All About Worcester East & villages July/Aug 2016

July/August 2016 Issue 32

10,500 hand-delivered to households & businesses in Worcester East - Barbourne, Battenhall, Northwick, Warndon Villages, St Peter's and in the villages of Tibberton, Fernhill Heath, Crowle & Norton

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

enjoy local St Peter's Fun Day Worcester Festival

what’s on competition Keep me for 2 months

locally

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Contents

welcome

July/August 2016

I cannot believe it is summer already. There are some big, citywide events happening like the Worcester Festival, but also smaller community days like the Warndon Villages Fete or the St Peter's Parish Festival.

14

If you are organising anything in September and October, do let us know, so we can include the event in our next edition, a free service for local groups.

18

Enjoy the read and the summer.

26 Enjoy Local

6

Business News

10

Community News

12

Deaf Direct

14

Cover Photo

The Hive

16

Roots Recipe: Asparagus Soup

18

St Nicholas Church in Warndon, photographed

by All About Magazines.

Health & Super Mario Bros

20

Worcester Festival

24

St Peter's Parish Festival

26

Local Talent

28

Notice Board

30

What’s On

32

Competition & Theatre News

34

All About Malvern Hills & Worcester Area @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 Worcester East & Villages is distributed to 10,500 homes & businesses over 2 months CONTRIBUTORS Tracy Reck, Roots, Dave NEXT BOOKING/COPY DEADLINE Mon 8 August for the Sept/Oct 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. outdoor theatre returns to The Commandery this July, as The Worcester Rep stages 'The Importance of Being Earnest'. It’s a chance to enjoy Oscar Wilde’s much loved masterpiece with a drink and picnic in the tranquil surroundings of The Commandery Gardens. The performances run from 12th to 24th July at 7.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, with a 3pm performance on Sundays. For tickets and info call (01905) 611 427 or see worcester-rep.co.uk

2. warndon villages summer fete The fete takes place this year on Sunday 10th July at the Lyppard Hub on Ankerage Green. There’s fun and games as well as stalls, a bake-off, face painting, barbeque and live music. There’s a children’s fancy dress competition and there will also be rides, inflatables and a climbing wall for the more adventurous!

Noon until 4pm in both indoor and outdoor spaces at the Lyppard Hub

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things to enjoy local During July & August

3. the worcester show This year's show in Gheluvelt Park is on Sunday 14th August, between 10am and 5pm. There will be live music and entertainment, food, a kids’ zone and stalls from local businesses and craftspeople.

The official opening of the Floral Marquee takes place at 1pm and the Craft Marquee opens at 1.30pm, where you can browse entries to the show’s many categories which include floral, veg and fruit, art, baking, crafts and photography. see allaboutworcester.com or call (01905) 722233 for more information.

There’s still time to take part (closing dates are early August) – See worcestershow.org.uk or see the Worcester Show Facebook page.

4. bands in the park The music continues in Gheluvelt Park this July and August. Bream Silver Band will play on 10th July, The Band of the Gloucestershire Constabulary play on 24th July while Shipston Town Band will play on 7th August. The music takes place between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, so bring a deckchair or picnic rug and enjoy an afternoon of free entertainment.

There are also Bands in the Park events in Cripplegate Park, for more details see www.allaboutworcester.com

5. nick sharratt exhibition Nick, the illustrator and author of children’s books, opens an exhibition of his work in Worcester on Saturday 9th July. Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants is a fun, interactive exhibition where budding artists will enjoy peaking at Nick's school work and stepping into his recreated studio. 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. Open Mon - Sat from 10.30am - 4.30pm and entry is free.

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

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Business News

LOCAL

BUSINESS

Tai Chi at the barn

NEWS

P & D Green Waste If you’re planning changes or improvements to your garden this summer, talk to Danny Healey from P&D Waste Ltd, which now carries out landscaping work.

‘We’re offering these services in response to the needs of our customers’ say Danny.

‘We can carry out tasks like laying a patio or clearing larger areas of undergrowth - those bigger jobs that might be too much for you to tackle.’

