Wye Valley Now - May 2018

Wye Valley Now AND THE MARCHES

OPEN DAY

23rd May, 9.00am - 12.00pm

More than Just a School...

An Opportunity to Shine See page 41 for more information

EXPERIMENTING WITH TILES CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING BAND win tickets to battle proms!

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

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Wye Valley Now

08

AND THE MARCHES

14 16

Contents

24

MAY 2018

HOME & GARDEN 8

Experimenting with Tiles

12

Competition Simply Stunning Furniture

14

Making a Spring Hanging Basket

16

How to Have Fantastic Summer Baskets

20

Nature Notebook

Health & Beauty 22

The Pedicure Guide for Summer

24

Your Guide to Manicures and Pedicures

28

Choosing the Right Wedding Band

w y e va l l e y

NOW

editor

design

Angela Slater

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Hayes Garden World

Advertising

01905 723011

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

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

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

nowmagazine.co.uk

20

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Contributors Front Cover: Moor Park School www.moorpark.org.uk Glynis Dray Simply Stunning Furniture

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Miles Jones Twyford Cookers Lucton School Mary Jane Gunn, CABA aMazing Hedge Puzzle Severn Advertising Battle Proms

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30

32 38 Food & Drink 30

Recipe Elderflower Cake

Golden Years 32

42

54

A New Alternative to Equity Release?

Education 38

Lucton School

40

Spotting the Signs of Autism

Our Events Diary 42

Wye Valley Walks

44

What’s on this month?

45

The aMazing Hedge Puzzlel

52

Severn Advertising

54

Competition Battle Proms

competition winner Nozstock Festival C. Berry, Bromyard Wychwood Festival M. Davies, Tenbury Wells

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Wye Valley Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

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here & Now

Reducing Your Risk of Diabetes

#PrepForPup Almost one in ten Brits who have bought a puppy ended up giving it away, after just one month according to a new survey. The research has revealed the shocking number of UK residents who have bought a dog on a whim, resulting in 9 % re-homing the animal after as little as four weeks of buying it.

Over a quarter said the reality of the commitment of having to look after the puppy was simply too much to take on. More than quarter said that having bought a puppy, it caused too much damage to the house, while a further 24 % admitted they struggled to train the dog and a further 24 % said they were totally unprepared for the expense.

According to the research over half admitted they realised it was a mistake almost as soon as they brought the puppy home, with one in twenty dumping the animal with a dog’s charity and a further 3 % relying on parents to take the burden.

Forthglade published the report for National Puppy Day to mark the launch of its ‘Prepare for Puppy’ campaign, backed by TV Vet and dog owner, Steve Leonard, who comments “The results of this poll are deeply concerning.

“Unfortunately, there is a real lack of education around what is involved when taking on a puppy. Raising a dog of any age requires consistent, gentle handling, teaching and care; and this is never more crucial than when you welcome a puppy into your family “Preparation is everything – from vaccinations and puppy-proofing to ensuring your dog has a nourishing, balanced diet. There will be so much to learn about your puppy, his needs, his character and his health. Getting to know your new puppy won’t happen overnight but there is nothing more heart-warming than seeing the bond between an older dog and its owner, from a lifetime working together to make each other’s lives better – and this comes from getting it right from the start.

I hope this campaign helps to promote all the considerations necessary before people rush out and get a puppy”.

Gerard Lovell, Managing Director at Forthglade who commissioned the report, commented, “We know a puppy is bought with the best intentions, but when the reality of the situation hits home, that’s when the panic sets in. Welcoming a dog into the family can be a wonderful experience, but sadly if you’re not fully prepared, things can go wrong very quickly and this is when we see puppies being dumped at rescue centres or sold on online. We hope this campaign will make people stop, do more research and decide whether a puppy is right for them.”

For more information on Forthglade’s ‘Prepare for Puppy’ campaign, visit Forthglade.com to download the One Paw at a Time guide for expert tips and advice.

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Herefordshire residents are being urged to eat healthily and be more active in order to help reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes during Diabetes Prevention Week (1622 April 2018). GPs and other healthcare professionals in Herefordshire are using Diabetes Prevention Week to urge residents to find out if they are at risk and take action to improve their future health.

Healthier You the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a free local service for those who are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

The programme is designed to stop or delay the onset of the disease through a range of personalised lifestyle interventions, including education on lifestyle choices, support for maintaining a healthy weight and weight loss where needed through healthier eating and bespoke physical activity programmes.

Across Herefordshire more than 10,000 people are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, but nearly 2,000 people have already been referred onto the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, with nearly 70 per cent taking up the offer to take control of their health and help fight this disease.

Dr Sarah Newey, GP and Clinical Lead at Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “It is now recognised that the onset of Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle through eating well and being more active.

“Many of my patients have already started and completed Healthier You, it is fantastic to see the positive effect and real benefits the programme is having on them and their family’s health. Healthier You is an invaluable resource in helping people to lead healthier lifestyles and reduce their risk in developing Type 2 Diabetes.”

On Wednesday, 18 April 2018, we will be talking to people from our stand in Hereford outside WH Smith where we’ll be encouraging people to complete the Diabetes UK ‘Know Your Risk’ questionnaire to find out their risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

You can check to see if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes at www.diabetes.org.uk/risk

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Home & Garden

Experimenting with Tiles

Over the past few months, we have seen top interior designers getting creative and setting the trend with tiles, experimenting with colour, pattern and texture. It seems new trends these days are seen first on instagram as designers experiment to test market reactions. We have travelled through the new trends and some seem ‘very back to the future’ for the designers. The spaces are no longer constrained by hard surfaces and straight lines; spaces can be fluid, full of energy and character.

The first trends is using patterned tiles and are a great way of adding personalization to a room. Formerly bathrooms and kitchens have adhered to the white walls and neutral floors. Injecting pattern into a room can transform a space, adding a detail of interest, colour and light.

Continued over the page

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The next trend is encaustic tiles, with a riot of colour and pattern to choose from.

First made in Europe in the late nineteenth century, encaustic tiles were used to decorate the floors of palaces in Russia, and grand hallways from Paris to Saigon.

Today, these beautiful tiles can be found in countless chic bars, restaurants and homes in major cities. Encaustic tiles are great for lifting the atmosphere of a room, adding colour and design. Repetitive patterns and multi-coloured tiles can make a room feel bigger whereas neutral patterned tiles can add a sense of warmth and texture.

