All About Worcester December 2015

Dec 2015/Jan 2016 Issue 27

7,000 hand-delivered to households & businesses in St John's, Battenhall & Northwick

free

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

enjoy local REINDEER COURT CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL WONKY PARSNIPS

what’s on competition Keep me for 2 months

locally

£££££ 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

Free Parking in front of Shop!

OPENING TIMES: Mon to Sat: 9:00am-4:00pm 2

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

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Contents

WElcome

December 2015

I am incredibly proud to announce that All About Magazines has been awarded three prestigious national awards at the Independent Magazine Publishers Conference this year. We won Best Social Media Presence, I won Highly Commended Inspirational Business Owner and we won the overall Community Magazine of the Year Award for 2015.

A massive achievement all due to great teamwork. You can find the story of how it all happened on page 20 of this magazine.

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28 20

Sascha McDonald - The Editor Dec 2015/Jan 2016 Issue 27

7,000 hand-deliv ered to households & businesses in St John's, Battenhall & Northwick

free

Enjoy Local 6 Business News 8 Community News 12 Reindeer Court 16 All About Teamwork 20 Local Talent 24 Roots: Wonky British Parsnips 26 Litter Hero 28 Well Being: Shaping your Path 30 Notice Board 34 What’s On 36 & 37 Competition & Theatre News 38 Classes & Courses 38 www.facebook.com/allaboutworcester www.twitter.com/allaboutlocal www.allaboutworcester.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

enjoy local REINDEER COURT CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL WONKEY PARSNIP S

Cover Photo Christmas tree in the snow.

what’s on competition Keep me for 2 months

locally

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 Worcester is distributed to 14,600 homes and businesses over 2 months.

CONTRIBUTORS Tracy Reck, Dave Webber, Roots NEXT BOOKING/COPY DEADLINE Wed 9 December for Jan/Feb 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

Health & Well-being Shop We sell thoughtful gifts, health and well-being gift vouchers. Visit us and enjoy your Christmas shop. There is something for everyone, where health is their priority.

• Relaxation Music, Aromatherapy Candles, Essential oils, Zenbow Vaporisers • Crystals, Angels, Ornaments, Jewellery Handcrafted gifts.

• Liz Earle and Neal’s Yard products • Gift Vouchers with a choice of therapies • Vitamins and Herbs • Angelic Healing Courses • Bespoke Aromatherapy Blends Healing Touch 4 Bath Road Worcester WR5 3EJ rita@healingtouchworcester.co.uk www.healingtouchworcester.co.uk

Scott Wroe Hearing Centre MALVERN

One Stop Shop for your Complementary & Alternative Health needs Offering a wide range of options: • • • • • • • • • • •

Therapeutic Counselling Cognitive Behaviour Therapy McTimoney Chiropractic Affordable Clinical Hypnotherapy A lternative Classical Homeopathy Osteopathy Healthcar e Traditional Acupuncture Therapeutic Soft Tissue Manipulation Reflexology & Indian Head Massage Sports Massage Angelic Healing & Aromatherapy Call us now to discuss how we can help you: 01905 763481 rita@healingtouchworcester.co.uk

Angelic Reiki® Attunements

with Rita Davies - Level 1&2, Level 3&4 Professional Practitioner Level Master Teacher Level Healing Touch 4 Bath Road Worcester WR5 3EJ www.healingtouchworcester.co.uk

• The highest levels of service & aftercare • 30 day trial on all hearing aids • 5 year aftercare service plan with all hearing aids

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

We are a 5 Star Centre for Phonak, the first Widex Approved Centre in the UK and a Gold Centre for Oticon.

For more information or to arrange your appointment

Please call 01684 566449 | 74 Barnards Green Rd, Malvern WR14 3LY To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Enjoy Local 1. Gheluvelt Park Tree Dressing

3. workshops at the hive

National Tree Week marks the start of tree planting season and tree dressing is part of the celebration. Community groups take part and the trees are decorated on Friday 4th December.

There are plenty of festive workshops and events for families and children at the Hive during December.

For details speak to Lisa on (01905) 722233

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things to enjoy local

2. weekend of fun From beautiful displays of decorated trees to festive music and a visit from Father Christmas, there’s a weekend of fun at St John’s Church from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th December.

Join a Lantern Making Workshop on 5 December (10am-1pm, £2.50), watch the film ‘Get Santa’ on 20th December or enjoy weekend performances of ‘Christmas Rat-a-Tat Tales’ throughout the month.

For more details see thehiveworcester.org

During December 2015

For full details see www.allaboutworcester.com

4. walking with the ramblers Get out and enjoy the pleasures of walking with Worcester Ramblers, who have a special Winter Walks programme during December. Some of the highlights include a six mile stroll along the Severn to Grimley and walks in the countryside surrounding Worcester.

