All About Worcester Feb 2016

Feb/March 2016 Issue 29

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

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

enjoy local Gheluvelt Park

St John's Library PARKRUN

what’s on competition Keep me for 2 months

locally

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Contents

February 2016

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welcome If you’re a parent looking for ways to entertain children during half-term, you’ll find plenty of ideas in this edition of our magazine.

The Love Worcester Heritage Festival sees dozens of child-friendly activities take place in local museums, historic buildings and churches around the city during half-term week. We’ve also got a feature on the Family Fun Time mornings at St John’s library, which have become very popular.

If you’re looking for days out or clubs to join, there are plenty of things happening for grown-ups as well! Have a great February!

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28 Enjoy Local Business News Community News Gheluvelt Park Friends St John's Library Local Talent Recipe: A Warming Soup Worcester Parkrun Well Being: Skipping Meals Events at the Hive Notice Board What’s On Competition & Theatre News Classes & Courses www.facebook.com/allaboutworcester @allaboutmalvern www.allaboutworcester.com

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Sascha McDonald - The Editor Cover Photo Gheluvelt Park in Worcester, photographed

by All About Magazines.

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 10 February for the March 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. love worcester heritage festival

3. bringing history to life

offers all kinds of way to enjoy our local history.

Over ten days there’s children’s activities, a glimpse behind the scenes at the county’s archive, and many other activities at historic churches and properties around the city.

Worcester Re-enactors together with the Commandery and over 150 re-enactors bring 2000 years of history to life over the weekend of 13th and 14th February. From ancient Greeks to the Second World War, the Commandery will be brought to life with encampments, vintage vehicles, period music and dance. There will be further activities at Tudor House Museum on Friar Street.

Running from 10 am to 5 pm each day at the Commandery, and between 10am and 4pm at Tudor House Museum, free entry.

The festival runs from 13th to 21st February – see www.allaboutworcester.com

2. fundraising walking events St Richard’s Hospice has a busy programme of fund raising events this year, including the 2016 Malvern Hills Walk in May, with routes to suit all ages and abilities.

There’s a 31 mile challenge in June to walk the Worcestershire Way. Although still a few months away, you can sign up today.

There are many other events in February and March, for details www.strichards.org.uk/events

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things to enjoy local During February & March 2016

4. guitarist craig ogden Well known classical guitarist Craig Ogden is performing at Huntingdon Hall on 3rd February with the Orchestra of the Swan. Part of the orchestra’s series of Worcestershire concerts, Craig appears again at Malvern Theatres on 24th February.

Tickets for the Worcester performance cost £22.50 (conc. £19.50) and are available on (01905) 611427 - www.orchestraoftheswan.org

5. chinese new year celebrations Enjoy Chinese New Year Celebrations at the Guildhall in the city centre on Sunday 21st February at Midday. There will be Chinese firecrackers, lion dancing, a display by professional Chinese acrobats and a musical performance by Chinese students from the University of Worcester.

The event is free and has been organised by the Worcestershire Chinese Association, a non-profit organisation run by volunteers who are actively involved in fundraising for the local community.

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

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Business News PITMAN TRAINING WORCESTER Pitman Training Worcester offers completely flexible training that suits your needs and lifestyle with the centre open five days a week to include two late nights. PDL (Pitman Distance Learning) is offered as an additional learning option.

The Pitman brand is a trusted and long established name in training and our method of interactive blended learning and the quality of our materials is second to none.

Pitman Training Worcester encourages you to learn at your own pace with the added support of experienced and qualified trainers and centre supervision. If it has been a while since you’ve been in learning, we can also provide 1 to 1 support, at no extra cost, to ensure you achieve your goals. Whatever your financial circumstances, Pitman Training Worcester can offer flexible payment terms with no additional interest penalties.

Our experienced staff will support your career aspirations every step of the way and will be able to match your needs to ensure that we give you the skills to help get your ideal job or start you off on your chosen career. So if you are returning to work after a break, looking to switch jobs or apply for that new promotion Pitman Training Worcester can start from wherever you are and develop your skills to help you achieve whatever you want.

