Wye Valley NOW - April 2015

WYE VALLEY

N W APRIL 2015

issue FORTY FOUR

The Charlton Arms Situated on the iconic Ludford Bridge, a short walk from the town centre of Ludlow See page 31 for MORE dETAILS @WYEVALLEYNOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.WYEVALLEYNOW.co.uk

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

CONTENTS WYE VALLEY Now 2nd Floor, Richardson House, 24 New Street, Worcester. WR1 2DP 01905 723011 www.pw-media.co.uk

The entryway of your home is the first area seen by your guests. It welcomes them to your dwelling, and it welcomes you each time you walk through the front door.

AMELIA HANSON

ADVERTISE

Suzie Scott Tel: 01905 727906 suzie@pw-media.co.uk Genna McCann-Taylor Tel: 01905 727901 genna@pw-media.co.uk

Editor

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

LOCAL Editor

Jill Warren jill@pw-media.co.uk

DESIGN

Paul Blyth Amy Thomas

CONTRIBUTORS

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Amelia Hanson gives us some ideas on how to create the grand entrance for your home

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Amelia Hanson Gill Mullin Glynis Dray Catherine Beale

COMPETITION WINNERS

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Table for four at The Royal Oak E. Wooles, Hereford Ludlow Spring Festival D.G. Meredith, Tupsley C. Jeffries, Gloucester 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 Wye Valley and the Marches Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

Spring's floral notes by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust

GARDENING IN APRIL

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Your guide to the latest properties on the market

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CONTENTS

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22

REFRESH YOUR BODY

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Your guide to Ross-on-Wye

ISSUE FORTY FOUR

ApRil 2015

34 32

A taste of the Sugar Loaf

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TUITION TIPS

SALE OF THE CENTURIES

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WILD SEA BASS

Your guide to exercise

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home & garden

A fresh coat of paint, a new piece of artwork, a bench, a table, lighting or even a new door, with so many possibilities for your entryway makeover which will you choose?

A GRAND ENTRANCE The entryway of your home is the first area seen by your guests. It welcomes them to your dwelling, and it welcomes you each time you walk through the front door.

W

hen it comes to selecting entryway decor, there are many possibilities for this inviting space. Let's explore a range of ideas that will help create a grand entrance at home.

We already explored ways to refresh your living room with exciting fabrics and colours in our March issue, so now it's time to take a look at the entryway. It's important to have a theme in mind before hitting the shops (or your bank account), although you don't necessarily need to have the entire concept planned out as you can always start with something as simple as the colour scheme. Here are a few things to consider and get those creative juices flowing.

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

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home & garden

Pendant lights can be used to set a stylish tone

Use an eclectic mix of small pictures to express who you are

Purpose

are three popular furniture choices

whether you’re going for a modern

Begin your entryway makeover by

for the entryway. Once again, what

look, an ornate feel or an earthy vibe.

defining the needs of your space.

you add to your entryway will depend

Will this area of your home help you

on the amount of space you have

Accessories

organise your belongings? Perhaps

available. For example, larger areas

Don’t forget about the icing – those

your entryway will be a display area– a

can accommodate substantial pieces

accessories and special touches that

haven for art and creative vignettes.

like a chest of drawers. If you’re

really help your space come together!

Maybe your entryway will be a little bit

pressed for space, consider a floating

In fact, your entryway may already hold

of both. If you need a place to stash

table, which conveniently mounts

the basics. Perhaps your makeover

items such as keys, shoes and a purse,

on the wall, freeing up floor space

will consist of filling in the gaps with a

there’s no reason why your entry can’t

underneath for shoes.

few flourishes like pendant lighting as there’s nothing like a grand light (or

be stylish as well as practical.

A slender table is an ideal choice for Artwork

small entryways. Even with limited

When it comes to specific decor ideas

space, you can still choose colours

Then there are the practical details,

begin with the artistic possibilities

and furnishings that make a big

like a place to put your wet and muddy

your entryway holds. No matter how

impact.

boots during the winter - how about a boot tray? An entry rug can set a

big or small, your entry likely gives

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two) to set a stylish tone.

you some wall space to work with.

Do you ever leave the house in a

strong foundation for your home and

Even if your entryway is nothing

hurry? Sometimes you need a place

make a big first impression. As the

more than a gallery, enjoy this area

to sit while rummaging through

entryway is a high-traffic area, just

of your home to the fullest. One work

your purse for keys, a place to zip

make sure you select a rug that is as

of art speaks volumes, but so does

up those boots or tie your laces. An

durable as it is stylish.

a gallery-style collection of framed

entryway chair provides an ideal spot

pieces. Although there’s no rule that

to regroup before heading out or a

A fresh coat of paint, a new piece of

says your art has to be framed, you

place to crash and take a deep breath

artwork, a bench, a table, lighting

could always hang items that conjure

at the end of a long day. Benches

or even a new door, with so many

up a special memory.

are a popular seating choices for

possibilities

the entryway. Not only will a bench

makeover which will you choose?

Furnishings

save you space, this piece can help

Console tables, benches and stools

cement the style of your entry,

ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

for

your

entryway

By amelia hanson

Self Storage Units Eaton Bishop, Hereford, HR2 9QR (on Madley Road) NEW, secure, heated and ventilated self storage, various sizes CCTV | Auto access | Electric Gates

KEEP YOUR POSSESSIONS WARM & DRY Prices from £5 + VAT per week Open 7 days a week during advertised opening hours

01981 251786 info@woodlandsselfstore.co.uk www.woodlandsselfstore.co.uk

WYE VALLEY

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we will be delivering even more copies to more homes and are now looking for distributors in the following areas:

LUDLOW MONMOUTH ross¯on¯wye If you live in these areas and Dawn Pardoe are interested in earning extra Tel: 01905 727909 dawn@pw-media.co.uk income please contact:

@WYEVALLEYNOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.WYEVALLEYNOW.co.uk

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Hawthorn Designs celebrates their 21st Birthday!

