All About Worcester East & Villages DecJan 2016

Dec 2016/Jan 2017 Issue 34

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

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

enjoy local seasonal music events Battle of Worcester

competition what's on Keep me for 2 months

locally

IA SCHOLA R EG

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

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Contents

welcome

Dec 2016/Jan 2017

Christmas time! This magazine is full of local stories and events to get you into the spirit.

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Worcester’s role in the Civil War is well known - the city hosted both the first and last battles of the war.

So it’s good to hear that a major new civil war exhibition is being planned at The Commandery. On top of this, The Battle of Worcester Society has announced plans to place a statue of two American Presidents on Fort Royal Hill, revealing a forgotten part of Worcester’s story. You can read more on Pages 14 and 16.

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Do get in touch if you know of a local story, group or business that could benefit from inclusion in the magazine.

Enjoy Local

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New Four Seasons

8

Footsteps into Family History

9

Stop Yo-yo Dieting

10

Community News

12

Battle of Worcester

14

The Commandery

16

Worcester Concert Brass

18

Wellbeing: Do, or do not

22

Roots Recipe: Shortbread Stars

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Notice Board

26

What’s On

28

Classes & Courses

30

Theatre News

30

Competition

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All About Malvern Hills & Worcester Area @allaboutmalvern www.allaboutworcester.com

Have a great Christmas!

Sascha McDonald - The Editor Cover Photo Christmas Tree Festival in Worcester Cathedral, 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 East & Villages is distributed to 10,500 homes & businesses over 2 months CONTRIBUTORS Tracy Reck, Roots, Dave NEXT BOOKING/COPY DEADLINE Tue 11 January for the 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

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Enjoy Local 1. express yourself pop choir Iconic with Express Yourself Pop Choir is a concert of music from the choir’s favourite icons! The afternoon of music will be raising money for the Myriad Centre and takes place on Saturday 10th December, 2pm at Tudor Grange Academy on Bilford Road.

To order free tickets, visit www.expressyourselfchoir.com

2. the magoos in concert Don’t miss your chance to see The Magoos in concert for the very last time. The band, which has played at many festivals, will play its final concert in aid of Leukaemia CARE on Saturday 4th February. The event at Sixways Stadium is set to be a great night with the proceeds supporting this Worcesterhisre based charity in its work with people affected by blood cancer.

Tickets cost £20 and are available via www. leukaemiacare.org.uk/ the-magoos-live

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things to enjoy local

3. christmas events in fernhill heath Fernhill Heath Baptist Church has a busy schedule of events in the run up to Christmas. On Saturday 10th December there’s a Christmas Coffee Morning from10.30am, with a cake stall, books and jigsaws plus seasonal goodies on offer. On Sunday 18th December there’s an allage village Carol Service at the Memorial Hall at 4pm, followed by Carols by Candlelight at the church on Christmas Eve and a Family Service on Christmas Day. www.fernhillheathbaptist. org.uk

During Dec & Jan 4. The Annual Christmas tree festival The annual Christmas Tree Festival begins in the cloisters of Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 3rd December. As always, dozens of elaborately decorated trees will be on display and the event is in aid of Daisychain Benevolent Fund nominated causes, Teenage Cancer Trust, River Bank Children's Wards and Worcester Cathedral.

Entry is free and the trees will be on display daily until Thursday 5th January.

5. A special charity christmas concert Worcester Concert Brass and Great Witley Operatic Society invite you to a very special concert in aid of St Richard's. Expect a stunning festive performance of music and song from many popular West End Musicals at the evening on Friday 2nd December. The event is at St Peter's Baptist Church, Worcester (WR5 3TZ), doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Tickets cost £8 (£10 on the door). Refreshments will be available.

See Page 18 for more about Worcester Concert brass. www.strichards.org.uk/christmas-concert

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

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Business News

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During December the restaurant has a Christmas set menu and a special Christmas lunch menu, before holding its popular Chinese New Year Banquet to usher in the Year of the Rooster on 1st and 2nd February.

