Wye Valley NOW - October 2018

Wye Valley Now AND THE MARCHES

See the new BMW X5

at Cotswold Hereford from early December

See page 48 for more information LYRICS, LEAVES AND LIVES AUTUMN & WINTER TRENDS QUESTIONS ABOUT DEMENTIA OCTOBER 2018

ISSUE 83

YOUR FREE COUNTY MAGAZINE t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 ■

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

n 2 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

Wye Valley Now

8

AND THE MARCHES

12 16

Contents OCTOBER 2018

HOME & GARDEN 08

Handy Hints for Your Garden

12

Top Tips for the Perfect Candles

16

Eight Million Pets Suffer Fireworks Misery

18

Nature’s Notebook

18 20

Health & Beauty 20

Caelicolae Health & Beauty

20

Autumn and Winter Trends

w y e va l l e y

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazine.co.uk 2nd Floor, Richardson House 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP

editor

design

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

Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

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

Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk

Contributors Front Cover: CC Graphics www.cc-graphics.co.uk Glynis Dray Sue Ryder

PDSA Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Alzheimer’s Society Caelicolae Health & Beauty House of Colour The Chase Inn Cottage of Content Services for Independent Living Hereford Sixth Form Bill Laws National Pet Show

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 3 n

24

30 Food & Drink

34

24

Recipe Courgette, Red Onion and Hereford

Hop Cheese Quiche

26

Competition Cottage of Content

28

The Best Cocktails for Autumn

30

Myrtle’s Kitchen

Golden Years

43 42

32

Supporting People to Live Independent Lives

34

Questions about Dementia

education 38

Preparing Your Child for Secondary School

40

Hereford Sixth Form

Our Events Diary 42

Wye Valley Walks

43

Put to the Plough

44

What’s on this month?

50

Competition The National Pet Show

competition winner Carrot and Wine R. Jenkins, Hereford The Lygon Arms S. Mitchell, Leominster

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

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.

n 4 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 5 n

here & Now

New ‘Reporting’ App makes it easier than ever to report highway defects!

A new ‘Reporting’ app has been launched

by Herefordshire Council to make it quicker and easier to report pothole problems to the council from your smart device.

Great British Menu As one of Wales’ top Michelin star chefs, Chris represented Wales in BBC2’s Great British Menu 2018 aired the first week of September , competing for a place in the final. The programme paid tribute to 70 years of the NHS with a culinary feast to say thank you and for the first time ever - one outstanding chef will be crowned the champion of champions when banquet diners vote on their favourite dish in the final episode.

Chris who won a Michelin star within 11 months of launching his restaurant will be competing to represent Wales where The Whitebrook is nestled in the rural backdrop of the Wye Valley. Famed for using the countryside as his larder, Chris

The first roll out of the app allows users to report potholes, with plans to extend this to other ‘reporting’ services such as fly tipping, public right of way issues and dog poo over the coming months.

To report a pothole – simply take a picture on your smart device (when it is safe to do so) and upload it directly to the app, the app can automatically pinpoint your location if you are reporting from the problem area. https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/ ReportingApp/

forages locally, sources almost everything else from his doorstep and his cooking has been described as ‘the Wye Valley on a plate’.

Classically-trained Chris has worked in some of the nation’s most prestigious restaurants; the Lanesborough, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, L’Ortolan and the Grove Hotel. He credits the four years spent working with his hero Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir as his most profound influence, as it was there that he cultivated his love of foraged ingredients – which has now become his trademark as a chef.

Great British Menu challenges 24 of the nation’s top chefs to create exceptional dishes to be prescribed at this year’s banquet, held in the beautiful Great Hall of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Britain’s oldest working hospital. Their creations must give the ultimate thank you to NHS heroes from around the country, with tastes unlike anything they’ve experienced before - even in the finest of restaurants.

We were all routing for Chris and hope it is not a spoiler to say we will see him again. To catch up the programme is available on the BBC iPlayer.

Opening of Lucton School Shanghai Lucton School in Herefordshire has joined a select group of UK schools following the opening of Lucton School Shanghai on the 3rd of September 2018. The new purpose-built campus is designed to take 300 full boarding pupils and is situated just a few miles from Shanghai International Airport in Pu Dong. Whilst there are already a number of UK schools with a presence in China, Lucton believes that this will be the first British Curriculum 100% boarding school in China as most others are either day schools or day schools with a boarding element.

Lucton School Shanghai will take in pupils at the age of 15, straight from the Chinese compulsory stage of education and they will take IGCSE exams, followed by A Levels, together with an exceptional extra-curricular offering designed to provide much of the breadth of activities available in typical UK independent

n 6 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

schools, such as Lucton.

With a population of over 33 million people, Shanghai is the largest city in the world and Lucton School UK, together with their Chinese partners, identified Shanghai as the obvious city to open Lucton’s first Chinese senior campus. Lucton School already had a presence in Shanghai, having opened Lucton Kindergarten Shanghai in the Gubei area in January 2018, with a second Kindergarten already set to open in March 2019. Plans are also underway for building Lucton’s second Chinese senior school campus and the site for a third Early Years campus has already been identified.

All of these developments do not just raise Lucton’s international profile, but represent great news for Herefordshire and UK education in general.

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 7 n

HOMES & GARDENS

Handy Hints to Get Your

Garden Ready for Autumn With autumn on its way and a change in the weather just around the corner, it’s time to say goodbye to summer soirees and alfresco dining for another year. The coming season brings its own unique set of challenges for your garden and with the competing pressure of the festive season, it can feel like a challenge to take care of your outdoor space without breaking the bank.

The Sue Ryder Online Shop offers the perfect solution. Run by national healthcare charity Sue Ryder, the online shop complements the offerings of the organisation’s well-loved network of high street shops. Sleek, contemporary designs meet low prices in its range of brand new products for the garden and home; think storage solutions that look as good as they are practical, and garden accessories that add a touch of cheer in the gloomier months.

And you can feel good while you spend, too, as proceeds from all sales support the care Sue Ryder provides for people with life-changing conditions like cancer, heart failure and lung disease.

Take a look at Sue Ryder Shop’s five top tips on preparing for the new season.

1. Store away garden equipment Store away summer furniture and garden equipment you don’t want ruined by the elements. Metal items like barbecues can rust and become discoloured, while fabric furnishings can become damaged. A smaller outdoor space might benefit from a compact shed or series of garden boxes to stow items away. The Sue Ryder Tall Wooden Sentry Shed in Grey and Small Garden Shed in Stone will fit into the most bijou of gardens and awkward of corners, and with its neutral palette and minimalist design, blend seamlessly with your garden’s ‘look’.

