All About St John's & Villages JuneJuly 2016

June/July 2016 Issue 32

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

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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Contents

welcome

June/July 2016

14 16

Traditional summer fairs are always popular and the Hallow Country Fair on Sunday 5th June has it all! There’s also an active calendar of activities at St Johns Church and the St Johns Village Fete will be held this year on Saturday 9th July. If you prefer something a little bit livelier, don’t forget the Severn Sounds Festival at the start of June which is held at the Pavilion in the Park, next to Cripplegate Park. You’ll find all the details of these and many more events throughout this magazine. Enjoy the read.

30 Enjoy Local

6

Business News

10

Community News

12

Litfest & Fringe

14

Cover Photo

Hallow Village Group

16

Elgar Chorale

18

Health & Super Mario Bros

22

Dragon Boat Racing on the River Severn, photographed by All About Magazines.

Roots Recipe:

26

Show: You've Got a Friend

30

Local Talent

32

Notice Board

34

What’s On

36

Competition & Theatre News

38

Classes & Courses

38

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

Sascha McDonald - The Editor

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 Mon 4 July for the Aug/Sept 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

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Enjoy Local 1. bands in the park Bands in the Park continues in local parks this month. There will be live music between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on most Sunday afternoons, in either Gheluvelt, Cripplegate or Fort Royal Parks. For a schedule of where the event takes place through until September, see allaboutworcester.com or call (01905) 722233 for more information.

2. the romance of novello A relaxing afternoon of music and socialising over an afternoon tea is in store as the Great Witley Operatic Society presents ‘The Romance of Novello’. Performed at St George’s Church in Barbourne, there will be close harmony singing of many of Ivor Novello’s best known songs.

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things to enjoy local

The performance is followed by a beautifully presented Afternoon Tea. The performance is on Saturday 25th June, 2.30pm, at St George’s Church in St George’s Square, Barbourne.

Tickets cost £10 which includes Afternoon Tea, and should be purchased in advance by calling (01905) 422789

3. active age festival The Active Age Festival returns to Worcester on Saturday 11th June.

The day is packed with activities, demonstrations, entertainment and information aimed at older adults. Organised by Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire and the University of Worcester, the event takes place between 10am and 3pm at The University Riverside Centre on Hylton Road.

You can find out more by calling (01905) 740950 or visit www.ageukhw.org.uk

During June & July 4. st john's village fete St Johns Village Fete takes place this year on Saturday 9th July. Starting at 11am, there will be an events area and the entertainment includes a dog show. There will be food stalls including cake, a tea garden, games to play and children’s entertainment. The event continues until 3pm and all proceeds raised on the day will go to help church funds.

5. pirates, pants & wellyphants... ...is coming to Worcester! This is a fun, interactive exhibition of one of Britain’s best loved children’s illustrators Nick Sharratt. Families will get the opportunity to see if they are faster than the HundredMile-An-Hour Dog, send a postcard to Nick or even design their own pants to add to the display!

Budding artists will enjoy peaking at Nick's school work and stepping into his recreated studio to find out all his secrets. You can create your own 'Sharracter' on the special interactives. The exhibition includes his original sketchbooks and the actual illustrations from prize-winning favourite stories like The Story of Tracy Beaker and Elephant Wellyphant.

Opens on 9th July at the City Art Gallery and Museum and runs until 3rd September. The Gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am until 4.30pm and entry is free.

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

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Business News

LOCAL BUSINESS

NEWS

New Plant Centre Fridays & Saturdays 10am – 4pm Sundays 11am – 3pm Come & browse our range of quality shrubs, unusual perennials, bulbs & annuals

Crowcroft House Farm Leigh Sinton Nr Malvern WR13 5ED Footastic Feet Footastic Feet is celebrating after completing its first year in business.It was started by Claire Tilley who says ‘I've been working in Private Practice nearly six years. During this time, I qualified and set up my own business so I could go out and treat people's feet in the comfort of their own homes.’

The services offered include full foot-care treatments, a nail trimming service & foot assessments for foot pains and arch supports.

Claire is also happy to advise on general foot health and on children’s feet. She works in Worcester and the surrounding area, and if you’d like to find out more you can call

her on 07807 279382. There’s also a website - www.footasticfeet.co.uk

Wykeham Gardens 01684 578381 | 07976 444618 www.wykehamgardens.com WYKEHAM GARDENS A new plant nursery has opened in Leigh Sinton, offering a range of shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals. It’s part of Wykeham Gardens which is run by husband and wife team Rachael & Andy Mahy whose love of horticulture brought them together. Andy was Head of Horticulture at Askham Bryan College in York where Rachael came to study horticulture after a career change: she had previously worked as an Aerialist (trapeze artist).