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www.allaboutmalvernhills.com/businesses

Business News FOOTSTEPS INTO FAMILY HISTORY Footsteps into Family History is a new way to discover more about your ancestors through local workshops and specialist research.

The new, Worcester-based service is run by Abby Oates, a Professional Genealogist, who began researching her own family tree over ten years ago. ‘I became inspired by some old family photographs and wanted to find out more’ says Abby. ‘At that moment, family history quickly became my passion!’

If you’re keen to start researching your family history, but are not sure where to start, Abby will lead you through the process with practical and friendly beginners’ workshops which are run locally on a regular basis. These are full of ideas and useful tips and a warm welcome is guaranteed.

If you have limited time to carry out your own research, bespoke family history research packages are also available to suit any budget.

‘Whether you're looking for a unique gift or need the help of someone else to uncover your family history’ says Abby, ‘what could be more special than a professionally researched family tree to be treasured?’

Abby’s aim is to share her knowledge and enthusiasm for family history while helping others make their own discoveries about the people and stories in their own family history.

To find out more, you can email Abby via enquiries@footstepsfamilyhistory.co.uk and you can read more at www.footstepsfamilyhistory.co.uk

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Business News

Make 2017 your year to stop yo-yo dieting!

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News

community NEWS

FERNHILL HEATH BAPTIST CHURCH Fernhill Heath Baptist Church is the first Baptist church in England and Wales to win a Silver Eco Church Award.

Introduced earlier this year, the award covers four aspects of church life: worship, building management, community outreach and personal lifestyle.

The church in Fernhill Heath set up a ‘Creation Care’ group six years ago and has introduced energy-saving, recycling and environmental awareness etc. in its congregation. It became a Fairtrade church, supported a ‘Toilet Twinning’ project in developing countries and has links with churches in Uganda and Malawi.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT New College Worcester is celebrating its 150th Anniversary with a special Christmas concert in Worcester Cathedral this December. The concert on Friday 16th December is an annual event, which this year is also an opportunity to say farewell to the Principal Mardy Smith, who is retiring after 27 years at the College, 13 of those as Prinipcal.

You can read more at www.ncw.co.uk

FOODBANK ADVENT CALENDAR Worcester Foodbank is launching an advent calendar with a difference. The ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ is a way to put aside an item of food each day, with the final collection donated to the Foodbank just before Christmas.

You can download and print a copy of the Reverse Advent Calendar and a suggested shopping list at worcester.foodbank.org.uk

The Eco Church scheme is administered by A Rocha UK and is open to all churches in England and Wales

PLATFORM ONE BOOKSHOP Next time you’re waiting for a train at Shrub Hill station, you might want to pop into the bookshop on the end of Platform One. The Read and Ride bookshop sells second hand books and is run by Onside Advocacy, a local charity helping vulnerable adults to build skills & confidence.

The shop is staffed by volunteers and has a great selection of books all priced at £1.50. It’s usually open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week between 9am and 1pm.

They are always looking for new volunteers so they can extend opening hours. If you love books and have a few hours to spare do get in touch with Claire Watkins, Volunteer manager on 01905 27525 You can read more about Onside Advocacy at www.onside-advocacy.org.uk

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WORCESTER REPAIR CAFE Looking for somewhere to get broken items repaired? The Worcester Repair Café next meets on Saturday 10th December and Saturday 14th January. Expert volunteers will be on hand to fix household items, with refreshments on hand while you wait. The sessions take place on the second Saturday of each month between 11am and 2pm at STARS Adult Day Care Centre on Stanley Road in Worcester (WR5 1BE).

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

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Feature

All About...

Battle of worcester society More than two hundred years ago, Worcester was visited by two future Presidents of The United States. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were deeply impressed by the city’s role in the English Civil War. Referring to Fort Royal Hill, Adams said that ‘all England should come in pilgrimage to this hill once a year’. Now The Battle of Worcester Society hopes to place a statue of the men in Fort Royal Park. The Society’s chairman Richard Shaw tells us more.