The company continues to run its regular garden waste collection service around Worcester. Customers receive a wheeled bin to gather their garden material, which is then collected from home every fortnight throughout the year. 'Everything we collect is recycled' says Danny, 'with the waste being composted or recycled with an anaerobic digester and turned into green energy. If you have large amounts of green waste to dispose of, we can also arrange a one-off collection.’

For further details call Danny on (01905) 22604 or 07565 633532

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'Tai Chi at the Barn' is a weekly tai chi and qigong class which has been running at St Nicholas Church Barn in Warndon for several years. It’s run by Marc Price who has studied tai chi, qigong and qigong therapy for seventeen years and has been a teacher and practitioner since 2008.

So, what is ‘tai chi’ and what is qigong? ‘Tai Chi is short for 'tai chi chuan', a Chinese martial art dating back to the 13th Century’ says Marc. ‘It is widely recognised by a series of slow movements that we often see people practising in parks.

However, there is much more to tai chi than this.

Over many centuries, tai chi has diverged into a number of different styles - the most popular being the Yang style. I teach the rare 'Taiji37' style, which I believe has superior health benefits as it creates expansion throughout the body, improving body posture and helping to release bodily stresses.

On the other hand, qigong is basically a Chinese catch-all term for any exercise system that benefits your health in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

I teach the 'Taijiwuxigong' qigong system, which is one of the most complete systems I have studied. It provides the benefits of both Taiji37 and traditional meditation practices in an accessible form. Of course, the best way to find out about tai chi and qigong is to come along to a local class and try them for yourself.'

For more details, visit www.obelison.co.uk or contact Marc on (01905) 811123

www.allaboutmalvernhills.com/businesses

Business News Classes & Courses

TAI CHI & QIGONG Improve your health & boost your energy Thursday evenings 7:30 - 9:00pm St Nicholas Church Barn, Worcester, WR4 0SL Contact Marc - 01905 811123 or marc@obelison.co.uk www.obelison.co.uk

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

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

This could be you!

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News

community NEWS

THE SWAN FOOD PROJECT New volunteers to help look after the swans on the Severn in Worcester are always welcome. The Swan Food Project undertakes various tasks and organises maintenance mornings on the third Wednesday of each month. Areas used by the swans are trimmed back and cleaned up before they are fed at 12.30pm. ‘People are very welcome to turn up on the day, but it’s helpful if they can get in touch first’ says Marilyn McCarthy. ‘As well as the working parties, we need volunteers for other tasks including regular feeding and the filling of our food bags.’ The bags of swan food are on sale at various places around Worcester and money raised goes towards the work of keeping the swans healthy.

PICTON GARDEN The Picton Garden at Colwall, near Malvern, opens for a special fundraising day on Sunday 24th July.

This is a chance to be among the first visitors to the garden in 2016, which attracts thousands of people from far and wide every year. The one and a half acre site has many interesting areas including a maple bed, an old rockery, a centenary garden and a woodland area, to name a few! There are alpines, herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees in this delightful garden which is full of depth and colour.

Entry on 24th July is £3.50 and under 12s can visit for free. The gardens are open from 11am until 5pm, teas will be available at Foxdale (which is opposite the nursery) and the day will raise money for St Michael's Hospice.

The garden is on Walwyn Road in Colwall (postcode: WR13 6QE) You can read more at autumnasters.co.uk

The next working parties take place from 10am on 20th July and 17th August. For more information, contact Marilyn on 07742 295149 or search for The Swan Food Project on Facebook.

FUN ON THE BRUM Fun on the Brum takes place in Fernhill Heath this year on Saturday July 23rd from Midday until 4pm.

The event, on The Brum field adjacent to the A38, offers lots to do for the whole family, including a steam train, inflatables, a bucking bronco, go karts, a roundabout, climbing wall and crazy golf. There will also be magic shows, tombola, stalls, a tug of war, animals, music and food and drink. This year’s fancy dress competition for children has a theme of 'Children's Film Character'. There will be a big raffle with great prizes, with proceeds donated to The Air Ambulance which will have a demonstration pod at the event. Last but not least, there will also be an opportunity to meet and have a photo with Fernhill Heath's very own 'Heath the Horse'.

