Worcestershire NOW - SEPTEMBER 2020

Worcestershire

Now

The School at the Heart of the Community Virtual Open Events at Christopher Whitehead Language College and Sixth Form See page 33 for more information

GREEN HOME GRANTS A GUIDE TO MINDFULNESS RETURNING TO EDUCATION SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 199 t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

NEWS • HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD & DRINK • HEALTH & BEAUTY • GOLDEN YEARS • PUZZLES

THANK YOU! Refuse & recycling crews Key workers Stay at home heroes Home schoolers Shielders & shopping sharers

Whatever you did, whoever you are You kept recycling!!

Thank you everyone! #recycleweek

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

Worcestershire

8

Now 14

20

SEPTEMBER 2020 HOME & GARDEN 8

Green Home Grants

14

Considering a Greenhouse?

18

Will Renting Become Harder After Covid 19?

20

Nature Notebook

22

HEALTH & BEAUTY 22

Your Guide to Mindfulness

GOLDEN YEARS 24

Peace of Mind at Brockington House

26

Caring For Someone in Another Home

26

EDUCATION 30

Coronavirus Face Covering and Secondary School Transport

32

Start Your Abberley Adventure

35

Pupils Adjusting to the “New Normal”

36

The King’s School, Worcester Gears Up for the Start of Term by Welcoming New Headmaster

38

Government Guidance for Higher Education

PUZZLED 40

38 30

Your Monthly Dose of Puzzle Goodness

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

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd

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

ADVERTISING Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Lis Gardner Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk

Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727905 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk

DESIGN Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Wendy Carter Abberley Hall Age UK Brockington House Hartley Botanic Kings School NHS Severn Arts The Downs, Malvern

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

ARTISTS BRING HOPE AND JOY TO WORCESTER Empty shops are the bleak reminder of the pandemic and the damage it has caused, but a project to turn the units into art installations might just breathe new life into the city.

Worcester City Council, Worcester BID and Severn Arts closed bids on the 14th August for up to eight artists to create engaging bespoke designs to lift up the vacant shop units and inspire residents and visitors. The project theme will be of ‘hope and joy’.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, vice chair of Worcester City Council’s place and economic development subcommittee, said: “The arts have played a huge role during lockdown.

As we recover from Covid19 it is important that we continue to support the arts and local artists to play their role in the city’s recovery by creating and displaying work that engages and encourages people to return to the city centre and support the economy.”

Laura Worsfold, CEO of Severn Arts, added: “Severn Arts is delighted to be working with Worcester City Council on this project to animate our empty units in the city. We look forward to seeing what artists come up with and hope their work will entice more people to come into the high street and be proud of their local creative talent.”

Sam McCarthy, Projects and Marketing Manager Worcester Business Improvement District, said: “Worcester BID are proud to be working with the partnership to support and enhance the city centre. This is an exciting project to be involved with bringing creativity to the city and supporting encouraging footfall while observing the social distancing measures.”

It is hoped the outdoor gallery will be up and running by the end of September. n Visit www.severnarts.org.uk

VOLUNTEERS New site needed WANTED! for Churchgoers Come and join our team and make a real difference by

volunteering at Mentor Link charity shop, 24-25 High Street, Stourport on Severn.

The items in our shop raise vital funds to support local vulnerable and distressed children in the Wyre Forest.

We are looking for volunteers to give 2-3 hours per week (days to suit) to process and display our stock and serve customers.

A congregation who lost their church and worshipped from a pub have now had to switch to online services.

The Holy Trinity and St Matthew’s Church had been holding services in a skittle alley at the Punch Bowl in Ronkswood.

Churchgoers have effectively been homeless since the demolition of its previous 50-year-old building, widely known as The Drum, in November 2014. But due to Covid-19 stricter rules now prevent them using the pub and a home for the church is again being sought.

satisfaction from meeting people, and understood the aim of the

Penny Welford, deputy churchwarden, said “The church is extremely grateful to the landlords at the pub for the hospitality extended to them but, at this point in the current pandemic, regulations dictate that services cannot yet be resumed at the pub.

charity, helping children and young people in my local community

“This has made it more clear than ever that we need a building of our own.”

Volunteer Zena writes; “I love meeting people in our shop. I do till work, tagging and pricing stock, and displays. I saw an advert in the shop window, and decided I would love to volunteer. I just get

and beyond.”

Contact Elaine on 07805 937347 or email Elaine.Carroll@ mentorlink.org.uk For more information about our work www. mentorlink.org.uk Please help us to help local children. We look forward to hearing from you. n n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

A fundraising drive was launched to bring the church home to The Drum site and more than £16,000 was raised towards an original £1 million target needed.

Now, the churchwarden said, due to a lack of a community partner to get the scheme off the ground the original plans for a church building have been set aside and the church is “exploring ideas for a smaller and more affordable building for the site” with the target reduced to £500,000. n

HERE & NOW

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HERE & NOW

7-YEAR-OLD BEGINS 65-MILE CYCLE CHALLENGE TO RAISE FUNDS IN MEMORY OF HIS GRAMPS 7-year-old Harry Boote from Gloucestershire has begun a 65-mile cycling challenge in August and September to raise funds for national blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia in memory of his Gramps who passed away from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) on May 19th this year.

the first 8 miles of his challenge, and she is

Harry, a pupil at Staunton & Corse C of E Academy in Gloucestershire, will look to complete 65 miles as his Gramps, Mike Chivers, would have celebrated his 66th birthday on Sunday August 23rd.

been out on the bike he has really opened up

Sadly, Mike was diagnosed with AML on April 27th and despite treatment at Hereford County Hospital and the Worcestershire Royal Hospital he passed away just three weeks later.

very proud of him for taking it on: “We are really proud of Harry for wanting to raise funds in memory of his Gramps. The loss of a close family member can be really hard at his age and he has been distant and guarded at home since dad passed away. But when he’s about his feelings and I think this will be a really positive thing for him to do.”

Katie, who is a Healthcare Assistant at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, continued: “We lost my dad so fast it has been really hard for us all as a family, but Harry’s challenge will be a great tribute to dad and a great focus for him.”