Together, they offer a garden maintenance and design service, as well as selling plants at Farmers Markets. They’ve decided to expand their work to grow shrubs, perennials, bulbs and annuals. Alongside garden favourites they have some more unusual varieties and are happy to advise on the best plants for your project.

The new plant nursery is open for plant sales on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am until 4pm and on Sundays from 11am until 3pm. It’s situated at Crowcroft House Farm in Leigh Sinton (WR13 5ED) just off the A4103 on the edge of the village towards Cradley.

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www.allaboutmalvernhills.com/businesses

Business News

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

F.W. Spilsbury Funeral Director Georgia Spilsbury is the fourth generation of her family to work at F. W. Spilsbury. The familyowned funeral director has been in Malvern Link since 1875. Since then they have cared for generations of bereaved families and Georgia is proud to continue that tradition. ‘Treating families with a quiet dignity has always been important to us, but we have moved with the times and these days we arrange everything from traditional funerals to simple cremations and green burials in natural woodland settings, catering for all wishes and budgets.’

Having been firmly rooted in Malvern for more than a century, Georgia believes her firm offers an unparalleled knowledge of local vicars, celebrants and locations for a service. ‘As a local company, we have a long term commitment to the community, building a trusting relationship with families who are thankful for our help at a difficult time. Reputation is important to us so we make it our duty to maintain the standard to which Malvern and the surrounding areas expect.’

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News

community NEWS

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS Could you spare a few hours a week? Worcester Wheels Community Transport needs volunteer drivers and passenger assistants. It’s a friendly team and if you’d like to find out more then call Lorna at Worcester Volunteer Centre on (01905) 24741

SEVERN SOUNDS FESTIVAL After months of planning, the Severn Sounds Festival kicks off on Friday 3rd June at the Pavilion in the Park.

The Bohemians, a Queen tribute group, are the headline act on the first evening after which there’s a weekend of free family fun.

The festival started four years ago and since then has raised £5,000 for charity. As well as music there will be plenty of free activities for young people including drum workshops, Giant Colouring In, Bouncy Castles, Henna and Face Painting.

The festival team has also worked closely with Christopher Whitehead Language College for their Battle of the Bands competition and the winning acts will be performing at the festival over the weekend.

Entry is free but money raised over the weekend will be donated to New Hope Worcester, a charity supporting the families of children with disabilities and complex health care needs.

The festival runs on Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June at Pavilion in the Park. You can keep up to date on facebook and Twitter and the full line-up can be viewed at www.severnsoundsfestival.co.uk

TEA ON THE GREEN FOR THE QUEEN ‘Tea on the Green for the Queen’ promises an afternoon of tea and cake, children’s entertainment and an old fashioned sing-song. It’s taking place in St John’s churchyard on Saturday 11th June between 2pm and 4pm - everybody is welcome.

There’s no entry charge, but the organisers would like you to tell them if you’re planning to go.

Pop into the Parish Office (next to the church) or email stjohnschurchevent@gmail.com

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RACE THE DRAGON Race the Dragon is the annual dragon boat regatta on the River Severn raising money for charity.

The organisers promise an exciting and entertaining race day on Saturday 25th June from 9am on the river next to Worcester Racecourse.

You can read more at www.worcester-dragons.org.uk

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Feature

worcestershire litfest and fringe

FESTIVAL LAUNCH – Friday 10th June 6.30pm for a 7pm start at Worcester Racecourse, Grandstand Road, Worcester Watch finalists go head to head for this year’s Worcestershire Poet Laureate award. Hosted

by Matt Windle, a poet by day and professional boxer by night who uses poetry to inspire people of all ages.

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM II – Saturday 11th June, 7pm for 7.30pm start at The Museum of Royal Worcester, Severn Street, Worcester A spoken word event with local authors and poets, with the announcement of the new Poet-In-Residence for The Museum of Royal Worcester.

AUTHORS OF A CERTAIN ERA – Sunday 12th June, 2pm until 4pm at St John’s Library Four novelists share their experience of getting a novel published when no longer in the first flush of youth – it’s never too late!

FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER – The Drama of Sport Quiz – Sunday 12th June 7pm for 7.30pm start at Security House, Barbourne Road, Worcester Chris and Teresa Green host a quizzical extgravaganza. This event was so popular last year that people were turned away!

