All About St John's & Villages FebMarch 2017

Feb/March 2017 Issue 36

10,500 hand-delivered to households & businesses in St John's in Worcester, and in the villages Powick, Rushwick, Leigh Sinton, Bransford, Broadheath, Hallow and Callow End

free Celebrating 8 years of All About!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

enjoy local Lost Trains Love Worcester

competition powick players Keep me for 2 months

locally

‘Keeping kindness at the heart of our care’

“The staff are always kind, considerate and caring and the home itself always feels homely and welcoming.”

Daughter of resident

Regent Residential Care Home Residential

Dementia

In our attractive care home, residents spend their time enjoying the things they love whilst being cared for by our kind and compassionate team.

School Road, St. John’s, Worcester WR2 4HF Tel: 01905 337100 2

www.sanctuary-care.co.uk

Serving Domestic and Commercial Property for over l0 years

Call us today on 01905 427 187

Our Services Complete New Builds Extensions Renovations Fitted Kitchens Fitted Bathrooms Doors and Windows Electrical Work Heating Systems Roofing Landscaping Carpentry and Joinery Plumbing Chimney Repairs and Pointing Painting and Decorating ■

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All work carried out by experienced and qualified tradesmen All our work is guaranteed for upto l0 years

Contact t. 01905 427 187 e. info@buftonsltd.co.uk www.buftonsltd.co.uk To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Contents

welcome

Feb/March 2017

We’re entering our ninth year as a local publisher, supporting the community in and around Worcester.

This month you can take on a challenge to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice and learn how baking a cake can support Help for Heroes!

There’s a local walking group to join, a pantomime to enjoy and a new choir to join.

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In short, there are dozens of ways to enjoy where we live and I hope you’ll find some inspiration right here, in this magazine!

20 Enjoy Local

6

Community News

8

Business News

Sascha McDonald - The Editor

10 & 11

Wellbeing: Food no Afterthought 14

Cover Photo

Local Talent: Lost Trains

Bridges over the Severn in Worcester, photographed by All About Magazines

18

Root Recipe: Orange Marmelade 20 Powick Players

22

Magoos Farewell Concert

26

Theatre: The Magic Flute

28

Notice Board

34

Love Worcester Heritage Festival 34 What’s On

36

Theatre News

38

Competition 38

www.facebook.com/allaboutworcester @allaboutmalvern www.allaboutworcester.com

DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Sascha McDonald (owner & publisher) Colwall, Malvern WR13 6QN sascha@allabout-local.com 01684 252242 | 07906 573352 ADVERTISING Teresa Rooney - 07722 226712 teresa@allabout-local.com EDITORIAL & DISTRIBUTION: James McDonald - 01684 252242 james@allabout-local.com All About St John's & villages is distributed to 10,500 homes & businesses over 2 months CONTRIBUTORS Tracy Reck, Roots, Dave Webber NEXT BOOKING/COPY DEADLINE Monday 13 March for the April/May edition

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of the advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted under the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All About Magazines does not endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without prior consent of the publisher. All About Local Magazines Ltd is registered in England and Wales Company No. 7200758

Family Business Free Estimate Fully Insured

Contact us 24/7: 07500 557 555

Would you like some help?

with those household jobs requiring a punctual, tidy & professional service?

Including, but not limited to:

Kitchen fitting Bathroom fitting Tiling Plumbing Woodwork

Brick Laying Painting & Decorating Fascias Guttering Plastering

Most household jobs considered | All work professionally undertaken | No job too small

Office: 01905 311 211

Mobile: 07500 557 555

www.random-tasks.co.uk

New Felt Roofs Garages, Dormers Porches Repairs Rotton Boards & Timbers Replaced 15 - 25 Years Guarantee On All New Roofs

01684 541366 / 07926 861565 Portfolio & Recommendations available to view

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Enjoy Local 1. Enjoy a walk There are plenty of walks to join with the Malvern Hills District Footpath Society this month and next. On Saturday 4th February there’s a 9 and a half mile walk around Corse Lawn in north Gloucestershire.

Saturday 18th February sees a trip to Little Hereford, while in March there’s a ramble around Bransford and Bredon Hill.

For full details visit www.mhdfs.org.uk

2. jazz by Kel elliot

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Kel Elliot and her Three Man Orchestra brings uplifting and mischievous jazz to The Worcester Arts Workshop this March.

Described as a sassy double-bass playing singer, Kel brings upbeat tales of life and lost love delivered with her rich, powerful voice.

things to enjoy local

On 23rd March at Worcester Arts Workshop, for details and tickets see worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk

During Feb/March

3. love worcester heritage festival takes place during February half-term, with dozens of ways to keep children entertained!

One of the highlights is a living history weekend at The Commandery. More than 200 re-enactors will host encampments, military displays, crafts and vintage vehicles. The event is on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February from 10am until 5pm – entry is £5.50 for adults and £2.50 for children, with free entry for Commandery cardholders and those who bring evidence they pay their council tax to Worcester City Council.

For dozens more activities during the festival, see page 34 or visit allaboutworcester.com

4. exhibition at the city art gallery & museum An exhibition of work by the artist David Cox and his contemporaries is being held from 11th February at the City Art Gallery and Museum on Foregate Street. Widely recognised as one of the West Midlands’ greatest artists, the exhibition brings together works rarely seen from local and national museums as well as Worcester’s own collection.

Bringing the exhibition up to date will be graduate work selected for New Art West Midlands 2017.

