Wye Valley Now December 2017 / January 2018

WYE VALLEY

N W DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

issue SEVENTY¯FOUR

THE WOOD BURNING STOVE PERFECTED see page ELEVEN for more information

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ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

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

ADVERTISE

Suzie Scott

Tel: 01905 727906 suzie@pw-media.co.uk Mel Penkoks Tel: 01905 727901 mel@pw-media.co.uk

Editor

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

DESIGN

Paul Blyth

Amy Thomas

08

Your guide to statement chairs

CONTRIBUTORS

Grace Anderson Glynis Dray Lisa Fisher Kay Hurdidge Frances Weeks

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COMPETITION WINNERS Chase Distillery B. Outwin, Ledbury Oakchurch Department Store B. Roberts, Bromyard ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this

GOOD TABLE MANNERS

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Winter wildlife

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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Festive winter wonders

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CONTENTS

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42

Guinea fowl with herbs

WIN A CASE OF ASTLEY WINE

40

Win an overnight stay, dinner and breakfast at The Corners Inn

ISSUE SEVENTY FOUR

DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

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46

Superstition and Folklore in Herefordshire

keep safe

our events diary

and warm this winter

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School Readiness

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HERE & NOW

Poss & Ewe

P

oss & Ewe was launched in July 2017

MerinoSnug and what the Australians

The beauty of MerinoSnug wear is that

and is a familiar collaboration for the

refer to as ‘next to skin’ range Hedrena.

the garments are incredibly light and

founder Sara Nelmes from Ledbury

who 20 years previous worked for an

The Australian climate is not the most

Australian company in interior textiles.

suitable for wearing MerinoSnug but both

Fast forward a couple of decades, three

to introduce the ranges to the UK market

children and Sara found herself in the right place at the right time with an old friend and highly regarding Managing

agreed that the UK was, so it was decided

soft, extremely warm (35% warmer than cashmere alone) and don’t bobble or pil, which gives unrivalled wearability and longevity.

where – putting it nicely - the opportunity

The Hedrena range feels like silk and

to wear such clothing was greater!

washes like cotton but is unbelievably made from 100% Australian Merino wool

Director of the Australian Wool Network,

(some of the best in the world). Being a

John Colley.

totally natural product it helps the body

John has been in the Australian wool

regulate its temperature and keeps you

business all his life but more recently

warm in cooler climates and cool when its

became involved with a manufacturing

warmer – those clever little sheep...

company who produced top quality merino wool and possum fibre knitwear

www.possandewe.com

Monmouth’s Jake Coates wins at ITV’s Pride of Britain Awards

E

mmy and Jake met when they were

took a bitter twist. Having suffered months

On June 26th 2016, Emmy and Jake embarked

11-years-old and at just 13, Jake told his

of painful bowel problems, Emmy was told

on a 2,000km tandem bike ride. The pair

crush that she was his "lobster". The

she had thyroid cancer. And the day before

cycled from London to Copenhagen, via

couple later dated for three years, deciding

they were due to travel, doctors confirmed

to go their separate ways when they went to university at 19. After keeping in touch for 10 years - by which time Jake was working as a doctor in Australia and Emmy a primary school teacher in London - the pair gave in to their lasting feelings for one another.

They negotiated the time difference and spoke to each other on FaceTime daily,

it had spread to her spine, lungs, liver and bones. It was incurable. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, the couple

Bruges and Amsterdam, along the North Sea Cycle Route, raising money as possible for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. On the 16th June 2017, Emmy died, aged just 31.

decided to make the most of every moment

Jake has continued his fundraising effors

they had left together and fundraise to help

and is launching a new online shop @

other people.

mollivers to buy the jewellery and latest Tara and Tyrone book - Lost At Sea!

travelling back and forth across the world.

To date this remarkable couple have raised

Writing on her blog Emmy said just six months

Cancer Charity. This achievement was

over £143,436 for the Royal Marsden

later they were planning a life together back

recognised by Jake wiining the Fund Raiser

in the UK - "a life we had always dreamed

Award at the Pride of Britian Awards

of together was finally coming true," she

screen on November 7th 2017. Donations

wrote. But weeks after booking a romantic

are

trip to the Philippines in 2016, their story

fundraising/ejtandemonium.

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welcome

at

www.justgiving.com/

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homestyle

Confluences sofa available from Insitu

statement

chairs

Statement chairs add life to a room by being a centrepiece that accents the rest of the decor. When people enter the room, their eyes are drawn to it. Statement chairs are usually uniquely shaped, colourful, or highly elegant. Regardless of their design, they are meant to be appealing and stylish.

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homestyle

Harlow Armchair

B

y adding a statement chair

the first step is to choose the type of

fabric for the best overall effect -

to a room, the overall design

chair. The more unique it is, the more

Unique rating – high

of the living space can feel

of a statement it will make. However,

more complete. The nice thing about

regular chairs can also draw attention.

statement chairs is that they are both

The information below defines the

decorative and functional. They provide

different types of chairs as well as lists

extra seating for family and guests

which ones are more unique.

while still adding a design feature to the room. For an even greater effect, people can purchase two or three of the same chair. However, having several different styles of statement chairs will just make the room feel cluttered and confusing. This guide will help buyers locate and select a statement chair that is perfectly fitted to their living space.

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The chaise longue is both elegant and unique; in ancient times only the wealthy and royalty had them; a long chair that extends out to support the legs and feet without the

Arm chairs are simple, comfortable, and

use of an ottoman; make excellent

functional as well as heavily cushioned

centrepieces especially if they are

with armrests; to make a statement,

bought in a colour that is separate

these need to be made with attention-

from the other furniture, but still flow

grabbing fabric; to maximize the look,

with the room décor.

purchase these in sets of two or three.

