Worcestershire Now - OCTOBER 2022

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR NOW BRING THEIR GRAMMY-WINNING FREEDOM TOUR TO MALVERN

Winner of the 2019 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for their latest album

“Freedom”, a collection of songs which celebrate and commemorate South Africa’s democratic movement’s struggle for freedom, Soweto Gospel Choir now bring their “Freedom” concert to the UK in honour of the father of their rainbow nation, Nelson Mandela. The tour, presented by Andrew Kay, will begin on Saturday 15 October at the Darlington Hippodrome and will run through to Wednesday 26 October. There will be a national press night at London’s Cadogan Hall on Tuesday 18 October. Apart from Edinburgh, Soweto Gospel Choir has not been seen in the UK in 10 years and this tour marks the first time the Choir will be performing in London since 2006.

Hailing from Soweto (South West Township), a town outside Johannesburg and home of Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s democratic movement, the three-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel

Choir continues to inspire audiences around the world with their powerful blend of African gospel, freedom songs, and international classics.

Comprising a line-up of South Africa’s best vocalists, these amazing performers have been spreading sheer joy to audiences across the globe for nearly two decades. The Choir has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music including U2, the late Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Robert Plant, Celine Dion, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Josh Groban.

In this uplifting and joyous repertoire, the Choir will perform a rousing programme of freedom songs celebrating the life of the father of their Rainbow Nation, Nelson Mandela, as well as international gospel classics, including a spine-tingling take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and an extraordinary rendition of “Amazing Grace”, which has had over 17 million views on YouTube.

“The Soweto Gospel Choir members are thrilled to tour the United Kingdom after so many years of absence,” producer Andrew Kay said. “The group continues to inspire fans worldwide, but the reaction we get from audiences in the United Kingdom is unforgettable. We hope that our uplifting message of hope, faith and joy reaches audiences new and old on this special return visit as we celebrate the legacy of the great Nelson Mandela.”

Soweto Gospel Choir is presented by Andrew Kay and Associates. n www.sowetogospelchoir.com Facebook: @OfficialSowetoGospelChoir Instagram: @sowetogospelchoir Twitter: @sowetogospel

Soweto Gospel Choir will be at Malvern Theatres on Thursday 20th October, 7.30pm. Tel: 01684 892277 malvern-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/ soweto-gospel-choir-freedom/

EVESHAM BELL TOWER AND PERSHORE ABBEY ARE TURNING PINK AND BLUE FOR BABY LOSS AWARENESS WEEK 2022

This October, Wychavon residents will be able to see local historic landmarks Evesham Bell Tower and Pershore Abbey illuminated in pink and blue to show support for Baby Loss Awareness Week 2022 9th to 15th October).

Evesham charity Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC) have collaborated with Wychavon Council and the Vicar of Pershore Abbey to have the landmarks lit up for this special week, now in its 20th year. APEC strongly supports Baby Loss Awareness Week, primarily because pre-eclampsia causes the deaths of 1200 babies and up to 10 mothers in the UK every year. APEC’s office administrator, Abbie suffered with it in 2017 when devastatingly, her baby son Jude passed away. Abbie said “it is a week that is close to our hearts and an opportunity for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, support each other and remember our muchloved and missed babies.”

The week also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss; the importance that bereavement support plays in the ongoing bereavement journey; and of the vital work that is needed to improve pregnancy outcomes and to save babies’ lives.

Marcus Green CEO of Action on Preeclampsia said: “We hope turning these iconic local landmarks pink and blue will spark conversations about baby loss and give local bereaved parents and families an opportunity to talk about their precious babies and to know that they are important and remembered.”

This year Baby Loss Awareness Week will be exploring the theme of Stepping Stones and how someone whose baby has died finds themselves on a new path they never expected to be on.

All of the buildings and landmarks turning pink and blue for Baby Loss Awareness Week

2022 will be featured on an interactive map and on the official Baby Loss Awareness Facebook page.

We would be delighted if anyone in Wychavon can share their photos of Evesham Bell Tower and Pershore Abbey on social media and include the hashtag #BLAW and #APEC to reach as many people as possible.

Baby Loss Awareness Week is recognised across the world and culminates with the “Wave of Light” on 15 October. This is a special time when people across the world light a candle at 7pm local time and leave it burning to remember all babies that have died too soon. n

Visit www.babyloss-awareness.org to find out how you can get involved or www.apec.org.uk to learn more about this Evesham charity.

WEAR IT PINK THIS OCTOBER

Most women have 6 bras in their drawer, but only wear 2. So, how is recycling your old bra benefitting women in two continents?