For further updates, search Facebook for ‘Fun on the Brum 2016’.

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CAN YOU SPARE A FEW HOURS Could you spare a few hours a week? Worcester Wheels Community Transport need 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.

Old Court Nurseries & The Picton Garden Colwall www.autumnasters.co.uk 01684 540416 WR13 6QN

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Feature

Deaf direct Based in Worcester, the charity Deaf Direct helps thousands of people that have a hearing loss every year. From support services to training and volunteering programmes, the charity’s work covers Worcestershire and beyond.

i

t’s clear that for some people Deaf Direct is a lifeline. Sitting around the table at the charity’s base in Lowesmoor, a group of people talk about how it’s helped, supported, and in some cases transformed their lives.

‘I’ve been coming here since I was eight years old, after I was diagnosed with conductive hearing loss’ says Lotte. ‘It was really good fun and important to discover I wasn’t the only child in my situation. I’ve made friends for life from the people I met here.’ Lotte is now a volunteer for the charity, helping with office work as well as working on residential trips for young people.

‘The next one is in Devon this summer’ she says, ‘and involves lots of activities. It’s really fun!’

Isolation is a subject that comes up again and again. ‘Deaf children can lead very isolated lives, especially if they are in mainstream education’ says William Stavert, one of the Charity’s Trustees. ‘They might be the only deaf child in their school. Our services encourage them to meet up, establish contact with others and learn about Deaf culture and sign language.’

The charity has lots of support services for adults as well, from free information and advice on any issues connected to Hearing Loss to help at home and getting out and about. There are weekly social gatherings for those with a hearing loss or Tinnitus, those that use BSL and Deafblind people.

There’s also a new programme called Reconnections. Working in partnership with Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire, it aims to tackle loneliness among older people in Worcestershire. There’s one to one support that aims to reconnect people with their interests and activities in their local community.

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The interpreting service is available 24 hours a day, and 16 hours a day if people need to make a call to, for example, NHS 111. There are outreach programmes for help in the community and training sessions in lip reading and British Sign Language (BSL).

The technology to help people who are Deaf or hard of hearing has come on in leaps and bounds and the charity offers advice on everything from vibrating alarm clocks to adapted doorbells, telephones and induction loops. Equipment is available to view at the offices or home visits where staff can assess your needs at home.

Alongside the staff who work here, volunteers keep many of the support services functioning.

‘We want to reach out to volunteers as we have a constant need to increase the range of services’ says John Purser, another Trustee.

‘Thanks to the work of our volunteers, a greater number of people are starting to come to us who we can help. I have nothing but praise for Deaf Direct which is helping many people to gain qualifications and self-confidence.’

Deaf direct

Skype: Deaf Direct

Tel: 01905 746301 | SMS: 07725 244129 info@deafdirect.org.uk | deafdirect.org.uk

Do you have a Hearing loss or Tinnitus?

Our social group runs the second Friday of the month 10.30am, Deaf Direct, Lowesmoor. Come and meet others, gain information and advice, social time, refreshments included. £2.50 per session, no need to book.

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Feature

events at the hive There is lots for young people at The Hive during the summer holidays this year. From performances to workshops, activities and the summer reading challenge, they have no excuse to be bored! Here’s a selection of ideas, with a few for grown ups as well.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE – THE BIG FRIENDLY READ Every week throughout the summer you can enjoy daily activities in the children’s library at The Hive, all based on your favourite Roald Dahl books. Hear the best bits of the books read aloud at 11.30am and 2.30pm. Explore Danny’s caravan of stories. Will you win the Golden Ticket or mix the best Marvellous Medicine?

Danny Champion of the World: 25th – 31st July Charlie and Chocolate Factory 1st – 7th August The BFG: 8th – 14th August James and the Giant Peach: 15th – 21st August George’s Marvellous Medicine: 22nd – 28th Aug Fantastic Mr Fox: 29th August – 4th September Every Thursday: Make and take a squiffling (BFG for brilliant!) surprise home with you and hear the best bits of the books read aloud. 11am – Noon, £2.50 per child Booking essential.

