Wye Valley & The Welsh Marches Dec/Jan '15

WYE VALLEY

N W DEC ’15 ¯ jan ’16

issue FIFTY two

TREAT YOUR HOME

THIS WINTER See page SEVEN for more information

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

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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

ADVERTISE

Suzie Scott

Tel: 01905 727906

There are different styles you can choose from to decorate your home and separate themes which you can follow to brighten IT up this Christmas

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

Editor

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

LOCAL Editor

Jill Warren

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Jill Warren gives us some tips on how to stylise your home this Christmas

jill@pw-media.co.uk

DESIGN

Paul Blyth

Amy Thomas

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CONTRIBUTORS

Gill Mullin

Glynis Dray

COMPETITION WINNERS Chase Distillery Hamper M. Douglas, Monmouth ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour

DECEMBER GARDENING NOTES

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DIY rustic table decoration by Rob Gale, Great British Florist

transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media and 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 and 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.

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Hedged In by HWT

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CONTENTS

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FESTIVE GIFTS AND GLAMOUR

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Beetroot and smoked vodka soup by The Kilpeck Inn

DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO

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Keeping your home warm by Age UK

School holidays and you

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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WHAT’S ON NOW

58 4

’Leos’ of Leominster Town Walk

Win a family ticket to see Beauty and the Beast at The Courtyard in January

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home & garden

There are different styles you can choose from to decorate your home and separate themes which you can follow to brighten IT up this Christmas

STYLISE YOUR HOME

THIS CHRISTMAS

Create your kind of Christmas this year with a theme that runs throughout your home.

W

hen December arrives everyone is excited and busy preparing for a grand Christmas. As we bid farewell to yet another eventful year let’s do

it in style and prepare to welcome in 2016 as a new start. Apart from the normal decorations put up every year and of course the Christmas tree, there are also some creative ideas for the home which can add that little bit more colour and beauty throughout the year.

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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TOWN AND COUNTRY HEATING CONFIRMING

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home & garden

If you have a modern scheme you can have lots of fun jazzing it up.

Ditch brightly coloured baubles and tinsel and opt for a rustic approach.

There are different styles you can

which you can build on year after

pinecones and woodland decorations

choose from to decorate your home

year, a Contemporary look if you

to complete your rustic look.

and separate themes which you can

have a modern house or if you are

follow to brighten up your home this

lucky enough to live in a Victorian

Christmas. A new décor for your

Home then use that as your theme

home to create a fresh look to the

with hand painted baubles and a log

interior would give it a lift even with

fire.

modern scheme you can have lots

The Traditional or

seasonal updates that will brighten

minimal decorations.

traditional

don't and

if

have

to

be

you

have

a

of fun jazzing it up with trendy

You could add some beautiful white

Rustic approach

lanterns or candles to light up the

ditch

Pick decorations that echo their

coming festive season, symbolising

brightly coloured baubles and tinsel

surroundings; for example, you could

purity and warmth. If you are the

and opt for a rustic approach to

team a bold geometric striped rug

kind who is on trend, you could shop

your decorating scheme instead?

and a bronze sculptured coffee table

for some amazing accessories to give

Traditional

decorating

with gold ribbon streamers and dot

your house that classy look. Changing

schemes have timeless appeal, so

around plenty of sphered candles

the wallpaper can be a great idea to

your style and look will last for several

in complementing metallic colours

years if you don't have the time or

to

cash to update your decorations every

Christmas living room look. In a teal

year. Make your fireplace the focal

painted scheme, opt for shiny blue

point by decking the mantelpiece in

baubles on the Christmas tree and

festive foliage, and complete the look

lay down a teal and gold tartan rug.

choose some nice prints to add that extra bit of texture and colour to the walls.

Choose a look

Christmas,

why

up the place during the holidays.

This

decorate your home and you could

Christmas

not

complete

your

contemporary

with a hessian stocking at each end.

Just one or two carefully chosen

your

Replace the traditional mirror over the

decorations are enough to make a

Christmas decorations and carry it

fireplace with a chalkboard panel and

minimalist setting feel Christmassy.

throughout the house. It could be

the family can write festive messages.

You could dress a sleek granite

a Country Christmas with natural

When it comes to the tree, select a

fireplace with just a single garland

decorations, a Traditional theme

real fir and embellish it with natural

of blue eucalyptus sprigs, ivory

Decide

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The Contemporary Look Decorations

on

a

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

theme

for

>>

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home & garden

Make your fireplace the focal point by decking the mantelpiece in festive foliage.

Sit down to a festive feast in a dining room styled round a farmhouse table

roses and white church candles,

spell out a festive greeting. Buy red

personal touch. Make it a family

and when it comes to choosing the

and white woolly jumpers or blankets

affair by getting everyone involved,

Christmas tree, don't be afraid to go

from local charity shops and up cycle

both young and old. Sit down to

for something unusual. You'll find a

them into festive cushions or home-

a festive feast in a dining room

golden tree, a table top paper tree

made Christmas stockings. Use the

styled round a farmhouse table

and twin trees in metal planters

natural world and make a beautiful

with paper decorations and simple

look superb. An all-white room is the

door wreath with foliage from your

white crockery. Strings of cones and

decorator’s perfect gift at Christmas:

garden or local countryside. Similarly

berries add a natural touch to the

add colour, play with a white-on-

a table centrepiece can be created

painted chairs and faux-fur seat pads

white palette, or keep it monotone,

with a little florist’s wire and some

create a fun, luxury feel.

simple and natural. Take cuttings of

oasis (green foam available cheaply

ivy from the garden and curl them

from

round mirrors and fire surrounds,

berries on look particularly attractive

Christmas

over pictures and along one or two

and most of the components are

of the changes such as the festive

shelves. Stuff an alcove with firewood

completely free.

decorations

to keep the natural theme going.

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any

florist).

Cuttings

with

and are

remember temporary,

some but

wallpaper, paint, fixtures and fittings The Country Dining Room

The Budget Christmas

Entertaining gets a festive twist with

Decorating your home for Christmas

these inspiring country dining ideas

doesn't have to break the bank.

- create atmosphere, character and

There are purse-friendly designs

charm economically and have a

that can be easily updated. With just

country Christmas. When planning

a few key accessories in scarlet red,

a country Christmas dining room,

snow white and natural materials you

look to texture, raw materials and a

can achieve a seasonal Scandi look

muted colour palette. If you're on a

without breaking the bank. Browse

budget, then get crafty. Homemade

flea markets and car boot sales for

place mats, name cards, and table

old type-setting blocks so you can

runners will give your space a

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

Use these ideas to have a fabulous

will still be there in the New Year so whatever changes you make to your home make sure they suit your taste. Also, keep it simple and neat.

Overdoing things can only lead to more clutter and confusion. Make the best style changes to your home this Christmas and welcome the New Year with a fresh new look! Merry Christmas.

By JILL WARREN

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

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home & Garden

DECEMBER GARDENING NOTES Winter is a difficult time to enthuse about the garden when it’s windy and cold or frost has reduced the leaves to a black mush, but plan and plant for some winter colour and it will repay you a hundred times over.

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f your garden’s looking a bit bleak, think what you’d like

in many shops, but be warned, they aren’t the easiest

to be looking at. Berries? Cotoneaster horizontalis has

to keep. Their scarlet bracts dislike draughts and they’re

metre high herring-bone branches laden with crimson

fussy about watering. Cyclamen in delicious shades of

berries; for a larger space, Cotoneaster Rothschildianus

has them in gold. Variegated leaves? Gold or silver hollies give a brilliant show or use Ilex myrtifolia if you’re short on space. Scented flowers? The winter viburnums are tough and hardy and their perfume fills the garden; plant them in a sheltered spot so the frost doesn’t nip the flowers. And for something tiny but eye-catching, cyclamen coum in dazzling pink never fails to brighten January’s leaden skies.

pink are a better buy, although they don’t like it too hot; but what about that old favourite, the Christmas cactus?

