on

memory and celebration of loved ones this

the wonderful people who have touched our

festive season, in the annual St Richard’s

lives, particularly those who are loved and no

Hospice Lights of Love campaign.

longer with us. We are really looking forward

There will be two moving and uplifting St Richard’s Lights of Love services at Worcester Cathedral at 2.30pm and 7pm on Friday,

to celebrating and remembering loved ones together once again after Covid restrictions kept us apart last year.”

19th November. The choir from Kings Hawford

Mrs Parkes added, “Unfortunately, due to

will sing during the afternoon service and the

the challenges of holding face-to-face events

RGS Senior School Choir will feature in the

during the pandemic, we are only holding

evening event.

services at Worcester Cathedral this year and

The evening service will be followed by a procession to St Andrew’s Spire, where a Christmas tree will be illuminated, full of dedicated Lights of Love, against a backdrop of music from The Salvation Army.

St Richard’s has held Lights of Love services and events in Worcestershire for almost two decades, except last year due to the Covid

not at other venues. The Cathedral events are free and open to all, however, due to Covid restrictions we need to know how many people will be attending so please book tickets in advance online.”

The dedicated names will be displayed around St Andrew’s Spire and in a Book of Remembrance at Worcester Cathedral.

pandemic. Anyone is welcome to dedicate

You

a light in memory or celebration of a loved

www.strichards.org.uk/lights-of-love-2021/ or

one, not only those who have a connection

call the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.

with St Richard’s.

Hospice Fundraiser Alison Parkes said, “The n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

can dedicate

a

light

online

Supporters who dedicate and donate online will have the added benefit of their personal

message being displayed on the St Richard’s online Christmas tree.

Money raised from Lights of Love donations will help support the hospice’s specialist care for people living with a serious progressive illness, their families and bereaved people across Worcestershire.

Lights of Love is kindly sponsored by Fisher German.

St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 2,900 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS. n For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 7 n

HOME & GARDEN

e t th a k o a lo e k ta d. , we e perio y a w v rive e festi E d PAG r u th THE o r R y E e OV ov ing UED ean xterior TIN l N c CO o ep t mes’ e t s r o ho r do your u o y p ing shen u h s e re fr s re ys to f t i r a e eth best w Wh

r h gC

n i t rea

C

s a si tm

A b Ker

l a e p p

n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING CONSERVATORY INTO A LIVING SPACE YOU CAN USE ALL YEAR ROUND CONSERVATORY ROOF REPLACEMENT Every Ensign conservatory roof is bespoke. Accurately surveyed and precision built in our own factory.

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

HOME & GARDEN

Whenever I think of the ultimate

all different shapes and sizes and there are

home at Christmas, my mind

many tutorials online about how you can

travels back to the mansion

make your own. You can add in evergreen

in the 1990 Christmas film Home Alone. All

leaves and pine cones that you can find on

pristine and lit up with a million fairy lights;

winter woodland walks then twist the bracken

inviting, warm and magical. With rising fuel

around a wire frame and adding LED candles

costs and budgets tight, how your home looks

to light throughout advent. You can also add

on the outside may not be at the forefront of

bows, small figures, dried fruit, toys, even

everyone’s minds and not everyone is going

sweets, to bring your own personality to your

to have the prospect of decorating a mansion

wreath.

this winter. It is important however to keep

Clean your windows and frames

your home looking vibrant, to add value to your home, and the entire street.

You may already have a window cleaner that

Brighten up your door

a clean. Or you could give the home a regular

A fresh lick of paint on your front door is a

once over yourself. A simple way of cleaning

simple way of brightening up your home

your windows is by mixing one part water to

without breaking the budget. Add some

one part vinegar in a small bucket, then using

colour to your outdoor wood while protecting

a cloth (or mop for the higher windows) and

it from harsh weather at the same time with

give them a deep scrub. After drying, apply a

Ronseal’s 10 Year Weatherproof Wood Paint.

window cleaning spray and wipe with a clean

Available in 14 different colours, there’s no

cloth. A clean, sparkling window shows off

need for primer so it’s easy to apply and will keep your wood looking good not only in the winter but for a further 10 years. A new door may be a stretch too far for someone if its just to give the house an extra ‘wow’ factor over Christmas, but if you are looking at a more

n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

comes from time to time to give your windows

permanent decision, a composite door is very fashionable at the moment. It gives extra security and comes in a variety of styles.

what you can see from the outside looking in. Make your Christmas tree visible from the outside and place any prominent decorations in the front room.

Welcome in the spirit of Christmas by adding a wreath to the front door. Wreaths come in

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Driveway Cleaning a driveway throughout winter, may seem like a tedious job, but if forgotten about during this time, can lead to more problems when spring comes. A perfect way to give your drive or path a fresh new look is to use a hose to remove all unwanted debris, then apply a solution to the damp surface and wait for around twenty minutes for it to do it’s job, then scrub hard broom or brush. If there is a real weed problem with the driveway, you may need a stronger, more potent detergent to remove them before scrubbing away any debris.