With “Wear it Pink” on 23rd October in aid of breast cancer, now is the time to start sorting out those old bras and recycling them.

Worcestershire County Council works with the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven Charity to raise vital funds as well as helping women in deprived countries, who are the recipients of the donated bras. Our unwanted bras are

considered a luxury in some African countries and they elevate the status of the women who wear them. These are often women escaping domestic abuse, modern slavery or struggling themselves with breast cancer.

The provision of small indoor bra recycling banks at a number of locations across Worcestershire allows these bras to be reused. Those that can’t be reused are recycled. The bra banks suffered badly throughout the pandemic as many were in public buildings that were shut. Thankfully donations are starting to roll in again helped

by an increase in the numbers of the banks, including in the two Tesco stores in Worcester.

The funds that are raised through the scheme will help with the vital work done at the Breast Unit Haven charity to support both men and women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. n

To find out the location of the banks go to www.letswasteless.com. If you wish to host a bra bank in your local community centre/gym/school please email letswasteless@worcestershire.gov.uk and we will arrange this for you.

A wood burning stove is an ideal option for those looking to heat their home this winter.

Using a new Ecodesign model of stove reduces particle emissions while ensuring high efficiencies, easy and controllable operation with a superior flame picture. This is in addition to the carbon-neutral benefits of wood burning as we seek to control and reduce global CO2 levels.

Below are some hints and tips for choosing a wood or multi fuel stove this winter.

Wood Vs Multi Fuel

Wood burning stoves combust fuel using oxygen from above and burn on their own bed of ash on a flat base with no ash pan.

Multi fuel stoves combust fuel using oxygen from below and burn on a grate that allow the air to get underneath the smokeless coal and allows the ash to fall into an ash pan at the bottom. Depending on the grate design a lot of wood burners will usually combust wood more efficiently than that of a multi fuel stove.

Fuel Choices

Wood should be seasoned to under 20% for burning on a stove. Wood should be clean and free from paints and preservatives. Look

for the Ready to burn logo when purchasing your wood. Ready to burn is a DEFRA certification scheme that came into force in 2020 for regulating the sale of wood to ensure wood is not too wet to burn. This has been an excellent step in the right direction for cutting down on pollutions from the burning of wet wood.

Smokeless zones

Many areas are classed as a smokeless zone.

By purchasing a DEFRA approved model of stove, you are able to burn wood in a smokeless zone. These stoves complete the combustion process and ensures minimal wood smoke is emitted from the chimney.

Sizing your stove

It is important not to rush out and buy the biggest stove you can find. Customers enjoy

the larger windows available on most modern stoves. You want to be able to heat the room efficiently but also burn the stove at its optimum running temperature. The general rule of thumb is to purchase a slightly smaller stove and run it hotter than a bigger stove and run it too cold. A stove too big for the room will overheat the room and as a result homeowners will turn them down too much to compensate. They then begin to incomplete the combustion process, tar the glass and the flue and create more smoke. Always seek advice from a professional registered installer prior to purchasing your stove.

Manufacturers

There are many brands of wood burning stoves on the market. Where possible it is

• Fire Door Installation, Maintenance & Stopping

nice to support British manufacturing and as a country, we do make some very good stoves! There are lots of British manufactured stoves from the likes of Charnwood, Chilli Penguin, Woodwarm, Clock Woodburners to name but a few. A stove is a big purchase and from experience it is always best to avoid the cheaper end of the market. Parts are not

readily available and the backup and aftercare from bigger manufacturers is simply not there.

A stove purchase is an investment and it is worth getting the right stove for your property and lifestyle.

What to do if you have no chimney? Whilst a lot of properties have a chimney

that can be used for a stove installation a lot of properties do not. There is an option of an insulated flue system which in effect creates a chimney using an insulated pipe that you will usually find up the side of a house or through an extension roof. This works in the same way as a brick chimney but allows stoves to be fitted in various places from newer build properties, extensions and even garden out buildings.

Installation advice

It is important to seek an installer that is part of a competent person’s scheme for installing solid fuel appliances. The most industry recognised scheme is HETAS. A stove can be a dangerous appliance when not installed correctly. Always seek a registered person to offer advice and guidance and to install your currently to building regulations Doc J. A registered installer will provide a certificate of compliance similar to that as you would get with a new boiler or a new window installation. This is to be presented to future purchasers of your property when you come to sell. n

www.cosystovecompany.co.uk

We are the largest independent shop of its kind in Bromsgrove

Darren Spencer - A Bright Spark

With over 20 years’ experience in providing reliable, stress free domestic electrical services from changing a light bulb to fuse board upgrades and homebuyers reports, the team at Darren Spencer Electrical can deliver on all levels. Their unique six year insurance backed warranty on all work carried out guarantees peace of mind to the highest standard which stands the test of time.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest electrical regularity requirements is very important to the team at Darren Spencer Electrical. As experts in their field they take the burden of electrical safety off the homeowner. They always advise customers requiring an electricians services to do their research... is the electrician accredited and do they hold the latest qualification for the work that needs to be carried out? It’s all very well having the experience but do they have the recent qualifications to back it up?