Can you tell us more about these men?

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson drew up the American Declaration of Independence and later became the second and third Presidents of the United States. They came to Worcester to see for themselves where the outcome of the civil war was decided. Writing about it afterwards, John Adams described Worcester as ‘the ground where liberty was fought for’ and rebuked the locals for not knowing more about this. We decided the men’s visit should be remembered and want to place a statue of the men in Fort Royal Park, paid for by donations. To do this, we need permission from both the city council and English Heritage.

How might the statue look?

Kenneth Potts, who created the statue of Edward Elgar in the High Street has already created a maquette (scale model) of how the statue might look, with Adams and Jefferson gazing out across the city skyline.

Back in the summer I was sprucing up an information board in Fort Royal Park when an American gentleman wandered over and began chatting to me. He was absolutely bowled over by the fact he was standing on the same spot as Adams and Jefferson, two men who played such a key part in creating the United States! I do think this statue would really put Worcester ‘on the map’ for many tourists.

Tell us more about The Battle of Worcester Society We have around 100 members from all around the world. Over the past year I’ve met people from Melbourne, Massachusetts and Toronto.

One was a novelist who is writing three books about the civil war while another is a genealogist who is studying how Scottish soldiers from the

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The image shows how the statue might look in the park (courtesy of The Battle of Worcester Society) battle of Worcester were taken prisoner and then sent abroad to work as indentured servants.

During 2016 we held a number of talks on subjects as diverse as women’s role in the civil war to the treatment of soldiers’ battle injuries.

One story that caught my eye was that of Captain James Hind, who fled after the battle, but was returned to Worcester where he was tried before being hung, drawn and quartered. I approached a lady called Cryssa Bazos who had written about this, and offered to pay her travel expenses if she would come and give a talk to us. She replied straight away that she would be delighted to come, but that she lived in Toronto! However, she was due to come to Oxford for a conference and so she gave us a talk during her visit. We hold our talks at The Commandery and hope to hold more of these events in 2017.

For more details about The Battle of Worcester Society and to enquire about membership, you can email Christine Shaw (seashells84@sky.com) or visit the society’s website: www.thebattleofworcestersociety.org.uk

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Attraction

the commandery The first and last battles of the English Civil War were fought in Worcester. The conflict changed not only the history of this country but influenced others as well. So much so, that when the future President of the United States John Adams visited Worcester in 1786, he was moved to comment about the importance of the city and describe it as ‘the ground where liberty was fought for’.

With that in mind, plans to create a new Civil War visitor attraction are underway at The Commandery. This historic building close to the city centre was used by the Royalist Army as a headquarters before the final battle in 1651.

When the work is complete next year, an entire wing of the building will be devoted to exhibitions about the Civil War. When they arrive, visitors will be asked to declare their allegiance to either the Royalists or Parliamentarians before learning more about the main characters of the war.

Knot and Friends of Worcester Museums and Art Gallery.

During their tour, they will discover the weapons used and how people dressed for battle as well as learning the details of King Charles’ escape while the streets of Worcester ran with blood.

A room in the building will be dedicated to the visit of US Presidents Jefferson and Adams, and it’s hoped the new exhibition will act as a draw for tourists across the UK and beyond.

The building will also be refurbished, work which includes roof repairs, timber and damp treatments, redecoration and the upgrading of heating, electrical and fire protection systems.

It’s not yet been decided whether local people will have to pay to enter the new attraction – at the moment a visit to the Commandery is free to people living in Worcester (on production of a council tax bill as proof of residency).

The project is being funded by the City Council together with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and further funding from Worcestershire County Council, Arts Council England, the Sealed

The building will stay open throughout the refurbishment work and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays between 1.30pm and 5pm.

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Feature

worcester concert brass Worcester Concert Brass is getting ready for a busy festive season, with a special fundraising concert and open air carols among the many highlights. Peter Jones from the group tells us more.

w

e are a community Brass Band representing the City of Worcester. We perform under the Musical Directorship of Chris License at a variety of formal Concerts, Village Fetes and local Park Bandstand performances not just entertaining but also raise funds for local and national charities throughout the year.