We also have valuable links with local employers and recruitment agencies that often attend the centre, scouting for potential employees. We work closely with chosen recruitment agencies and have built up a track record; placing a number of our students with those agencies.

Why not come in and see how it all works and have a free, no obligation taster of one of our courses.

KAY CAMMACK WEIGHT LOSS COACH Healthy living should be about having fun, but it also needs to be sustainable according to Worcester-based personal trainer Kay Cammack. ‘Some people achieve a weight-loss goal, but feel constantly hungry’ she says, ‘or they get fit through punishing workouts. Any improvement you make in your health must be something you can stick with for life.’

Kay is an accredited zest4life Nutrition and Weight Loss practitioner, and will help you towards healthier choices. ‘If someone is a smoker they receive help with quitting, but many people are quick to condemn those who struggle with their health. It shouldn’t be like that.’

As a personal trainer, Kay works with clients to change their mindset, making sure that changes to their diet, or taking up exercise, work for the longer term. ‘I make sure you won’t hate exercise but enjoy it. I prefer short sharp workouts rather than ones that take up lots of time. Some people join the gym but then never turn up, if you have an appointment with me, you’ll never want to miss it!’

Conctact Kay on 07810 870677 or visit www.kaycammack.com

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Call Jazz or Jane on 01905 20443 or visit 1st Floor, Richardson House, 21-24 New Street

WORCESTERSHIRE HOUR Worcestershire Hour on Twitter is a great way for local businesses to join up with each other, find out what’s going on and tell the world about their work. It’s been running for nearly 3 years and is managed by Worcestershire Enterprise, a local social enterprise company. You can follow what goes on @WorcesterHour, join in on Monday evenings between 8pm and 9pm and on Wednesday afternoons from Midday until 1pm. If you’re new to twitter then don’t worry, the people taking part will help you along.

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www.allaboutmalvernhills.com/businesses

Business News

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Join #WorcestershireHour on Twitter (8pm Mondays & Noon Wednesdays)

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News

community NEWS

TAKE 2 SOCIAL CLUB Judie Gurney from the Take 2 Social Club tells us about what they’re up to in 2016.

Time for a change - welcome a new start this Spring - a new exciting calendar of events awaits you - to get out and meet new people in a safe environment.

BOOK BINDERS CRAFT SKILLS DISPLAY The craft skills of local bookbinders are on display at the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum until 8th March.

Anna Yevtukh-Squire runs regular classes at Café Mix on St Paul’s Street in Worcester as well as in Malvern at South Worcestershire College, where students learn both traditional and contemporary bookbinding techniques combined with painting, drawing, printmaking and textiles.

‘My students make such amazing books and we want people to see and admire them’ says Anna. ‘Is it difficult?

Not really, if you love books and enjoy learning craft skills, then it’s straightforward. If you want to try it once or twice, then just come to one of our classes.’

The sessions at Café Mix are on Monday mornings, for details call 07904 791598

We are a small, friendly social club operating in the Malvern and Worcester area. Established some 25 years, we have a new committee; forward thinking with new ideas for the year ahead. The only criteria is: single, divorced, widowed, unattached people 45 years and over. Carers are welcome. We meet every Wednesday evening in a different pub each week for a social get-together; also weekends and weekdays, offering a variety of events; meals, theatre/films, skittles, talks/tours, walks, dancing and days out, even holidays.

We operate a ‘meet and greet’ for new people - just contact a link member who will talk to you and arrange to welcome you. Take Two is not a dating agency.

Our motto is - Single, Mingle, Natter = Friendships. Just make that call!