For details see www.allaboutworcester.com

5. December Delights concert The choir of Pitmaston Primary School joins with Malvern Hills District Brass Band for a special festive concert this December. On offer is a lighthearted evening of festive music that will get you in the Christmas spirit. ‘December Delights’ takes place at Huntingdon Hall on Saturday 12th December, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £9 for adults, £7 for Retired over 60, Students and Unwaged, with free entry for children under 12.

For tickets, call the Worcester Live Box Office on (01905) 611427.

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

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

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Business News STYLISH GIFTS & CARDS

OVEN SCRUB

Drop into St John’s new card and gift shop to stock up for Christmas.

A clean oven is high on the list of Christmas preparations in many homes, which is good news for Danny Walder who runs Oven Scrub! The business started in 2014 and now has a long list of repeat customers who also recommend its services to others.

There’s a large festive range at Stylish Gifts and Cards including Christmas stockings, gift sets including candles, cards and wrapping paper, with something for every budget.

‘The planning and buying in of our Christmas stock goes on all year’ says the shop’s owner Chris Styles, ‘and we make sure there’s everything from traditional to modern.’

The shop also stocks an extensive range of cards and gifts for birthdays and other occasions so it’s business as usual once Christmas and New Year are over.

Stylish Cards and Gifts is in the King Charles Arcade in the heart of St John's. It is open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 2pm on Saturdays.

‘It’s been really busy since last year’ says Danny, ‘and especially so in the run up to Christmas.

As well as cleaning work, I give clients a sheet containing useful tips to keep their ovens in tip top shape. Keeping your oven clean goes beyond hygiene, and benefits include energy efficiency and fewer cooking odours.’

Based in Worcester, Oven Scrub is an independent local company covering Worcestershire and beyond. They still have bookings available in the run up to Christmas.

Call them on 07930 859068 or visit www.oven-scrub.com

Chris.stylishmonkeyltd@live.com

SPEEDY FOX LTD DELIVERY SERVICE

ST JOHN'S WOOL SHOP Whether it's tinsel wool, or the patterns for a knit-your-own nativity scene, the St Johns Wool Shop has plenty of festive items to choose from.

‘The patterns for Christmas jumpers are very popular at the moment’ says the shop’s owner Lisa Simpkins, ‘and our knitting books to create toys are also selling well. With the darker nights drawing in, it’s a perfect hobby for winter.’

The shop stocks yarns including King Cole, Style Craft, Sirdar, Woolcraft and James C Brett and runs beginner’s and intermediate classes to learn crochet and knitting. There’s also a regular Knit and Natter session on a Wednesday.

The shop is in the King Charles Arcade and you are always welcome to pop in for a chat, or call on 07825 838060.

Lisasimpkins72@hotmail.co.uk

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After working as a lorry driver for several years, Lucy Carroll decided it was time to set up her own transport business with more of a personal touch. ‘I started by transporting horses’ she says, ‘and then worked for a large haulage firm, travelling long distances right across Europe.’

Lucy has set up Speedy Fox Ltd and promises a courier service straight from collection to the delivery point. ‘I want to make sure people are happy’ she says, ‘and I’m delighted to work for domestic customers as well as businesses.’

Speedy Fox will deliver across the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe and offers a same day service as far as possible.

You can call Lucy on 07812 726505 for a quote or send her an email asking for further information and she’ll be happy to help. Email: lcarroll@speedyfoxltd.com Check out Speedy Fox Ltd on Facebook & Linkedin

www.allaboutmalvernhills.com/businesses

Business News

Electrician

www.darrenspencerelectrical.co.uk www.darrenselectrical.co.uk 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

NEED ANYTHING DELIVERING? Reliable, Local and Fast Courier Delivery Service FOR BUSINESS & RESIDENTIAL

Email Lucy now for a quote:

Do you find it difficult to get someone to Come and do a small job *Extra Lights *Additional Sockets *New Fuse Boards *Rewires * New Installation *Smoke Alarms *Landlord and Homebuyer Inspections Fault Finding and Repair *Qualified Electrician *Six Year Guarantee *fully Insured *Reliable Service *Free Quote * Flexible Hours * Reasonably Priced Satisfaction Guaranteed I will assure you of a quick response, and a reasonably priced service …

Call Darren Your Local Electrician on: 01905-915002

lcarroll@speedyfoxltd.com

07812 726505 ST JOHN’S WOOL SHOP

Stylish Cards & Gifts Co.

Stocking King Cole, Stylecraft, Woolcraft, Sirdar, James C Brett yarns

St Johns own Card & Gift Shop selling;

Christmas Patterns currently in Stock Haberdashery and Crafts Crochet and Knitting Classes Knit and Natter group on Wednesdays Open Monday to Friday 10am til 4pm Saturday 10am til 3pm

5a King Charles Place St Johns, Worcester Tel: 07734 039671

Cards for all Occasions Gift Wrap for all year round Gifts “not just for Christmas” Stationery Boxes of Cards Candles, Cushions, Decorations, Birdboxes, Gifts, Where are we: Unit 2a King Charles Place St Johns Next to Colstons Bakery

OPENING TIMES MONDAY – FRIDAY: 09:AM – 5:PM SATURDAY: 09:30AM – 2:PM

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

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CRADLEY STOVES Installation & maintenance of woodburning and multifuel stoves

W.M. Downes Building and Landscaping Call today for a FREE quotation 01684 574599 07813 452044

• Extensions & Alterations • Modernisation wayne.downes@hotmail.co.uk • Garden Walls Qualified Tradesman • Stone Walling References & Photos available • Paving • Patios and Garden Maintenance • All Building Work Undertaken • Interior & Exterior Makeovers & more!