For details, pop into The Hive or see Family Events in the What’s On section of the website.

Flo of the Somme: The Story of a World War 1 Mercy Dog 11 July, 4.45pm – 5.45pm Join a book chat, fun literary games and activities and discover new books and authors both on the shelves and online. For young people aged 7-12 years. The session focuses on Flo of the Somme: The Story of a World War 1 Mercy Dog. Hogwarts for Muggles Thursday 4 & 18 August, 10am – Noon A family magic-making workshop with a professional magician. Suitable for children aged 7-14 years, accompanied by an adult. Cost: £13, book online worcestershire.gov.uk/courses

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Journey of the Turtle Thursday 28 July, 2pm In the beginning turtle was shiny and fast, always impatient, always in a hurry, but then one day he had a terrible accident…

A charming tale following the story of one crazy turtle. Beautifully told by Lempen Theatre using table top puppets, shadows, traditional storytelling and an atmospheric sound-scape.

The performance lasts around 50 minutes and is suitable for everyone over the age of 5. Tickets: Adults £5, children £3, babes in arms free.

AND FOR GROWN UPS …

The Parents’ Guide to… your child going to university Thursday 14 July, 6 – 7pm Advice from the experts on what to expect from your child going to university. How to support them with the changes, moving away from home and a basic guide to finances. Booking essential.

Lending an Ear Lending an Ear is an audio arts project involving all the libraries in Worcestershire in the creation of audio art works specific to their library, location and ‘story’. See it in an interactive installation at The Hive during July and August or hear more at www.thehiveworcester.org/lending-an-ear FILM The Lady in the Van (12) – Sun 31 July at 3pm Room (15) – Sunday 28th August at 3pm All film tickets are £3.50

The Hive is open daily from 8.30am until 10pm, for information on the above, pop in between 9am and 5pm (Wednesdays from 9.30am) or call (01905) 822866. You can read more at www.thehiveworcester.org

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

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

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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

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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

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

19

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.

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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

Enjoy a massage in the comfort of your own home

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Helping both men and women deal with the trauma of a relationship that has irretrievably broken down.

By Malvern Branch Co-ordinator: Gill Owen I got involved with Divorce Recovery Workshop (DRW) 4 years ago when a friend who had been on the course found it so inspirational she wanted to set up a local branch in Malvern, which is the only branch in Worcestershire.

The workshops are run by experienced volunteers who have all been through the breakdown of a long term relationship and attended the workshops. Although my own divorce was a long time ago, I had to attend the workshops before becoming a facilitator.

I was amazed to discover just how many emotions I had buried. Once I had completed the workshop I knew I had come to terms with my past and could let it go. When you go through a breakup you don’t always realise how much grief, resentment and anger you hold on to or how emotionally and physically exhausting it can be.

How can Divorce Recovery Workshop help?

The breakdown of a long term relationship is a form of bereavement; yet unlike the death of a partner, you are often expected to carry on as normal. Whilst friends and family can be supportive, they don’t always understand how you feel and even your best friend will eventually have had enough of you going over and over what has happened!

Anyone who has been through the heartache of an irretrievable breakup is welcome at DRW, even if you are going through the divorce or if it was years ago. DRW will help

you cope with the many different emotions: shock, disbelief, rejection, anger, bitterness and guilt. You will gain a better understanding of what you are going through and be offered strategies to help you cope.

What actually happens at a workshop?

The course consists of six sessions covering: • Is this really happening to me?

• Coping with your 'Ex' • Assuming new responsibilities • Letting go and forgiveness • Family matters • Thinking about new relationships Participants watch a DVD on each topic and then divide into small groups with 2 facilitators per group. Everything said in the group is strictly confidential and no one is pressured to talk if they don’t want to.

When is the next one taking place?

The next DRW course will run on 3 Saturdays, fortnightly, on 9th and 23rd July and 6th August 2016: 2 sessions per day with lunch in between.