The exhibition continues until May and entry is free.

5. new show by worcester's vamos theatre Worcester’s Vamos Theatre, the UK’s leading full mask theatre company, debuts a new show at Malvern Theatres on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th February. The Best Thing is set in 1966. The record player’s on, and for seventeen year old Susan, life is an adventure waiting to begin. But what happens next turns everything upside down and its repercussions will last for decades. Step into the wordless world of Vamos Theatre for this bitter-sweet story of mistaken morals and broken hearts, 45s and beehives, where sexual revolution proves a hard and rocky path to tread.

Suitable for ages 12+, the show on Friday will be followed by a discussion.

For further info & booking, contact Malvern theatres on (01684) 892277, www.vamostheatre.co.uk

For more ideas and local events: www.allaboutworcester.com

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Scott Wroe Hearing Centre & Microsuction Ear Wax Clinic MALVERN

Scott Wroe Hearing is an independent, family run hearing aid practice with over 35 years experience of helping people improve their hearing.

For more information or to arrange your appointment, please call 01684 566449 74 Barnards Green Rd, Malvern WR14 3LY

• Independent Hearing Practice • 30 day trial on all hearing aids • The highest levels of service & aftercare • Wax removal Clinic

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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News

community NEWS

HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR ST RICHARD'S HOSPICE St Richard’s Hospice has a number of fun activities that will help them to raise funds this year. Some of the highlights include a Superhero Challenge in June, a fun run/walk with giant inflatable obstacles along the way. Popular annual events make a return including The Scenic Six, The Worcester Marathon/Half-Marathon and The Malvern Hills Walk. There’s also a Snowdon Multi-Challenge with cycling, hiking and kayaking which takes place in May and on other dates as well.

For more details take a look at www.strichards.org.uk

DEAF DIRECT CHOIR After a successful performance at last November’s Victorian Fayre, Deaf Direct has formed a new choir. The local charity’s original choir used sign language to perform carols, and the idea was so successful, they’ve formed a new choir called Good Vibrations. This brings together signers and singers and will be meeting weekly. They’ve just held their first rehearsal at St Clement’s Church on Henwick Road and new members are very welcome.

If you are interested in finding out more, contact Sarah on 01905 746301 or email fundraising@deafdirect.org.uk

BUSINESS VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are needed to work as mentors for a small children’s charity.

Mentorlink supports vulnerable and distressed children and young people facing difficulties that affect their education and motivation to learn.

The charity is keen to recruit mentors from the business world.

If you’d like to find out more, email enquiries@mentorlink.org.uk or call (01299) 822336.

WORCESTER REPAIR CAFE GET BAKING FOR HELP FOR HEROES Help for Heroes is asking for volunteers to dust off their aprons and get baking! The charity is holding Bake for Heroes between 15th and 30th April and needs prospective bakers to hold cake sales and coffee mornings. Every slice of cake will help rebuild the lives of wounded, sick or injured personnel as well as veterans and their families.

If you’re interested, you can find our more and register by calling 01980 846459 or visit www.bakeforheroes.org.uk

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The Worcester Repair Café is back this month and next. Expert volunteers are on hand to repair broken household items that would otherwise be thrown away.

Whatever needs fixing, bring it along to the sessions at the STARS Adult Day Care Centre on Stanley Road between 11am and 2pm on either Saturday 11th February or Saturday 11th March.

You can read more about the project at www.transitionworcester.org.uk

Mondays at Oldbury Park Primary School, Oldbury Rd, WR2 6AA with free on-site parking 6.30pm Zumba: Get fit dancing in a fun & friendly environment. All welcome, just turn up, only £4!

7.30pm NEW Zumba Toning class!

Just £1 (£2 with stick rental).

Visit grahamellery.zumba.com | 07734 957159

Fume Free Only non-toxic products used in your house Fully insured | DBS Checked | Fully trained staff An independent, Worcester based company, not part of a franchise

Call for a quote on 01905 700134 | 07930 859068 or visit us at www.oven-scrub.com

MEADOW GREEN LANDSCAPES AND TREE CARE

Family business established in 1990 We supply all necessary materials for jobs No payment until fully satisfied with the work FREE ESTIMATE with no obligation Licensed Waste Carrier | Public Liability Insurance SPECIALIST TREE WORK SERVICES WE PROVIDE • Log Roll & Railway • Trees expertly felled • Hedges pruned & Sleepers supplied & trimmed fitted • Roots & Trees removal • Wood Chippings • Trellis supplied & • Tree planting • One-off garden tidy fitted • Shed, Fence & • Power Cleaning of all surfaces Decking painting • Turfing & Fencing • Guttering cleared, cleaned & repaired • Slabbing & Gravelling • Garden Gates fitted • Fascia Boards & • Sheds re-felted Conservatories cleaned Call Jason or Jamie for a free quotation on 0800 858 9318 | 07514 010 494 | 01684 879478 or email meadowgreenlandscapes@hotmail.com

www.localhireservices.co.uk

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Business News WYKEHAM GARDENS Wykeham Gardens plant nursery is gearing up for Spring! Based in Leigh Sinton, they offer a range of shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals and is run by husband and wife team Rachael & Andy Mahy.

‘For this season we’re expanding the number of shade-loving plants as well as plants for rockeries’ explains Rachael. ‘There’s plenty of renewed interest in rockeries at the moment and we’re able to advise on the best plants to use, chosen from our collection.’ As well as the nursery, Rachel and Andy run a garden design and maintenance business, and advise this is a good moment to re-design borders or move a bed. ‘We are looking for a trainee to join us’ continues Rachael, ‘offering the chance to learn more on the landscaping and maintenance side of the business.’