S.C.Beard

Carpenter and Joiner

For a free estimate call

07983 714 003 roger@cradleystoves.co.uk

www.cradleystoves.co.uk

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

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ELECTRICIAN

Kiln Dried Hardwood

Billy Wiz Services Ltd NO JOB REWIRES TOO SMALL EXTRA SOCKETS OR LARGE LIGHTING FAULT FINDING AND REPAIR FUSE BOARDS SMOKE ALARMS LANDLORD INSPECTIONS P.A.T. TESTING

FIREWOOD

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

For a FREE quotation call BILL on:

07828 743610 01905 426652 Company Reg Number 04828451

01531 641999

Six Door Deal

Only £395

Any six primed trade quality moulded doors supplied and fitted. Choose from two designs with a choice of two handles in chrome or brass complete with hinges, mortice and catch plate.

Doors can also be supplied professionally painted!

01905 672079 07974 309348 Visit website to view full range of internal and external doors.

www.door-suppliers.co.uk

MIKE SWAIN

No deposit required | Fully insured | All work guaranteed

CALL JUSTIN FOR A FREE HOUSE SURVEY

GENERAL BUILDING & MAINTENANCE Let me do the jobs you don’t have time to do or can’t do

FROM EXTENSIONS & DECORATING TO CHIMNEY REBUILDS TO LANDSCAPING Just call for a quote References supplied

01905 937919 07976 647548

brucemike555@aol.com

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

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News

community NEWS WORCESTER BUSINESS BREAKFAST CLUB (WBBC) We are a small business networking club that meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning in Worcester at The Fownes Hotel at 7am finishing by 9am.

We have been meeting for 10 years and are looking for new businesses to join us. Our meetings provide a relaxed way to meet other businesses, get support and lead-generation advice and hone your pitch to potential customers.

Do you have a hearing loss or Tinnitus and want to meet others?

Our small and friendly social group run by fully trained staff and volunteers is on the 2nd Friday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm.

Deaf Direct, Vesta Tilley House, Lowesmoor, WR1 2RS. 01905 746301, info@deafdirect.org.uk www.deafdirect.org.uk

Unlike other networking groups there is no big annual fee to become a member.

If you wish to know more contact our Chairman Simon Thompson at chairman@businessbreakfast.org.uk

ST JOHN'S FESTIVE WEEKEND OF FUN

THE HOP POCKET SHOPPING VILLAGE This December you can enjoy a warm welcome at The Hop Pocket, a family run business, housing a shopping village, craft centre, restaurant, hop museum and art gallery. Update your wardrobe with a stylish range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and choose from an extensive range of footwear.

Be spoilt for choice with stunning jewellery, scarves, home ware and soft furnishings or give your home a makeover with a fabulous choice of home accessories and furniture. With a vast range of giftware, there is something for everyone; traditional toys, quirky collectibles, cooking gadgets, an onsite butcher, a wine shop with free tasting and more.

Enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon tea in the popular restaurant. Choose from a selection of scrumptious cakes and freshly prepared, home cooked lunchtime specials.

Situated just off the main A4103 Worcester to Hereford Road with a large free car park and easy disabled access throughout, The Hop Pocket is open seven days a week.

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From beautiful displays of decorated trees to music and a visit from Father Christmas, there’s a weekend of festive entertainment at St John’s Church from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th December. The fun begins on Friday evening with an event that includes roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and family entertainment. On Saturday Father Christmas makes a special visit while later in the day there’s a concert by Colla Voce.

The Christmas Tree Festival sees trees decorated by local community groups and businesses around the church for the entire weekend.

For full details see www.allaboutworcester.com

WORCESTER

BUSINESS BREAKFAST CLUB

www.businessbreakfast.org.uk

BUSINES BREAKFA CLUB

Come and join us!