Refreshments will be served.

WORCESTER WRITERS’ CIRCLE AND FRIENDS PRESENT: Rubber Swordplay Monday 13th June 7pm for a 7.30pm start at St Swithun’s Institute, The Trinity WR1 2PN A selection of their humorous stories and poems in an evening that will be more fun than an EU referendum debate. Who will be this year’s winner of the coveted Rubber Sword? Hosted by Tony Judge.

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MAGNETIC DIARIES – Tuesday 14th June, 7pm for a 7.30pm start at The Hive WR1 3PB Writer Sarah James is an award-winning poet, short fiction writer, journalist, arts editor and reviewer. She has four published poetry collections and was winner of the Overton Poetry Prize 2015. The Magnetic Diaries poetry collection was highly commended in the Forward Prizes 2015.

IDLE WOMEN OF THE WARTIME WATERWAYS – Thursday 16th June, 7.30pm at The Camp House Inn, Grimley WR2 6LX Heather Wastie and Kate Staffin whisk us back to the days of World War Two when a shortage of crews on working boats brought a new breed of boater to the canal, nicknamed the Idle Women.

Hear the stories of those young women who took on the challenge to manage a pair of boats and 55 tons of cargo.

A free outdoor performance (donations requested).

Matman performance at QMU

Heather Wastie, Idle Woman by Terasa Newton

LitFest is back with a wide array of events including readings, outdoor performance and workshops. Here’s a taste of what’s coming up.

A full programme of events is available online at worcslitfest.co.uk. You can purchase tickets on the website or via the Worcester Live box office at Huntingdon Hall (01905) 611427

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Feature

hallow village community group This thriving community group started ten years ago so that Hallow could enter a competition. Since then its members have organised all kinds of events that help improve life in the village. Joy Fulcher is the group’s secretary and tells us more. he Group was started 10 years ago, primarily to enter a sponsored Village of the Year competition. We did very well, but didn't quite win.

T

From that point a committee of about twenty people was formed and each year we have gone from strength to strength, staging village events almost every month since - Christmas parties and summer lunches for the senior citizens; pantomimes and revues. We have also had casino nights, barn dances, family picnics on the playing field with sports for all ages, jumble sales and table top sales.

Christmas is a special time of year with Carols on the Green and a visit by Santa on his illuminated sleigh, when he donates free gifts to the local children. At Halloween we hold a fancy dress and carved pumpkin competition on the Green, sponsored by our local general Store, Ladygo Stores in the centre of the village.

The highlight of each year is our Country Fair, which this year is on the 5th June. This is a free event held on the playing field, in the Parish Hall, the scout hut and the cricket pavilion - all in close proximity. We have dozens of stalls, country displays, vintage tractors, classic cars, maypole and morris dancing, a beer tent selling locally produced cider and ale; pig roast; tug-o'-war competed by surrounding pub and sports teams.

All the organisations and the church take part and up to 1,000 people come along.

We also have a thriving History Group (formed as a sub group of the HVCG). They have produced a book on the history of Hallow's Farms and

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Mills, Past and Present which also includes a CD of recording by elderly farmers and residents.

They are constantly researching every aspect of Hallow's amazing history and hold illustrated public talks in the Parish Hall every 3 months.

We raise a lot of money from the events we hold throughout the year and have donated considerable sums to local organisations, including the scouts, the pre-school group, the church and Park Heath residential home for the elderly. Our environment group have regular litter picks and help to keep the riverside pathways clear of Himalayan Balsam.

Hallow Village Community Group has a website – hvcg.org.uk – and an active Facebook page as well. Our history group has its own website – hallowhistory.org.uk

If you’d like to get in touch, you’ll find contact details on the website, or you can call (01905) 641043

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Concert

Elgar Chorale pay tribute to Shakespeare with 'Music to Hear' The Elgar Chorale will be adding their tribute to the bard in his anniversary year with a concert of readings and music. Taking its title from Sonnet 8 Music to hear, why hear’st thou music sadly?

- it takes place at St George’s Church in Barbourne on Saturday 18th June starting at 7.30 pm.

The Chorale will sing works by Vaughan Williams, Matthias, Rutter and George Shearing, the last accompanied by a jazz trio. A special feature will be the readings, chosen to complement the singing, read by Gabrielle Bullock and Sir Roy Strong, whom the Chorale is proud to have as its Patron.

Sir Roy, something of a national institution and widely recognised for a lifetime’s contribution to British fine arts, was appointed a Companion of Honour by the Queen in the New Year.