All funds raised by Harry, who is a relative of Cure Leukaemia Patron Doug McKinnon (a veteran of four Grand Tour cycling events for the charity) will go towards funding a specialist research nurse position in the Haematology department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

She continued: “We are very pleased to

This nurses role, which is currently being recruited for, will enable pioneering clinical trials for blood cancer to run connecting patients with potentially life-saving treatments not available through standard care.

where dad was treated. He was only there for

Harry’s mum, Katie, plans to run or cycle alongside her son, who has already completed

has received a video message of support

raise funds for Cure Leukaemia as we know all about the amazing work they do having spoken to my husband’s uncle, Doug. It is great to know that every penny we raise will go towards funding a nurse at the hospital a short time and it will be nice to think that Harry’s efforts can help patients in the same position dad was in.”

Harry has already raised close to £1,500 and from

television

presenter,

author

Worcestershire has the lowest successful quit rate of smoking out of the England districts Worcestershire with just 0.12 per cent kicking the habit, this is the 2nd lowest quit rate out of 213 districts in England.

Within Worcestershire Malvern has the lowest quit rate, followed by Wyre Forest, Worcester and then Redditch. The figures were collated by Vape Club in a campaign to encourage smoking cessation, and sourced from official Public Health England figures released on July 7, 2020.

varying successful quit rates across the region. Dan Marchant, smoking cessation expert and Director of Vape Club, said: “More and more people are starting to see that vaping offers a game-changing alternative to traditional smoking cessation methods. “Figures show that vaping is actually twice as effective as other nicotine replacement products, and it is fantastic to see organisations such as Public Health England and the NHS embracing this

Looking to stem the habit, NHS services across the West Midlands recorded a 1.12 per cent “quit rate” – below the average achieved across England (1.89 per cent).

The West Midlands has the lowest quit rate out of all regions in England. Stokeon-Trent has the best recorded quit rate in the region with 3.99 per cent.

public health breakthrough.

The added pressure smoking puts on emergency services can be seen with

free support to those wishing to give up

n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

“However, there is clearly still a long way to go in getting the vaping message out to the millions of people still smoking in England.”

As with all changes to your lifestyle your medicial practice is the best place to start with a number of them providing smoking or vaping for good. n

and

columnist Dr Ranj Singh which can be seen at youtu.be/RTCl6c3HvH8 Harry’s Headteacher at Staunton & Corse Academy, Jon Tibbles said: “Harry is a wonderful boy and I am so proud of his desire to raise funds in the memory of his grandfather Mike Chivers. Of course, everyone at Staunton and Corse Academy wish him well for his epic bike ride and look forward to seeing him when children return to school to find out about his adventure.”

Cure Leukaemia will be encouraging supporters who live locally to Harry to join him for parts of his challenge which is expected to take a number of days to complete. CEO James McLaughlin said: “This is a great challenge Harry is taking on and we are so grateful to him for his efforts to raise vital funds for Cure Leukaemia during such a challenging time.

“We have had tremendous support from the haematology team at Worcestershire Royal in recent years and we are delighted to be providing funding for a research nurse once again. I am sure the whole Cure Leukaemia family will get behind Harry and help him raise as many funds as possible to help others. n To make a donation to Harry’s fundraising visit: www.justgiving.com/harrys-ride-forgramps

HERE & NOW

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n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

G me

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a for s e l ru me. d e e h sc rm onfi billion c s a 2 nt h f the £ e m o rn ove launch G The mber te Sep

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HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

In August the government called on tradespeople to sign up to the TrustMark accreditation scheme ahead of the launch in September of the £2bn Green Homes Grant scheme, which aims to stimulate a wave of demand for energy efficiency upgrades across the UK. Providing an update on the plans for the scheme, which was unveiled as part of the Chancellor’s summer economic update in July, the government confirmed the grant programme is scheduled to go live towards the end of September.

Under the scheme, the government is to provide two thirds of the cost of home improvements with grants capped at £5,000.

Meanwhile, low income households will qualify for grants worth up to £10,000 to support energy efficiency upgrades.

The Department for Business, Energy, and

Industrial

Strategy

(BEIS)

today

said the scheme is expected to deliver improvements for over 600,000 households, while creating an estimated 100,000 jobs in green construction.

n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

In a bid to assuage concerns over ‘cowboy builders’ taking advantage of the scheme, BEIS confirmed tradespeople must register for TrustMark or MCS accreditation to take part in the scheme.

“Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople,” said Business Secretary Alok Sharma. “Our TrustMark scheme will guarantee that building work is completed to a high standard by accredited tradespeople, ensuring consumers are fully protected.”

The government today also announced which upgrades and technologies will qualify for the grant scheme, confirming Green Homes Grant vouchers will be available for homeowners and landlords who install solid wall, underfloor, cavity wall or roof insulation; air source or ground source heat pumps; and/or solar thermal systems.

In addition, households can use vouchers to cover up to two thirds of the cost of double or triple glazing/secondary glazing, when CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

replacing single glazing; energy efficient doors; and hot water system thermostats and heating controls.

concerns remain over how quickly the promised £2bn will be assigned, given the budget for similar previous grant schemes were exhausted within weeks. The government is also continuing to face long-standing questions over when it will provide clarity on its longer term building energy efficiency programmes, with the current grants only expected to last until early next year.

Homeowners across England will be able to access advice and support on how to improve the energy efficiency of their homes from the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) service, which will provide advice on appropriate improvements and whether they qualify for funding.

The government said upgrades could save households hundreds of pounds a year on their energy bills, while also slashing carbon emissions.

Mike Thornton, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, hailed the grant scheme as “a significant investment by the government in energy efficiency which will provide long term benefits to householders and the environment by cutting fuel bills and reducing carbon emissions”.

“It will particularly help low-income households access much-needed funds to make their homes warmer,” he added. “I would really encourage homeowners to apply for the scheme.”

n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said the scheme offered “a really welcome boost for the building industry as it recovers from the impact of COVID-19”.