On trend for urban, chic interiors, is the ceramic tile, a popular choice for when mixing materials in a kitchen or bathroom. The brick shaped ceramic tile is very now, as it allows you to play with design. Use bricks horizontally for a classic, modern look, or vertically for a sleek urban feel. Brick ceramics can also be used to create the ever-popular chevron pattern.

Mirror tiles with metallic accents are tipped to be fast sellers for 2018. They must be used sparingly to avoid turning your home into an Austin Powers set but can add a touch of luxury to a space. The mirrored effect tiles bounce light around the room, making a space feel more open. n n 10 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

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Home & Gardens

Competition

SIMPLY STUNNING FURNITURE

Win a 160 x 230cm beautiful hand woven kelim rug for your home, worth £320, sponsored by Simply Stunning Interiors’ flooring department.

Simply Stunning Interiors is one of the regions most comprehensive, independent provider of home interiors and soft furnishings. At the family managed destination showroom, in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, you will discover some of our Counties most stunning home furnishings. With five departments all under one roof, on-site free parking and a cosy cafe they really are simply stunning!

Back in July 2017 they took a big leap forwards and invested in the UK’s leading

LVT

company,

Karndean

Design Flooring. Karndean, with their own showroom only in Evesham, are renowned for their eye catching contemporary and rustic ranges of wood and stone naturally inspired luxury vinyl tile flooring. Now, less that a year later, Simply Stunning are already Herefordshire’s leading Karndean retailer with one of the regions most jaw dropping, dazzling displays.

Further more, following a Summer

Their story began in 2005 when Founder Martin Pearson saw a local opportunity for ‘home furnishings at an affordable price’. From their wonderful premises Martin sourced and imported a simple range of sofas and oak bedroom, living and dining furniture which he even delivered himself in the evenings with his car and trailer.

showroom refurbishment with Little

Now in 2018 the business has grown from strength to strength! They have a comprehensive flooring department with accounts and displays from the leading UK hard and soft flooring suppliers including Brockway, Alternative Flooring, Cormar, Woodpecker and many more!

With excellent customer service, a

Greene paint (Lemon Tree, 69) and Karndean’s Van Gogh, Classic Oak, you can walk into their showroom and feel straight at home.

If you are interested in knowing more about Karndean or other flooring types then visit their beautiful showroom today, only 20 minutes South of Hereford in the village of Wormelow. relaxed shopping environment and no-obligation, free home measures we are confident you will approve!. n For further information please visit www.simplystunningfurniture.co.uk or contact them on 01981 541144

www.simplystunningfurniture.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning a 160 x 230cm beautiful hand woven kelim rug for your home, worth £320, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

In which South Herefordshire village will you find the Simply Stunning destination showroom?

Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Simply Stunning WVN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 18th May 2018. n 12 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

Answer: Name: Address: Tel: Email:

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

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g t n i e pr sk

Home & Garden

M

a S B a g

g n i n i g k n a a H

1

res ent C en ard ift any G s l skin et will ps for a H t ti sk or a ing ba me s o i s v d e � g nt a ut han e ar rom it. r a l e p t o ring. H best f rt, uha hough q sp r he ir U well t ially in tting t a d s Ala ins: “A , espec and ge la a lf exp or are yourse do e out ing on t 1. Choose your basket crea Baskets come in all shapes and sizes, some even have

2

a flat back that would be perfect for a wall mount.

Choose one that suits your style. When hanging your basket, brackets and supports can be located on walls or sturdy garden frames, such as a pergola. Remember to position them so they are not a hazard to passing foot-traffic.

2. Fill a third with potting compost Add enough compost to allow your plants to stand at the right height for arranging.

3

3. Select your plants, considering their height, colour and shape Stick to an odd number of species as this creates a balanced look. Good plants for this time of year include miniature daffodils, primulas, primlets, heathers, pansies, polythanus and the grass Carex evergold.

4. Create interest by adding some evergreen plants Adding a trailing ivy will soften the edges of the basket whilst small starter shrubs and dwarf conifers are great for height and structure.

5. Arrange your display Position your plants until you are happy with the effect, then top up with compost, working it into the gaps.

Feed your basket with a general purpose slow release fertiliser for great results.

4

6. Aftercare Water your basket regularly, especially during dry weather. Some people opt for an automatic irrigation system that they can hook up to an outside tap.

Dead-heading the old flowers will keep displays going, extending the show into the following season if the weather is favourable.

Remember that you can hook out old plants and replace them with new to keep your basket looking good. n For more information visit www.haskins.co.uk FIND OUT HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR HANGING BASKETS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER OVER THE PAGE

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LL RA SOMETHING FO LY MI THE FA

Off A49, through Hope under Dinmore Village Centre Opening Times Tues - Sat 9.00 - 4.30 E: info@wynnes.co.uk T: 01568 797314

Poultry, Pygmy Goats, Alpacas & Miniature Pigs FOR SALE POL Hens available all year round (Bantams, Hybrids, Large fowl, Ducks) Specialist feed including Marriages Organic range.

Manufacturers of Animal, Poultry & Pet housing & runs/enclosures

Visit, View and Take Home Today! www.wynnes.co.uk

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Home & garden

How to Have Fantastic

Summer Hanging Baskets Here is some great advice for planting your summer hanging baskets, courtesy of Hayes Garden World Summer hanging baskets are ideal for a splash of colour, even if space is limited.

Size can range from a slim flower pouch to a 45cm (18”) basket. There are infinite colour combinations and a huge range of plants to choose from; it can range in price from £10 to £60. The cheapest option can be achieved by buying a plastic hanging pot for a couple of pounds and a ready themed bedding pack, usually containing 10 – 12 plants; these usually retail for approximately £6 - £10. If money is not a consideration there are a lot of beautiful wrought iron hanging baskets which will last for many years. Just make sure that the supporting bracket is secure enough to support the weight of a heavy basket plus wet compost and plants. It needs a sunny sheltered site.

If you don’t fancy flowers why not try strawberries or tomatoes instead?

When do I plant my basket?

Small plug plants are available at Hayes Garden World from February, so the basket can be planted up from then if you have somewhere light and cool to keep it.