THE SEVERN SOUNDS FESTIVAL The Severn Sounds Festival returns in June, and hopes to find new sponsors that will make it bigger and better than ever this year. The music and arts festival was started four years ago by friends Ben Russell and Scott Howland. It’s a family friendly mix of local music and art held at The Pavillion in the Park and entry is free. ‘Over the years we’ve raised around £5,000 for charity’ says Di Howland, ‘and this year we’re hoping to bring in more local bands as well as hiring a yurt for a drum workshop. If local businesses can support us, they will receive plenty of publicity but more importantly they get the chance to become involved in a local festival.’

Severn Sounds Festival: 3rd – 5th June, www.severnsoundsfestival.co.uk

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To find out more: email GED1296@hotmail.co.uk or call Gerald on (01886) 832698 or Judie on (01905) 350471

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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

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Feature

All About...

gheluvelt park friends Gheluvelt Park has been named as one of the UK’s Top Three Parks following a nationwide poll by the charity Fields in Trust. With its open spaces, open air gym, Splashpad and nature trail, the park attracts more than 800,000 visitors every year according to the city council. The success is partly due to the hard work of The Gheluvelt Park Friends, whose volunteers organise events, carry out work and help raise funds for the Park. Allen Barnatt is chairman of the group and tells us more.

What's your role within the Friends?

I have been Chairman of Gheluvelt Park Friends since its formation. We have a committee of nine people which meets about once a month, including representatives from Worcester City Council and the Duckworth Trust. In particular I obtain funding for equipment and park events.

What's the history of the Friends?

Friends was formed in September 2003 by the Parks Manager at Worcester City Council. At that time the park was badly maintained and covered in graffiti with anti-social behaviour and drug abuse. Residents were reluctant to visit the park after dark. The task of the Friends was to make the park a more pleasant place to visit by addressing these major problems and then persuading people to use it. A committee was immediately formed from the local community and work started. Working with the City Council and the local community we spent more than a year helping to clean up the park, then tempted people to use it by staging family events such as Xmas in the Park and Music in the Park.

What do the Friends do today?

The Friends is now one of the major community groups in the area, with a membership of about 700, a strong community presence and our own

16

newsletter. We continue to stage family park events and have a heavy involvement in park matters. We play a major role in running the Worcester Show.

What’s The Friends’ biggest recent achievement?

The biggest project we have undertaken, at a cost of more than £40,000, is the installation of outdoor gym equipment around the park, which is used by people of all ages.

And are there future plans?

We aim to continue working closely with the local community to increase park amenities and stage at least two park events per year. Our next event will be St George's Day in the Park which takes place on April 23rd 2016.

If you would like to find out more about the Friends and the activities they organise, visit gheluveltfriends.org.uk or search for them on Facebook (gheluveltfriends).

You can also call (01905) 22534 or email allen@gheluveltfriends.org.uk

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Gheluvelt is a memorial park, built in honour of those who died in World War One, and its name commemorates a battle in 1914 when The 2nd Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment suffered heavy casualties.

There are many notable features in the park including a striking modern war memorial, as well as a large entrance arch, bandstand and a number of houses for disabled servicemen.

Such is their importance, that earlier this year Historic England awarded Grade II Listed status to the park’s buildings and structures, while the park itself is on the official Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

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Feature

family fun time at st john's library

The winter weather can make it a challenge to keep young children entertained at this time of year. Fortunately help is at hand!

There’s a multitude of craft, music, films and activity sessions for younger children at St John’s Library.

T

he library is a buzz of activity for the Family Fun Time session which takes place on the second Saturday of each month. Silver paper, cardboard, glue and a host of other craft materials are laid out ready for the children to arrive.

Helping to get it ready, Janet Davidson admits she spent some of her Christmas break cutting out planets and preparing pictures!

Around twenty children come to each session which is free, and the rooms are soon filled with the sound of busy children. This week’s theme is ‘Space’ and the children are making rockets, astronauts and brightly coloured collages of the solar system. As well as the craft activities, sessions often include a quiz or a treasure hunt around the library.

‘It’s about the children developing their creative skills’ says Janet, ‘but it’s also about them learning social skills, it’s a very relaxed setting. It’s also a way of bringing more young people into the library which introduces them to books they can borrow.’