2. Keep your home mud-free A country walk can be a tonic for the soul during the winter months, but a pile of muddy boots on your porch poststroll is less than desirable. One way to avoid unwanted mess in your home is to invest in an outdoor boot store.

The Sue Ryder Welly Boot Storage in Grey stores up to six pairs of shoes – ideal for larger families 3. Add a dash of year-round colour Autumn is the ideal time to sow the seeds for next spring’s daffodils, tulips and hyacinths. But if you can’t wait until the Continued over the page

n 8 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 9 n

HOMES & GARDENS warmer months to see some colour in the garden, a couple of Sue Ryder artificial hanging baskets will do the trick. Offering year-round colour, they won’t require the upkeep of the real thing.

4. Repair and protect fencing Give your fencing an MOT before the heavy rain and snow sets in. Check for any loose panels and repair fence posts to prevent bigger breakages. A string of hanging lights, such as Sue Ryder’s 20-Piece Lightbulb String Solar Lights, will look great weaved between the posts as a finishing touch, and come the festive season offer a subtle alternative to colourful Christmas lights.

5. Log store A store of logs can be a useful and a rustic addition to your garden, whether you’re lighting the chiminea on cooler nights or stockpiling for Bonfire Night. The Sue Ryder Log Storage in Sage, complete with a hardy asphalt roof, will keep your logs dry and save on floor space with its tall, narrow design.

As well as offering express delivery and safe and secure payments on their selection of Outdoor Living and Garden Furniture, Sue Ryder’s dedicated online shop also offers free delivery over £50, a 30-day money back guarantee and a dedicated Customer Services Team. n The full collection Sue Ryder New Goods products is available at shop.sueryder.org

n 10 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 11 n

Home & Garden

Top Tips For The Perfect

Candles and Room Scents

Like a wonderful glass of Chablis or a cashmere wrap, candles are one of life’s most uplifting indulgences.

Lighting a candle can change the feel of a room immediately.

Luckily for us, we live in an age where

If you’ve ever been to a dinner party and had the main

there’s never been more choice or diversity

course hijacked by an overpowering candle, you’ll

in scents and styles available but caring for

know exactly how off-putting the wrong scent can be.

your candles isn’t as simple as striking a match and just

Approach candle shopping the same way you would

letting them do their thing.

approach buying a new fragrance for yourself. Consider

Beefayre’s founder, Sharon Jervis, says. “Use scent to create memories & improve mood”. “We all know the power of scent, and how it can evoke memories when least expected.

Candles are a great way of bringing such fragrances into the home, helping to build a snuggly blanket of memories

the occasion (is this a candle you’ll light when you’re entertaining or a candle just for you), the location (where are you intending to burn it? Will it be around food?) and the mood you’re trying to create (do you need a pep up or help chilling out?).

whenever the candle is lit. Candles are also a great way of

“If it’s being used around food or entertaining you should

creating memory through scent. For instance, selecting a

avoid burning florals, particularly rose and lavender, as this

signature scent for a wedding or special occasion through

can affect your palette and the food you’re eating,” says

the burning of candles, is a great way to travel back to such

Sharon. “I would recommend a citrus or woody scented

events in the days, months or even years following.”

candle for a dining setting.” Opt for citrus based candles

We asked our experts to share their expert tips on how to get the most out of your candles.

1. Choose a scent that suits the room Portmeirion’s Love Home Fragrance boasts an oriental fragrance featuring scents of red berries, white tea and exotic osmanthus flowers, leading to a sensual base of musk and vetivert. Perfect to enjoy over a home cooked meal for two, the six-piece collection includes a wax filled glass candle, wax filled glass candle with silver lid, 2 wick wax filled glass candle with silver lid, wax filled boutique tin, 200ml diffuser and a 250ml diffuser refill. n 12 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

to lift the mood and look for florals and woody scents to wind down. Beefayre’s Waggledance collection features three fragrances that have been created to provide mood boosting properties: Bee Calm - Lavender and Geranium Promotes harmony and relaxation/Bee Happy - Orange and Jasmine Uplifting and mood boosting/Bee Kind - Rosemary and Neroli Revitalizes mind, body and spirit.

Continued over the page

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n

Home & Garden

2. Avoid synthetic ingredients Just like make-up, the ingredients a candle is made from will affect the outcome, most significantly the strength of the scent the candle “throws”. The scent of a candle unlit is called the “cold throw” whilst the scent it produces after lighting is called the “hot throw”. “On average a candle with essential oils will smell better and fill a room longer with the fragrance,” says Ashley from Aromatherapy Associates. “The candle should smell a little stronger when you burn it, but this depends on if the candle has been made from essential oils or synthetic ingredients.”

Aromatherapy Associates candles – which come in our inner strength and relax scents. They have a fabulous throw, are hand poured in the UK and are made from the highest quality soy wax with unbleached cotton wicks.

3. Don’t rush the first burn There’s a reason why your candles burn unevenly - you didn’t get the first burn right! “The first burn is the most important - you need to ensure the top of the candle has completely melted before you extinguish. This is because the wax has a memory, if you leave the candle with a small rim of wax, the candle will remember to only burn to this rim.” Burn the candle for a minimum of two hours on the first burn and then no more than three hours each burn thereafter. “After three hours the candle won’t throw any more scent, so you are just wasting wax. If you haven’t lit a candle in a while don’t panic if it doesn’t smell strongly straight away. “The perfume in the top of the wax may have evaporated so it takes a longer time for the candle to

n 14 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

release a scent. The Aromatherapy Associates Relax candle transforms your surroundings into a haven of calm and serenity this this exquisitely fragranced candle is infused with West Indian bay and myrrh essential oils. Whilst their Inner Strength Candle evokes a sense of calm and inner peace to your surroundings with the fortifying combination of frankincense and cardamom to inspire. This candle will create an atmosphere to uplift the senses in any room.

4. Keep your wick short Once you’ve got an even first burn under your belt, keeping a close eye on your wick is key. Trimming the wick is extremely important for the life of the candle. The wick should be kept at approximately 5mm and should be cut 2-5 times depending on the size of the candle. If your candle has black smoke when it’s lit, then you need to trim the wick. Leaving the wick long will produce dark smoke which could stain your walls or furnishings if left to burn in confined spaces like bathrooms. The Charles Farris name has always been synonymous with London candle manufacturing steeped in a heritage that dates back to 1845, Charles Farris scented candles still use the same traditional methods from the Victorian era to make the best candles for modern day – slow-burning, long lasting and of the highest quality. As a Royal warrant holder and with our distinctly British identity we love their British Expedition Candle – with warm cloves and light ginger mixed with the freshness of sweet tobacco and mint tea. n

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 15 n

HOMES & GARDENS

Eight Million Pets

Suffer Fireworks Misery

With over seven million* firework-phobic pets in the UK this year’s National Pet Show focuses on pet welfare, and the PDSA is passionate about raising awareness for how pet owners can prevent and reduce anxiety in their animals. If your pet reacts badly to the loud noises and flashes, then taking action now and getting them ready for bonfire night could prevent misery and suffering in the future.

a positive association.