Unique rating – medium

Unique rating – low

Club chairs are a fancier version of the

A chair and a half is very unique

arm chair; features a low back, a good

because of its size; it is wider than

amount of cushion, and armrests; often

Types of Chairs to Select From

a regular chair, but smaller than

has nailhead trim on the armrests and

The purpose of a statement chair is

a loveseat; it is modern, perfect

back; works best as statement chairs

to draw attention to itself without

for lounging, and can still seat two

when bought in groups of two or three.

overdoing it. When looking for one,

people; find pillows that accent the

Unique rating – low

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homestyle

Kensington Armchair, made to order in aniline leather and harris tweed £1199 - Simply Stunning Interiors

Luxury Wing Chair, Handcrafted in UK, Choice of 2 gorgeous aniline leather colours, Immediate delivery (while stocks last), £799 each - Meyer and Marsh

Chairs by Arlo & Jacob

Minimal Chair - These chairs embody

and having no armrests; since these

and wings that protrude from the

the statement that less is more;

are fairly simple chairs, they work

side; sometimes they have ornately

range in shapes and styles but they

best in groups.

carved wooden claw feet.

have no armrests and usually no

Unique rating – medium

Unique rating – medium

Tub chairs are also modern; features

Where to Shop for

a back and armrests that are one

Statement Chairs

back; usually they are a half-circle shape or something similar that still supports the body without having a defined back or armrests; unique designs makes them good statement chairs, but their comfort can vary.

Unique rating – high Recliners

are

around the cushion and sometimes slopes downwards towards the front to create the armrests; simple and unique, but their comfort level is

the

classically

usually pretty low; if purchasing solid

comfortable chairs; are very common

fabrics, buy them in a group; striped

so it is harder to turn them into a

or pattern upholstered tub chairs

statement piece; shop for high quality

can be statement chairs on their

leather with decorative accents to

own. Unique rating – high

make them stand out more.

Wing chairs are common, but fancy;

Unique rating – low Slipper

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continuous piece; the back is rounded

chairs

if decorating an elegant room, these modern;

can be perfect statement chairs;

characterized by being upholstered

upholstered with an upright back

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are

Since statement chairs are generally unique, visits to your local independent retailer are more likely to yeild your perfect chair. They themselves use statement chairs to draw the eye to a particular range or lead your eye through the showroom. Of course the perfect chair maybe found at an auction or vintage shop , then your local upholstery company can fully refurbish it in new fabric.

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TABLE MANNERS Good table manners have long been a source of national

pride, but they have taken quite a knock in the past few years.

F

irst, Bill Bryson criticised our lack of tipping. Now,

To counteract this worrying trend, we have compiled a guide

traditionalists will be shocked to hear, a new survey has

to etiquette for those who have adopted the American way:

suggested our manners are going the American way.

The dining habits of those across the Atlantic seem to

have reached our shores, and the worst habit we have picked up from our American friends is using a knife and fork the wrong way. The main perpetrators, according to the survey

1. The knife is held in the right hand, the fork in the left - this is non-negotiable 2. A spoon should be held with your right hand. You should eat off the side of the spoon too, rather than at a right angle to your mouth

by search engine Ask Jeeves, are the younger generation.

3. Keep your elbows off the table

Around a third of the under-30s surveyed use their fork with

4. Look people in the eye when saying hello

their right hand - going against British traditions.

5. Keep your phone out of sight at the dinner table

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homestyle

and even away from the table don't text while speaking

Laying the Table

to people

Whether it is a formal dinner or a much more casual

6. Your wine glass should never be filled more than

occasion, the basic rules do not vary when laying the

halfway to allow the wine space to breathe when you

table. Give each person as much elbow room as the table

swirl it (which, of course, you should be doing)

permits. Leave an even amount of space between places.

7. If you there are two wine glasses before you,

Knives and spoons go on the right, forks on the left. The

choose the smaller for white wine. Red wine glasses also

idea is always to work from the outside in. Formally, it

have shorter stems so the heat from your hand warms

is correct always to lay side plates – even if they are not

up the wine

going to be used – with the napkins simply folded on

8. Use the side plate on your left for bread rolls

them.

9. If you are eating from a bowl, never lift the bowl up from the table 10. Wait until everyone is served before you start eating 11. Don't talk with your mouth full and try not to eat

The basics are large and small knives, large and small forks, teaspoons, dessert (pudding) spoons and forks, and tablespoons. There may be small blunt knives for

too noisily. According to Debretts, this is the cardinal

butter, fish knives, soup spoons and extra small spoons

dining crime. "Nothing is more likely to get you noticed

for coffee, or for salt and mustard. Some people have

and promptly blacklisted," says its guide to table

different shaped spoons for soup and pudding, but

manners.

cutlery design is not standard. If the dessert spoons are

12. Place your cutlery in the middle of your plate to signal you have finished eating Debretts A-Z Modern Manners is a great source for full table ettiquette but the following is a brief introduction.

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Knives, Forks and Spoons

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very small, then traditionally tablespoons are used for the soup. Teaspoons are also for tea and coffee, or for eating grapefruit or boiled eggs, for which you may sometimes find a type with a more pointed shape.

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`The world was my oyster but I used the wrong fork.’ ¯ Oscar Wilde

case use the fork in the right hand and have the tines up, more like a spoon. When finished, the knife and fork (with tines facing upwards) or spoon etc are placed on the plate in a six-thirty position.

Spoon and Fork

Plates and Bowls

Always eat puddings with a spoon and fork (both should always be

Soup should be served in shallow bowls. Pudding, unless there

laid); the spoon should be a dessert spoon. Ice cream may be eaten

is a lot of sauce, is served on small plates. A special dessert

with a teaspoon, or a long teaspoon if served in a tall glass. Sorbet,

service with a decorative pattern may be used, or the same

served between courses, is eaten with a teaspoon.

plates as the first course. The traditional diameters of plates are ten inches or a little more for dinner plates (main course), eight inches for pudding plates and six inches for side plates. With so many contemporary designs and shapes available this is just a guide, not a rule.

Using Cutlery The fork and spoon are the only things that should go into the mouth. Never lick the knife or eat off it. If using a knife and fork together, always keep the tines of the fork pointing downwards and push the food on to the fork. It may be necessary to use mashed potato to make peas stick to the fork but it is incorrect to turn the fork over and scoop. There are foods that are eaten with just a fork, including some pasta and some fish. In this

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£254,995

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NATURE NOTEBOOK

Redwing © Margaret Holland

i Winter Wildlife As temperatures drop, much of our native wildlife snuggles down somewhere cosy to wait for spring – but there are a surprising number of creatures out and about…

The Big Sleep

Herefordshire’s orchards enjoying windfall apples on chilly

Only three species truly hibernate in the UK: dormice,

days and stripping the hedgerows of berries.

bats and hedgehogs. Hibernation is very different to sleeping as the body’s systems are in a state of inactivity characterized by low body temperature, slow breathing and heart rate, and low metabolic rate.