As its name suggests, the Chorale’s repertoire strongly features the work of Elgar as well as other English composers but it is by no means restricted.

They cover a broad range from Early Music through Bach to close harmony and new breed of 21st

Century composers. Experienced singers interested in the chamber choir repertoire are encouraged to make contact via www.elgarchorale.com.

The Chorale was led by Dr Donald Hunt for over 25 years during which it has performed at Three Choirs Festivals, across the county and further afield on tours of Devon, France and South Africa.

Future venues include Croome Park and Malvern this autumn and Pershore Abbey next March.

Donald passed the baton in 2015 to its current musical director Piers Maxim who also leads the music in Malvern Priory and has an impressive musical pedigree which includes conducting operas in Europe and China.

Tickets for Music to Hear are £12 (£5 for under 18 and students), available from 01684 594570 and administrator@elgarchorale.com Sponsored by David Sartori Garden Design and Landscaping (Tel 07919 264327)

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EST.

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Free planning & design service in the comfort of your own home or visit our showroom

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

Find us on

21

Well Being

health and super mario bros

By Tracy J Reck, Exercise & Nutrition Coach in Worcester Why Health Is Like Playing Super Mario Bros Super Mario is one of those almost universal reference points. Most people I’ve met are familiar with the little moustachioed plumber who bounds around in his dungarees in Mario Land. His task in the game is to get from the beginning to the end of the level while collecting as many gold coins and power-ups as possible. He must be careful not to be hit by tortoises with spikes or poisonous mushrooms.

a

nd that, I feel, is a great analogy for what we’re all doing out here in the real world, trying to improve our health.

Every single thing you do to boost your health every glass of water you drink, every exercise you do, every hour you sleep - those are your gold coins. Collect as many as you can.

Every single time you sidestep a poor choice - the unnecessary doughnut you ignore, the stressful experience that doesn’t ruin your peace, when you choose self-love over self-criticism - that’s you jumping over the spiky tortoises.

Often Mario won’t complete the level in one go. In fact, more often than not he won’t. It takes a few goes, normally, for Mario to get to the end without getting bitten or falling off a ledge.

That’s us too. We fall off a cliff with our exercise routine so we start over. Sugar takes a big bite out of our best intentions on diet, so we start over. We fall over and start over a hundred times. So does Mario.

Do you ever see Mario giving himself grief for it?

Calling himself a failure? Nope. Because it’s not failure, it’s just falling over.

Ultimately Mario completes the level. After doing this for a few levels of the game, he’ll meet a big baddie - a huge enemy that takes real commitment and grit to overcome. Mario will keep fighting until that big bad guy is vanquished.

22

We do that too. We’ll pick up some habits, some goals, pretty easily. Once we have a few of those under our belt, we’ll have to face one of our bigger bug-bears head on. You know these, they’re the deeply ingrained habits that take some unpicking because you’re really attached to them. If you do a Mario and just keep on hitting it, keep on going back to it with your guns blazing, ready to do battle until you come out the victor, you’ll do as Mario does - you’ll win.

And you know what happens to Mario when he eats a non-poisonous mushroom? He gets bigger and stronger (because vegetables are good for you!)

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

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

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23

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LOCAL ELECTRICIAN FOR ALL YOUR HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL NEEDS

EXPERIENCED IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICS, AS WELL AS TESTING

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25

Recipe

meg's cream of asparagus Soup One of the first fresh tastes of the new growing season is delicious Worcestershire asparagus. While our impression of eating asparagus is one of decadence, it is after all a crop like every other, that reaches peak production mid-season when a glut is created.

This is the recipe to use when you can find a couple of bunches or a bag of 'souping asparagus'. At Roots we are just starting to pull the first of our garlic crop. Although the bulbs are not developed, chopped up whole (stalk and all) adds a delicious, fresh garlicky base to the soup. Whilst a strong flavour in itself, asparagus marries well with this fresh flavour and using a good chicken stock, preferably home made, will complete a superb early summer dish.

Method Begin by finely chopping the onion and the garlic.

You will find that if the garlic is really young you can strip back a few of the outer layers (like a leek!).

Then finely chop across the whole garlic and a little way up the green stem where the leaves still tender. This will all add to the flavour.