Darren Spencer Electrical are proud to be approved by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). Having the backing by the UK’s leading voluntary

regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry, gives their customers the confidence that all electrical work being carried out will be completed to the highest standard. Plus, they are TrustMark certified, an accreditation that can only be achieved after thorough vetting and on-site inspections have been performed. The company’s core values echo that of TrustMark with the three cornerstones of quality being... Good Trading, Good Customer Service and Technical Competence.

Darren Spencer, the Founder of the business gives an insight into why their customer base just keeps on growing, he explains “The success of our business is definitely built on trust. Trust that we quote for electrical work accurately, trust that we use quality products for installation & testing and trust that we always do what we say we’re going to do. That even includes tidying up after ourselves as promised! One of our biggest pleasures comes from knowing we have customers who have been with us right from when the business began and who still use us now. Many of them over the years have been so impressed with our quality domestic electrical work and great

customer service that they’ve referred friends and family to us too!”. Darren adds “Above everything else safety comes first every time. We pick up the pieces on so many jobs done by other electricians that either don’t meet current regularity requirements or which are just down right unsafe. We’re always at the end of the phone for anyone who believes their home electrics aren’t up to scratch and requires a full electrical health check”.

A health check normally starts with the fuse board as the centre of the electrics in your home. Since the 1st January, 2016, new regulation means that approved contractors must only install non-combustible material fuse boards. The main reason for this is the concern that older fuse boards containing fuse wire pose a higher risk of fire as well as contributing to larger household electricity consumption. n

If you are concerned about the electrics in your home and for peace of mind require a full electrical health check with Which Trusted Trader Darren Spencer Electrical, please call 01905 915001 or email darren@darrenspencerelectrical.co.uk.

How to Spot a Cowboy Builder

Upgrading your home is both an exciting and nerve-racking process. You have decided what areas need improving, spend time planning your refurbishments, and you might even have a specific image in your head of what you want the end result to look like. However, there is often the fear that, for whatever reason, the outcome will not live up to your expectations. Frequent stories about contractors leaving homeowners with unfinished work or disastrous renovations do not help and can even put people off undertaking a project in the first place. According to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK economy misses out on £10bn every year because homeowners are afraid of hiring the wrong contractors. To avoid disappointment, they would rather not commission building work at all.

Therefore, we explore some tips that will help make sure you choose the right people from the outset. By knowing what to bear in mind when it comes to deciding who you want to carry out any work, you can enjoy your home restorations with peace of mind.

Do your research

First things first, looking up the company you intend to hire on the internet is always a wise choice. The online world has the answer

to many of our questions, and it can help you understand whether a contractor is the right tradesperson for the job. Websites such as Trustpilot and Google are an excellent starting point because they feature independent reviews, so you can read about the experiences of previous customers, to verify whether your chosen contractor has a good track record, or not. You should also ask for a written quote. If it seems very cheap, there is a chance you’ll face hidden extras further down the line and that the quality of work will not be up to standard.

If you realise that the builder has no registered business address, no landline telephone or contact number, or is unknown in the area, alarm bells should start ringing. No contact details mean that you will not be able to reach out for help during – or after – the refurbishments.

Examples of previous projects

Looking at a builder’s previous work can be a good indication of the quality you will receive. Reliable professionals will always be happy to show you examples of successful projects, and it will demonstrate the kind of work they are used to undertaking, as well as giving you ideas for your own build.

They won’t sign a contract

Another red flag you should look out for is

if your chosen builder is not prepared to sign a contract. Putting things on paper is fundamental when it comes to building work, as it means the specification, costs and sometimes timeframes can be agreed by both parties. A legally-binding contract means you, and the contractor, have clearly detailed the work that is included in your project and avoids any misunderstandings once work commences. With no contract or paperwork in place, you will have nothing to fall back on.

They only accept cash payment

If a builder insists on cash payment and wants the money upfront, think twice before you hire them. While staged payments are common-place to cover the cost of materials as and when you use them, paying cash upfront is not. A trustworthy contractor will not ask to be paid in cash first.

