Wye Valley NOW - April 2018

Wye Valley Now AND THE MARCHES

REFURBISHING YOUR KITCHEN HARRY POTTER WOW WEEK! REMEMBERING BERTRAM BOLT APRIL 2018 | Issue 77

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HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD & DRINK • WALKS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • WHAT’S ON • COMPETITIONS

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Wye Valley Now

08

AND THE MARCHES

14 16

Contents

26

APRIL 2018

HOME & GARDEN 8

Refurbishing Your Kitchen

14

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

16

Classic Herbs for that Culinary Adventure

20

Nature Notebook

Health & Beauty 22

The Perfect Scents for Spring...

25

Suz of Bromyard

26

Tips & Tricks for Summer

w y e va l l e y

NOW

editor

design

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Advertising

01905 723011

Suzie Scott 01905 727906 suzie@pw-media.co.uk

2nd Floor, Richardson House 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP

Mel Penkoks 01905 727901 mel@pw-media.co.uk

nowmagazine.co.uk

20

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Contributors Front Cover: The Downs Malvern www.thedownsmalvern.co.uk Glynis Dray House of Colour

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Suz of Bromyard The Charlton Arms Deaf Direct Shaw Care Homes Think Media St John’s On-the-Hill Lucton School Hidden History Nozstock Festival Mama Festivals British Asparagus Festival

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30

32 Food & Drink

38

28

What’s in Season

30

Supper’s Ready

Golden Years 32

Helping with Hearing Loss

35

Shaw Care Homes

37

Churchill Retirement Living

Education

44

52

38

Harry Potter Wow Week!

39

The Downs Malvern

40

Troops for Teachers

42

Lucton School

Our Events Diary 44

Wye Valley Walks

45

Remembering Bertram Bolt

46

What’s on this month?

49

The aMazing Hedge Puzzle

50

Competition Nozstock Festival

52

Steaming Asparagus

54

Competition Wychwood Festival

competition winner Ludlow Point-to-Point B. Morgan, Pembridge, Leominster

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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 Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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here & Now

Homefront Herefordshire

Herefordshire celebrates its Community Champions Photo: James Maggs

Home Front Herefordshire is running a fascinating mix of exhibitions, talks, events and workshops to commemorate the amazing contribution of Herefordshire’s men and women to the home front campaign.

These events run until April 29. There are lots of free & family friendly events.

Herefordshire has a lot to be proud about, following the announcement of the 2018 Community Champion Award winners.

The Community Champion Awards, hosted in partnership with Cargill, was established by Councillor Brian Wilcox, Chairman of Herefordshire Council, to recognise the exceptional community contributions made by individuals and groups across the county.

The awards ceremony, held on Friday 16 March at Hereford Town Hall, was a celebration of the time and commitment made to local communities by thirteen Herefordshire residents and five local groups.

All finalists were invited to a formal dinner and The Dowager Countess of Darnley, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Herefordshire, presented the winners with £500, a personalised trophy and certificate – all made possible by Cargill’s support: The winners were Youth Champion - Strong Young Minds Volunteer Champion – Karen Usher & David Sheppard Environment Champion – Emma Jones Caring Champion – Julie Cartmell Community Champion – Edgar Whiteley Councillor Brian Wilcox, award judge and Chairman of Herefordshire Council, said “The Community Champion Awards celebrates the marvellous voluntary work that so many selfless people do for their local communities. There was a 50% increase in nominations this year and judging the selections was harder than ever.

Our finalists represent everything that is good about Herefordshire’s supportive community, but there are many other nominees who could have been finalists as well. Thank you to everyone who selflessly helps others and their communities - these people and groups are the backbone of our communities and we are privileged to have them in our county.”

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The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), based at Ross Park on the A40, has been working tirelessly at a national level at starting to stem the plastic tide. Now MCS wants to address the issue of single use plastics right on its doorstep in Ross on Wye. The charity has joined forces with local councillor, Mrs Caroline Utting in order to start the process of becoming a plastics free town. Caroline told the Ross Gazette: “I was recently approached by several Ross residents and asked to help set-up a group here to tackle the problem of single use plastics. From one social media post I have had a lot of interest, which is really encouraging, and a meeting seemed the logical next step. I’m so pleased the Marine Conservation Society is on board with this in its home town. I’m sure we can make a real impact on this issue”

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Home & Garden

Refurbishing Your Kitchen Paint Your Cabinets Before starting a kitchen paint job, empty the cabinets, clear off the counters, and remove freestanding appliances.

Relocate tables and other furniture to another room. Mask up the countertops and cover the flooring, and tape plastic sheeting over the splashback,

windows,

fixed

appliances,

and

interior doorways. Mask off the wall around the cabinets. Finally, set up a worktable for painting doors, drawers, and shelves. In kitchens the key to a good paint job is surface prep. “Old cabinets are covered with everything from hand oils to greasy cooking residue, “You’ve got to get all that off or the paint won’t stick.”

Install new worktops Worktops can be reasonably easy to replace so this can be done as a DIY project to save money. But be very careful, worktops are not cheap and getting a neat finish in a mitered corner is not as easy as it looks, especially if the walls are not straight.

Even if going the DIY route, if you have a built-in gas oven or hobs then then you’ll need an approved Gas Safe engineer to remove and then re-install it after the worktops have been fitted.

There are many different materials used to make worktops, but laminate worktops are the most popular type in the UK however there are so many options it can be hard to choose which material would suit your lifestyle best – wood, natural n 8 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

or engineered stone, stainless steel or marble?

Whichever worktop you do choose will have a huge impact on your kitchen, in terms of both visual appeal and function. Manmade composite worktops made from minerals and resin offer a smooth and durable surface in a huge range of colours. Concrete work surfaces are very cool right now and there’s a surprisingly large range of colours to choose from. However, it’s not terribly robust and needs expansion joints so is not seamless.

Update your kitchen floor Kitchen flooring might need to be practical and hardwearing, but there’s no need for it to be dull.

From painted floorboards to geometric patterns, there is a kitchen flooring material to suit every style. As kitchens often blend with dining areas into larger, open-plan spaces, kitchen flooring can be a great way of uniting different areas of the room, creating a cohesive finish. Modern porcelain tiles tend to be the most hard-wearing choice for kitchen flooring, as they are waterproof, stain resistant and scratchproof, as well as easy to clean.

Natural stone will last a lifetime if properly installed and treated, but it’s porous and must be sealed.

Solid and engineered wood floors are warm and offer character, but tend to be less durable, although solid floors can often be refinished a number of times.

Continued over the page

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Home & Garden

Wooden ov er

mantle avai lable from Tw yford Co oker s of Leom inster

Improve kitchen storage Store away clutter, whether it’s on your shelves, in the cabinets or on the worktop – clutter is the enemy of a small kitchen space. Drawers and a narrow larder can help to maximise the amount of storage space available, which allows you to hide away ingredients, utensils and crockery, keeping worktops and shelving clean and clear.

That’s not to say nothing should be on display. Statement pieces like freestanding mixers will add to the design of the room; daily essentials such as kettles and toasters are impractical to pack away, and fresh flowers, herbs and other small decorative items will keep the room feeling homely, so display them all sparingly. Adding hanging racks close to action add interest and are great storage.

contrasting shade to give the space instant drama and

Create a feature wall The wall you choose to highlight should ideally be the space to which your eye is first drawn when you enter the room. Avoid walls with doors or windows if you can, as they’ll tend to detract from the effect you’re trying to create. Be brave with your paint colours. If your room is already a neutral colour, choose a strong

way to do that is by opening the cupboard/drawer

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depth. If your walls are already painted a bright hue, try a complementary colour a few shades darker or lighter on the feature wall.