“The vouchers will be a significant benefit to households wanting to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce their energy bills, whilst providing much needed work for accredited installers at this difficult time,” he added.

The scheme has been broadly welcomed by green groups and trade bodies. However,

Meanwhile, the glazing industry in particular will be disappointed that the focus on only supporting installations where single glazing is replaced will minimise its involvement in the scheme.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the new scheme represented “a vital part of our plan for jobs as we secure the UK’s economic recovery from Coronavirus”.

“This is going to be a green recovery with concern for our environment at its heart,” he added. “It will help to protect and create jobs, while also saving people money and cutting carbon.” n www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk www.trustmark.org.uk www.mcscertified.com

HOME & GARDEN

Made-to-Measure Curtains & Blinds Saphira by Romo

• Free consultation in your own home • Fitting service available • • Extensive range of fabrics and accessories • Opening Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm | Sunday - Tuesday: Closed

61 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1EU

T: 01386 556 411 | M: 07527 047647 | E: veragilesinteriors@btconnect.com

www.veragilesinteriors.co.uk

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a g n i r e

n e e Gr

s. tion s e u ur q o y rs swe n a c tani o B y artle H r ure fact u n a se m u o sh glas

d i s n o C oric Hist

? e s u o h

Historic Glasshouse and Greenhouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic experienced a renewed demand from homeowners in its beautiful, handmade Greenhouses during lockdown, as the benefit of being more self-sufficient and ‘growing your own’ was thrown sharply into focus. The Lancashirebased business, which has been operating since 1938, experienced a c.35 percent increase in customers citing ‘growing their own’ as the primary reason they wanted to invest in a Glasshouse or Greenhouse during lockdown, with customers saying they ‘never want to be caught out like this again.’ To meet the demand of homeowners desperate for a Hartley Botanic, the manufacturer now offers same-day ‘virtual home visits’ to help speed-up the planning of customer orders.

If lockdown inspired you to think about owning a Glasshouse or Greenhouse for the first time, but you don’t know where to start, Hartley Botanic has provided the answers to some of the most common questions asked by new customers.

What size and type of Glasshouse or Greenhouse should I buy?

Envisaging how you would like to use and enjoy your Greenhouse is a useful consideration in deciding upon a design and final size. There are a huge number of ways a Greenhouse can bring your gardening n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

potential alive, and also expand the way you utilise your garden as an outdoor space.

Perhaps you want your Greenhouse to fulfil a dual purpose, to be a very practical tool for growing your own food but also, an alfresco room where you can sit amongst your plants – for this, a structure which allows for a generous seating area with a view of key staging areas could be a consideration. In terms of size, our Victorian Lodge would be ideal for this. Or perhaps it will enable you to indulge a passion for alpines and, being able to admire them from the outside is as important as growing them. With its unique square architecture our Grange Glasshouse could be an interesting choice. Or perhaps you want to grow fresh flowers for your property and are interested in blurring the divide between your living rooms and your garden – consider an abutting Greenhouse accessible from within your home.

What is the optimal position in my garden for a Greenhouse?

Your Greenhouse needs access to as much sunlight as possible during all seasons of the year so positioning is an important consideration. Avoid locating your Greenhouse in the shadow of tall trees, boundary fences or walls as these will obstruct light.

For lean-to Greenhouses placed against a wall, a south-facing position is ideal. For

stand-alone structures, the ridge along the top of the Greenhouse should ideally run from East to West, this will allow the sun to run along its longest side during the day.

Other elemental considerations include a location to catch prevailing winds for ventilation purposes and choosing a site which is not shaded, but equally not too exposed to the cold.

Site your Greenhouse in close proximity to an electricity (if utilising) and water supply, and on fertile soil if you want to install growing beds.

It is also important to consider how the structure will fit aesthetically into your landscaping as a whole. Your Greenhouse needs to find a natural place within your existing garden, rather than dominate it.

Will I need planning permission?

Planning consent is not always needed for Greenhouses or Glasshouses which are intended solely for domestic use, and sometimes we are able to reassure customers with an unequivocal no. However, there are many and varied circumstances where planning permission will be required, such as for Grade 1, 2 or listed properties or for areas of outstanding natural beauty. You may also need permission if the Greenhouse CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

ANDREW ALEXANDER GARDEN DESIGN NDH Hort (Pershore)

Low Maintenance Garden Worcestershire

THREE TIMES ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEDAL WINNER Let me design your dream garden, tailored to your individual style, budget and needs.

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Tel: 07968 371828

Email: aaoutdoors@live.co.uk Find us on Facebook at Andrew Alexander Outdoors for an extensive gallery of photos t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 15 n

HOME & GARDEN will be disproportionately large in relation to your existing property. As instances will vary so much from customer to customer we recommend you check this with your local planning authority. A good place to start is the government’s planning permission portal for England and Wales: https://www. gov.uk/planning-permission-england-wales If planning permission is needed, we are very happy to provide drawings for use in your application. We can also provide guidance from our technical teams, either for yourself or your contractor.

What are the benefits of a ‘lean-to’ and an abutting Greenhouse?

And how do they differ?

Lean-to and abutting Greenhouses can provide clever, neat and stylish design solutions which make effective use of smaller outdoor spaces or give direct access to your Greenhouse through your property.

Lean-to Greenhouses are placed along southfacing or well-lit walls and work well in both walled gardens and against a property’s external wall. They are ideal for compact garden areas - The Hartley Lean-tos’ neat layout is enhanced further by its side-sliding doors at the entrance, moving away from the neighbouring wall. With their roof pitch highest next to the adjoining wall, lean-to designs provide ideal spaces to grow fruit trees and ornamentals which benefit from being trained, such as Pelargonium and Bougainvillea.

Abutting Greenhouses and Glasshouses are typically attached to a building by their side.

Attaching a Greenhouse to the side of your property can create beautiful, architectural interest and a contemporary look. This is especially true if selecting stone for the Greenhouses’ dwarf wall which mirrors that of the property itself.

I notice many of your Greenhouses are on dwarf walls. Why is this and what are the other options?

