The Bromsgrove Oracle May & June 2018

OVER 30,000 READERS EACH EDITION

MAY / JUNE 2018

IN THIS ISSUE: l

l

l

Garden Party at Grafton Manor Hotel Get Ascot ready with Seamless Chauffeur Young Musicians at Local Rock School

2.

3.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES 2 FREE PANELS THIS MONTH * Quote Ref BRP0518

“It’s the best home improvement we have ever made.

Our conservatory is now our dining room in the garden.”

TEN GUARANTEE

Mike Millis, Middleton On Sea

AR

S

YE

Before

Later that day

Your conservatory that was too cold to eat breakfast in, could be nice and toasty by teatime Our lightweight insulated panels can make your conservatory: • Warmer in winter • Cooler in summer • Quieter in bad weather • Installed in less than a day • Usable all year round For more information call:

CONSERVATORY ROOFS

0800 65 25 157

www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk As seen on

*Orders placed by end of May 18. Applies to orders over 8 panels.

Smaller orders receive calculated discount. Not valid for use with any other offer.

4.

Welcome to the May & June edition of The Bromsgrove Oracle.

Well the magazine is really growing fast and our readership has already grown to over 30,000 local people, in print and online, all enjoying our mixture of local businesses, news, events and information from around the area. This is really great news, as the magazine’s integration into our core business has seen some really big opportunities arise recently from a greater exposure locally for all those involved with The Oracle. We also have more exciting news to come in the near future, that will only enhance and support our i ni ant o t an o t a a in a o in u to ontinu ou qu t of uniting local business with the community.

We really enjoy providing the magazine for you, your contributions, your a an a a t at ou n it in o ati an u u ut a don’t hesitate to provide me with your suggestions for future editions.

Hope you enjoy this edition and don’t forget YOU can provide YOUR events, news and information too ?.

Until next time.

Lyndon.

Cover photo - Darren Waldron (Bromsgrove)

A Selection of Local Stories and Information: Garden Party at Grafton Manor 2 This Month’s Recipe 6 Save the Date (Events Feature) 8 Broad Street DIY’s Community Support 10 The Mindset Triangle – Book Launch 12 Enjoy Ladies Day at Ascot 14 Open Day at Alcott Weddings 16 First Aid for Pets with Clent Hills 20 Outdoor Obstacle Bootcamp 23 Young Musicians at Rock School 24 & 25 What’s On at Hogarths Stone Manor 29 Charity Football Match for Baby Ava 38

@BromsgroveRockSchool

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in printing of the advert. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate.

The Bromsgrove Oracle does not endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved.

No part of this publicaion may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior consent of the publisher.

5.

St Johns Nursing Home

St Peter’s Walk Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 8EU A nursing dementia home situated in the picturesque town of Droitwich Spa in north Worcestershire.

Just a short walk from the towns amenities and views over the river Salwarpe. The home is built around a huge glass atrium, bringing the Worcester sunshine into all areas.

Care and the individual are at the very heart of this service where our core values of wellness, happiness and kindness are embellished each day.

A caring staff group on hand at all times, residents are offered single en-suite rooms as standard. Beautiful secure mature gardens for residents and families to enjoy.

Nursing Dementia Care Please call Lorraine Mavengere the Home Manager to arrange a viewing on:

01905 794 506 or email: StJohns.Manager@shaw.co.uk

Follow us on @shawhealthcare

shawhealthcare

www.shaw.co.uk

6.

Sweet Recipe Chocolate Fondant Puddings Don’t overcook these divine chocolate puds or the centres will set and you’ll lose the gooey molten middle. You can prepare them a couple of hours in advance and bake them just before serving.