The plant nursery is situated at Crowcroft House Farm in Leigh Sinton (WR13 5ED) just off the A4103 on the edge of the village towards Cradley.

It re-opens at the end of February on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am until 5pm and on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 11am until 4pm. For more details call (01684) 578381 or visit www.wykehamgardens.com

10% OFF

YOUR FIRST ORDER YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR SAND AND GRAVEL

• Building Sand and Aggregates • Decorative Stone and Gravel • Quarried /Recycled Aggregates • Soils and Mulches • Firewood and Kindling • Collection or Delivery

worcestersandandgravel.co.uk

01886 830005 01905 631010

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Wykeham Gardens

Plant Centre

Thursday - Saturday 10am – 5pm Sundays & Bank Hols 11am – 4pm Come & browse our range of quality shrubs, unusual perennials, bulbs & annuals

Open:

End Feb - End Oct Crowcroft House Farm Leigh Sinton Nr Malvern WR13 5ED

Wykeham Gardens 01684 578381 | 07976 444618 www.wykehamgardens.com WORCESTER SAND & GRAVEL Worcester Sand and Gravel sells all types of aggregates including building sand, concreting sand, pea gravel, Type 1, Cotswold Stone, Golden Flint, Granite Chippings and Forest of Dean Pink. Based at Rose Farm, Half Key, near Worcester, they can deliver loose and bulk bagged products or you can collect directly from their friendly yard where they can load any size vehicle from small trailers to 8 wheeled lorries.

Should you need advice in selecting the type of aggregate or stone you need then they have the expertise to point you in the right direction for the job in hand. They have been involved in many projects – large and small. If you prefer, you can take away a free sample before deciding on a purchase. Deliveries come on either a compact tipper for up to 10 tonne loads, a HIAB equipped 4 Wheeler to drop your bulk bags exactly where you need them or for larger loads they use 6 or 8 wheel tippers.

Logs for your open fire or log burner as well as kindling are also available in the size required for your individual needs. These can be delivered loose by the tonne, in bulk bags or nets – all dropped at your door.

They welcome enquiries from the trade and the public. For more info, call (01886) 830005

www.allaboutmalvernhills.com/businesses

Business News KIDZ & KITZ A new School Uniform Shop in Malvern A large and spacious shopping area greets all customers looking for a quick, simple and relaxing shopping experience when purchasing school uniform for their children. With ample free parking available and just a short walk from the Malvern Link train station, you cannot fail to be impressed with the simplicity KIDZ & KITZ have created when shopping for your children’s school uniform.

There is also an online shop with a number of different delivery options available as well as a click and collect option.

Since setting up in Malvern, KIDZ AND KITZ has quickly gained a great reputation for customer friendliness and willingness to go that extra mile.

With their sister company KITZ UK and Beacon Sports just next door, where all the print and embroidery is completed in house, the future looks really bright for the organisation. The fact that personalisation is readily available on site

means they have managed to bring a personal touch to many garments which is appreciated by parents.

‘When I first moved to the Malvern area in 2010 I was a little surprised at the lack of choice and options available when buying school uniform’ says Lee Smith, one of the founding partners of the business. ‘We have made it our mission to try and give all parents that little bit of extra choice when having to purchase for their children. We sell all the major schoolwear brands such as TRUTEX , BLUE MAX BANNER , and DAVID LUKE to name but a few.’

Lee adds that schools are told by the Department for Education to allow parents to use and purchase from two or three different shops when buying school uniform, which has really helped the business to gain momentum. So much so, the company now supplies a number of schools from as far afield as Scotland right down to the southern coast of England on a regular basis.

For more information, call (01684) 892439 or visit kidz-and-kitz.deco-apparel.com

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Specialist Plant Centre

Grange Farm

NURSERY

A Specialist Plant Centre

offering an abundance of plants, from the traditional to the latest introductions.

A family owned business full of character.

Situated in an array of farm buildings with beautiful displays of plants, creating a relaxed and friendly environment.

Beautiful Plants for Mother’s Day Guarlford - Malvern - WR13 6NT - 01684 562544 Open 7 days a week Summer 9am - 5.30pm Winter 9am to Dusk Sundays 10am - 5pm

grangefmnursery@btconnect.com

HOME CARE, ROOFING & BUILDING FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY NEEDS

Our range of services include: New roofs and repairs • Tiles • Slates Felt and battening • Lead work • Repointing Ridge tiles and chimney repairs • Flat roofs EDPM rubber • Moss removal and fungicidal treatments Roof coatings • Dry verge systems FANTASTIC External Painting • uPVC fascias & soffits OFFER Gutter repairs and cleaning 20% OFF ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED for over 60s

For a FREE QUOTATION please call: FREEPHONE 0800 474 8424 or 01905 886760 (Please dial area code when calling) 12

advertorial

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy

of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple.

If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee.

But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service St Johns & surroundingVillages and

manager Paul Papandreou agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Well Being

food should not be an afterthought

By Tracy J Reck, Exercise & Nutrition Coach in Worcester

i

have just finished with prepping some salad for the next few days. It’s 2.32pm on a Thursday and not only did I take time from my work day to spiralise a carrot or two, it was mid work day that I went shopping for the food I prepped. That might sound like sacrilege, because work time is work time, right?