Many of our customers prefer the traditional look using a dwarf wall gives, and for some, this also provides a clever way to visually unify a Greenhouse with the customers’ property by using the same bricks or stone. Construction on a dwarf wall has the added benefit of being able to include attached cold frames to the Greenhouse or Glasshouse design, providing extended but separate storage space and a different growing environment.

Hartley Botanic does also manufacture and install many glass to ground structures. Our contemporary Opus Glasshouse is a glass n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

to ground structure as is our Westminster and our Grow and Store. These structures offer an alternative aesthetic with the benefit of maximising light within the Greenhouse, helping to make full use of the growing season.

and designed specifically for a Greenhouse

What water access will I need?

Watering is arguably the most important daily task in the routine of owning a Greenhouse, so easy access to a mains water supply is a must, especially during dry seasons. There are automatic watering systems available for Greenhouse owners, but for domestic structures, these are not always necessary and lack the intuition and personal touch of a gardener, able to tailor watering according to each plants’ needs.

We recommend Greenhouse owners make use of sustainable water sources, using water butts to collect rainwater and ‘grey’ water recycled from baths or sinks. This will save on the amount of water you need to use without negatively impacting your plants – unless they include bleach, caustic materials or artificially softened water (as found in dishwashers and washing machines.) Hartley Botanic offers beautiful, Victorian-style, cast iron heating and drainage grates which are very effective at draining away excess water, at the same time as providing a stunning, classic aesthetic.

electricity isn’t necessarily required - a hot

How do I ventilate my Greenhouse?

One of the most common reasons for plant failure in Greenhouses is due to insufficient ventilation. Ventilation is maximised and prioritised for Hartley Botanic customers with the number and position of vents being determined according to the specific needs of each bespoke structure. Our Victorian range comes with automatic vents and our other models come with manual ventilation as standard which can be upgraded on request.

Hartley Botanic Greenhouse at Belgrave

Is an electricity supply essential?

Running an electricity supply directly to your Hartley Botanic Greenhouse is not essential, but it can certainly make your life easier and your Greenhouse more efficient.

Both heat and light are wonder ingredients for your flourishing plants and can be exploited further if available in all seasons and at all times of day or night. We offer stylish Hartley lights which can be powder coated to exactly match your Greenhouse finish or are available in polished metal. Our lights give you the chance to extend your time in your Greenhouse by improving visibility and can encourage growth. Customers can also purchase our recommended fan heaters made from highest quality stainless steel

environment. Fan heaters are very efficient at circulating heat, even in medium and large structures.

For heating extremely large structures, water pipe system with a boiler powered by gas or oil is the norm. Thermostats for this system should be located at plant height near the centre of the Greenhouse where it will not be influenced by drafts or sidewall cooling and protected from direct contact with sunlight and water.

How much should I spend?

This

really

depends

on

the

type

of

Greenhouse or Glasshouse you would like, its size and scope. When considering the size of your Greenhouse or Glasshouse, weighed against its potential cost, it is important to consider how long you are likely to be using it as a growing space and how your needs may change over time. With a Hartley Botanic Greenhouse you are guaranteed to be investing in a structure which will last for at least 30 years (see our 30-year lifetime guarantee), with many of our Greenhouses and Glasshouses lasting much longer many of our early structures from the 1950’s are still standing and in full use (such as the Hall, installed in 1950 and the Glasshouse in Glasgow Botanical Gardens installed in 1988.)

As your Hartley Botanic Greenhouse will grow with you and your garden over many, many years we recommend taking a long-term view.

If practical within your garden and budget, a larger structure provides more scope to meet your future growing ambitions, which are likely to increase, especially if you are a firsttime Greenhouse owner.

Clearly, if considering a larger structure, final budget considerations should include potential heating and lighting costs. n For

more

information

about

Hartley

Botanic’s ‘virtual home visits’, please visit: https://hartley-botanic.co.uk/customeru p d a te - l a u n c h i n g - n e w - v i r t u a l - s a l e s support-customers/ All Hartley Botanic’s Glasshouses and Greenhouses are handmade, bespoke and made to order. Customers interested in

purchasing

a

Hartley

Botanic

Greenhouse should visit: http://www. hartley-botanic.co.uk or call 01457 819 155 for more information.

HOME & GARDEN

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PROPERTY

e m o c e B ? g 9 n 1 i t d n i e v R o C ll i r e W t f A r e d r Ha

ome s h it ic, w be in. m e d to pan ation t n u e rr sit e cu errible h t to at due this is e l b t trou doub l a i no nc fina here’s n i t s elve ult and s m s e d th as a re n u t o en ef hav their r l l i yw pay Man ble to una

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have

found

themselves in financial trouble due to the current pandemic, with some unable to pay their rent as a result and there’s no doubt this is a terrible situation to be in. Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented: Unfortunately, it isn’t the responsibility of UK landlords to take this financial hit on behalf of their tenants and to expect them to continue to is somewhat unfair, considering they have already done so for some months having had no choice in the matter. Those tenants who have found themselves in financial hardship due to the coronavirus have now had time to seek alternative living arrangements without the pressure of eviction. In any other scenario, it’s unlikely they would have been afforded this luxury. It’s also incredibly unfair not to n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

consider the landlord in this scenario as many are reliant on rental payments in order to survive and have had no choice but to swallow this loss of income due to the eviction ban.”

This eviction ban has been extended by one month, it was due to end on the 23rd August and according to Shelter reasearch nationally near a quarter of a million private renters have fallen into arrears.

Of course, there will always be a few unscrupulous landlords wanting to evict their tenants, but the reality is that the vast majority of landlords have been working with their tenants to reach an agreement that suits all parties, in what has been a tough few months for all.

In contrast, some landlords have been held to ransom by unsavoury tenants who

have seen an opportunity to play the game knowing they can’t be evicted.

Given that some landlords will have already had arrears, the Covid 19 arrears plus the new 6 months it takes to give notice it will mean more landlords calling time on their portfolio.