J

o McCulloch and her excellent team have been creating stylish homes in Bromyard for 21 years. Their interior design solutions

have brightened many houses in the area and further afield during that time, with curtains, blinds, cushions and much more.

The informal, relaxed atmosphere in the Bromyard showroom is a great place to discuss your ideas with knowledgeable and friendly people that will help turn those ideas into reality. Jo will measure your windows for you and the curtains are handmade using traditional techniques for that quality finish. Hawthorn Designs have an impressive selection of fabrics and trimmings plus the accessories to complete the look. Jo will even hang and dress your curtains to ensure they look as good as they were designed to be!

Jo also holds a regular Wednesday knitting group who have raised over ÂŁ500 for charity this year.

Visit the Hawthorn Designs showroom if you are looking for superb curtains or that unique set of cushions to turn your house into a home!

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

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home & garden

Signature INtERIORS Signature Interiors in partnership with Nolte and Grundig

S

ignature Interiors started trading in 2012 and

kitchen brand in a survey carried out by the German

have put together an amazing collection of classic

Institute for service and quality. Nolte kitchens boast

and on trend products, suitable for all tastes,

innovative solutions for this key area in your home, with

all budgets and all styles of home. They have

glass fronted doors, a broad colour palette and curved

everything you need to turn your house into a home;

and lacquered panels amongst the features that will set

kitchen and bathroom studios, flooring, fabrics and home

your kitchen apart.

accessories including paints and wallpaper.

To strengthen this partnership even further, Nolte Kitchens The showroom has 3 kitchen studios with 16 large

have teamed up with Grundig Appliances. With over 65

lifestyle displays which allow you to visualise how the

years of German heritage and a reputation for reliability,

kitchen would look in your home. Quality and value for

the new, award-winning Grundig built-in collection brings

money have been key drivers for them when deciding

exceptional quality and style to your life. The elegant

which suppliers to partner with. German companies are

range of built-in ovens, hobs, hoods, dishwashers, fridge-

synonymous for their superb quality and designs, so with

freezers and kitchen accessories offers styling and

this in mind Signature Interiors have chosen to work with

functionality that will not only complement your gorgeous

Nolte Kuchen and Grundig Appliances.

new kitchen, but add the finishing touches to it.

The kitchen is central to the home. We probably live more

With a 5 year parts and labour warranty, Grundig is

intensively here than anywhere else in the house. It is

committed to looking after your appliances and giving you

where we meet as a group to discuss the minutiae of our

peace of mind. You want appliances to look good as well

day and where we are most likely to encounter others

as running smoothly so in addition Grundig have won 7

or where we entertain friends. We cook, eat and enjoy

red dot awards for design. Grundig appliances also have

ourselves in the kitchen. And – quite secretly – the kitchen

outstanding energy efficient ratings helping you save

sets the rhythm of our day. Good morning, lunch, then

money on your energy bills and protect the environment.

evening time and sometimes night… Which is why we love the kitchen. For life in the kitchen, Nolte.

Call into the showroom on Widemarsh Street, Hereford where there is free on-site parking, to see these great

Nolte Kitchens have been at the forefront of offering the

products and more. The friendly and knowledgeable staff

UK consumer a quality kitchen for approximately 30 years.

look forward to helping you design the kitchen of your

“We haven’t been able to do this without the help of

dreams.

our business partner showrooms around the UK. In Herefordshire we have partnered up with Signature Interiors in Widemarsh Street, Hereford to display and offer our German engineered and stylish range of Kitchens”.

Nolte have just been voted Germany’s most popular

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

SIGNATURE Interiors

V

171 Widemarsh Street, Hereford HR4 9HE Tel: 01432 266255 www.signatureinteriors.uk.com

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home & garden

Pulmonaria ‘Lewis Palmer’

GARDENING IN APRIL

T

here is so much going on in the vegetable garden right now. It’s time for most general purpose sowing and the ground needs to be weeded and ready. Carrots, peas, parsnip, swede, beetroot, chard, radish, broad

beans, spinach and brassicas can all be direct sown in shallow drills. Only put in what you think you’ll need, and leave space to

It’s that time of year again – April, the month with a spring in its step. More light, more warmth, a world of possibilities opening up and all it needs is for you to be busy, busy, busy. jasmine after flowering.

BStart checking for lily beetle.

BLift and divide any overcrowded perennials and grasses.

BPlant summer bulbs (lilies, cannas, gladioli etc).

succession-sow every 3 weeks, for continuity. By mid-month, potatoes should be in (and earthed-up, in case of late frost).

The NGS has lots of spring gardens on offer, raising money

Keep grass edges short and all waste in the compost bin, so

for caring charities:

slugs have fewer places to hide.

Aulden Farm & Ivy Croft HR6 0JT Sun 19th April 2-5.30pm In the flower garden, the star magnolias are breaking from their

Combined admission £6.00. 2 country gardens with

furry buds into a cloud of white or palest pink. Although initially

excellent planting and much to see. Teas and plants

expensive, magnolias are long-lived and give a spectacular

available.

display early in the season. Rarely more than 2 metres high, Magnolia stellata is useful where space is limited, and can

The Old Corn Mill HR9 7LA Sun, Mon 5 & 6th April 11-5pm

be under-planted with shade loving pulmonarias – pale blue

£3.00. Tranquil streamside garden, planted with nature in

works a treat. April is also tulip time and whether you plant

mind. Polka dot tulip meadow. Teas and plants available.

them formally or in drifts, there is a tulip to suit every colour scheme. Give them sun and good drainage.