Properly placed so it can cascade down, it’s shocking pink trumpets make a lovely show.

It’s a relaxing time of year for a gardener, when you need a warm fire and a pile of catalogues to hunker down with.

Sadly, online catalogues are more prevalent these days,

Although overall it’s been reasonably dry, be sure to check

but The Organic Gardening catalogue is still out there,

out ponds and waterways. Clear still water of fallen leaves,

packed with seeds and the promise of an over-flowing

to prevent nitrogen build-up. If you have streams or ditches on or adjacent to your property, make it a priority to check for fallen branches or blockages that could cause a back-up during periods of heavy rain – flooding happens scarily fast. Likewise, inspect gutters that are prone to overflow as overhanging trees produce a lot of leaves!

vegetable garden. Look out for tree nursery catalogues - Thornhayes produce one - as fruit trees, fruit bushes, decorative trees and shrubs can all be planted now before the soil gets too cold. Winter is the perfect time to be planning for a bumper year for your own garden and to visit the NGS gardens in 2016!

House plants abound over Christmas and we all want something that will give a good display. Poinsettias are

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

For more information please visit www.ngs.org.uk.

WYE VALLEY

N W

our MAIN FEATURE IN the FEBRUARY ISSUE IS

STORAGE SOLUTIONS if you would like to advertise in THIS FEATURE 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

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

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home & garden

DIY RUSTIC TABLE DECORATION

I

t's fun to forage when you are taking the dog for a walk - finding a few sprigs and bits and pieces to turn into a Christmas centrepiece. For the

Christmas is all about bringing a little bit of the outdoors into your home. Forget all thoughts of plastic Christmas trees - and think of the scent of fir trees and pine cones along with ivy, holly and bay - rustic decoration at it's very best.

B A pair of scissors B Florist tape and wires B A tree slice

table it's a particularly good idea to bear in mind

scent - so use herbs like rosemary and bay as well as

Step 1

some English Freesias to finish the whole piece off. A

Prep: Soak the oasis in a bucket by just leaving it to

wood slice will protect your table and give that really

sink for about 10 minutes with the lettering sunny

country rustic look to the whole display.

side up. (Do not force it as then the water will not

You will need

B A piece of oasis B A sharp secateurs 14

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

soak into the oasis properly).

Wire any material that hasn't got a stem or a strong enough stem (like your fir cones) this is really easy

>>

Christmas Wreaths £10, £15 or £20 Bamboo-The Flower Gallery, Ledbury 01531 631 598

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS PRESENTS Outdoor Statues £17.50 Sarah Jane's Joy of flowers, Hereford 01432 371 221

For all your

flower needs

‘the multi award winning designer florist of ledbury’ 22 New Street, Ledbury, HR8 2DX

www.bamboo-theflowergallery.co.uk

01531 631 598

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home & garden

to achieve. Just wrap the wire around the bottom

As with flower arranging odd numbers look best so

of the cone and then twist it to make firm leaving a

group your berries and seed heads in bunches of

wire stalk of about 10cm. You can do the same with

three and add odd groups to your display.

anything that hasn't got a stem. We have used sheep wool, berries, and all sorts.

Step 5

Step 2

decoration height colour and scent.

Gather your material. We love to use lots of different greens and textures but you can choose all sorts of

Step 6

different materials and colours. Cut your stems and

Put it on your coffee table and admire your handiwork

branches from the bottom up until it is all about the

and await your fans approval.

right length. If you are looking for a natural look , it is always best to avoid man made material and any cans of spray paint!

Decking the windows and walls with sprigs of holly and mistletoe started way back in time to ward of the hostile forces of winter but in 1881 Cassell's

Step 3

Family Magazine gave strict directions to the lady

Start adding your foliage to the bottom of your

of the house: "To bring about a general feeling of

centrepiece and gradually build it upwards towards the

enjoyment, much depends on the surroundings…

centre until you have filled it with foliage. Be generous,

It is worth while to bestow some little trouble on

- the last thing you want is floral foam showing through.

the decoration of the rooms". Still worthwhile I

Step 4

think in 2015.

Add your decoration and when you do this its a good

ROB GALE

idea to group in threes - 3 seed heads together, 3

GREAT BRITISH FLORIST

lots of berries.

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Add your freesias or other flowers to give the table

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

www.greatbritishflorist.co.uk

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home & garden

Belmont Veterinary Centre Belmont Veterinary Centre is a long established Hereford veterinary practice which has now divided

B

into two specialised teams: Belmont Vets Small Animal and Belmont Farm and Equine.

elmont Vets small animal have an experienced team

clients to provide their pets with the preventative care they

of 7 dedicated, qualified vets and 7 caring, registered

need throughout their lives.

veterinary nurses who are supported by 2 student nurses and 6 friendly, welcoming receptionists.

They are a proactive, forward thinking practice who are keen

It covers annual vaccination, a year’s supply of flea and worm treatments, free micro chipping as well as a range of extra

to provide clients with outstanding veterinary care. They

discounts and benefits which are paid for by monthly direct

always strive to provide the best treatment for your pets and

debits. For further information please contact the surgery

to support owners through good and difficult times.

on 01432 370155.

The practice has an in house laboratory, digital x-ray, ultrasound, ECG and blood pressure machine to help with diagnosis and treatment. The nurses run various clinics including: under ones, weight, dental and senior pet sessions.

Belmont Farm and Equine have 9 dedicated large animal vets and 4 TB testers. They are located next door and their new phone number is: 01432 351471.

In January 2016 they are launching a new scheme called the

Belmont Vets look forward to welcoming you and your pets

Lifetime Care Club (LCC) to help spread the cost of routine

to the surgery soon!

veterinary treatments for cats, dogs and rabbits. This is an exciting development as it ensures they can work with

www.belmontveterinarycentre.co.uk

Pugh’s Antiques

Quality Interior Furnishings Portley House - North Road - Leominster - HR6 0AA

94 Belmont Road, Hereford HR2 7JS 01432 370155 We truly believe every pet matters Consultations by appointment: Monday - Friday: 8.00 – 12.00 / 2.00 – 3.30 / 4.30 – 6.30 Saturday: 9.00 – 12.30 Office Open: Monday - Friday: 8.30 - 6.30 Saturday: 8.30 - 12.30

Email: info@belmontvets.co.uk www.belmontveterinarycentre.co.uk

Visit our 3000 sq/ft showroom filled with a wide selection of antiques Good parking Self Storage available

From 48 sq/ft - 110sq/ft • Only £1 a sq/ft per month Open Monday - Saturday from 9:30am to 4:30pm

Tel: 01568 616 646

email: sales@pughsantiques.com or sales@pughsselfstorage.co.uk

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

Birches by Mike Davies

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Hedged In This month, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Reserves Officer, Jim Light, discusses the seasonal task of hedge laying which is underway on many grassland nature reserves at this time of year.

H

umankind learnt early on to exploit a trait that

were now in ownership of many different people and you

a lot of woody plants have. This is the ability to

had plenty of skilled workers that still relied on agriculture

regenerate themselves when they have been cut

and the countryside to provide for them.

down. By nearly cutting through a stem and laying

it down, you encourage it to grow. The resultant regrowth is thick and bushy and also has a propensity to fruit. This barrier would provide shelter and fodder for animals, raw materials for building, medicine and food for the land manager. So why do we not see more of these “super fences” in use today?