Children do need to be Library members to attend, but can join on the day if they are not already Library members.

Suitable for children from the age of three, there is something for everyone. ‘It brings the community together’ says Margaret, a volunteer, ‘parents can also meet up and have a chat. Two of the boys who come every month can’t wait for it to start and always come running in!’

‘These kind of activities are important for bringing the community together’ says Sharon, another volunteer. ‘It also helps people realise there’s more to our library than books – it’s a place to meet, have a coffee, or join in with one of the activities that go on here each week.’

The library is a real hub of clubs for adults too. Apart from the library itself, there’s a chess club, Scrabble and whist sessions, a walking group, readers’

18

group, keep fit and a job club. Coffee mornings are held through the week and there’s free wi-fi and computer use.

St John’s Library is open six days a week, and is in the centre of St. John’s on the west side of the city. You can call on (01905) 822722 and the library has a Facebook page with regular updates, facebook.com/ stjohnslibraryworcester

Coming Up at Family Fun Time Saturday 13th February – Dinosaur themed crafts as well as a dinosaur hunt and dinosaur quizzes. Starts at 10am and runs until Noon, free entry.

Saturday 12th March – Animal Surprises, from 10am until Noon, free entry.

Saturday 9th April – Journey Through Time, 10am – Noon, free entry.

OTHER CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES Mondays – Bounce and Rhyme for preschool children, 10am – 10.30am Tuesdays– Stay and Play, a parent and toddler session with toys, crafts and singing.

10.30am until Noon, 50p per child Fridays – Storytime and Rhymes, 11.30am

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21

Music Feature

Local Talent

By Dave Webber

This month I want to tell you about a local performer who I think has got real talent. Paul J Rose has been on the local music scene for many years and has just started a new project.

O

ne of his favourite places to perform is on the streets. While busking in public is a daunting experience for many musicians, Paul can often be found playing on local streets.

‘I love it’ he says, ‘bringing music to people who wouldn’t necessarily come to gigs. Families will walk past and their children will dance around.

Whether they are laughing or crying, it’s great to get a response!’

Paul travels around and busks from Droitwich to Leominster. ‘I tend to stick to smaller towns’ he says, ‘ and I get lots of acts of kindness from people. In Kidderminster a person walked past and smiled. They soon came back to give me a hot chocolate and said how much they enjoyed the music.’

It’s those moments of appreciation that make it worthwhile for Paul, and he thinks he’s improved as a musician as well. ‘It’s toughened me up, most people don’t notice I’m there or are not interested. I have to have confidence in my own songs and there is something of worth there.’

Paul is a prolific writer of music and always has something on the go – he’s even threatened to write a song about me! He started playing guitar in his early twenties, when he was a fan of heavy rock, but as his playing progressed he realised the folk music tradition suited his voice and his playing style much better.

Many of his songs tell stories which catch your attention. His song The Maestro Effect tells the story of a romance which is doomed by his choice of car. Paul’s songs take you on a journey, following the folk tradition but with a contemporary edge.

His first album, called ‘A Nice Cup of Tea’ was produced ten years ago and he was often seen playing guitar with The George Cowley Experience who performed a lot around

22

Picture by Jenny Ludlow

Worcester at that time. Two more albums followed – The Gathering of Threads in 2009 and Ulterior Motives (2013) in which Paul added an electric guitar and drums.

He’s now writing more material for a new group, ‘The Paul Rose Dictatorship’. The title was suggested because Paul is one of the last people who would ever act like a dictator! Together with a couple more local musicians Goose Goldberg and Simon Hislam, their music has a blues-rock feel and it’ll be interesting to see how they go down with local audiences.

After years of performing as a solo artist, Paul is enjoying making music with others and hopefully this new venture will produce many more great songs and live performances.

The next gig is on 28th February at the Keys and Kitchen in Stratford upon Avon, to read more about the music and upcoming gigs, search for Paul J Rose Music on Facebook and on SoundCloud.