PDSA Vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan said: “Anyone who has had a pet that suffers from fireworks phobia will know how challenging it can be. Pets have very good hearing so, for them, the loud bangs can be terrifying. Many shake with fear or hide away and in the worst cases they can toilet in the house, destroy furniture, and even cause themselves physical injury if they panic or run away.”

for the first time, then how that first experience goes

Olivia advises any owners with firework-phobic pets to take action as early as possible. Here are her top tips:

later life.

• Buy a CD that mimics similar sounds to fireworks and gradually introduce your pet to these noises. Begin with playing the CD on a low volume to slowly introduce them to the sound, and remain calm and act natural. Reward your pet when they remain calm, and if they become anxious then stop immediately and try again later with a lower volume. Once they consistently show no reaction, very gradually increase the volume and length of time you play the noises over a period of several weeks.

vet, who will be able to discuss various options including

• Build a fireworks den for your pet several weeks ahead – this should be somewhere they already feel safe. For dogs this may be behind the sofa or under a table – cover it with blankets and line it with pillows to reduce any sound.

Cats often feel safest when high up, so a safely secured cat bed on a shelf or wardrobe may be their preferred option.

Don’t force them to use this, but leave them some healthy treats there and reward them when they do, so they build

but with some advance preparation following some simple

n 16 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

• Use pheromones – these release scents which are undetectable to humans, but have a calming, reassuring effect on our pets. They are available for dogs and cats, and can be used for several weeks leading up to fireworks season.

• If you have a young pet who will be experiencing fireworks (including how you react), can affect how they feel about fireworks for the rest of their life. Read up on the process of socialisation, which is when young pets are introduced to a variety of people, objects, sounds and experiences during their first few months. When done correctly, this can significantly reduce the likelihood of anxiety developing in

• For severe phobias, we recommend speaking to your referral to an accredited behaviourist.

For more pet welfare, visit this year’s National Pet Show on 3rd and 4th November, and a host of experts – including the PDSA – will be on hand to offer you support, including expert tips on how to help your pets feel happier at what can be a stressful time of year.

Olivia continued: “We can’t avoid fireworks altogether, steps, owners can make a big difference to the amount of anxiety and stress our pets’ experience.” n Visit www.pdsa.org.uk/fireworksready or visit the PDSA Petsurance stand at The National Pet Show on 3rd and 4th November at the NEC Birmingham. You can pick up your tickets for the show at www.thenationalpetshow.com

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 17 n

nature

Lyrics, Leaves and Lives

Uncovering memories of Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum in the heart of Herefordshire

Credit: Natalie Jolly

Queenswood, a native woodland stretching for over a hundred acres, straddles Dinmore Hill, rising above the Lugg Valley in the heart of our county. Today, the site is a Country Park and Arboretum, loved by the local community and visitors alike, but it has a rich and varied history. Once part of a great forest stretching into Wales, the wood has also been managed as part of the Hampton Court estate before being clear-felled to provide timber for the war effort in the First World War. In the 1930s, a public appeal led to the site being purchased for public use, to be managed by Herefordshire Council, and planting of the Arboretum within the woodland was begun in the 1950s. Today the site is managed by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and New Leaf Sustainable Development and welcomes thousands of visitors each year.

part of our oral history archive or collated into

As part of a new project, the Queenswood team are asking for memories and stories that people have of the woodland – whether they worked or played here or remember any of the events which have taken place here over past decades. We would like to gather as many stories as possible which may be recorded as

This project is being generously funded by

n 18 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

a new book that we hope to publish next year.

The stories will also be used to compile a new audio trail through the woodland to allow visitors to listen to snippets of stories, poems and bird song as they walk through the woods.

Hand-turned audio units will be installed through the Arboretum for visitors of all ages to experience a new aspect of the site.

If you have a story to share, or would like to nominate your favourite woodland poem to be part of the trail, please do get in touch! Leading the project is Rose Farrington and you can contact her at r.farrington@herefordshirewt. co.uk and you can find out more on our website w w w.queenswoodandbodenhamlake.org/ heritagegateway

the Heritage Lottery Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development with the aim to improve access and understanding of the cultural and natural heritage of Queenswood. n

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 19 n

health & beauty

Caelicolae Health & Beauty This month Caelicolae celebrates 20 years of Beauty & Holistic Therapy at 47 Church Road. Nicola Palmes opened up this establishment on the 22nd October 1998.

This opening was extensively supported by her existing clientele from her original salon 7a Commercial Road.

The fast develop of this industry and an ever growing clientele lead Nicola to seek larger premises. Enabling highly trained beauty therapists to deliver more extensive up to date treatments for existing and new clients to enjoy. Nicola’s philosophy has always been the anchor of her success!

Today Nicola has moved with the times and addressed the needs of the modern Therapists, with more flexible hours and the option of self- employment. Each Therapist has their own treatment room and are clearly

enjoying the opportunity to work from such professional premises. Please use the contact details for each individual therapist for bookings and enquiries.

Nicola specialises in advanced facial treatments using Guinot and Environ products, Jane Iredale Mineral Make up, The advanced Nutition Programme, Facial hair removal using electrolysis, skin tag and facial thread vein cautery.

01432 267591 Dee Courtney (Beauty Secrets) specialises in La Stone therapy, Lava Shell massage, deep tissue, Caci and future-Tec treatments.

07812 010130 Emily Davies (The Beauty Room) offers facials, massage, waxing, manicures/ pedicures, tinting and specialises in Gel polish manicures and pedicures.

07815 618173

I am delighted to announce that we have 2 new Holistic Therapists; Sam Gallear (Reflex to Relax) reflexology is a relaxing treatment which may be beneficial in restoring harmony in the body and releasing tension. Sam is an extremely experienced Reflexologist and Reiki therapist. She is also registered nurse working part time at St Michael’s Hospice.

07909 116779 Jenny Edwards (Bowen therapist and Kinesiologist). Bowen therapy is a soft tissue treatment suitable for all ages and conditions. It is performed through light clothing using rolling movements to aid the bodies own natural healing processes.

Jenny@herefordbowentherapy.co.uk www.herefordbowentherapy.co.uk 07427 593072 n

Autumn and Winter Trends The

high

street

fashions

have changed a lot over the last year or so and we are seeing new silhouettes, cuts and shapes in the clothes available. When it all changes it is sometimes a bit tricky to know what will work for you, which items make good investments and how to put them together.

