All About Worcester January 2016

Jan/Feb 2016 Issue 28

7,000 hand-delivered to households & businesses in Worcester East

free

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

enjoy local Gheluvelt Park WORCESTER PARKRUN WONKY PARSNIPS

what’s on competition Keep me for 2 months

locally

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

Confidence in a changing world www.ksw.org.uk 2

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

3

Contents

January 2016

24

18

happy new year The New Year is traditionally a moment when some of us decide to try something new. Fortunately, our magazine this month has plenty of ideas of activities for you to try out.

The Worcester parkrun on Page 28 is a fantastic, free way to get into running.

Organised by a friendly group of people, you won’t feel out of place whether you are a top run or a complete beginner! And if you’re having trouble getting into fitness, take a look at Page 30 where Tracy Reck lends a helping hand.

26 28

Sascha McDonald - The Editor Enjoy Local Business News Community News Local Talent Events at the Hive All About Teamwork Gheluvelt Park Friends Roots: Wonky British Parsnips Worcester parkrun Well Being: Shaping your Path Time to Exfoliate Notice Board What’s On Competition & Theatre News Classes & Courses www.facebook.com/allaboutworcester @allaboutmalvern www.allaboutworcester.com

6 8 12 14 18 20 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 38

Cover Photo South Parade in Winter

by Digitlight Photography Visit the website: digitlightphotography.com

DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Sascha McDonald (owner & publisher) Colwall, Malvern WR13 6QN sascha@allabout-local.com 01684 252242 | 07906 573352 ADVERTISING Teresa Rooney - 07722 226712 teresa@allabout-local.com EDITORIAL & DISTRIBUTION: James McDonald - 01684 252242 james@allabout-local.com All About Worcester is distributed to 14,600 homes and businesses over 2 months.

CONTRIBUTORS Tracy Reck, Dave Webber, Roots, Rita Davies - Healing Touch NEXT BOOKING/COPY DEADLINE Mon 11 January for Feb/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

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

Scott Wroe Hearing Centre MALVERN

• 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

5

Enjoy Local 1. exhibition of artists The annual exhibition by the Worcester Society of Artists is at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum until 30th January. The event has been held every year since the Society was formed in 1947 – today the Society is a thriving group of amateur and professional artists who meet throughout the year. www.worcesterart.co.uk

2. worcester concert club The Worcester Concert Club welcomes the Carducci String Quartet for a performance on Sunday 24th January, while on 28th February Maria Marchant will be giving a piano recital which includes works by John Ireland and a performance of Debussy’s Suite Bergamasque.

Performances take place at Huntingdon Hall.

For details see www.worcserenade.co.uk

5

things to enjoy local

3. stay safe online advice While the internet holds a world of learning and opportunity, we sometimes don’t know who or what is out there in cyberspace. There’s a drop-in session at the Hive on Tuesday 9th February between 6 and 7pm when parents, children can meet the Safer Schools Police Community Support Officers and find out how to stay safe online.

For more details see thehiveworcester.org

During January & February 2016

4. orchestra of the swan Orchestra of the Swan, a world-class professional chamber orchestra, gives a series of performances with well-known international soloists between February and May this year. Their inaugural Worcestershire Concert Series begins at Huntingdon Hall on February 3rd when they are joined by classical guitarist Craig Ogden who will perform the Vivaldi Guitar Concerto.

For details see www.allaboutworcester.com

5. worcester jazz Remi Harris is a jazz guitarist who is fast making a big name for himself, particularly in the manouche style. Together with the popular saxophone and clarinet player John Hallam, he’ll be appearing at Worcester Jazz on Monday 1st February. Held at Fownes Hotel on City Walls Road, the doors open at 7pm before the music begins at 8pm, entry is £10 for adults and £5 for accompanied under 16s. www.worcesterjazz.org.uk

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

6

Celebrate the New Year with a Quality Kitchen Makeover

F* 2TH0IS%MOONF TH

Specialists in Kitchen Makeovers and New Kitchens

FREE OVEN, HOB & EXTRACTOofR on all orders * re £3000 or mo

• From a simple door swap to a complete kitchen • Trusted local business • Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks and taps ®

* T & C apply, please ask for full details

EST.

1999

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

Call NOW and SAVE on 01905 887603 Showroom: 42 The Tything, Worcester WR1 1JT View our credentials

Covering Worcester, Evesham, Pershore, Malvern, Ledbury and surrounding areas

Find us on

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

7

Business News OVEN SCRUB After all the cooking in your kitchen over Christmas, the New Year might be the perfect time to have your oven cleaned.