Refurbishing and updating your home involves an array of important decisions. One of the most prominent ones is to find and pick a contractor you can rely on. There are many red flags you should look out for, from a lack of online presence and positive customer reviews or inclusion of a formal contract to the request of upfront cash payment.

By doing your research, you can prevent unpleasant surprises and carry out your home renovations with confidence. n

Secretive Slugs

Not all slugs munch your dahlias and many recycle nutrients back into the soil...

Slug. Even the word isn’t particularly pleasant. Slugs have got a reputation for being the gardener’s nemesis but these nocturnal creatures deserve more respect. Leopard, ghost, hedgehog, silver, dotted, lemon…there are more than 40 species of slug in the UK and it’s time that we got to know them a little better.

Slugs are gastropods, which means ‘stomach foot’, referring to the fact that their ‘foot’ basically runs underneath their tummy. This muscular foot is eased across surfaces by the production of mucus, which is what produces the slimy trails you sometimes see. Slugs also use this for navigation; the trails help them to find their way home and to locate other slugs.

Slugs have evolved from snails and still carry a muchreduced shell within their bodies. They have two pairs of tentacles at the front – the upper pair are used for vision and smell whereas the lower pair focus on touch and taste. Although they’re hermaphrodites, which means that they have both male and female reproductive organs, they need another slug in order to mate. When they do, both slugs become pregnant!

composters, turning all this food into nutrients for gardens and soils. Leopard slugs even eat other slugs!

Slugs are less active when it’s dry or very cold but who knows what this year’s weather still has in store for us. For slugs that weren’t able to retreat to a sufficiently damp area during the summer’s heatwaves, disaster may have already struck. On the other hand, a damp and mild autumn might see slugs out and about for some time to come. This could be a good thing for other wildlife as slugs are food for birds, hedgehogs, slow-worms, toads, beetles, badgers and foxes. It’s estimated that a garden might have around 20,000 slugs, which just goes to show what an important part of a healthy and productive ecosystem these glistening trail-makers are. Whilst some slugs do eat plants, instead of trying eradicate them from your garden, think about how best to restore balance between prey and predator. One slow-worm on a Worcester allotment was seen to eat 17 slugs in one sitting, for example.

UP TO DATE

Check in damp and dark places – under stones and logs, in compost bins or buried in the soil – and you’re likely to find a slug or two. Rather amazingly they have almost as many teeth as a great white shark and they use these to rasp away at their food. Contrary to popular belief, many species of slug shy away from your prize plants in order to feed on rotting vegetation, lichen, fungi and decaying organic matter. In fact, they’re one of nature’s recyclers and brilliant

As well as encouraging slug predators into your garden, try planting strong-smelling or hairy plants (lavenders, rosemarys, cranesbills) around your favourite plants. Slugs prefer not to travel over rough ground so using crushed eggshells, gravel or woodchip around your prized plants might help. For top tips on making your garden attractive for lots of different species, take a look at www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-gardening n

Wendy Carter

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Leopard Slug

© Wendy Carter

What is the Energy Plan?

In September the Prime Minister announced changes to planned hike in energy charges that were due to take effect in October 22.

Under the new measures:

• A typical household’s energy bill will rise to £2,500 a year from 1 October (from £1,971)

• The “energy price guarantee” will last for two years

• This is not a limit on how much you will pay - your bill depends on how much energy you actually use. Remember the above figure is just an average home, not your home.

• Before the announcement, typical household bills had been due to rise to £3,549 a year

• The plan applies to all households in England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, the “same level of support” will be available

• The one-off £400 fuel bill discount payments for households will go ahead

• Anyone who doesn’t use mains gas and

• Businesses will be protected for six months initially, although nothing has been announced at the time of writing.

What is the energy cap?

• The energy price guarantee will replace the existing energy cap, which sets the highest amount suppliers are allowed to charge households for every unit of energy they use.

• These energy units are the kilowatt hours (kWh) on your bills.

• Under the new price guarantee, a typical household can now expect to pay about £2,500 a year. This is based on a household which uses 12,000 kWh of gas a year, and 2,900 kWh of electricity a year.

• But most households aren’t actually typical. Many factors - like the number of people in a house, the type of property and how much they use their heating - all make a difference.

• So, big energy users will pay more than

What additional help will I get?

• All households will be given a one-off £400 discount on their fuel bills from October, as previously announced.

• In addition, £650 will be paid to more than eight million low-income households who receive many benefits or tax credits.

• Further payments of £300 to pensioner households and £150 to disabled people will also go ahead.

• The government hasn’t said whether these will be repeated next October.