We would like to invite you to try our friendly, informal, breakfast network club... l

Independent breakfast networking group

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Meets twice a month at the Fownes Hotel, City Walls Road, Worcester WR1 2AP

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Free parking

Run by the members for the members

l l

Over 1 million pounds of business referrals passed in five years

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New business start-ups welcomed

l

Friendly local businesses

Contact: chairman@worcesterbusinessbreakfast.org.uk

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

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Over 25 yrs experience No job too small Free no-obligation quote

01684 234917 07968 968371

CARPENTER &

FITTED BEDROOM SPECIALIST All aspects of carpentry undertaken, including property maintenance. Design & installation of: fitted bedrooms, office & lounge furniture. Kitchen Renovations, incl new doors.

www.goodcarpentry.co.uk

LOCAL OFFER

say ’hello’ today for your FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION with our ARCHITECT

Woodworm Treatment & Damp Proofing Specialists

• damp proofing • woodworm & rot treatments • tanking & below ground waterproofing • cellar conversions • flood protection & recovery

Work guaranteed & Guarantee Protection Insurance available

Call us now: 01905 902 209

enquiries@countypreservation.co.uk

www.countypreservation.co.uk

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 07891 489 622 ready-rent@mail.com UNIT 10, CLIFTON CENTRE SPRING LANE SOUTH MALVERN WR14 1BJ

WWW.READY-RENT.CO.UK

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We DESIGN • COST • BUILD • NEW BUILDS • LISTED BUILDINGS • TRADITIONAL OR MODERN • REFURBISHMENTS • CONVERSIONS • HOUSE REMODELLING

CHARTERED ARCHITECT Matthew Lewis Director

BA(Hons)Arch BArch PGDip Arch (Commendation)RIBA

Contact us now: 01886 884634

07525 439096

Kree8 Ltd, The Glen, Cradley WR13 5NR

hello@kree8designbuild.com www.kree8designbuild.com

advertisement

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

Managing Director Paul Papandreou feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is 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 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people

money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. 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. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’

Cloudy2Clear service the Malvern, Worcester & Hereford areas and Paul is finding that his 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.’

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!

STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!

Broken or Damaged Windows?

Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks?

Want The Latest Energy Saving Glass?

All Glazing Backed By Our 5 Year Manufacturers Guarantee Priority Freephone

0800 61 21118 www.cloudy2clear.com ...we make saving money perfectly clear...

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

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Shopping

reindeer court Reindeer Court is bustling this Christmas, with lots of new shops at the arcade in the centre of the city. From gifts to fashion as well as cafés and a bar, there is something for everyone.

A

mong the many new shops opening in the arcade over the past year is iapetus, which sells beautiful and unique jewellery, gifts, cards, clothing and art created by artists and craftspeople known to the owners Anna and Chris.

Octubre 21 has plenty of fabulous party outfits and shoes for the festive season with Italian and French designs. They have extended their opening hours in the lead up to Christmas, giving you more opportunities to pop in for help and advice with choosing outfits or a gift from their range of scarves, gloves, jewellery and other accessories.

There are plenty of fun events taking place in Reindeer Court during December. On Thursday

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evenings there will be carol singing and choirs performing during late night shopping. On Saturday 5th December there’s a visit from a herd of real reindeer, on Saturday 12th there’s a festive photo booth, while on Saturday 19th December there is music, performance and children’s activities through the day.

There’s lots more information on Reindeer Court’s Facebook page, go to www.facebook.com and search for Reindeer Court.

celebrating real craft

handmade festive gift inspiration

iapetus gallery, 3 & 4 reindeer court, iapetus gallery, 34 belle vue terrace, worcester city centre, wr1 2ds great malvern, wr14 4pz 01905 28734 | hello@iapetus.co.uk | www.iapetus.co.uk To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Gates & Railings

by Phil

Manufacturers of Internal & External Blinds

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

Items can be designed, manufactured and installed by Phil Gilman We make gates, railings, handrails, bridges and anything else you might need.

Please call me on

07747 032583

01684 574047

or email gatesbyphil@gmail.com to discuss your requirements.

www.malvern-blinds.co.uk The Old Fire Station, Howsell Road Malvern WR14 1TF Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm

For further ideas visit

www.wroughtironbyphil.co.uk

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Please mentionplease THE VILLAGER when07722 responding to advertisers To advertise call Teresa: 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

27

19

Feature

all about teamwork When Sascha McDonald, the Publishing Editor of All About Magazines, started All About West of the Hills, she never thought that nearly seven years later her magazines would win the national ‘Community Magazine 2015’ award at the Independent Magazine Publishers Conference this October. But it did and she did, alongside two other awards – highly commended Inspirational Business Woman 2015 and Best Social Media Presence 2015 for our Facebook page. Here she tells her story.

C

asting my mind back to the end of 2008 I see myself and my computer, in a little office in our house, working really hard at the start-up of a new local magazine for the area west of the Malvern Hills. I had never done anything like that in my life and I remember living on adrenaline for months on end. It was the most scary, exciting and challenging time! There were lots of firsts; selling space to businesses, designing adverts, laying out and putting together a magazine, invoicing, chasing payments, distributing thousands of magazines… but some kind of deep drive got me through it and the very first magazine went off to print by the deadline I had set myself.

After that first edition, called ‘Colwall & Area and delivered by hand to 2,500 houses initially, the magazine went from strength to strength and very soon I called in the help of an accountant – Steve Ollis from Active Accountants, who is still with me, someone to keep the finance admin in order and Tina, our fantastic and dedicated sales person for Malvern. She helped me launch our second ‘All About Malvern’ magazine within the first year of starting the business, and is still working very hard behind the scenes to fill our magazines with local business and services.