Read on for an overview of the 5 new trends: Modern Tailoring: Suits, coats and jackets with strong shoulder lines are well and truly here with this look. Slightly androgynous and oversized cuts give an 80s feel to work wear and items that can be worn with jeans and knitwear for a smart casual look.

Checks and stripes: Having disappeared from the high street for some time, these are everywhere and on everything. For a bang on trend look try mixing them up.

You’ll find a range of pattern scales and colour ways including some fun brights for n 20 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

the coming season.

Animal Instinct: Pretty much every animal print you can think of is on trend this season. You’ll find them on jersey dresses, knitwear, chiffon blouses, hand bags and shoes. Look out for some interesting colour ways and team items with leather and faux fur for a contemporary look.

Boho Chic: This soft feminine trend is here in floaty paisleys and florals in a variety of print scales. Look out for party wear, dresses and blouses in velvet and satin with embellished details. Team blouses with jeans for a more casual look and layer items up for when it gets cooler.

‘80s Glam: Mamma Mia it’s back! You may have noticed there has been a gentle drift on the high street towards 80s fashion. Well now it’s unmistakeably here and you’ll find Continued over the page

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n

health & beauty them in party wear with strong shoulder silhouettes and lots of sequins and high shine satins. Look out for dresses, jump suits and blouses and ‘80s silhouette velvet jackets.

Highlight the bits you love Accessories are brilliant at drawing the eye to where we want it to go and away from the bits that we are not so fond of.

Often we want other people to focus on what we call the ‘communication triangle’, the area around the face.

If clothes make the man, then accessories definitely make the woman.

It’s easy to think that accessories are the precious necklaces you wear to go somewhere special. But extras like that beautiful belt or hair slide will make you feel great every day, even if you’re just nipping to the shops. Here’s our quick guide on why these little extras make a big difference and how to spot the perfect ones for you. Know what you really like Are you drawn to sparkle or shine? Or things that are textured or well proportioned and smooth? You’ll save time and money if you know exactly what works for your body shape and makes you feel great.

Some people want more bling to look amazing. Others prefer a simpler, pared-back look. The same goes for the size of your accessories, from belt buckles to jewellery beads. ‘Chunky’ for you might be ‘delicate’ for your friend. Once you realise this, shopping becomes so much easier and more successful.

n 22 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

Enter beautiful glasses, earrings and necklaces. But there might be times when you want to shift attention elsewhere, with a gorgeous belt or a pair of shoes in a wow colour. Little touches in the right places create visual proportion and balance – and make you feel fantastic. Love the way you look, all the time Accessories will transform any outfit and take it from day to evening. So if you’re dropping off the children (or grandchildren) to go somewhere special, and don’t have time to change, just add a stunning scarf, necklace or belt. Hello to instant loveliness. n Jane Brook House of Colour

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n

Food & Drink

Courgette Red Onion and

Hereford Hop Cheese Quiche

Ingredients

Method

the tart case with a large circle of greaseproof

The Pastry • 280 plain flour • 140g unsalted butter • Good pinch of salted butter • 8 tbsp cold water

1. Start by rubbing the flour together with the

paper or foil, then fill with baking beans. Blind-

butter until resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add

bake the tart for 20 mins, remove the paper and

the pinch of salt and gradually add the water until

beans, then continue to cook for 5-10 mins until

everything is combined and roll into a ball and

biscuit brown.

The Filling • 300g red onions (approx 3 ) • 25g butter • 300g diced courgette (approx 2cm dice) • 160g grated Hereford hop • 2 large eggs • 300 ml double cream • 25g finely chopped chives

place into fridge for an hour to chill.

2. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a round about 5cm larger than a 25cm tin. Use

5. Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a bowl, then gradually add the cream. Stir in the onions,

your rolling pin to lift it up, then drape over the

courgettes, chives and half the cheese, then

tart case so there is an overhang of pastry on the

season with salt and pepper. Carefully tip the

sides. Using a small ball of pastry scraps, push the

filling into the case, sprinkle with the rest of the

pastry into the corners of the tin.

cheese, then bake for 20-25 mins until set and

3. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. While the pastry is chilling, heat the butter in a pan and cook the onions and courgette for 20 mins, stirring occasionally, until they become sticky and golden. Remove from the heat.

4. Lightly prick the base of the tart with a fork, line

n 24 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

golden. Leave to cool in the case, trim the edges of the pastry, then remove and serve in slices. n The Chase Inn, Bishops Frome, WR6 5BP Telephone: 01885 490358 Email: thechaseinn.4@gmail.com

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 25 n

our events diary

Competition

cottage of content

We are teaming with the Cottage of Content, based in Carey, Hereford to give away a meal for 2 with a bottle of house wine, along with an overnight stay with breakfast!

The Cottage of Content is the quintessential country pub that you always hope is just around the next bend in the road. Hidden away in the Herefordshire country side this pub/restaurant with rooms is a delight for those who stumble across it.

The Cottage of Content was originally built in 1685 as three labourers cottages for the Mynor family, and it was a condition that one of the tenants maintain a cider parlour in one room, so it has been a licenced house ever since.

Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike the pub is a regular stop for walkers, cyclists and anglers.

The owners Richard and Helen have built up an enviable reputation and the pub was voted Best Country Pub 2017 in the Good Food Guide.

Head chef Richard runs the kitchen alongside sous chef Casey and 3rd chef Becky, serving contemporary cuisine using localy sourced ingredients where possible the Cottage of Content is a real foodie destination pub.

Helen looks after the front of house, and the bar is well known for it’s well kept ales, ciders and perrys.

The pub is open Tuesday to Sunday, booking is advisable especially for Sunday lunch.

Call at 01432 840242 for bookings.

www.cottageofcontent.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning a meal for 2 with a bottle of house wine, plus an overnight stay with breakfast at the Cottage of Content simply fill out the form with the correct answer to the following question:

How many cottages make up the Cottage of Content?

Answer: Name: Address: Tel:

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

Email:

Closing date for entries is 18th October 2018. n 26 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

If you DO wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from The Cottage of Content please tick this box

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n

Food & Drink

The Best Cocktails

For Autumn & Halloween • 50ml Jawbox Gin • 20ml Lemon Juice • 15ml Marchino Liqueur • 7.5ml Creme de Violette Fill a shaker with ice and add all ingredients.

Shake and fine strain into a chilled coupette glass. Garnish with a marchino cherry.

Pinkster Gin ’N’ Jam A blood red cocktail oozing with jammy raspberry goodness.