This will see the number of properties available to buy rising in the middle of next year, way to late too late for the new purchaser to take advantage of the ‘lower stamp duty levels’ that close on the 31st March 2021.

In Worcestershire our rental stock, other than student housing, is already low so a further fall will see our young people further disadvantaged. n

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t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 19 n

NATURE NOTEBOOK

Small Tortoiseshell © Pete Smith

Doorstep Wildlife

As our lives have been turned upside down this year, have you been taking more notice of our amazing natural world?

Since lockdown began, we’ve been helping people to stay connected with nature and to find out more about what they’ve been seeing on their doorsteps – whether that be gardens, community spaces or local walks.

Our Facebook page, Twitter stream and website have been packed with videos, spotter sheets, garden blogs, craft activities, recommended nature reads and more.

It’s been wonderful to hear from so many people about what they’ve been seeing and how much they’ve enjoyed the birdsong or noticed the bees and the butterflies. Hopefully, the wonders of our amazing natural world have inspired many of you to help our beleaguered wildlife. Did you know that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world? It may not have sounded like it when, during lockdown, birdsong was louder than traffic but there are fewer numbers of fewer species in fewer places.

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

Take insects, for example. 41% of our insect species are at threat of extinction. From the bumblebees in your garden to the rare beetles on a nature reserve, that’s a shocking thought. The good news is that it isn’t too late – we can all do something to reverse this trend. If you’ve got your own patch that you look after, make sure that it’s filled with a variety of nectar and pollen rich plants. Don’t forget, though, that flowers aren’t everything – caterpillars of moths and butterflies often need foliage and sometimes need specific plants. We had lots of reports of scarlet tiger moths being seen

n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

this summer; to attract them to your garden plant some comfrey and don’t wage war on the green alkanet that springs up when you’re not looking.

Creating spaces for insects is vital but it’s equally important to do away with the chemicals. Nature has its own checks and balances - predators that prey on what you might consider to be pests. Just like slowworms will devour your slugs, hoverfly and ladybird larvae will happily munch on aphids. If you plant flowers to attract the adults, their offspring should take care of your aphid-concerns.

How can we measure whether what you’re doing in your own patch is making a difference? Recording what you see is important so, working with Worcestershire Biological Records Centre and members of the Worcestershire Recorders, we’ve launched a simple online form so that you can let us know when you see any of six easily recognised species of insect that should be found across the county. Knowing where wildlife is and in what numbers can help us to track their successes and failures.

Discover more www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/doorstep-wildlife Take action for insects www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/action-insects Record your insect sightings www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings. n Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

NATURE NOTEBOOK

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Your Guide to

Mindfulness

It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much.Paying more attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you – can improve your mental wellbeing.

Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”.

Mindfulness can help us enjoy life more and understand ourselves better. You can take steps to develop it in your own life.

What is Mindfulness?

Professor Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, says that mindfulness means knowing directly what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment.

“It’s easy to stop noticing the world around us.

It’s also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living ‘in our heads’ – caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour,” he says.

“An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means waking up to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of a banister as we walk upstairs.

“Another important part of mindfulness is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment.

“It’s about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly. When we do that, it can positively change the way we see ourselves and our lives.”

How Mindfulness Helps Mental Wellbeing Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better. When we become more aware of the present moment, we begin to experience afresh things that we have been taking for granted.

“Mindfulness also allows us to become more aware of the stream of thoughts and feelings that we experience,” says Professor Williams, “and to see how we can become entangled in that stream in ways that are not helpful. n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

“This lets us stand back from our thoughts and start to see their patterns. Gradually, we can train ourselves to notice when our thoughts are taking over and realise that thoughts are simply ‘mental events’ that do not have to control us.

“Most of us have issues that we find hard to let go and mindfulness can help us deal with them more productively. We can ask: ‘Is trying to solve this by brooding about it helpful, or am I just getting caught up in my thoughts?

Awareness of this kind also helps us notice signs of stress or anxiety earlier and helps us deal with them better.”

Mindfulness is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a way to prevent depression in people who have had 3 or more bouts of depression in the past. See the NICE guideline on depression in adults.

How to be More Mindful Reminding yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you is the first step to mindfulness.

Notice the Everyday “Even as we go about our daily lives, we can notice the sensations of things, the food we eat, the air moving past the body as we walk,” says Professor Williams. “All this may sound very small, but it has huge power to interrupt the ‘autopilot’ mode we often engage day to day, and to give us new perspectives on life.”

Keep it Regular It can be helpful to pick a regular time – the morning journey to work or a walk at lunchtime – during which you decide to be aware of the sensations created by the world around you.

Try Something New Trying new things, such as sitting in a different seat in meetings or going somewhere new for lunch, can also help you notice the world in a new way.

Watch Your Thoughts “Some people find it very difficult to practice mindfulness. As soon as they stop what they’re doing, lots of thoughts and worries crowd in,” says Professor Williams.

“It might be useful to remember that mindfulness isn’t about making these thoughts go away, but rather about seeing them as mental events.

“Imagine standing at a bus station and seeing ‘thought buses’ coming and going without having to get on them and be taken away.

This can be very hard at first, but with gentle persistence it is possible.

“Some people find that it is easier to cope with an over-busy mind if they are doing gentle yoga or walking.”

Name Thoughts and Feelings To develop an awareness of thoughts and feelings, some people find it helpful to silently name them: “Here’s the thought that I might fail that exam”. Or, “This is anxiety”.

Free Yourself From the Past and Future You can practise mindfulness anywhere, but it can be especially helpful to take a mindful approach if you realise that, for several minutes, you have been “trapped” in reliving past problems or “pre-living” future worries.

Different Mindfulness Practices As well as practising mindfulness in daily life, it can be helpful to set aside time for a more formal mindfulness practice.

Mindfulness meditation involves sitting silently and paying attention to thoughts, sounds, the sensations of breathing or parts of the body, bringing your attention back whenever the mind starts to wander.

Yoga and tai-chi can also help with developing awareness of your breathing. n www.nhs.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Peace of Mind

at Brockington House

We understand that these are very worrying times for everyone, especially if you are looking for short- or long-term care for you or your loved one.