With launching a community website (www. allaboutmalvernhills.com) in 2012 and a third magazine in Worcester in 2013 the group of hard workers behind the scene now includes Julie,

20

who does a lot of administration and finances, and Teresa, who takes care of the sales in Worcester. What a team! Without them All About Magazines would not be where we are now.

Winning these three awards has humbled me, has excited me and has made me proud and thankful. Of my team, including James, my husband, who writes most of the content of our magazines. Of my children, who sometimes have to be patient with a hard working mother, especially when it is close to deadline. Of our fantastic team of deliverers, including John from Mitchell Distribution in Worcester, who work so hard in all weathers to get the copies out to everyone. Of our loyal customers, many of whom stay with us year in year out. Of our printers, Warwick Printing, who print the highest quality magazines time and time again. Of our support in the background; Steve the accountant, Quay Systems for our magazine software, my business mentor Robbie Hazelhurst for always giving me a listening ear and sound advice, fellow publishers across the country. And last but not least, to you, for reading the magazines, using the magazines and keeping the magazines.

Thank you!

Sascha

• Compact A5 • Well read & kept • Local focus • Effective • Award Winning • Affordable • From only £20 pm* • Wide distribution • Hand delivered • Leaflet delivery • Free design service • Free online listing • Online presence • Social media • Friendly local team • Run by local people for local people * Plus VAT, based on 1/8 page in All About West of the Hills as part of a twelve month booking

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Three quality award-winning magazines

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Contact us now: 01684 252 242 To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

21

“

there Is A reAl shortAGe oF Foster cArers Across the couNtry. you coulD mAKe A DIFFereNce to A chIlD’s lIFe lIKe I hAve.

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NFA Is curreNtly recruItING Foster cArers We’ll let you in on a few secrets...

Fostering a child is one of the most wonderful, rewarding, amazing things you’ll ever do.

Did you also know that being a foster carer offers you the flexibility to work from home and can provide a generous allowance of £20k+ per annum tax free?* Good foster carers provide a safe, nurturing family environment where children with traumatic early experiences can flourish.

Do you have the time and energy to invest in a child? Do you have a spare bedroom? If so, we can do the rest, providing you with all the support and training you need throughout the process of becoming a foster carer.

About the NAtIoNAl FosterING AGeNcy We are the largest independent fostering agency in the uK trusted by more than 95% of local authorities.

We provide the highest quality care and achieve great outcomes for the children and young people entrusted to us. but don’t take our word for it, just take a look at our ofsted ratings. our foster carers tell us that what sets NFA apart is the calibre of our training programs and the support we provide from our dedicated team of professional social workers.

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

23

Music Feature

Local Talent

By Dave Webber

I’m Dave Webber and I present a weekly music show on Choice Radio, the service for Worcestershire Royal Hospital. This week I want to tell you about Granny's Attic, a trio of young men whose musical careers took off while they were still at school.

George, Lewis and Cohen were all friends at Bishop Perowne High School when they first began playing music together during the lunch break. They soon found themselves playing in assembly and at various school events before their first public performance at a local fete. In fact that’s where their name comes from. The story goes that the bric-a-brac stall opposite their stage was called ‘Granny’s Attic’, they borrowed the name and it’s stuck.

They play a range of instruments but mostly it’s a line-up of fiddle, guitar and concertina, with a mandolin, melodeon and ukulele being brought in as well. They play traditional English, Irish and Scottish music, but they also have a growing range of their own tunes and they are starting to sing more songs as well. ‘Lewis is such a great composer’ says George, who plays guitar, ‘and Cohen’s got a great singing voice so we want to make the most of that!’

Last year, Granny’s Attic was nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. They were finally entered after it was suggested by a friend’s dad and Ian King (who plays with another local group, Kings and Folk). After sending off a few tracks to the judges, the group were invited to a weekend of workshops and performances. They didn’t walk away with an award, but they were invited to the main event at the Royal Albert Hall in London, which George describes as ‘a fantastic experience’, meeting many of the group’s heroes.

There was even a music session back at the hotel afterwards, when they played and sang along with some of the biggest names in the folk world!

Since then, they’ve found themselves very much in demand, and over the summer they travelled the length and breadth of Britain playing at some of this country’s biggest folk festivals. One of the highlights was playing at Broadstairs ahead of Kate Rusby, to a large and very enthusiastic audience.

24

After an early EP, Granny’s Attic recorded their first album two years ago. Called ‘Better Weather’, it’s a mix of traditional music (Silver Spear and Star of the County Down among them) together with their own compositions. George is a firm believer that most audiences will already know the traditional tunes and so ‘you’re starting from somewhere your audience is already familiar with.’

This December they are heading to a recording studio in Hampshire, armed with a clutch of new songs to record, and hope to release a new album next year. In the meantime, they have left school and gone to university. Despite all leaving Worcester, they’ve managed to keep their music going, while expanding their musical experience by playing with other musicians. It will be interesting to see how this experience develops the music of Granny’s Attic even further.