Be brave, be bold and follow your gut instincts – and most importantly, have fun!

Change your cabinet doors and handles Changing the cupboard hardware is one of the easiest ways to spruce up your kitchen! Since the beginning of the 80s the sizes of cupboard handles have been standardised. The distance between the screw holes is called CC-size. CC stands for centre to centre, ie. the distance between the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other screw hole. Start by measuring the distance between the screw holes. The easiest and then measure the distance between the center of the screws on the backside. Measure the distance in millimetres between the two screws. The most common measurements are 64 mm, 96 mm, 128 mm and 160 mm Continued over the page

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Home & Garden

Liven up your scheme with accessories Accessories will brighten your kitchen in an instant and you can choose a theme to bring the look together. Display selected items on open shelving and think about reorganising your worktop so you only have your favourites on show. If you have a dresser, this is the perfect place to show off neat stacks of crockery, cups and glassware.

Use new fabrics From new seat cushions for tired old chairs to pretty blinds and tablecloths, fabrics can work wonders and don’t have to cost the earth. Oilcloth table coverings are also back in fashion.

Buy new appliances New appliances and can refresh your kitchen without changing any of the furniture. You’ll need to ensure that they will fit into the existing space, though,. Freestanding appliances can be replaced more easily. Also, consider upgrading to energyefficient models to save on gas or electricity.

Install extra lighting Shed new light on a kitchen scheme by incorporating dramatic ceiling lights. Oversized metal pendants are the perfect way to make a statement and introduce an industrial feel. Hang them over a table or island to create a focal point and provide both task and mood lighting. If n 12 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

you choose a smaller design, follow the interior designers and hang them in threes for maximum impact.

Update kitchen walls Valspar Premium Blend v700 Walls & Ceilings is a paint and primer in one, giving you an exceptional finish in half the time. It has excellent scrubbability and great stain resistance means Blend v700™ withstands the toughest household stains from felt tips to black coffee, making it perfect for busy homes and high-traffic rooms. Valspar has over 2,000 pre-mixed colours and a colour matching service, so you can take anything you’d like into store and have it colour matched. Valspar is exclusively sold at B&Q, and costs £25.20 for 2.5L. Refresh the sink Sinks add distinctive character to a kitchen and you can change the feel of yours in an instant by adding a white butler sink for a country look, a stainless steel design for a contemporary feel or a distinctive copper one to make a real statement. Think carefully about how you use your sink – you might find one with a large double bowl or an integrated drainer is more practical if you don’t have a dishwasher. n

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Home & Garden

RHS Malvern

Spring Festival

Show Garden to Celebrate the Redevelopment of the Royal Porcelain Works in Worcester RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning garden designer, Olivia Kirk, is creating The Collectors Garden, her first Show Garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival, which celebrates the re-development of The Royal Porcelain Works (RPW) in Worcester.

Olivia, who runs a design practice in Herefordshire, has 3 RHS Chelsea Medals including Gold and has designed many private and public space gardens around the UK. The Collectors Garden at RHS Malvern, which runs from 10-13 May 2018, will take visitors on a journey through time, using a series of planted exhibition spaces.

The innovative garden design provides an inspiring mix of history and modernity, by linking the Victorian heritage of the Royal Porcelain Works site in Worcester, with its exciting new re-developed 21st Century role as a centre for the performing arts and modern craftsmanship. The Royal Porcelain Works will open to the public at the end of June.

Featured in the Show Garden’s exhibition spaces are five stone plinths. Three of the plinths display glass bell jars, containing historic Royal Worcester pieces, which are painted with horticultural designs. The planting surrounding the plinths includes some of the plants and foliage featured on the Royal Worcester pieces.

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All the plants from The Collectors Garden are being relocated after RHS Malvern, to a central courtyard garden at the RPW, which is also being designed by Olivia. The garden will link a new artisan cafe/deli ‘The Nest, Worcester’, with the existing Museum of Royal Worcester and the adjacent RPW with its newly renovated Henry Sandon Hall, which will be an arts centre run by Worcester Live.

Commenting, Olivia said, “I am extremely excited about creating a Show Garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival this year, as this is my local show and it has always been close to my heart, with its majestic backdrop of the Malvern Hills. What I have really enjoyed is creating a design which, like the redevelopment of the Royal Porcelain Works, marries the best of its Victorian heritage with the design innovations of contemporary living.”

The Collectors Garden is sponsored by Royal Porcelain Works Limited. Chairman, Colin Kinnear OBE said, “We are delighted to be working with Olivia Kirk on this exciting Show Garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival, which will help raise awareness of the major new RPW development in Worcester. What’s more, visitors to RHS Malvern will be able to enjoy the beautiful planting from The Collectors Garden for many years to come, when the garden is relocated to the RPW, which officially opens to the public at the end of June 2018.” n

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Home & Garden

Classic Herbs

For That Culinary Adventure Every garden should have a plentiful supply of fresh herbs.

They are so easy to grow and you can fill

Soft herbs like Basil and Coriander have to be sown

your herb bed with interesting scents

annually as they will not overwinter and they also need

together with the added luxury of your

a little more watering, then Chives which are easy to

own fresh grown herbs for your culinary needs... fresh

establish and maintain do need plenty of water and do

chopped Coriander on your curry is truly sensational.

need a moisture retentive spot in a sunny or semi shade position, all classic herbs for that culinary adventure.

A dedicated herb bed or border can be so beneficial just outside the kitchen door, and so handy for easy pickings.

Many will grow happily in pots or window boxes but can just as easily be inserted between other plants in your borders, if space is limited herbs do well in containers.

Many herbs such as Rosemary are evergreen, originating in warm mediterranean climates preferring well drained soils, they actually thrive on neglect, requiring little fertiliser and crop really well without much feeding. n 16 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

Early April onwards is a good time to establish your herb garden for the summer months that lie ahead providing you with a never ending supply through to the autumn.

The soil is warming up and your newly planted mature plants will quickly become established.

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Home & Garden

These will be pot grown from a nursery, do not be tempted to plant the fresh herb type from a supermarket as they are different and although they have roots they are grown specially for cutting and using from a window cill.

Generally pest free organically grown herbs encourage wildlife into the garden enhancing your gardens ecology, many are Bee friendly too. With little effort you can end up with a fragrant part of your garden with varying colours of foliage and flowers in all shades of pink through to deep purple.

Growing your own herbs has never been easier so make this a filled year. n Karl Strawbridge Wagon House Gardens, The Jinney Ring Craft Centre Tel: 01527 821421

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nature

The Lower

Lugg Valley

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust is putting life back into the Lugg Valley Living Landscape The River Lugg has wide flood plains which have rich, fertile soils due to nutrients and silts deposited when the river floods. This makes the land ideal for agriculture, and the floodplain is a mosaic of, permanent pasture, hay meadows, arable land and plantation woodlands. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust manages over 200 acres of floodplain in the Lugg valley including Lugg meadows, Hampton Meadow and Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve. In addition to these areas, the Trust today works with landowners, businesses and local communities throughout the floodplain.

The River Lugg is a nationally and internationally important river for wildlife and is designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The River supports a range of rare species including, river water crowfoot, otter, white-clawed crayfish and important fish species such as lamprey, salmon and bullhead. Unfortunately, populations of many of these species are struggling because of fragmented habitats, high pollution levels and invasive, non-native species within the river valley.

The two major pollutants impacting the River Lugg and the wildlife that relies on it are phosphate and sediment. Sources of phosphate pollution include artificial fertiliser and muck from livestock washing off agricultural land into the river.

These high phosphate levels are causing eutrophication, a peak in algal blooms, which reduces water oxygen content.