The hazel dormouse hibernates either on the ground under logs, leaves, in grass tussocks and at the base of trees - or just beneath the ground where the temperature is more constant. Hedgehogs usually hibernate from October

in the comparatively mild UK. In Herefordshire, head to wetland sites such as Bodenham lake Nature Reserve to see a variety of geese, ducks and wading birds.

Winter is a great time to hear owls hooting through the darkness as they call more at this time of year. The 'too-wit too-woo' of the tawny owl can be heard during

or November through to March or April. However, they do

the night and early hours but this is actually a male and

sometimes move nesting sites at least once during this

female owl calling to each other - the female makes the

period so you might just spot one out and about. During mild

'too-wit' sound and the male answers with 'too-woo'. They

winters hedgehogs can remain active well into November

can be heard in towns as well as the countryside though

and December. Bats spend the winter in specific hibernation

woodland is their preferred habitat.

roosts – different to their summer and maternity roosts.

Bats roost in a variety of places but most commonly in trees, in buildings such as churches and underground for example in cave systems, abandoned tunnels. Snakes also go into dormancy over winter known as brumation.

Winter Wanderers So, who’s awake? While some birds fly to warmer climes at this time of year, other species migrate to the UK and the bare branches and sparse hedgerows of winter mean that they are also much easier to spot!

Good examples are the redwings and fieldfares, which arrive in the country as the weather turns cold. These birds are escaping the far harsher winters of the countries

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Many species of wildfowl also migrate to spend winter

Starlings – some resident and some flying in for the winter – flock together in large numbers from around November onwards

and

perform

spectacular

mummurations

through early evening winter skies. Murmurations are commonly seen over Hereford city in the winter. It is not fully understood why starlings put on these amazing shows but it is likely that part of the reason is to confuse any nearby predators planning a starling supper.

For more ideas on getting out and about and seeing winter wildlife, download the Wildlife Trust’s free My Wild Winter Leaflet from www.wildlifetrusts.org/ MyWildWinterDownload

they have left - principally Russia and Scandinavia. Along

FRANCES WEEKS

with song and mistle thrushes, flocks can be seen across

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust

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BEAUTIFUL

FESTIVE WINTER WONDERS The festive season is just around the corner. Here are a selection of products that are ideal as a gift for yourself, friends or family.

CHANEL

ELEMIS

COLOR WOW

Chanel introduces the

Pro-collagen perfect duo. A magnificently

Dream Coat, inspired by

Limited Edition N°5

moisturizing experience. It hydrates, firms and

new textile technology,

Fragments D’or 250ml

smoothes. Future-proof your face with this pair

covers each hair

to illuminate skin with a

of power-packed moisturisers, for skin that has

strand with an invisible

beautiful golden shimmer

never looked or felt better. Pro-Collagen Marine

waterproofing cloak. Heat-

while subtly perfuming it

Cream 50ml and Pro-Collagen Oxygenating

activated polymer works

with the iconic fragrance of

Night Cream 50ml.

to compress, tighten and

the House.

£70.00

£115.00

seal hair strands. Hair is supernaturally-sleek, smooth and super-silky.

£22.00

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DHC

CLARINS

ESTEE LAUDER

DHC Astaxanthin Collagen

An innovative cream-to-

A rich body cream that hydrates,

All-in-One Gel tones, hydrates,

powder formula, that

smooths, and softens with the

brightens while fighting free

offers the comfort and

delicate scent of a luxurious Tuberose

radical damage. It features

smoothing effect of a

blend, which complements both the

super antioxidant astaxanthin,

cream with the fine quality

Tuberose Le Jour and Tuberose Le

a vitamin-like substance

and hold of a powder.

Soir fragrances.

considered 6000 times more

The new rich iridescent

powerful than vitamin C.

midnight blue shade

£40.00

£70.00

creates a sultry smoky eye.

£19.00

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Stockist Details: Chanel - 0207 493 3836 - www.chanel.co.uk. Elemis - 0117 316 1888 - www.elemis.com or www. timetospa.co.uk. Color WOW - www.colorwowhair.com. DHC - www.dhcuk.co.uk.

Clarins - 0800 036 3558 - www.clarins.co.uk. Estee Lauder - 0870 034 2566 - www.esteelauder.co.uk.

BEAUTIFUL

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BEAUTIFUL

Reindeer Face Jumper from Topman

FESTIVE TIPS FOR MEN How to avoid the embarrassing Christmas jumper

T

here’s lots to get excited about at this time of year

The Christmas shirt

- Christmas parties, presents, mulled wine, sparkly

With shirts, it’s all in the detail. An Italian collar, for example,

lights… But there’s a downside to festive traditions -

with a contrasting colour or pattern on the inside, is a really

the men’s Christmas jumper.

classy way to add festive colour and personality.

Now don’t get the wrong idea. We’re not going to shout `Bah

Look out for contrasting stitching on cuffs and collars. It’s the

humbug’ at every man sporting a red-nosed reindeer on his

kind of subtle detail that stands out amidst all those woolly

chest… even when the aforementioned nose is flashing on

Santas.

and off beneath a pair of novelty antlers.

When it comes to detailing, buttons are your secret weapon. It

Festive fun is what it’s all about, but there are alternatives to

could be colour, pattern or texture… Shirt buttons

the embarrassing Christmas jumper. Here are a few ideas…

speak volumes without shouting about it.

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BEAUTIFUL

Have fun with colour You’re not at work, so Christmas is the perfect time to experiment with colour. Again, it doesn’t have to be loud.

You’re after the beautifully tuned harmony, not a cacophony.

Your best impact colour, combined with a seasonal neutral, allows for all sorts of wearable options - a T-shirt and jumper combo, a shirt with contrasting buttons, impact colour within a pattern.

as your neutral or try mustard or light olive with dark olive.

Whatever your preference, if you want to avoid the Christmas colour cliche, then red and green are probably best left for the tree.

Festive grooming You’ve avoided the dodgy Christmas jumper look and your colours are all sorted, but there’s still one thing that can sabotage your look - personal grooming. Make sure you are

To give you some ideas, here are some impact/neutral

using a good quality face wash and moisturiser and condition

combinations that will always work:

that beard if you have one!