Ingredients:

1.

reheat the oven to fan gas mark Lightly butter four ml capacity ramekin dishes see Tip and sprinkle with a little of the caster sugar

2.

lace the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water and leave until melted emove from the heat and stir until smooth ool for minutes

3.

n a large bowl whisk the eggs and remaining caster sugar together for minutes until very thick, pale and creamy, then whisk in the chocolate mixture Sift over the our and gently fold in using a metal spoon

4.

ivide the mixture between the four dishes lace on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for - minutes until the puddings have risen and are ust set on the outside the tops should still wobble when pressed lightly un a knife around the edge of the puddings and turn out onto plates ust with cocoa powder and icing sugar and serve immediately with whipped cream and strawberries

g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing g caster sugar g good quality plain chocolate, broken into pieces large eggs g plain our ocoa powder and icing sugar, to dust hipped cream and strawberries, to serve

Serves 4 Ready in 45 minutes

TIP f you don t have ovenproof ramekin dishes, you can use small metal pudding basins or ovenproof teacups

7.

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Save the Date May June 2018:Page

21/4/18

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15:27

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June 2018 May 2018 Monday 7th May

May Day Bank Holiday Activities - Avoncroft Museum 10.30am - 5.00pm For more details: 01527 831363 Friday 11th May

Bluebird Belles: 1940s Evening The Potting Shed 7.30pm - 11.00pm Tickets £24.95 (in advance only) For more details: 0121 453 1562 Saturday 12th May 10.30am - 4.00pm

RYA ‘Push The Boat Out’ event Try sailing for free at Aztec Adventure, Upon Warren Age 6 years to adult Pre-booking not neccessary For more details: 01527 861426 Saturday 26th May 10.30am - 11.30am

Cake and Coffee Concert St John’s Church

A celebration of harp music - a short concert, followed by coffee and cake Free admisson - retiring collection

Thursday 7th June, 1pm - 3pm

Bromsgrove “Coffee & Natter” - Free business networking event

Venue: Bromsgrove Sporting FC For more details: 07825 751635 Friday 8th June - 7.00pm

Robbie Williams Tribute Hogarths Stone Manor

Tickets £32.95 - includes 2 course meal, live show and dancing till midnight.

For more details: 01562 777555 Thursday 28th June

Caribbean Night at The Wildmoor Oak

Caribbean music, 2 course Caribbean buffet selection and live entertainment £19 adults / £12 under 14ʼs For more details: 0121 453 2696 Saturday 30th June 12 noon - 4.00pm Primrose Hospice Summer Fete Craft stalls, entertainment, childrenʼs activities, food, drink, live music, complementary therapy taster sessions For more details: 01527 871051

Lots more local events are available on The Bromsgrove Oracle website. www.thebromsgroveoracle.co.uk

9.

The only place to treat your

CONTAINERS BASKETS and

THIS SUMMER! WG AI RL DL EO NW BC ERNOT OR KE Stourbridge Road , Catshill, Bromsgrove B61 0BL www.willowbrookgc.co.uk Open 9.00-5.30 Monday-Saturday, 10-5 Sunday

Don’t forget to follow us now on

for more great offers and gardening ideas

Broad Street DIY Community edit:May June 2018

Retail News

12/4/18

12:54

Page 1

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DIY Store Supporting the Local Community Kelly Broadfield, resident warden at the farm added: As a registered charity the Farm relies on donations and volunteers. We really appreciate Broad Street DIYʼs support.”

For more information: www.dodfordfarm.co.uk

Paul Warren, MD at Broad Street DIY, with Kelly Broadfield, resident warden at Dodford Childrenʼs Holiday Farm

Broad Street DIY is also supporting Age UK BRWFʼs ʻMen in Shedsʼ fundraising scheme by sponsoring a ʻShed Shareʼ for a year.

Broad Street DIY, in Bromsgrove, is a family run business at the heart of the local community.

For nearly 40 years staff at the Worcester Road store have worked hard to develop new and exciting ways to engage with local people and to support charitable organisations.

A programme of fundraising activity is in place to raise money for the shopʼs nominated charity for 2018 Dodford Childrenʼs Holiday Farm. This includes raffles at in store events, a quiz night and charity ʻBake Offʼ.

Further ideas are being considered for later in the year.