Ingredients Serves 4 - 6 • 750g Asparagus prepared (3-4 bunches) • 1 Medium Onion • 1 Fresh Wet Garlic • 1.5 litres Chicken Stock • 10floz (about 300ml) Cream • Freshly Milled Salt and Pepper • 1tbsp Light Olive Oil

Wash and trim the asparagus. You can save a few tips to one side if you want to be able to garnish your soup with blanched asparagus tips, otherwise roughly chop it all.

Heat the olive oil in a deep saucepan and sweat the onion and garlic until it is soft but not coloured. Add the asparagus and sweat for a few more minutes then pour in the hot chicken stock. Bring the soup to simmering point for 10-15 minutes until the asparagus is soft.

Blend the soup, return to the pan and add the cream. Keep the heat low so that the soup is hot but not boiling, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Kindly provided by Meg of Roots at Rushwick, a Worcestershire Farm Shop on the Bransford Road - 01905 421104

26

fine Cantonese dining all year round

RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY Bransford Road, Rushwick, Worcester WR2 5TD

A brilliant farm shop for foodies.

Please visit our website to find out more.

Home reared meat and poultry Traditional, Organic, Quality Friday is “Pizza Night”!

Baked in our wood oven, while you wait, fresh handmade pizza.

Tel. 01905 421104 to order

We’re open: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Fridays until 8pm | Sunday 10am - 1pm

www.familyfarmshop.co.uk

Special Lunchtime Discount Offer

20% discount off food order Thursday to Saturday 12pm - 2pm when you mention ‘All About’ magazine

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t: 01905 830238

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Malvern Kitchens Ltd Now offering full Bedroom and Bathroom Design & Fitting Service

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27

Number 1 Hatton Park, just off the A44 next to McColl’s convenience store in Bromyard, HR7 4EY Consultations are £49 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.

Personalised quality care in your home

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

01905 452595

01885 482 855

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

worcester@caremark.co.uk

    

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

     

  

A Revolutionary Hearing Aid A Revolutionary Hearing Aid - that can hear like your ears do!

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Call 01905 617 803 to 01905 803 Call 01905 617 617 803 to to book yourCall appointment or visit book your appointment www.worcesterhearingcentre.co.uk book your appointment or or visit visit

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not5be suitable for all hearing losses Worcester Hearing*May Centre, Cornmarket, Worcester, WR1 2DR Worcester Hearing Centre, 5 Cornmarket, Worcester, WR1 2DR *May not be suitable for all hearing losses *May not be suitable for all hearing losses

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29

Show

you've got a friend Since landing a lead role in a West End musical a few years ago, Dean Elliott from Worcester has carved a successful career in musical theatre.

d

ean played the lead role in The Buddy Holly Story before returning to Worcester and starting a family while simultaneously developing a touring show. ‘The Simon and Garfunkel Story’ started in 2014 and is still playing to audiences across the country, although now Dean has stepped out of performing and is concentrating on creating new shows.

‘I think it was a success because there are so many people who love the music of Simon and Garfunkel’ he says. ‘Our next big show is Chaplin, which tells the life story of Charlie Chaplin. It stars Steven Arnold who plays Ashley Peacock in Coronation Street and Nicole Faraday who has appeared on television in Bad Girls, Casualty and Emmerdale. Our opening night is at Malvern on 10th June.’ As if that wasn’t enough, Dean has just opened another show, You’ve Got a Friend: The Music of James Taylor and Carole King,

which comes to The Swan Theatre on Thursday 2nd June.

‘They wrote some of the best songs of the era’ says Dean, ‘and as well as working together they were close friends. The show is similar to our Simon and Garfunkel Show but is more concertbased and focuses on the music that shaped a generation.’ The evening features many of their classic hits including 'I Feel The Earth Move', 'How Sweet It Is' (To Be Loved By You) and 'You’ve Got A Friend'.

You’ve Got a Friend is at The Swan Theatre in Worcester on Thursday 2nd June at 8pm. Tickets are £16.50 and are available by calling (01905) 611427

Make life easier

with our simple solutions For straight forward advice contact Sue on:

01684 626 626 www.otstores.co.uk

Monday-Friday: 9am-4.30pm The Haysfield, Spring Lane North, Malvern WR14 1GF

30

SANCTUARY CARE IN WORCESTER ‘Keeping kindness at the heart of our care’ J U N I PE R H OUSE R ESID ENT IA L CARE HO ME Join us at our upcoming events at Juniper:

Every Thursday Themed social evenings: 6pm – 8pm

Friday 17 June Care Home Open Day: Dance with one of Mexico’s top salsa dancers from 11am – 12pm then stay for a buffet lunch and musical entertainment from 2pm – 4pm.