A beautiful garden An unkept front garden is not what anyone wants to see whether they’re prospective buyers or its you coming home from a long day at work. You want to create a warm and inviting feeling for anyone coming to the house. If you have a front garden, keep on top of any unwanted plants, weeds and trim back anything overhanging on walls, paths or the front door. Add potted plants and trees to create the perfect entrance. Choose a winter foliage or an evergreen flowering plant like the Christmas Rose which is much more robust when the weather worsens. Other

n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

plants and trees to conside using are; holly, poinsettia, mistletoe, pine cones and dwarf conifers that can mimick small Christmas trees you can decorate and display at your doorway.

Add lights Lighting up the front of your house can be daunting when thinking of electricity bills, but a lot of decorations now are made with LED’s, so all you’ll need to buy are a good set of batteries to keep them going through

December. You can still add kerb appeal to your home with lights and decorations inside the front windows. Looking into a warm and inviting home, goes past the front door to what you can see on the outside.

For whatever you choose to decorate the front of your home this festive period, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! n

By Daisy Bennett

HOME & GARDEN

Damp patches on upstairs ceilings, slipped slates or plaster coming off the walls are signs your property requires a new roof or replacement.

CASH IN YOUR GOLD! OLD JEWELLERY, SOVEREIGNS, DAMAGED & SCRAP ITEMS, CHAINS, BRACELETS, INGOTS, RINGS, WEDDING BANDS, BANGLES, ODD EARRINGS & CUFFLINKS, WATCHES, WATCH CHAINS, CIGARETTE CASES, ETC.

We have found that many properties simply do not have the protection needed underneath the roof to prevent leaks and keep the heat in. Should it become clear that your property is in need of re-roofing, make sure you choose Abbeywell Contractors, we take pride in only using the best materials and always working to BS5534 Roofing Standards.

GET IT RIGHT FIRST TIME NEW ROOFS • FLAT ROOFS • TILING SLATING • GUTTERING

CALL FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION

Worcester: 01905 904044 Bromsgrove: 01527 308005

Established in Worcester for 100 years

www.abbeywellcontractors.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

Spa Decorators

Carpentry & Building Services

With over 28 years’ experience in the industry, ensuring customers have works carried out at the highest and professional standard. Spa Decorators Limited team has carried out domestic, commercial, industrial, and planned maintenance work all over Worcestershire and surrounding areas.

Spa Decorators Limited value all customers and they work with their customers to ensure that the least amount of disruption possible is caused. This can be from working around businesses and their opening hours by working ‘out of office hours’, or simply sitting with their customers to plan their works out to ensure that their family homes have the least amount of disruption with the highest of standards results.

As a company they are proud members of the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).

The PDA promotes professionalism and integrity. The focus of the PDA is to ensure all members of the association adhere to the highest quality standards. Being members of the association gives their customers the confidence that they will know all work will be carried out to the highest quality.

They are also members of Constructionline.

Which for all Spa Decorators Limited domestic and commercial customers gives them the knowledge, that they are choosing a company that has gone through rigorous checks and can be trusted.

Spa Decorators Limited understand their customers wants and needs. They understand that for some customers with larger projects to undertake. That a main stress for them is finding all the different n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

• General Building • External Wall Insulation • Flooring • Fire Door Maintenance • Fire Door Stopping • Fire Door Installation

trades to complete their work to a high standard and to all run Co-ordinately.

Which is why Spa Decorators Limited carry out a wide range of services which are listed below. This is to help their customers experience to be less stressful, as they will plan, and co-ordinate all works.

Spa Decorators Services • Painting & Decorating • Carpentry & Joinery • Plumbing • Electrical

Fire Doors Spa Decorators are pleased to announce that they are members of the BM TRADA Q-Mark Fire Door Certification Scheme. They have become approved in fire stopping, installation, maintenance. These accreditations provide reassurance to specifiers, contractors, and end users that the fire door they have chosen has been installed correctly and should perform as intended. They also use the latest advance in technology where all doors are installed with scannable chips. Which customers can scan via a mobile app and see all installation and maintenance information regarding that installation. n For any advice or guidance on any of your projects or for a quotation please call Spa Decorators Limited on 01905 773628 or email admin@spadecorators.com

HOME & GARDEN

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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

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

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HOME & GARDEN

How to Prune

Before you start clipping, it’s best to know what you’re looking to remove.

Prune any dead, dying, or diseased branches.

If you’re dealing with disease, cut well below any affected areas and don’t prune when it’s wet outside, since water can spread the harmful stuff. You’ll also want to cut back any limbs encroaching on walkways or mown areas so they don’t get broken off. Thinning branches in general also allows more sunlight and air to reach the centre of trees and shrubs.

Get the right gear for the job. Drop into your local garden centre as each of us have different grips and strenghens. Make sure they are durable yet lightweight. Some have rolling gears which help prevent cramping of your hand. Try to buy the best you can afford and get them sharpened regularly.