Make sure you don’t over-water as the small plants will

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rot easily. The larger plants are available from mid-April but also need to be kept inside, somewhere light and cool. Put the baskets outside when all danger of frosts have passed, usually the beginning of June. If you live in a mild area or can’t wait that long make sure you keep an eye on the weather forecast and are prepared to bring the basket in, or insulate it if frost is forecast.

What basket do I choose?

There is a vast range of baskets from which to choose; from the simple plastic hanging pot to elaborate wrought iron baskets. There is also a plastic basket with sections that pop out making it easier to plant around the sides and avoiding damaging the plant roots. If using a wrought iron or wire basket don’t forget the liner. If using a coir liner line it with plastic, making sure to slash the bottom to avoid the water collecting, this extends the life of the liner. You can be inventive and recycle an old colander, a sturdy wooden crate or even an old pair of boots (making sure there are plenty of holes in the bottom. Chain can be bought from any hardware store.

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Home & garden What compost do I use?

Any good quality multi-purpose will suffice. Adding a water retention gel will cut down on watering. As bedding plants need a lot of feeding I always add a slow release feed. This should be enough to feed the plants through the main season, a supplementary liquid high potassium feed, such as Tomorite, may be necessary to prolong the show into early autumn.

There are composts available which already have water retention gel and slow release feed incorporated.

Which plants do I choose?

There is an infinite variety of summer bedding so first decide on a colour theme. You roughly need a plant for every inch of hanging basket plus a larger upright one for the centre of the basket. For example, if planting a 14� basket choose 14 trailing plants plus a large upright one for the middle. Trailing plants are usually sold in small single pots costing approximately £1.50 - £2.00 each. To keep costs down pad the basket out with trailing lobelia, which usually comes in packs, costing just a few pence per plant.

How do I plant the basket?

Place the basket on a pot or bucket to keep it stable.

Fill the basket half full with the compost, water retaining crystals and slow release feed mixture. Make slits around the sides of the basket to push the plants through. A good idea is to wrap a cone of cardboard around the plant roots; this makes it easier to push through and protects the roots. Once the side plants are in place, put in some more compost mixture and place the top plants, filling in any gaps around the plants. Once planted water well and leave to drain.

Leave the basket to settle in for about a week before putting in position.

How often do I need to feed and water the basket?

On a hot day you may need to water twice a day, morning and late afternoon, try and avoid watering in the midday sun. If reaching the basket is a problem there are products on the market to hang the basket from which lowers it for ease of watering and deadheading. If you have several baskets it may be worth considering investing in a watering system.

Incorporating water retention gel into the compost will help prevent the basket drying out. Feed weekly with a high potassium feed, such as Tomorite, if there is no slow release feed in the compost. If there is slow release feed in the compost you will probably only need to feed with a high potassium feed in late summer when the flowers are starting to fade.

What else do I need to do?

Make sure you keep deadheading the plants as this prolongs the flowering period. n

Angela Slater, Gardening Expert Hayes Garden World

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nature

Woolhope Dome Herefordshire Wildlife Trust explores some of the species which make this landscape so special, highlighting the importance of protecting and enhancing this beautiful part of Herefordshire.

The Woolhope Dome is a unique geological area and this underpins its mosaic of habitats which include wildflower meadows, unspoilt streams, traditional orchards and ancient woodlands. Concentric rings of alternate limestones and shales surround a central bed of sandstone, the rocks formed as horizontal layers on a seabed of a warm shallow sea. At a later date they were bulged up into a dome formation which was eroded to form the hills and valleys we know today. The softer shales wore away to form the low ground, while the limestones and sandstone remained as ridges, scarps and the central high land of Haugh Wood.

The Wildlife of the Woolhope Dome Wild Liquorish – is a large sprawling plant typically found in calcareous grasslands. It is a member of the pea family with characteristic vetch like leaves and pealike flowers that are creamy white or slightly green. Its distribution is thinly spread across the UK but it is fast becoming a rare sight in the UK due to development, diffuse pollution and agricultural improvement Wood white – This butterfly is very localised in England and Wales and has declined rapidly over the past few decades. There are however, significant populations of occurring at a range of sites within the Woolhope Dome including our Rudge End nature reserve. It is a small butterfly with a slow flight and is usually encountered in

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sheltered situations, such as woodland glades.

The Downy Emerald Dragonfly – the only known records of this species occur at a single site on the Woolhope Dome. It’s UK stronghold is Surrey and Hampshire.

Outside that area its distribution is scattered across isolated sites. It likes well vegetated ponds with woody margins.

Goshawk – Known to nest on the Woolhope Dome, the Goshawk is an excellent and elusive woodland hunter. It is similar in appearance to a sparrowhawk but much larger with a wingspan of up to 150cm. It became extinct in the 19th century due to persecution but was reintroduced successfully from European stock. Goshawk is listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act, so it is an offence to disturb the birds at an active nest site.

Exploring the Woolhope Dome Herefordshire Wildlife Trust manages several nature reserves within the Woolhope Dome including: Lea & Paget’s Wood; Nupend Wood, Common Hill and Wessington Pasture.

More details can be found at www.herefordshirewt.org/ wildlife/reserves There are also myriad footpaths and trails crossing the Dome – explore with OS Map: Explorer 189 or download a guided walk from the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust website. n

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The Pedicure Guide

for Summer

1

With Summer coming up fast, it’s officially flip flop season! Here’s our guide for an ultimate pedicure this summer...

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5 6

7

8

1. chanel

4. L’OCCITANE

7. BARE FEET

The must-have partner of the ROUGE COCO collection, LE VERNIS LONGUE TENUE reinvents itself in six nail polishes that all boast electrifying shades and mirror shine. Available in Prune Dramatique, Exquisite Pink, Bleu Trompeur, Rose Néon, Violet Piquant and Brun Contraste.

A prescription for relief and well-being. Rich in nourishing shea butter (15%) and containing antiseptic A.O.C. lavender essential oil to purify, and anti-inflammatory arnica extract to help reduce redness and irritation, this cream moisturises and relieves irritated and tired feet.

A relaxing foot soak formulated for its soothing benefits, leaving feet cleansed, moisturised and refreshed. Use daily for tired feet and legs or weekly as a luxury treatment to maintain the beauty of the feet.