Nope. Actually every day is a day of your life, to be used for whatever is necessary for you to thrive.

The idea that between the hours of 9-5 you should be working is a social construct, and it’s one that gives rise to food being treated as an afterthought.

If it wasn’t, no-one would work through lunch.

No-one would trudge into work having skipped breakfast. No-one would crash home again at the end of the day and have no idea what they are going to eat for dinner.

Food should not be an afterthought.

Most of the people who speak to me about wanting to improve their health go straight for exercise. They get caught up thinking that the best thing they can do is spend time working out. Far more critical is the time they commit to figuring out what they are going to eat this week, buying that food and then prepping whatever needs sorting in advance to make it all flow easily.

We are keen to carve out a window of time to move our bodies, but not even aware that a chunk of time also needs to be dedicated to what we’re putting into them. That’s a problem. Planning, shopping and prepping – those are the very habits that will

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I’m not really given to using the dreaded ‘should’ in my blogs. I am one for choice, flexibility and giving yourself a chance to succeed.

Usually, ‘shoulds’ don’t gel with that approach. But on this topic, I feel a should is required. transform your eating, and therefore your health.

You cannot change your health in the longterm without making eating healthy food SUPER easy for yourself.

Feel free to immerse yourself in recipe books and ideas of how to make healthy food tasty, but be under no illusion that the task stops there. Grab a bundle of those recipes and put them into a plan for the week. Figure out your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for every day. Then make sure the right ingredients are in your house and you’ve prepped anything you can in advance.

Otherwise, on that day when you get a fit of the stuffits, you’re done for. Do you really think you’ll have the inclination to chop cabbage when you’ve had a rough day and all you want to do is drink Baileys and eat crisps? But if it’s already there, prepped and ready to go, your chances of eating it are FAR higher.

Don’t leave your food to chance. Get organised, get prepared and you’re making it easy to succeed.

Tracy Reck is a fitness and nutrition writer, coach and speaker.

You can read more from her at www.naturallyexuberant.co.uk

Number 1 Hatton Park, just off the A44 next to McColl’s convenience store in Bromyard, HR7 4EY Consultations are £50 for new patients with a £5 discount when this magazine is brought along!

Acacia Dental is a family dental practice which places great emphasis on providing all our patients with preventive, professional dental care and we are welcoming new patients.

To find out more about Acacia Dental, contact a member of the team:

01885 482 855

or www.acaciadental.co.uk and leave us an enquiry message

LOOK WHO’S BACK Lisa is now back in the salon on Wednesdays and Thursdays and is looking forward to seeing new and existing clients.

20% OFF all services throughout February *

Please call the salon for details 01684

576176

*Terms & conditions apply - Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or vouchers.

Please mention this advert when booking.

117 Barnards Green Road, Malvern WR14 3LT

Tel: 01684 576 176 www.divinestyling.co.uk To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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S.O.S Home&Garden

Building & Landscaping FOR COMPLETE PROPERTY & GARDEN SERVICES

Our friendly quality service includes:

Home

Garden

• Alterations • General repairs • Repointing • Decorating • Plumbing & bathrooms • Fitted kitchens & tiling • New roofing & repairs • Conversions • Plans drawn • Project management

• New fencing & repairs • Jungle clearance • Walling • Garden wall building • Drainage • Patios & paving

Items available: • • • • • • • • •

Plant Hire; Diggers & Dumpers Access & Support Building & Decorating Concreting & Compacting Breaking & Drilling Lifting & Material Handling Plumbing & Pumping Lighting & Power Gardening & Landscaping

01684 217020 info@ready-rent.co.uk

• Turf laying • Decking

CALL US TODAY TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

01886 880256 | 07545 004457 | 01684 541735 Or visit our Website: www.sos.webeden.co.uk Many references available

UNIT 10, CLIFTON CENTRE SPRING LANE SOUTH MALVERN WR14 1BJ

WWW.READY-RENT.CO.UK

Showroom open at Malvern Business Centre, Betony Rd, Malvern

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Garden Waste Collection Service

Fortnightly Collections! *per year Only

£45.00

We will collect your garden waste in wheeled bins & recycle it.

Contact us at panddgreenwaste@gmail.com or 07565 633 532

P & D Green Waste Ltd

t: 01905 22604 m: 07565 633 532 * Plus £10 one off registration charge.

www.panddgreenwaste.wordpress.com

Your local high quality domestic cleaning company

All aspects of plumbing, heating & drainage undertaken. No callout charge.

No job too small. All work guaranteed.

• Leaking Toilets • Blocked Drains • Dripping Taps • Radiators • Burst Pipes • Water Tanks • Heating Pumps • Boilers Installed

• Overflows • Showers • Stop Taps • Outside Taps • Water Tanks • Heating Pumps • Blocked Toilets • Motorised Valves

01905 928035 07910 681481

Call Josie on 01905 425530 / 07738529236 or email: cleanforyou@live.co.uk www.cleanforyou-worcester.co.uk

Rob Davies Plumbing & Heating

• Oil • Boiler breakdown/service/ maintenance • Boiler replacement/upgrade • Heating installation/upgrade • Central heating power flushing

Contact Rob 07974 413330

LPG

THREE LOCAL COUNTIES COVERED! NO JOB TOO SMALL!