Brilley Court HR3 6JF Sun 26th 2-5.30pm £4.00. 3 acres with walled kitchen garden and spring tulip collection, 7

Jobs to be doing this month include:

BSow hardy annuals for picking and colour.

BPlant up pots for summer display.

BGive lawns a good rake, and re-seed bare patches.

BPrune flowering currant, forsythia, kerria and winter 14

ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

acre arboretum with stream and rhododendrons. Teas available. For further Herefordshire gardens to visit, go to www.ngs.org.uk.

by GILL MULLIN, NGS

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

Photo credit HWT

i Spring’s Floral Notes The sights and sounds of spring are, of course, manifold but this month Herefordshire Wildlife Trust highlights some of the most beautiful floral markers of the season, bringing welcome swathes of colour to our greening landscapes.

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mmortalised by Wordsworth, “a crowd,/A host of golden

One place that fritillaries are still thriving is on our Lugg

daffodils,/Beside the lake, beneath the trees/Fluttering and

Meadow reserve just outside Hereford. This is an ancient

dancing in the breeze", wild daffodils are indeed a wonderful

Lammas Meadow where local people with commoner’s

sight to come across. Usually flowering in March or April, the

rights have grazed livestock between Lammas day (1st

wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is also known in places

August) and Candlemas (2nd February) since medieval

as the Lent lily. While Wordsworth was writing of Cumbrian

times. Over spring and summer, the meadows are rested

daffodils, the paths of the Dymock poets on the Herefordshire

to allow the grasses to grow before being cut for hay.

border offer an equal treasure while Lea and Pagets Wood,

This cycle of traditional management has continued,

Wessington Pasture and Quebb Corner Meadow reserves

unbroken, for centuries and the meadow now supports

also boast a bright array of these golden crowns.

many species of grass and wildflower as well as insects, birds and mammals.

While daffodils favour scrub land, meadows and glades, the native bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is a woodland

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust celebrates the Lugg Meadow

flower, flourishing in old woodlands where the canopy is not

fritillaries on their annual Fritillary Day, held this year on

too dense – such as those managed by traditional coppicing.

Saturday 18th April. As well as undertaking a survey of the

As part of our Woolhope Dome events programme, we will

fritillaries in collaboration with the Floodplain Meadows

be running a guided Bluebell Walk at Lea & Paget’s Wood on

Partnership, the Trust offers guided walks around the

Saturday 16th May. This HWT reserve is an ancient, broad-

meadow and there are also stalls and refreshments. The

leaved woodland which stands between Woolhope and

Lugg Meadow HWT reserve lies behind our headquarters

Fownhope in the Woolhope Dome.

at Lower House Farm, Hereford and is open all year.

But the rarest jewel of the season is arguably the snake’s flowers come usually in a pinky-purple checkerboard

MORE INFORMATION

pattern, exquisitely detailed, whilst the less common, all-

More information about our native wildflowers, our reserves

head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris). Its delicate, nodding

white, flowers have a perfect simplicity to them. Fritillaries are becoming more and more rare, however, as their

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and all our spring events can be found on our website: www.herefordshirewt.org. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or drop in to our headquarters at

preferred habitat of damp meadow is being increasingly

Lower House Farm, signposted from the Ledbury Road in

lost to agricultural intensification.

Tupsley, Hereford, to find out more.

ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

The Poultry Store & So Much More!

• Pretty Bantam Chicks - Available Now £5 • • Fertilised Bantam Eggs - Chicktec Incubators • • Brooders - Heat Lamps - Chick Crumb • • Our Best Point-of-Lay Hens from £10 • • Pretty Pygmy Goat Kids from £100 • • Lovely Giant Golden Quail £10 • • Mini Pet Pigs & Jacob Lambs • WYNNE’S OF DINMORE Manufacturers of Animal, Pet & Poultry Housing Visitors Welcome Walk-in Enclosures & Aviaries

9am - 4.30pm Tuesday - Saturday

Hope under Dinmore HR6 OPX 01568 797314

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• Fresh Eggs from £1.60 doz • • Health, Hygiene & Pest Products • • Bedding With Eucalyptus £7.95 • • Poultry Feed with Wormer £5.95 • • Wild Bird Feed - 20kg Peanuts £25 • • Best Hardwood Woodchip from £7.50 •

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

REFRESH YOUR BODY MOISTURISE YOUR SKIN Soften and revitalise your skin this month with our top choices of moisturisers

CHILDS FARM

CRÈME DE LA MER

CLARINS

Hand & Body Lotion for

Ultra-light, velvet finish. This cooling gel

UV Plus Anti-Pollution

Silky Skin is suitable for all moisturiser is infused with a potent concentration skin, including sensitive

of the nutrient-rich Miracle Broth™ the heart

Protection SPF 50. The

and eczema prone skin

of Crème de la Mer’s profound powers of

powerful formula, with

and from newborns

transformation. It delivers the same look of

plant-powered multi-

upwards. Skin is kept

radiance, renewal and suppleness that made the

protection, is specifically

super moisturised thanks

original Crème de la Mer a legend, leaving skin

designed to preserve the

to shea and cocoa seed

deeply hydrated and refreshed.

beauty of all women.

£105.00

£32.00

butters whilst smelling deliciously of grapefruit and tea tree oil.