Each region in the UK had a particular style in which hedges were ‘laid’. These styles were founded on particular uses for each region and reflected different farming practices. Take the Midland hedge, now widely used across the country.

This is a bullock hedge, designed to keep cattle firmly within the confines of the field in which they are put. When these hedges are done right you could run a Land Rover into them and come out through the windscreen! You have Brecon, Radnor, Llandovery, Devon, even a Kington style, all differing

flails and an ever decreasing skilled workforce that knew how to use and manage hedgerows, the future starts to get bleak. Farmers had to grow more crops, get bigger machinery onto fields and hedges took a back seat or were even removed altogether.

But nice, thick hedges provide pathways for wildlife to travel to find food, new homes and mates. Though we never intentionally made these living barriers to harbour wildlife, today’s wildlife habitat is often a by-product of historical land management.

So, hedges are more than a simple landscape feature. They are an anthropological, historical and biodiverse resource that rarely get the credit they deserve. Though there are

as to whether you are keeping in sheep, cattle, pigs, geese

those of us that recognise these qualities and try to educate

- or all.

others. This is why as a wildlife trust we manage our hedges

The Romans were documented as laying hedges in the UK, but it was the Normans that really took to it. They would manage their hedges for the ‘chase’ or hunt. It

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Between the wars, with the invention of the tractor,

sympathetically and encourage people to come and enjoy our reserves. We are the mouthpiece of a silent heritage whose legacy is still with us today.

meant they could keep a good boundary but still jump

Jim is running hedge laying workshops at Birches Farm,

a hedge with a horse. Once the enclosure act kicked in,

near Kington, throughout January. For full details, go to

everyone was at it! Land was divided into parcels that

www.herefordshirewt.org.

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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PROPERTY

Property Trends The price tag on the average home in Britain reached a record high of £286,000 in September, official data has revealed.

A

cross the UK, house values increased 6.1 per cent annually in September the Office for National Statistics said, adding £13,000 to the average property compared to the same month in 2014. At £216,000, the average price paid for a home by first-time buyers in the past year was 4.3 per cent higher than a year earlier.

House prices in London are still rising quicker than the rest of the country at around 8%, but annual house price inflation on the ONS measure overall could well be above seven per cent by the end of 2015. Expect house prices to see solid increases over the coming months amid firm buyer interest coupled with a shortage of properties; the anticipated rise is around six to seven per cent in 2016. It is the shortage of properties that is responsible for the predicted growth in these forecasts.

The ONS said: "While the supply of housing remains tight, demand continues to grow. The Bank of England's November Inflation Report stated that housing demand remains strong, which should be reflected in an increase in mortgage approvals. Indeed, the volume of mortgage approvals grew by 3.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2015 to reach its highest level since the first quarter of 2014."

Changing faces Thirty years ago the average annual salary needed to buy a home was £9,806. Now the average salary needed to get on the property ladder is £37,380. Since the credit crunch, the average deposit a first-

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

>>

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PROPERTY

time buyer needs to secure a loan has risen

way. Luckily, borrowers could find it easier

from 10 per cent to 25 per cent, according to

to get on the property ladder as they get

the latest English Housing Survey. And while

older after building societies committed

a typical mortgage term used to be 25 years,

to reviewing the maximum age limits on

now over a third of new buyers are signing up

mortgage lending. Many older borrowers

for mortgages lasting 30 years or more.

encounter difficulty in getting a mortgage

Things are about to get even worse. Six years of low interest rates, which have helped many get on the property ladder, are about to come to an end. Bank of England governor Mark Carney has warned interest rates could rise as early as the start of next year. Many cheap deals are already disappearing - and when costs rise, it’s likely to push homes that look affordable today out of the reach of many more. In England, just 18,678 advertised homes - one in every 13 - were affordable for single people.

into their pension years, even those with guaranteed final-salary pension income.

The scenario hits homeowners ranging from those who have not cleared interestonly mortgages, to so-called 'silver splitter' couples divorcing and needing home loans to buy a new place to live.

So it’s not just the young who are struggling; the hope is that more affordable homes will be built in the future to enable both sections of society to own their own homes and for mortgage rates to remain low – otherwise

What do first time buyers need to do?

Many are turning to ‘the bank of mum

While the supply of housing remains tight, demand continues to grow

we will have to return to student digs and communal living!

and dad’ or waiting until an inheritance

For more information visit:

helps with the deposit and starting that

www.thisismoney.co.uk

Will the hike in stamp duty from April 2016 be the end of THE road for small landlords?

The changes announced in the Spending Review and Autumn Statement on the 25th November will add 3% to the rate of stamp duty paid by those who already own property from April 2016. As a result, the tax bill on a buy-to-let property costing £250,000 will jump from £2,500 to £8,800. More examples are in the table below.

New buy-to-let stamp duty: How much will you pay?

Value of second property/buy to let (£)

Current SDLT (£)

SDLT from 1 April 2016 (£)

Increase in tax (£)

150,000

500

5,000

4,500

250,000

2,500

10,000

7,500

350,000

7,500

18,000

10,500

450,000

12,500

26,000

13,500

I

t is the second major blow to buy-to-let investors this year.

She added that there were still questions to answer about

The summer Budget in July reduced landlords’ ability to offset

how the change to stamp duty rate would be policed.

mortgage interest costs against rental income. That change

“What is the definition of a second home, and what is

will be phased in between 2017 and 2020 and is expected

to dramatically reduce the yields available on investment properties and make many existing buy-to-lets unprofitable.

the position of a purchaser who is at first unsure how it might be used?” she said.

The change to stamp duty announced today could also have

It seems that this statement has underestimated the risk

an impact on the property market, experts said.

that buy-to-let investors could drive prices higher in the

Jo Bateson, tax partner at KPMG, said: “These measures might dampen demand for the kind of properties that are marketed as buy-to-let investments. And investors

short term as they rush to buy before the higher stamp duty takes effect. It is likely that those who have been considering investing in property could now decide to accelerate their

may decide to re-evaluate the attractiveness of the

plans following the announcement. This could mean that

residential market ahead of this announcement coming

in the short term first time buyers will find the market even

into effect from next April.”

tougher until April 2016.

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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25

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FESTIVE GIFTS AND GLAMOUR The festive season is just around the corner. Here are a selection of products that are perfect for your Christmas celebrations or as an ideal gift for yourself, friends or family.

CHANEL

CLARINS

DERMALOGICA

A multi-effect top coat

Festive Eye Make-Up

Clear Start Set. The Clear As Day (And Night) set

featuring a unique

Palette. A harmony of 10

contains a Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash;

combination of black-

beautiful eyeshadows

Breakout Clearing Daytime Treatment and

red lacquer and metallic with an ultra-soft texture shine - the perfect

in warm, nude shades

younger, congested skin is clear and healthy for

complement to Vamp,

and matte, satin and

the festive season.

the rebellious, black-red

iridescent textures.

nail shade that became an icon.

£18.00

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Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment to ensure

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

£35.00

£14.00

DHC

BALANCE ME

CLINIQUE

ELEMIS

DHC Mineral Mask

Our award-winning,

High on Lashes. Start

Blossoming Botanicals.

treatment draws out

anti-ageing ‘lighter

with All About Eyes to

Shower and moisturise in the

impurities from pores

than light’ super

reduce circles, puffs

exquisite Garden of England

with mineral-rich

protecting hand

and hold makeup

and fall in love with this floral

in place. Then apply

formula.

clays and softens with cream with a delicate conditioning botanicals.

Promotes natural skin cell turnover

rose aroma.