For gas servicing and installation Contact Duanne 07773 395 803 To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Music Feature

Local Talent: lost trains Imagine a room filled with 3,000 LPs: row upon row of vinyl from floor to ceiling, with every imaginable kind of music. As a young boy, Stephen ‘Nobby’ Wright would spend hours poring over his Great Uncle’s music collection. But it would be another 15 years before Stephen picked up a guitar.

By Dave Webber

i

still remember listening to Jerry and Pacemakers, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison’ he tells me, ‘and I was obsessed by the Beatles. By the age of 3 or 4 I could pick out my favourites by the grooves in the record, and my Great Uncle Ronald would fill in all the details – who had produced them, how many times they were recorded and where. I was so inspired.’

Listening to music was a big part of Nobby’s life as he grew up, but he only began to make it at the age of twenty after a Mancunian called called Matt Deas persuaded him to form a band.

They stayed together for the next three years as Keystone and grew a bit of a cult following, but drifted apart as they went in different directions in 2006.

Despair really sunk in for Nobby after he was diagnosed with an eye condition which at one point risked him losing his eyesight. One evening he found himself sitting in the corner of a pub feeling miserable, listening to a guitarist playing in the other corner of the room. A man came over to him and they got chatting about his son, who was the guitarist. By the end of the evening, Nobby had picked up a guitar and was inspired to start making music again.

The next day found Nobby in the home studio of his new friends, laying down a recording of Heartfelt Blues after a seven year break from music. ‘It wasn’t my best ever performance!’ he admits, but it inspired him so much he began practising every day for up to two hours.

The next step was performing on the local music circuit, which he admits didn’t start well, but he forced himself to play local mic nights up to four times a week. After six months it came together and he became a more accomplished performer.

‘Playing to an audience makes all the difference’

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he says, ‘you gauge what people like and you can’t stop if you make a mistake, you learn to play on and the mistakes get less and less.’

Last summer he began jamming with Emilie Eleonore, a singer and musician local to Worcester, and together they’ve now formed a new band called Lost Trains. Last summer they played a few festivals and right now they are busy building a new set list with more material including a number called ‘Magnetic Heart’ which they are really excited about.

They’re recording some tracks and can be found most weeks at the West Malvern Social Club. They’ll be performing around the area in the next few months and you can find out more on their Facebook page, Instagram and Soundcloud. www.facebook.com/losttrains

Qualified Tradesmen

Est 2007 W.M. Downes Building and Landscaping

Honest, Reliable, Professional Complete building & landscaping from start to finish • Extensions, Porches, Garden Walling • Stone Walling and repairs, repointing • Alterations and Modernisation • Patios, Driveways, Fencing • Internal and External repairs & maintenance • And much more...

Contact us today for a FREE quotation

01684 574599 | 07813 452044 wayne.downes@hotmail.co.uk

S.C.Beard

Carpenter and Joiner

ARE YOUR LOCKS BEHAVING BADLY?

THE LOCKSMITH REPAIRS • REPLACEMENTS • UPGRADES

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The Blind Man Huge selection of all types of blinds at extremely low prices

Over 25 years Experience Top Quality Workmanship Free Estimates Call Steve on 01905 429517 | 07790 270838

For a free no obligation quotation phone

GARDEN & FENCING SERVICES

Kiln Dried Hardwood

JULIAN JAUNCEY Tel: 07909 335 949 / (01684)311580

01886 821404

FIREWOOD

Bulk Builder’s Bag of Split Logs only £75 Please see website for delivery details

*Hedge Cutting *Tree Felling/Pruning *Gardening/Planting *Mowing/Strimming *Garden Maintenance & Clearance *Stock/Domestic Fencing *Decking *Raised Beds *Patio Laying *Turfing *Pesticide Spraying *Professional Jet Washer Service jjfencingmates@mail.com

01531 641999

To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Recipe

will's seville orange marmelade Marmalade is a tradition in the Edmonds household that has been established in the last couple of years since my husband Will found a natural talent for making his wonderful variation of this delicious preserve.

If we are lucky then he’ll make two or three batches that will just about see us through the year. Two jars are hidden away at the back of the cupboard, one jar for Easter (that travels with us on holiday during the Easter break) and one extra-large jar to be enjoyed at Christmas during a mammoth period of entertaining breakfast guests!

The secret ingredient ‌ Organic Seville Oranges from Ave Maria orchards in Mairena del Alcor, Seville, Spain. Only available in January and February, bitter oranges that really pack a punch in deep citrus flavour.

Ingredients To make approximately 10lb (4.5kg) of marmalade you will need: 1.4kg Seville oranges 3 lemons 3.4 litres (6 pints) water 2.7 kg (6lb) sugar

leave it until it is cool enough to handle. When cool cut the oranges in half and juice in a lemon squeezer removing the pips and pith from the orange halves as you go. Tip the juice into a clean preserving pan. Discard the pips and pith.

Juice the lemons and add the lemon juice to the preserving pan.

Cut the cooked orange rind as finely as you like (unsurprisingly we like it chunky!), add to the preserving pan.

Add the sugar to the preserving pan and warm gently until the sugar has completely dissolved, then bring the contents of the pan to the boil.

Boil the marmalade rapidly for 15 minutes, test for a set and when setting point is reached take the pan off the heat and remove any scum with a slotted spoon. Leave the marmalade to stand for about 15 minutes, stir gently to distribute the peel, pot and cover.

Marmalade can be stored in a dark, cool cupboard for as long as you can resist eating it!

Method Measure out all the ingredients, and prepare the jars by washing thoroughly and sterilising in the oven.