Oven Scrub is a local business started in 2014 by Danny Walder who now has a long list of repeat customers who also recommend its services to friends and family.

‘It’s been really busy since last year’ says Danny, ‘and things were really busy 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. The advantages to keeping your oven clean go beyond hygiene, and include energy efficiency and fewer cooking odours.’

Based in Worcester, Oven Scrub is an independent local company covering Worcestershire and beyond.

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!

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Call them on 01905 700134 or 07930 859068 or visit www.oven-scrub.com

Out Sourced PR

ST JOHN'S WOOL SHOP Whether you are a seasoned knitter or a complete beginner, the St Johns Wool Shop has plenty to keep you occupied through January and beyond. ‘There are lots of chunky and DK yarns in our sale which starts on January 4th’ says the shop’s owner Lisa Simpkins, ‘and with the darker nights, knitting and crochet are perfect hobbies for winter.’

Learn to Crochet classes as well as an intermediate class will run on Saturday mornings through January. If you’re interested then please give Lisa a call.

The shop stocks yarns including King Cole, Style Craft, Sirdar, Woolcraft and James Brett.

There is also haberdashery, ribbon, buttons, dyes and sewing kits.

The St Johns Wool Shop is in the King Charles Arcade and you are always welcome to pop in for a chat or call on 07734 039671.

Lisasimpkins72@hotmail.co.uk

8

"We wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves. Having had many years of experience within the PR and Marketing sector between us, we have noticed a common theme in that there are so many local, smaller and independent businesses who require PR and Marketing assistance but cannot always afford the normal agency fee. As a result, we launched Outsourced PR at the beginning of the summer in order to provide cost effective PR and Marketing services, which directly support a client's business objectives.

We offer an integrated PR and Marketing strategy that maximises all channels available to ensure the best return on investment possible.

Do give us a call or drop us an email if you would be interested in a no obligation chat about your current marketing activities and whether we could be of any added value for your business development and increased brand awareness?

We look forward to hearing from you."

www.outsourcedpr.co.uk

www.allaboutmalvernhills.com/businesses

Business News

ST JOHN’S WOOL SHOP 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

Your local high quality domestic cleaning company

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

Stocking King Cole, Stylecraft, Woolcraft, Sirdar, James C Brett yarns JANUARY SALES from Monday 4th including chunky & dk yarns and patterns 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

Marketing Communications Public Relations Social Media Graphic Design

www.outsourcedpr.co.uk

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

9

MIKE SWAIN

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

CRADLEY STOVES

FROM EXTENSIONS & DECORATING TO CHIMNEY REBUILDS TO LANDSCAPING

Installation & maintenance of woodburning and multifuel stoves For a free estimate call

Just call for a quote References supplied

01905 937919 07976 647548

07983 714 003 roger@cradleystoves.co.uk

www.cradleystoves.co.uk

brucemike555@aol.com

• Heating breakdowns and repairs • Gas boilers, fires, water heaters and warm air units serviced • Landlords gas safety certificates • Boiler replacements, upgrades and conversions • Gas cookers / hobs supplied and fitted • LPG appliances serviced and installed

553629

SPECIAL RATES FOR PENSIONERS

01684 342110 07928 799622 info@boilerfixmalvern.co.uk www.boilerfixmalvern.co.uk 10

NO CALL OUT FEE

24/7

Emergency Service

We now provide wrought iron gates & fencing Think

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

11

News

community NEWS

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

COUCH TO 5K A series of ‘Couch to 5k’ fitness programmes to help you get into running start this month. The courses last for 8 or 9 weeks and are being held in St Johns and Warndon as well as other places across Worcestershire.

Exercising with others in a similar situation will build your confidence, with the ultimate aim of participating in an organised run. Most of the programmes are free or have a small charge and are organised by the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire with local partners. www.morethansport.com/simplyrun

13 - 21 Feb Love Worcester Heritage Festival 2016

See allaboutworcester.com

FOCUS ON BIRDS

THE TUDOR HOUSE MUSEUM A decade after it was taken over by volunteers, The Tudor House Museum on Friar Street has been awarded Accredited Museum status. Awarded by the Arts Council, the scheme sets nationally agreed standards and as well as many smaller museums, Tudor House joins many prestigious organisations including Tate Modern and the Royal Armouries at the Tower of London.