How your bill might work out

Using 8,000 Kwh of gas and 1,800 of electricity = £1700 per annum. The standing charge is also added to your bill – this is the daily charge just to be connected to gas and electric. Right now, the current rates for duel fuel tariffs are 27p per day for gas and 45p per day for electricity. That’s due to rise to 28.49p per day and 46.36p respectively according to the OFGEN website. n

Insights into Assisted Living Apartments From Richmond Villages

Richmond Villages, which has a retirement living development in Wood Norton, have addressed some of the most common concerns about moving into an Assisted Living Apartment.

With loneliness becoming an increasingly prevalent issue among older generations, communities like retirement villages are more important than ever. Nearly a quarter of people over the age of 60 say that they feel lonely: that’s three million people in the UK alone.

With loneliness comes a myriad of health concerns, including an increased risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, disability, cognitive decline, depression, and even early mortality. Some studies have found that adults over the age of 60 who

report feeling lonely are at higher risk of functional decline, meaning they are unable to carry out basic daily tasks.

Richmond Villages are retirement villages that offer Independent Living Apartments, Assisted Living Apartments, and care homes. With calendars packed with events and dedicated activities teams across the Villages, Richmond Villages places emphasis

Irene Toomey, a Richmond Villages resident, said, “We have a very, very good social life. In

fact, every day, we could either be out at lunch or out for drinks every night. The programme here is excellent: we have a very good supper club once a month with music and the summer weather’s here so in the Lodge café, we have bistro evenings. Really, we’re quite spoilt for choice with the programme.

“The atmosphere here is extremely friendly and really, we all feel that we’re here for each other, so even if one’s on one’s own, you’re not going to be a stranger for very long.”

Despite the benefits of living in the type of community offered by Richmond Villages, many people still have reservations about moving into a retirement village. Richmond Villages have addressed the most common myths they face about their Assisted Living Apartments:

1. ‘I don’t think an apartment is suitable for my parents living with dementia’ Richmond Villages supports a number of residents with early dementia in Assisted Living Apartments. Before any residents move in, the Domiciliary Care Team carries out an assessment, ensuring all residents are safe and in the appropriate type of living.

2. ‘My parents’ needs are too great and we think they need to move to a care home’

The personal care Richmond Villages provides in Assisted Living Apartments is tailored to individual needs, whether that’s help with showering, getting dressed, or a need for company. If care needs become too great, they will provide further support and care from the nursing or dementia team on their onsite care floor.

3. ‘I’m not sure we can afford the ongoing costs on an Assisted Living Apartment’

With Richmond Villages’ various lifestyle packages on offer, you only pay for the level of service you require. They also offer eligible discounts, all bills included, and no hidden charges, meaning their Assisted Living Apartments provide an

Alison Hammond drops in for a coffee at Woodland View

Droitwich Spa care home, Woodland View, welcomed the community to a Macmillan Coffee Morning this month with the help of special celebrity guest, Alison Hammond.

On Saturday 24th September, community members visited the care home to enjoy a cuppa, cake and a chat with Hammond, the residents and the care team members.

The coffee morning raised over £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support UK, a charity close to the hearts of the residents, staff and Alison Hammond.

Cindy Hawkins, the Home Manager at Woodland View, said ‘Our Macmillan Coffee Morning was a raging success! Our staff and residents are so grateful to Alison and the Droitwich community for coming out to support us.’

In an interview with BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester, Alison Hammond said, ‘Quite a few members of my family have been affected by cancer, and Macmillan has always been there for them.

Alison then joked, ‘I’m moving to Droitwich, I’ve decided! I’m moving in with these residents and I’m going to be here forever! It’s absolutely beautiful here.’

Woodland View, operated by Ideal Carehomes, is a residential and dementia care home. It is welcoming new residents for short- and longterm placements with a unique all-inclusive fee to give peace of mind to residents and their families. n

For more information, call 01905 917 358, email woodland.view@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.

extensive service more affordable than you may think.

4. ‘My parents are too independent for Assisted Living’

Assisted Living gives you the option to be as independent as you wish. An Assisted Living Apartment will support you with meals, housekeeping, and as much care as you require. Beyond that, you are

able to live as freely as you would in your own home.

5. ‘I’m worried my parents won’t be able to socialise as much in an Assisted Living Apartment as on the care floor’

Richmond Villages’ activities teams ensure each month is packed with an extensive activities schedule, meaning there is something for everyone. Their events are

open to all residents, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to socialise with people from across the Village.

Chris Hill, Village Manager at Richmond Villages Wood Norton, said, “At Richmond Villages, our residents are our top priority, whatever accommodation they may be in. We work hard to ensure everyone is safe and happy in their home.