Our headline Christmas Concert is for St Richard’s Hospice on Friday 2nd December at St Peter’s Baptist Church at 7.30pm. The open air concert at Ghulevelt Park with communal hymn singing is always great fun, if it’s dry! It takes place on Sunday 11th December at 2pm. Carol playing at Strensham motorway services might seem a little unusual but always proves a great one for our chosen charity and we collect a substantial amount of money.

Brass Band music has something for everyone.

We play a wide variety of music from film, stage, popular, traditional Brass Band music, together with dance, jazz and blues. Christmas is always a busy time and we play traditional carols along with especially composed Christmas music capturing the enjoyment of this special time of year.

Our nominated charity this year is the Air Ambulance. We are amateur musicians of all ages and walks of life, and rehearse in the Drama Studio of Nunnery Wood High School on a Tuesday evening from 7.15pm to 9.30pm. All new players are always welcome, we do however currently have vacancies for Bass players and a Percussionist. If you wish to join look at our website for contact details or just turn up at a rehearsal.

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The highlight of next year is our 35th Anniversary for which we will be holding a concert at Nunnery Wood High School. Worcester Concert Brass started as Nunnery Wood Youth Band in 1982 with pupils, parents and staff of the school. As the player composition changed the band became Worcester Concert Band in 1993. We intend to get as many past players as we can along to play with us and join in the celebrations. The Concert will be Saturday 16th September 2017. If there are any past players reading this please get in contact.

Other highlights include the annual Mayor’s Charity concert in the Guildhall Worcester and a weekend to Andover to join Test Valley Brass for a joint concert in May.

details Worcester Concert Brass, call 07401 709512 or visit www.worcesterconcertbrass.org.uk

concert Worcester Concert Brass presents a Christmas Concert for St Richard’s Hospice.

Friday 2nd December , 7pm to 9.30pm St Peter’s Church Worcester WR5 3TZ Tickets £8 in advance, £10 on the door.

Available from the Hospice on (01905) 763963 Photo: www.philharrisonphotography.co.uk

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Music Feature

Local Talent

By Dave Webber

Not many musicians play on instruments they’ve built themselves, but then for Tone Tanner, the sound of his guitars makes all the difference to the sound of his performance.

a

ntony, known to everyone as Tone, has been playing guitar for around 40 years and has played with bands both locally as well as further afield in London, Bristol and even one in Australia! From 2002, the demands of family life meant he had little time to practise or perform, but about six years ago decided to pick it up again, and after the success of his first gig he’s played countless live gigs as well as writing a lot of original music.

Tone’s guitar collection is a story in itself. He loves resonator guitars – ‘it’s the crunch and loudness they produce that’s so good!’ he says.

He’s had expensive guitars in the past but has sold every one of them. These days the majority of his guitars are made by himself or are cheaper instruments that he has modified. ‘I see no real need for expensive equipment’ he says ‘and these instruments feel more personal.’

One of Tone’s inspirations is the Irish blues guitarist Rory Gallagher, who has had a huge influence on rock music over the years. Tone began to learn some of his music as he began to get back into playing a few years ago before branching out and writing his own material again.

Shot is the title of Tone’s latest album. It contains eleven original blues-based tracks but with occasional moments of odd time signatures or chords as well as various audio samples at the start of some of the tracks. There’s also quite a lot of swearing! It’s what Tone describes as ‘a wacky blues concept album’ which was influenced by the music of Frank Zappa of which Tone is a huge fan.

At Earth Fest in Bransford back in October, I was hosting some live music from the Pumpkin Sessions camper van when Tone stepped up to the mic to play a solo blues set. What a memorable performance that was! From the first chord, Tone captured the attention of the audience on that lovely, sunny autumn afternoon.