Contrasting colours are great, try raspberry or chinese blue

Look great, feel great and have a colourful Christmas!

with navy as your neutral or try either damson or burgundy with charcoal.

If you prefer softer hues, try powder blue or duck egg with dark blue grey as the neutral or smoked grape or cherry with French navy.

Or add some splashes of colour to a great neutral, try geranium red or turquoise with tan or try leaf green or bright navy with dove grey.

Rich tones include either moss or kingfisher with dark brown

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MORE INFORMATION Colour Analysts & Personal Style Consultant lisa.fisher@houseofcolour.co.uk www.houseofcolour.co.uk

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A Guide to Your Winter Wedding Winter is arguably the most romantic time of year. Find out how to make your winter wedding extra special

W

exceptionally

will go down very well with your guests and

really is no limit to the ways in which to

beautiful time to get married.

make a great change from standard wedding

make your winter wedding beautiful.

Think snow, fairy lights and that

food. It is not just the wedding breakfast

magical feeling of Christmas time. Think

you can get creative for however, think of

Fairy lights make a great, wintery addition

serving warm mulled wine, and making

seasonally-themed reception drinks, such

wedding-themed crackers for your tables.

as warm mulled wine, rather than Pimms,

Think Christmas trees and roaring log fires.

and at your evening buffet, serve mince pies

Choose Suppliers Carefully

instead of cupcakes.

Because the winter months are generally

Decoration

like Christmas presents underneath.

less popular for weddings than the summer

Winter offers the chance to make the

months, many suppliers, including venues,

Favours

decoration for your wedding extremely

florists, caterers and photographers will

Choose

beautiful. Enquire with your chosen venue

wedding-themed crackers are a great idea,

whether there will be a Christmas tree, if

and you can buy the equipment to make

your wedding is close to Christmas time.

them yourself. Likewise, you could compile

Speak to your florist about seasonal flowers,

miniature Christmas stockings or give

such as Snowdrops and Camellias. Think

personalised Christmas tree decorations.

Think Seasonally

about silver and white table decorations,

Think about imagery such as snowflakes,

Having a winter wedding offers a great

chair covers, centre pieces and crockery.

robins and snowy winter scenes. You can

opportunity to get creative with your

You can take this a step further, with ice

create a magical Christmas-esque feel

catering. Warm, hearty dishes like casseroles

sculptures and other large decorations for

without having to have Santa’s face or the

and sticky toffee pudding or fruit crumble

your room, if you have the budget. There

nativity scene everywhere you turn.

inter

is

an

offer a discount for getting married in winter. Shopping around can save you a lot of money, but ensure not to compromise on quality for a bargain.

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to your decoration, and will enhance the magic of your special day. You could even take it a step further and have miniature Christmas trees for your centrepieces, perhaps even with small favours wrapped

winter-themed

favours.

Silver,

WYE VALLEY we ARE NOW delivering even more copies to more homes and are now looking for MORE distributors

N W

If you live in these areas and are interested in earning extra CASH please contact: Suzie Scott

monmouth & Tel: 01905 727904 NEWENT suzie@pw-media.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Serves 2

the malt extract. Taste and

Preparation time 6 hrs

season accordingly.

Cooking time 20-30 minS Ingredients:

2 Lightly fry off the remaining

B Guinea fowl or chicken bones (ask your local

the remaining thyme and

B 2 onions, chopped B 4 cloves garlic, chopped B 3 sticks celery, chopped B 3 mushrooms, chopped B 80g malt grains or toasted barley

Shropshire guinea

fowl with carrot, barley and herbs

B Thyme, 2 sprigs B Rosemary, 2 sprigs B 3-4 bay leaves B 1 tbsp malt extract B 60g rolled toasted wheat flakes

B 2 tbsp honey B 2 guinea fowl breasts B 4 tbsp Rapeseed Oil B 4 tbsp Butter B Dried hay, small handful B 6-8 organic carrots B 40g butter B 15ml hazelnut oil B Wild herbs, we use yarrow, hairy bitter cress, and

dandelion leaves

rosemary. Add the rolled wheat flakes and honey. Roast these until golden, blending and seasoning to taste. the guinea fowl: 3 Preheating the oven to 190°c, fry the guinea fowl breasts in an oven-proof pan in a splash of oil, making sure that they are sealed on all sides. Then, add the butter and position the hay around it. Igniting the hay, cover with foil before placing the pan in the oven and roasting for 12-15 minutes. Smoking in this manner can be difficult at home (especially where smoke alarms are involved!). Stove top smokers are available.

Alternatively, use an outside BBQ for a few minutes before using the oven to finish. the carrot purée:

the broth:

4 Peel the carrots, chop them,

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C.

and placing in a pan cover

The Riverside Inn is situated deep in the heart of the Marches countryside just on the southern edge of the Mortimer Forest, yet still close to Ludlow and Hereford.

Placing them in a roasting

them with water. Cook them

pan, roast the guinea fowl

until they are soft (approx 10-15

or chicken bones for 40

minutes), and then drain. Mash

Authentic and atmospheric, the 16th century black and white building is surrounded by the natural beauty of the River Lugg valley.

minutes Over a medium

with the butter and hazelnut

Relax this winter in our bar next to our log fires, relax after a walk through the scenic North Herefordshire countryside, with award winning local food along side local ciders, ales and gins, as well as a large selection of fine wines, in a truly country inn and restaurant.

The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, Herefordshire, HR6 9ST Tel: 01568 708440, Web: www.riversideaymestrey.co.uk Email: enquiries@riversideaymestrey.co.uk

34

garlic in the rapeseed oil and the remaining butter, adding

butcher for these)

Hay-baked

the wheat flakes:

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

heat, fry the chopped onion and three-quarters of the garlic, mushroom, and celery until they are brown before adding the barley and frying off. Then, add the roasted bones, and half of the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves before covering with water.

Simmer this for 6 hours until

oil until they are smoothly blended, then season to taste.

Put to one side.

To serve: Spoon the carrot puree onto a plate. Slice the guinea fowl and place in the centre.

Tossing the foraged herbs in

it is light brown in colour and

warm meat juices, add to the

has a good flavour. Then,

plate before sprinkling over

sieve into a second pan

the toasted wheat crumb.

and reduce by half, adding

Serve with the sauce.