Is there a charge for the Workshop and where does it take place?

DRW is a non-profit making registered charity but to cover our running costs we ask participants to pay £60 for the entire course.

The venue is in Churchdown Road, Malvern and there is a free car park.

If you would like more information or to reserve a place please contact me, Gill, on 01684 560394 or email: malvern@drw.org.uk or Pam on 01432 820316

www.drw.org.uk

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

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Feature

Worcester Festival 2016 Saturday 13th – Monday 29th August With live music, workshops, talks, films, exhibitions and family fun, The Worcester Festival offers dozens of ways to spend your summer days in the city.

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eventeen days of events begin with an opening ceremony outside the Guildhall on Saturday 13th August, when the everpopular Gugge 2000 Streetband will perform their catchy and uplifting mix of music.

Many of the events are completely free and take place in public spaces and buildings. There are behind the scenes talks and tours at the cathedral, The Museum of Royal Worcester and The Commandery.

Performances around the city centre include puppet theatre and live music each Saturday outside the Guildhall. The Elgar School of Music is hosting a number of Coffee Concerts at St George’s Church in Barbourne, with performances from students and teachers.

There are masses of ideas to entertain children and all of the Festival favourites are back including Percy the Peacock, Butterfly Puppet Theatre and Funky Faces Face Painting. Worcester Arts Workshop will be holding workshops for children and young people and there’s a Family Drop-in Day at the City Museum and Art Gallery.

The Swan Theatre hosts a Summer Fete - the bar will be open and there will be games, table-top sales, cakes, sweets, prizes, films and facepainting. The theatre is the venue for many other performances and events during the festival, including taster dance classes in Jive and Salsa.

St Richard’s Hospice hosts a number of events including a Duck Race alongside South Quay on the River Severn. The cathedral is another major part of the Festival, with a guided tour around its library which holds many rare and historic

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documents dating back many centuries. You can join a tour offering a rare chance to see inside its array of roof spaces and you can climb the tower and discover more about the building from its stonemasons. During the festival, the cathedral hosts a conducting masterclass, a free Safari Trail and Dressed for Drama, an exhibition of costumes from British film and television.

As always, the Festival comes to an end on Monday 29th August with The St Richard’s Hospice Fireworks Display and this year there are several ways to enjoy the spectacle. There’s a River Cruise taking place in the lead up to the display, while there’s music and entertainment in Fort Royal Park and on South Quay. The fireworks display is free but there will be a collection in aid of the Hospice.

You can read a full schedule of events for The Worcester Festival at www.worcesterfestival.co.uk or pick up a brochure at the Worcester Live Box Office in Crowngate. Please note that event details may change, and on rare occasions events may be cancelled, so for up to date information visit the website or call the Worcester Live Box Office on 01905 611427.

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

25

Feature

st peter's parish festival The St Peter’s Parish Festival is back again this year. Taking place on Power Park in St. Peter’s, there will be lots for all the family to enjoy on Sunday July 3rd.

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‘It was a great success last year’ says Brenda Wheeler from the parish council.

‘After a couple of smaller events we made it bigger last year. Organising the day is a big job and lots of hard work but fortunately we have a team of volunteers who are really helpful.

They’ve been busy contacting entertainers and other attractions to get them to come along. We also have two wardens from the city council who are a great help as well.’

There are lots of attractions on the day itself.

After the official opening at 11.55am, there will be entertainment throughout the afternoon, including Jebb the Jester who perform some amazing circus feats and pass on some of his skills to the audience. There’s also Zumba taking place and entertainment from the Worcester-based All Sorts of Performing Arts.

Another big part of the afternoon is the Dog Show, which starts at 12.15pm. There’s a Fancy

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Dress competition for dogs as well as Best Rescue entrant, Prettiest/Most Handsome Dog, Waggiest Tail, Most Appealing Eyes and Dog the Judge Would Like to Take Home! ‘The Dog Show was lots of fun last year, and we’re very grateful to The Dogs Trust for helping to organise it’ says Brenda. ‘If people would like to enter their dog, just turn up at the very start of the event to register.’