You should have deadheaded all the perennials by now if not there is still time to cut the heads off now. After the first frost, cut down and mulch the area well for next year’s growth. However, you should skip clipping and dead heading if the dried flowers or seeds are useful for propagation. During the Autumn it is best not to clip woody plants as at that time of year they don’t produce a protective tissue called callus. Fungal spores, bacteria, and insects could find a foothold in open wounds.

As we move into Winter it is a great time to prune many trees and shrubs since insect and disease pressure is minimized, and the plant architecture is clearly visible. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or hazardous limbs. Clip the unwanted side shoots, as well n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

as any crossed or rubbing branches. Somes of the species suited for winter pruning include poplar, spruce, junipers, fruit trees including cherries and plums. Don’t be tempted to prune your roses yet.

What else to do in November?

November is the ideal month to start making plans for next year. Be ruthless with plants that performed badly; remove and replace with a better variety. Make notes of all your good ideas, ready for next year.

Don’t be too efficient during your final tidy up of the year. Provide over-wintering nooks and crannies for our helpful garden creatures such as hedgehogs, toads and ladybirds.

Leave tufty grasses, small log heaps and piles of leaves to keep them safe until next spring. They’ll reward you by being on hand to control early pests.

but not seed heads nor perennial weed roots.

Continue to collect fallen autumn leaves and pile them, keeping them damp, in large bin bags or heaps, to make leaf mould.

Composting Avoid bonfires. If the compost bin is still overflowing, just store excess material in bags until the heap subsides enough for more to be piled in.

Leaves with blotches are safe to compost as their diseases are generally air-borne and composting will break it all down. However, never add plant roots with soil-borne diseases such as Brassica club-root and onion white rot. Their spores will survive the composting process.

Give the heap a turn to aerate and stimulate the composting processes.

Soil matters Keep off wet soil in all parts of the garden to avoid compacting and damaging the structure.

If you absolutely have to walk on it in the wet, stand on a plank to spread your weight. This is especially important for clay soil.

Check its consistency - if too dry add wet materials like nettles and green weed foliage and water them in. If too wet, add scrumpled junk mail, cardboard and small twigs which are good high-carbon materials and will aerate the heap.

Protect bare soil during the winter months. Use autumn leaves as a mulch (cover) during winter weather. Don’t worry if there are fungi growing in the leaves; they won’t harm your plants.

Wood-waste needs to be composted until it’s thoroughly broken down, black and crumbly.

Soaking large piles of shreddings with nettle tea will speed up the process. Alternatively, use fresh shreddings as path-coverings to keep feet mud-free in wet weather. Sharing the hire-costs of a shredder with neighbours is an economical way of dealing with piles of prunings. n

Don’t stop weeding. Hoe off/pull out any annual weeds, and dig out perennial ones that are revealed. Compost green foliage,

HOME & GARDEN

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

Ash © Mark Hamblin

h s A f o e r u t u F e h T As the infamous ash dieback disease hits trees across the county, what is the future for this familiar woodland tree...

Our forestry work this year has taken a different turn as our priority has become the removal of diseased ash trees in places where they pose a risk to the public.

You’ll no doubt have heard about ash dieback that was first confirmed in the UK in 2012 and whose wind-borne fungal spores spread rapidly, arriving in Worcestershire in 2016.

naturally rather than taking the decision to plant potentially unsuitable alternatives that may even compound the negative impact of the loss of ash trees. We’re also creating habitats for wildlife, like log piles, with the felled timber.

As with any forestry work, the immediate aftermath can look drastic. Thankfully we’ve had a relatively dry autumn so the impact on the ground has been

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

The first symptoms of the disease are the blackening of leaves and this is especially noticeable in saplings that are growing at or near eye-level. In saplings, these shrivelled leaves are quickly followed by blackened strips on the main stem before the tree soon succumbs. The same happens with larger trees although they sometimes put on a growth spurt before the branches die-back and the whole tree eventually dies.

minimal but the scrubby understorey has been

Sadly, infected trees can unexpectedly drop limbs or fall down so where we have infected trees near footpaths or along roads, we have started a programme of removing them. We don’t intend to remove all ash trees from our nature reserves as we are hoping to find disease-resistant individuals that can either self-seed new trees or whose seed we can use to propagate ash trees of the future.

maple and hawthorn there will be renewed nesting

At the moment we are removing trees where we have to and monitoring what happens across our woodlands. For now, we want to see what will happen

one of our virtual gifts for a loved one this coming

n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

removed in some areas in order for contractors to access the diseased trees. There is a silver lining to this cloud - the extra light and space that is created by the work will not only be beneficial for spring flowers like bluebells and wood anemones but it will also help the trees that are left standing – our veteran oaks, limes and sweet chestnuts of the future. On top of that, as the areas re-vegetate with species like hazel, field and feeding opportunities for birds and other wildlife.