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35

Christmas just isn't Christmas without mince pies UK shoppers purchase around 370 million of them over the Christmas period each year, with each of us scoffing 27 each. But how many of us actually know how to make our own version? Mince pies aren't all that complicated to make but they do taste different.

T

elegraph food writer Xanthe Clay says this is because “unlike shop-bought, home-made pastry is made without sugar. I prefer to cook them with a high

heat, which can slightly caramelise the edges of the filling, mitigating the sweetness further” Despite the name, mince pies, by and large, don't actually contain any mincemeat. Years ago they did, filled with a mixture of minced meat and suet. Nowadays the mince pie contains a mixture of chopped dried fruit (such as prunes, raisins, and currants), distilled spirits and spices. Christine Cossins of the Award Winning Real Pie Company “Our top tip to making the best mince pies is make

the mix early and gradually add each week a little Cointreau, Disaronno & Rum, makes a great tasting mince pie!”

Partridges, the Queen’s grocer who’s Head Chef has given us the following tips and tricks on how to create and enjoy the very best mince pies: "Create the pastry with flour, unsalted butter, ground almonds, caster sugar and eggs. Firstly I place the flour, the butter, and the ground almonds in a large bowl and rub the ingredients together with my hands to achieve a crumbly consistency. Afterwards I will add the sugar and continue mixing all the ingredients together. Before serving, make sure the mince pie is warm to achieve the full flavour of the dried fruits,

36

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

spices and distilled spirit. Lightly sprinkle some caster sugar on top and optionally, serve with a glass of port wine or a scoop of ice cream." For more information please visit www.partridges.co.uk For an homemade look try Riverford Organic Farmers - These rich, buttery little pies, baked in a wood-fired oven, have a festive filling of apples, plump vine fruit, citrus peel, flaked almonds and a slosh of brandy. Just wonky enough to look homemade – ideal if you want to pass them off as your own.

According to etiquette expert William Hansom, mince pies should never be eaten using a fork when eaten alone or be served cold.

Hanson told the MailOnline: “There is no need to use a pastry fork when eating a mince pie. Your hands are fine, although make sure they are clean. Ideally, mince pies for a drinks party will be served gently warmed, but if eating at home you could serve them much warmer with gently melting ice cream, rum or brandy butter. Here, a fork and spoon will be needed to avoid those mucky fingers.”

So you have run out of time - Where to go for the best supermarket own brand mince pies? The team at NOW Magazines have munched through the Christmas average consumption to bring you their 2017 taste test.

>>

Tanners Solves Your Gift Dilemmas If you’re looking for inspiration for your ‘impossible to buy for’ friend or relative, Tanners Wines – the UK’s top large independent wine merchant – is a

T

safe bet for brilliant Christmas gift ideas!

he company’s Hereford

Pop in for a browse or get some

branch on St Peter’s

advice from Tanners friendly

Square

jam-packed

sales advisors – you’re sure to

with over 1,000 amazing wines

come out with a bottle that will

plus

delight your lucky recipient!

rare

is and

interesting

bottles of spirits, craft ales and local ciders. There’s something

Contact

Tanners

Hereford

for everyone who enjoys a

branch on 01432 272044 or

tipple, including festive gift

visit tanners-wines.co.uk for

packs from £25.

more information.

Coffee

Sunday Roast

ls Lunch Cocktai THE DEN

17a West Street, Hereford, HR4 0BX T: 01432 268666 E: thedenrestaurant@gmail.com www.thedenrestaurant.co.uk @WYEVALLEYNOW FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.NOWMAGAZINES.co.uk

37

FOOD & DRINK

The Taste Test Lidl – Favorina mince pies - £1.59 for 12

A 5 star rating by consumers on the Lidl website. Light crumbly pastry, fruit filled to the top of the decorated lid. Our testers were not as fulsome as the reviews on the Lidl website but was the most budget pie.

HH Coop Mini Mince Pies - £2.00 for 9

Butter enriched pastry filled with spiced, zesty mincemeat lightly dusted with sugar. The mincemeat scoring highly but the pastry was a little hard. Maybe next year a little more butter and less palm oil might zoom them up the rankings.

HHH

not sure that the calories would be worth it.

H Waitrose All Butter Mince Pies - £2.50 for 6 This lovely pie scored very highly for the taste and texture of both the pastry and the mincemeat. It was only pipped to top marks by a rather plain appearance. So if you buy these you might want to get your sugar dredger out or smother them with brandy butter.

HHHH Marks & Spencer – The Collection Mince Pies - £2.50 for 6 The crumbly, buttery pastry is dusted with icing and filled generously with brandy soaked raisins, clementine and glacé cherries for a jammy, sweet, zesty filling. It's finished with a pretty snowflake-topped star design. The office tasters loved this one. Full

Tesco Finest – Mince Pies with Courvoisier VS Cognac - £2.00 for 6

The mincemeat is infused with cognac and port for a subtle alcoholic kick. Our office tasters enjoyed the taste and texture of the pastry plus loved the look of them but the mincemeat texture was not as good.

HHHH Sainsburys Deep Filled Mince Pies - £1.10 for 6

We couldn’t see this offering restoring the drop in profits from Sainsburys. With a soggy bottom, flavourless mincemeat. We were

38

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

marks almost for appearance and highly scoring in the pastry taste.

HHHHH Aldi Specially Selected Cognac Steeped Mince Pies – £1.49 for 6 Whilst Cognac ‘steeped’ might be a bit of an exaggeration, the Aldi shoppers in the office were disappointed in this offering. Cheap is not always best.

HH

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39

COMPETITION

Win an overnight stay, dinner and

breakfast for two at the corners inn The Corners Inn, Kingsland is a traditional country pub and restaurant, with rooms in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside.

Customer care is at the heart of absolutely everything we do, so whether you’re checking in to one of our newly decorated rooms, buying a pint of local real ale at the bar or dining with friends and family – you can expect the same friendly welcome.

W

e offer great food and our

order, waiting times may vary dependent on

We can offer any function to suit your needs

menus are planned to suit all

your choices. Specific dietary requirements

from 10 – 80 whether it be a carve at the

tastes and are served both in

can be catered for, please call prior to your

table dinner to celebrate a special birthday, a

the bar and the restaurant depending upon where you feel most comfortable.