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Photograph by Julie-Anne Goode Over the summer he was playing at least one gig a week and travels across Worcestershire to perform. He enjoys some of the many local festivals on offer, although recently he’s been getting more involved in stage management including Mappfest in Malvern and the ‘dubs’ festivals in Evesham. He’s optimistic for the future of our local music scene, saying there is plenty of talent out there which can be every bit as good as a lot of bands that have become famous nationally.

To find out when and where you can hear Tone Tanner perform live, check out his website which is www.tonetanner.com You will also find links to hear more of his music online.

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

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21

Well Being

do, or do not There is no guilt.

By Tracy J Reck, Exercise & Nutrition Coach in Worcester

w

e know we shouldn't indulge, but this kind of food festivity comes along but once a year, and, well‌we want to!

Now, I'm not Gillian McKeith. That is a well established fact. Healthy food and indulgent food can live harmoniously in the same diet so long as one simple rule is applied.

The 80/20 rule. As such, I have an 80/20 flavoured proposal for Christmas this year. This is perfect if you are someone who, like me, has the propensity to go overboard.

It could keep you safe from the worst of the excesses, stop you diving headfirst into a pot of chocolate spread with a whipped cream chaser or pickling your liver in a cocktail of mulled wine, gluwein, red wine and fortified wine. Or it'll just keep you a few percent healthier than normal at this time of year. Either way, you win, with very little extra effort.

Here it is. My Christmas proposal.

Pick one thing that you can do every day.

Something that feels pretty easy but meaningful.

Write it down and pin it up somewhere you can see it every day so you remember. And use that as your beacon of healthiness throughout the Christmas season.

Like doing 20 x A.N.Exercise before every meal. Eating a portion of veg per every piece of Christmas cake you eat. Drinking a glass of water with every alcoholic drink. Going for a twenty

22

Christmas can a challenging time for the wellbeing warrior. It is a time when, despite our goals and hopes, we can wobble and waver. When we are assaulted on every side by mince pies, chocolate logs, mulled wine and ENORMOUS tins of chocolates. minute walk. Spending ten minutes a day being mindful. Whatever works for you.

Do you know why this is a great idea? Because every time you hit your chosen activity you'll be aware that you are spending some deliberate time investing in your healthiness in this tricky ole season.

It may spur you on to do more. It may not. But it will remind you of what's important to you so you remember who you are and don't get lost in a big Christmas-chocolate-booze-pies-crisps-cakeleftovers-cheese fest. And it'll give you a head start on the whole New Year’s Resolution thing.

Whether you do this or whether you don't, one thing stays the same. You don't have to feel one iota, one smidgen, one jot of guilt over Christmas.

Guilt is not motivating. Guilt does nothing other than spoil your experience of life. It steals an otherwise lovely day out from underneath you.

Whichever choice you make, mosey on off to enjoy your festive season exactly the way that you want and make sure you have a fabulous time!

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

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

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

Angelic Reiki - Levels 1 & 2 13 - 15 January (19 hours) Certificate, Manual & Master Crystal £252 • Relaxation Music, Aromatherapy Candles, Essential oils, Zenbow Vaporisers • Crystals, Angels, Ornaments, Jewellery Handcrafted gifts • Luxourious Aromatherapy Gift Vouchers, including bespoke blends • Vitamins & Herbs • Bespoke Aromatherapy Blends Healing Touch 4 Bath Road Worcester WR5 3EJ rita@healingtouchworcester.co.uk 01905 763481 www.healingtouchworcester.co.uk healingtouchworcester

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23

Recipe

meg's shortbread stars As the festive season begins, here is a really simple recipe that can be made by both adults and children, allowing for some Christmas creativity in the kitchen.

I think there is nothing nicer than taking a home made gift to friends and relatives. Beautiful food packaging and tins are now so widely available.

Go to town with ribbons and homemade gift tags!

Celebrate a homemade treat!