£14.50

Clinique Skinny Stickit’s ultra thin applicator

£25.00

makes liner easy.

to help improve

Finish with lusher,

smoothness. The result

plusher High Impact

is a refreshed, more

Mascara and your look

radiant complexion.

is complete.

£29.00

£17.50 @WYEVALLEYNOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.WYEVALLEYNOW.co.uk

Stockist Details: Chanel - 0207 493 3836 - www.chanel.co.uk. Clarins - 0800 036 3558 - www.clarins.co.uk.

Dermalogica - 0800 591818 - www.dermalogica.co.uk. DHC - www.dhcuk.co.uk. Balance Me - www.balanceme.co.uk.

Clinique - www.clinique.co.uk. Elemis - 0117 316 1888 - www.elemis.com or www.timetospa.co.uk.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

27

health & beauty

Beauty tips for softer winter skin The weather's cold and the evenings are dark and gloomy.

But hey, do we care? No, because the party season is about to begin - and it's a great excuse to try out some new make-up ideas.

I

f you're nervous about experimenting with a new look, or if

It takes about 28 days for new skin cells to rise up through

you don't usually wear much make-up, don't worry. Follow

the epidermis. If you start now, your skin is guaranteed to

our advice and you'll look and feel gorgeous and confident

look radiantly healthy in good time for the party season. Treat

all night long.

yourself to a facial, and use good quality organic skincare

Get ahead with your skincare

The central heating has gone on, and it's notorious for making

products such as Natural Elements Essentially Yours. Please get in touch if you would like some samples.

skin look a bit tired and dull. So before you start choosing party

Use the right foundation

make-up, it's important to get going with your skincare. After all,

When you arrive at the party, you want everyone to notice

you want the best possible canvas for your make-up artistry.

the glamorous you - not your make-up. To avoid that

28

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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29

health & beauty

`too-much-

foundation is small enough

make-up' look, opt for a

to pop into even the tiniest

foundation that perfectly

clutch bag, ready to whip

matches your skin. OK, that

out

makes it sound easy. We'll

glowing a bit too much.

unattractive

explain...

Pick

a

when

you're,

um...

If you're having trouble few

Foundation

pinpointing

your

correct

colours and try them in

foundation, I can help you.

natural daylight. If your

Pop along to one of my

foundation disappears on

make-up tips classes and

your forehead, that's the

learn some quick, simple

right match, now double

techniques

check that it disappears

the most of your natural

along your jawline.

features.

It's easy to get too hot at

Get on-trend with

parties,

your make-up

especially

when

for

making

you've been dancing to all

This party season, it's all

those

Christmas

about Dark Romance - a

numbers. Luckily, it's easy

combination of femininity

to avoid a shiny nose and

and nostalgia, with a discreet

preserve

nod to the Victorian era.

cheesy

that

beautiful

perfect-skin look. A mineral

30

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31

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Think dark and mysterious

it your own tweaks in line

- smoky eyes, deep red lips,

with your individual colours

powdered skin paired with

and styles.

a hint of pink on the cheeks for a fresh wintery glow.

Smoky eyes

When it comes to party

push the boat out with eye

blusher the idea is to look

colour. For a fashionably

excited and vibrant, so don't

sexy look, go for the deeper

be afraid to take it a little

colours, with dark brows

further than you normally

and smoky eyes in greys,

would.

purples, bronzes or browns.

Experiment

Parties are a great excuse to

by

going for a slightly brighter, stronger you're

colour

used

to,

than applied

just underneath and on the

cheekbones,

going

right up to the hairline for an elegantly alluring party look.

Deeper and darker lips This season's lip colours are deep-red berry shades - perfect for a captivating and glamorous party look, and easily adaptable even if you suit spring and summer colours.

Feel free to play around and have fun with the whole Dark Romance trend, giving

32

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

Use a lip liner for real

>>

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33

HEALTH & BEAUTY

definition and to prevent lipstick bleeding. You'll probably

Perfect Party Make-up Pack

need to top up during the party, so don't forget to bring a

Add an instant update to your make-up bag ready for the

retractable lip brush with you, pre-loaded with the lipstick

party season with our perfect party make-up pack, chosen

you're wearing.

specially for each season. Draw attention to your eyes with two complementary shimmery eye shadows. Create

When it comes to party blusher the idea is to look excited and vibrant, so don’t be afraid to take it a little further than you normally would.

Party season is the best time of year for doing something a bit different with your make-up. It all comes down to having the confidence to do it. A little expert guidance is always useful, so if you'd like to refresh your make-up with the latest party looks and trends, try one of our wake up your make-up classes and most of all enjoy yourself.

34

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

gorgeous party lips with the perfect red lipstick and lip gloss to add some sparkle and shine. Finish with a dusting of bronzer to cheekbones and collarbones for a warm party glow. Comes in a red organza bag and makes a fabulous gift or a treat for yourself.

Remember to quote FISHERL at the checkout to get your exclusive 30% discount.

BY LISA FISHER

MORE INFORMATION HOUSE OF COLOUR Tel: 07930 544265 lisa.fisher@houseofcolour.co.uk www.houseofcolour.co.uk/lisafisher

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35

FOOD & DRINK

Beetroot AND Smoked Vodka Soup

Beetroot is one of my

in the bottom of a large

favourite ingredients – it’s so

saucepan and add the onion,

versatile and can be paired

celery and beetroot.

with so many other flavours.

This is a variation on a

2 Cook over a low heat,

traditional Russian Borscht,

stirring regularly, for 15-20

and looks and tastes fantastic.

minutes or until the onion has

We use locally distilled Chase

started to soften.

Smoked Vodka to give another layer of flavour, cutting through the sweet earthiness of the beetroot.

The Kilpeck Inn is located in the historic village of Kilpeck in the heart of rural Herefordshire. The 250year old whitewashed pub was recently refurbished and is described by the Michelin Guide as "modern and characterful", and serving "delicious food" according to Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Eat. With four luxurious en suite bedrooms as well as a cosy bar and even a private dining room, it's the perfect place to eat, drink and sleep Award winning chef Ross Williams creates the menu around local and seasonal produce. Here he shares the recipe for one of his best selling soups.

The Kilpeck Inn, HR2 9DN 01981 570464 www.kilpeckinn.com

Ingredients

B 1kg fresh beetroot, peeled and roughly chopped

B ½ head celery, chopped B 1 large white onion, roughly chopped

B 1.5 litres vegetable stock B 100ml Chase smoked vodka B To garnish: fresh horseradish cream, chopped chives, rye bread Method 1 Put a little vegetable oil

36

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

3 Add the stock and simmer for an hour or until the beetroot is soft and cooked thoroughly.

4 Add the vodka (if you want to remove the alcohol return to the heat for 10 minutes or so to let it evaporate) and blitz using a food processor or a hand blender. Check for seasoning and consistency (if it’s too thick for your liking add some hot water).

5 Garnish with a spoon of horseradish cream and some chopped chives and serve with fresh rye bread.

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37

FOOD & DRINK

Celebrate the festive season at The Swan on the Square 'Relaxed, informal but with no compromise to quality, the sort of place I would like to go to on my days off'.

That is Cath and Ian's aim for the Swan on the Square.

S

erving simple but bold dishes, designed to make the most

individually tasted and selected by John Hope.

of the fantastic range of local, sustainable products, this delightful pub restaurant will be entertaining you over

They use several local suppliers including: Richard Bufton Family

the festive period. Check out the website for opening

Butchers in Kington who Ian cannot praise enough for his service

times and their Christmas menu.

and quality meats; Rhos Organics where Mick and Alice produce

Be tempted by the nibbles and a drink to start the juices flowing; then try a delicious starter made from only the freshest, organic produce. The main event! Choose from the tasty, freshly prepared meat, fish and vegetarian mains. Remember to leave a little room for one of the desserts which are delicious and delectable.

and source the best local organic vegetables and Go Wild Preserves where Ozzies fantastic chutneys and pickles make a great accompaniment to so many of the meals.