You can read about the group at www.grannysattic.org.uk hear them on Spotify or download their music from online music sites including iTunes and Amazon. Their album ‘Better Weather’ and their EP ‘Mind The Gap’ can both be ordered as CDs from their website.

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25

Recipe

wonky British Parsnips A plea from us at Roots! Buy wonky British parsnips, it makes NO difference to the fabulous flavour this hero of winter vegetables will give you back. Full of earthy sweetness, comforting in so many ways. These recipes are super easy, satisfying and ideal for scaling up or down as the Christmas guests swell and subside! They are also very handy for turning Christmas leftovers into something tasty, no excuses for any waste!

Rosemary Roast Parsnip Chips

Parsnip, Potato and Leek Bake

Get your oven hot! Wash, peel and quarter parsnips (one per person), cut away the central core, but don't be over fussy. Toss in olive oil and turn into a roasting tray. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary, sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes. As they start to brown toss them around again and continue roasting until brown and crisp on the outside, soft in the middle (about 40 minutes should do it).

Pre-heat the oven to 170C. Wash, peel and slice 4 medium parsnips, 1 leek and 2 large potatoes.

Wipe a little olive oil around a shallow casserole dish to stop the vegetables sticking and burning.

Layer the chopped veg sprinkling a little sea salt and freshly ground pepper between the layers, finish with a neat layer of potatoes. Pour over approximately two pints of light chicken stock (or vegetable stock if you prefer) so that it covers most of the vegetables but leave enough space at the top to prevent it boiling over. Cover tightly with tin foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the tinfoil and bake for a further 30 minutes until the potatoes are brown and crisp on the top. This dish can be left warm until you are ready to serve or allowed to cool and reheat. It is delicious on its own or with some good quality pork sausages.

Curried Parsnip Soup Roughly chop two onions and six parsnips, sautĂŠ in a tbsp of olive oil until starting to soften. If you have any leftover roast parsnips or bake from the dish above, toss it into the pan too at this stage! Add a heaped teaspoon of red curry paste (two if you like it really spicy), stir around until the vegetables are coated. Pour hot chicken or vegetable stock over the vegetables until they are covered in liquid, simmer for twenty minutes until soft.

Add a 400ml can of coconut milk and blend the soup until smooth. Season to taste and serve with a dollop of creme fraiche.

26

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27

Feature

litter hero Every problem has its cause and every cause has its champion! That’s the catchline of Litter Hero, a play coming to the Swan Theatre this December.

I

do get a bee in my bonnet about these things’ says Nick Wilkes, making a final tweak to the script of his new play on the laptop sitting on the table in front of him. ‘It annoys me that people can throw litter from their car without a second thought. Why would you do that?’

Nick’s anger about litter helped create the plot of Litter Hero which centres on Mike – forty, fat and jilted at the altar, his life is forever changed when he comes across a discarded drinks can on a country lane.

It’s the 17th play Nick has written and produced since starting Malvern Bard, his theatre company, a few years ago. Based in Malvern, the plays are performed locally as well as at other venues across the UK. There is always humour in Nick’s plays which is often mixed with a more serious message and Litter Hero entailed exhaustive research. ‘I chatted online to one guy in Norway who showed me how used drinks bottles are returned to the supermarket, put into a machine, and a 2 euro deposit is given back. So much of our litter here (in the UK) is drinks cartons, cans, bottles, most of which could be recycled.’

Despite the serious message, there’s a strong comic theme as well. ‘I believe comedy and more serious issues can mix well’ says Nick. ‘This is a fun story, good entertainment, and performing this in the Vesta Tilley studio allows us to involve the audience as the drama unfolds.’

A charitable collection after the performances this December will be given to the Clean Up Britain campaign.

Litter Hero is on from 8th to 12th December and from 15th to 19th December in the Vesta Tilley Studio at The Swan Theatre in Worcester. Tickets are £12.50 and are available from the box office on (01905) 611427.

28

also at the swan Dick Whittington: The Swan Theatre Pantomime starts on 30th November, with dates throughout December until a final performance on Sunday 3rd January 2016.

Presented by the Worcester Repertory Company, this is the classic rags-to-riches tale of Dick Whittington, the poor boy from Gloucester who makes his way to London to seek his fortune and find out if the streets really are paved with gold.

Last staged at the Swan Theatre back in 2009, the Worcester Repertory Company’s production promises to bring sparkle and magic to the festive season in this, the theatre’s golden anniversary year.

Ben Humphrey returns this time in the role of Ginny the Cook and will be joined by a fully professional cast of faces both familiar and new. Panto treats abound – hissing and booing at the evil Queen Rat, laughing at the hilarious antics of Ginny the Cook, spectacular song and dance numbers, stunning costumes, and some really great gags.