“We are proud to offer Independent Living Apartments, Assisted Living Apartments, and Care Home options that mean our residents receive the best possible care that suits their individual needs.

“We have a dedicated activities team to create a vibrant community. Everyone who comes to Richmond Villages is welcomed with open arms with friendly staff always on hand to help.” n

Richmond Villages has sites in Aston-on-Trent, Bede, Cheltenham, Letcombe Regis, Nantwich, Northampton, Painswick, Willaston, Witney, and Wood Norton. For more information about Richmond Villages Wood Norton, visit www.richmond-villages.com or call 01386 258 043.

Quality care you can trust in Worcestershire

When a family is thinking about care for a loved one, they want the best - they want to know that the care home they choose will put their loved one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first.

Care UK’s Brook Court, Chandler Court and Perry Manor care homes in Worcestershire provide residential, dementia and nursing care, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones can stay living at the home should their needs change.

Living at Brook Court, Chandler Court and Perry Manor is all about quality of life. Every colleague in the home is passionate about enabling residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and preferences. The lifestyle teams organise a huge variety of group and one-to-one activities, with plenty going on each day.

With the extra support that Brook Court, Chandler Court and Perry Manor offer, new residents are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even discovering new hobbies with our daily activities.

Whether your loved one enjoys a quiet cup of tea in bed before starting the day, loves going for strolls in the landscaped grounds, or enjoys a chat over a beer, the team at Brook Court, Chandler Court and Perry Manor will spend time to enable them to continue living life the way they want to.

Brook Court, Chandler Court and Perry Manor care homes are part of award-winning provider, Care UK – one of the UK’s most successful care home operators* with over 40 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to older people. n

Brook Court care home

37-38 Oldnall Road, Kidderminster DY10 3HN kay.mayes@careuk.com

Chandler Court care home Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT paul.chambers@careuk.com

Perry Manor care home Charles Hastings Way, Worcester WR5 1ET Katherine.matthews@careuk.com

Careuk.com/Worcestershire 0333 363 7230

How to support your child if they have a learning difficulty

Interestingly, research conducted by Oxford Home Schooling revealed that while overseeing their children’s learning during lockdown, many parents spotted potential signs of a learning difficulty. Nearly half (47%) identified symptoms of dyslexia (difficulty reading, writing and spelling), whilst more than one in four (29%) observed possible indicators of dysgraphia (impaired handwriting or spelling).

To help parents who now think their child may have a learning difficulty, Greg Smith, Head of Operations at Oxford Home Schooling, has put together a guide on how best to support your child and what your next steps should be.

Get your child diagnosed

If your child’s difficulties are having a significant impact on their learning, it’s a good idea to have them tested for a condition and diagnosed.

A diagnosis can open the door for your child to receive appropriate learning support in school. This includes allowing them extra time in exams and being supported by a teaching assistant, so it’s a good idea to investigate this as early as possible.

If you’ve observed signs that your child may have a learning difficulty, you should speak to your GP, who can either make the diagnosis themselves, or refer the child for the appropriate tests.

Speak to your GP

Once a child is diagnosed with a learning difficulty, you should consult your GP. They

Specialists can include speech and language therapists, educational and clinical psychologists, and paediatricians, among others.

Make the school aware

Once you have an idea of the areas where your child is struggling, you will need to make their school and teachers aware of the situation.

This will allow the school to put extra support in place should your child require it. They will need time to consider how the condition might affect the child’s learning and work out how best to adapt their teaching.

Talk to others

Many parents find it difficult to process the diagnosis of a learning difficulty and it can be a challenge to adapt to your child’s new needs. Don’t be afraid to seek out the support of other parents who have experienced similar

your child can even build new friendships.

Support your child

The important thing to remember is that you need to support your child, whether this is with their learning, or any other aspects of life that they struggle with.

Being diagnosed with a learning difficulty is by no means the end of the world and children with such conditions go on to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives.

You will need to be patient, and it may be challenging at times, but with the correct support system in place your child will be fine. n

For information on the benefits of homeschooling for children with learning disabilities and special educational needs, visit: www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk

Worcester Sixth Form College

Worcester Sixth Form College offers the widest range of A Levels in Worcestershire complemented by a number of applied and T Level qualifications.

We believe that students do best when they are able to choose the subjects that suit their skills and interests rather than having to study something

that isn’t their first choice. We also offer opportunity to study subjects which many will not have encountered at GCSE including Criminology, Classical Civilisation, Philosophy and Environmental Science.