It can be harder to spot ash dieback in the winter months but if you’re walking through one of our woodland nature reserves and come across a recently cleared area, make a note to return over the years to watch it regenerate as the seasons turn. You can help us to manage our woodlands for wildlife by buying Christmas – take a look at our online shop for more information: www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/shop n

Locally Fully trained installer of electric vehicle chargers.

Registered with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

We install chargers under the Electric vehicle home charge scheme and work place charging schemes, offering government grants towards the cost of an installation.

18 Mosel Drive, Droitwich Spa, Worcester, WR9 8DB

Tel: 07970 310 534 / 01905 827114 Email: mark@aaj-electrical.co.uk www.aaj-electrical.co.uk

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n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

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FASHION

Countdown to Christmas Countdown to Christmas is style with these advent calendars that are full of wonderful treats for a daily mini-pamper.

CHANEL N°5 THE CALENDAR HOLIDAY - £610 Shaped like an enormous bottle of N°5, this holiday calendar was designed as a work of art and is available in limited quantities. It contains some of the CHANEL House’s most iconic products. Among its many surprises are a limited-edition ROUGE ALLURE lipstick inspired by N°5, LE VERNIS in a new shade of red, and a bottle of N°5 Eau de Parfum, as well as a bracelet bearing the number 5, a one-of-a-kind snow globe, and a host of other accessories dedicated to the fragrance and designed just for the occasion. www.chanel.com n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

FASHION

CLARINS WOMEN’S 12 DAY BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR - £65 Clarins invites you to discover a world of Festive Wonders with our collection of Christmas treats. Our Women’s 12 Day Beauty Advent Calendar is back and bursting with Clarins classics. 12 days of joy including a full size Supra Volume Mascara and Intense Natural Lip Perfector and 10 travel-size treats, from skincare to make-up must-haves. www.clarins.co.uk

L’OCCITANE CLASSIC ADVENT CALENDAR - £55 Our timeless Classic Advent Calendar holds an array of our mostloved products, made with ingredients cared for by our cherished producers. You will find our iconic Verbena and Almond shower products, youth-boosting Immortelle skincare, and our best-selling product… Shea Butter Hand Cream! uk.loccitane.com

L’OCCITANE LUXURY ADVENT CALENDAR - £99 Featuring a curated selection of L’OCCITANE favourites, our Luxury Advent Calendar is for the gifter, or self-gifter, to indulge in a little pampering in the lead up to the holidays. You will uncover a delighta-day, including a full-sized product every week, best-sellers such as our world-renowned Shea Butter Hand Cream, Almond Shower Oil and Divine Cream as well as new scents, hair care products, skincare and makeup. Oh, and another thing about our Premium Calendar... we encourage you to continue using it after the 25th December.

With its delicate design and gold foil stamping, it transforms into the perfect place to stash your jewellery. uk.loccitane.com

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 23 n

GOLDEN YEARS

Exploring the Impact

of Lockdown on Older Adults’ Mental Health Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, we have had to adjust to a very different way of life.

Almost overnight our normal freedoms were taken away.

Workplaces, cafes, restaurants, pubs and other social venues were closed, and we weren’t allowed to meet up with family or friends beyond our immediate household, let alone hug them. Whilst for some this forced change of pace was welcome and gave time to reflect on what really matters, for many it created stress and anxiety about issues such as health, financial security and housing, and increased feelings of boredom, loneliness and isolation. n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

At the Centre for Ageing Better, as the

Individuals living alone were more likely to say

pandemic continued and the mitigation

that their mental health had suffered during

strategies became more stringent, they

lockdown (43% versus 36% overall) with

started to ask what the mental health

increased feelings of stress and anxiety.

impacts would be for the over 50s, many of whom would be juggling employment with

Other issues causing stress and anxiety

caring and homeschooling responsibilities.

included

They ran a survey among adults 50-70 to try

particularly among those who had been

to answer this.

furloughed and felt they lacked any kind of

employment

and

finances,

job security and did not know whether their More than a third (36%) of our survey respondents told us that their mental health had deteriorated as a result of the pandemic.

job would be there for them once lockdown CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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

GOLDEN YEARS

property were twice as likely as homeowners to be dissatisfied with the size of their home (11% versus 6%), the neighbourhood in which they live (8% versus 4%) and also their access to green space (8% versus 3%). Three in ten of those who rent do not have access to a garden (31%) compared to only 6% of those who own their home.

The survey found that many adults adopted unhealthy behaviours during the pandemic, with a third of respondents reporting they had been smoking more (36%) and around three in ten (32%) drinking more. From our qualitative work, these changes in habits seemed to be partly in response to anxiety.

Three in ten (29%) also said they had been eating more unhealthy food during this time and many spoke about eating to alleviate the ended. Those who were already out of work were concerned about the future job market.

Whilst many who were working from home could describe the benefits to their mental health, some respondents described how they just weren’t enjoying their jobs as much since they had to do them remotely. They missed their colleagues and customers and stated that they felt flat without this interaction.