Life

at

Brockington

House

Care Community in Hereford has continued to be full and meaningful with some increased safety measures in place.

Our days are filled with a variety of activities - from a morning session in our gym to afternoons spent gardening or painting, followed by movie nights with a little drink in our fully stocked bar.

We have enjoyed virtual cruises, learnt new hobbies, skyped our loved ones and tasted some fabulous meals! Visitors are now being welcomed (subject to conditions) in our dedicated area in the gardens of the home.

Living here is about choice. After all, this is your home and you can be as busy as you wish. n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

We provide 24-hour care and support as well as dedicated dementia care – giving peace of mind to all that this really is a home for life.

Robust measures are in place to protect our ladies and gentlemen and our highly trained team ensure we continue to be a caring and safe environment.

We are open to new admissions and would

All of our rooms are fully furnished to an exceptionally high standard, with a full ensuite wet room. We also offer companion suites enabling couples to remain together.

infection control in place. We continue to

Our luxury home, is rated 10/10 on carehome.co.uk – the top-rated care home in Herefordshire thanks to the wonderful reviews that family and friends have shared.

We have also received various awards and recognition for our home, a credit to the fabulous team who go above and beyond to support our ladies and gentlemen.

your individual requirements and answer any

welcome the opportunity to discuss your individual requirements. We appreciate you need additional reassurance that we are a safe home and we can confirm that we are continuing to adhere to government guidelines with the highest standards of deliver the highest levels of service and support during this difficult period.

Do give us a call and we can talk through concerns you may have. We can also set up a video call to show you the benefits of life at Brockington House. n www.dormycare.co.uk enquiries@dormycare.co.uk 01432 345755

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

GOLDEN YEARS

Caring For Someone in Another Home If you provide care and support to an older person, you may have concerns about how to continue doing this during the coronavirus outbreak. Here’s what you need to consider to keep you and them safe.

You may care for someone paid or unpaid, by: picking up essential supplies; checking in with them on a regular basis; supporting them to take their medication; providing cleaning services; or supporting someone to maintain their independence at home with personal care such as helping them to eat, move about the house or shower.

Can I still provide care for someone in their home if I don’t live with them?

The short answer is yes – although you might have to change the way you provide this care depending on what it is that you usually do for them.

There are precautions and steps you should

visit, using soap and water for at least 20

take to keep you both as safe as possible –

seconds. You should catch any sneezes in a

such as regularly washing your hands with

tissue and dispose of it straight away. If you

soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

do need to cough you should cough into the

How can I safely visit someone?

If you provide care that requires you to go into someone’s home – perhaps you help

crook of your elbow. You may want to consider wearing a face covering if it’s possible for you and the person you are caring for.

them to get out of bed, move around their

If you or the person you care for lives alone or

house, take their medication, or get dressed

in a singled-adult household you may decide

– then you can carry on doing this.

to form a support bubble with each other.

But, if you do so, you must ensure you follow simple hygiene steps to protect the person

This can make caring easier as it means you can spend time in the house of the person you care for without needing to socially

you care for. These include washing your hands when you arrive and often during your

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GOLDEN YEARS

who is not part of your household or support bubble. It’s also good to remember that the risk of coronavirus spreading is lower outside so you might prefer to meet in outdoor spaces, such as gardens, when you can.

distance. You would also be able to stay at one another’s houses and travel together. You are only allowed to form one support bubble with another household and once you have formed a support bubble you cannot change who is in the bubble.

Can I still provide care if I have symptoms or I’m self-isolating?

If you feel unwell, have any symptoms of coronavirus or are self-isolating for another reason (for example you’ve been advised to

by NHS Test and Trace) you shouldn’t carry on providing any care or support.

Can I help with someone else’s cleaning?

If you help someone with their cleaning, then you can carry on doing so. But ensure you wash your hands when you arrive – at least 20 seconds with soap and water – and then regularly during your visit. Also try to keep a 2 metre distance from anyone else at all times – perhaps you could ask the person you support to stay in one room whilst you clean? You could also buy some new cleaning products or use what the person already has, as bringing your own can increase the risk of spreading the virus from home to home.

your hands with hot water and soap for 20 seconds regularly. It’s also a good idea to wipe down any surfaces that you touch.

Can I help with someone else’s shopping?

If you usually do the shopping or pick up essential supplies for someone, then you should continue to do this. You can now visit one other household at a time indoors and so you can help unpack shopping. Remember to maintain social distancing measures such as maintaining a 2-metre distance and washing

Popping in for a chat You are now able to spend time indoors with people from one other household at a time, so you can pop in for a chat. You can also meet with up to 5 people outside from different households, which includes private gardens and roof terraces. Don’t forget that you need to socially distance from anyone

n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

Perhaps you can identify another family member, friend, trusted neighbour or local community support group that could step in and help.

If those options aren’t available or appropriate, you can contact your local councilor health care provider.

If you do not know how to do this, you can contact NHS 111. n www.ageuk.co.uk

This information was correct as of the 13th August 2020 please be aware that local lockdown situations will change this advice.

GOLDEN YEARS

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EDUCATION

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Face Coverings and Secondary School Transport On the 24 July, the law in England changed regarding the use of face coverings.

Children and face coverings on school transport • if your child is over 3 years old they must wear a face covering when travelling on public transport • children in secondary education (not primary school children or children who attend special schools) should wear a face covering on school transport - they must be able to use a face covering as per the directions below and will require 2 face coverings one for the journey there and one for the journey back • some people may not be able to wear a face covering, for example primary aged children, people with breathing difficulties and people whose disabilities makes it difficult for them to wear a face covering; • a face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

personal protective equipment - these should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers, and those in industrial settings, like those exposed to dust hazards • the driver and support staff and other passengers may be wearing face coverings, you should talk to your child about this before the journey Wearing a face covering • a cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably - it can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head • wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off • avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them

• do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose • once removed, make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched • you should wash a face covering regularly.