Brian Warren & Lisa Childs (Broad Street DIY) with Jim Collis and ʻSheddersʼ (members of the group)

Managing director Paul Warren said: “Dodford Farm provides residential stays for children from inner city schools, nurseries and special schools. Children can feed the animals, enjoy a donkey ride, collect eggs from the chickens and play outside. Itʼs a wonderful place for young people to enjoy life outdoors.”

Men in Sheds originated in Australia as a way of tackling loneliness and social isolation in older men. The Bromsgrove group (which isnʼt exclusive to men) set up in 2016. It is based at Metal Ores Industrial Estate, Stoke Prior.

For more information call Jo Hughes: 01527 868855

Oracle May June 2018:Broad Street DIY

7/4/18

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15:47

Page 1

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR MAINTAINING A LOVELY GARDEN AWARD-WINNING FAMILY RUN LOCAL BUSINESS SINCE

1979

Gardening tools • Outdoor garden paint • Patio cleaners and brushes Decking stain and cleaner • Natural reed screening • Shed / fence treatment Felt and adhesives for shed roofs • Hose pipes and fittings • Gardening gloves

Store Opening: Mon - Thu: 8am - 8pm | Fri & Sat: 8am - 6pm | Sun: 10am - 4pm

Store: 01527

873555 |

Yard:

870205

128 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove B61 7AG

www.broadstreetdiy.co.uk

Daily deliveries. Hiab truck with crane for lifting & delivering bulk bags.

Health News

12.

Co-Authors Launch The Mindset Triangle Book Henriette said: “The inspiration for the book was all the interviewees.

By sharing their stories it shows that mental health can impact every single one of us.

Henriette Lang

Bromsgrove photographer Henriette Lang has teamed up with a local personal trainer, Stu Baker, to write a special book to help reduce the stigma around mental health. ‘The Mindset Triangle Book’ launches on Monday 14th May, to coincide with the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Henriette and Stu are strong advocates of mental health, each having their own personal experiences of living with depression and mental illness. Their collaborative book focuses on the lifestyle triangle – sleep, healthy eating and exercise. People who seek to improve these 3 areas of their lives can enjoy improved mental wellbeing.

Stu Baker

ʻThe Mindset Triangle Bookʼ was developed with a scrap book style approach, with shopping lists and easy to follow recipes for healthy living; workout suggestions; tips for better sleep; inspiration quotes; and interviews with high profile personalities who have experienced mental health issues.

The book isnʼt a one-off read but a lifestyle guide that can be dipped into on a regular basis. There are pages where readers can make their own notes on adapting the recipes or creating their own exercise routine from suggestions given.

We want the book to be interactive, to live on readerʼs work surfaces and not hidden on a shelf.”

Stu added: “Mastering that inner voice is often a challenge… Lifting the duvet can often feel like a ten-tonne weight. Our book aims to make peopleʼs life that little bit easier by helping them stick to the three mindset rules – exercise, sleep and healthy eating.”

The book launch heralds the start of this yearʼs Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs 14th 20th May. The Mental Health Foundation is the UKʼs charity for everyoneʼs mental health. Prevention is at the heart of the charity, which aims to find and address the sources of mental health problems.

The Mindset Triangle Book costs £19.99. It is available to buy online at: www.troubador.co.uk or http://themindsettriangle.org/

13.

43.

The Professional Local Tree Surgeon

Established Family Business All aspects of tree work undertaken Domestic and Commercial Fully insured and licenced NPTC Certified Logs and Woodchip for sale

FOR A FREE QUOTATION ASK FOR RHIAN BRAY

01527 892828 07970 263779

Email: braybros@yahoo.co.uk www.braybrostreesurgeons.co.uk

184 The Ridgeway, Astwood Bank, Redditch B96 6NP

43.

MONTREAL PLASTERING Reliable Service No Job too small or large Free Quotations Friendly Advice

Call Dave on: 07464 181320 966275 07961

www.montrealplastering.co.uk

5 Mallow Drive, Bromsgrove. B61 0UP

Chauffer page edit:May June 2018

Event News

19/4/18

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Page 1

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Enjoy VIP Treatment on Ladies Day at Ascot Ascot racing is a fantastic day out for ladies (and gents) and the racecourse pulls out all the stops to impress. Likewise guests are invited to dress to impress with ladies showcasing fabulous hats and elegant frocks.