Poaching of the river bank (trampling by livestock) causes it

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to erode resulting in soil loss and sedimentation. Sediment in the river can smother the eggs of fish such as salmon and trout, reducing their survival by preventing nutrient exchange as well as harming other wildlife.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust has been working with landowners for several years to carry out restoration works throughout the catchment with funding from the Environment Agency and Natural England. Fencing livestock out of the river prevents livestock poaching the banks, allowing vegetation to regrow, reducing soil erosion and therefore sedimentation. This vegetation creates and connects habitats to support wildlife. Creating ponds provides an alternative water source for livestock as well as a great habitat for wildlife. We have also restored some of the floodplain meadows by spreading seeds from other thriving meadows in the valley which are already rich in wildflowers and have been managing the riverside trees.

The Lower Lugg Valley also holds many water-filled gravel pits such as Bodenham Lake. Here we have launched a new project: Lugg Wetland Gem. We plan to re-profile some of the lake margins to create shallower sides and allow the reedbed to expand while also monitoring the species on the site over several years. Reedbed is a nationally scarce habitat and listed as a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and supports a number of rare invertebrates and birds.

To find out more about the projects in the Lower Lugg Valley go to: www.herefordshirewt.org

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Health & Beauty

The Perfect Scents

for Spring...

1

2

Continued over the page

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Health & Beauty

4 3

4

5

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1. chanel

3. MUGLER

In 2018, COCO MADEMOISELLE is reclaiming its territory. Remaining true to its oriental origins, COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum Intense is for all those who wholeheartedly embrace their folly, their passion and their excessiveness with an open smile. A captivating fragrance that makes a strong impact, with no intention of being forgotten. A creation for women who always want more...

The quintessence of Alien Flora Futura is the symbiosis between the crisp, green freshness of “Buddha’s Hand” and the extraordinary rarity of the “Queen of the Night” flower that only blooms for one night.

£82.00

2. L’OCCITANE The iconic Terre de Lumiere bottle blossoms with powder pink hues to reflect the light of dawn in Provence. Enclosed within is a delicate fragrance that breathes serenity.

It’s the scent of daybreak, of that beautiful moment when the sun’s rays emerge gently over the horizon. Inspired by Provence at first light, the serene notes of this tender, floral fragrance evolve slowly, giving each accord the time to reveal itself fully, like the unfolding dawn...

£49.00 - 50ml £65.00 - 90ml

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Alien Futurais contained within a talisman-like bottle featuring original architectural shapes, which encapsulates this incredibly precious “flower of the future.” It has changed its hue, departing from the amethyst tones of the iconic bottle to embrace an even more feminine orangey-pink to evoke the dawn sky, the prelude to a kinder, more optimistic day during which everything becomes possible: loving, believing, dreaming, being true to oneself...

£42.00 - 30ml £52.00 - 60ml

4. DIPTYQUE Diptyque will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their first personal fragrance, L’Eau, with the launch of Fleur de Peau, developed by perfumer Olivier Pescheux.

In ancient Greece, one myth stood out as the most passionate and sensual: the love between Psyche and Eros, the beauty’s quest to meet with her lover and the happy outcome of their union which led to the birth of their daughter, Hedone... Only one scent can convey this legend as a fragrance, that of musks. Equally legendary, they have the unique ability to enhance the skin with their arousing carnal accents. They are at the very heart of Fleur de Peau, as cottony and light as they are soft and moist. Highlighted with the elegantly powdery iris and fruity, ambery ambrette seeds, they reveal their full tactile dimension.

£115.00

5. CHANTECAILLE Blossoming Brazilian gardenia adds a feminine floral touch to this Le Wild Eau de Parfum from CHANTECAILLE, while Casablanca lily, tuberose and jasmine mingle to create an ethereal floral veil. Lastly, sensual ambergris and creamy musk wrap the fragrance in glowing warmth, releasing the dreamy potency of each individual bloom.

£40 - 20ml £100 - 50ml

Health & Beauty

Suz of Bromyard Sue Meredith is a local businesswoman in the North Herefordshire market town of Bromyard. She is owner of Suz Ltd and is now in her fourth year of trading. The shop is situated in the High St and offers a wide range of brands including Pomodoro, Hudson & Olson, Marble, Tivoli, Lebek, Emreco, Anna Montana trousers, Alice Collins and Harvey Jackets.

Sue aims to deliver high quality garments at affordable prices with a degree of exclusivity for her customers. By mixing brands Sue can create the perfect outfit to suit individual requirements. Sue offers a wide range of accessories carefully chosen to compliment her collections, ranging from Leather bags, gloves, scarves, pashminas, jewellery and hats.

The shop is situated at 16 High St, Bromyard, the opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm where Sue is assisted by her colleagues Joyce Marshall and Alison Durrant. Sue comments, “We are all passionate about fashion and our priority is to offer our customers a thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience with the best customer service.� Whilst the shop is closed on a Monday Sue offers individual consultations by appointment.

Sue would like to take the opportunity of thanking her loyal customers for their continued support and looks forward to taking on new brands to offer even more choice. To view her extensive Spring/Summers collection, call into the shop or make an appointment for an individual viewing. n

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Health & Beauty

Tips & Tricks

Barbour Leathen Dress, £149, Barbour Glentrothes Tote, £59.95

For Summer The streamlined look - jeggings, leggings, skinny and straight jeans - seems to have been with us forever, doesn’t it? It’s because that pared-back silhouette is a

trend. A fashion trend lasts for several seasons, sometimes years unlike a craze, which comes and goes within a few months.

So I want to share with you an overview of the latest looks and tip you off about the new long-term trends that are on the horizon And yes, you’ve guessed it: roomier, wide-legged trousers are going to be here for a while. The mid-length is also spreading, for dresses and skirts as well as jackets and coats.

Top tip: if you get used to these trends early on, you can make some very smart buys right at the start, and update your whole wardrobe for months to come.

Tropical Utility: if you like to make a statement, you can team exotic bold prints with safari jackets and wide-legged or cropped trousers. There are also pretty feminine prints with utility details like metal poppers and D-rings, giving your outfit an edgier feel.

Transformed Traditions: traditional tailored silhouettes are updated with asymmetric shapes, twisting and draping and lots of colour blocking. Layering is still big this season, so jackets and cardigans will come in handy to take your day outfit through to the evening.

Elevated Basics: This look is all about the details that transform a trusted pair of jeans into something smarter carrying on the hi-lo trend from last season. Quick reminder: hi-lo is when you mix the opulent - ruffles, embellishment, silk - with a casual look, like a denim or a sweatshirt. So statement jeans, with floral embroidery, sequins and lace, make a return from last season.

Summertime Bright: put your sun specs on! For high summer, dazzle with bold colours in one piece dresses and jumpsuits or twopiece ‘dresses’ with the skirt and top in the same fabric and pattern.

Have fun mixing and matching with separates in other colours from your palette.

Springtime Whimsy: if sheer fabrics and ruffles are your thing, you’ll love this. Think florals, pastel colours and delicate cut-out details.

The silhouettes will define the waist with flattering fit-and-flare shapes. Asymmetry is also big this season, with hi-lo hems on dresses and skirts and one-shoulder tops. n Keep watching for more tips and trends Jane Brook House of Colour Worcester Jane.brook@houseofcolour.co.uk 07070 293341 n 26 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

Robin singing © Steve Wat erhouse

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Food & drink

What's in Season

In the Farm Shops?

Jersey Royals have been grown on Jersey for 140 years. Today there are approximately 20 island farmers who grow Jersey Royals, many of whom grow potatoes and no other crops.