2 Oak View Way, St. Johns, Worcester WR2 5FJ Tel: 01905 676950

R E G ENT R ESID ENT IAL CARE HO ME Join us at our upcoming events at Regent:

Friday 17 June Care Home Open Day Royal Garden Party with music, mouth-watering cakes and refreshments, 11am – 4pm.

Saturday 16 July Dog Show with prizes and rosettes.

Registration from 12pm, show starts at 2pm.

School Road, St. Johns, Worcester WR2 4HF Tel: 01905 337100 Carefully chosen for their compassionate and kind approach, our staff provide a range of residential and dementia care.

www.sanctuary-care.co.uk Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity

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

31

Music Feature

Local Talent

By Dave Webber

As soon as he picked up a guitar for the first time, Ben Vickers knew it was the instrument for him. Almost twenty years later, he’s a regular on the local music scene and a driving force behind many of our local open-mic nights.

b

en grew up in Droitwich and got his first guitar when he was 11 years old. He admits that his main reason for starting was to play in a band with a couple of friends and he continued to play in bands right through his school years. ‘I absolutely loved it’ he says, ‘the guitar was my escape from the pressure of exams!’

Moving on to study and teach guitar in Birmingham, Ben was playing with bands on the local music scene but finding it hard to make bands gel and so one day he decided to pick up an acoustic guitar and start playing solo. He’s never looked back!

We’re lucky to have quite a few open mic and jam sessions taking place in this part of the world, and Ben dived into this. He made a decision to play at every single one he could get to, every week for several years. This helped to raise his profile as a performer, but it also gave him lots and lots of practise at playing live. This has really paid off for him, turning him into a popular live act that people make a point of turning up to see.

‘Even though I was playing flat out, this was all I wanted to do’ he says. Ben increasingly started to help organise and run some local sessions, and he’s become a regular fixture at the open mic night at The Firefly in Lowesmoor on Tuesdays.

‘The Firefly is a fantastic night ‘he says, ‘the vibe is great and I love every minute. It’s something about the location as well as the musicians and audience who turn up. Sometimes in a pub or bar you might have a crowd of drinkers and only ten people actually listening. People coming to The Firefly are here to listen and that helps turn it into a great night of music.’

Last year was a busy one for Ben. He ran a stage at the Worcester Music Festival and in September he launched ‘Keep it Real Funky’,

32

Photo: Ralph Titley a four track EP. He’ll be recording some more songs and hopes to release a full album later this year.

One of his favourite local festivals to date was Youthcomm’s Minifest, which he describes as ‘a wonderful gig’. Over the summer he’ll be playing at the Sunshine Music Festival in Upton and should be on the bill at other local festivals as well.

You can catch Ben at one of the Firefly sessions in Lowesmoor or at Pay Day Friday at The Pheasant on New Street on June 24th or July 29th.

Ben has an active Youtube channel and is on Twitter (@6stringwiszard).

You’ll also find him on Facebook and Soundcloud (search for ‘vickersbeard’).

Dave Webber runs the Pumpkin Sessions, a mobile live music venue in the back of a VW Camper Van that tours the local area. Look out for him this summer, you can read more by searching for Pumpkin Sessions on Facebook and Youtube.

£££££ CASH PAID INSTANTLY!

We Pay Instant £’s for your unwanted clothing, paired footwear, handbags & accessories!

MALVERN Unit 8, Link Business Park, Link Way, Malvern, WR14 1UQ Tel: 01684 565633 Map Data © 2016 Google

Free Parking in front of Shop!

OPENING TIMES: Mon to Sat: 9:00am-4:00pm To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

33

Notice Board bands in the park at cripplegate 2.30pm until 4.30pm near Sons of Rest building Enjoy a free afternoon of music in the park.

Sun July 3rd - Malvern Chase Brass Band Sun July 17th - Central England Concert Band Sun July 31 - Cleobury Mortimer Concert Band Refreshments available

For more info phone 01905 722233 or email greenspaceevents@worcester.gov.uk

Walk the Worcestershire Way 31 miles in a day - and raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice

Worcester

Clothes, furniture, electrical and other small appliances, toys and bicycles all repaired - by DONATION 11 June & 9 July 11am - 2pm STARS Adult Day Centre, Stanley Road For details call 07876 373048 or email repaircafeworcester@gmail.com

The Importance of Being Earnest The Worcester Repertory Company presents

On Friday 17th June 2016 Register by 6th June by calling Alison Parkes on (01905) 763963

www.strichards.org.uk

Worcestershire Writers’ Group a new creative writing group, meeting the second Wednesday of each month 7.30pm at The Lunar Bar (above Drummonds) New Street, Worcester.