The Worcester Rep prides itself on offering good clean fun for all the family, with plenty of layers of comedy to ensure that a great time is had by all generations, and with tickets starting at just £12.95, it’s great value entertainment.

For tickets please contact the Box Office on 01905 611427

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

29

Well Being

are you shaping your path?

By Tracy Reck, Personal Fitness Coach in Worcester When you’re trying to do something good for yourself, you have to make it as easy as you can on yourself.

One of the best ways to do this is to shape the path. By which I mean, do something that makes the thing you need to do easier to carry out.

I

n truth, it’s pretty logical.

• Make the bed super comfy and appealing

If you want to exercise tomorrow, some ideas would be:

• Put your jammies on after dinner

• Decide the workout you want to do ahead of time • Make an appointment with someone else who also wants to exercise • Book your workout into your diary • Make an iPod workout playlist that you’re excited to listen to • Bring a kettlebell into the lounge so you’ll see it and can train without having to go anywhere If you want to eat more veg, some ideas would be: • get the veg in your fridge • Book your “veg prep time” in your diary so you can get prepped for the week

• Spend five minutes each evening meditating Shaping the path. It works because the success of the thing depends on how we approach it.

Literally how we make our approach. You need a good, well defined run-up to make your new habit a goer. In the same way that an aeroplane needs a long runway to build up speed to take off, you need a runway to get everything in gear so you can take flight too.

Shaping the path is about growing your wings and learning how to use them. That’s why so many habits don’t take off. Because of a lack of path-shaping.

Make it easy for yourself to take the final action whether that’s doing the workout, eating the veg or sleeping the sleep - by prepping and creating that well-defined runway.

• plan the meals you’ll eat over the next few days • put your veg somewhere you’ll see it (in other words, don’t hide it in the veg drawer!)

If you want a good night’s sleep more often, some ideas would be: • Decide on a time to switch the tv off during the evening (and ask someone else’s help in enforcing that if you think it’ll be a struggle to stick to yourself)

30

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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33

Notice Board worcester & district Cats protection

OMBERSLEY DRAMATIC SOCIETY WILD, WILD, WOMEN!

Welcomes volunteers to help with everything from fundraising and running the St Johns Shop, to fostering cats.

Hours can be flexible and your help can make a real difference.

For information please pop into the shop in St Johns, open Mon to Sat 9am until 5pm.

Making Amazing Books Class

27TH JANUARY – 30TH JANUARY 2016 OMBERSLEY MEMORIAL HALL 7.30PM A tuneful, foot-stampin’, thigh-slappin’, outrageously funny musical romp taking a light hearted look at the traditional Western.

Price of tickets are £10 adult and £9 concession and are available from MikeTurner on (01905) 620757 or Iris Checketts on (01905) 620853 Please be advised this production is not suitable for children

Mondays, 10am -12 noon at Cafe Mix, St Paul’s Street, Worcester Suitable for adults, £10 per session

For details call 07904 791598

Fun Time at St John's Library Festive Fun Time

Saturday 12th December 10 am – 12 noon Free craft activities for children between the ages of 3 and 9 years. Santa will be visiting the library with a small gift for children attending the event.

Journey to the Stars Family Fun Time

Worcestershire Guild of Weavers, spinners & dyers

Join us to learn, share & practice the crafts of hand spinning & weaving.

Meetings once a month in Worcester & Pershore areas – Beginners welcome. www.worcsgwsd.wordpress.com worcsweavers@gmail.com or call Shosh (01386) 832073

Saturday 9th January 10 am – 12 noon Free space-themed craft activities for children between the ages of 3 and 9 years.

Small Message? !

It’s free for groups

al.com james@allabout-loc 01684 252 242

Take Two Friendly Social Club for Singles Over 50 We meet every Wednesday evening for a social get together at a pub in the Worcester and Malvern areas. We also meet weekdays and weekends for meals, theatre, dancing, talks, skittles, walks and dancing etc.

New members will always be made welcome.

For further details please ring 01684 567660 / 01905 350471

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Worcester Group Randan Meadows – Life Among the Anthills with Gordon Forrest Weds 20th January, 7.30pm at Bishop Allenby Hall, St Stephen’s Street, Worcester WR3 7HS Entry: £2.50

www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk

Circle Christmas Quiz and Party

December 10th, 7.30pm at St George’s RC Parish Hall The Newman Association Worcester

Rags to Riches Saturday 12 December - Worcester Guildhall 6:30 to Midnight Maggs 30th Anniversary Dinner Helping the Homeless in Worcester for 30 years Reception, Dinner and Entertainment - Tickets £50 Contact cbarentsen@maggsdaycentre.co.uk www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk

January/February Deadline: Thursday 10 December

34

Thinking of advertising?

There’s no place better to advertise than in the winner of the Community/ Lifestyle Magazine of the year!

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35

What’s On

december Friday 4 December - until Sunday 6 December St Johns Christmas Tree Festival at the church, with a festive fayre on Friday evening and celebrations through the weekend.