• 50ml Pinkster • 10ml Lemon Juice • Large spoon of Gin Jam Fill shaker with ice and add ingredients.

Serve over crushed ice and garnish with second spoon of jam and raspberries

Bloody Cow Black Cow vodka, tomato juice and sherry makes for a devilishly good twist on a bloody mary. Double shot of Black Cow. Single shot Sweet Sherry. Top up with tomato juice. Good splash Lea Perrins.

Good splash Tobasco. Dash Celery Salt.

Black Pepper. Lemon juice. Served over ice

Glen Moray Lion Heart With figs ripe and ready in early Autumn it’s great time to enjoy this fruit in a seasonal cocktail.

• 50ml Glen Moray Port Cask Finish • 20ml Primitivo Italian wine • 10ml Amarena cherry syrup • 1 dash Prosecco • Fresh fig slices

Malfy con Arancia Sicilian Sour A great Halloween cocktail with plenty of zing.

Mix 4 parts Malfy con Arancia with 1 part fresh lime juice. Add 1 dash of simple syrup, 1 dash of angostura bitters and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Serve over ice in a tumbler and garnish with a strip of (Sicilian) orange

Jawbox Gin Aviation Created by Greg Buda of The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog and Blacktail cocktail bars New York City. A ghoulishly blue cocktail for a grown-up’s Halloween

n 28 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

Pour 50ml Glen Moray Cask Finish over a rocks glass filled with ice. Add 20ml primitive Italian wine, 10ml Amarena cherry syrup. Top with a dash of Prosecco before stirring. Garnish with thin slices of fresh fig.

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 29 n

Food & Drink

Myrtle's Kitchen In the season of mellow fruitfulness lots of our friends are getting out their jam/chutney pans and using all that nature throws at us at this time of year. For those of us either without the confidence, the time or even the inclination you can still get that home produced feel by buying from one of our own local producers.

I first discovered Myrtle’s Kitchen at Ludlow Food Festival in 2015 and bought 10 jars of their award winning Mango Chutney for my Christmas hampers. I am delighted that their range has expanded to include jams.

Jane says “You have to be a little bit bonkers to be in the Myrtle’s crew. We work hard, and we laugh hard. Every day in our Herefordshire based kitchen is a joy, especially as we walk out of the door and have a spectacular view of the Malvern Hills. Life doesn’t get much better” Myrtle’s Kitchen did start with a mango and making copious amounts of their now award winning mango chutney for friends and family.

That was in 2014 and now has a diverse range which continues to grow in number and sells from delicatessens to farm shops.

Their website has expanded and getting jars from your local deli, farm shop or even garage means you can buy when you need it rather than just from food festivals.

Their passion for what they do also continues to

Myrtle’s Kitchen is still a small company and all the chutneys are made traditionally by hand but with a contemporary twist. Chef Jane Raven uses her local knowledge and producer network to pick up the finest, freshest ingredients. It’s all about the personal touch.

was told a chuckleberry is cross between a

grow and they love to hear from their customers and your ideas for the Myrtle’s Kitchen range.

My new favourite is the Chuckleberry Jam - I redcurrant, a gooseberry, and a Jostaberry (itself a cross between a blackcurrant and a gooseberry). All I can say is Myrtle’s Kitchen turn them into mighty fine jam. n For Stockists, visit www.myrtleskitchen.co.uk

n 30 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

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

Golden Years

Supporting People to

Live Independent Lives Services for Independent Living (SIL) is a Herefordshire based notfor-profit organisation specialising in providing one-to-one support to individuals who require help to live the life they choose.

We support people with a range of needs, from those requiring complex 24-hour a day support, to someone who may like a few hours a week to enable them to do the things they enjoy.

So, what makes us different from other providers in the county?

We do not offer short visits! We believe supporting people with blocks of time enables individuals to remain or become as independent as possible.

So, for example, while we can cook someone’s meals, the individual may choose to be supported while cooking something for themselves.

We work on a strengths based approach, meaning we will support the individual to exercise choice and control over what they want to do and what they hope to achieve, looking at what they can do and not what they are told they can’t do! So whether the individual likes to be out and about, or prefers staying at home we will support their choice.

All our support workers are DBS cleared and receive mandatory

n 32 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

training in all elements of support work, which is regularly refreshed. Where there are specific requirements for the service user, appropriate training is given to the support worker.

Each person is allocated a team leader who manages a bespoke team of support workers, preventing the constant steam of support workers often experienced in short-call care.

The only time the support worker might change is due to holiday or sickness, but a replacement is always provided to ensure the individual isn’t left without support.

With enough notice we can also provide respite care at home, meaning family members can take a break knowing that their loved one is being supported in their own home, where familiarity provides security and minimises upset.

Finally SIL hosts a number of free events across the year and welcomes all our service users, family and friends. These are all about having fun!

For more information about our home support please call us on 01568 616653 or email: contactus@s4il. co.uk or visit: www.s4il.co.uk SIL is registered “Good” in each area of the Care Quality Commission inspection.

Retailer of the Year 2017

Expert Advice for Independent Living

Free no obligation in home assessments and free 12 months full comprehensive insurance on all scooters and powered chairs

Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0ED | 01432 351666 enquiries@tpg-disableaids.co.uk | www.tpg-disableaids.co.uk t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n

Golden Years

Questions about Dementia What is Dementia? Is it the same as Alzheimers?

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are not the same thing but they are closely linked. Dementia is a condition which describes a set of symptoms which might include memory loss, mood changes or problems with communication and reasoning. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, which is a disease of the brain. However, there are dozens of other types of dementia such as Vascular Dementia or Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Alzheimer’s Society is committed to ensuring the rights of people affected by dementia are recognised and until the day we find a cure, we will be here to support anyone affected by any type of dementia.

Is dementia an increasing problem?

Whilst dementia doesn’t just affect older people, your risk of developing the condition does increase with age.

Most research predicts that with people living longer we will see a steady increase in the number of people

n 34 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

with the condition over the next few years. In the UK, there are 850,000 people with dementia today and we expect there to be more than 1.1 million people with the condition by 2025.

How can I avoid getting dementia?

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain and anyone can develop it. However, there are steps we can all take to reduce our risk of developing the condition. Research has shown that your risk of developing dementia increases significantly if you smoke, are obese, have high blood pressure or have high cholesterol. Regular exercise has been shown to lower the risk of developing dementia, as well as reducing the amount of salt in your diet. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables provides your body with high levels of antioxidants which may help to protect against some of the damage to brain cells associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Continued over the page

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

Golden Years What should I do if I’m worried about my memory?