Having to spend significant amounts of time at home and indoors created added stress for many. Two-fifths of respondents to our survey stated that their home had at least one issue with some of the biggest problems being noise from a neighbour (14%), or having a shortage of space (13%) – a figure which rose to one in five (22%) among those living in London. What’s more, people who rent their

boredom they felt during lockdown.

Whilst we would probably all say that the pandemic has been stressful, it’s clear that it has had a disproportionate impact on the mental wellbeing of people who were already disadvantaged before the pandemic struck.

As the nation starts to recover, we must CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

ANSWERS You’ve found the answers!

The puzzles are on page 34

n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

GOLDEN YEARS

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

GOLDEN YEARS

ensure that we seize the opportunity to help the most impacted to radically improve their life circumstances, build their resilience and improve their chances of a good later life.

This means putting in place strategies to improve the social determinants of mental wellbeing. Regarding employment, unpaid carers need flexibility and support at work to continue to manage the often-stressful balance between work and care. The Centre welcomed the government’s confirmation it will implement a right to carer’s leave though they would like it to be paid. Flexible working should be available to people from day one and the government’s new proposals to make it easier for people to access flexible working options including a day one right to make a request are really positive It’s also important that no one’s housing is causing them unnecessary stress and anxiety.

The pandemic has added a new layer of understanding of the profound effect that non-decent housing can have our mental wellbeing. The Centre are calling for a cross-government housing strategy with a ministerial champion to tackle the issues with our homes.

Finally, with the launch of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities on the 1st October, The Centre feel the need for an unflinching focus on creating the environments to support the adoption of healthier behaviours among those older adults most at risk. And need to ensure services to support smoking cessation, weight loss and the adoption of healthy behaviours are routinely offered to all older adults who could benefit, that they are accessible and culturally appropriate, and that

they are tailored to meet this cohort’s needs and preferences.

The

Centre

for

Ageing

Better

determined to address these causes of stress and anxiety in older adults. “Let’s make sure that your housing, employment or caring duties doesn’t determine the state of your mental wellbeing” n Alison Giles - www.ageing-better.org.uk

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Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0ED | 01432 351666 enquiries@tpg-disableaids.co.uk | www.tpg-disableaids.co.uk n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

are

GOLDEN YEARS

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Woodland View Care Home in Droitwich Leading the Way for Residential and Dementia Care The decision to move into care can be emotional for the whole family but at brand new care home, Woodland View, there are many features that will help to make that decision so much easier.

Woodland View is designed and purposebuilt with residents in mind, benefitting from large and airy day spaces, an on-site beauty parlour, cinema room, vintage tea room with balcony, landscaped gardens and a lavish Sky Bar with far reaching views.

The home has everything from bespoke multi-function beds to the latest care plan technology to be completely future-proof and ensure the continued wellbeing and independence of residents.

Home

Manager,

Cindy

Hawkins,

says:

‘Everything we do at Woodland View puts us at the forefront of care and we are ready to help people in the local community with both short term and permanent care placements.

We understand that any move is a big step

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

but I am always here to answer any questions and help to put people’s minds at rest.’

residents can enjoy everything on offer without having to worry about additional fees. n

The exceptional levels of 24-hour personcentred care, coupled resident-led activities and freshly cooked nutritious meals, allows residents to feel safe, relaxed and fulfilled as they move to the next chapter of their life. The Woodland View lifestyle is inclusive meaning

For more information call 01905 917 358 or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk. Cindy can carry out an initial assessment within 24 hours of your enquiry, helping you or your loved one move to your new home as quickly and stress-free as possible.

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

LIVING HISTORY

Remember, Remember!

On the 8th November 1605, Sir Richard Walsh, the Sheriff of Worcestershire shouted the order to ‘FIRE!’ as a handful of desperate and injured men ran from Holbeche House in Staffordshire!

Sir Richard Walsh had been trying to talk the men out of the house peacefully and failed. His force of 200 Worcestershire Militia were aiming their Muskets at the door of the property and followed their leaders order exactly. They opened fired. the evening of the 4th and 5th November

As the gun powder smoke began to clear, on that cold autumnal day, several men lay screaming in pain on the damp grass.

Thomas Percy and Robert Catesby had been brought down by the same lead bullet, fired

by John Streete, a Worcester man and long serving member of the Militia. The wounded men were holding swords and daggers, which were quickly kicked to one side, and the men arrested for being involved in what would become one of the most famous assassination attempts in history - The Gun Powder Plot of 1605.

1605. He was hiding next to a pile of fire wood, which was also concealing 36 Barrels of Gunpowder. A fuse was set ready for the State Opening of the Parliament. Guy had to wait and light the fuse that would probably have killed him and destroyed most of the City of London!

After a lengthy period of Investigation, many arrests were made and trial dates set. Catholics were not trusted. Humphrey Lyttleton , John Wintour Ralph Ashley, a man called Perks and even Father Oldcorne had all been arrested in Worcestershire and held in

The plot began in the early months of 1604, when Robert Catesby, a well-known Catholic began to test the water by asking fellow Catholics if they would be involved in removing King James I (VI) from the throne and placing his daughter, the Princess Elizabeth on the throne and then manipulating her to re-establish Catholicism in England.