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

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25

Recipe

Jerusalem Artichoke and Carrot soup Father Christmas brought me a new vegetable peeler!

Not one of those cumbersome implements that peels away most of the vegetable (and your fingertips to!), but a beautiful piece of engineering that glides over vegetables skimming the surface, cleverly weighted to take just the thinnest shavings and I love it!

This recipe calls for exactly this piece of equipment gliding over the knobbly roots with ease.

Ingredients

Method

1 onion 3 celery sticks 750g Jerusalem artichoke 750g carrot 3 litres stock (chicken or vegetable)

Knob of butter 1 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper

1. Top, tail and peel and the vegetables. Leave the artichoke until last as once peeled they tend to discolour. Roughly chop into 1cm cubes.

2. Melt the butter and olive oil in a large saucepan and add the vegetables. Sautee the vegetables until they start to soften, but not colour.

3. Add the stock and bring the soup to a gentle simmer for 20-30 minutes until the vegetable are really soft.

4. Blend, add salt and pepper to taste and serve with crusty brown bread.

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

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You can keep up to date We’re open: with events on Facebook Mon - Sat 9am -and 5pmwe’re | Sunday 10am - 1pm to open Monday Saturday 9am to 5pm www.rootsatrushwick.info & Sunday 10am to 1pm.

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27

Feature

worcester parkrun Every Saturday hundreds of people gather in Worcester to take part in a five kilometre running event at Worcester Woods Country Park. Worcester parkrun is completely free and run by volunteers. The Event Director Richard Ralphs tells us more.

a

ll abilities of runners take part in parkrun from Olympians to beginners. There is no time limit, most runners take between 20 and 45 minutes or it can be comfortably walked in one hour. Our course takes us through the woods at the Country Park and after the run lots of people stay for a coffee and a chat at the cafe.

Worcester. We looked for a suitable park course and we found Worcester Woods Countryside Centre, and Rob Stevenson and his team offered us great support for the event. Supported by family and friends, and our volunteer team we created the initial atmosphere that stays with the event, above all fun and friendly. It’s one of my proudest achievements.

If you are starting out running it’s the ideal place to join other runners of all abilities and gain some confidence. For more experienced runners it’s a place to test your form and try to get that elusive personal best! It’s also a great place to meet the local running clubs who are all represented and share tips and news of other local runs.

We have had a lot of help from our amazing volunteers who are the runners and their family and friends. They create an amazing atmosphere, cheering the runners on their laps of the woods and then greeting them back to register their run, helping process results and clearing up the course. We are so lucky to have so many volunteers to create such a great atmosphere.

Since we started Worcester parkrun in June 2011, more than 235 events later, more than 64,000 people have completed the run, with around 400 to 500 coming each week. We also have 40 volunteers supporting the event, giving up their time to make sure it runs smoothly and safely.

A community has developed, friendships made, even new running clubs starting like the Pershore Plum Plodders led by Trevor Clarke. For many its offered support during tough times, a place you can just simply run and see a few friendly faces, like Ed, Anne, Derek, Elaine, David, Michael, Nichola, Maddie, James, Carole, Gerry. I could go on and on.

My first introduction to parkrun was visiting a friend in Cardiff. When I got home I discovered there were none within 30 miles of Worcester, so thought ‘it’s up to me to put that right’. I contacted parkrun and met with a few other runners, we formed a team that brought the parkrun to life in

28

Since starting the Worcester parkrun I've become a parkrun Ambassador. I help people wanting to get a parkrun started. We have helped Hereford parkrun, led by the wonderful Barbara Spanjers, Evesham parkrun, Colin Tether, Wyre Forest parkrun, Andie Ford. Each of these events has its own unique atmosphere, course, and vibe created by the team involved. More parkruns will be coming in the future too.

parkrun details All parkrun events take place on Saturday, with the start at 9am. The Worcester parkrun is at the Countryside Centre (WR5 2LG). To take part you need to print a free barcode from the website and bring it along. Registering and taking part is completely free! www.parkrun.org.uk

Enjoy a massage in the comfort of your own home

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

29

Well Being

skipping meals

By Tracy Reck, Personal Fitness Coach in Worcester When I used to work at the council, I never used to eat breakfast. To be honest, given that I get hungry every three hours or so now, it's somewhat unfathomable to me that this was ever the case but it's definitely true.