The potatoes are grown on approximately 16,500 vergees (approx. 7,300 acres). The Jersey soil is light and well drained and many farmers still use seaweed harvested from Jersey beaches as a natural fertilizer (it is known locally as Vraic). Jersey has some of the most formidable tidal flows in the world, and the strong movement of the sea deposits large quantities of vraic on the shore. The practice of using vraic on the land dates back to the 12th century.

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The Jersey Royal season begins in November with planting under glass. The main outdoor crop is planted from January to April with harvesting from the end of March through to the July. The peak of the season is May, when up to 1,500 tonnes of Royals can be exported daily. Potatoes planted on the early slopes are hand lifted, with mechanical harvesters used only for the later, flatter fields. The fields on slopes near the coast - known as côtils - are so steep that almost all the work is done by hand.

refrigerated trailers for export. The potatoes

Once harvested, the level of care continues at each stage. Jersey Royals are checked twice by workers and quality controllers before being packed and loaded into

to protect the product as it is produced in its

are harvested, graded, packed and shipped daily to ensure that consumers are buying them when they are at their freshest and finest.

Besides being unique to Jersey, the Jersey Royal enjoys EU protection of designation of origin in much the same way that France was granted sole use of the word ‘champagne’.

The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is an official recognition granted by the EU country of origin. In other words, if a batch of potatoes doesn’t have the PDO it isn’t the genuine article. n

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Food & drink

Supper's Ready Cedric and Amy Bosi, own and runs The Charlton Arms in Ludlow together with The Church Inn in King Street. Cedric moved to Ludlow from Lyon to work with his brother Claude at the former Ludlow favourite, Hibiscus restaurant.

once being diagnosed but this changed very quickly over

Cedric grew up in Lyon, France’s Gastronomic Capital. His parents ran a bistro and his brother went on to win two Michelin stars. Cedric, meanwhile, was slowly building an impressive portfolio of pub-restaurants and found an affinity for England’s pub culture and traditions.

estimates that there are 4,831 people over-65 living with

From this basis Cedric’s first book is called Supper’s Ready, with all profits going to The Alzheimer’s Society: it showcases some of the dishes that are firm favourites with the Ludlow regulars at his pubs. Cedric said: “Alzheimer’s is happening right now on both sides of our families. My grandmother was taken by the disease quite drastically and now doesn’t recognise any of us, whereas Amy’s grandmother has managed to lead a normal life for 13 years

Wye Valley Now AND THE MARCHES

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

Suzie Scott

Mel Penkoks

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

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

n 30 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

the last year. It’s been a very difficult time not only for Amy’s grandmother but Amy’s family. “It’s only when you’re face to face with this sad disease that you realise how much support the Alzheimer’s patient and family need.” The NHS dementia in Shropshire and there are 850,000 people living with the condition in the UK. “This is a great way of raising money and awareness about dementia. The money raised will help support people with dementia and fund valuable research into the condition.”

The book can be purchased for £15 at The Charlton Arms in Ludlow Shropshire.n

The Charlton Arms, Ludford Bridge, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1PJ Tel: +44 (0) 1584 872 813 Email: info@thecharltonarms.co.uk

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 31 n

golden years

Helping with

Hearing Loss What is tinnitus?

Who gets tinnitus?

Tinnitus comes from the Latin word

It is a misconception that tinnitus only affects

for ‘ringing’ and is the awareness

the elderly. Tinnitus can affect anyone and at

of sound when no actual sound is present. The

any time. Some children are even born with it.

sounds themselves vary from person to person

Mild tinnitus is common and most people will

and there can be multiple sounds heard at the

get a form of tinnitus at some point in their

same time. It may be in either ear, both ears, in

lives. Approximately 10% of the population

the head or be difficult to pinpoint its location.

has tinnitus continuously and 1% of adults have

For some people the sounds are very gentle and can only be heard in a quiet room. For others

it more severely with their quality of life being affected.

the sounds are extremely loud and can make

What causes tinnitus?

it difficult to hear external noises over them.

Tinnitus is not a disease, but a non-specific

They may be low, medium or high pitched,

symptom that can be brought on by a mental or

continuous or come and go in varying intervals.

physical ‘change’, not necessarily related to the

Some of the common sounds are: • Ringing • Whistling • Heart beat (pulsatile tinnitus) • Music or singing • Hissing • Grinding • Humming • Buzzing n 32 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

auditory system or hearing. It has many different causes and the precise cause of an individual’s tinnitus may never be fully understood, but it is important to establish what triggers the tinnitus, whether there are particular times of the day when it’s more noticeable, and whether there is anything that makes it better or worse.

Continued over the page

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n

education golden years

Some of the common causes are: • Hearing loss • Blow to the head • Earwax build up • Ear injuries • Ear diseases and infections • Stress • Exposure to loud noises Visiting the GP Tinnitus is rarely an indication of a serious disorder, but it is wise to see a doctor if tinnitus is suspected. The GP may make a referral to an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist. Some GPs are more informed on tinnitus than others so it is important to explain the affect the tinnitus is having on everyday life, i.e. stress, inability to concentrate, lack of sleep, depression etc.

What is the treatment for tinnitus?

There is currently no cure and no surgical interventions or medication available. There are however a number of ways in which you can manage your tinnitus and it may be possible to treat the underlying cause. There is no single treatment for tinnitus that works in the same way for everyone. Tinnitus itself is a condition n 34 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

that isn’t harmful and may improve over time.

Most people learn to live with tinnitus, although it can often have a significant impact on day-today life.

What else can be done?

If a specific cause can’t be found, the focus will be on managing the condition on a daily basis. If the noises seem louder at quiet times, background noise such as music or the television can help distract from the sound of tinnitus.

Keeping busy Many people notice tinnitus less when they are doing something, so keeping occupied helps.

Specialist equipment At night listening to natural relaxing sounds, such as the sound of rain or the ocean, can also help. Environmental sound generators are small electronic devices that produce these types of soothing sounds. These can be bought on the internet and from specialists such as Action on Hearing Loss.

Continued over the page

golden years

Local ladies and general nurses, Hayley Atwood and Lisa Davies are the management duo leading Ledbury Nursing Home, in the market town of Ledbury. The home is operated by leading national provider Shaw healthcare, whose head office is in Wales.

Hayley and Lisa are very proud of the ‘GOOD’ CQC rating that the home holds. Hayley commented, “Lisa and I are working hard to keep improving the service we offer, here in the home. We both have high standards, which we are sharing with our staff group” National Care Home Open Day 2018 This special day is on 21st April and coincides this year with the Queens Birthday. We are opening our doors for you! Come and see us well be crafting, there will be music and lots of delicious cakes!!

Enough for all of you!

If you need care for a loved one. Look no further than Ledbury Nursing Home. We have a wonderful caring staff team who work tirelessly to help our residents feel safe, happy and loved. n

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 35 n

golden years Relaxation Most people report a worsening in tinnitus when they are anxious, stressed or tired.

Learning to relax is one of the most useful things you can do if you have tinnitus.

Counselling Understanding tinnitus is also very important. Tinnitus counselling involves discussing the condition with a specialist counsellor. As well as learning about the condition, the counsellor will be able to suggest ways of dealing with it. Practicing relaxation and taking time out can also be agreat help. n Where can I get more information?

The British Tinnitus Association www.tinnitus.org.uk Action on Hearing Loss www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk Hearing Link www.hearinglink.org/tinnitus NHS www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tinnitus Deaf Direct 36 Widemarsh Street, Hereford, HR4 9EP Call: 01905 746301 Email: info@deafdirect.org.uk www.deafdirect.org.uk

n 36 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

golden years

Retirement Apartments Released For Sale in Ludlow Churchill Retirement Living has released for sale a stylish new collection of retirement apartments at its new development, Betjeman Lodge, currently under construction on Corve Street in Ludlow.