Entry to the museum is free but donations are welcome - www.tudorhouse.org.uk

12

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has an active local group which holds walks, talks and events throughout the year. This January they will be hosting talks including The Birds and Wildlife of Costa Rica with Ian Butler on 13th January, while in February a walk around the Worcestershire/Gloucestershire border offers the chance to see an overwintering wigeon.

For full details see www.allaboutworcester.com

The Home Care Specialists

Do you need a Helping Hand?

Our Worcester care team has been providing award winning quality homecare since 1989.

We offer a homecare service from 30 minutes per week to full-time Live-in Care, which enables you or your loved one to remain at home with compassion and dignity.

To find out how we can help, call: 01905 409 531 or visit: www.helpinghands.co.uk

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

13

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.

14

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.’

In December they headed to a recording studio in Hampshire, armed with a clutch of new songs to record, and they hope to release a new album this 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.

Electrician

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

Do you find it difficult to get someone to Come and do a small job

LOCAL OFFER

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

*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

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

Kiln Dried Hardwood

FIREWOOD

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

Contact us now: 01886 884634

07525 439096

Kree8 Ltd, The Glen, Cradley WR13 5NR

hello@kree8designbuild.com www.kree8designbuild.com

01531 641999

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

15

£££££ CASH PAID INSTANTLY!

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

MALVERN Unit 8, Link Business Park, Link Way, Malvern, WR14 1UQ Tel: 01684 565633 Map Data © 2015 Google

Free Parking in front of Shop!

OPENING TIMES: Mon to Sat: 9:00am-4:00pm 16

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

17

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 January and February. Here’s a selection of events to choose from, for booking and more information see the end of the page.

Preparing for your University Interview Thursday 14 January, 5 - 6pm Feeling daunted? Come along to this workshop run by University of Worcester Graduate Ambassadors and get tips on how prepare so that you can progress from interview to offer stage.Booking essential.

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

Wednesday 3 February, 6pm Professor Roy Kennedy 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.

18

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.

./ & .

'()*+ ,,-,+,

0,.11

0,.11

0,.11

.

! ""

#$

#% "" ! ""

! ""

$

#$

#% ""

#$

#% ""

$

$

%! 0('

%! 0(' 22

2 %! 0(' 22

2 22

2

!

! !

"# $

%!

"# $ "# $ %! %!

%!

%! %! %! %! %! %!

%! %! &

&

&

'()*+ ,,-,+, '()*+ ,,-,+, '()*+ ,,-,+, ./ & .

./ & . ./ & .

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

allaboutmalvernhills.com

Three quality award-winning magazines

35,000 copies hand delivered

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

21

Property Renovations Garden Landscaping

“All the services you need for your property�

Specialists in Exterior painting Extensions and Renovations All painting and decorating All indoor works All brickworks undertaken

All Landscaping Paving, Decking Block Paving Garden Services Fencing

Fully insured Call, text or email today for a free quote Mobile: 07599 187335 elliott@elliottsproperty.com www.elliottsproperty.com

22

NEED ANYTHING DELIVERING?

TUITION & COACHING SERVICE

lcarroll@speedyfoxltd.com

Tuition across several subjects: GCSE, A Level & degree - coursework, extended writing, exam prep etc Presentations, speeches & interviews - coaching & strategic advice Document composition/edit - personal statements, website content, bids, projects, CVs etc Excellent testimonials

07812 726505

Call JACKIE: 07711 677 672 Jackie@english-by-design.com

Reliable, Local and Fast Courier Delivery Service FOR BUSINESS & RESIDENTIAL

Email Lucy now for a quote:

S.C.Beard

Carpenter and Joiner

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

NEW Garden Waste Collection Service

Only

£45.00 *per year

We are now collecting your garden waste in wheelie bins in Fernhill Heath, Malvern, Kempsey and Worcester - Email your postcode & contact number to panddgreenwaste@gmail.com or text it to 07565 633 532 to register your interest.

P & D Green Waste Ltd

t: 01905 22604 m: 07565 633 532 26 Fortnightly Collections * Plus £10 one off registration charge. www.panddgreenwaste.wordpress.com

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

23

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

24

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 Georges 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

GHELUVELT PARK 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.

Stylish Cards & Gifts Co.