Memory loss isn’t the only symptom of dementia but if you are concerned then we advise people to visit their GP. Other symptoms might include mood swings, becoming withdrawn and having difficulty with communication.

Do bear in mind that everyone experiences occasional lapses in concentration such as forgetting where we have parked the car or where we have left our keys. Our advice is to seek professional advice when memory loss starts to frequently interfere with your daily life. Alzheimer’s Society believes that with the right support it is possible to live well with the condition.

What help is available to people with dementia and carers?

We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for support, help and advice. We are the UK’s leading dementia charity, working tirelessly to challenge perceptions, fund research and improve and provide care and support. We can also put people in touch with local support groups provided by

n 36 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

other organisations.

Where can I find out more?

You can contact Alzheimer’s Society on 01926 888899 in Warwickshire or our national helpline on 0300 222 11 22 can point you in the direction of our other local offices.

Our website is also a valuable source of information about dementia (alzheimers.org.uk) and we have dozens of useful videos at youtube.com/alzheimerssociety which show real life examples of people living well with the condition. You can also become a Dementia Friend by visiting dementiafriends.org.uk. Dementia Friends is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation acts, thinks and talks about the condition. n Tony Refson, Alzheimer’s Society Services Manager in Warwickshire For local support, you can contact the Alzheimer’s Society on 01926 888899 in Warwickshire or our national helpline on 0300 222 11 22 can point you in the direction of our other local offices.

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

education

Preparing Your Child For

Secondary School

Remember when your child was 4 and you were getting ready to send them to the big bad world of primary school? We all spend hours worrying about how they will fit in, what they need to know… will they manage to make it to the toilets, will they be harangued for not being able to get dressed after PE? Yet when they start secondary school, we often think we have big, grown-up children who will take it all in their stride. However, there are still plenty of ways in which parents can help the transition from primary to senior school go smoothly.

Talk about the changes with your child Ask your child what they are looking forward to, what they will miss about their old school and what they are worried about at secondary school. Then you have plenty of time to work out strategies and talk through any issues.

Familiarity can be comforting Make sure you go to school open days with your child so they can get a feel for what they will be going into. Even if they are a couple of years away from making the move to secondary education it’s worth visiting schools and then revisiting them closer to the time your child will be making the leap. It will alos prove useful for you as a parent to see the envirnonment your child will learn in.

Encourage independence Is your child going to have to take a bus to school? If so, and they’re not used to doing this, have a few practice sessions in the year leading up to school. Make the first go on a Sunday or at a quiet time of the day. The school bus can be a scary place, especially when you’re 11 and some of the other students are almost grown-up.

Ensure your child knows to let you, the bus driver and teachers know if any bullying occurs.

Help your child become more responsible Your child will have to organise him or herself far more than in primary school. They may have a two-week timetable, so you can’t rely on the fact that ‘Thursday is games day’. In the final year of primary, help your child become more responsible for their PE kit, homework and books, so they’re prepared when it comes to secondary school.

Get them into the habit of getting their bags ready the night before, especially if they have to leave early to catch a bus, train or get a lift.

Have a homework and activity schedule on the wall, which they can use to help them.

Use the school’s website Take a good look around the new school’s website and encourage your child to do the same. Try to find out about the unfamiliar – the school layout, how they go about getting a locker, do they have prepaid swipe cards for the canteen?

Talk about new school nerves It can be quite a transition from being a big fish in a small pond

n 38 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

to a small fish in a big pond. Confident children can become very shy because they found the first year so hard. Talk to them about how you felt when you started somewhere new – let them know it is normal to be nervous. Encourage them to ask if they can’t find their way round, or don’t know how to do something - don’t suffer in silence. And assure them that although other people may look and sound very confident, they may well be just as nervous as them.

Prepare yourself as a parent You won’t be walking your child to the school gate anymore, you may not see many of the children or new friends they talk to you about.

The whole process is a big change for you too. Teachers are very conscious that the transition from primary school to secondary is a major step. Staff are aware that the prime objectives for parents are that their children are safe, happy and will develop both academically and socially. This may not happen immediately but if you take every opportunity to familiarise yourself with the new setting such as attending open evenings or induction events, it will help alliviate many of your concerns. n

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

education

Hereford Sixth Form Sets

The Benchmark Again

With new linear qualifications and revised subject specifications, this year’s A Level results were always going to look different, but Hereford Sixth Form College has exceeded the national benchmarks laying down a marker for the future. A*/B grades and overall pass rates are above the national averages with an increasing number of students gaining A* grades.

The overall pass rate was 99.2% compared with the national average of 97.6%, which is a huge success story.

A remarkable 84 students achieved all A*/A grades with a further 103 achieving 3 grade As or more. These top performers compare with the leading independent and state schools and colleges in the country.

Peter Cooper, College Principal, was delighted with the excellent performance saying, “These results reflect incredibly well upon our hard working students and dedicated staff. They are all to be congratulated. The new qualifications offer a higher challenge and it is one to which all involved have risen. I am extremely proud of all our students and delighted that they have strong foundations on which to build. Many will be going to university, with a high proportion to

Russell Group Universities where they achieve well above national averages due to their firm foundations with us. Our new vocational programmes have also been a real success with many leaving us to take up apprenticeships and employment. Well done to you all!”.

The following students gained 4 A or A* grades: Grace Anthony, Sophie Banks, Alice Cook, Ella Davies, Harry Dixon, Hannah Drury, Elliott Farr, Henry Genner, Isabelle Goodridge, William Hall, Zoe Haylock, Adam Wilkinson-Hill, John Irwin, Mia Jones, Robert Knight,Tallula V Kontic-Thomsen, Harry Langford, Joshua Lee, Ella Mapes, James Milburn, Lana Moroney, Thomas Morris, Harys Page., Mark Pepper, Anna Ricks, Rob Russmann, Jasmine Stanley, Jacob Stinton, Charlotte Stone, Anna Williams.

Mia Jones, who achieved A*AAA and an A for her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), said, “I chose Hereford Sixth Form College because of the excellent quality of its Science Department and its brilliant track record of medicine admissions at university. The quality of teaching is outstanding and if you require additional help in certain subject areas it is always provided. The courses are very well structured and delivered.” Mia is now off to read Medicine at Cardiff University.

Shika Prout who gained A*A*A* was delighted with her results and said, “I loved all of my subjects, the teachers were amazing and put so much time and effort into helping me with anything I struggled with. I’m now taking a gap year and going to travel and get some work experience before heading to the University of Leeds to study Neuroscience in 2019.”