By about 10am I usually wanted to eat my own arm!

B

y lunchtime, I could be found queuing up in the panini shop, in order to get my hungry little chops around a HUGE sandwich of the white-bread kind, filled with cheese and other calorie-and-fat-laden niceness.

Plus, a chocolate bar would somehow end up in my hand (how did that get there?!) And crisps. And whatever else took my fancy.

fast for 18 hours and the other not. They were then presented with a buffet, and their choices were studied by the researchers. This is what happened:

Do you skip meals ever? When you're busy? It would seem to make sense from a weight loss point of view, as it should mean eating fewer calories, but it doesn’t. Skipping meals never works as a calorie restriction technique. What actually happens is that, rather than saving yourself a bunch of calories, skipping meals virtually guarantees you'll eat a whole lot more.

• They ate more of those foods than the other foods on their plate.

Going hungry sends your cravings into space. You get cravings that render you capable of selling your own granny to satisfy them. Because of that, we lose the ability to choose our food intelligently and instead get hit by the Sugar Truck or one of its friends, the Fat Truck, the Carb Truck or the Salt Truck. Let's just call them the Nom Nom Trucks. Sometimes they'll come at you in convoy.

Whatever food gets you into "nom nom nom, can't stop" mode, that's where we'll find you - right at the bottom of a bucket of whatever food that is.

Because not only do your cravings end up soaring into orbit, your ability to stop before you're horribly over-full gets obliterated.

In a study I read a while back, a group of people was split in two, with one group being asked to

30

• The fasting group took more food.

• The foods they chose were higher in calories.

• They chose to eat those high calorie foods first.

Here’s why. Cortisol and Grehlin are both released when we skip meals. These are two hormones that generate hunger and cravings (particularly cravings for salty, sweet, starchy, fatty foods).

A drop in blood sugar (caused by leaving it too long between meals) leads to reward seeking behaviour and an impaired ability to control impulses. Put together, this all means that you'll want to EAT ALL THE FOOD! Don't let this be you. It was me for years and I can vouch for the fact that I did indeed eat all the food.

Not fun. Not healthy. Please don’t skip meals!

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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31

Feature

events at the hive From films, exhibitions and learning opportunities to plenty of half-term activities for children, there’s something for everyone happening at The Hive this month. Here’s a selection of events to choose from, for booking and more information see the end of the page.

Explore House History Monday 29 February, 10am - 1pm £15.00 Allergies and Allergens Looking at the history of allergy diagnosis and prevention and the difference between seasonal and perennial allergies.

Wednesday 3 February, 6pm Professor Roy Kennedy Harry Potter Book Night Thursday 4 February, 4.30 – 6.30pm Dress up in your best robes and be ready for fun and games as we celebrate everybody's favourite school of witchcraft and wizardry. All are welcome at Hogwarts, bring your house elf too, but be careful something is stirring in the dark halls of The Hive "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir, beware."

Palliative Care Event Exploring the world of Palliative Care.

Representatives from the University’s Centre for Palliative Care Research, hospices and the NHS will demystify what care for life limiting illnesses involves, as well as how and where to get support and information. This event will take place on World Cancer Day. Thursday 4 February, 10am – 3pm This event is free of charge however booking is recommended.

HALF TERM Midsummer Night's Dream

by Box Tale Soup New family adaptation of Shakespeare's enchanting story.

Suitable for 6 years upwards.

Tuesday 16 February, 2pm Adults £5, children £3, babes in arms free.

32

The Odd Job Frog Meet local author and illustrator mother and daughter team Zoe and Collette as they tell the tale of the "Odd Job Frog". Books available to purchase.