£22.00

£115.00

2. L’OCCITANE

5. BARE FEET

Our classic formula is enriched with 20% Shea Butter which penetrates quickly to help protect and nourish with no greasy film. You can use it daily, just squeeze a generous amount in your hands and gently massage into hands, nails and cuticles.

A conditioning foot cream with antibacterial properties, blended with ginger and manuka honey to moisturise and hydrate skin leaving the feet soft and smooth.

£20.00 - 150ml

6. BARE FEET

3. L’OCCITANE Often neglected, your cuticles and nails need extra love sometimes too. Enter our nourishing nail and cuticle oil. Formulated with 30% Shea oil that softens cuticles whilst helping strengthen nails.

£9.50 - 200ml

8. BARE FEET

£7.50 - 100ml

A relaxing foot soak formulated for its soothing benefits, leaving feet cleansed, moisturised and refreshed. Use daily for tired feet and legs or weekly as a luxury treatment to maintain the beauty of the feet.

A conditioning nail and cuticle serum formulated with sweet almond oil, ginger extract and manuka honey to condition and hydrate nails and cuticles. Absorbs quickly to leave nail cuticles nourished and moisturised.

Leading Podiatrist Margaret Dabbs has collaborated with Marks & Spencer to offer a uniquely formulated foot care range to pamper and beautify your feet.

£8.50 - 7ml

£9.50 - 200ml

£14.00 - 7.5ml

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Health & Beauty

Your Guide to

Manicures & Pedicures Manicures and Pedicures are a simple and delightful way to look good, feel good and show off something different. It can be confusing to know which type to go for, as there are many choices and several factors to take into consideration before choice the right nail art. It’s time to decide which is right for you using this handy guide.

The art of taking care of your hands is as varied as the individual lines on our palms and the swirls on our finger tips. The options are many and the effects instant.

Depending on your experience with manicures, it may be best to start off simple.

Gel based manicures last far longer (approximately for four weeks) and do not chip thanks to a special varnish which is applied. Gel based manicures will be hard to remove however, your hands needing to be soaked for some time or even employing a UV light to help.

A basic manicure is one that you can do at home.

They are quick, simple and easy to change if needed. No fuss and no mess. Not even a UV lamp is required for these types of manicures. A nail technician will apply a lotion or oil to the cuticles which will then be left to soak for about five minutes. Once the cuticles have been attended to, a base coat (or two) will be applied and the hands placed under a dryer to speed up the process.

Acrylic nails are less resistant to chipping and these can even be fixed at home in emergencies. They last the longest out of all the types of manicures available but if you tend to use your hands regularly for work, this type may not be for you. For those who are expecting, it is recommended to avoid this type as the process involves potent chemicals.

If you long for something more extravagant, go and see a professional. Gel, Acrylic and Shellac are the more common types to be found on the High street. n 24 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

Finally, Shellac manicures are a new alternative and are a hybrid of gel and nail polish. They have the benefit of being nearly as durable as gel manicures along with the more natural look but without the Continued over the page

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Health & Beauty potentially damaging chemicals. With the previous types however, there are disadvantages. You have to get these removed by a professional and this manicure requires a healthy nail bed.

chocolate lotions are used to soften and even

These are the basics and the most cost effective.

If you really want to go full flamboyant you can try paraffin manicures, ideal for people with dry hands.

Or how about a hot stone manicure that is part manicure, part hand massage? Even more recently, 3-D manicures have seen a rise in popularity. Now you can walk around with mini designs that have a wonderful textured look.

sports or athletic massage. They add some

If you are going to accessorise your hands then why not do the same and treat your feet? The choices of pedicure are even more varied and interesting than those available for your hands. You can still pamper yourself with Acrylic, Gel and Shellac types of pedicures but if you want something extra then there are some real exotic treatments.

If you are a serious chocoholic then you will be pleased to hear that chocolate pedicures are available. Everything from chocolate foot soaks

protect your feet. Cocoa moisturises and firms your feet, acting as a powerful antioxidant.

If you want some real pain relief then try a extra massaging with cooling scented aromatics, helping to soothe sore and tired feet. This is highly recommended if you have stubborn calluses and other serious issues.

Costing for these various manicures and pedicures will vary from salon to salon. The average price will be £25-£35 depending on the type of treatment you want. Express pedicures may be even less since they won’t involve soaking your hands or feet and fancy oils. If you wish to combine treatments you are looking at an average of £50-£60.

Whether you want to go for a simple treatment or go all out at a spa weekend there are plenty of suitable choices that will make you look good and more importantly, make you feel good. n

If you are going to accessorise your hands then why not do the same and treat your feet?

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Wye Valley Now AND THE MARCHES

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

Suzie Scott

Mel Penkoks

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

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

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WEDDINGS

Choosing the Right

Wedding Band

Traditionally the material will be dictated by the engagement ring, yellow gold is a timeless choice in 14 or 18 carat both are more robust than 22 carat gold and therefore more suitable for everyday wear. While white gold and platinum, the strongest, most durable metal, have become the most popular contemporary styles.

Rose gold has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as has mixing and matching metals.

“If you fall in love with a ring that doesn’t perfectly complements the engagement ring, don’t worry”, says ring designer Anja Potze of Anja Potze, Worcester. “They are two separate rings for two separate reasons and sometimes it is good to be able to see the distinction.”

It’s also important to consider how the wedding band sits with your engagement ring. “I would always recommend choosing a wedding ring that is a similar width to the band of the engagement ring, not to dominate,” says Anja. If the engagement ring has a very large central stone then this may cause a gap between it and the band, in which case it’s worth considering a shaped band or one which interlocks with the stone.

So the shopping starts, do you want to leave room for an eternity ring? Do you fancy a plain band or one that is diamond set. You can also choose a classic style or a contemporary one? n

Gold Gold is one of the most common and desired metals used in rings of all varieties. The metal’s popularity for men’s or women’s engagement and wedding rings is unsurpassed. The larger the carat, the higher the percentage of pure gold in the ring and the more expensive it will be. The hardness and durability of gold varies depending on carat, so it is important to take these factors into account when selecting a gold ring.

Platinum Platinum is a white metal and the most expensive and prestigious option for a ring. It is long wearing and already exceptionally white, so it does not need to be rhodium plated like white gold. Platinum is also used in rings at almost 100% purity.