Next Meetings: Wed 8th June and Wed 13th July worcswritersgroup.co.uk

Hardy Plant Society Worcestershire Group

Oscar Wilde’s much loved masterpiece in the beautiful surroundings of The Commandery Gardens.

Tuesday 12th until Sunday 24th July hallow 7.30pm Tuesdays – Saturdays, country fair 3pm Sundays Sunday 5th June, 11am - 5pm For tickets and information On Hallow Playing Fields call (01905) 611 427 With Live Bands, Good Food, a Falconry Display, Tug ‘o War Competition, Morris Dancing, a Royal Family Fun Time at St Fancy Dress competition, Vintage John's Library Vehicles, Pig Roast and a Real Ale and Cider Tent.

Saturday 11 June See hvcg.org.uk 10am - noon. All At Sea for details

Small Message? !

It’s free for groups

al.com james@allabout-loc 242 252 01684

Saturday 11 June, 2 - 4pm, Peopleton Village Hall, WR10 2EG. Annual Plant Sale. Free entry and advice, refreshments and plant supports available.

Saturday 9 July, 2pm Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ. Worcestershire-based plant photographer, Adrian James, traces the history, design and influence of courtyard gardens across the world.

Plants for sale, refreshments and raffle.

Visitors welcome at £3.

www.worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk

Free craft activities for children aged 3 to 9 years old

Three Pears Patchwork and Quilting Group Worcester

Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month at Bromyard Road Methodist Church Hall, Bromyard Road, WR2 5DL from 7.30 pm - 9.30pm And on the 4th Monday of the month at Hallow Village Hall, Crown Lane Hallow, WR2 6PP from 1.30pm -3.30pm for practical sewing sessions.

New members are welcome. If you would like more information contact Katharine Guerrier on 01905 420481 or Pauline Mills 01886 888788 or email katharinepatches@ netscape.net or goblin8504@yahoo.co.uk

Aug/Sept Deadline: Tuesday 5 July

34

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Nestling beside the majestic Malvern Hills, our former Benedictine

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SPE

S TA N B R O O K A B B E Y H O T E L

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Your invitation to experience

n a d ri n k o

Monastery has been recreated as a spectacular venue for weddings, conferences or indulgent overnight stays. Discover the dramatic

cloisters and gothic stained-glass windows of the spectacular abbey that gives our hotel its name.

Experience fine dining and spectacular views from our restaurant,

Sister Charlotte’s. Enjoy seasonal menus using fresh local produce from the Vale of Evesham.

We invite you to enjoy a free glass of Prosecco

when booking afternoon tea, or a bottle of house wine when booking an evening dinner for two.

BOOK NOW ONLINE AT: www.stanbrookabbey.com CALL: 01905 409 300 EMAIL: hello@stanbrookabbey.com Stanbrook Abbey, Callow End, Worcester, WR2 4TY.

Please bring this flyer with you to Stanbrook Abbey Hotel. Valid until the end of 2016, excluding public holidays and key calendar dates. Reservations required, subject to availability.

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

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What’s On

june

july

Friday 3 June - Sunday 5 June The Severn Sounds Festival a family friendly mix of music, activities and more at the Pavilion in the Park. Free entry, continues until Sunday See www.severnsoundsfestival.co.uk Saturday 11 June The Active Age Festival 2016 with activities, demonstrations, entertainment and information for older adults. 10am until 3pm at the University Riverside Centre on Hylton Road, Organised by Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire with the University of Worcester Friday 17 June An evening with international photographer Simon Butterworth presented by Beacon Camera Club at the Swan Theatre, 7.30pm Tickets £15 from (01905) 611427 Saturday 18 June Author Edward Dorricott signs copies of his new book ‘Samuel Telford Dutton – Railway Signal Engineer of Worcester’ from 11am at The Hive, followed by a guided walk at 3pm See www.thehiveworcester.org

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June Saturday 18 June English Association of Male Voice Choirs Annual Concert 7pm in Worcester Cathedral See www.eamvc.org.uk

Thursday 23 June ‘Quacks, Butchers or Pioneers?’ A talk by Dr Stephen Rutherford on surgeons and the treatment of wounds in the Civil Wars, 7pm at the Commandery (doors 6pm), organised

by The Battle of Worcester Society.