Some historians would argue that the treasonous plotting has its roots back to Henry VIII and the break with the Catholic Church. Religion was a delicate subject, even more so the sixteenth and seventeenth Centuries. Catholics were forced to pay a fine for not attending the Church of England services and from 1585, it was illegal for Priests to step foot in England!

Worcestershire was one of the Counties that had a great many Catholic families and in many cases their fine homes still stand today. Many of these families continued to worship secretly and from makeshift Chapels in their homes. The Habbington Family lived at Hindlip Hall, the Wintours at Huddington Court and the Lyttletons at Hagley Hall. The beautiful Harvington Hall, was owned by the Packingtons.

Harvington Hall has the largest collection of Priest Holes in Britain. Priests Holes were used to hide Priests who illegally held services in Catholic homes. At Harvington Hall there are at least seven carefully hidden hideouts. n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

the City of Worcester.

They were dragged backwards on sleds pulled by horses from the old Castle, where King’s School now stands, and under Sidbury Gate. When they reached Red Hill they were executed in the horrifying way reserved for Traitors! They were hanged to within an inch of their lives, disembowelled and their Privy parts removed and burnt in front of them.

The grisly scene ended with their beheading and quartering in front of the crowd who had followed their procession from the City Folding Staircases, fake fireplaces and timber beams that can be moved from behind book cases to reveal a secret room!

Nicholas Owen was the architect of these secret hiding places. Members of the Worcestershire Militia and State Officials watched these homes and searched them regularly in a hope of catching a Priest!

The Plotters met in Worcestershire and details were arranged in London also, in the summer of 1605. If everything went to plan and Guy Fawkes succeeded in killing the King, Robert Catesby and his fellow plotters would start a rebellion across the Midlands, ending with the young Princess being the puppet monarch. This land would become Catholic once again.

Fawkes though had been discovered in the cellars of the Houses of Parliament on

Walls to the infamous hill above the City.

Today a memorial Cross stands at the site and can be visited.

As we always say, Worcestershire has seen all the Chapters in the History of Great Britain and in some cases the History of the World. We believe this makes our County very special. n

By Paul Harding Discover History Facebook and YouTube - Discover History Instagram and Twitter -DiscoverHISTPH www.discover-history.co.uk

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

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

EDUCATION Puzzles

SUDOKU - FIENDISH

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 26 6

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WORD SEARCH

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n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

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Christmas at the

Bell Inn

Our Christmas Quiz will take place on Thursday 23rd December from 8.30pm. Prebook your table for £10 with a maximum of six per team. With a wonderful Christmas hamper to be won and all proceeds going to “Broadheath Charities”.

Christmas Eve will see a visit from Santa. He always brings a little snow as well as gifts for the little ones. By booking a table and dining in the restaurant, each table will be charged £2 per child and given time to visit Santa in his Grotto to receive a gift.

On Christmas Day bring the family in for a festive tipple between 12pm and 2.30pm.

1st - 30th December

Christmas Lunch Menu

winner of the national christmas pub of the year 2016, 2018 & 2019

Christmas Evening Menu

With our fantastic menus, amazing Christmas displays and the warmest and friendliest service. Join us this Christmas as we bring a little magic back to 2021

Two Courses £16.95 Three Courses £19.95 Two Courses £20.95 Three Courses £23.95

Boxing Day Menu

Three Courses £25.95

Children’s Menu Available

Martley Road, Lower Broadheath, Worcestershire. WR2 6QG Tel: 01905 640220 • www.thebellinnbroadheath.co.uk t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 35 n

What's On

What's On NOVEMBER

of Worcestershire by Anthony Collis

a steaming hot chocolate or grab a light

Badsey Recreation Club. 7:30pm. Come and

lunch from the indoor Ice Cafe. Then head

join Anthony Collis for an entertaining tour

on out on the sparkling new light trail,

Franche Bonfire Extravaganza

of Worcestershire hostelries and the stories

as it winds across the showground, with

Franche Community Primary School, Chestnut

behind their names. www.badseysociety.uk

giant illuminations under the stars. Thrill

Sunday 7th

Grove, Kidderminster DY11 5QB. Gates open at 4.30pm, All tickets must be pre booked, strictly no on the gate sales. Ticket sales go live Monday 18th October in the afternoon from www.ptaevents.co.uk/franchepta Adults £8 (16s and over) Child £5 (2 and over) Under 2s FREE (Must have a ticket) Family £25 (2 Ad 3 Ch or 1 Ad 4 Ch) No unaccompanied under 18s, no smoking, no sparklers, no alcohol to be brought in. There will be a DJ, barbecue and sweet stalls etc. Please do a LFT before attending. Do no attend if you have any symptoms of Covid19. Tickets are non refundable. Please park considerately using public car parks around Franche. Please do not park on the road.

seekers can also soar upwards, to see the

Friday 12th November Sunday 9th January

Malvern skyline like never before on the giant Observation Wheel! Families will

Malvern Winter Glow Three

Counties

Showground,

Malvern,

WR13 6NW. Festive fun at Three Counties Showground brought to you by Malvern Winter

Glow.

experiences

in

Four one

amazing central

festive location.