Wednesday 17 February, 11am and 2.45pm Love Archaeology Free drop-in activities based around archaeology in the Children’s Library.

Thursday 18 February, 10am - 3pm Films: White God (15) on 31st January, The Martian (12A) on 14th February Showtime 7pm, tickets £3.50 Royal Photographic Society International Print Exhibition A unique selection of 100 images, curated by a panel of renowned photographers and photographic professionals. Embracing all genres and styles of photography,The exhibition takes place between 16 February to 23 March, before touring the UK.

You can find out more at www.thehiveworcester.org or call (01905) 822866 or drop in – The Hive is open daily.

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33

Notice Board johnny Cash Roadshow At The Swan Theatre Saturday 13th February at 8pm Fronted by Clive John, a heart-warming story played out with genuine passion and a wonderful celebration of one of world’s greatest known artists.

Tickets £19.50 from (01905) 611427

Concert by Pianist Martin Roscoe

the wythe retinue At Tudor House Museum on Friar Street Costumed re-enactors bring the Tudor House to life!

10am until 4pm on 13th & 14 February and again on 20th & 21st February Free entry

www.tudorhouse.org.uk

Part of the Love Worcestershire Heritage Festival: 13th - 21st February

More events: www.allaboutworcester.com

Pianist Martin Roscoe plays Mozart with The Orchestra of The Swan

Severn Jazz

At Huntingdon Hall 2nd March, 7.30pm Part of a nine concert series fronted by international soloists between February and May 2016 Tickets: (01905) 611427

Every month at the Portobello on Bransford Road (WR2 4EZ) Worcester & Fri 5th February – John Hallam Malvern RSPB Local and Remi Harris Trio Group Walks Mon 14th March – Alan Barnes 28th Feb – A walk in the Ripple orchestraoftheswan.org and David Newton and Mythe areas, to see the Fri 1st April – Bruce Adams Trio overwintering wigeon Doors open 7pm, jazz 8pm (Fun)draising Fashion 12th March – A 2-3 hour walk in the until 10.30pm Woorgreens Lake/Crabtree Hill area Admission £10/students & A fashion show & pop-up shop of the Forest of Dean under 16 £5 raising funds for New Hope vanessa.chaplin@yahoo.co.uk See www.severnjazz.org.uk Worcester. Friday 12th February, Tel: 07771 848700 from 7.30pm at The Berkeley, Making Amazing Books Class Spetchley (WR7 4QL) Small Message?

Tickets cost £5 and can be !

Mondays, 10am -12 noon It’s free for groups purchased from New Hope. om al.c loc utbo alla at Cafe Mix, St Paul’s Street, Worcester For information and tickets call james@ 01684 252 242 Suitable for adults, £10 per session (01905) 355295 or email

jean.wilson46@yahoo.co.uk

Take Two Friendly Social Club for Singles Over 45 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, talks, skittles, walks and dancing etc. New members & carers will always be made welcome.

For further details please ring 01684 567660 / 01905 350471

For details call 07904 791598

Deaf Direct Deaf Direct offers support to those with hearing loss, are deaf or deafblind.

Fully trained staff offer a high quality value for money service, with specialist knowledge on hearing loss, tinnitus, BSL skills and DeafBlind qualifications to match your needs.

Email info@deafdirect.org.uk Call (01905) 746301, SMS 07725 244129 www.deafdirect.org.uk

March/April Deadline: Thursday 11 February

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35

What’s On

February Wednesday 10 February ‘Jim’s Big Year’ A talk organised by the Worcester & Malvern RSPB - hear how Jim Almond tried to see 250 bird species in the UK in one year – 7.30pm at Powick Village Hall.