When complete, Betjeman Lodge will comprise 44 one and two bedroom retirement apartments and communal facilities designed specifically for the over 60s. Apartments are now available to buy off plan, with prices starting from £179,950 for a one bedroom property.

Bernadette Hennelly, Regional Marketing Manager for Churchill Retirement Living, comments: “We’re delighted to be able to offer prospective purchasers the opportunity to reserve their dream apartment at Betjeman Lodge before we’ve even opened the doors to the development. Buying off plan offers a number of benefits, including greater choice and early bird prices. The new development has already sparked a great deal of interest and we’ve had lots of enquiries from local over 60s keen to find out more about the benefits of retirement living.

“Our properties offer security, peace of mind and independent living, along with community and support. Being in a manageable home with no maintenance can offer a new lease of life for people

– ensuring they are close to amenities, and surrounded by a new community.”

Apartments will boast spacious rooms throughout, which have been considerately designed with the over 60s in mind. The fully fitted, stylish kitchens will include a built in fridge and freezer, hob and an oven, located at an easy-reach height. All of the properties will benefit from easy-turn lever taps in both the kitchen and bathroom and illuminated light switches for added convenience. Owners will also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted camera entry system for the highest level of security and a 24 hour emergency call system.

With less to worry about, Owners will have more time to do the things they enjoy, including taking advantage of the host of other benefits which will be on offer, such as having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed Guest Suite and enjoying a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the many events, in the Owners’ Lounge. There will also be a Lodge Manager, employed by Millstream Management Services, who will oversee the running of the development.

For more information call 0800 458 1857 or visit www.churchillretirement.co.uk n

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 37 n

education

Harry Potter

Wow Week!

An incredible week was had by all in the Pre-Prep at St John’s On-the-Hill School!

On the first morning the children were given their tickets to go onto Platform 9 ¾ and enter the wonderful world of Harry Potter where the magic began. The children were instantly amazed by the music filled, candle-lit hallway. They were entranced by the potion making areas and the magical pots in which to put their house tokens.

After being put in to Houses by the Sorting Hat in a special Harry Potter assembly, the children were thrilled by a hands-on session with owls and other beautiful birds.

The children were inspired in all their subjects. Examples of literacy activities that the children undertook were writing questions for ‘Hermione Granger’ who they interviewed, recipes for potions and excellent Room on the Broom stories.

They also had a Serpensortia experience with a visit from a mixture of reptiles. They even played Quidditch during swimming lessons with an elusive snitch in the St John’s pool! A cup was awarded at the end of the week to Gryffindor House for collecting the most House Points.

n 38 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

The aims of St John’s WOW weeks are to provide inspirational lessons around a theme and to create fun-filled weeks of adventure and new experiences which take the children’s interest and work to a whole new level.

St John’s Pre-Prep for children aged 4 – 7 years is a spacious purpose-built school where children thrive. Each classroom is designed for early years learning with a dedicated outdoor area. Class sizes average 12 pupils which ensures excellent interaction between teachers and pupils.

The children benefit from use of the indoor pool, sports hall and specialist sports teachers. They thoroughly enjoy the wonderful opportunities that the Forest School presents. Music and drama lessons bring out their creative talents as does working in the new Art and DT department. n

If you would be interested in visiting the Pre-Prep and joining us for a St John’s WOW Experience please get in touch with our Head of Admissions, Margaret Campbell on 01291 622045 or email campbellm@stjohnsonthehill.co.uk Wow experiences make learning so much fun!

education

The Downs

Malvern

Alastair S Cook, Headmaster of The Downs Malvern, is thrilled to be able to use quotes that current parents at the school have passed on to the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate, such as this: “The Downs Malvern is where children are encouraged to use their initiative and to keep their minds and eyes wide open. It is very special… an unforgettably happy experience.”

The Head says: “Comments such as these hearten and inspire both me and all the staff at the school, as this is exactly the sort of

friendly, safe and creative environment that we have been looking to create on this side of the beautiful Malvern Hills.

learning processes.

We focus on a happy and supportive school where each child, member of staff

It is our deepest wish that the children who

or parent, respects and celebrates each

attend The Downs Malvern are wonderfully

other’s achievements and where all involved

happy about coming to a school where they

in the school feel a strong bond of friendly

all know that they are cared for to the highest

fellowship.

possible levels.

In addition, not only are

clear understanding of what is best for each

they taught through a very broad academic

other through the development of very high

curriculum, but they are also encouraged,

standards and expectations. Seeing bright

at every turn, to develop into delightful

eyed, very happy and successful children

and resilient members of the school and

skipping into school each day is a true delight

wider community, with a clear and confident

and the most rewarding aspect of my role as

understanding

Headmaster.”. n

of

their

own

individual

This is bound together by a

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 39 n

education

Troops to Teachers Last month the government announced a new bursary will replace the Troops to Teachers Scheme. In our county where a number of veterans retire to, could this help with teacher shortages? Although the new plans to give veterans a £40,000 bursary to tempt them into teaching are unlikely to make much of a difference to the deep recruitment crisis afflicting the profession, unions are warning.

The government has said that, from September, veterans who begin undergraduate teacher training courses in certain priority subjects will be eligible for a £40,000 bursary. The bursary will be paid in the final two years of a three-year course. It replaces the Troops to Teachers scheme, which has been criticised for its low take-up. The new bursary is open to applicants who are undergraduates, have left full-time employment with the British Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Navy in the past five years and are interested in studying maths, biology, chemistry, physics, computing or modern foreign languages. It comes as the latest UCAS figures on teacher recruitment for September 2018 show numbers down 23 per cent on the same time last year.

While unions say they welcome attempts to recruit more teachers, they fear the latest approach will fail to have much impact. Geoff Barton, general secretary of Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We welcome any initiative to recruit more people into n 40 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

teaching, because there are severe teacher shortages in many schools in many parts of the country. Nansi Ellis, assistant general secretary of the NEU teaching union, added: “What teachers need to see is a fundamental change to their working lives that enables them to improve their work-life balance and to teach according to pupils’ needs. “One off, small-scale initiatives like this may help individual career changers but they are not the solution to the deep problems faced by schools.”

Troops to Teachers was announced in the Conservatives’ election 2010 manifesto. The University of Brighton has delivered the scheme since 2013, with the first cohort of trainees starting in January 2014. It was hoped that 180 recruits would be taken onto the two-year scheme. But at the end of two years, it emerged that just a sixth of the target numbers made it through to become fullyqualified teachers. In total, 106 service-leavers have now become fully-qualified teachers, with a further 96 trainees still on the course.

Referring

to

changes,

Damian

Hinds,

education

secretary, said: “Our ex-servicemen and women – who have already contributed so much to our country – have a wealth of experience and expertise that can be shared in the classroom, teaching pupils the knowledge they need to succeed alongside vital skills, such as leadership and self-discipline.” n

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education

Lucton School

An Outstanding Education

Lucton School offers small classes, talented teachers, a friendly atmosphere and a wonderful rural location to provide an outstanding, all-round education. An Oxford University admissions tutor commented that the typical thing about Lucton students is that there is no typical student – they are very much individuals! What they do have in common is that they leave school confident in their abilities and strengths.

Founded in 1708, the school is set in a safe, healthy location in 55 acres of beautiful

n 42 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

Herefordshire countryside. There is a good mix of day pupils, weekly boarders and full boarders. Many team and individual sports are offered and boarders enjoy a wealth of weekend activities – sporting, cultural, social and just good fun – all included in the fees.

Senior boarders have individual rooms – although some younger ones prefer to share – and pastoral care at Lucton is second to none.

possible results from each pupil. We accept

Strong academic record Lucton has a strong academic record and an established tradition of getting the best

many games fields and Equestrian Centre.

mixed ability students, yet A-level results this year were 30% A* and A, 50% A* to B and 80% A* to C and all leavers have gained places at their first choice universities.