Tungsten Carbide Tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon that is hard, heavy and durable. A tungsten carbide ring will stand up to any degree of wear and tear and remain looking like new. One major benefit of tungsten carbide rings is that their durability makes them much more scratch resistant than rings made of other metals. The drawback of tungsten carbide’s durability is that it cannot be cut and resoldered which prevents rings made of the metal from being resized. This makes having your finger sized accurately extremely important when buying a tungsten carbide ring.

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Food & Drink

Elderflower Ingredients Syrup • 75g Caster Sugar • 75ml Water • 7-8 Heads of Elderflower Compote • 75g Caster Sugar • Splash of Water • 500g nectarines or peaches, stoned Cake • 6 Eggs • 180g Caster Sugar • 180g Plain Flour • 90g Buttler, Melted • 4tbsps Home-Made Elderflower Syrup (or Cordial)

Method First, make the syrup.

Put the sugar and the water into a saucepan over a medium heat and stir to dissolve. Bring to the boil and simmer for five minutes then take the pan off the heat and add the flowers, stirring to coat them in syrup. Leave them to infuse for a half an hour.

For the Compote Gently simmer the fruit with the sugar and a splash of water until the fruit is soft (make sure it doesn’t catch).

Then leave to cool before you press it through a sieve.

For the Cake Whisk the eggs and the sugar together with a mixer until pale and creamy. Sift in half the flour, lightly and then fold in the rest. Trickle in the

n 30 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

Cake

melted butter until all is included. Be very light handed in everything you do, so as to keep the volume of the mixture intact.

Divide between two prepared deep cake tins and bake in an oven at 180˚C/fan 160˚C/350˚F. Cook for about 25mins. When baked, remove from the oven and leave to cool. Drizzle each sponge with 2 tablespoons of elderflower syrup.

To Assemble Whisk 100ml of double cream and 4 tbsp. elderflower syrup together until stiff. Spread the compote and then the cream over one layer of the sponge. Place the other on top and dust with icing sugar or cover with more cream. Decorate with springs of elderflower blossom. n www.twyford-cookers.com www.bettytwyford.com 01568 611124

Coffee

Sunday Roas t

MASSIVE SPRING SALE

Lunch Dinner THE DEN

17a West Street, Hereford, HR4 0BX T: 01432 268666 E: thedenrestaurant@gmail.com www.thedenrestaurant.co.uk

DISCOUNTS ON AGA, RAYBURN AND RANGE COOKERS OPENING HOURS MON-FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM SATURDAYS 9:30AM - 4PM Units C3 - C5 Marches Trade Park, Leominster Enterprise Estate, HR5 0QF

www.twyford-cookers.com 01568 611124

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golden years

A New Alternative

to Equity Release?

Older borrowers could continue paying their mortgages until they die or move into care, under a new proposal by the The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). At the end of 2017 they launched a consultation to consider introducing retirement interest-only loans. These mortgages would see borrowers paying the interest on their mortgages without repaying the loan, and would last until death or a move into a care home. In a recent article Which? looked at how retirement interest-only loans would work and the pros and cons of these arrangements.

Under an interest-only deal, retired borrowers would pay the interest due on their mortgage, but do not make regular repayments on the loan itself. Over the years, the balance you owe doesn’t decrease. The FCA is proposing to allow older borrowers to take out interest-only loans, which they would continue to pay until they moved into a care home or died. At that point, the lender would sell the house to repay the loan. The owner – or their estate – would benefit from any value growth in the property, and the initial deposit. While repayments are significantly lower on an interest-only loan, a borrower will ultimately end up paying more interest over time without increasing their share of ownership. But if the property grows in value while you own it, you could still stand to make money on an nterest-only deal.

Continued over the page

n 32 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

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golden years

It is tempting to think that the interest only

because there are few interest-only loans available

mortgage payer ends up better off because the

and borrowers looking to take one out need to

amount they pay a month is much lower than a

show evidence of a plan to repay their loan. Yet

repayment but that isn’t the case. When the house

more than 1.9 million borrowers remain on interest-

is finally sold the capital-repayment borrower will

only loans today from deals agreed in the 2000s,

keep the proceeds (leaving aside any sale costs).

when they were more readily available. While the

But the interest-only borrower only keeps any

majority of people on interest-only arrangements

capital appreciation on the property, as they need

have a plan to repay, many don’t. When their

to repay the original loan to the bank. The interest-

term runs out, these homeowners must try to

only borrower saves in mortgage payments but

remortgage or face losing their homes. But in

usually the cost of clearing the mortgage at the

order to successfully remortgage, homeowners

end means they are slightly worse off. Of course

need to show they can afford the payments on

this also assumes your property will grow in value,

the new deal – which might be significantly higher.

which it’s not guaranteed to do. If your property

Older homeowners may also be ineligible for a

price stagnates, an interest only borrower may

repayment mortgage, as they’re unlikely to be

walk away with much less – and if were to drop, you

working long enough to pay it down. The FCA is

or your estate could end up owing the bank money

hoping a retirement interest-only proposal could

after the sale.

be the answer for these homeowners.

So why is the FCA proposing the change? This is n 34 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

Continued over the page

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golden years The lower payments mean they need a lower income to qualify, while allowing the deal to extend to retirement could help older borrowers. At the same time, there is some concern that paying off an interest-only mortgage is effectively the same as renting – especially if your property doesn’t grow in value.

Currently, one of the main options is a lifetime mortgage (equity release) where a new mortgage is placed over the property and interest payments are ‘rolled up’ into the loan. When the owner dies or moves into care, both the loan and interest are repaid from the sale of the house. But lifetime mortgages have high interest rates that can quickly eat up any equity in a home, leaving very little for the person’s care needs or heirs. The FCA currently classifies retirement interest-only mortgages as a type of lifetime mortgage. Their proposal would see the two concepts separated out, with different lending criteria applied. At the time of writing The FCA is currently reviewing the community’s views about its proposals. For detailed information please take professional advice. n The link to the consultation document for further reading is https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/consultation/cp17-32.pdf

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education

Lucton School

Herefordshire Swimming Champions

Lucton Prep School was in dominant form as the pupils

U11 Medley Boys Relay team Champions

took their maiden voyage into the waters of Hereford

U11 Medley Girls Relay team Champions

Swimming Pool for their first Herefordshire Primary

Jack Sneyd - U11 50m Freestyle and Breaststroke Champion

Schools Inter-School Gala, which is managed by Hereford Swimming

Hannah Lawry - U11 50m Backstroke Champion

Club. With 19 schools competing, Lucton had top three finishes in

Ted McKnight-Hardy - U11 Backstroke silver medallist

more or less every race. Medals galore for our wonderfully talented

Jack Taylor - U10 Backstroke Champion

bunch from Year 3-6! The event was topped off with Medley Relay Champions teams for both boys and girls. The final Canon Relay for the overall trophy followed as well as the Small Schools Trophy.