Wherever possible ingredients are locally sourced giving a true taste of the county of Herefordshire and the Welsh borders.

All food is freshly prepared and cooked to

booking or ask for advice on arrival.

sit-down dinner to celebrate your special day

Our bar features an excellent range of high

or an afternoon tea with a group of friends,

quality products from local ales and ciders

we can accommodate your every need. All

to fine wines and carefully selected spirits.

functions are tailored specifically to your

The Corners Inn is an ideal place for friends, colleagues and families to meet and kick back in a relaxing, warm and friendly atmosphere.

Competition

personal requirements. www.thecornersinn.com

Answer:

For your chance to win dinner, bed and breakfast for two at The Corners Inn, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Address:

Where is The Corners Inn based?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: The Corners Inn, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP.ISSUE Closing date for entries SEVENTY FOUR is 17th January 2018.

40

Name:

¯ WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

Tel: Email:

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

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41

win a case of six bottles of Astley vineyard’s best-selling wines Established in 1971, Astley Vineyard is located just above the River Severn, 10 miles north of Worcester and enjoys the title of being one of the oldest in England. Planted by Michael Bache over 45 years ago, it was bought by the Haywood family in 2017.

A

stley Vineyard produces a

can book tours of the vineyard.

range of wines each year

Approaching the vines through a

from four grape varieties

beautiful wooded valley they can

grown on a single five acre

learn about how the vines are tended

field. Of these, the wines made from

over the course of a year, before

the kerner grapes, a type of Riesling,

returning to the Tasting Room to try

are unique to Astley. The kerner vines

a glass or two.

are over 45 years old and produce both a complex still dry wine and a delicious sparkling wine which has hints of mint and lemon sherbet. The remaining grapes are used as single varietal wines or blended to produce a range of white still wines. Many of the vintages have won multiple

As well as selling wine Astley Vineyard is now an official stockist of Dartington Crystal, England’s principal

producer

of

quality

glassware. The ethos of the business is to support local and English companies

whenever

possible.

awards over the years and some

Visitors to the shop can also buy gift

of the current range is stocked in

vouchers for wine or summer tours

London restaurants and hotels.

of the vineyard.

The Cellar Door shop and Tasting

The new owners of Astley Vineyard

Room which was relocated and

have big plans for their beautiful site

updated in 2017 provides a space

and hope to attract more visitors

where wine expert Chris Haywood

and customers.

guides visitors through the wine. Chris previously worked in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge and has a passion for sharing his love of English wine.

During the summer months visitors

Hampstall Lane, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 0RU Tel: 01299 822907 www.astleyvineyard.co.uk

Competition To be in with a chance of winning a case of six bottles of Astley vineyard’s best-selling wines, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

What grape variety is unique to Astley Vineyard?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Astley Vineyard WVMN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR Worcester, WR1VALLEY 2DP. Closing WYE Nowdate for entries is 17th January 2018.

42

DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

Answer: Name:

Address: Tel: Email:

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

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43

KEEPING ACTIVE Start / Finish: The walk starts and ends at the ridge car park near Rushall (see sketch-map). Limited parking for larger groups.

Public Transport: Nearest Railway Station is at Hereford. Please check ‘Traveline’ for bus connections between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye and ask for turning to ‘Sollers Hope’. There is a limited service and it adds 3 miles to total distance. Join circular walk at point 6.

Parking: Limited parking at ‘Marcle Ridge’ Car Park.

O/S Map: Explorer 189. Distance: 5 miles. Shorter 2.5 mile option. Note: If travelling by public transport add another 3 miles.

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 and a few steps and stiles so this walk is unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are a few points along the ridge-top lane which are accessible by car - with 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 and avoid high winds. Choose a day with good visibility.

3 At the next large gate, cross the stile on the left and turn left walking due-south towards Hyde Common with Busland Woods on the right. At the corner, enter wood over stile bearing left at first fork. Follow the wide woodland path through this ancient native woodland. Leave the wood at the corner, cross the stile into the open field. Walk diagonally left towards the old sheds passing the Hyde Wood on the right. When you are halfway down the

History: This is an ancient ‘ridgeway’ walk bisected with ‘holloways’

slope, turn southwards to the stile in the centre of the opposite

used by drovers taking livestock to markets at Ledbury, Ross and

boundary. Just inside the wood, known as Hyde Common, rejoin

Hereford in days gone by. Enjoy this delightful rural walk but ensure

the old drove-road. The track curves round and drops down

that you have adequate clothing and refreshments and set out

to Hyde Farm. Turn sharp left along ‘Three Choirs Way’ passing

early on shorter winter days. This is a good ‘Winter Wellies Walk’.

limestone cliff on the left. (Note: the shorter route turns left at

1 The walk starts in limestone quarry and goes uphill to junction

barn, via ford, then up steep hillside onto Marcle Ridge at point 9).

on ridge. Walk due-north along lane towards Hooper’s Oak. There

The main walk turns right at the Barn, over the stile, straight down

are views towards Malvern Hills on a clear day. The walk can be

the hillside over three stiles and through the tiny paddock to a

extended at this point along old by-way north of Hooper’s Oak.

small footbridge. Climb up the bank to the stile out onto the track.

2 At Hooper’s Oak turn left (due-west) opposite the junction, down

4 Turn right and follow the track round the curve to a gate, down

a narrow sloping path that has been used for centuries by people

lovely the avenue of trees and over the stile onto the lane where

walking to and from Woolhope. Go through the large farm gate and

you turn left. Turn left again past Sapness House. Just beyond is

continue down-hill with the hedge on the right. The TV mast on the left

the track, go back on yourself to the right.

is a landmark, particularly at night, when its red light can be seen from

5 Follow the surfaced track for 3/4 mile with the mast up on the left.

miles around. At the foot of the slope is an ancient Oak. As you climb the slope, go through the large metal gate where the path steepens briefly to the old hedge which you follow uphill. Keep climbing up ancient drove road, with its hedgerow punctuated with mature trees.

6 Turn left and climb gently up the hillside (hedge on the right) to a stile at top that leads onto ancient drove road from ‘Sollers Hope’. Go through the wooden gate and via ‘holloway’, over the brow of the hill to ‘crossroads’.