Place the whole fruit into a saucepan with the water. Cover and simmer gently for about 2 hours until tender. Remove the fruit from the pan and

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21

Feature

Powick players We are bang in the middle of the village pantomime season. In parish halls in and around Worcester, groups of people are dressing up to sing and dance their way through productions put together with real enthusiasm.

Right now, the finishing touches are being put to this year’s production by the Powick Players. ‘A Long Time Ago’ is described as ‘Aladdin in Space’, with plenty of music, comedy, dance and fun.

What makes these performances so special?

‘It’s a mix of things’ says Rob Leadbeater from the Powick Players. ‘The large majority of our audience is made up of family, friends and people from the village. Some people travel from elsewhere in the UK to see their friends perform.

There are always plenty of local jokes, it’s a real village thing!’

2017 marks the group’s twenty fifth anniversary.

Over the years they have put on many different kinds of production but these days are best known for their pantomimes.

It all began with two ladies, Maggie and Mary - fondly referred to as M & M, who decided to put on a performance to give local children something to do. ‘We muddled through the first show!’ laughs Barbara Washbourne who has been involved since the start. ‘There was a real family feel to it. We all brought our kids along so they had to join in! Today, we still hold the performances during half-term week because that’s how we started.’

Around 35 people are involved in putting on this year’s panto, both onstage and off.

Colourful backdrops are ordered in and this year’s performance includes special lighting effects, video, complex sound production and an array of costumes and props. The production is directed by Moyna Clarke with Liz Elson as choreographer. ‘People are sometimes surprised by the professional look of our shows’ says Rob. ‘We have some very talented people who create

22

amazing effects as well as a talented director and choreographer.’

Rehearsals begin in the autumn and the effort intensifies during January as the opening night approaches. It takes two days to build the stage, rig the lighting and deal with other technical issues before the first performance can begin.

‘I don’t think the audience always realises just how much work goes into this’ says Mike Washbourne, who, like Barbara, has been involved since the early days. ‘There have been plenty of funny moments, I once had to dress as a duck!’

‘We used to have a band’ continues Barbara, ‘and I remember turning around one evening to find a fellow actor had fallen off the stage and was sitting on one of the drums!’

This is very much a village dramatic group but anybody is welcome to become a member.

‘People sometimes come to watch the panto and decide to join us afterwards’ says Rob. ‘We have all kinds of people but would especially welcome some younger members to join our cast.’

A Long Time Ago takes place from Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th February at Powick Village Hall. Tickets are £8 for adults and £4 for children and can be booked in advanced by calling 07581 283213 | PowickPlayers.co.uk

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25

Event

Magoos farewell concert Saturday 4 February

o

ver the past seventeen years, the band has played to audiences both locally and nationally. ‘We have always had a decent reaction’ says the band’s frontman Richard Webb, ‘we seem to attract a crowd wherever we go.' They’ve played at places like The Sunshine Festival in Upton and Mello Festival at Throckmorton.

One of the biggest gigs the band played was at the Speedway Grand Prix in Cardiff where they played on the main stage in the Fanzone. ‘The first time we played it there were 10,000 people’ says Richard. ‘It was absolutely outstanding.

We didn’t think we’d get to those heights - we’ve played some big gigs for a pub band!’

Local band The Magoos will be playing for one last time to an audience of over 800 at The Sixways Stadium this February.

They’ve chosen to make the final gig a fundraiser for Leukaemia CARE, a national charity which is based here in Worcester. well as rarer types such as the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The vagueness and nonspecific nature of symptoms means that blood cancers can be hard to diagnose.

‘Leukemia has been in the news recently after the mother of Louis Tomlinson from One Direction died from the disease’ says Nicole. ‘People sometimes assume it only affects children but that’s not the case.’

‘Leukemia is a terrible disease’ continues Richard from the Magoos. ‘We wanted to make sure we gave something back with this last gig, so why not?'

The band’s final gig takes place with a lineup of Rich on vocals, Ian Saunders on guitar, Mike Butt on Bass Guitar, Les Ames on rhythm guitar plus keyboards and Miles Dandey on drums. The band offered to help raise money for Leukemia Care as Richard had helped to provide sportswear for the charity’s many fundraising events.

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‘The charity started as a support group for parents whose children had leukemia’ says Nicole Caroll from Leukemia Care. ‘Since then, we’ve expanded to help people of all ages with various types of blood cancer. There is both online and phone support, access to a specialist nurse as well as help for the wider family.’

details

There are many different types of blood cancers which include leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma as

Tickets cost £20 and are available via leukaemiacare.org.uk/events

You can read more about Leukemia CARE, at LeukaemiaCare.org.uk as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

The Magoos performance takes place on Saturday 4th February at Sixways Stadium.

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27

Local News

the magic flute Great Witley Operatic Society will be performing Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute this March.

Described as one of the most popular operas ever written, it brings to the stage much loved music and characters.

The story follows Prince Tamino’s quest for the beautiful Pamina, daughter of the powerful Queen of the Night, aided by the comic bird catcher Papageno. They travel from Darkness to Light, helped by a Magic Flute and Magic Bells, to meet Sarastro, Priest of the Sun, who requires them to undertake several difficult challenges before overcoming the powers of Evil.

The music includes the Queen of the Night’s spectacular coloratura arias, the Birdcatcher's Song, the powerful sonorous music of the Temple of Light, and many other wonderful solos and ensembles. A fine cast of soloists, some making their first appearance with the society, are supported by Great Witley’s excellent chorus.