Excellent facilities Facilities include libraries, laboratories, ICT rooms, design technology workshop, sports hall, tennis courts, indoor swimming pool, Senior students enjoy their own sixth-form centre and quiet study area. n

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 43 n

KEEPING KEEPING ACTIVE ACTIVE Start / Finish: The walk starts and ends at ‘Ledbury’ Market House. You will either need to use the DRM 476 bus, have the use of 2 cars or use one car and do the variable ‘There and back’ walk! This is due to a dangerous section of A438 with no footpath. Please read the bold print at the start of the walk before you set out. It might be prudent to take the number of a Ledbury Taxi Firm!

Public Transport: Nearest Railway Station is at Ledbury. Please check ‘Traveline’ for current train and bus times and leave early to fit in with last bus. Note: bus stops being used at point A (west-bound) for outward journey and points A, B and C (east-bound) for return.

Parking:- Limited parking in lay-by on A438 at junction with turning to Durlow Common 2 miles east of Tarrington and near Poolend Farm. (Two cars needed to do full walk) or Leave the car behind and travel by hourly ‘476’ DRM bus! (see ‘Public transport section above).

O/S Map: Explorer 189. Distance: 6 miles. Shorter ‘There and Back’ option (variable length) - useful if only one car! 7 miles from A to C.

Cider Orchards Around Putley Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

Time: Allow all day to enjoy this walk by public transport or a morning or afternoon (minimum) if travelling by car.

Refreshments: You will definitely need to take a picnic and water.

Terrain: This walk is undulating with a few moderate climbs. There are gates, kiss-gates, steps, stiles and some lane walking so this walk is unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are extensive views across to The Malvern Hills. There are some potentially muddy areas so you will need strong waterproof boots and poles. The ridge can be quite exposed in windy weather so wear windproof clothing. Try to choose a day with good visibility. There are lots of orchards!

History: Cider has been produced in England since medieval times. This area of Herefordshire has been ‘Cider Apple’ country for around 350 years. There are more than 800 orchards in the Wye Valley. Many are owned or the crop purchased by Bulmer’s Cider. There are also a number of private Cider Mills like ‘Westons’ near Much Marcle. Their premises is well worth a visit! There are around 300 trees to an acre and it is 5 years before a crop can be harvested.

Note: This is a very ‘rural’ walk and is difficult to access due to lack of footpaths and no safe pedestrian route alongside busy A348. Either use two cars and park one at Durlow Common (A) and one near Pool End (B) or at (C) - see sketch map. OR leave car behind and travel by hourly DRM bus 476 to and from ‘The Market House’ at Ledbury. You can use one car if you catch bus from ‘Poolend Farm’ (B) back to lay-by near Durlow Common or if you do a ‘There and Back’ Walk!

1. From lay-by on A348 at turning to Durlow Common (Bus Stop A), walk up lane noticing extensive modern cider orchards on either side. After a mile, you will pass some cottages then just past Durlow Barn Farm you will see a sign to Chapel dated 1875 (now a private house) with an old orchard to right of track.

2. Return to lane. Walk on up this ancient routeway beside stream via a ‘Holloway’ carved through outcrop of rock. Pass Hazel Court.

Look back at views with cider orchards and hop-fields punctuated with occasional hop-barns. Beyond Upper Hazel Farm, lane becomes a track.

3. Just before some large barns, take left fork into by-way parallel to ridge for ½ mile.

4. On reaching lane, turn right and walk with care towards staggered 5-way junction at Woolhope Cockshoot. Turn left and walk down lane as far as house on left called ‘The Fosbury’. Notice orchards on sunny south facing slopes above and below. Turn right at junction opposite ‘The Fosbury’ and immediately left through a large gate. From here notice a big house at bottom of slope with a wheel and trough from an old stone cider mill. Walk straight down through orchard, keeping to ‘right of way’ to exit near this house appropriately called ‘The Orchards’ which is featured in the painting on this page.

5. Turn left and walk round lane (beware of traffic and farm machinery and please keep dogs on leads). Enjoy walking through ‘Cider Orchard’ country to turning on right signed ‘Putley Green and Aylton. (If you want to visit Putley Church with its old preaching cross, it is a little further along on right but you will need to return to this junction).

6. Walk through environs of Putley passing grounds of Putley Court to left and Abbot’s Place. Shortly you will arrive at Putley Green. n 44 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

7. Almost straight across is a footpath that cuts across to Aylton.

8. From Aylton, main walk goes left along lane. (Note: You can do a longer walk turning right up to A4172, crossing to a bridleway along old drove road towards Ledbury via Ast Wood then left at Baregains Farm and left again to Bus Stop or car at Point C.) 9. At Birchall, you are surrounded by cider orchards once again. Keep walking northwards to ‘Poolend Farm’ (converted hop-barns/kilns).

10. Walk ends here where you either parked second car or can catch 476 bus back to Ledbury from Point ‘C’ (east-bound). n

living history Photo: 2nd Lietuenant Bertram Bolt (In Our Age/Michael Bolt)

Remembering

Bertram Bolt

The Weeping Poppies installation outside Hereford Cathedral is a fitting tribute to 2nd Lt Bertram Bolt. The young man lived just 29 days after enlisting.

People have poured in to Hereford city to witness artist Paul Cummins’ and designer Tom Piper’s Poppies: Weeping Window installation at Hereford Cathedral, writes Bill Laws. Additional exhibitions on the First World War’s Belgium refugees, conscientious objectors and the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry have added context to the story of a county at war. However, the recorded readings of a soldier’s diary, which have been made available at the Cathedral and Hereford’s Broad Street Museum, provide an extraordinary insight to the war.

Second Lieutenant Bertram Bolt of the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry died on the Western Front at Armentieres. There was nothing unusual in that: the war killed around 3,000 Herefordshire men, more than the population of the market town of Kington at the time. But it was the brevity of Bertie Bolt’s life that was so tragic: his diary spans a mere 29 days.

In 1916 the editor of the Hereford Times, Charles Bex, struggling to run his newspaper with a shortage of newsprint and a skeleton staff (five reporters had enlisted), announced Bertram’s death on May 16. He offered his condolences to Bertram’s father, William, a local builder, and noted that two of Bertram’s brothers, Private Harold and Percival were still fighting.

Bertram’s trench mates, meanwhile, had found the diary when they recovered his body. Having buried their friend and erected a rough wooden cross to mark the grave, they sent the diary home.

Bertram’s great nephew, Michael Bolt, inherited it and loaned the precious document to Herefordshire Museums. Now, as part of the Weeping Window event, the diary has been made public.

Listeners can hear Bertram’s account of leaving Hereford by train and catching the 10.45 boat from Folkestone to Boulogne to reach his training camp. The diary reveals a woefully inadequate training regime: “Good Friday. April 22. Went to Number 2 Training Camp. Fired a Lewis machine gun. Received orders to proceed to Firing Line.”

Bertie knew that his chances of survival were slim: when his orders to march to the Front line are delayed he is “eternally grateful”.

But once in the trenches he is overwhelmed by the spectacle of war: “April 27. The Canadians on our left had a bomb attack that lasted nearly two hours! Wholesale murder … but wonderful sight.”

As the diary comes to an abrupt end (“Lovely day. Aeroplanes busy. Impossible to get a wink of sleep all day or night. We were heavily strafed about mid-day with a bit of everything pretty well”) the listener can’t help wondering about the poignant first entry in the diary: “Sunday April 16. Wet. Eignbrook in morning.

Short walk with E in afternoon. Left Hereford by 8 o/c train.” Who was ‘E’? A girl friend? An admirer? His mother? Whoever it was, she would never see him again.