Entry £7, advance tickets from The Commandery

Sunday 3 July Malvern Chase Brass Band perform in Cripplegate Park as part of the Bands in the Park summer series. From 2.30pm to 4.30pm, free entry For a full schedule see www.allaboutworcester.com Sunday 3 July Great Witley Walk with Worcester Ramblers a five mile walk with the option to finish at Witley Court for an afternoon of jazz See www.worcesterramblers.org.uk Sunday 10 July Musical Praise with Malvern Christian Witness Choir songs and music incorporating the concert musical ‘Barnabas’. 6.30pm at St James’ Church, Callow End Net proceeds from the event donated to The Little Princess Trust Sunday 24 July Monthly covered market at The Fold Bransford, a great opportunity to shop local with some of the region’s best products and produce. 11am-2pm See www.thefold.org.uk

Thursday 28 July Stuck in a reading rut and need something new or different? Visit the Book Doctor at The Hive who can advise on new or interesting titles and genres. Sessions last ½ an hour (between 6 & 8pm) and can be booked via www.thehiveworcester.org Happens again on Weds 10 August

Friday 29 July Worcester Foodie Festival 2016 browse stalls offering delicious food and drink and enjoy music and street entertainment around the city centre.

Continues until Sunday see www.worcesterbid.com/foodie

Promote your Aug/Sept events: email james@allabout-local.com or call 01684 252 242 by Tuesday 5 July 2016 at the latest.

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28

July

FREE

for groups

re|fashion

FABRICS - CLASSES - ALTERATIONS The Fold, Studio 3, Bransford ‘Sewing for the Terrified’ structured classes for beginners & the very rusty!

GET PAID TO EXERCISE! We are looking for local deliverers to help us get the magazines delivered to homes and businesses in St John's in Worcester and surrounding villages.

Contact us for more details on 01684 252242 or james@allabout-local.com

‘Sewing the Foundations’ one-day workshop guidance for beginners ‘Zip Intensive’ just zips a one-day workshop For full details about all courses and one-to-one lessons call: Catherine 07854 486869

www.re-fashion.co.uk

Malvern Blinds Est. 1975

Manufacturers of Internal & External Blinds

Vertical • Roller • Pleated • Venetian Roman • Woodslat • Awnings • Canopies Replacement Fabrics Conservatory Blinds

Locks & Glass

For a complete double-glazing

repair service

Hinges, handles, locks and security.

Key cutting

We can supply and fit or for DIY Visit our shop at 73, Spring Lane, Malvern Link WR14 1AJ Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8.30-12.30

01684 574047

www.malvern-blinds.co.uk

The Old Fire Station, Howsell Road Malvern WR14 1TF | Customer Parking

Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

Signposted opposite Worcester College Construction Department

01684 567070 24 Hour LocKsmitH 07767 883639

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

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Theatre News Regan De Wynter Williams presents Sasha Regan’s All Male

hms pinafore or The Lass That Loved a Sailor

By W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan Sasha Regan returns with another of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most popular operas, the wonderful HMS Pinafore. This follows her hugely successful all-male production of The Pirates of Penzance, which wowed fans and critics at Cate Blanchett’s Sydney Theatre and won Best Off West End Production.

The award-winning team take Gilbert & Sullivan below deck, where World War II troops set out a distraction from the goings on above board with a production of one of their most popular tales, HMS Pinafore.

Dealing with the age old conundrum of love between social classes, HMS Pinafore’s infectious tunes and beautifully constructed libretto are a perfect match for Sasha’s inimitable style; fresh, fast, and inventive. Joyful, witty and fun for all the family! An absolute must-see! “simply beyond superb… a production unlikely to be bettered” CAMBRIDGE NEWS

Competition

Win a pair of tickets to HmS Pinafore Win a pair of tickets to this show at Malvern Theatres.

Please answer the following question: HMS Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan is also known by what title?

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

by Monday 20th June 2016.

The winners will be drawn from the entries and notified by 21st June.

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

“immaculately well sung and wittily staged” SARDINES REVIEW HMS Pinafore will be appearing at Malvern Theatres from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th July.

Tickets are on sale at the Box Office 01684 892277 and online at malvern-theatres.co.uk.

Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing but nobody else does.

- Stuart H. Britt

Ring 07722 226712 to make sure everybody does know!

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Classes & Courses

silver surfers Free Computer Classes for Absolute Beginners at St John’s Library Over 55’s Especially Welcome – Call Today to Book Tel. 01684 541 892

If you run local classes or courses and would like your details printed here please contact Teresa on 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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.