Additionally, all our students benefit from a wide range of enrichment that will develop their confidence, skills and boost

their motivation to succeed. We are confident that we have the expertise and resources to support our students so that they are successful and well prepared for their next steps.

If you, or your son or daughter, are considering options for post16 study for September 2023, we are holding Open Events on Thursday, 20th October and

Tuesday, 8th November. Our specialist teachers and current students will be available to answer your questions. There will also be opportunity to view our excellent facilities, find out about life at College and discuss any additional support needs. n

Visit www.wsfc.ac.uk for more details about our Open Events.

An education expert has shared five pieces of advice on how to support children if they have learning disabilities.

Successful Year for Holy Trinity School and Sixth Form Centre

A new school year and successful GCSE and A level examination results, Holy Trinity’s broad curriculum and value of the world of academia, creative arts and PE, ensures skills and attributes developed in these subjects supports students to become accomplished individuals.

A through school under one roof, teaching across both primary and secondary offers an effective transition from Year 6 to Year 7

Primary students receive specialist teaching from senior staff in PE, Music, French and Art, as well as some subject specialism within each year group in KS2. Sixth Form students benefit from small tuition groups, with opportunities to develop leadership skills within the main school and individual support with UCAS applications. n

All student entry applications are made via Worcestershire County Council and for further information please call 01562 822929 or

Worcestershire

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

Rachel Seabright

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

Kate Gilmartin

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

What's On OCTOBER

Saturday 8th

Craft Fair Worcester Guildhall Come and join us for a browse or shop. All of our crafters are local and make their products themselves so that you will find something truly unique. Admission is free. Contact us on craftinaction@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th

Pumpkin Festival

Salwarpe, Droitwich WR9 0AH. This year our all-inclusive Pumpkin festival includes: A standard size PYO Pumpkin per paid child & entry to our pumpkin carving barn (upgrades and additional pumpkins will be available)

Scary Fairy Trail leading you over the troll bridge & into our spooky woodland, all themed with Halloween clues so be sure to crack the code Entry into our Ghostly Maize Maze Go-Kart Track Pedal Tractors Giant Sand Pit Air Bouncers (weather dependent) Meet our animals in their new paddocks Plenty of photo opportunities throughout your visit so be sure to dress the part – we love FANCY DRESS! All you need to do it book your Pumpkin festival pass online and select your arrival time. Monster and Mega Monster

Sunday 9th

The BIG Worcester Wedding Show Worcester Racecourse

Pumpkins will be available with an upgrade charge on the day. Churchfields ice cream, hot & cold food & drinks will be available to purchase at The Old Barn Cafe. Event also taking place on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th.

Sunday 9th

The BIG Worcester Wedding Show Worcester Racecourse. A selection of 40 Unique and inspiring exhibitors on hand to guide you through every aspect of planning your wedding or special event. From Dresses to Photographers, and Flowers to Evening Entertainment - we have it all covered. 40 Exhibitors. Free Entry. Free Goody Bag. Free Magazines including supplier directory - The DIVA Directory and SO much more. www.divaweddingfayres.com

Thursday 13th

The Jerseys Live!

The Palace Theatre Redditch, Alcester Street, Redditch. Join The Jerseys as we celebrate the timeless music of the 100 million album selling Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Incredible falsettos, beautiful acapellas - the authenticity of the sublime harmonies of the 60s and 70s - with a huge repertoire including ‘Sherry’, ‘Walk Like A Man’, ‘My Eyes Adored You’, ‘Grease’, Rag Doll’, ‘Stay’, ‘Lets Hang On’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ before finishing off with headline hit ‘Oh What A Night’! This is much more than just another tribute show - this is a celebration of fantastic music performed by an array of incredible talent. Along with their LIVE 4 piece band of internationally renowned musicians, this all-singing all-dancing show features hit after hit, comedy and more –the complete night out which will have you dancing in the aisles of the theatre and leave you ‘beggin’ for more!

Saturday 15th

Artisan Market hosted by Flourish & Forb Unit 6, St Martin’s Quarter, Worcester WR1 2DA. Flourish & Forb markets are seasonal artisan markets, organised and run by artists

Personalise Your Wedding Ring

What's On

VHK Womens Health

Women often report how a holistic approach, where they feel both informed and supported can enable them to take control of their symptoms and improve quality of life.

VHK Women’s Health Clinic offers women the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion about symptoms and the treatment options that may be best suited to them. Finding a tailored approach with a combination of lifestyle, body-identical HRT or nonhormonal evidenced based medication is key to symptom control and improvement in quality of life.