01527 69608 or e-mail: annyball@yahoo.co.uk Saturday 13 February Johnny Cash Roadshow at The Swan Theatre at 8pm, a celebration of the iconic legend, tickets £19.50 See worcesterlive.co.uk Saturday 13 February 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

13

Feb

Sunday 14 February Online Skills Mini Course at The Hive Brush up how to use the internet for services like banking, shopping, social media and more. Further dates: 24 Feb, 7 & 22 March See www.thehiveworcester.org Monday 15 February Fun for Children at The Elgar Birthplace Museum Create your own detective outfit and a personalised code maker, fun for children at The Elgar Birthplace Museum in Lower Broadheath, plus a mystery themed trail all week.

For details (01905) 333224 Wednesday 24 February An Evening of Glorious Music of Handel from The Sixteen choir and orchestra at Worcester Cathedral, tickets £15-£30, See www.thesixteen.com Saturday 27 February A walk around Great Witley and Abberley with Worcester Ramblers from 10am, for details of this and more walks see www.worcesterramblers.org.uk

March Saturday 5 March Explore Maps one of the Explore the Past Workshops at the Hive, 10am3pm, £15 See www.thehiveworcester.org Saturday 12 March Family Fun Time at St John’s Library Animal Surprises: craft activities for children aged 3 and above from 10am until Noon Free Entry

12

Mar

Monday 14 March Alan Barnes and David Newton at Severn Jazz, door open 7pm at The Portobello on Bromyard Road (WR2 4EZ), Entry £10 www.severnjazz.org.uk Thursday 17 March Theatre: Bizet’s Carmen presented by Great Witley Operatic Society at The Swan Theatre, tickets £15, continues until Saturday, tickets (01905) 611427. www.gwos.net Sunday 20 March Worcester Concert Club Violinist Roberto Ruisi and Jo Seeley on piano at Worcester Concert Club, 3pm at Huntingdon Hall See www.worcserenade.co.uk

20

Mar

Tuesday 22 March Social Media Marketing Workshop 4-6pm, a Business Centre event at The Hive www.thehiveworcester.org

Promote your March/April events: email james@allabout-local.com or call 01684 252 242 by Thursday 11 February 2016 at the latest.

36

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

01684 567070 24 Hour LocKsmitH 07767 883639 To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

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Theatre News

confusions & Hero's welcome Alan Ayckbourn’s 79th play and first major revival of Confusions on national tour to Malvern Theatres.

In its 60th anniversary year, the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, in association with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, is embarking on a national tour with two productions written and directed by world-renowned playwright Alan Ayckbourn. Malvern Theatres welcomes the world premiere production of the author’s 79th play, Hero’s Welcome, and a major revival of the 1974 hit Confusions.

In Confusions, from a devoted and isolated mother to her unfaithful travelling salesman husband, through a solicitous waiter to wellheeled diners and an utterly shambolic garden fete, human frailty is laid bare as one hilarious situation after another unfolds. Each of the plays connects to the next through one of its characters until the final one is reached when four people sit alone on park benches. From high farce to poignant observation; the laughs, however dark, keep coming.

Ayckbourn’s latest play Hero’s Welcome recently had its world premiere in Scarborough.

Seventeen years ago, Murray fled the neighbourhood under somewhat of a cloud and certain local folk have long memories, not least Alice, the mayor, whom he left standing at the altar. Once the welcome flags have stopped waving and the town band has ceased playing, few of his friends seem particularly happy to see him back. Murray’s declared intention of staying put and settling down with his new bride threatens to stir up all sorts of old rivalries and resentments.

Hero’s Welcome can be seen on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd March. Confusions can be seen on Monday 29th February, then from Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th March. Book to see both plays for a special price of £34.72.

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 confusions or hero's welcome Win a pair of tickets to one of these two shows at Malvern Theatres.

Please answer the following question: Who wrote the plays Confusions and Hero’s Welcome?

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

by Sunday 14 February 2016.

The winners will be drawn from the entries and notified by 15 February.

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

THE GUARDIAN

Written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn

THE INDEPENDENT

Confusions Monday 29th February Thursday 3rd - Saturday 5th March Hero’s Welcome Tuesday 1st - Wednesday 2nd March

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

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