Ingredients • 225g Unsalted Butter (taking the butter out of the refrigerator well in advance will make the job easier) • 125g Golden Caster Sugar • 340g Plain Flour

Method Mix together the flour and caster sugar (add a teaspoon of cinnamon for an extra Christmassy feel!) and rub in the butter. When the mixture is fully crumbled you can start to use the warmth of your hands to bring it together, first in the bowl and then it is easier turned out onto a work surface.

Use a star shaped cutter to cut out the individual biscuits cutting them as close to each other as possible (minimising the dough to be re-worked).

Lift them carefully with a palette knife onto the prepared baking sheet. You can bring together, re-work, roll and cut any spare dough.

Place the baking sheets of biscuits in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The baking time depends on the size of the cut out biscuit. They are baked when they are just starting to turn golden brown. You may need to switch the baking sheets over in the last five minutes for an even bake.

When the biscuits come out of the oven and are still warm, sprinkle them with a little caster sugar (in which you can mix a little cinnamon if you like). Allow the biscuits to cool on a rack before packaging in pretty gift bags or storing in an airtight tin.

Preheat the oven to 160°C and line two baking sheets with silicone paper to prevent the biscuits sticking.

When the dough is warm enough it will have come together enough to be rolled in a sheet approx. 5mm thick.

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

24

The Bran Tub Wholefoods.

Stocking over 4500 lines.

Bransford Road, Rushwick, Worcester WR2 5TD

A brilliant farm shop for foodies.

Please visit our website to find out more about our home reared organic meat and poultry

Real Bread

Baked at Roots every Thursday & Friday each week Tel: 01905 421104 We’re open: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm | Sunday 10am - 1pm

www.familyfarmshop.co.uk

We specialise in allergy and free from diets.

Enjoy our range of gluten free, sugar free, wheat free, dairy free and vegan foods.

We have fresh, ready to eat foods, tarts, wraps, pasties and amazing vegan cakes!

Visit our website or come and see us for help and advice.

27, Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 4QY Tel: 01684 891191 www.brantub.co.uk

Happy Christmas and a great 2017 from all of us at All About Magazines

01684 252242 | sascha@allabout-local.com | allaboutmalvernhills.com To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

25

Notice Board vintage afternoon tea with music

Hardy Plant Society Worcs Group

Sunday 4th December A relaxing afternoon with tea & cake as the Friends of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library present a Vintage Afternoon Tea and Light Musical Entertainment with Alan & Heather Fairs

Sat 10 Dec - Christmas lunch at 1pm – please bring a plate of food to share – followed at 2pm by ‘Flowers in the City’ presented by photographer and writer Michael Warren

Tickets £12.50 / don't include entry to the Museum

Tickets from the County Museum shop, or over the phone on (01299) 250416

Sat 14 Jan - ‘Gardens of the Oxford Colleges’

by Tim Richardson. Plant sale table, raffle and refreshments available Meetings at Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ

Guests welcome at £3. Further details: worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk

Cinderella at The Swan Theatre

CHRISTMAS AT THE HIVE

Presented by Worcester Repertory Company Performances between 5th Dec & 8th Jan

Lantern Making Workshop - 3 December

For details and tickets (01905) 611427 www.theswantheatre.co.uk

christmas tree festival

crafted for you Showcasing some of our best local craft makers With jewellery, ceramics, glassware, wood, textiles and prints on show and available to purchase

Christmas Rat-a-tat Tales Every Saturday and Sunday in December, 11am & 3pm

held in the cloisters of the Worcester Cathedral from Saturday 3rd December to Thursday 5th January

At Worcester Art Gallery and Museum until January 7th

Free entry Everyone is welcome

films at worcester arts workshop

In aid of local charities

Small Message? !