This latest production follows the group’s successful staging of Carmen last year. Sue Black and Andrew Rawle are to continue as Music Director and as Stage Director. The Opera will be a semi-staged production, performed in English with a full orchestra and beautifully costumed.

The Society is celebrating 65 years of musical theatre and light opera and continues to go from strength to strength. You can read more at www.gwos.net This year all tickets are priced at £15.You can order tickets until 16th February by calling (01905) 425299. After 17th February tickets can only be obtained from the Worcester Live! Box Office on (01905) 611427, where a booking fee may be charged.

The Magic Flute

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Would you like more local customers for your business in 2017?

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why should you advertise with us?

• Reach local people who do not necessarily go online or use social media to look for a local service • An easy and affordable route to market reaching up to 42,000 homes • You get free advert design and help with your message • We take care of everything; you book, we design, print & deliver your message every two months • Your advert appears in a trusted publication that people read and keep for future reference • Your advert is in the hands of an experienced, award winning team who put you in touch with local people

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Notice Board craft club

Spring Solstice Ceremony

At Hanley Swan Village Hall Sunday 19th February & Sunday 26th March 10am to 3pm - Entry £6 Please bring your latest project and a packed lunch, refreshments are provided

Free to all - We’ll gather to mark the shift of balance from the dark to the light. For more information and where to meet please see www.thefold.org.uk

Contact Theresa Clarke on 01386 556066 or email theresaclarkey@aol.com

Monday 20th March 4pm – 6pm

Contact: carefarm@thefold.org.uk 07719 915653

Theatre: Communicating Doors

a wildlife journey

by Alan Ayckbourn

Duncan MacDonald gives an illustrated talk about the birds and wildlife encountered across Europe

Presented by the Swan Theatre Amateur Company 21st to 25th February, 7.30pm at The Swan Theatre Information and tickets from (01905) 611427

www.worcesterlive.co.uk

THE SIXTEEN PRESENTS Bach: Magnificat At Worcester Cathedral 24th February at 7.30pm Performed alongside The Magnificat will be a selection of Bach's Cantatas and his ever-popular Brandenburg Concerto No 3

At Malvern RSPB Local Group 8th February at 7.30pm at Powick Village Hall Entrance £2, children free - refreshments

Poetry Open Mic Night

www.rspb.org.uk/groups/worcester

Theatre: as you like it

William Shakespeare at The Swan Theatre Presented by Swan Youth Friday 17 February at 7.30pm Theatre Come and read some of your own 2 – 4 March, 7.45pm. At The work, or just listen and enjoy a Vesta Tilley Studio, Swan varied evening of poetry.

Theatre - Tickets: £9.50 To sign up in advance email ben.r.parker@gmail.com There will also be a performance poetry piece devised with the theatre’s Poet in Residence, ?

Small Message Ben Parker !

Tickets from (01905) 611427 thesixteen.com

It’s free for groups

al.com james@allabout-loc 01684 252 242

Tickets: (01905) 611427 www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Splendid Cinema

IDENTIFICATION DAY

Mixing World Cinema with Cult Classics at Worcester Arts Workshop

Identification Day with Henry Sandon Saturday 18th February

9th Feb – Mustang (cert 15)

At The Museum of Royal Worcester 10am until 2pm

16th Feb – The Greasy Stranger (cert 18) 16th March – Train to Busan (cert 15) 23rd March – Hunt for the Wilderpeople (cert 12) 30th March – Embrace of the Serpent (cert 12)

www.worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk

World famous ceramics expert Henry Sandon MBE, Museum Patron, will identify and value ceramic pieces brought in by the general public. Because of his immense popularity, there is a limit of two items per family.

www.museumofroyalworcester.org

April/May Deadline: Tuesday 14 March

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33

Feature

All About...

love worcester heritage festival Looking for things to do during February halfterm? The Love Worcester Heritage Festival offers dozens of free events and activities at venues around Worcester between Saturday 18th and Saturday 25th February.

Living History at the Commandery Sat 18 and Sun 19 February, 10am–5pm See 2,000 years of history come to life with a weekend full of ancient Greeks, Viking warriors, the two world wars and more.

George Marshall Medical Museum Help create a super-sized arty reproduction of Castle Street Infirmary and listen as the building reveals its secrets - Tues 21 February, 10.30am– 3pm

Greyfriars’ House and Garden Re-enactors bring Greyfriars back to life on Saturday 18th February, with Make a Discovery at Greyfriars on Friday 24th February.

The Hive (Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service) There’s a Hands-on History session on Thursday 23rd February from 10am to 3pm while on Saturday 25th February from 2pm there’s a chance to go behind the scenes to find out the mystery of Shakespeare’s marriage, handle Tudor pottery and see documents about Queen Elizabeth I.

St Swithun’s Church The church hosts a Georgian Gin Evening on Saturday 25th February – there’s also a playful interpretation of Shakespeare’s King Lear on 23rd February and ‘We Love the Georgians’ during the day on Tuesday 21st.

The Museum of Royal Worcester The museum hosts ‘Weird and Wonderful at the Porcelain Museum’ from Monday 20th to Friday 24th February between 11am and 2pm.

St Martins in the Cornmarket The Cornmarket is open daily between Monday 20th and Friday 24th February between 9am and 1pm – a chance to see inside this remarkable Grade II-listed Georgian church.