What a day! It was a very dominant performance with the Lucton team winning over 90 points, nearly twice as many as the next nearest team.

Lucton’s medal winners were:

Philippa Price - U10 Freestyle Champion and butterfly silver medallist Livvy McGrath - U10 Backstroke silver medalist Thomas Berry - U10 Freestyle bronze medalist Ben McKnight-Hardy -U9 Backstroke silver medalist Zac Thomas - Freestyle silver medalist Freya Lawry - U9 Breaststroke silver medalist George Muckalt - U9 Breaststroke bronze medallist n

Wye Valley Now AND THE MARCHES

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

n 38 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

Suzie Scott

Mel Penkoks

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

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

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education

Spotting the signs

And Seeking Support for Autism

With around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK – more than 1 in 100 – autism is far more common than many people think. If you include the family members and carers dealing with autism as part of daily life, the number of people affected rises to 2.8 million.

Experts now believe that the true number is much higher, with a “lost generation” of thousands missed due to low awareness and understanding of the condition. 5 times as many men than women are diagnosed, indicating an under-diagnosed female population. If you believe someone you care about may have autism, the wellbeing experts at CABA have provided this guide on the signs to look out for, following the charity’s partnership with the National Autistic Society.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability that affects how someone interacts and relates to other people, as well as how they experience the world around them.

Social scenarios, including family events, school and work, can be difficult, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

How is autism diagnosed?

Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning that, while all autistic people share certain difficulties, they will all be affected in different ways. In order for an autism diagnosis to be made, an individual will be assessed for persistent difficulties with social communication. Signs to look out for include: n 40 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

• A very literal understanding of language.

They may find it difficult to use, or understand, facial expressions, tone-ofvoice or jokes • Difficulty making eye contact • Avoiding or resisting physical contact, they often want to be alone • Not responding to their name • Getting upset over minor changes • Displaying extreme anxiety and phobias • Have unusual reactions (over or undersensitivity) to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel • Having obsessive interests

when you need someone to listen without

While there is no cure for autism, having the right support at the right time can make a huge difference to the lives and wellbeing of those affected. Yet, according to The National Autistic Society, 70% of autistic individuals aren’t getting the help they need from social services, with the same number saying they would feel less isolated if they had more support. But, help is available.

If you’re a parent or a carer of a pre-school

Pre-diagnosis? Help is at hand If you have any concerns about booking an assessment for a friend or family member, pre-diagnosis support is available. Charities such as CABA provide practical and reassuring advice over the phone.

subjects such as getting extra help in school,

Volunteers are a phone call away There are trained volunteers out there, who are all parents themselves of a child, or adult, with autism. They know the impact autism has had on their own families, and can offer emotional support whenever you need to talk about your situation or feelings – or just

working parent with a young, autistic child,

judging. Volunteers are available to speak over the phone, or using online services.

The National Autistic Society has a specialist parent-to-parent service.

Join support groups Joining a support centre can help you, and the person you care about, feel less isolated.

Click here to find a network of local support groups and branches run by volunteers, most of whom have a personal connection to autism.

Schools entitle you to education rights or school-age child on the autistic spectrum, you are entitled to impartial, confidential information, advice and support on education rights. The National Autistic Society, for example, aims to explain education law and can help you explore your options and make informed decisions about your child’s school education. It also offers advice on specific assessments, education plans, reviews and school transport.

Having autism doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a normal life. For inspiration that it can be done, check out Marion’s story. A single, Marion shares how the support on offer has made life easier for her whole family. To find out more, visit caba.org.uk. n

Mary Jane Gunn, support manager at wellbeing charity CABA

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KEEPING KEEPING ACTIVE ACTIVE Start / Finish: The walk starts and ends at Bromyard Parish Church.

Public Transport: Nearest Railway Station is at Ledbury with buses to Bromyard.

Buses run from Hereford and Worcester via Bromyard. Please check ‘Traveline’ for current train and bus times and leave early to fit in with last bus. DRMBus currently serves Bromyard.

Parking: There is a car park near Conquest Theatre (behind library).

O/S Map: Explorer 202. Distance: 5.5 miles. ‘There and Back’(3 mile option) to Warren Wood between points 1 and 5 (see sketch map).

Time: Allow all day to enjoy main walk by public transport and a morning or afternoon for shorter ‘There and Back’ walk.

Bromyard Downs Circular Walk Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

Refreshments: Food is easily obtainable in Bromyard but you will definitely need to take a picnic and water beyond the town environs.

Terrain: This walk is undulating with a few moderate climbs, trending upwards out and downwards back. There are gates, kiss-gates, steps, stiles, footbridges and some lane walking. This walk is suitable for pushchairs and assisted wheelchairs from Bromyard towards ‘Downs’ and along ‘Burying Lane’ as far as commonland. There are lovely views across Herefordshire and the old Market Town of Bromyard from Bromyard Downs on a clear day.

History: The old market town of Bromyard is worth exploring if you have time at the end of the walk. The walk takes you up the old drove road ‘Burying Lane’ onto the Downs crowned by Warren Wood and its bluebells adjacent to the NT owned Brockhampton Estate. You will pass a 19th century Toll House built on the Bromyard Turnpike from local dressed stone blocks (sketched here by kind permission of the owner and the ‘Morgan’ Car Company). Further west along the Downs is the site of the old race-course and you will also pass Buckenhill Manor that has now been converted to apartments. Please keep to Right of way. The River Frome is crossed in several places. In the summer storm of 20th July 2007, this river was in flood and caused considerable damage at the DRM Bus Garage. The river overflows its banks most winters, hence the causeway path that you will cross early on the outward walk. You will also cross the line of the old Bromyard and Linton Railway – notice wagons near Bus Garage.