It’s free for groups

Young at Art Christmas Preparations (under 5s) Thursday mornings 1 & 15 December, 10.30am - 12pm Lantern Parade Thursday 8th December - make your own lantern then join our magical lantern Christmas parade Elizabethan Decoration Making - Saturday 10 December, 10am, 11am, 12pm & 2pm Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas Show Saturday 10 December, 2pm & 4pm

al.com james@allabout-loc Taxi Tehran (12) – Winner of the 242 252 www.thehiveworcester.org 84 016 Golden Bear award at Berlin Film Festival - December 8th at 7.15pm, St Richard's Hopice Black Christmas (18) – part of the ‘Cult Movie Tree Recyling Scheme Thursdays’ programme, Dec 15th at 7.15pm Entry £5 We all love a real Christmas tree, but what to

www.worcesterartsworkshop.org.uk

christmas music By the Malvern Hills Brass Band Sat 10 Dec at Huntingdon Hall, 7.30pm Thu 22 Dec Christmas Music at Tesco St Peters from 7pm until 9pm

www.malvernhillsbrassband.co.uk

do with it after the festive season?

St Richard's is running a Christmas tree recycling scheme to take the hassle out of the post-festive clear up and support hospice care. Volunteers are needed to collect trees between 13th-15th January and take them to a recycling centre.

Could you help?

Email Jayne: jsargeant@strichards.org.uk or call 01905 763963

Feb/March deadline: Thursday 12 January

26

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Doors can also be supplied professionally painted!

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

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Also including: Tiling, Carpentry, Plastering & Coving Family Business Free Estimates Interior & Exterior kymeharris@icloud.com 01905 764207

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

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Family business established in 1990 We supply all necessary materials for jobs No payment until fully satisfied with the work FREE ESTIMATE with no obligation Licensed Waste Carrier | Public Liability Insurance SPECIALIST TREE WORK SERVICES WE PROVIDE • Log Roll & Railway • Trees expertly felled • Hedges pruned & Sleepers supplied & trimmed fitted • Roots & Trees removal • Wood Chippings • Trellis supplied & • Tree planting • One-off garden tidy fitted • Shed, Fence & • Power Cleaning of all surfaces Decking painting • Turfing & Fencing • Guttering cleared, cleaned & repaired • Slabbing & Gravelling • Garden Gates fitted • Fascia Boards & • Sheds re-felted Conservatories cleaned Call Jason or Jamie for a free quotation on 0800 858 9318 | 07514 010 494 | 01684 879478 or email meadowgreenlandscapes@hotmail.com

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27

What’s On

december Thursday 1 December until Saturday 3 December The Crowle Players present Dick Whittington at Crowle Parish Hall. Tickets £7.50 adults, £5 children available from Crowle Post Office Sunday 4 December Afternoon tea at Hartlebury Castle with musical entertainment from Alan and Heather Fairs Tickets £12.50 from (01299) 250416 Tuesday 6 December until Tuesday 13 December The Fool at Yule a comedy of solstice, logs and wassail at Vesta Tilley Studio, Swan Theatre Tickets £12.50 from (01905) 611427

january Tuesday 3 January Worcester Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks Wyche Cutting to The Worcestershire Beacon and beyond, a hilly five mile walk at a leisurely pace. Everybody welcome, Meet 9.50am at Wyche Cutting, Upper Wyche by the shelter (WR13 6DQ) www.worcesterramblers.org.uk Saturday 7 January Swan Theatre Amateur Company presents The Lion That Lost Its Roar - a play for children aged 2-9 at the Swan Theatre, 10.30am and 11.45am See www.stac-worcester.org.uk for details

9

Jan

Saturday 10 December Handel’s Messiah at Worcester Cathedral 7.30pm, Worcester Festival Choral Society is joined by Meridian Sinfonia and acclaimed soloists www.worcesterfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk Wednesday 14 December Bach Doubled at Huntingdon Hall Vivaldi, Bach and a touch of Corelli in a Christmas mood. Part of the Orchestra of The Swan 21st anniversary season (01905) 611427 Tuesday 20 December Friends of Warndon Villages Christmas Celebration at Lyppard Hub, from 10.30am, working on a section of ancient hedgerow followed by a mini party!