Donʼt miss this opportunity to be part of such an enjoyable prestigious event.

Watch the world’s most famous race meeting at the heart of the action, from the prestigious Queen Anne Enclosure.

In 1711 Queen Anne rode from Windsor Castle to the field where the race now takes place. She described it as “A fine place for a race”, and the rest, as they say, is history.

At the epicentre of Royal Ascot, the Queen Anne Enclosure offers visitors elegant champagne bars and tea rooms, and raised terraces which provide the perfect view of the Royal Procession - when Queen Elizabeth and her guests make their entrance to Ascot in a number of Landau carriages every day at precisely 2 oʼclock.

Seamless Chauffeur Ltd, based in Birmingham, has secured a limited number of tickets for the Queen Anne Enclosure on Ladies Day, Thursday 21st June.

Guests will enjoy luxury chauffeur-driven travel in a black V Class Mercedes, with pre-arranged parking close to the entrance.There is an opportunity to enjoy a picnic before entering the enclosure. You might spot celebrities and members of different royal families from around the world who are also enjoying an oldfashioned English picnic in the car park, before the Royal Meeting.

Seamless Chauffeur can provide a luxury picnic hamper on request. Just ask for details when booking.

The Royal Meeting at Ascot takes place over five days from 19th - 23rd June.

Seamless Chauffeur packages are available for all five days, including the hugely popular Ladies Day.

For more details contact: Seamless Chauffeur Ltd 01675 465 779 07984 578 699 seamlesschauffeur.co.uk

Accommodates up to 7 passengers and 8-9 suitcases Accommodates up to 7 passengers and 8-9 suitcases 15.

Leather interior, electric sliding doors Leather interior, electric sliding doors

Taking lots of luggage holiday?

Tel: 07984 578699 info@seamlesschauffeur.co.uk Tel: 07984on 578699 info@seamlesschauffeur.co.uk Need room for all the family roomChauffeur for all the family? www.seamlesschauffeur.co.uk Need Seamless www.seamlesschauffeur.co.uk Seamless Chauffeur Taking lots of luggage on holiday Travelling to a corporate event

Travelling to a corporate event?

Arrive in style with our chauffeur driven Arrive in style with our chauffeur-driven ercedes class people carrier Mercedes V-class people carrier!

Accommodates up to passengers and suitcases Accommodates up to 7 passengers and 8-9doors suitcases eather interior, electric sliding

Leather interior, electric sliding doors

Tel: 07984 578699 info@seamlesschauffeur.co.uk www.seamlesschauffeur.co.uk Seamless Chauffeur 11.

23.

Volunteering can change lives!

MASTER BUTCHER

Constantly inTel: pursuit excellence 07984of578699 info@seamlesschauffeur.co.uk Inspire people and change lives by volunteering in your local community.

www.seamlesschauffeur.co.uk

Train as an Onside volunteer advocate, mentor, befriender.

Or volunteer in our NEW Cafe/Bakery?

Please get in touch to find out more & get your application pack today.

We do our best to source the best quality produce from farmers and suppliers who care!

Join us....

Onside Independent Advocacy

T: 01905 27525

Inspiring change

Williamson House

F: 01905 28554

in people

14 Charles Street

E: info@onside-advocacy.org.uk

Tel: 01527 874526

and communities

149 Golden Cross Lane, Catshill, Bromsgrove, Worcs. B61 0JZ Worcester WR1 2AQ

/OnsideIndependentAdvocacy /company/onside-advocacy

W: www.onside-advocacy.org.uk @OnsideAdvocacy

Charity No. 1102022

EDWARDS Car Repairs

Weather Guard Seamless Chauffeur Roofing Professionals

16.

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Green Thumb page edit:May June 2018

Garden News

8/4/18

17:23

Page 1

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Enjoy a Lovely Lawn this Summer

Spring brings promise of warmer days, sunshine and your garden coming into bloom. But what about your lawn?