£3.99

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Day Screen, High

ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

BALANCE ME

L’ERBOLARIO

LANOLIPS

Enhance skin’s natural

Body Cream - an extremely soft cream which

Lanolips Intense Hand

radiance with our 100%

supports the skin in its fight against blemishes

Balm for Very Dry Hand

natural and best-selling

and premature ageing. The toning and softening

& Nails is a super-rich

face oil. Perfect for:

benefits of the Narcissus flower come from the

and intensive hand

Transforming dull,

extract, distilled water and lipo-soluble extract.

cream contains shea

dehydrated skin into

Also included is sweet almond oil, olive oil and oat

butter, cocoa seed

a radiant, dewy and

milk, alongside antioxidant Vitamin E and honey

butter, rose oil, vitamin

glowing complexion,

extract.

E, antioxidants and

plus creating a perfectly even tone by calming

£24.50

Lanolips’ exclusive Ultra-Pure Medical

areas prone to redness.

Grade Lanolin.

£30.00

£9.18 @WYEVALLEYNOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.WYEVALLEYNOW.co.uk

Stockist Details: Childs Farm - www.childsfarm.com | Creme De La Mer - 0870 034 2566 - www.cremedelamer.co.uk | Clarins - 0800 036 3558 - www.clarins.co.uk | Balance Me - www.balanceme.co.uk | L’erbolario - www.erbolario.co.uk | Lanolips - www.lanolips.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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ROSS¯ON¯WYE

ROSS-ON-WYE Nestled in the south Herefordshire countryside and situated in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the market town of Ross-on-Wye.

B

oasting

panoramic

views

overlooking

the

River Wye, it’s a hive of activity with a vibrant community. The Victorians discovered the beauty of Ross-on-Wye when it became a tourist haunt

for them as part of the popular Wye Tour, a less expensive alternative to the Grand Tour favoured by noblemen. The arrival of the rail network and the Wye Tour opened up the idea of travel to the middle and working classes who hankered after the Grand Tour excursions enjoyed by noblemen – it was to put Ross-on-Wye well and truly on the map.

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

WYE VALLEY

N W INTERESTED IN THIS FEATURE? NEXT MONTH WE are FOCUSSING ON kington. if you would like to PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS in thIS ISSUE please contact one of our sales team Genna McCann-Taylor Tel: 01905 727901 genna@pw-media.co.uk

Suzie Scott Tel: 01905 727904 suzie@pw-media.co.uk

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ROSS¯ON¯WYE Today Ross is a thriving community. With a mix of

pounds! Other events held in the town are the May Fair

independent and a few well-known national retail

with music playing throughout the day, the Christmas

chain stores, it’s an interesting town to wile away a

Market held around the Market House and of course

few hours. Just outside the market town is Labels a

the Ross-on-Wye Carnival with the procession through

great place for shopaholics to browse and buy.

the town finishing up at the riverside.

The central feature of Ross-on-Wye is the 17th

If you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll beside the

century Market House. Below the Market House

river, Ross is the ideal place, with plenty of green

twice weekly markets are held with several stalls

open space for children to let off steam or, simply

offering locally produced goods for sale. The view

relax with a picnic beside the river. On the green open

of Ross-on-Wye is dominated by the spire of St

space adjacent to the Caroline Symonds Gardens,

Mary’s Church which you can see for many miles

local brass bands will entertain you on those long

and close by are the Prospect Gardens where you

summer Sunday evenings.

can look down on the River Wye curving beneath the town to the rolling Herefordshire countryside

A short distance from Ross-on-Wye is the beauty

as far as the Black Mountains.

spot of Symonds Yat. On the edge of the Forest of Dean, this area is a mecca for outdoor activities

There is no shortage of events and festivals taking place

from the gentlest cruise to high octane adrenaline

in and around the area: Ross-on-Wye Regatta and

sports.

the Charity Raft Race are two of the activities held on

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the river, whilst on dry land the Ross-on-Wye Walking

For lots more information on Ross-on-Wye,

Festival features 15 walks of various lengths from easy

The Wye Valley and Herefordshire, go to

to energetic – what a great way to shed those few extra

www.visitherefordshire.co.uk.

ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

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FOOD & DRINK

Wild Sea Bass With Red chicory, purple sprouting, sweet shallots, celeriac puree & red wine sauce

SERVES 4

and salt, bring to the boil.

INGREDIENTS:

Remove from the heat and

B Bass x 4 250g centre cut fillets

B Purple sprouting 12 heads

B 2 Shallots B 1 Red chicory separated into leaves

This recipe comes from Fishmore Hall, the privately owned Shropshire boutique country house hotel. Overlooking the charming town of Ludlow, it enjoys unrivalled views over the stunning

B Olive oil 100ml B 1 Leek B 3 Garlic cloves B 2 sprigs rosemary B 1 Star Anise B Red wine 100ml B Chicken stock 1lt B Celeriac 400g B Double cream 200ml

Shropshire countryside.

METHOD Inside this beautifully-restored Georgian house are 15 luxurious contemporary bedrooms and luscious designer bathrooms.

It is the perfect place for a long lazy weekend break or ideal for a mid-week stay to discover this fascinating county. Alternatively it is suitable for a Shropshire wedding or family celebration and has facilities for a relaxing, focussed meeting or conference.

At the heart of this hotel though is our restaurant, Forelles. Here you will discover the best of Shropshire dining with the innovative cooking of our bright young head chef, Andrew Birch, and his team, using ingredients sourced from local producers in the Shropshire Marches. With bar meals also available Andrew is sure to have something on the menu for everyone.