Amongst some other notable performances were: Przemyslaw Bujak, Joseph Harper, William Roberts and Joseph Xia who achieved 5 grade A*/As at A Level and 124 students gained straight Distinctions in their vocational courses. n

n 40 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 41 n

KEEPING ACTIVE Start / Finish: Walk starts and ends at the main Car Park near the Tourist Information Centre on Oxford Road (see sketch-map) Public Transport: Railway station at Hereford with a bus service from the railway station. Please check current timetables.

Parking: Please park in the main car park along Oxford Road. (see sketch map).

Thursday is Market Day in Hay-on-Wye and although this adds interest to the walk, it can make parking more difficult.

Hay-on-Wye

Cuson Dingle and Wye Valley

O/S Map: Outdoor Leisure Map OL13.

Distance: Approximately 8 miles. Shorter walk 4 miles.

Time: Please allow all day for the main walk. The shorter walk can be done in a morning or afternoon.

Refreshments: Numerous cafes and restaurants plus shops for those doing short walk. Those on main walk will need a picnic and water.

Terrain: This ‘moderate’ rural walk is on gently sloping hills rising up from the River Wye. Wear comfortable walking boots and suitable clothing. Poles are useful. There are numerous gates along with steps, footbridges and stiles. You will cross three ‘Wye’ tributaries.

History: Hay Castle and adjacent Jacobean Manor House, Cusop Castle and the remaining earthworks of Motte and Bailey ‘Mouse Castle’ all feature along this walk. St. Mary’s Church, Cusop is also worthy of mention The walk ends in the streets of this historic market town and ‘Town of Books’ so please allow time to explore the town.

1. From Oxford Road Car Park (opposite Tourist Information Centre) turn right and walk ‘down’ Oxford Road (B4348) towards Hardwicke.

2. Cross Dulas Brook (Wales/England border) turning right along ‘Cusop Dingle’ for ½ mile.

3. Take 2nd turning on left (Three Way Hill) leading to Cusop village and St. Mary’s Church, passing remains of Cusop Castle.

4a. Take footpath right of Norman Church, passing through circle of ancient Yew Trees. Cross field towards ‘Mouse Castle Wood’. Cross stile and ditch walking with hedge on right to corner. Continue, veering slightly right, to find step-stile hidden in hedge behind bank.

4b. Note: Short walk goes left along lane down through ‘Scudamore Dingle’ to B4348. Turn left and walk 1/3 mile towards Hay on Wye. Turn right along ‘Nantyglasdwr Lane’ and follow it round to point 9 on main walk.

Main walk crosses lane and stile then via stiled footbridge in ‘Scudamore Dingle’. Follow fence along to right gradually ascending slope of Mouse Castle. Cross stile into next field and cross field diagonally towards right-hand gap in hedge. Bear left scrambling up slope towards marker posts leading to gate. Follow narrow woodland path through another gate, over footbridge and along path onto lane. Turn left round hairpin bend and follow lane 1/3 mile to end. (Mouse Castle ahead).

5. Cross stile up bank on right walking towards ‘Harewood Farm’.

At cross-roads in paths go through large farm gate and turn right.

With hedge on right walk to end of paddock and through small metal gate. Walk down next field with hedge on right to large gate and go straight ahead on track through next gateway where track bears left and through small metal gate. At corner of field turn right with hedge on right. In bottom right hand corner, cross stile and walk down right side of ‘long’ field’ to stile at bottom towards ‘Whitehouse Farm’. Go through farmyard out onto lane.

6. Cross lane to footpath. Walk with hedge on right to bottom of field. Go through small metal gate and across brook, up bank and over stile. Go along right-hand side of next field as far as stile. Cross n 42 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

stile, down steps and across footbridge over Hardwicke Brook.

Ahead is restored ‘Mill Cottage’ but, at cross-roads in paths, turn left. Walk for ½ mile to join diagonal path. Turn right for another ½ mile passing ‘The Sheds’ to stile onto B4348.

7. Follow lane opposite for ¾ mile, crossing Hardwicke Brook, to ‘Priory Farm’ on right.

8. Opposite Farm is well-marked ‘Wye valley Walk’. Follow route for two miles, circumnavigating Summerhill Golf Course. Cross Hardwicke Brook footbridge to exit onto lane.

9. Turn right briefly then left at corner to footbridge across Dulas Brook. Turn right up steep track into Hay-on-Wye. 10. Turn right along Lion Street, left along Bear Street. Turn right then left, passing old market area, to Castle Street. Turn left with tower of Hay Castle on left. Take alleyway on left that cuts through to Oxford Road car Park near Tourist Information Centre where walk ends. n Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray

living history

(Photo: Glen Butcher/In Our Age)

Put to the Plough Bill Laws looks back a 100 years at Britain’s best ploughman, Hereford’s George Butcher.

A century ago an improbable hero emerged from the chaos of war. His name was George Butcher (centre above, motor cycling with friends after hostilities had ceased) and he would shortly receive one of the new war medals, the Order of the British Empire. His achievement? To have ploughed up more of England than anyone else.

Food and ammunition were in short supply during the First World War and people in Herefordshire were actively engaged plugging the gap on both fronts. In 1918, while over 5,000 workers, mostly women, filled explosives shells at the local munition factory, teams of horseless ploughs were sent out to meet a Ministry of Food target: to transform half the county’s grassland into wheat fields.

The Ministry’s plans were unpopular. As Grosmont farmer Henry Partridge was hauled before magistrates for refusing to allow his best milk meadow, Little Oak at Pant-y-seal farm to be ploughed up, no less a figure than the Lord Lieutenant, John Cotterell, declared the amount of good dairy land put to the plough as “utterly disgraceful”.

Farmers in their turn were attacked for being inefficient: county surveyor G.H. Jack accused them of subjecting the land to “50 years of neglect.” And to make matters worse, the county was seriously short of plough horses, so many having been sent to

the Front.

George Butcher took a practical approach to the problem. The former chauffeur to Mrs Foster at Brockhampton Court (she had dispatched her Daimler to France on ambulance duties) George was now maintaining, and finding crews for, the Board of Agriculture’s fleet of imported American tractors based at Friars Garage in Widemarsh Street, Hereford.

George worked his teams round the clock, seven days a week.