St Johns own Card & Gift Shop selling; 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

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 to accommodate guests and family! They are also very handy for turning 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

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

fine Cantonese dining all year round

RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

Chinese New Year

Bookings now being taken

Black tie party, 10th & 11th February

18 Malvern Road, Powick, Worcester WR2 4RU

t: 01905 830238

www.fourseasonsrestaurant.co.uk

Bransford Road, Rushwick, Worcester, WR2 5TD Tel. 01905 421104

A brilliant farm shop for foodies.

Here at our family farm shop come and seePlease the signs of Summer! visit our website toSheep, find outPigs more. and Chickens and lots of garden plants.

Try something new...

Directly sourced Look out for seasonal family events.

Organic Seville Proper pizza baked to Oranges order in our available month. wood oven every this Friday 4pm – 7pm, for01905 making telephonePerfect to book 421104. your own Marmalade

Parsnip, Potato and Leek Bake

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.

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

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

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!

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

Also including: Tiling, Carpentry, Plastering & Coving Family Business Free Estimates Interior & Exterior gandkdecorators@hotmail.co.uk

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

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

Enjoy a massage in the comfort of your own home

Massage Training The Fold Bransford near Worcester

Relaxation Deep tissue massage Pregnancy massage Indian head massage Sports massage

Contact Kathy Scott: 07989 367669 Sarah Cohen 01386 861931 worcester@bristolmassage.co.uk www.bristolmassage.co.uk

info@bringingmassage2u.co.uk

Six Door Deal

Only ÂŁ395

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

No deposit required | Fully insured | All work guaranteed

CALL JUSTIN FOR A FREE HOUSE SURVEY

Locks & Glass

For a complete double-glazing

repair service

Hinges, handles, locks and security.

Key cutting

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

31

Health

time to exfoliate

by Rita Davies, Healing Touch You might have heard that it is important to exfoliate. Why is it so important and what exactly does exfoliating do?

I exfoliate 3 x a week after every shower it leaves my skin beautiful and tingly skin.

What is exfoliation? Exfoliation is the technique of removing the top layer of dead skin cells from of the epidermis of your skin. This encourages the live cells down in the dermis of the skin to turnover and refresh the skin’s appearance.

Why do we need to exfoliate? Skin is constantly turning over, generating new cells at the lower level (the dermis) and sending them up to replace dead skin cells on the upper layer (epidermis).

As we age, the cell turnover process slows down.

Cells begin to gather unevenly on the skin’s surface which can lead to dry patches and a lackluster appearance. Through exfoliating, we can help remove the dead skin cells, revealing the fresher, younger cells below and restoring skin’s natural clarity and brightness.

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

Who needs to exfoliate? Everyone! Exfoliating smooths your skin and increases circulation.

However, some people can tolerate more aggressive exfoliation than others. Test exfoliating on a small patch of skin on your inner arm to gauge your tolerance.

How often should I exfoliate? I recommend exfoliating your face and body 2–3 times a week.

However, older skin can be thinner and more sensitive. So, make sure to monitor how your skin reacts to exfoliating and adjust accordingly.

It is actually possible to over-exfoliate which can lead to moisture loss, sensitivity, dryness and irritation.

There are many exfoliation products available including scrubs, creams and sponges to suit all skins types.

If you want to know more or discuss how Healing Touch can help you with your complementary and alternative health needs, contact 01905 763481 or email rita@healingtouchworcester.co.uk

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

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

32

www.allaboutworcester.com/our_magazines

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

No job too small. All work guaranteed.

LPG

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

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

01905 670031 07910 681481

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

33

Notice Board worcester & district Cats protection

Kays theatre group presents little bo peep

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.

Light of the World

at the Swan Theatre in Worcester from 21st to 31st January Set in Fanny Fairacre's Farm with lots of yokels, Buttercup the Cow and lost sheep - and at Cindy Sparkle's travelling show, featuring razzle dazzle dance routines, magic and conjuring tricks.

Tickets: £11 by calling (01905) 425299 or 08453 883 783 For further information see www.kaystheatregroup.co.uk

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Worcester Group

An Exhibition of Art

by Zheni Warner At Worcester Cathedral this January

Randan Meadows – Life Among the Anthills with Gordon Forrest Weds 20th January, 7.30pm at See www.worcestercathedral.co.uk Bishop Allenby Hall, St Stephen’s Worcestershire Street, Worcester WR3 7HS. Guild of Weavers, Entry: £2.50 Free Entry

Indoor Car Boot Sale

at Lyppard Hub First Saturday of each month Next Sale: Saturday 6th February 2016 Saturday 5th March 2016 Tables must be booked in advance 10.00 – 12.00noon Tables are £8 each

Free entry to all shoppers For more info call Lyppard Hub on 01905 616841 www.lyppardhub.co.uk

spinners & dyers

worcswildlifetrust.co.uk

Join us to learn, share & practice the crafts of hand spinning & weaving. love worcester Meetings once a month in Worcester heritage festival & Pershore areas – Beginners welcome.