It can go in with other laundry, using your normal detergent • when wearing a face covering, take care to tuck away any loose ends • when travelling in taxis or private hire vehicles your child should follow the advice of the driver - for example, they may be asked to sit in the back left hand seat if travelling alone - if they need to be near other people they should avoid physical contact, try not to be face to face with other people, and keep the time spent near other people as short as possible - be aware of the surfaces they or others touch. n

EDUCATION

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EDUCATION

Start Your Abberley Adventure Abberley Hall thrives as a happy and vibrant co-educational prep school and nursery for children from the ages of two to thirteen.

We provide each and every child with the best possible start in life: our dedicated staff instil a quiet confidence in our children and they make the most of the opportunities we offer. Our beautiful grounds are at the heart of the Abberley experience – from the Forest School to the classroom-sized treehouse, the great outdoors plays a huge part in giving its pupils a breadth of education alongside academic rigour.

Abberley Hall welcomes day pupils, full and part-time boarding. Our day pupils are an integral part of the school community and benefit hugely from the boarding ethos and structures that exist as well as from our flexible wrap-around care in the mornings and evenings. Pupils at Abberley Hall are given opportunities in all areas, be it performing arts, reconstructing a Land Rover in the DT workshop, fishing, riding, swimming, daily sport and so much more.

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

Such opportunities do not get in the way of achievement – this year our 42 leavers were awarded 48 scholarships or exhibitions across all disciplines – academic, sport, art, DT, drama and music. The extensive curriculum allows pupils to explore and develop as individuals, while the idyllic setting allows them the freedom of childhood.

be part of the Abberley community, “I am

Jonnie Besley, who joined Abberley Hall as Headmaster this September, is delighted to

www.abberleyhall.co.uk

incredibly excited to have joined Abberley the family ethos, the warmth of the school’s atmosphere, the manners of the children and the stunning rural setting make for a truly special school experience.”

To start your Abberley adventure visit or

contact

our

Registrar, Victoria Heath, on 01299 896 814. n

EDUCATION

At a time of change and uncertainty, Christopher Whitehead Language College and Sixth Form provides an education you can rely on: a wide, academically challenging curriculum; outstanding pastoral care and award-winning provision for students of all abilities.

Join us for our virtual open events on Thursday 24th September for a school tour, interviews with staff and students, and the chance to ask questions.

For full details about applying for year 7 or for information about all our Sixth Form courses, please join us at our website www.christopherwhitehead.co.uk t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n

EDUCATION

n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

EDUCATION

Pupils Adjusting to the “New Normal” Schools all over the country have been making major adjustments to keep their pupils’ education on track.

At

Malvern,

on top of their studies. They could see and

children and staff alike have

The

Downs

speak to teachers and fellow pupils in ‘virtual

enthusiastically

embraced

classrooms,’ and the whole curriculum was

virtual learning, helping to keep on track with

delivered by staff embracing the challenges,

curriculum work as well as maintain contact

delivering engaging and creative content.”

with each other, but are now looking forward to returning to their classrooms.

Autumn Term begins on 4th September and major adaptations have been made to ensure

“The children took everything in their

pupil safety. “Strict protocols are in place

stride,” says Headmaster Alastair Cook. “Our

for hygiene and distancing,” says Mr Cook,

approach was to recreate - as far as possible

“helped by the fact that we already have small

- the classroom experience, and provide

class sizes and large, spacious classrooms.

the children with a stimulating way to keep

The children will be kept in ‘learning bubbles’,

and we have established safe isolation areas in case anyone develops symptoms.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming them back into a happy caring community, grown stronger through this crisis. The priority now is to ensure our children progress with their curriculum work, which is so vital for their future.

“We intend to deliver as full a programme as is possible: academic subjects, sports, activities, hobbies, wrap-around care, full and weekly boarding... even the famous Downs Light Railway will be in action!” n

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

EDUCATION

The King’s School, Worcester Gears Up for the Start of Term by Welcoming New Headmaster One of the country’s leading educational foundations, which oversees three independent schools in Worcester, is excited to welcome its new Headmaster, Gareth Doodes, in preparation for the new academic year.

Gareth brings 20 years of education experience to The King’s School in his position as Foundation Headmaster. He joins the school from Dover College, where he was Headmaster for the past six years. During his career he has taken up several leadership roles at schools including Milton Abbey in Dorset, Oakham School and Taunton School.

In his new role at The King’s School, Gareth will provide the strategic leadership and vision for King’s St Alban’s, King’s Hawford and King’s Worcester, all of which deliver firstclass independent academic, pastoral and cocurricular provision and for children between the ages of two to 18 years old.

Commenting on his plans for The King’s School, Gareth said, “I’m immensely proud to be joining an organisation which has a long history of providing unrivalled opportunities for pupils.

n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

same time further enhancing the long-term success of the foundation.

“Ultimately, I am a big believer in an holistic education that balances academic excellence with extra-curricular opportunity and exceptional pastoral care. These three areas working together can foster a real love of learning, whilst at the same time giving children the freedom and confidence to explore and discover their individual passions. It is an immense honour to have been appointed as the school’s custodian at this pivotal moment in its history.”

“What sets The King’s School apart is its

Gareth and his family have strong links in

vibrant and dynamic family community, which

Worcester. His wife, Jessica, has returned to

dates to 1541. I am looking forward to working

her home county of Worcestershire following

collaboratively with teachers, staff, parents

Gareth’s appointment, and his two children,

and pupils to identify and trumpet what truly

aged four and eight, will become pupils at the

makes the King’s family unique, whilst at the

school in September. n

EDUCATION

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

EDUCATION

Government Guidance for Higher Education What to expect from your college or Sixth Form as you start your new courses.

The learning providers have been given guidence by the government that they are expected to provide a full programme of study and training offer for learners of all ages from your normal term start date in September 2020, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. They are expected to make sure that individual learners are undertaking their full study programme, in as far as they can in compliance with wider government guidance, and that it is of a sufficient standard to meet relevant funding requirements.