Contact the Swan on the Square soon to book your table and try their festive fare!

The food can be washed down with a fantastic range of cask ales, lagers and local ciders or a choice from the wine cellar,

www.theswanonthesquare.co.uk

The Swan on the Square

‘Relaxed, informal but with no compromise to quality, the sort of place I would like to go to on my days off’ That is Cath and Ian’s aim for the Swan on the Square.

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS

As well as our freshly prepared meat, fish and vegetarian meals, try our fantastic range of cask ales, lagers and local ciders as well as our range of wines, individually tasted and selected by John Hope.

The Swan on the Square, Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3AZ T: 01544 230510 E: ian@theswanonthesquare.co.uk 38

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39

FOOD & DRINK

THE CHRISTMAS FOOD SHOP Love it or hate it, Christmas is a time for shopping and celebration.

Make your life a little easier by being prepared.

M

any people start their Christmas Shopping

and order all these items for delivery or collection a day

in the January sales to get the bargains

or two before Christmas Day.

– cheaper Christmas cards, wrap and decorations or a gift item that is now half

the price it was pre-December 25th! Others prefer to buy items throughout the year – something special for friends and relatives that they purchase when they see it. Several wait until December or even two weeks before the festive season starts before asking people what they want, buying the gifts, wrapping them and sending out cards.

None of these strategies work very well with the food side so making a list and deciding the best farm shop or stockist to visit a month or so prior to Christmas is far better. Food hampers are a great way of saving both time and money as you know beforehand how much it will cost and what you will receive. Most stockists allow you to choose your own constituents so you don’t forget a vital item on the day and by planning and making a list you don’t have the urge to keep putting more items in the basket and go over budget.

Hampers are also an ideal gift for family and friends and can contain non-perishable items such as jams, biscuits and luxury tinned items. Alternatively if you order from a

40

Take advantage of longer opening hours to visit local shops in the run up to Christmas. Many now operate at least one late opening night a week or you can combine the local switch-on of the lights with a shopping trip. Alternatively, visit your local farm shop and enjoy the experience of lingering over all the tasty foods on offer – and perhaps sampling them – before discussing your meat and poultry needs for the festive period with an experienced butcher.

You may even want to try a goose or beef joint as a change to the turkey. Normally you can also enjoy a cup of tea and some homemade cake too!

On the vegetables side, you can order a box of fresh vegetables to be delivered to your door. Suppliers in Herefordshire include: Skylark Organics on www. skylarkorganics.co.uk in Bromyard, Flights Orchard Farm on www.littlemarclefarmshop.co.uk in Little Marcle, Herefordshire and Arkstone Mill in Kingstone on www. arkstonemill.co.uk Don’t forget the numerous Farmers Markets that will be happy to supply vegetables, fruit and much more.

local stockist or farm shop you could include perishable

Herefordshire has a wealth of excellent Farm Shops, food

items such as meat, fish, and cheese or fresh cakes. You

suppliers, drink producers and chocolate makers. So this

can also order drink hampers to cover the sherry, wine

year be prepared and celebrate a fabulous Christmas with

and liqueurs you may be serving. Spoil yourself this year

friends and family enjoying local food and drink.

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41

WYE VALLEY WALK

Start / Finish: The walk starts and ends at the Priory Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Leominster Town Centre.

Public Transport: Nearest Railway Station at Leominster. Buses serve Leominster from Ludlow and Hereford.

Parking: There are several large car parks in the town centre.

O/S Map: Explorer Map 202. Leominster Town Map useful.

Distance: 2 miles (3 miles for those using trains).

Time: This town walk can be completed in a few hours.

Refreshments: There are plenty of cafés, tea-rooms, shops and eating places. The White Lion is between the town and the railway station on the corner of Etnam Street and Worcester Rd. Terrain: This walk is mainly flat and along streets and footpaths.

Much of it is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Dogs must be kept on leads in the town centre and please clean up after them! The walk can be muddy in places. Look out for traffic.

Comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing will suffice.

HISTORY: ‘Leominster’ may be derived from the Welsh name Llanllieni. The ‘Leo’ part of Leominster is legendary, linked to a story that Elfride, a monk from Northumbria sat by the river to eat a piece of bread when a lion appeared. The

Broad Street where you can look across this ancient market place to The Lion Yard with a white stone lion standing aloft.

Below is the Lion Gallery with another lion depicted on its sign. This was the site of the former Lion Coaching Inn, later the Lion Hotel on the Bristol - Holyhead Stagecoach route.

3: Cross where the road narrows and walk into the Lion Yard where you will find the Lion Court and the grand Regencystyled Lion Ballroom - restored to its former glory. Retrace your steps back up Broad Street to the site of the Buttercross - there is a bronze model of the old market house which once

monk offered the bread to the lion who took it gently leaving

stood on this site. Turn right to explore Burgess Street.

the monk unafraid. This gentle walk has a light-hearted ‘Lion’

4: Turn left along Rainbow Street, and left along West

theme to it. Let’s see how many ‘Leos’ are hiding in this ancient

Street and back to the High Street. On the Corner House

market town and let the Lions tell us the history.

opposite, you will see lots of heraldic lions.

1: Those arriving by train will have passed The White Lion on

5: Walk down Corn Street to Corn Square.

Etnam Road. The walk starts at the west door of the Priory Church, you should find the carving of two lions from which the town’s name may be derived. Inside the Priory, find the same door and you will see Samson with a lion carved on a pillar. Walk to the altar area at the eastern end and look for lions on the altar cloth and in the picture to the left of the altar. Walk right and find the round altar, there is a tapestry with a tiny lion on it. When you have finished exploring the Church, go outside and turn right. Walk down Church Street as far as the five-way junction, site of the old ‘Buttercross’.

2: Peering down from the top of Barclays Bank (the former Library building) is a large white stone lion. Turn right down

6: Look back at the two lions supporting the millennium clock. Walk straight on into the open green space and along the right edge. At the corner, turn left to The Grange (can you remember the bronze model in the town centre?)– this is the real thing, the old market house built in the market area in 1633, removed from the town centre in 1855 and rebuilt here in 1859. Today this grand carved building is guarded by two large stone lions.

7: After exploring The Grange, walk north (right) to the rear (east end) of the Priory Church.

8: Walk right, down the wooden steps to where the monastic buildings were. Look up at the high north wall of the Priory Church built by the people of Leominster in 16th century to save their Church from destruction. Exit into the car park and cross to the large building – Priory House. Go down the steps, turn right and look beneath the open stairs for the arch where Pinsley Brook flowed beneath the building as a water supply for the Monks.

9: Walk back along the path to the corner, turning right then left to the west end of the Church.

10: The walk ends in front of the carved lions – if you did not find them earlier, you have another chance! I hope you have enjoyed exploring 'Leo'minster!

Written and Illustrated by Glynis Dray

The‘Leos’ofLeominsterTownWalk 42

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43

WORCESTERSHIRE PAST

THE HISTORY OF PANTOMIME In the United Kingdom, the word "Pantomime" means a form of entertainment, generally performed during the Christmas season. Most cities and towns throughout the UK stage a variation on the Pantomime theme at this time of year.

T

he origins of British Pantomime or "Panto" as it

story that has a direct descendant today, "Jack the Giant

is known, date back to the middle ages taking on

Killer". The Harlequinades continued to be played as short

board the traditions of the Italian "Commedia

pieces put on after the main drama of the evening was

dell" Arte, the Italian night scenes and British

concluded, as a sort of antidote to the tragedy.