It may still be struggling to recover after the long, wet and cold winter. Follow these tips to help it recover, keep it healthy and weedfree in the months ahead:

• If you have not cut your lawn since last year and it is looking a little long, set the mower to cut just the top quarter off the leaf.

Leave it for a week and do the same again.

• Watch for issues like Red Thread and Fusarium; treat them as soon as possible.

• Take care of any bare patches that may have appeared. Carefully rake the patch, then sow some grass seeds mixed with a little top-soil. Donʼt let the seeds dry out, so remember to keep them well watered.

If you feel your lawn is beyond help, never fear.

A GreenThumb Lawn Makeover takes the area back to the soil and starts again.

Specially developed products give you a weed-free, gorgeous new beginning.

You can even save around 50% compared to returfing!

Contact your local GreenThumb branch for more information: 01905 840740

19.

www.bromsgroveprinting.co.uk

Business Cards, Letterheads, Wedding Stationery, Invitations, Advertising Flyers / Leaflets, Invoices / Quotations Sheets, Raffle Tickets, Photocopying Print-outs up to A0 Banners and Outdoor Advertising

Inspiring change In people

Volunteering Opportunities Onside has a range of new and exciting volunteering opportunities in Worcestershire Please have a look and get in touch if you are interested NEW Advocacy Project—Redditch

Mix Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to support people living in Redditch area helping them to manage their own lives & be as independent as possible ,access services and have opportunities to be active in their wider community.

Supporting Dan and the team at Mix cafe near our Worcester office; taking orders, serving customers, preparing food etc. We would especially like to hear from volunteers who would like to support people with learning difficulties.

Day & times are flexible to provide support

Hours are 9.30am – 2.30pm Monday to Friday.

On the job training will be provided.

Reception volunteers

Read and Ride Malvern & Shrub Hill

We are seeking volunteers to answer the phone and welcome visitors to our office in Worcester.

Our office hours are:

We are seeking a volunteer for our book shop at Shrub Hill Station Worcester, who can support two young men with learning difficulties to continue their placement at Onside’s second hand bookshop. We also have opportunities at our Great Malvern Railway Station book shop.

The volunteer’s role is to check that they are okay and to identify any tasks they might do when the shop is quiet .Ideally, you may have some experience of supporting adults with learning difficulties.

9am – 4pm - Monday to Thursday 9am – 4pm Friday Volunteers can do mornings or afternoons or all day to suit.

Please contact the Volunteer Team on 01905 27525 if you are interested in any of these roles. We’ll be happy to hear from you and to answer any questions you may have.

Onside Advocacy is a Worcestershire & Herefordshire based charity which supports local people disadvantaged by disability, mental ill-health, learning difficulties and age related issues. We make a difference to over 300 people every year, through our dedicated team of experienced staff and volunteers, trained and supported to work as advocates, mentors and peer support workers.

/OnsideIndependentAdvocacy

@OnsideAdvocacy

email: sales@bromsgroveprinting.co.uk

Tel: 01527 873181 Fax: 01527 570044

14 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. B61 7AE

Clent Hills Pet First Aid edit page:MAy June 2018

19/4/18

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Community Event News Vet Stresses Importance of First Aid for Pets

Around 120 local pet owners attended a free ‘Emergency and First Aid for Pets’ evening on 18th April. The event, hosted

by Clent Hills Vets, was held in the lecture theatre at Bromsgrove School.

Emily Ashdown, a registered veterinary nurse and pet physiotherapist, delivered an informative presentation which included helpful advice on a number of medical situations. For example: what to do in an emergency, basic health signs, checking a petʼs temperature, wound management, dealing with blood loss, identifying and minimising shock. The talk also covered how to treat wasp and bee stings, handling heat stroke and emergencies in the park.

Nurses and staff from Clent Hills Vets were on hand throughout the evening to answer any specific questions people had.