They must comply with wider government guidance on services that are permitted to be open, for example, if they have a hairdresser onsite, or are delivering hairdressing training, then at the time of writing they should ensure

that beauty or nail treatments are not offered, any that have a community or leisure centre, it should not host indoor sports or fitness activity.

The course leaders will decide the appropriate mix of face to face and remote delivery of teaching. Post-16 learners are more likely to undertake self-directed study but may still need additional support, the leaders should make sure that planned hours meet the relevant funding guidance.

They must assess the gaps in learners’ knowledge and skills early in the autumn term, focusing on the most important content and prioritise this to help learners to catch up from the months lost.

Remote education may need to be an essential component of delivery for some

pupils, alongside classroom teaching, or in the case of a local lockdown. The colleges are now therefore expected to plan to ensure anyone who needs to stay at home for some of the time is given the support they need to make good progress. Where a class, group or small number of learners need to selfisolate, or there is a local lockdown requiring learners to remain at home, the insitutions are expected to have the capacity to offer immediate remote education.

So as a learner you should feel confident that your new course will be as good and maybe even a little better in the course delivery and content than in previous years.

It will be up to you to excel at the subjects you have chosen. n

A Brief History of Pitman Training Pitman Training is a leading training specialist

provider

offering

career-focused

training, upholding the heritage that was established in 1837, when Sir Isaac Pitman revolutionised office communications with the invention of shorthand.

Today, we still offer our globally recognised shorthand training, but as you’d expect, we’ve well and truly moved with the times. We provide the very latest in office software and IT training, as well as a comprehensive range of diplomas, awards and courses. n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

All of our courses are designed to help students get the job and skills they really want and are delivered using up to date effective technology for teaching, learning and assessments.

We’ve always enjoyed a reputation for excellence and this is as true today as it ever was. Pitman Training continues to be highly regarded by employers; so much so that companies across the UK have voted us to be a top Business Superbrand™ in the field of education, alongside the likes of Cambridge and Oxford universities.

The cornerstone of our offering is our

diploma programme.

This provides exceptional, cost-effective and flexible Office, Management, Accounts, Media and IT training for thousands of people every year, across the globe.

Every year, many thousands of former Pitman Training students succeed in getting the job they really want. Our quality training and industry standard certification help people return to work, improve their careers and change lives.

So come and speak to Jazz or Stephanie at Pitman Training Worcester today! n

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What's On

STAY HOME. STAY SAFE. SUDOKU

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The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.

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PINE POPLAR REDWOOD SEQUOIA SPRUCE SWEETGUM SYCAMORE WALNUT WILLOW YEW

n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

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SPECIAL

BANQUETING NIGHT EVERY MONDAY CHOOSE FROM OUR A-LA-CARTE MENU

ANY STARTER ANY MAIN COURSE ANY RICE OR NAN BREAD PER PERSON

£13.95 PER ADULT

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Seabass, LambShank, any Seafood £2 extra per dish Lamb chops £1 extra per dish Valid when dining in only. Not valid on Bank Holidays, public holidays or during the month of December. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. We recommend you book your table party in advance to avoid disappointment.

T: 01527 87 11 87

BOOK ONLINE: www.zingarestaurant.co.uk 3 Stoke Road, Astonfield, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 3EQ

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CRISS-CROSS

Fill in the blanks with the words. To make this one harder we haven’t given you a letter to start!

3 letter words KIT YES 4 letter words ECRU MAIL MOSS STAR TUNE ZEUS 5 letter words ANISE AVIAN DAUNT GRIEG LEVEL OCHER PLUMB RADIO REPLY STAGE TROLL TROUT 6 letter words APPLET ENDIVE 7 letter words AZIMUTH GIRAFFE GRANDAD IRONING MANNERS NEW YORK NICIPPE SEYMOUR SMILING SUNRISE TATTING TEXTUAL 8 letter words APPROVAL CHEERFUL LIPSTICK NESTLING

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11 letter words SIGNIFICANT SUPERMARKET 13 letter words MEDITERRANEAN PEPPER-AND-SALT REMINISCENCES TRESURE TROVE 14 letter words JULIAN CALENDAR MULTIPLICATION

9 letter words GRAYSCALE HAUPTMANN LAVALIERE PETROLEUM n 42 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020

THANK YOU! Thank you NHS and all Key-workers!

And thank you to Katie aged 14 from Kempsey for sending in this fantastic picture she created during lockdown, inspired by the colouring page from our April issue!

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FREE GOLF FOR ONE MONTH

One month taster - pay £100 for unlimited golf for one month and we will refund the £100 off your membership fee up to 31st March 2021 THATS FREE GOLF FOR A MONTH! We have also launched new reduced membership rates for up to, and including, 39 year olds.

Talk to us on 01905 774344 to discover the benefits of becoming a member of a members golf club.

RUN BY THE MEMBERS, FOR THE MEMBERS

Droitwich Golf Club, Westford House, Ford Lane, Droitwich, WR9 0BH Telephone: 01905 774344 | Email: secretary@droitwichgolfclub.co.uk | www.droitwichgolfclub.co.uk

ANSWERS

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

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

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

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ACROSS 7. Plumb 10. Treasure Trove 12. Applet 13. Mediterranean 15. Nestling 18. Smiling 20. Zeus 21. Grayscale 22. Trout 25. Mail 26. Manners 28. Ecru 29. Yes 31. Kit 32. Tune 33. Textual 35. Star 37. Daunt 38. Hauptmann 40. Moss 42. Giraffe 43. Cheerful 47. Reminiscences 48. Endive 49. Pepper and Salt 50. Troll

Now

CRISS-CROSS: DOWN 1. Grieg 2. Radio 3. Supermarket 4. Petroleum 5. Ironing 6. Avian 8. Lipstick 9. Multiplication 11. Stage 14. New York 16. Azimuth 17. Julian Calendar 19. Grandad 23. Tatting 24. Sunrise 27. Significant 30. Seymour 34. Lavaliere 36. Approval 39. Nicippe 41. Ocher 44. Level 45. Anise 46. Reply

Worcestershire

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n 44 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 199 | September 2020