At around 2pm a dog agility course will be set up for a demonstration by local dog trainer Lisa Jackson.

There are lots of fun activities to try as well, including crazy golf, a bouncy castle and monster slide plus pony rides. There will be World War Two re-enactors to chat with and the local Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies will be along as well.

There will be plenty of stalls to browse including jewellery, books and toys, sweets, preserves and

BUY LOCAL EAT LOCAL SPEND LOCAL ENJOY LOCAL cakes as well as doggy-related items. There’s barista-prepared coffee, other drinks, ice cream and candy floss available as well.

Entry to the event is free and everybody is welcome. ‘The event brings people out to meet neighbours they don’t know so well', says Brenda. 'It’s a free afternoon out and a chance to get to know the community in St Peter’s.’

details St Peter’s Parish Festival takes place on Sunday 3rd July from Noon until 4pm. It’s a free event at Power Park, which you will find off St. Peter’s Drive.

SUPPORT THE LOCAL BUSINESSES WHO SUPPORT THE AREA WHERE YOU LIVE, WORK & PLAY

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27

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.

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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’,

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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 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.

Worcestershire Festival of Business 2016 Friday 16th September 9am - 4pm Worcester High Street & Guildhall Business Exhibition & Networking Event in the 'HEART' of Worcester Exhibitor Stands £167 (High Street) £197 (Guildhall)

Call 01905 384314

Organised by Worcestershire Enterprise Ltd A Business with a Social Enterprise Agenda

Thinking of advertising?

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

We’re dedicated to work as hard as we can to get the best response for your business. Chat to us about your business and we will create an advert which sends the right message to the right people.

Space is booking up fast and we can only feature a limited number of local businesses so contact us now on

07722 226712

www.allaboutworcester.com/our_magazines

What’s on in Worcester?

Shop Local, Eat Local, Spend Local, Enjoy Local To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Notice Board geofest 2016

Worcestershire Writers' Group

Family friendly events throughout July and August

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

with Guided Walks, Children’s Activities, Tours, Exhibitions and much more - celebrating the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark

Next Meeting : Wed 13th July

See geopark.org.uk

www.worcswritersgroup.co.uk

hardy plant society Worcestershire Open Studios

Worcestershire Group

A chance to meet artists and craftsmen in their places of work Friday 26th August until Monday 29th August

Worcestershire-based plant photographer, Adrian James, traces the history, design and influence of courtyard gardens across the world.

Plants for sale, refreshments and raffle.

Saturday 9 July, 2pm at Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ. Visitors welcome at £3.

www.worcestershireopenstudios.org

waterways walk

The Monsters are coming!

Worcester Carnival Workshops every Wednesday 5pm to 7pm at Worcestershire Resource Exchange, Unit F9, Blackpole East WR3 8GS

Find Worcestershire Resource Exchange on Facebook or email info@wre.uk.com

www.worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk

Sunday 7th August Choose from three flat routes along the Droitwich Canal and River Severn (6, 11 or 21 miles) Help raise money for St Richard’s Hospice, for details call Alison Parkes on (01905) 763963 www.strichards.org.uk

Small Message? !

It’s free for groups

al.com james@allabout-loc 01684 252 242

Warndon Villages Summer Fete Sunday 10 July Noon to 4pm A popular, annual fete with BBQ, live music, Bake Off, children’s fancy dress competition and more.

Lyppard Hub, Ankerage Green

www.lyppardhub.co.uk

Indoor Car Boot Sales

At Lyppard Hub Open to shoppers from 10am until Noon Saturday 2nd July, no August, back Saturday 3rd September

Book a table to sell, cost £8, call (01905) 616841

Bring your broken personal and household items to be fixed for free (donations welcome) 9 July & 13 August 11am - 2pm STARS Adult Day Centre, Stanley Road For details call 07876 373048 or email repaircafeworcester@gmail.com

Summer Holiday Activities Are you looking for something to do with the children during the school holidays?