Music hall to produce an intrinsic art form that has constantly adapted to survive up to the present day.

Modern pantomime includes songs, slapstick comedy and dancing, employs gender-crossing actors, and combines topical humour with a story loosely based on a well-known fairy tale. It is a participatory form of theatre, in which the audience is expected to sing along with certain parts

aimed at children based on a popular fairy tale or folk legend.

The most popular subjects being "Cinderella", followed by "Aladdin", "Dick Whittington" and "Snow White". Other popular titles are "Jack & the Beanstalk", "Babes in the

of the songs and shout out phrases to the performers.

Wood" and “Sleeping Beauty”. Rising in popularity is "Peter

It differs in this country from other parts of the world

Pan", although purists would argue that this is not strictly a

as they tend to use the term ‘pantomime’ to describe a

pantomime, but a children’s story, based on J.M Barrie’s play.

mimed play rather than the form used here. The British

"Peter Pan" first performed at the Duke of York’s Theatre,

version does not survive very well in other countries!

London in 1904 transferred successfully to America shortly

Harlequinade By the early eighteenth century, the first use of the word "Pantomime" emerges. A "ballet pantomime" was

44

The Subjects Pantomime, as we know it today, is a show predominantly

afterwards. Today the story has had elements of Pantomime introduced, and is one of the highly popular Christmas shows around the British Isles.

created, "The loves of Mars and Venus" in 1717, followed

A visit to a pantomime may be a child’s first experience of live

by "Harlequin Sorcerer", produced by John Rich, who

theatre. If that experience is magical enough, it can leave a

under his stage name "Lun" played Harlequin. Rich

lasting impression. In a world where children are surrounded

was responsible for creating the first "Harlequinade".

by computer games and videos, DVD's and the all-pervasive

Harlequinades were produced all year round at his

influences of television, a visit to a pantomime could be a

Lincoln Inn Fields Theatre, and these became so popular

catalyst to another world of creativity and joy. The tradition

that David Garrick at Drury Lane felt obliged to mount his

will continue, children will shout "Oh yes it is!" as loudly as

own pantomime, the difference being that his Harlequin

ever, and, when the actor in the white sheet waves his arms

spoke the lines, with less emphasis on mime. By 1773 the

behind our hero and goes "Whoo, Whooo!", children of all

Theatre Royal in Drury Lane presented the first pantomime

ages will still cry out "Its-behind-you!"

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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45

SENIOR LIVING

Keeping your home warm Low temperatures increase the risk of flu and other respiratory problems and can raise blood pressure.

Blood pressure takes longer to return to normal in older people after being out in the cold and this puts us at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes. The colder your home, the higher the risk to your health.

B 64°F

(18°C) is the ideal temperature for your

bedroom and 70°F (21°C) is the ideal temperature for your living room. Check your thermostat or use a room thermometer to monitor temperature but if you feel cold, turn the heat up regardless of what the thermometer reads.

B Get to know how the timer and thermostat on your heating system work. If you have individual thermostats on your radiators, make sure they’re set at the right temperature in the rooms where you spend time.

B Close the curtains at dusk and fit thermal linings if you can. This will keep the heat in.

B Put guards on open fires, and be careful not to hang washing too close to the fire.

B Don’t block up air vents, as fires and heaters need ventilation.

46

a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if air vents become blocked.

B Contact your local Age UK for a benefits check and advice on any financial support you may be eligible for. If you’re having difficulty paying your heating bills, Charis Grants can direct you to grants to help with utility debts.

Keeping warm indoors and out You’re at risk of a heart attack, a stroke or even hypothermia if you’re exposed to a cold environment for a long time, or to extreme cold for only a short time.

It’s a common misconception that sleeping with the window open is good for your health. In fact breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.

That’s why it’s important to always shut your bedroom window at night.

B Make sure you keep your hands and face warm.

B Test your carbon monoxide alarms. If you don’t

As well as wearing gloves and a hat, always wrap

have any alarms, you need to get one fitted in

a scarf around your face when you go out in cold

each room that has a gas appliance, as there’s

weather. This helps to warm the air you breathe.

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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47

SENIOR LIVING

Ross-on-Wye & District - Keep in Touch Project

B Several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer, as the layers trap warm air. Clothes made from wool or fleecy synthetic fibres such as polyester are a better choice than cotton. Start with thermal underwear, warm tights or socks.

B If you’re sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide a lot of warmth.

Try to keep your feet up, as the air is cooler at ground level.

B Wear warm clothes in bed. When very cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat – a lot of heat is lost through your head.

B Use a hot-water bottle or an electric blanket to warm the bed, but never use the two together as this can be dangerous. Check whether your electric blanket can be kept on all night or whether it’s only designed to warm the bed before you get in. Get it checked every three years by an expert. If you have continence

The Keep in Touch Project is a volunteer befriending service looking to improve the wellbeing of older people who are suffering from isolation.

If you or anyone you know may benefit from the project, are interested in volunteering or would like more information then please contact Age Concern Ross on: 01989

B

567165

difficulties, talk to your doctor before using one.

B Don’t sit or stand outside for long periods, as you’ll quickly get cold.

B Keep your feet warm. Choose boots with non-slip soles and a warm lining, or wear thermal socks.

For more advice on keeping warm this winter please visit www.ageuk.org.uk

48

ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

Email: ageconcernross@ageukhw.org.uk

B call in to the office at:

or

Palma Court, 27 Brookend Street, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7EE We are open: Mondays 12.30pm – 2.30pm and Thursdays 10am – 12 noon

www.ageconcernross.org.uk

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49

EDUCATION

H Guidelines brought in by the Department for Education (DfE) in September 2013 require head teacher’s to take a harder line on requests for absence.

School holidays and you Strict new rules on term-time holidays - including fines - were introduced two years ago to crack down on absence. But the LGA says the system is unworkable and is calling for change. It was debated on the 26th October in Parliament as a result of the e-petition to allow two weeks a year of term-time holiday breached the 120,000 signature threshold. Nigel Huddleston the Mid Worcestershire Conservative spoke: “To allow all pupils two weeks off would cause chaos and disruption in our schools... however I suspect that we are really asking for flexibility, and for head teachers to be given the discretion to decide”. Also he mentioned the lack of clarity about exceptional circumstances versus special circumstances, and said “I think we all agree that further guidance would be appreciated:” as “there is a need for greater flexibility and local discretion when parents truly have no other options”.

>>

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

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51

EDUCATION

allowances for what a family would class as a special occasion or takes into account a parent's work life." Mr Perry said blanket bans were not working and fines were being successfully challenged.

"It is time for this situation to be reassessed to ensure we are not wasting time and money by enforcing what is considered by many to be a punitive and unfair system," he said.

"While councils fully support the DfE's stance on every child being in school every day, there are occasions when parental requests should be given individual consideration and a common sense approach applied."

The call follows a case last month in which a

the stricter rules mean a holiday cannot be

father avoided prosecution for refusing to

classed as an exceptional circumstance.

But a spokesman for the DfE said: "It is a myth

If an absence is not authorised, parents

is harmless to a child's education. Our

who take their children out of school

evidence shows missing the equivalent

during term time are reported to their

of just one week a year from school can

local authorities who are obliged by

mean a child is significantly less likely

government to fine a parent £60 per child

to achieve good GCSE grades, having a

- this rises to £120 if it is not paid within

lasting effect on their life chances."

pay a fine for taking his child out of school for a holiday. Jon Platt won a court battle with the Isle of Wight Council to avoid a criminal conviction after he refused to pay a £120 fine for taking his six-year-old daughter out of school to go on holiday to Florida. He was issued with the fine by the council after he took his family on the trip, which included a visit to Walt Disney World, in April despite an absence request being rejected by the school.