1. The walk starts at St. Peter’s Church on Church Lane. At footbridge,

corner on right. Take bridleway across corner of field to another gate

turn right along footpath up above course of old Bromyard to Linton

and walk down trackway by-passing Farm and Buckenhill Manor

Railway – now a road, to exit on Station Road. Cross old railway

(now private apartments). If you glance back you can see old Manor

bridge, pass cemetery on left then pass some old railway wagons

House. Cross brook via bridge and go through gate aiming for white

and DRM bus garage on right. Cross River Frome at Broadbridge

house on brow of hill.

by means of long causeway Bridge. Walk gently uphill past football ground and fork right at old ‘Holly Tree Inn’.

2. Turn right up ‘Burying Lane’. This is a lovely old route up onto Bromyard Downs and it passes several stone cottages and old ‘cider apple’ orchards. At top of lane, go straight on at cross-roads then curve to right.

3. Walk across common in front of ‘Fern Cottage’ and follow this track parallel to Downs. At junction turn right then fork left almost immediately through a woodland, past a stone barn and entrance to ‘Downs Manor’ round to a driveway where you turn left up to road across Downs.

4. Turn left and shortly you will see a Toll-House on your right. Take track beyond this on right up to ridge of Downs where you turn left to Warren Wood (NT).

5. The Downs are ‘open access land’ but please keep to walk route.

You are permitted to walk through this warren Wood or you may prefer Downland views. At far end of ‘Warren Wood’, follow track along ‘spring-line’ just below ridge (there was once an old racecourse below this point) - until it gently drops down to road below.

6. Cross B4203 with care and proceed along lane opposite, signposted ‘Buckenhill’ as far as ‘Park Head Lodge’. Pass cattle grid and follow track down towards Edwin Ralph. At ‘Wood Lodge’, take stile on right and cross field with Clee Hills over to right. Aim diagonally to bottom corner of this large field.

7. Cross stile, turning immediately left, and walk with woodland on left as far as corner. Cross stile and turn left round curve onto bridleway.

Walk along track through gateways towards stone barn. Go through gate and follow bridleway round to long swathe of grass to gate in n 42 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

8. Take stile on left and walk along footpath (Herefordshire Trail) with woodland on left and deeply incised River Frome that you follow for a while walking due south towards Bromyard Church.

9. Cross stream via stone ‘hump-backed’ bridge and up path to stile then up slope via drive and through small gate. Proceed up trackway to road then up footpath to steps and over road via footbridge. Turn left along path to Station Road.

10. Turn right up hill towards Bromyard Town Centre with St. Peter’s Church on right. n

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What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Earth and Air 3, May 5th – 31st

Open Daily 10-4pm Market House, Ross-on-Wye www.madeinross.co.uk

MAY Saturday 5th - Sunday 20th 2018 Wye Valley River Festival Is a celebration of nature, culture, landscape and life along the River Wye in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) The festival theme this year is reaching for the moon with a programme of world class art and quirky entertainment.

Grab a Festival Passport (as you’ll be crossing the border in and out of England and Wales) and follow this fantastic festival down the Wye in glorious bluebell-laden, lime green, new leaf spring time. Don’t miss Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon in the spectacular ruins of Tintern Abbey or Jony Easterby’s night time music and light installation at Symonds Yat.Throw in some circus fun and games, giant puppets at the River Carnival in Hereford, a spot of philosophical moon gazing, pilgrimage walks, art by the Arborealists and fire sculptures at the Festival finale in Llandogo and you have two weeks of festival fun beside the nation’s favourite river.

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Saturday 5th Rossbeerfest, Ross on Wye A beer and cider festival for Ross-on-Wye. Showcasing locally made beers and ciders, it is planned to make improvements each year to make the event better each time! So it will always be new and improved!There is a live band stage for music throughout and our huge marquees make an indoor ‘beerhall’ with a food tent alongside.

Organised by Ross Rotary and Ross Lions we also raise funds for charitable good causes.

Tickets: £5, www.rossbeerfest.org

Saturday 5th- 7th Marches Makers Festival This is a brand-new venture organised by the Marches Makers to showcase the wealth of talent there is in and around Kington. The remit is broad: from professional artists with international reputations, to crafters reviving ancient practices and community creativity that includes music, up to a dozen makers, as will St Mary’s church, while Border Bean café will have an exhibition of paintings. There will be the opportunity to see local makers at work in the Market Hall on Saturday 5

and Sunday 6 May at the Craft Market, and Harmony Handmade will host a Craft Café where people can have a go at making something to take home. Also on Saturday, Kington Library will be holding a Making a Story event. Keep an eye on the Events page for more. Marches Makers is a group of artists, crafters and makers based in and around Kington. The town has become a focal point for makers of all kinds over the years, and we felt we should come together to support each other, promote the fruits of our labours and let the world know just how much wonderful art and craft there is here.

FREE Admission www.marchesmakers.co.uk

Saturday 5th Bromyard Festival of Town Criers 2018 is a colourful event, hosted by Bromyards champion Town Crier and his Escort. The event will take place on the Town Green by the Public Hall and will feature Town Criers from all over the UK. There will be two sessions when the Criers try to outdo each other for the honours, one session in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Contact: crier45peder@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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What's On Sunday 6th Big Apple Blossomtime Weekend, Marcle Ridge For an afternoon, a day or a full weekend – the Big Apple is a special opportunity to enjoy the spring countryside in the Herefordshire parishes on the Marcle Ridge. The local orchards are famous for their cider fruit and excellent eating apples and trees will be in full blossom over the weekend. There will be Grand Cider Tasting and Teas.Cider, perry and apple juice tasting.Leaflets will be available for selfguided orchard walks. Meet lots of exciting local suppliers for tastings and sales.

FREE Admission www.bigapple.org.uk

Monday 7th Dowse for Water at the Waterworks Museum, Hereford If you are looking for something a bit different for a bank holiday Monday – then all the family might enjoy trying to dowse for water at the Waterworks Museum.

The Museum will be open with all engines working in-steam and the children’s Heritage Water Park will be open between 12pm-4pm.