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

RED WINE SAUCE 1 Sweat 1 shallot, garlic, rosemary, leek and star anise over a low heat in a heavy duty pan for 1520 minutes. Add the red wine and reduce till pan is dry. Add the chicken stock

set aside.

3 Blanch the purple sprouting in seasoned boiling water. Refresh in iced water and set aside.

4 Bring the cream to the boil and set aside.

5 Dice the celeriac and blanch in seasoned boiling water. When tender, strain and blend with the boiled cream. Season and keep warm.

6 Place a non stick frying pans on a medium heat and add half the oil. Place the sea bass fillets in the pan skin side down and sear for 3-4 minutes. Place in oven till just cooked, 3-4 mins, add lemon juice and season.

7 Place the remaining oil in another non stick frying pan and when hot add

and reduce until required

the purple sprouting and

consistency is reached then

slowly roast. When it starts

pass through a sieve and set

to colour add the chicory.

aside. Keep warm.

When the chicory starts to wilt add the sweet shallots

SEA BASS

to warm through.

1 Heat oven to 170ËšC

8 Arrange all the garnishes

2 Thinly slice remaining

in the middle of the plates

shallot. Place in pan and

and place the fish on top

cover with water. Add a

and pour over the red wine

small amount of sugar

sauce ready to serve.

The Cottage of Content

Traditional warm, family friendly, country cottage pub serving great food & real ales. Set in a relaxing rural location perfect for walkers & ramblers Overnight accommodation available.

Reservations by telephone only

Carey, Herefordshire, HR2 6NG | 01432 840242

www.cottageofcontent.co.uk

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31

WYE VALLEY WALK

Start / Finish: The walk starts/ends at points A or B (see map) Public Transport: Abergavenny has a railway station and bus station that serve many towns and villages. Please check current timetables.

Parking: There is a car park at starting point B. O/S Maps: Landranger 161/Explorer Map - Outdoor Leisure 13 Distances: 10 miles from Point A (5 hrs). 5 miles from Point B (3 hrs).

Terrain: Sugar Loaf rises to 1955 feet. It is a mountain and needs to be respected. Wind, low cloud, heavy rain, ice and snow, thunder-storms and extreme temperatures should be avoided.

Also, it is sensible not to walk alone. This is a beautiful walk with stunning scenery and views but is not suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The top is rugged and involves a short climb.

There is a flatter low-level option – see map. Boots are essential and poles are useful.

1: From A at the Bus Station, turn right along Cross Street,

on the short walk from point B, you will return to this point

up the High Street past Market Hall with its landmark Green

later. (Those preferring to take the low level route need to

Tower and on through the shopping area to Frogmore

go straight on to point 6 then turn left.

street. Turn right along Park Road then left up Pen-Y-Pound.

4: Turn right for the final ascent of the Sugar Loaf. Where the

At the 4 way junction, take the Hill Road to the cross-roads,

path forks again, turn right up a helicoidal route to the Sugar

left along Chain Road, right up Llywyn Du to car park at B.

Loaf’s summit with panoramic views over the Ewyas Valley

2: Take the footpath signed Porth-y-Parc. Look for Sugar

and Black Mountains to the north. Notice tough and thorny

Loaf ahead of you. Enter the National Trust Parc Lodge.

trees and shrubs above the 1000’ ft snowline. On reaching the

Cross the stile and walk through the old gnarled oak trees.

summit, note that your return route leaves from the same point.

This mountain route has been used for centuries. Take the

5: The trig-point is 1955 feet OD. Hay-on –Wye and the Black

right fork. You will lose sight of Sugar Loaf but will see the

Mountains are to the north, Skirrid is to the east. To the west

old sunken track to your left. At the major fork, go left and

the view extends towards Brecon and its Beacons and south is

follow the trees up to the woodland sheepfold.

Abergavenny - guarded by Blorenge. Before you leave the top,

3: Cross the stiles and walk up the tree-lined track with

glance down the slope and your route is mapped out below. It

Sugar Loaf poking its head over horizon. Follow the well-

drops down the rocky slopes of Sugar Loaf in a south-westerly

worn track with Skirrid to the right. Cross the ancient bank

direction then curves south towards Abergavenny, following

and ditch. Shortly there is a cross-roads. (Note: If you are

an ancient bank with two ditches for about ½ mile.

6: This is where the low-level route, that avoided the summit, joins in and where those on Route B need to turn left, cross to point 4 then retrace the outward route back down to the car park marked B. Main Walk: When you get back to the tree-level, the track splits near lots of lumpy ground – the remnants of stone quarrying. Turn left and follow the track round the edge of an oak woodland. At the wide grass track turn left again.

On reaching the fenced paddock, bear right. Follow this grass path down to the lane.

7: Turn left along the lane and left again to the hairpin bend. Follow the Pentre Lane round to right for a mile to the cross-roads at Llywyn Du. 8: Turn right down Pentre Road and fork left down Chapel Road.

9: Cross to the roads leading to Abergavenny Castle (worth exploring) then return to the Car Park and Bus Station where the walk ends.

10: Those who arrived by train, walk uphill to Railway Station.

Written and Illustrated by Glynis Dray

A Taste of THE Sugar Loaf 32

ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

WYE VALLEY

N W if you would like to advertise in the next issue please contact one of our sales team Genna McCann-Taylor Tel: 01905 727901 genna@pw-media.co.uk Suzie Scott Tel: 01905 727904 suzie@pw-media.co.uk

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WYE VALLEY PAST

Sale of the Centuries On 21st June 1972, antique hunters gathered near Leominster for a landmark sale by Phillips Auctioneers.