For information greenspaceevents@worcester.gov.uk Monday 26 December The Big Christmas Swan Feed 2pm on South Quay by the river, feed the flock for free! Again on 28th & 30th December plus 1st January Organised by The Swan Food Project

Monday 9 January The Dick Whittington Badminton Club 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Bishop Perowne C of E College, Worcester, a friendly group of badminton players of all standards who welcome new members. Meeting weekly until 27th March, £5 per evening (£3 for juniors).

Membership also available For info contact 07785 760294 Saturday 14 January Hardy Plant Society Worcestershire Group Talk ‘Gardens of the Oxford Colleges’ by Tim Richardson. At Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ. Plant sale table, raffle and refreshments available. Guests welcome at £3. www.worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk Saturday 21 January St Richard’s Hospice Burns Night 7pm-1am at The Abbey Hotel, Malvern, with a 3 course dinner, piper and a ceilidh For details call (01905) 763963 - www.strichards.org.uk Sunday 22 January The Fold Monthly Covered Market Bransford, between 11am and 2pm, a great opportunity to ‘shop local’ for some of the best products and produce from our area www.thefold.org.uk Thursday 26 January until Sunday 5 February Kays Theatre Group presents ‘Mother Goose’ Its 63rd pantomime production, tickets £11 from (01905) 425299 www.kaystheatregroup.co.uk

FREE for

Promote your Feb & March events: email james@allabout-local.com groups or call 01684 252 242 by Thursday 12 January 2017 at the latest.

28

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29

Theatre News MIDDLE GROUND THEATRE COMPANY LTD Presents The World Stage Premiere of

The Verdict

By Barry Reed Adapted by Margaret May Hobbs

STARRING CLIVE MANTLE, JACK SHEPHERD and RICHARD WALSH in a full cast of fifteen.

The powerful best-selling courtroom thriller that inspired a multi Academy Award-Nominated film.

What price the truth? Frank Galvin is a washed up veteran lawyer and an alcoholic. He is presented with one last chance to redeem himself when he is given an open-and-shut medical malpractice case that no one thinks he can win.

Clive Mantle has been a household favourite for over three decades, with regular roles in hit television series Robin Of Sherwood, The Vicar Of Dibley, Mount Pleasant, White Van Man, Game of Thrones and of course Dr Mike Barratt in both Casualty and Holby City. Jack Shepherd is one of our most celebrated actors and has a distinguished career in theatre, television and film spanning over fifty years. He is probably best known for his portrayal of Detective Superintendent Charles Wycliffe in the hugely popular television series Wycliffe. The cast also includes Richard Walsh (London’s Burning), Peter Harding, Cassie Bancroft and Tom Roberts (Emmerdale / 2point4 Children).

The Verdict will be appearing at Malvern Theatres from 25th to 28th January. Tickets are on sale at the Box Office 01684 892277 and online at malvern-theatres.co.uk

Win a pair of tickets to the verdict Win a pair of tickets to this show at Malvern Theatres.

Please answer the following question: Margaret May Hobbs’ adaptation of The Verdict is based on the 1980 book by which author?

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

by Tuesday 3 January 2017.

The winners will be drawn from the entries and notified by 4 January.

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

Classes & Courses

TAI CHI & QIGONG Improve your health & boost your energy Thursday evenings 7:30 - 9:00pm St Nicholas Church Barn, Worcester, WR4 0SL

Charity Christmas Card Shops

Contact Marc - 01905 811123 or marc@obelison.co.uk

at Worcester Guildhall and Old St Martin’s Church in the Cornmarket

www.obelison.co.uk

A wide array of cards to choose from, more than thirty charities including several which are local to Worcester.

Open Monday to Saturday until Tuesday 20th December

30

Competition

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

GWEN TAYLOR

THEIR LIVES WERE WORLDS APART...

...THEIR DESTINY JOINED DARAGH O’MALLEY THEM TOGETHER

NIAMH McGRADY

WILL FEATHERSTONE

WEDNESDAY 25th - SATURDAY 28th JANUARY Box Office: 01684 892277 | malvern-theatres.co.uk To advertise please call Teresa: 07722 226712 or email teresa@allabout-local.com

31

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