Tickets: £6 adults, £5 concessions, £2 children www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk Hergest Croft Spring Flower Fair Hergest Croft Gardens, Hergest Croft Estate Office, Ridgebourne Road, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3EG Hergest Croft Spring Flower Fair is an auction and events in aid of Herefordshire Music Pool. Over 40 plant and craft stalls from a wide range of local specialist nurseries. This year’s charity is the Herefordshire ‘Music Pool’ which uses the power of music to supports local people of all ages, abilities and disabilities Tickets: Normal admission applies www.hergest.co.uk/hergest/

Tuesday 8th The Arts Society - Hereford Contrapuntal Forms: Barbara Hepworth and Terry Frost The Green Dragon Hotel, Broad Street, Hereford

n 46 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

Waterworks Museum Tickets: £6 adults, £5 concessions, £2 children www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk Justine Hopkins follows the development of these two remarkable artists as they explore form, shape and colour in the changing Cornish landscape Tickets: £9 for guests sandybrook@btinternet.com

Friday 11th

their spring concert. Edward Elgar’s Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands six choral songs with words written by Elgar’s wife Alice, reflecting their holiday mainly in Garmisch On sale at FOOD FOR ALL, Bromyard Contact: Janet Hugman jhugman@gmail.com 07970130698

Leominster Golf Club, Ford Bridge, Leominster, Sportsman’s Evening This is an opportunity to spend an evening in the company of the Bath, England and British Lions rugby legend that is ‘Mr Gareth Chilcott’. Gareth is a storytelling showman and so entertaining that he doesn’t need a warm up act, or a cool down act, you will be in for a rugby treat full of stories and shenanigans Cost: £15, which includes a finger buffet. Doors open at 7:45pm and Gareth begins at 8:15pm Contact: 01568 610055

Saturday 12th Bosbury Church, Bosbury HR8 1QT Bromyard Choral Society offers a programme of songs and music by British Composers for

An Evening with Gareth Chilcott Leominster Golf Club Friday 11th May 2018

Take a Trip Back in Time on the SVR

Stunning scenery, historic attractions and lots to see and do – take a trip down memory lane and enjoy a great day out on the Severn Valley Railway.

More than 250,000 visitors each year board one of the SVR’s heritage steam locomotives for a journey back in time along the stunning 16-mile line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, passing through the beautiful Severn Valley scenery.

Get on and off en-route to take in any of the SVR’s six historic stations or head to The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, packed with interactive and informative exhibits, café and gift shop.

Relax and enjoy freshly-cooked food from cream teas to Sunday roasts at The Engine House café and the Refreshment Room at Kidderminster while watching the trains pass by.

The new Refreshment Room at Bridgnorth also opens this summer. A range of indulgent, on-train dining experiences are on offer too.

The SVR’s fantastic range of events includes spring and autumn steam galas, Step Back to the 1940s weekends, Classic Vehicle Day and the much-loved Santa Steam Specials.

Steam Trains run daily between May and October, and at weekends and in school holidays from February to December. n For more information, visit www.svr.co.uk, call 01562 757900 or see the Severn Valley Railway Official Site or Families pages on Facebook.

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What's On

Wednesday 16th Hellens Music Festival Join in this for a five-day musical feast and listen to world-class artists perform, inspire local children and teach talented students from the best music colleges in Britain.

Hellensmusic is a music festival that takes place every Spring over five days at Hellens Manor in Herefordshire. The event’s aims are threefold: to bring exceptional musicians to work together in intimate surroundings exploring new ideas; to provide talented music students from all over the country with the opportunity to learn from world-

n 48 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

class professionals in the field; and to bring great music to a lost corner of England, inspiring local audiences, both children and adults, to a greater understanding and appreciation of all music. There will be preconcert suppers on Thursday and Friday (limited to 40 people). You can book the suppers with your concert ticket.

Tickets: £5-£18, Students: £5, Festival Pass: £85 FREE Access to all masterclasses www.hellensmusic.com

Sunday 27th Country Gardeners Day at Stockton Bury Gardens, Near Leominster Enjoy a wonderful Country Gardeners Day at Stockton Bury Gardens, garden entry plus local plant stalls, garden accessories, container planting demonstrations and more. This charming event is now in its 5th year.

Cost: £7 for all adults, children over 5 £3, children under 5 free.

Season ticket holders free entry. www.stocktonbury.co.uk

MAY BANK HOLIDAYS MAY 6TH & 7TH May Day Activities Join us on the South Lawns for some traditional family fun! We’ll have garden games, sack & egg & spoon racing, a stand serving Pimm’s, homemade lemonade and cake. The perfect way to spend the weekend with family, in the beautiful surroundings of the estate.

MAY 26TH, 27TH & 28TH Medieval Village & Flying Birds of Prey On the second May Bank Holiday weekend Border Levy will be back with their captivating Medieval Village and small combat group.

Plus an exciting Birds of Prey Flying Spectacular.

Hampton Court Castle, Hope under Dinmore, Herefordshire, HR6 0PN 01568 797777 office@hamptoncourtcastle.co.uk www.hamptoncourtcastle.co.uk

 @hamptoncourtcastle  @hamptoncourthfd  @hamptoncourtcastle

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Our Events diary

Competition BATTLE PROMS

This summer celebrated local landmark Ragley Hall will once again play host to an expected crowd of around 8,000 happy picnickers, when the Battle Proms returns for their annual openair concert on Saturday 11 August.

We have 3 pairs of tickets to giveaway to this spectacular highlight of the summer calendar!

The concert includes a full programme of captivating classical music from the 60-piece New English Concert Orchestra complemented by toe-tapping vintage vocals, breathtaking Spitfire

display

to

Elgar’s

Nimrod,

sensational

freefall

demonstration by The Red Devils parachute team, dramatic WWI cavalry display and groundshaking live fire from over 200 cannons!

This quintessentially British ‘party in the park’ concert features magnificent musical firework displays, culminating in a flag waving, sing-a-long, firework spectacular including all the ‘last night of the proms’ finale favourites such as Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

The Battle Proms is still believed to be the only opportunity in the world to see their signature piece – Beethoven’s ‘Battle Symphony’ – performed as he composed it: with 193 live firing Napoleonic cannons providing a thunderous percussion! n Don’t want to leave it to chance? To book tickets for this summer spectacular, visit www.battleproms.com.

www.battleproms.com

To be in with a chance of winning two tickets 8th Annual Battle Proms Picnic Concert at Ragley Hall, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:

Where Will the Concert Be Held?

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

Answer: Name: Address: Tel: Email:

Closing date for entries is 16th May 2018. n 50 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018

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n 52 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 78 | May 2018