The 1972 sale included furniture made for the fifteenth century house that had never left the premises. Photograph by Russell Lewis, courtesy of Hampton Court Castle

Over two midsummer days, they witnessed the dispersal in

sale. Estimated to sell for £3,000 each, the south-east

650 lots of the contents of Hampton Court, Herefordshire,

prospect sold for £27,000 and the north, for £23,000, to

on the instructions of the 18th Viscount Hereford. Items

Sydney Sabin of the Sabin Galleries, London. He staged

included furniture, guns, china, glass, bronzes, clocks,

an exhibition of pictures connected with the house in

carpets, books, maps, pictures and garden ornaments.

1973. Today the Knyffs form part of the collection at

Lord Hereford and his wife hoped that their attendance

the Yale Center for British Art (USA). Sabin also bought

would help the sale; Lady Hereford later recalled it as an

for £1,200 an Atlas of Estate Maps of Hampton Court

‘awful’ ordeal.

commissioned by Coningsby (lot 526). The Atlas was acquired for Herefordshire Archive Service in 2013

Hampton Court, Herefordshire was built, with permission

for £5,000. It forms part of the collection currently

from King Henry VI, from 1434. The furniture lots therefore

being transferred to the new Record Office which it is

resembled a directory of interior fashions over nearly 550

anticipated will open this summer.

years; a Tudor elmwood refectory table, a Charles I oak tridarn (sideboard), a William and Mary burr-walnut bureau,

In total, the sale realised £166,000. The house itself was

a Hepplewhite break-fronted book case, a George III card

sold soon afterwards. As items were removed over the

table, a Regency rosewood day bed, a Chinese lacquered

following days, one incident seemed eloquent of silent

twelve-leaf screen (which fetched top price on the first day

protest at the dispersal of contents accumulated over

- £7000), a Victorian two-tier mahogany linen chest, and a

centuries. A particularly fine eighteenth-century lead figure

Bush 21inch television receiver with tambour shutters.

of a Blackamoor supporting a sundial, by David Muir, had sold (lot 640) for £2,100. After it had been loaded on to

The finest items dated from the late-seventeenth and

a flatbed lorry for removal, it fell through the floor and

early-eighteenth centuries when, under Thomas, Lord

landed once more on the drive.

Coningsby’s ownership (c1656-1729), Hampton Court became one of the greatest houses in the country. Hoping

Written by Catherine Beale

for a royal visit, Coningsby prepared state apartments– blue damask for Queen Mary II, red for the King William sale included (lots 134 and 136, sold for £650 and £550

MORE INFORMATION

respectively) ‘A set of eight walnut William and Mary Chairs

Catherine Beale regularly gives talks on aspects of Hampton

with high arched backs… on turned inverted cup supports’

Court’s history. Her book on the nineteenth century at

III. Of the suites of furniture made for their rooms, the

and a set of five ditto, ‘with original crimson damask covers, on square gadroon and fluted legs’.

Hampton Court, Champagne and Shambles (14.99 +p&p) is available direct from her website www.cbeale.co.uk and via bookshops. Catherine spoke to Herefordshire Decorative and Fine Arts Society on The Scattered Treasures of Hampton Court

A pair of large topographical paintings (58” x 83”) of Hampton Court in the 1690s by Leonard Knyff, were the star lots (553 and 554) of the second day of the

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

in March 2015. For details of forthcoming DFAS events, see www.hereford-defas.org.uk. Hampton Court is open to the public daily from 26th March 2015, from 10.30am-5pm. For details, see www.hamptoncourt.org.uk.

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SENIOR LIVING

GET MOVING Looking to try a different way to keep fit, but don't know your Gyrotonic from your Tai Chi? We lead you through some of the most popular exercise classes.

Aerobic and step classes

Tai Chi is a low-intensity Chinese martial art and is

Aerobics classes, which are generally a high or low-impact

excellent for improving strength, balance and postural

workout to set music, allow you to exercise at your own

control. It has even been shown to help prevent falls.

level to improve your cardiovascular fitness and flexibility.

Yoga Aqua aerobics is the same as aerobics, albeit in

Most yoga styles are rooted in Hatha yoga, which

the shallow end of the pool. As your body weight is

focuses on developing control through different poses.

supported by the water, the impact is reduced, so it’s

Viniyoga (also known as vinyasa) is probably the most

ideal for those with joint problems, exercise newcomers

gentle form of yoga, focusing on co-ordinating breathing

or those who are overweight.

with movement, it’s an excellent choice for beginners.

Pilates

Gyrotonic

Pilates is a form of strength and flexibility training open

A favourite of Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, Gyrotonic

to anyone, no matter how fit they are, which helps to

is a cross between swimming, ballet, gymnastics,

promote physical and mental wellbeing it’s also a huge aid

Pilates and yoga. The Gyrotonic Expansion system uses

for physical awareness, improving posture, circulation and

rotating discs and weighted pulleys to create variable

balance. By training the core abdominal and back muscles,

resistance via ropes and straps. The machines work the

it helps to stabilise your torso and allows your entire body

muscles and ligaments in circular fluid movements and

to move freely. For people who are more sedentary than

help to stretch and strengthen the muscles. Gyrotonic

most, Pilates is a gentle, non-impact exercise.

originated as a form of rehabilitation and the low-impact rhythmic movements can be beneficial for those with

Martial arts

arthritis, back pain or those recovering from an injury.