On night shift the men ploughed by oil lamp and on Sundays they ignored the protestations of the many farmers who still refused to work on the Sabbath. That March one of his teams broke the national record for the highest acreage ploughed in a week (61 acres): in June his boys, Messrs S.W. Powell and J.G.H. Wall beat their nearest rivals in Lincolnshire, turning over 164 acres in a week. By the end of 1918 Herefordshire had put more acres to the plough, and more cheaply, than anywhere else in England or Wales. When the new OBEs were handed out to civilians that year, George Butcher, Britain’s best ploughman, was one of the first recipients. n (www.herefordshirelore.org.uk) Bill Laws www.billlaws.com 07742 825813 t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 43 n

What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

Foraging Course at Eastnor Castle Friday 5th - Sunday 28th October

OCTOBER Friday 5th Leominster Golf Club Ford Bridge, Leominster HR6 0LE Quiz Night General knowledge quiz, teams of 4 pay and play on the night. Bar snacks and drinks will be available....everyone welcome, get your thinking caps on to win prizes! Arrive 7.00 or 7.30 Cost: £10.00 Contact: 01568 610055

Friday 5th - Sunday 28th Eastnor Castle Eastnor Ledbury HR8 1RN A simple foraging walk where you can identify a number of edible and poisonous wild mushrooms, fruits and plants.On the outskirts of Ledbury, by kind permission of Eastnor Castle, this beautiful, well situated venue is within easy reach of Malvern, Bromyard, Hereford, Worcester, Ross-onwye, Cheltenham and Gloucester. Meet in the parking area along the road opposite to the main entrance to the Castle grounds

foragers.Following this there be a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the area identifying the different edible and poisonous plants, fruits and mushrooms.Finally there will be discussion and tasting the finds over a light lunch.

Cost: £45 per adult, £22.50 under 16’s, under 12’s free Contact: 01981590604

Monday 8th Oakchurch, Brecon Road, Staunton on Wye, Hereford HR4 7NH Charity Fashion Show in aid of Hereford Samaritans.

Morning and evening shows 10:30am with coffee and biscuits or 7pm with glass of prosecco and canapes. Then sit back and enjoy the show. Your ticket entitles you to 15% discount off clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories for 1 week after the event (excludes Sale items and Clogau). Valid until 15th October 2018.Brands on show will include: Joules, Adini, Lily & Me, Weird Fish, Marble, Robell, Joseph Siebel, Rieker, Adesso and Lunar.

Cost: £10 Contact: 01981 500 125

at 12pm. The course starts there with a 20 minute introduction on how to forage safely

Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th

and sustainably, and a brief of the general

Bromyard Delahay Meadow B4203 Bromyard HR7 4NT

countryside codes where they relate to

n 44 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

A real opportunity to enjoy the autumn countryside in this corner of Herefordshire in and around Much Marcle.A collection of small rural events where you can enjoy local orchards, famous for their cider fruit and excellent eating apples.In this unique event, farms and orchards will open their cider mills and barns for you to visit. Nine special venues in all, each one of them different but all with one thing in common – apples! Your programme is entirely flexible – you can choose where and when to go for an afternoon, a day or a full weekend. You can simply go for a walk or to buy some apples. But you can also visit several different venues and events.Of course you can use your car to get around.

But many of the venues are in walking distance of each other, and cycling is also a great way to get about. Distances are indicated on the map.

A tractor and trailer service, kindly provided by Westons Cider, will be running all weekend carrying visitors between six of the venues. The service is free but donations will be welcome.You can download a copy of of the printed brochure from the website with the events and map if you want to have a paper copy you can carry with you (copies will be available at all the venues).

Contact: bigapple.org.uk

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 45 n

What's On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH Contact: info@kingtonmarkets.co.uk

Saturday 20th Hereford

Cider

Museum

Apple

Celebration Day Pomona Place Hereford HR4 0EF Hereford Cider Museum Apple Celebration Day is a one day event packed full of fun things all to do with apples.Treat your taste buds to some wonderful samples of Herefordshire cider and apple juice. You can meet the cider producers and ask them how their products are made, everyone has their

Stories from the Hop Yards Saturday 17th October

favourite ciders, find yours!

Cost: Normal Admission Fee Contact: 01432 354207

Saturday 27th

Saturday 17th

Saturday 20th

Lady Emily Community Hall, 16 School

Kington Art, Crafts and Vintage Market

Leominster Golf Club

Rd, Tarrington, Hereford HR1 4EX

Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3BJ Kington Art, Crafts and Vintage Market brings an eye-catching array of beautiful handmades which are on show all day from 9.30am to 3pm in border town Kington’s historic Market Hall and adjacent Place de Marines – the stunning glass-roofed outdoor space filled with the luxuriant planters and hanging baskets of Kington in Bloom. The high quality art and craft desirables, all by local artists and designer-makers, include textiles, paintings, botanical lightshades, the Magic Gardener’s travelling Domestic Apothecary (custom herbal bathing goodness), ceramics, jewellery, art cards, woodcraft, and more.

Ford Bridge, Leominster HR6 0LE

Cost: Free

Contact: 01568 610055

Stories From the Hop Yards: Inspired by

the

rediscovered

Derek

Evans’

photographic collection Stories from the Hop Yards brims with archive photos and films, alongside newlyrecorded interviews. An essential ingredient of British beer, hops, with their evocative aroma, have been an integral part of Herefordshire life for centuries. During the hand-picking heyday, families arrived for a working holiday by train, cattle lorry or charabanc. Dinners were cooked over open fires and children picked hops into old upturned umbrellas, while their mothers worked at the cribs Cost: £3 – £5

n 46 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

Halloween & Fireworks An event full of spooks, ghouls, ghosts, stories, food, drinks, prizes, pumpkins and.... fireworks! There will be prizes for the best Halloween costumes and a prize for the best pumpkin lantern. Adults will be able to purchase food separately from the bar, and have the option of dressing up! Tickets are available from the office. For safety reasons; children will need to be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. From 5-7pm Cost: Children £4 (price includes ghostly food and a drink) and adults a £3 (food available from the bar)

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 47 n

n 48 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 49 n

our events diary

Competition

national pet show

This month, we are teaming with the National Pet Show to give you a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show!

Now in its fifth year, the National Pet Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 3rd and 4th November bigger and better than ever.

There’ll be a dizzying array of species, from ponies to pythons, chickens to chinchillas and far, far more, all under one roof.

It’ll be pet heaven for animal lovers of all ages to get up close and personal with them, with fascinating talks from experts and celebrities including Supervet Professor Noel Fitzpatrick and Michaela Strachan. Plus… there are interactive demonstrations, jaw-dropping animal displays and animal-related shopping galore.

The National Pet Show is the ultimate day out for animal lovers!

For more show information: www.thenationalpetshow.com

www.thenationalpetshow.com

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of single day tickets to the National Pet Show at the NEC on either the 3rd or 4th November 2018, simply fill out the form with the correct answer to the following question:

Professor Noel Fitzpatrick is also known as?

Answer: Name: Address: Tel:

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

Email:

Closing date for entries is 18th October 2018. n 50 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018

If you DO wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from The National Pet Show/Dog Fest please tick this box

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

n 52 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 83 | October 2018