The Diarist: Bertram Bolt’s diary, read by Clive Emerson, can be heard at Hereford Cathedral and Hereford’s Broad Street Museum along with other first hand accounts of war (including one of munitioneer and ‘Canary Girl’ Annie Slade and farmer turned ambulance man Robert Bellamy) until April 29. n

www.herefordcathedral2018.org Bill Laws is the author of Herefordshire’s Home Front in the First World War. t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 45 n

What's On

APRIL Sunday 1st Steam Away The main 2018 visitor season at the Waterworks Museum starts on Easter Day 2018 with the opening of a new exhibit (the Old Workshop). On this weekend the Waterworks Museum will have a specific focus on the historic water supply for Ross on Wye. All engines will be working insteam and the children’s Heritage Water Park will be open between 12pm – 4pm.

Great fun for all of the family.

Tickets: £6 Adults, £5 Concessions, £2 Child www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk

Thursday 5th CountryTastic Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

Visitors can expect an action packed day of discovery with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. Everyone’s favourite farmer from BBC Countryfile and the Cotswold Farm Park, Adam Henson will be headlining this year’s show. Each year the show has a theme and in 2018 you will discover everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Sheep. Look forward to an action packed, hands-on event with food, farming and countryside at its core this Easter holiday with CountryTastic at The Three Counties Showground, Malvern. n 46 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Keep the children entertained all day long with free activities, entertainment, their favourite countryside creatures and much more. The show has plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. Whatever the weather CountryTastic is the perfect, great value Easter Holiday day out for all the family and don’t forget 3s and under go free!

Tickets: £8 Adults, £5 Under 15’s, Under 3’s go free www.threecounties.co.uk/countrytastic

Tuesday 3rd - Sunday 15th Become a Duke or Duchess of the garden with our family trail.

Follow the clues around the garden to become a Georgian Duke or Duchess.

Demand the design and create the garden you want just like Thomas and Anne Harley did.

Tickets: £2.50 (includes a prize) Normal admission applies www.nationaltrust.org.uk/berrington-hall

Saturday 7th Spring Foraging Courses Organised by Wild Food UK, Spring Foraging Courses will be held at Eastnor Castle Deer Park on the outskirts of Ledbury, by kind permission of Eastnor Castle. Meet in the parking area along the road opposite to the main entrance to the Castle grounds at 12pm for a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes,

where they relate to foragers. After the talk there will be a 2-3 hour walk identifying the different edible and poisonous Spring shoots, plants, flowers and mushrooms that we find. There will be breaks along the way for some homemade refreshments such as hogweed and wild garlic soup. To finish the day off there will be a tasty wild food lunch based on what has been found. This will include some treats made from recent finds, a wild salad that picked on the day and possibly even some wild garlic pesto.

Tickets: £45 Adults, £22.50 Under 16’s, Under 12’s go free Contact: 01981 590 604

Monday 9th Ludlow Races Bromfield, Ludlow, SY8 2BT Racing at Ludlow Gates open at 2pm. This friendly National Hunt racecourse, often referred to as “Lovely Ludlow” by Radio 5 Live, is just 2 miles north of Ludlow town centre. A great day out.

According to local legend in the fourteenth century soldiers from Ludlow Castle came here to match their horses. There is certainly a record of racing in 1725. The course retains its Edwardian character and also its strong club atmosphere. Now a National Hunt Course, jumping started in the midnineteenth century Race times are subject to change www.ludlowracecourse.co.uk

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What's On Wednesday 11th Children Pottery Sessions Eastnor Pottery, Eastnor near Ledbury Make a plate on the potter’s wheel, piled high with clay sausages, eggs & bacon!

Sessions designed for two age groups although younger and older siblings will never be turned away: 11.30am-1pm 4-8YRS and 2-3.30pm 9-12YRS. Telephone or email booking essential.

Places cost £15 per child with a 10% discount for x3 or more places booked.

Contact: 01531 633886 admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk

Friday 14th ABBA Cabaret Evening Leominster Golf Club, Ford Bridge, Leominster If you loved ‘Waterloo’, have ever thought of yourself as a ‘dancing queen’, or king, or have ever wanted to be part of a live singalong of ‘The Winner Takes It All’ then this is the evening for you. The club are proud to present the fantastic ‘Counterfeit ABBA’, among other guests, performing live at Leominster Golf Club starting at 7:30pm.

The evening will also feature the incredibly talented singer ‘Natalie Nightingale’.

Showgirls will feature and the evening will be compered by the one and only ‘Tony James’. Pre-booking is recommended.

Tickets: £18 Contact: 01568 610055

Saturday 15th Full Circle Dance Night Featuring Little Rumba & The PooBahs & DJ Andre Voiture Rouge At the The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 7:30 PM - 11 PM Party featuring Little Rumba in dance mode and Dave Luke’s The Poobahs. The chequered dance floor will be in action as well as the Full Circle Bar. Presteigne Assembly Rooms 7.30pm Tickets: £12 (available from Courtyard Antiques or call 01544 267163)

Saturday 21st Potter Wheel Workshop Something for the grown-ups! - Potter’s wheel workshops at Eastnor Pottery. Spend the day or weekend relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel.

n 48 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

Tickets: £130 day, £240 weekend.

Cost includes materials, refreshments and lunch.

Contact: 01531 633886 admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk In Memory Rotherwas Chapel, 2:30 - 3:30pm Join the Friends of Rotherwas Chapel for an afternoon of readings and remembrance to coincide with the ‘Weeping Window’ Poppies display at Hereford Cathedral. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be available. Please bring your own chair and dress warmly. Please note there are no toilet facilities at the Chapel.

If you would like to contribute with a reading, memory, poetry or music, please contact the friends by email: rotherwaschapel@gmail.com

Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd The Kington Walking Festival Special Event The Festival will be held in September as usual. By popular demand, however, the committee are introducing a Spring Weekend to give everyone a chance to experience the glorious countryside at a different time of year. Think daffodils, bluebells, wood anemones, lambs, and trees in bud and maybe blossom! Kington is one of the great small market towns of Britain.

Situated close to the Welsh border it was for centuries a centre for cattle drovers, so

a web of footpaths and byways, accessible on foot from the town centre await discovery by present day walkers. The Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, the Herefordshire Trail, Mortimer Trail from Ludlow, and the Wyche Way from Broadway all pass through (or start/ finish) in the town.

Cost: £5.50 for a half day and £7.50 for a longer walk. Some walks involve an additional cost to cover transport, food or admission charges www.kingtonwalks.org

Friday 27th Dinner Jazz at the Cliffe The Cliffe at Dinham, Halton Lane, Ludlow, SY8 2JE 8:00 - 10:30pm Live Jazz with the house quartet - Popular jazz standards, latin and blues, played in the bar where you are very welcome to join for just a drink, a light snack or book a table for dinner in the restaurant from 7.00pm. Jazz is held on the last Friday of every month. www.thecliffeatdinham.co.uk

Saturday 28th Lucton Food Festival Lucton School, Lucton 10:00am - 5:00pm Re-organised due to poor weather from Saturday 3rd March.

FREE Entry www.luctonschool.org

The Amazing Hedge Puzzle The Jubilee Maze is one of Britain’s most famous traditional hedge mazes, with a romantic temple at the centre and over a kilometre of hedges. It was planted by Lindsay and Edward Heyes in 1977.

Find your way then play! This maze is a great place to play tag or Marco Polo with all the family. Not up to running around? Play by stealth! There’s a viewing platform for calling directions... but who can you trust? It’s not too difficult to have fun, but if you are up for a serious challenge you should investigate the history of labyrinths at the Museum of Mazes.