Visit www.allaboutworcester.com for ideas and activities in the local area

Sept/Oct Deadline: Monday 8 August

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nj

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Nestling beside the majestic Malvern Hills, our former Benedictine

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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

july 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 Saturday 9 July Hardy Plant Society Talk Worcestershire-based plant photographer, Adrian James, traces the history, design and influence of courtyard gardens across the world. 2pm Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ. Plants for sale, refreshments and raffle. Visitors welcome at £3.

Saturday 9 July St Johns Village Fete 11am-3pm, with entertainment for all the family, food stalls, tea garden, games to play and children’s entertainment Proceeds go to church funds Tuesday 12 July The Importance of Being Earnest The Worcester Repertory Company presents Oscar Wilde’s much loved masterpiece in the beautiful surroundings of The Commandery Gardens. Various dates & times until 24th July for tickets and information call (01905) 611 427 Wednesday 20 July The Hungry Caterpillar at The Hive a walk-through sensory exhibition for children based on a new tactile edition of the classic children’s book. Continues until 1st September www.thehiveworcester.org 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 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

august Monday 1 August - continues until 29 August Dressed for Drama at Worcester Cathedral featuring period costumes from British television and film, including Mr Selfridge, Wolf Hall, The Hollow Crown, Far from the Madding Crowd and The Scandalous Lady W and includes beautiful outfits worn by stars such as Mark Rylance, Eddie Redmayne, Cary Mulligan and Natalie Dormer. for times and ticket prices call (01905) 732900 or email visits@worcestercathedral.org.uk Thursday 4 August - continues until Saturday 6 August Worcester CAMRA Beer, Cider and Perry Festival at Worcester Racecourse, tickets in advance from worcesterbeerfest.org.uk Saturday 13 August Repair Café Worcester 11am-2pm at STARS Adult Day Centre, Stanley Rd – bring broken items to be repaired for free! (donations welcome) Sunday 21 August Worcester Comic Con at The Worcester Arena for tickets and details see worcester-comiccon.com Monday 22 August Backstage Tour of the Swan Theatre 6.30pm, tickets £7.50, limited numbers book on (01905) 611427 Wednesday 24 August Six mile evening walk from Worcester to the Camp Inn at Grimley with Worcester Ramblers, new members always welcome See www.worcesterramblers.org.uk Friday 26 August - continues until Monday 29 August Worcestershire Open Studios local artists open their studios, homes and workspaces for you to visit See www.worcestershireopenstudios.org

Promote your Sept & Oct events: email james@allabout-local.com or call 01684 252 242 by Monday 8 August 2016 at the latest.

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FREE

for groups

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Theatre News THEATRE ROYAL BATH PRODUCTIONS presents Samuel West and Phyllis Logan in Noël Coward’s

present laughter Two of the UK’s favourite actors star in Noel Coward’s funniest play.

Theatre Royal Bath Productions presents a brand new version of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter with Samuel West (Mr Selfridge) and Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey) at Malvern Theatres from Monday 15th to Saturday 20th August as part of a UK tour, prior to a West End transfer.

Actor, charmer and diva, Garry Essendine is determined to disregard his advancing years and receding hairline by revelling in endless tantrums and casual affairs. But just as he is about to depart for Africa, he finds himself besieged by a bevvy of would-be seductresses, not to mention his long-suffering secretary, his estranged wife, and an obsessed young playwright. As he attempts to disentangle himself from their clutches and demands, the humour escalates, accompanied by delicious dialogue and sparkling repartee.

Often thought of as semi autobiographical, Noël Coward’s Present Laughter is undoubtedly one of his funniest plays as he looks at life behind the theatrical curtain and reveals a world of glittering wits, dashing dressing gowns and ostentatious personalities.

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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Competition

Win a pair of tickets to present laughter Win a pair of tickets this show at Malvern Theatres.

Please answer the following question: Multi award-winning actress Phyllis Logan is best known for playing which character in Downton Abbey?

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

by Sunday 31 July 2016.

The winners will be drawn from the entries and notified on 1 August.

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

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

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summer and bring your

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