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Other venues hosting events include St Martin’s in the Cornmarket, The Tudor House Museum, Worcestershire Museum of Freemasonry, the former Worcester Royal Infirmary, Worcester Cathedral and The City Art Gallery and Museum. For more details visit www.allaboutworcester.com

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35

What’s On

february Saturday 4 February Uncle Bert’s Cow A fun show for children aged 2-9 years, with songs and audience participation. 10.30am and 11.45am at The Swan Theatre Tickets £2.50, under 2s free, call (01905) 611427 Saturday 11 February Tool Sharpening for the Terrified A talk and demonstration at the Black Pear Gardening Club at Powick Parish Hall.

See the full programme for 2017 at www.blackpeargc.org.uk Sunday 12 February A four mile walk around Eckington with Worcester and Malvern RSPB Local Group, visiting the John Bennett Nature Reserve, Nafford Island and the Gwen Finch Reserve. Meet 9.30am at Eckington Picnic Site (WR10 3DD) www.rspb.org.uk/groups/worcester Wednesday 15 February Swan Sanctuary Volunteer Working Party 10am-12.30pm, to litter pick, sow, plant and clear scrub in areas used by swans around the River Severn. Meets on the third Wednesday of each month For details call 07742 295149 Saturday 18 February A ten mile walk around Little Hereford with Malvern Hills District Footpath Society, starting 9.45am from Tenbury Wells. Shorter walk available www.mhdfs.org.uk Thursday 23 February Granny’s Game a performance about travel, adventure and a really surprising Grandma! 1pm and 3pm at The Hive www.thehiveworcester.org Saturday 25 February Stanley Baldwin: Three times Prime Minister and the Man for the Crisis a talk at Worcester Cathedral, 10am, by historian Chris Gait. Tickets £5 to book call (01905) 732900 www.worcestercathedral.co.uk

march Wednesday 1 March A Bransford Ramble with the Malvern Hills District Footpath Society, a six mile walk, stopping at Bransford Chapel www.mhdfs.org.uk Saturday 4 March Creative Writing Course at the Hive, 10am-Noon, continues until 1st April, cost £79 www.thehiveworcester.org Saturday 18 March A talk: ‘North American Plants That We Grow?’

by Keith Ferguson at The Black Pear Gardening Club, meeting 2.30pm at Powick Parish Hall (WR2 4RT), visitors £3, members £5 for the year www.blackpeargc.org.uk Sunday 19 March The Musical and Amicable Society Fiddlers Three at Worcester Concert Club, 3pm at Huntingdon Hall.

For details www.worcserenade.co.uk Sunday 19 March Daffodil Sunday 2pm - 5pm Enjoy a great display of daffodils in the beautiful gardens of Madresfield Court (WR13 5AH) Please note, event is sometimes cancelled due to poor weather Friday 24 March Greek Cooking Competition with the Kefi Club, a group formed by lovers of all things Greek, with regular meetings www.kefi-club.org.uk

Sunday 26 March The Monthly Market at The Fold in Bransford, 11am until 2pm, a chance to see meet and buy from local food makers and producers www.thefold.org.uk

Promote your April & May events: email james@allabout-local.com or call 01684 252 242 by Tuesday 14 March 2017 at the latest.

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We offer exceptional training with good internal progression opportunities and would like to hear from candidates with experience in this sector, or those wanting a career change to Health and Social Care. All staff must be flexible and willing to work shifts that include evenings and weekends.

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37

Theatre News Competition English Touring Theatre in association with Nica Burns, Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Paula Marie Black presents the Shakespeare Globe’s Production of

Nell Gwynn

Win a pair of tickets to nell gwynn Win a pair of tickets to this show at Malvern Theatres.

Please answer the following question:

By Jessica Swale Winner of the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Jessica Swale’s blissfully funny Nell Gwynn embarks on its first ever UK tour, direct from critically acclaimed, sell out runs in the West End and at the Globe Theatre.

1660 Drury Lane. Charles II has cast off London’s drab, puritanical past with a love of all things loud, French and sexy. A young Nell Gwynn is selling oranges for sixpence in London’s burgeoning West End theatre scene unaware of who is in the audience one fateful night.

Jessica Swale’s warm-hearted, bawdy comedy tells the story of an unlikely heroine, who went from lowly orange seller to win the adoration of the public and the heart of the King. Starring Olivier Award nominated actress Laura PittPulford, Nell Gwynn is brought to the stage by English Touring Theatre.

Nell Gwynn will be appearing at Malvern Theatres from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th March. Tickets are on sale at the Box Office 01684 892277 and online at malvern-theatres.co.uk.

Nell Gwynn is played by which Olivier Award nominated actress?

Email the answer plus your name, postcode and phone number to competition@allabout-local.com

by Wednesday 22 February 2017.

The winners will be drawn from the entries and notified by 23 February.

Good luck! *For terms & conditions see our website www.allaboutworcester.com

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TUESDAY 14th - SATURDAY 18th MARCH Box Office: 01684 892277 | malvern-theatres.co.uk To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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there are a number of payment options to suit each and every client and the different levels of service required. Please request a copy of our client agreement or speak to an advisor.

DipPFS, Certs CII(MP & ER), CeLTCI

Smith Weale Associates is a Limited Liability Partnership, Regulated in England & Wales No. OC319930 Smith Weale Associates LLP is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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Think carefully before securing other debts on your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your morgage.

To understand the features and risks of an equity release scheme ask for a personalised illustration.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation and trust advice and some form of morgages.