Immerse yourself in all things seasonal, with an impressive line-up of activities and excitement on offer in Malvern this winter.

Choose from daytime entertainment and extra special experiences, through to nighttime fun, with a newly themed winter light trail. Festive food quarter and free parking.

Friday 12th

Skate along on the one of the region’s

Inn Signs and Pub Names

largest real ice rinks and take a break with

n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

enjoy a magical trip on our very own Arctic Express train, which will transport you from our main gate station for a traditional and personalised visit to see the big man himself.

Meet Santa Claus in Father Christmas’s cosy cabin, surrounded by his friendly elves, who have been busy making presents and gifts for all the visiting children and don’t forget to taste one of Mrs Claus’ freshly baked cookies as you leave. Winter Glow is a festive celebration, which starts in mid-November with the opening of the Ice Rink, followed by the Illuminated Light Trail, alongside CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Inspired Getaways by Coach 2022

Sand Bay Holiday Village, Near Weston Friday 7th - Monday 10th January 4 Days H/B - Only £99.00!

York City Break - Queens Hotel, York Sunday 16th - Tuesday 18th January 3 Days H/B - £135.00 Sunday night on the Prom with the Mike James Orchestra Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth Sunday 27th - Monday 28th February 2 Days H/B - Only £99.00!

The Bedford Hotel, Sidmouth, Devon Tuesday 1st - Saturday 5th March 5 Days H/B - £319.00 Sand Bay Holiday Village, Near Weston 60’s & 70’s Tributes Monday 7th - Friday 11th March 5 Days H/B - £175.00 The Boston Hotel, Scarborough Monday 14th - Friday 18th March 5 Days H/B - £259.00 Mothering Sunday Weekend Llandudno, The Hydro Hotel OR Exmouth, The Cavendish Hotel. SRS on both holidays, £8.00 per night Friday 25th - Monday 28th March 4 Days H/B - £195.00

The Durrant House Hotel, Bideford Monday 28th March - Friday 1st April 5 Days H/B - £279.00 The Chatsworth Hotel, Llandudno Monday 4th - Friday 8th April 5 Days H/B - £269.00 SRS £5.00 per night The Anchorage Hotel, Babbacombe Monday 11th - Friday 15th April 5 Days H/B - £255.00 The Sandringham Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare Monday 11th - Friday 15th April 5 Days H/B - £255.00 Sand Bay Holiday Village, Near Weston 50’s, 60’s, 70’s & 80’s - Decades Monday 11th - Friday 15th April 5 Days H/B - £175.00 The Imperial Hotel, Ilfracombe, North Devon Monday 18th - Friday 22nd April 5 Days H/B - £249.00. SRS £8 per night Scenic Snowdonia, Portmeirion & The Welsh Highland Railway Criccieth, George IV Hotel Saturday 23rd - Wednesday 27th April 5 Days H/B - £315.00. SRS £8.00 per night Studley Castle Hotel, Warwickshire Monday 25th - Friday 29th April 5 Days H/B - £449.00

For more details of these and our other holidays call 01905 770870 for a copy of our brochure, or visit our website mysticisle.co.uk where a copy is available to download. t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 37 n

What's On Tuesday 23rd

10am-4:30pm.

and finally personalised Santa Experiences

The ESO returns to the Great Malvern Priory

with Allison from Malvern Hills Yoga at

running throughout December. With a

with this beautiful programme of string

The Clover Mill Spa, Worcestershire £85.

magical mix of festive fun, the countdown

orchestra music. The concert will begin

Tel: 01886 880859

to Christmas has begun! Tickets are strictly

with a well-known Divertimento in D major,

limited and advance booking is essential.

written by Mozart who was only sixteen years

winterglow.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

old and had just returned from a triumphant

Malvern’s first giant Observation Wheel

tour of Italy. Finzi wrote his Romance in 1928,

Sunday 14th Remembrance Sunday Vintage & Craft Fair Hallmark

Hotel

Stourport

Manor,

35

Hartlebury Road, Stourport, DY13 9JA. Join us at the beautiful Stourport Manor Hotel on Remembrance Sunday for our Vintage & Craft Fair with live music, dancing & afternoon tea . There will be live music, dancing and vintage

entertainment

with

our

singers

performing classics from the wartime era.

Afternoon tea will be available to enjoy, plus a fantastic selection of vintage, retro, craft and gift stalls. Come along in your best vintage outfit and enter our vintage belle / vintage beau competition! Vintage Belle competition and the vintage raffle will both be drawn at 3.30pm. If the raffle winner is not in the room we will call you and you can collect your prize.