With myths, maths, mysteries and magic, it’s all hands-on, with puzzles about making mazes. How about a maze with just one path and no hedge? Well, the earliest mazes were never intended to be puzzles for people... they were used as traps for evil spirits. Discounted tickets including the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo are available, and Wye Valley Miniature Golf rounds at half price when you visit the aMazing Hedge Puzzle.

The maze is in the Wye Valley at Symonds Yat between Ross on Wye and Monmouth and a walk away from Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean. n

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Our Events diary

Competition

NOZSTOCK THE HIDDEN VALLEY

This summer Nozstock: The Hidden Valley celebrates its 20th anniversary, entering a small group of festivals who have reached two decades of creating magic each summer. It’s a huge achievement for the family-fun festival which is set across their working farm in the rolling hills of Herefordshire. It is an event which has grown from a group of like-minded friends gathered together many years ago into a truly mesmeric experience of wonder and enchantment for all the ages.

Ella Nosworthy, who runs Nozstock with her father, says: “No-one is more surprised than us that we’ve made it to our 20th birthday! We’re planning our biggest show ever to make it a real celebration, and we’re sure that anyone who has been to the festival will not want to miss this summer! We’ve bought back some of our favourite and most memorable artists from the past 20 years. Our Nozstalgia theme is whatever you feel fond about from the past. There’s lots of inspiration to get really creative!”

The Nozstock team are incredibly proud to be revealing the first round of artists joining them for their momentous birthday celebrations.

As ever, it’s a kaleidoscopic mix of headline names, up and coming talent and seasoned stars forming an incredible range of styles across the event’s ten intimate stages. n

Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd July 2018 @ Rowden Paddocks, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4LST Live: Goldfrapp, The Selecter, Dub Pistols, Macka B, Electric Swing Circus, Kiko Bun, The Lovely Eggs, Oh My God! It’s The Church, Mr Tea and The Minions, Mad Apple Circus, Buffos Wake, Childcare, Catholic Action, Seas of Mirth, The Stiff Joints, Pengshui (Illaman, Fatty Bassman & Prav), Smiley & The Underclass, Collette The Dots, Rachel Dadd, Alabaster De Plume, Lazy Day, Samsara Collective,, Yama Warashi, Frauds, Harvey Causon, The Pink Diamond Revue, Average Sex, and many more DJ: Chase & Status (DJ set + Rage), Grandmaster Flash, Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts, DJ Marky & G.Q, Black Sun Empire, S.P.Y, Audio, Dillinja, Randall, Sonny Wharton, Taskforce, Verb T & Pitch 92, Fliptrix, Serial Killaz, Dom Kane, Dirty Secretz, and many more Comedy, Theatrics, Film & Craft: Phil Kay, Jayde Adams, Joe Davies, The Sunken Yard, Hummadruz, Puppetual Motion, Andrew Szydlo, Impermanence Theatre, Roisin Crowley Linton, MASH Cinema ft.

Eclectic Method – Retrospective, A Creak In Time - Steven McInerney, Under 7s Drive In Cinema, and many more

www.NOZSTOCK.com

To be in with a chance of winning two Nozstock weekend camping tickets, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Answer:

Which anniversary is Nozstock celebrating this year?

Address:

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Nozstock WVN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 18th April 2018.

T&Cs: Tickets are non-transferrable and the winner will be required to provide proof of identity upon entry to the festival. n 50 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

Name:

Tel: Email:

If you do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Nozstock Festivals please tick this box

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 51 n

Steaming

Asparagus

The Vale of Evesham continues to celebrate its horticultural heritage and delights in showing off its famous Asparagus. In 2017 the majestic “Gras” received PGI European protected food name status providing it with an enviable level of culinary prestige and superiority.

Every year St George’s Day sees the launch of the British Asparagus festival in the Vale of Evesham – from then until Midsummers day, 21 June, the Vale will be going asparamad! With a profusion of events the whole area will turn “Green for the Gras” and will offer the opportunity to taste, buy, cook and learn about this most sought after delicacy.

for this auspicious asparagus occasion please visit

The Asparagus Festival is proud to announce that this years Great English Asparagus Run will take place on the Asparagus Express – a steam trail that will journey from the newly opened station at Broadway to Cheltenham where the “100” Round of Gras will be presented to representatives of the Gloucestershire Riding for the Disabled Association. The run will feature all things asparagus and you may even spot a celebrity or two including Bobby The Asparahorse!!!

place at The Valley on the 20th May. Asparagus green

Join us on this unique journey and enjoy this majestic vegetable. To buy your once in a lifetime tickets

01386 565373 or visit our website at

n 52 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

www.britishasparagusfestival.org Don’t miss the unique AsparaBus tours hosted by Dudleys Coaches and the Vale of Evesham Tour Guides – taking place on 10th and 17th May – booking is essential.

The Asparagus Family Colour Fun Run will be taking paint bombs will rain down on you as you manoeuvre the family friendly multi-terrain route.

The Fleece Inn at Bretforton will once again be hosting the famous asparagus auctions, a popular ritual with hundreds gathering in the courtyard to bid for the season’s largest, freshest local “Gras”. n For further information on all these events call w w w.britishasparagus fes tival.org

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Our Events diary

Competition

WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL

Wychwood Festival returns to Cheltenham Racecourse for its 14th annual year from the 1st to the 3rd of June, 2018. The UK’s favourite family festival takes place within the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, with over 100 acts performing across four stages including headliners The Gipsy Kings, Shed Seven, Baxter Dury and Feeder, joined by The Beat Ft. Ranking Roger, The Go! Team, Nina Nesbitt, Pokey Lafarge and many more!

As well as amazing musical entertainment, Wychwood has a newly expanded family and workshop area for 2018, featuring 6 brand-new carefully curated venues, jam-packed full of family fun set to delight: The Village Hall: Your daily dose of organised mayhem, sports games and dancing for all the family. Dazzle on the dance floor with lessons from resident teachers. Meet here for sack races, tug of war, medaling ceremonies and more…

The Hullabaloo: Make music with your Wychwood friends and family in foot-stomping fun-loving music classes and performance workshops.

The Spinning Top: Clowns of all shapes and sizes are invited to run away with the circus and discover tricks of the trade. Take a spin on a unicycle or stand tall in stilts in dedicated workshops and performances.

The Workshop: Adorn yourself in home-made jewellery, mould a clay creation, or cross-stitch and willow weave the day away. Screen-print your own design or get futuristic and learn the basics of Robotics in our eclectic workshops.

The Speaker’s Corner: Discussion, author talks, story-telling, poetry and more. Uncurl ideas in inspiring debate, listen to interviews and discussion on contemporary issues or hear your favourite authors and poets read their original work.

The Wheelbarrow: Marvel at WorldClass Street Theatre, magic and madness at the new outdoor stage.

From escapologists to mind-bending magicians, whizz-bang science shows and family sing-alongs, prepare to be astounded.

With optional idyllic camping and something to satisfy all appetites, there’s no wonder Wychwood has been nominated as ‘Best Family Festival’ each year at the UK Festival awards. n Adult Tier 2 tickets are now available at just £137.50 plus booking fee.

Kids under 5 go for free! For further info and to buy tickets head to www.wychwoodfestival.com.

Facebook - @wychwoodfestival Instagram - @wychwoodfestival Twitter - @WychwoodFest

www.wychwoodfestival.com

To be in with a chance of winning two Wychwood weekend camping tickets, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the

Answer:

following question:

Name:

Who is the Friday Headliner Baxter Dury’s legendary musical father?

Address: Tel:

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Wychwood WVN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP.

Email:

Closing date for entries is 18th April 2018. n 54 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018

If you do not wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Mama Festivals please tick this box

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 55 n

n 56 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 77 | April 2018