Events & activities in museums www.worcsgwsd.wordpress.com and historic venues across worcsweavers@gmail.com the city 13th-21st February or call Shosh (01386) See www.allaboutworcester.com 832073

Small Message? !

It’s free for groups

al.com james@allabout-loc 01684 252 242

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

For details call 07904 791598

Take Two Friendly Social Club for Singles Over 45

Learned Friends by Ginny Davis

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.

While the jury is out in the trial of a prominent football manager, Prosecution and Defence counsel grapple with irregularities which threaten friendships, careers and the true course of justice. A gripping robing room drama!

For further details please ring 01684 567660 / 01905 350471

At The Hive 5 February, 7.30pm - Tickets £10.00 www.thehiveworcester.org

February/March Deadline: Tuesday 12 January

34

Malvern Blinds

Gates & Railings

by Phil

Est. 1975

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

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







 















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

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

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

35

What’s On

january

february

Monday 4 January Chris Hodgkins Trio at Worcester Jazz, doors open 7pm at Fownes Hotel See www.worcesterjazz.org.uk

Wednesday 3 February Craig Ogden with Orchestra of the Swan at Huntingdon Hall, 7.30pm, with a pre-concert talk at 6.30pm See www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Thursday 7 January Breadon Circular a 6 mile walk with Worcester Ramblers.

See www.worcesterramblers.org.uk Thursday 14 January Preparing for your University Interview a workshop run by University of Worcester Graduate Ambassadors at The Hive Worcester, 5-6pm Booking essential See www.thehiveworcester.org 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 4 February Harry Potter Book Night at The Hive Worcester, dress in your best robes and enjoy fun and games, 4.30-6.30pm www.thehiveworcester.org

4

Feb Saturday 6 February Indoor Car Boot Sale at Lyppard Hub, Warndon Villages from 10am until Noon, Come and browse.

Book a table in advance (£8) by calling (01905) 616841 Wednesday 10 February ‘Jim’s Big Year’ 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 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

Thursday 21 January Penguins and Polar Bears 10.30am-Midday at Worcester City art Gallery and Museum, no booking required. £3 per child Payable on the day 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

Sunday 28 February A 4 ¾ mile morning walk around Ripple and Mythe to see the overwintering wigeon, organised by Worcester and Malvern RSPB Local Group Call 07771 848700

Promote your Feb/March events: email james@allabout-local.com or call 01684 252 242 by Tuesday 12 January 2016 at the latest.

36

FREE

for groups

“

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

”

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.

be pArt oF somethING. you’ve Got It IN you to Foster.

vIsIt NFA.co.uK toDAy / cAll 0845 434 5760 or text Foster1 AND your NAme to 88020 To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

37

Theatre News

the russian state ballet of siberia The Russian State Ballet of Siberia will be performing at Malvern Theatres from Tuesday 9th to Saturday 13th February accompanied live by The Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet.

Sleeping Beauty (Tuesday 9 February 7:30pm) Every child’s favourite fairy tale, this is the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score.

Swan Lake (Wednesday 10 February 2:30pm & 7:30pm) The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moonlit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

The Snow Maiden (Thursday 11 February 7:30pm and Friday 12 February 7:30pm) Protected from the outside world by Father Frost, the exquisite Snow Maiden plays innocently amongst the dancing snowflakes in the enchanted Land of Frost. Based on a traditional folktale, this seasonal sparkler follows the Snow Maiden as she dances into the human world.

Competition

Win a pair of tickets to the russian state ballet Win a pair of tickets to any one of these four ballet shows at Malvern Theatres.

Please answer the following question: Who was the composer of Swan Lake?

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

by Sunday 24 January 2016.

The winners will be drawn from the entries and notified by 25 January.

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

The Nutcracker (Saturday 13 February 2:30pm & 7:30pm) This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse King and his mouse army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins.

Hatha Yoga Classes

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

with Val Booler BWY.Dip

Classes & Courses

Wednesday evenings 7.15pm - 8.30pm at St. Martins Parish Hall Tuesday mornings 10am - 11.30am at Salwarpe Village Hall 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

38

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

39

40