The issue of the fine, which was originally £60 and then doubled because of his refusal to pay, went before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court and Mr Platt won his case.

He successfully argued that Section 444 of the Education Act required parents to ensure their children attended school "regularly", and did not put restrictions on taking them on holidays in term time.

Guidelines brought in by the Department for Education (DfE) in September 2013 require head teacher’s to take a harder line on requests for absence. Previously, heads were able to grant 10 days' leave

21 days. In extreme circumstances, those that fail to pay can face prosecution with a maximum fine of £2,500 or a jail sentence

that missing school even for a short time

Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College

of up to three months.

Leaders, said: "There will be times

The LGA says head teachers should be

because of problems such as illness

allowed to give reasonable consideration

and family emergencies. Schools are

to term-time leave requests and is calling

very sympathetic in these cases and

on the Department for Education (DfE)

will help children catch up with work.

for a change in the rules.

However, term time holidays are not a

when children have to miss school

Roy Perry,

chairman of the LGA's Children and Young People Board, said: "It is clear that the current system does not always favour families, especially those that are struggling to meet the demands of modern life or have unconventional

valid reason to miss school."

A Freedom of Information request to councils by the Press Association found - across the 98 councils that responded - 86,010 fines had been issued in 2014-

work commitments.

15 for pupil absence, either because of

"There has to be a sensible solution

the year before and 32,512 in 2012-13.

whereby every family has the option to spend time together when they choose to, without fear of prosecution from

holiday or truancy. This is up from 62,204

You may well ask why Mr Platt spent over £1000 in legal costs when his fine

education authorities.

would have been £60 – as the fines are

that many schools could allow up to two

"The current rules tie families to

prosecution for an offence and therefore

weeks of term-time holidays a year, but

set holiday periods. They make no

is not to be taken lightly.

in "exceptional circumstances", meaning

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

for discharging your liability for criminal

ST RICHARD’S

S

oon after I arrived at St Richard’s 18 months ago I was greeted warmly by a range of teachers from local primary schools, whose children were competing in our annual

cross country competition. This gruelling event, which

this season takes place on Monday 7th March in 2016, has led us to winning national competitions and sporting scholarships.

But in fact we welcome visitors at any time of the year, most recently a Waterloo Day (re-enacting the battle in serried ranks, with Years 1 and 2 acting as charging cavalry!), the St Michael’s Hospice Vintage Party and in September the North Herefordshire Hunt Pony Club Tetrathlon.

The children from St Richard’s School get involved in every type of outdoor activity and frequently win scholarships and awards to their senior schools – not just academic, but sport, music, drama, art and riding. The journey begins at 8+ or 11+ and so the school is offering a series of sporting scholarships to children who would otherwise be unable to come, and these would come with generous (means-tested) bursaries. To enrol on one of these assessment ‘taster days’ (taking place on Saturday 6th February and Saturday 23rd April) please contact the office for more details.

Fred de Falbe, Headmaster

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EDUCATION

Moor Park independent co-educational day and boarding school

M

Moor Park is a rural school, embracing the rural life in Ludlow, Shropshire

oor Park is an independent co-educational day and

running a non-selective entrance policy and emphatically not being

boarding school providing wrap around care from 3

a hothouse where pressure is put on young people to prepare for

months to 13 years. Just another prep school I hear

the exam above all else. Every child is focussed on individually with

you say, well in many aspects yes, you may be right.

strengths being encouraged from an early age. Moor Park children

But in many, many more you may be surprised.

Many schools claim to offer an all-round education but Moor Park

are nurtured and developed at a pace which suits them; happy children and great results speak for themselves.

take this to extremes. They use every square inch of the 84 acres as

Boarding is offered to everyone from Year 3 upwards but the

one big classroom. In free time, the children use the woods to build

School operates a flexible approach to boarding and families are

dens, climb trees and allow their elastic to stretch just a little. And in

free to choose the option which best suits their circumstances,

doing this, Moor Park allow children to be children, being supervised,

or indeed choose not to board at all. The boarders have a lot

while allowing them every opportunity to build confidence and

of fun with Wacky Wednesdays and, of course, the Boarding

independence. Moor Park is a rural school, embracing the rural life.

Award finalist ‘Big Weekends’, the most recent version being Nerf

The school aims to prepare the children for the next stage of life and entry into senior schools. In 2015 alone, Moor Park students

Warfare. It was difficult to see who had more fun, the children or the staff and the Headmaster was a natural target!

gained eighteen scholarships to twelve different senior schools,

For more information, to arrange a visit or to

with every child gaining a place, from all-rounder scholarships to

request a prospectus, please CONTACT

academic, art, music and sport. These results are gained despite

head@moorpark.org.uk or call 01584872342.

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

Weobley High School is a small, successful secondary school situated in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. There is an absolute focus on high-quality teaching and learning ensuring that every child achieves their potential. It is widely recognised for its unique and child-centred ethos which led to high praise in a recent OFSTED inspection: “The behaviour of the students is consistently outstanding…their attitude to learning is exemplary” “Teaching observed in many lessons was outstanding…students made rapid progress and teaching was inspirational” “There are a huge variety of clubs, trips, teams, competitions, and performances for students to get involved in” “Students show real enthusiasm for learning and are determined to do their best in lessons”” “All students are extremely well prepared for their future” There is currently high demand for places however please contact us directly if you are interested in your child joining Weobley and we will be only too pleased to arrange a personal tour.

Tel. 01544 318159

Email: admin@weobleyhigh.hereford.sch.uk www.weobleyhigh.co.uk

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55

WHAT’S ON

THE CREATION OF ALEXANDER PARK RESORT Alexander Park has teamed up with Wye Valley Now to offer readers a chance to win a game of 18 holes of

D

golf plus a three course lunch for two people. uring a very difficult time for leisure

room was designed as a wedding venue capable of

and golf in particular, the opening of

seating 250 guests for a full wedding breakfast; we also

Alexander Park came as a surprise to many.

cater for civil ceremonies up to 150.

With

Herefordshire

golf

courses

being

oversubscribed this new, exciting resort needed to be different in order to attract enough members to sustain itself and so Alexander Park boasts one of the best driving ranges in the country.

The owner and architect Mike Dudley genuinely decided on his 40th Birthday to design and landscape Ledbury's first 18 hole Golf Course. What was once a dream is now a reality and Alexander Park Resort now boasts 655 members with many more to come.

visually present, beauty as well as history encases the modern inner facilities. The whole of the site has been developed with a great deal of sensitivity to the existing Elizabethan timber-framed main house and traditional oak beamed surrounding buildings, incorporating as much of the original details as possible whilst adding a clean and modern finish.

Stage two involved the making of the floodlight golf

Built on 150 acres of barren land, as a result of an

driving range and Pro Shop. With the range erected

unsuccessful farming period, Alexander Park resort

the Resort had a sense of completion, however Mike

really has defied a series of boundaries. Mike has

decided to extend the Golf shop to include changing

pieced together the resort starting with the Gym and

rooms adjoining Café and Licensed bar. Visit Alexander

Spa closely followed by the function room. The function

Park soon and check out the wonderful facilities.

Competition

For your chance to win a game of 18 holes of golf plus a three course lunch for two people, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

How many members are currently attached to Alexander Park?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Alexander Park WVMN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 20th January 2016. Winning entries ISSUE will be drawn at FIFTY random.TWO One entry per person.