Guest Tori NewtonCoombs, owner of a Sprocker Spaniel called Theodore, said: “I love to go exploring in the countryside with my crazy Spaniel but when I watch him bulldoze through bushes, ponds and even barbwire fences I have always been really worried. I knew how useless I would be if an accident were to occur.

I now feel confident that I could react to a range of different emergency circumstances and step in to avoid potential incidents.

It was a really helpful event for pet owners to attend.”

Amy Holloway, Clent Hills Vetʼs marketing manager, said: “We ran this event as part of National Pet Month in April, which focused on responsible pet ownership.

Knowing how to potentially save a petʼs life in an emergency catapults you to the top of the class as a responsible owner!”

Emily Ashdown demonstrating how to apply a bandage

Clent Hills Vets: 01527 889810 www.clenthillsvets.co.uk

21.

Singletons & Nurseries WELCOME YOU TO

The Garden Room

Opened in March 2018 The Garden Room is an extension of the popular Potting Shed Café and Restaurant.

Accommodating up to 30 guests and available to hire with exclusive use for events such as private lunches, meetings, family gatherings and baby showers.

Full catering facilities are available, from buffets to afternoon teas or summer BBQs! Full catering facilities are available, from buffets

m o o R n e d r a G The Call us on 0121 453 1562 all us on 0121 453 1562 for information & bookings

extension

en Room is an March 2018, The Gard for information bookings Openin&g in rant.

Shed café and restau

arden Room

of the popular Potting hire it will be available to , ts es gu 30 to up g eetings, Accommodatin as private lunches, m ch su ts en ev r fo e us exclusive showers. gatherings and baby

Opening in M arc of the popula h 2018, The Garden Roo m is an exte r Potting She nsion Rd, Lydiate Ash, d café and re 600 staurant.Birmingham Bromsgrove B61 0HT

www.thepottingshed.cafe D, LY D I AT E

Wellbeing page edit:May June 2018

10/4/18

22.

18:44

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Health News Why Diets just Don’t Work! you feel better, more energised and stop the late night snacking!

By making the right choices within our lifestyle, we have no need for an end date, or a day off...this is just the way we eat, all the time, even on holiday, birthdays and nights out!

Petra Boddington explains why diets often don’t work and what you can do to achieve greater success.

Diets usually have an end date, come with a one size fits all program, can sometimes mean that we are starving ourselves and generally get in the way of our lifestyle and therefore are doomed to fail, until the next one!

So what is the answer to losing weight and keeping it off?

Small daily changes lead to long lasting results!

Make one simple change.

Make it small and realistic!

Make it achievable!

• Drink more water.

Drinking water helps boost your metabolism, cleanse your body of waste, and acts as an appetite suppressant.

Also, drinking more water helps your body stop retaining water, leading you to drop those extra pounds of water weight. What more reason do you need!

If it takes a little longer to lose weight and you manage to keep it off without being hungry, miserable and no fun to be around, then surely thatʼs a better option.

The best diet to be on is the one you donʼt know you are on!

• Cut down on the shop bought lattes.

Those extra calories from the large milky frothy coffees arenʼt helping you..and nor is the “ooh, Iʼll just have a tiffin / brownie / pastry to go with that!”

• Sleep more.

Get to bed a little earlier.

You will be amazed at how a little more sleep will make

Petra Boddington is a Master Personal Trainer and Lifestyle Coach at Perpetual Wellbeing Fitness Centre in Bromsgrove.

23.

& stronger!

Get fitter faster

Try out our unique obstacle course + bootcamp for free!

Book your FREE TRIAL online

www.perpetualwellbeing.co.uk Suitable for men & women of all fitness levels

Fitness Instructors: Book a private slot, bring your clients and run your own bootcamp on the obstacle course!

Call 01527 877622 for more details info@perpetualwellbeing.co.uk

Land Next to Perpetual Wellbeing Fitness Centre, Kidderminster Road, Dodford Crossroads, Bromsgrove, B61 9DU

Oracle Centre Spread May 2018:Bromsgrove Rock School

8/4/18

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Young Musicians at local Rock School JoinJoin Young Musicians at local Rock School musicians from Bromsgrove School performed their gig thirdongig on YoungYoung musicians from Bromsgrove Rock Rock School performed their third Saturday March at Stoke Sports and Country New members Saturday March 24, at24, Stoke Prior Prior Sports and Country Club. Club.