7 Turn left along ‘Ridge Hill’, up the steps and through the wooden kiss-gate to ‘top’. Bear left with the hedge on the left. On a clear day there are extensive views eastwards. Walk along the ridge to ‘Firs Farm’ where a 540’ UHF mast, supported by 12 steel cables, has been transmitting signals since 30th July 1968.

8 Walk northwards with ‘Hoar Wood’ on the left, passing the highest point at 758’. Notice the view-point facing west. Continue for another ½ mile to where short walk joins.

9 Continue downhill, following the route as it curves right round to lane.

10 Find a small gap in the corner of the last field. Cross the stile and walk down the steps onto the lane. Take care as you join the lane. Retrace your steps back to the car.

Written and Illustrated by Glynis Dray

Walking Along Marcle Ridge 44

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

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45

LIVING HISTORY

Superstition

and Folklore

in Herefordshire Ghost stories, myths and legends are handed down from generation to generation in Herefordshire.

T

here are many fascinating stories of ghosts, the

There are also many local ghost stories. At Craswall in the 1920's,

supernatural and strange unexplained happenings in and

the Bevans bakers family from Abbey Farm decided to light their

around Hereford. Sometimes the tales are passed down

ovens in the ruins of the abbey. A while later they were aghast to

by word of mouth, and sometimes written down and later found

see the shadowy figures of a strange man and woman standing

tucked away in unlikely places, maybe inside old trunks or hidden behind wallpaper. Features of the Herefordshire landscape may

by the fire. They did no baking that night.

be discovered in the writing or the telling, thus associating the

At Middleton on the Hill, a lady in white is seen to be sitting on

story with a familiar location.

Graveners Bridge on certain moonlit nights. In the same parish

There is a belief in the village of Mathon that if a particular field is left unsown, then within a year there will surely be a death in the farmer's family. It is bad luck if a clock falls or if the wick of

a grey lady walks close to a row of derelict houses. Court Farm at Snodhill is haunted by the sound of rustling dresses and the tapping of high heels. A ghostly pianist plays at the Boot Inn at

a candle glows long after the flame is blown out. Someone will

Oreton - in 1991 doors were heard slamming at the inn when his

die if an apple tree blooms twice within a year, or if a gooseberry

music was playing.

bush dies while it still bears fruit. The behaviour of birds is carefully watched. You must beware of the swift: it is known in

Churches seem to attract ghostly sightings, and Hereford

Herefordshire as the devil screamer. Two crows mean a wedding,

Cathedral has its share. The ghost of a Mr Hoskins was seen

but a single crow means a funeral. Death will follow if a bird taps

hovering inside on Easter Monday in 1786, when the west wall

on a window pane with its beak.

of the cathedral collapsed. St Peter's Church in the centre of

Red and white flowers together are meant to signal misfortune, so you should never take these to a patient in hospital. Pointing to a rainbow or a new moon through glass is unlucky. Parsley should never be transplanted, and elderwood should never be burned in a fire. Putting new shoes on a table brings bad luck.

There will soon be a death if mistletoe is taken into a house before Christmas.

Hereford city has a cowled figure which two policemen saw in 1926. A previous organist had always found St Peter's to be eerie, and felt that you should never go into that church without taking company. His son also had experiences of seeing a ghostly robed figure who disappeared through a door as he watched. This was thought to be the ghost of a monk who had died on the altar.

These are just a few examples of the local ghostly tales and

There are two amusing pieces of advice for Herefordians.

superstitions. Herefordshire is a small county, but it abounds

Firstly, a remedy suggested for bald men is to wear a cowpat

with sinister stories from north to south. This gives the county

on the head in bed, or to wear a garland of ivy leaves. The other

an air of mystery, which blends and contrasts with the beauty of

recommendation is for anyone unlucky enough to be bitten

its scenery.

by a dog: they should pluck three hairs from the dog's tail and swallow them.

46

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

BY GRACE ANDERSON

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

47

golden years

keep safe and warm this winter Older people in Herefordshire face multiple challenges and barriers to maintaining their health and wellbeing, and dealing with fuel poverty. The financial pressures associated with living in rural areas, such as additional costs for transport and domestic heating, mean some rural households have to spend more to achieve the same standards of living as equivalent households living in urban areas.

A

ge UK Hereford & Localities is pleased to announce

advice to older people. The project will enable older people to

it will be working with Marches Energy Agency

change energy use behaviour and benefit from small practical

(MEA) to support older people to keep safe and

measures which could potentially reduce their energy bills

warm this winter by offering two free services.

whilst remaining warm and well in their own homes.

Benefit Checks: Age UK Hereford & Localities will be offering free benefit checks. Our Information & Advice team will ensure that you are receiving all the benefits to which you are entitled and also review your current benefits, making sure that you are receiving the correct amounts.

They will help with benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Carers Allowance, State Pension, Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit.

Home Energy checks: MEA, a registered charity and social

enterprise, will be carrying out free home energy checks. They will provide practical energy efficiency information and expert

48

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

The home energy check will take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete and will include:

B A thorough assessment of the clients circumstances, usage of energy, hot water system and insulation.

B Give basic advice on how to keep warm and save energy.

B Supply and install simple energy efficiency measures (draught excluders, letter box brushes, radiator foil, sockets timers and other items).

B Help you to apply for Warm Homes Discount and the Priority Services Register.

B Review your energy tariff and payment method.

>>

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49

golden years

9. A bright idea. If you don’t already, get in to the habit of switching lights off in unused rooms, especially when you leave the house. Because we have many light bulbs in our homes we are unlikely to need them all on at the same time. Switching lighting off is a great way to save energy. Encourage youngsters to get into the habit now, ready for when they need to pay the bills!

10. Take control. Using heating controls will ensure your heating is as efficient as it can be, save you money and improve your comfort. Timers can be used to stop heating your home when noYou could be paying more for your gas and electricity than you need to. Follow some of the quick tips below and you

one is in or people are in bed. They can also be used to warm up the house ready for when you need it, for example, when you wake up

could save on your bills:

or come home from work. Room controls such as thermostats and

1. Dry your clothes in the sun. Try to only use the tumble

greater control over the comfort of a room whilst ensuring unused

dryer (one of the most costly appliances in the home) when you can’t use the sun and fresh air to dry your clothes. There are drying days in Winter, not just Summer!