56

With the original stables, hop kilns and barns still

WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

Answer: Name:

Address: Tel: Email:

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

SAPEY GOLF CLUB Winter Offers Breakfast & 18 holes

From £15pp Monday - Friday From £20pp Saturday - Sunday after 11am Valid Until 8th April 2016

Weekend TwIlight Golf

£15pp Saturday - Sunday after 12 noon

To book a tee time call 01886 853 288 (option 2)

Sapey Golf Club, Upper Sapey, Worcestershire, WR6 6XT

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

57

WHAT’S ON

WIN a family ticket to The Courtyard’s annual pantomime, Beauty and the Beast!

The Courtyard’s annual pantomime is back with a ‘Beast’ of a show!

The Courtyard have teamed up with Wye Valley Now to offer readers one of two family tickets to see Beauty and the Beast- Friday 27 November 2015 – Saturday 9 January 2016.

B

eauty’s family has fallen on hard times and

Jason Marc Williams returns for his second year at The

when her father hears of a chance to regain

Courtyard to play the Dame, alongside new recruits,

some of his fortune, he sets off on a long

Beth Dillon as Bebe and Ben Astle as the Beast.

journey.

On his way home, empty-handed and without the gifts he promised, he gets lost in the forest and takes refuge in a mysterious castle.

As he is leaving in the morning, he sees a beautiful rose and picks it to take home. Little does he know that the master of the house, a fearsome Beast, has decreed the penalty for picking the rose is death. The

Beauty and the Beast will be in The Courtyard’s Main House from Friday 27 November 2015 – Saturday 9 January 2016. To book tickets, or for more information contact the Box Office on 01432 340555 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk.

Beauty and the Beast is sponsored by Cargill.

Beast promises to spare the father's life if his beautiful daughter comes to live with him at the castle. But what will happen to Beauty and will she ever find true love?

Competition

For your chance to win one of two family tickets (2 adults / 2 children) to see Beauty and the Beast at The Courtyard on Thursday 7th January at 7pm, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

What flower does Beauty’s father pick from the Beast’s garden?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Beauty and the Beast WVMN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 18th December 2015. Winning entries ISSUE FIFTY TWO will be drawn at random.

One entry per person.

58

WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

Answer: Name:

Address: Tel: Email:

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

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59

WHAT’S ON

DECEMBER Until Saturday 9th January 2016 BEAUTY and the BEAST The Courtyard Edgar Street Hereford HR4 9JR Cost: £10 - £20 www.courtyard.org.uk Thursday 3rd – Sunday 6th THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SHOW Three Counties Showground Malvern Worcestershire WR13 6NW Cost: See website www.threecounties.co.uk Saturday 5th TREEMENDOUS TREES - Guided walk Doward Reserve The Doward Car park Forestry Commission South Herefordshire Cost: ticket prices vary 01432 356872. Booking essential KINGTON FESTIVE FOOD and DRINK FESTIVAL Kington Town Centre Kington Herefordshire Cost: free www.kingtonfestival.co.uk Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th h-ART CHRISTMAS FAYRE Studiocrafts 5a The Southend Ledbury Herefordshire HR8 2EY

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

Cost: free www.studiocraftsledbury.weebly.com Saturday 5th – Monday 7th ART EXHIBITION. Paintings

by Carol Randell Old Mayor’s Parlour 23 Church Street Hereford HR1 2LR Cost: free www.carolrandell.com Sunday 6th December Family Christmas at MESC Madley Madley Environmental Study Centre (MESC) Stoney Street Madley Herefordshire HR2 9NH Cost: £6/ £4. Booking essential www.mesc.ogr.uk Wednesday 9th IN SEARCH OF HIDDEN LEOMINSTER Leominster Historical Society Grange Court Leominster Herefordshire HR6 8NL Cost: members free, visitors £3 www.leominsterpriory.org BRITISH RAILWAYS IN COLOUR – Neil Parkhouse Rossiter Books The Corn Exchange 7 The High Street Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 5HL Cost: £3 www.rossiterbooks.co.uk

SCHOOLS DONKEY NATIVITY Hereford Cathedral 5 College Cloisters Cathedral Close Hereford HR1 2NG Cost: free. Booking essential www.herefordcathedral.org Thursday 10th THE CHARLTON ARMS 1st CHRISTMAS MARKET Ludford Bridge Ludlow Shropshire SY8 1PJ Cost: Free www.thecharltonarms.co.uk Thursday 10th – Thursday 31st HANSEL & GRETEL The Courtyard Edgar Street Hereford HR4 9JR Cost: £8/ £7 www.courtyard.org.uk Thursday 10th December – Monday 3rd January PETER PAN Malvern Theatres Grange Road Great Malvern Worcestershire WR14 3HB Cost: £10.34 / £26.88 www.malvern-theatre.co.uk Friday 11th Christmas Craft and Food Fair Hereford Cathedral 5 College Cloisters Cathedral Close Hereford HR1 2NG

>>

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61

WHAT’S ON

Cost: free www.herefordcathedral.org COURTLAUGHING COMEDY CLUB The Courtyard Edgar Street Hereford HR4 9JR Cost: £12.50 (18+) www.courtyard.org.uk QUEEN TRIBUTE NIGHT Chase Hotel Gloucester Road Ross-on-Wye HR9 5LH Cost: £39.50 www.chasehotel.co.uk Saturday 12th Broadfield Court Festive Flower Day Broadfield Court Vineyard Estate Bowley Lane Bodenham Herefordshire HR1 3LG Cost: £65 Contact: 01432 270970 Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th TAURUS CRAFTS CHRISTMAS MARKET Lydney Gloucestershire GL15 6BU Cost: free www.tauruscrafts.co.uk Sunday 13th MALVERN FLEA & COLLECTORS FAIR Three Counties Showground Worcestershire WR13 6NW Cost: £4 www.b2bevents.info

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16

Thursday 17th FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Hereford Cathedral Cathedral Close Hereford HR1 2NG Cost: £5 / £15 Under 14 free www.courtyard.org.uk Saturday 19th Got 2 Sing Hereford – CHRISTMAS CONCERT ‘Joyful, Joyful’ Town Hall St Owen Street Hereford HR1 2PJ Cost: £6 / £4 www.got2sing.co.uk Monday 21st – Wednesday 23rd FAMILY POTTERY SESSIONS Eastnor Pottery Home Farm Eastnor Ledbury Herefordshire HR8 1RD Cost: £5 per session 01531 633886. Booking essential Tuesday 22nd CASINO ROYALE NIGHT Chase Hotel Gloucester Road Ross-on-Wye HR9 5LH Cost: £27.50 www.chasehotel.co.uk FRIDAY 25TH CHRISTINGLE NATIVITY SERVICE Hereford Cathedral 5 College Cloisters Cathedral Close Hereford

HR1 2NG Cost: free www.herefordcathedral.org

JANUARY Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th SERIES OF WEEKEND HEDGE LAYNG COURSES Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Birches Farm Kington Herefordshire HR5 3EY Cost: £60 HWT members, £70 non members 01432 356872. Booking essential Monday 11th YOGA CLASSES Aspire Community Hub Canal Road Hereford HR1 2EA Cost: £8 per week Contact: 07759 752349 Saturday 16th VOODOO ROOM TRIBUTE TO JIMI HENDRIX & CREAM The Courtyard Edgar Street Hereford HR4 9JR Cost: £18 / £17 www.courtyard.org.uk Saturday 30th CHRISTMAS ORATORIO Hereford Cathedral 5 College Cloisters Cathedral Close Hereford HR1 2NG Cost: Tickets from Cathedral Shop www.herefordcathedral.org

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ISSUE FIFTY TWO WYE VALLEY Now DEC ’15 ¯ JAN ’16