Don’t assume that martial arts classes are only for budding Bruce Lees: they have a wide range of benefits

toning classes

such as improved muscle toning, better flexibility and

Toning classes can come under a variety of names,

co-ordination.Karate involves a variety of techniques,

including body pump and body sculpt. Some concentrate

but some may be a little extreme, as it often demands

on specific areas of the body such as the legs, bottom and

physical contact.The same goes for other martial

stomach. There are also stability classes using fitness balls

arts such as Aikido or Tae Kwon Do, although they’re

(which look like giant beach balls). Don’t be put off: they’re

great ways to keep fit and classes often boast a great

used to strengthen the muscles that maintain good

communal spirit. Many modern gyms feature boxercise

posture – and they work surprisingly well.

or kick-boxing classes, which are a step down from

36

the hard-core martial arts and are a good potential

For more information please visit

stepping stone.

www.ageuk.org.uk

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39

EDUCATION

H Rather than pushing your child to gain fabulous grades, encourage them to take responsibility for completing their homework to the best of their ability.

JAMELIA HANSONI

TUITION TIPS Ok, everybody knows that children reap huge rewards from focusing on their studies at school but not everybody understands that effective studying starts at an early age.

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

>>

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41

EDUCATION

Schedule the homework Rather than contend with a mountainous session where a week’s homework is completed in one night, take time to review your child’s homework and plan small climbs over a number of nights. This way, children gain a more positive approach. They’re not climbing Everest on a weekly basis.

A

nd it isn’t just academic

day when they are not committed to

achievements

they

any after school clubs. Try and find out

acquire from improved study

what time they are able to concentrate

Show an Interest

skills. So where can you help?

best. Also, find a quiet place to work

Expressing

that

an

interest

in

your

away from any distractions. A kitchen

child’s homework is a genuine sign

First, you need to look realistically

table, desk or local library are not

of encouragement. Aim to offer

at your child’s potential. There may

comfort zones, but for effective

guidance and support rather than

be a discrepancy between the effort

working they beat sprawling across the

supplying the answers.

that they put into their work and

living room floor. And once your child

what they achieve. This may prove

has found a good place, study at the

Encourage your child to read

frustrating and at this point, they

same spot each time.

As part of the weekly homework,

need your support and reassurance.

most schools put an emphasis on Organise the homework

reading. By buying or borrowing a

Your efforts will not be in vain

To avoid hunting for a pencil for half

wide variety of books you can tempt

though, as with this sympathetic

an hour, keep a small ready supply of

your child into reading.

input your child will gain a set of skills

stationery items to hand and file loose

and qualifications that they will take

bits of work away in a homework file.

with them into adulthood.

Extra help for children with learning disabilities

Avoid distractions

But what do you do if you see that

There are many ways to help your

Yes that means turning off the TV!

your child is struggling to keep on top

son or daughter focus more on that

Background music can be a good

of their studies? It may need some

schoolwork. Let’s take a look at some

motivational tool, if the volume is low.

investigation. There may be a gap

of them:

Phone calls and visits from friends

between your child’s learning potential

should be taken after your child’s

and what they actually understand.

Helping with Homework

homework is finished.

Rather than pushing your child to gain

They may be progressing at a slow

fabulous grades, encourage them to

Start with the difficult stuff

pace or show signs of an uneven

take responsibility for completing their

With the mind fresh, your child will

pattern of development. Remember:

homework to the best of their ability.

be able to cope better with the more

there are many forms of learning

braintaxing subjects. Once these are

disability: it’s important to pinpoint

Set a time and place

filed away, the focus can be on more

the exact problem before seeking

Find out when is the best time for

enjoyable, easier work.

a remedy. If you suspect that your

your child to complete homework

42

avoid idle non-work related chatting.

child may have a learning disability

and devote that time into your daily or

Assess the benefits of

contact your school for testing and

weekly schedule. For example, children

studying in small groups

evaluation.

may find it easier to concentrate early

This can be useful for some children,

in the evening just after dinner on a

but it requires regular monitoring to

ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

By Amelia Hanson

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45

WHATS on

WYCHWOOD 2015

Wychwood is one of the UK’s best loved family festivals set in the beautiful surroundings of the Gloucestershire countryside from 29th – 31st May.

A

cross the weekend the festival will showcase

by comedy duo Dick and Dom. Wychwood offers a

timeless heritage artists including, UB40

diverse programme of music and entertainment for

and The Proclaimers, festival favourites

all the family, a brilliant variety of food stalls and is a

Craig Charles and Andy Kershaw, plus

festival not to be missed this summer.

the best in up-and-coming music curated by London promoters, Smashing Blouse.

MORE INFORMATION

On top of the music there is an innovative and packed

Wychwood Festival takes place on Cheltenham Racecourse

programme of activities and events for all the family

from 29th – 31st May 2015. Weekend Festival tickets for

including yoga, crafts, comedy, children’s workshops,

children/adults/concessions are from £129.00, Under 5’s

craft beer festival and Wychwood’s famous headphone

go free but must register for a ticket. Camping passes must be purchased in addition to a festival ticket. Visit

disco for late night revellers! This year Wychwood’s

www.wychwoodfestival.com for further information and

very own Children’s Literature Festival returns in

to purchase tickets.

association with Waterstones and will be headed

Competition

For your chance to win two adult and two children weekend tickets, which includes car parking and camping to Wychwood 2015 at Cheltenham Racecourse simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Which comedy duo will be heading up Wychwood Literature Festival?