For many women, the perimenopausal journey starts during their forties. Women may still be having regular periods despite fluctuating hormone levels, making it harder to recognise this as a cause of their

symptoms. Anxiety, mood fluctuations, joint pains, fatigue, and palpitations often present earlier than the better-known night sweats and hot flushes. It comes as no surprise that this life transition can have a significant effect on personal relationships and working life.

Dr Hobbs and Dr Kerr, each have over 20 years of experience of medical menopause management and can use their extensive knowledge to create a bespoke management plan for all their patients. Both are active members of the British Menopause Society and registered with the General Medical Council. n

www.vhkwomenshealth.com

EDUCATION

What's On

with the goal of supporting other local creative businesses. Flourish & Forb markets bring together local artists, makers and designers to showcase their beautiful handmade items. Our markets are being held at The Granary, which is a perfect central location in the heart of Worcester, near to St Martins Gate car park between Asda and Costa. This is a truly great way of supporting local independent businesses, discovering unique and quality artisan products and artwork, and you’re sure to have a great day out too! Entry is free.

Saturday 22nd - Sunday 30th

Pumpkin Festival

Salwarpe, Droitwich WR9 0AH. This year our all-inclusive Pumpkin festival includes: A standard size PYO Pumpkin per paid child & entry to our pumpkin carving barn (upgrades and additional pumpkins will be available) Scary Fairy Trail leading you over the troll bridge & into our spooky woodland, all themed with Halloween clues so be sure to crack the code Entry into our Ghostly Maize Maze Go-Kart Track Pedal Tractors Giant Sand Pit Air Bouncers (weather dependent) Meet our animals in their new paddocks Plenty of photo opportunities throughout your visit so be sure to dress the part – we love FANCY

Saturday 22ndSunday 30th

Pumpkin Festival Salwarpe, Droitwich

DRESS! All you need to do it book your Pumpkin festival pass online and select your arrival time. Monster and Mega Monster Pumpkins will be available with an upgrade charge on the day. Churchfields ice cream, hot & cold food & drinks will be available to purchase at The Old Barn Cafe.

Sunday 23rd

Halloween showing of Hocus Pocus Worcester Outdoor Cinema. Join us for this Halloween Cinema showing of Hocus Pocus A socially distanced, covid safe outdoor cinema screening of hocus pocus where

we have 2 screenings on this day. There will also be catering unit onsite that will serve the hot drinks, you can of course bring your own snacks! Limited tickets available so make sure to book yours today! Tickets are £34 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids) £14 for an adult £9 per child.

Monday 24th - Saturday 29

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

Webbs of Wychbold, Worcester Road, Wychbold, WR9 0DG and Webbs West

NowWorcestershire

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

Rachel Seabright

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

Kate Gilmartin

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

What's On

EDUCATION

Saturday 29th

to your handrail and lock your compartment door because they’re coming to get you! Start your night at The King & Castle pub at Kidderminster Station, before boarding the train into your reserved seats for a ride out into the night. Petrifying ghouls sneak through the train’s corridors as you pass through haunted stations to Arley - but will you make it back alive? The experience lasts approximately 75 minutes. www.svr.co.uk

Saturday 29th

Worcester Gin, Rum & Prosecco Festival

Hagley, Kidderminster Road, Stourbridge, DY9 0JB. The perfect Halloween half term fun... Bring your little ones along for a fun session of pumpkin carving. This is great for kids of all ages to get creative but most of all have fun. You could even come dressed in your Halloween fancy dress to make the occasion even more exciting! Time: 10am4pm Price: £6.50 per child

Tuesday 25th

UNKNOWN

Vesta Tilley Studio, Swan Theatre, Worcester.

A Play About Homelessness by Dougie Blaxland. Big Issue Foundation & RoughHouse Theatre are delighted to announce the casting for UNKNOWN - a play about homelessness commissioned by Big Issue Foundation that will be touring the UK this autumn.

Thursday 27th

Scream Train

Calling all passengers - The Scream Train is waiting in platform one for what could be your final destination. There’s something roaming the train in the cover of darkness - hold on

The Guildhall, High Street, Worcester. Welcome to WORCESTER Gin & Fizz Festival 2022. Expect the very best as we work together with local distillers and other service suppliers from around the UK. Meet the distillers, chat, sample and even buy a bottle or two of your favourites to enjoy at home. Each and every show will be carefully programmed with a selection of small batch, hand crafted gins. Amongst the gin party setting will be local music, a fizz bar serving an assortment of bubbles, a games corner, Instagram selfie station with dress up props and much much more... Regular tickets £15 (no booking fee) Last tickets release £20 (no booking fee) 1pm - 5pm.

Worcester Gin, Rum & Prosecco Festival The Guildhall, Worcester