See the decorated trees, raising money for the church at St Richard’s Hospice Saturday 5 December continues daily until 4th January Festival of Christmas Trees in the Cloisters at Worcester Cathedral Free entry

4

Dec

Tuesday 8 December Litter Hero a new comedy by Nick Wilkes at the Vesta Tilley Studio, Swan Theatre.

Further dates until 19th December.

Tickets £12.50, call (01905) 611427 Saturday 12 December The Amazing Adventures of Librarian Lil Librarian Lil is bored with her life but you can't judge a book by its cover. Transported to other worlds, she wins the hearts of princes and audiences alike. Adults £5, children £3, babes in arms free.

Performances 3pm & 6pm at The Hive, Worcester.

See thehiveworcester.org/whats-on Sunday 20 December The Sunday Assembly 11am at The Horizon Community Centre (WR5 1DS) Read more at www.sundayassemblyworcester.org.uk Sunday 20 December Get Santa (U) a great family feature film starring Jim Broadbent as Santa. 6pm at Worcester Hive, Tickets £3.50 Visit thehiveworcester.org/whats-on Wednesday 30 December Worcester Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks from Sabrina Bridge, along the Severn to Grimley.

Many more walks taking place, see www.worcesterramblers.org.uk

january Monday 4 January Chris Hodgkins Trio at Worcester Jazz, doors open 7pm at Fownes Hotel See www.worcesterjazz.org.uk Saturday 9 January Worcester Park Run a free 5km run every Saturday, organised by volunteers, 9am start at Worcester Woods Country Park.

Register at parkrun.org.uk/worcester Thursday 14 January Young at Art - Breakfast for the Birds 10.30am – 12.00pm at the The Hive Exploring, listening, making; art & song sessions for under 5's No booking required. £3 per child, payable on the day See thehiveworcester.org/whats-on Monday 18 January Adult Reading Group Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons will be discussed.

The group meets every third Monday of the month, between 5.30 and 6.30pm in meeting room 3 at The Hive. Free.

Everyone welcome, no booking needed, just turn up.

18

Jan

Thursday 21 January Talk: ‘The Life and Work of St Theresa of Avila and her Relevance Today’ at St George’s RC Parish Hall, 7.30pm For info call (01905) 21535 or email hcdown@gmail.com Thursday 21 January until Sunday 31 January Kay’s Theatre Group presents Little Bo Peep at The Swan Theatre, tickets £11 From (01905) 425299 or 08453 883783 Sunday 24 January Worcester Concert Club presents The Carducci Quartet 3pm at Huntingdon Hall, Tickets £15/£5 under16 and unwaged Call (01905) 611427 or see www.worcserenade.co.uk

Promote your Jan/Feb events: email james@allabout-local.com or call 01684 252 242 by Thursday 10 December 2015 at the latest.

36

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37

Theatre News

a christmas carol A treat for New Year as Malvern Theatres hosts a magical new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ much-loved Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol.

Ebenezer Scrooge is a notoriously bitter old man who is determined not to let Christmas interfere with his miserly routine. But one Christmas Eve, Scrooge receives some unexpected supernatural visitors who are determined to show him the true spirit of Christmas and the error of his ways.

Creative Cow’s artistic director Amanda Knott directs an ensemble company of actors and musicians to bring you this magical, inventive, heart-warming adaptation of a festive classic, with Dickens’s wit and masterful storytelling at its core. Guaranteed to melt even the coldest of hearts and leave all rejoicing with Christmas spirit. Suitable for young and old alike, recommended for over 7s.

Derek Frood, known for his recent role as Captain Bray in the BBC’s Poldark (2015) will play the part of Scrooge.

‘The hugely talented and inventive Creative Cow continues to promote and present top notch theatre’ - WHATS ON STAGE A Christmas Carol will be appearing at Malvern Theatres from Saturday 9th to Saturday 16th January 2016. Tickets are available from £14.56 with £5 off for Under 16s.

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

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Competition

Win a pair of tickets to a christmas carol Win a pair of tickets to ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ , Saturday 9th - Saturday 16th January.

Please answer the following question: Who wrote the book, A Christmas Carol?

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

by Tuesday 29 December 2016.

The winners will be drawn from the entries and notified by 30 December.

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

Classes & Courses

Hatha Yoga Classes Wednesday evenings 7.15pm - 8.30pm at St. Martins Parish Hall Tuesday mornings 10am - 11.30am at Salwarpe Village Hall with Val Booler BWY.Dip Tel. 01905 26810

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

Sat 9th - Sat 16th January malvern-theatres.co.uk | 01684 892277 To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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IA SCHOLA R EG

ORNIENSIS VIG

Independent co-education in Worcester for ages 4 to 11

An invitation... ...to children considering a move to Years 3-6 at King’s St Alban’s. Come to our LEGO WORKSHOP on Saturday 9 January 2016 from 10am – 2pm. Lunch will be provided.

Please call to book: 01905 354906 Other opportunities to visit: Open Week – Monday 18 to Friday 22 January 2016

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