2. Don’t get overcharged! Try not to leave your phone charging all night, most modern mobile phones need only 2-3 hours to charge. Overcharging can also damage the battery on some phones.

3. Draught-Bust! Keep out those cold draughts by fitting draught excluders to your front door, letter box and key hole.

You’d be surprised how much cold air sneaks in!

4. Don’t freeze up. Defrosting your freezer regularly makes it more efficient.

5. No half measures! Whenever practical, try and wait to wash a full load of washing. Two half-loads use twice the energy and water.

6. Buy from the A Team. Keep an eye on the energy ratings stated on appliances. A higher energy rating should mean lower running costs over the lifetime of the product. Think carefully, some less expensive, less efficient models may cost you more in the long run.

7. No need to STANDBY. Ensure that your television, desktop computer and other electrical items aren’t left on standby. The Energy Saving Trust suggests on average UK households spend between £50 - £90 a year powering appliances left in standby mode or not in use. Power save plugs can turn off items (such as TV sets) hassle free and are available online and in electrical retailers.

8. Don’t boil over. Being energy intensive, kettles are a great way to waste energy. When making a brew (or otherwise), use only the water you need. It’ll save you energy and time as it will heat your water more quickly.

50

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

radiator valves can help regulate room temperatures, giving you rooms are not excessively heated.

For more information or to find out how you can arrange a free home energy check or benefit check, for yourself or someone you know, please contact us: Tel: 0333 0066 299 Email: contact@ageukhl.org Registered Charity Number: 1093512

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51

EDUCATION

SCHOOL READINESS Eight out of ten school leaders report that many children arriving at primary school are not

O

ready to take part in classroom activities. f these, 86 per cent were

The

concerned that children’s

highlighted by school leaders for

school

children not being school ready were:

readiness

is

worse than five years

ago. The findings come from a new survey of school leaders published in September by NAHT (the union for school leaders) and the Family and Childcare Trust.

52

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

most

common

reasons

• Failure to identify and support additional needs early enough (67%) • Parents having less available resources / pressure on parents

and family life (66%) • Reduction in local services to support families (63%) • Reduction in local health services to support families (57%) Almost a quarter said that more than half their intake was not ready for school.

>>

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53

EDUCATION

in critical services for families.

We want to see extra money for education, including early education before children start school

youngest and most vulnerable in our society will be starting off behind, with uncertain chances of catching up.”

Ellen Broomé, Chief Executive of the Family and Childcare Trust, said:

Almost 9 in 10 (88%) said inadequate

NAHT and the Family and Childcare

school funding was a barrier to

Trust called on the Government

improving school readiness.

to prioritise funding for support

School

leaders

particular

concerns

highlighted about

communication skills and physical

for families in the early years to help set children up to learn at school and beyond. Paul Whiteman,

early the

education most

demonstrated

challenging

issues.

There is strong evidence that early education can help to boost children’s outcomes and narrows

language

the gap between disadvantaged

problems

“We want to see extra money

children and their peers – but

were the biggest issues with 97%

for education, including early

only if it is high quality. The

of respondents identifying these

education before children start

Government must make sure that

problems as a concern.

school, and renewed investment

every child can access high quality

and

communication

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

secretary

that children who had no previous

said:

Speech,

general

“Four fifths of school leaders said

NAHT

development.

54

Without proper investment, the

>>

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55

EDUCATION

Almost a quarter said that more than half their intake was not ready for school

early education and that parents can get the right support to help them to give their children the best start in life.”

Anne Lyons, NAHT President, and head teacher at St. John Fisher Catholic Primary School said: “With this report we are hoping to highlight the impact that cuts to public services are having on families and children. The support that families of all kinds regard as essential are being cut back or have already disappeared. Cuts to school budgets mean that it’s also getting harder to address these issues once the children are in school.”

56

ISSUE SEVENTY¯FOUR WYE VALLEY Now DEC ´17 ¯ JAN ´18

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57

Wilfred Brocklehurst (10), Rory Harrison (12), Charlie Broome (12) and teacher Michael Raven at one of the new mountain bike tracks at Abberley Hall School

EDUCATION

Biking gets a boost at Abberley Hall School Children at a Worcestershire school are enjoying some exciting new cycling adventures. The pupils of Abberley Hall School at Great Witley have helped to build mountain bike tracks, which can be used at day and in the evening, up and down hills and through woodlands within their grounds.

T

he youngsters assisted with designing the challenging

now have an extensive woodland network for regular cross

network of trails and have a new workshop where they can

country running events and outdoor exploring.

repair and maintain their cycles.

“The children helped to choose the best lines down the hills

“We have a very adventurous outdoor ethos at Abberley and

and were keen to include natural features such as tree roots

the school is lucky enough to be set in a beautiful 90 acre site

to make the rides more exciting. Creating the uphill trails

on top of a hill so this activity is ideal for us,” said teacher

was a challenge as we wanted gentle inclines which the

Michael Raven, who has also worked in the mountain bike

younger children could tackle.”

industry in the UK and in the French Alps.

The school holds weekly mountain biking sessions throughout

“The new tracks start from the iconic Abberley clock tower

the summer and autumn terms for girls and boys aged eight to

and wind their way down through the woods towards the

13 and a bright rechargeable lighting system has been installed

bottom of the site. Building the trails was great fun and we

to allow evening rides.

n or

in

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ry

M h t en Op ay 2 4 5am d .1

ur Sat

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OUR EVENTS DIARY

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OUR EVENTS DIARY

DECEMBER

Contact: 01291 673011

Friday 1st – sunday 3rd

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Contact: www.stpetersbromyard.org.uk Cost: Free

Friday 1ST – SUNDAY 31ST Christmas Party Nights In Ross The Market House Market Place Ross-on-Wye HR9 5NX Contact: 01989 760 716 Cost: vary Saturday 2nd Made in Shropshire Craft Market Ludlow Market Castle Square Ludlow SY8 1AS Contact: www.ludlow.org.uk Cost: Free Kington Food Festival Kington High Street HR5 3BJ Contact: kingtonfoodfest@gmail.com Cost: Free Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd Usk Christmas Festival Monmouthshire NP15 1AU

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Cost: Free

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