One winner wins the whole raffle hamper. £1 a ticket. Free Parking. 1-4pm. Free Entry

Sunjay Guitarist.

is a short but beautiful piece with elegiac quality and a profound love of the English countryside in Wiltshire where he devoted himself to composing and apple-growing.

Bach dedicated six “concertos with several instruments” to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg in 1721. This Third Concerto is scored in nine parts plus continuo and has also been composed in an unusual form – two fast movements separated by a slow movement of just one bar (containing two sustained chords).

The second half of the concert will see the ESO’s leader, Zoë Beyers, directing and playing the solo part for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Full £22.50 Under 18s £5.00. At ESO, Carers are provided with a complimentary ticket when accompanying another concertgoer in need of assistance. 7.30pm.

Friday 26th November Friday 24th December

Saturday 20th Singer.

however it was not published until 1952. It

Songwriter.

Performer.

Bluesman. Entertainer. Sunjay is pretty much the antithesis of your typical denim clad disheveled folk and blues musician. From his perfectly groomed hair to his spotlessly shining winkle picker boots he walks onto

Santa’s Grotto at West Midland Safari Park Join us from 26th Nov – 24th Dec for a magical festive day out for the whole family, combining a four-mile winter Safari and a visit to Santa in his Grotto. Santa’s Grotto VR Sleigh Ride. With an allocated time to see Santa, you will be greeted

the stage every inch the “city slicker”. When

in the Discovery Trail by one of his helpful Elves

Sunjay starts to sing and play the guitar

who will show you to the sleigh where you will

however, you are transported to a world where

be magically transported to the North Pole &

blues and country music meld seamlessly

into Santa’s Grotto! Santa’s Grotto is a wonderfully

amidst humid mangrove swamps and red

decorated log cabin with its own Christmas tree,

neck barbecues. Playing at Rock Village Hall

festive fireplace and of course Santa himself! You

Saturday 20th November, Rock Village Hall,

can tell him what’s on the top of your Christmas

Porchbrook Road, Rock, Kidderminster. DY14

wish list and a helpful Elf will take a picture of you

9SD. Doors: 19:30 Tickets: £10.00 Box Office:

together! After meeting Santa, you will make

07845 990942.

your way to the Elves’ Workshop where children can pick their own present. With a wide selection

Worcestershire Etsy Christmas Market

of gifts to choose from, the children will be spoiled

Bennetts Willow Barn, Monor Farm, Malvern

for choice! Head to Mrs Claus’ Kitchen to pick

Rd, Lower Wick, Worcester WR2 4BS. Our

up your complimentary refreshments and don’t

much loved Christmas market is back!

forget to pop along to the Sea Lion Theatre to

We’re combining our old favourite – the

watch a show! Please note: The Adventure Theme

Christmas market, with our lockdown addition

Park rides will be closed throughout winter.

the Christmas gift guide for this fabulous Christmas market. Get into the festive spirit

Friday 26th

and get ahead with your Christmas shopping

Yoga Day with Lunch

with our fantastic selection of local talented

The Beautiful Clover Mill Spa, Worcestershire

Etsy sellers. 10am – 4pm.

The Clover Mill Malvern, Worcestershire.

n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021

One

Day

yoga

retreat

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre Jesters, entertainers, archery, historical reenactments create a medieval atmosphere for your Christmas shopping! You can buy all sorts of goodies for your Christmas stocking Ludlow Castle Medieval Fayre from over eighty stalls presented by traders from across the UK as well as popular Ludlow traders, all dressed in medieval costumes. A great treat for all the family, in the glorious setting of medieval Ludlow Castle. The Castle will be closed on the following days for the setup and take down of the festival and open for business again on Thursday 2nd December. www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk

DECEMBER From Wednesday 1st The Enchanted Gardens Webbs Garden Centres. New to Webbs for 2021! Immerse yourself in a fairy tale world, as you make your way through twinkling lights and lanterns to the snowy north pole.

This winter we are delighted to bring you our fairy tale light trail - ‘The Enchanted Gardens’. We have been busy extending our beautiful Riverside Gardens at Wychbold into the woodland beyond and we’d love you to bring all the family to experience the magic.

Tiptoe through the glowing toadstools in the fairy gardens, past the illuminated gingerbread houses and into the woods to find Hansel & Gretel’s cottage. Beware of the giant! Wrap up warm as you journey onto the snowy north pole, where children will be able to chat to Santa and his elves in their busy workshop and take some festive photographs to remember the occasion.

Once you’ve completed the trail, warm up in our beautiful festoon-lit tipi tents with a great selection of food and drink available. The Enchanted Gardens is sure to be a popular event and tickets will likely sell out some time in advance. In order to avoid disappointment, we ask that everyone intending to visit books their tickets online in advance. www.webbsdirect.co.uk/enchantedgardens PLEASE VISIT INDIVIDUAL EVENT WEBSITES FOR LATEST CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS FOR ANY CHANGES

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

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

n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 212 | November 2021