A) The Chuckle Brothers B) Dick and Dom C) Tom & Jerry ISSUE FORTY FOUR

46

Answer: Name:

Address: Tel: Email:

VALLEY Nowstamped, addressed envelope to: Wychwood WVMN, PW Send yourWYE answers in you a sealed, If do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events,If news and offers Ludlow Spring Festival please tick this box APRIL 2015 do not wishfrom to receive information on forthcoming events, Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, Newtickets Street,allow Worcester, WR1 2DP.and up to 4 you *Family entry for 2 adults children on the Saturday or Sunday of the Ludlow Spring Festival, each worth £15 Closing date for entries is 22nd April 2015. Children MUST be under 15 years old. news and offers from Wychwood Festival please tick this box

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WHAT’S ON

APRIL Until 30th April ‘Be still and listen, the earth is singing’ - Spring Exhibition Old Chapel Gallery Pembridge Herefordshire HR6 0HB www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk Cost: Free Throughout April until SUNDAY 28th June Arts in the Marches: Sculpture Taurus Crafts Lydney Forest of Dean GL15 6BU www.tauruscrafts.co.uk Cost: free Friday 3rd Paddington Conquest Theatre Tenbury Road Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4LL www.conquest-theatre.co.uk Cost: £5.50 / conc. £5 Friday 3rd – Monday 6th Eggsperience Easter Eastnor Castle Ledbury HR8 1RL www.eastnorcastle.com Cost: Adult £10, children under 16 £6.50 Easter Adventure Quest Witley Court and Gardens Great Witley Worcestershire

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

WR6 6JT www.english-heritage.org.uk Cost: ticketprices vary Sunday 5th - Monday 6th First Open Days in Steam The Waterworks Museum Broomy Hill Hereford HR4 0LJ www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk Cost: Adults £6, seniors £5, children £2 Monday 6th – Sunday 12th Captured Old Mayor’s Parlour 23 Church Street Hereford HR1 2LR www.oldmayorsparlour.co.uk Cost: Free Wednesday 8th Teen Paintball Day Oaker Wood Leisure Nr. Kingsland Hereford HR6 9PT www.oakerwoodleisure.co.uk Cost: £30 The Dymock Poets and Literary Greats Tour St Mary’s Church Dymock Gloucestershire GL18 2AQ www.rural-concierge.co.uk Cost: £35 Thursday 9th Children’s Multi-activity Day Oaker Wood Leisure Nr. Kingsland Hereford HR6 9PT

www.oakerwoodleisure.co.uk Cost: £23.50 Conquest Youth Theatre: “The Wizard of Oz”: The Silver Slippers Conquest Theatre Tenbury Road Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4LL www.conquest-theatre.co.uk Cost: £5 Under 16 free Countrytastic Three Counties Showground Malvern WR13 6NW www.threecounties.co.uk Cost: £6 in advance, under 3’s free Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th Chepstow Walking Festival Chepstow Tourist Information Centre Bridge Street Chepstow Monmouthshire NP16 5EY www.walksinchepstow.co.uk Cost: £5 Saturday 11th Arts Market Hereford High Town Hereford HR1 2AA www.brightstripe.co.uk Cost: Free A Song of Shadows - A talk by author John Connolly The Shire Hall Agincourt Square Monmouth NP25 3DY Contact: 01989 564464

>>

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WHAT’S ON

Cost: £5 per person Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th Summer of Archaeology Brockhampton Estate Bringsty Nr. Bromyard WR6 5TB www.nationaltrust.org.uk Cost: free event – entry charges apply Sunday 12th Land of Hops & Glory Cycle Sportive Wye Valley Brewery Stoke Lacy Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4HG keithevans969@btinternet.com Cost £15 Basic Bread Workshop Peter Cook’s Bread 53 The Hop Pocket Bishop’s Frome Herefordshire WR6 5BT www.petercooksbread.co.uk Cost: £85 Thursday 16th An Evening with Prue Leith Castle House Hotel Castle Street Hereford HR1 2NW www.castlehse.co.uk Cost: £40 SUNDAY 19TH Aulden Farm & Ivy Croft - Open garden for NGS Aulden Leominster Herefordshire

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ISSUE FORTY FOUR WYE VALLEY Now APRIL 2015

HR6 0JT www.ngs.org.uk Cost: £6.00 Thursday 23rd St George’s Day Lunch Castle House Hotel Castle Street Hereford HR1 2NW www.castlehse.co.uk Cost: £24 for 2 courses / £29 for 3 courses Friday 24th Beyond Borders – Live Music Rich McMahon Dinedor Village Hall Dinedor Herefordshire HR2 6LQ www.dinedor.org.uk Cost: £7.50 Saturday 25th One Day Potters Wheel Workshop Eastnor Pottery Home Farm Eastnor Herefordshire HR8 1RD www.eastnorpottery.co.uk Cost: £120 Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado Wyastone Concert Hall Wyastone Leys Monmouth NP25 3SR lesley.leach@thehaven.org.uk Cost: £45 Sunday 26th Forest Activities Festival The Speech Hotel Grounds

Coleford Road Forest of Dean Gloucestershire GL16 7EL www.forestactivitiesfestival.co.uk Cost: Adults £2, children £1 Cherry Blossom Walk Sidnall Farm Ullingswick Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4RP samfriends.rae@aol.uk Cost: Adults £15, children £5 inc lunch. £5 for guided walk Monday 27th AprilSaturday 23rd May Spring Exhibition featuring Charles MacCathy and Lois Hopwood Silk Top Hat Gallery Quality Square Ludlow SY8 1AR exhibitions@silktophatgallery.co.uk Cost: free Wednesday 29th Red Cross Great Spring Garden Event 2015 Whitfield Estate Wormbridge Hereford HR2 9BA www.redcross.org.uk/ gardeningevent Cost: £7 Thursday 30th April – Sunday 3rd May Cheltenham Jazz Festival Various venues across Cheltenham Contact: cheltenhamfestivals.com Cost: Varied

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