New members are are welcome join and nowwill andwork will work towards the summer termongig 8th July. welcome to jointonow towards the summer term gig 8thonJuly.

Bromsgrove Rock School, Bromsgrove Rock School, which which meetsmeets every Saturday morning at St every Saturday morning at St JohnʼsJohnʼs MiddleMiddle in Bromsgrove, budding SchoolSchool in Bromsgrove, offers offers budding musicians and singers, aged to eight musicians and singers, aged eight 18 to 18 years, the chance to work with other years, the chance to work with other youngyoung of a band, with peoplepeople as partasofpart a band, with an endanofend of term live gig. term live gig. the bands work towards gig they As theAs bands work towards the gigthe they benefit from professional coaching by benefit from professional coaching by and tutors. vocal tutors. music music and vocal

Jack, & Dylan & Freya Jack, Dylan Freya

the twelve months since formed, FOSI formed, In the In twelve months since FOSI their comedy number ʻJeff the chicken' their comedy number ʻJeff the chicken' (to (to the tune of Snow Patrol's ʻChasing the tune of Snow Patrol's ʻChasing Carsʼ),Carsʼ), has become their signature number has become their signature number and and real crowd pleaser.

Their set was was a was real acrowd pleaser.

Their set was completed with The Troggs ʻWild completed with The Troggs ʻWild Thingʼ.Thingʼ.

An impressive opening a group of An impressive opening from afrom group of musicians with potential. great potential. youngyoung musicians with great

The duo olderofduo ofand JackFreya and Freya The older Jack shiftedshifted the of pace the evening with an acoustic the pace the of evening with an acoustic number - ʻDemonsʼ. is an extremely number - ʻDemonsʼ.

Freya Freya is an extremely and confidently accomplished Members ofband juniorFOSI band- FOSI - Sam on drums accomplished and confidently singersinger Members of junior Sam on drums navigated a very tricky vocal range. and Frank on electric guitar navigated a very tricky vocal range. and Frank on electric guitar

JackFreya and Freya werejoined then joined

by Dylan Jack and were then

by Dylan ʻMy Demonsʼ.

Their harmonies beautifully in ʻMy in Demonsʼ.

Their harmonies beautifully showed 14olds yeardo olds do the have the showed that 14that year have capacity to practice and their honeartistry. their artistry. capacity to practice and hone band had FOSIthe had the hardest JuniorJunior band FOSI hardest job of job of Reminiscent Reminiscent at of times of Fleetwood at times Fleetwood Mac, Mac, the spring term gig the evening opening the spring term gig the evening opening a sweet thatmomentum built momentum a sweet lamentlament that built and and but they showcased an accomplished but they showcased an accomplished had the crowd buzzing. had the crowd buzzing. harmony of talent.

They kicked harmony of talent.

They kicked off withoff with The acoustic set continued with the two ʻBoulevard of Broken Dreamsʼ with the The acoustic set continued with the two ʻBoulevard of Broken Dreamsʼ with the playing was perfect in blossoming red haired Izzy on vocals. boys. boys.

Jack'sJack's guitar guitar playing was perfect in blossoming red haired Izzy on vocals. ʻThe A Teamʼ and ended sweetly in a subtle ʻThe A Teamʼ and ended sweetly in a subtle thethey timeperformed they performed their second By theBy time their second emotional thatteenagers only teenagers are are emotional dramadrama that only ʻ7 Nation theygrown had grown in song, song, ʻ7 Nation Armyʼ,Armyʼ, they had in capable of delivering authentically. capable of delivering authentically. confidence, ably guided the thumping confidence, ably guided by theby thumping 13old year old Storm then joined the group pulse from young drummer 13 year Storm then joined the group pulse from young drummer Sam. Sam. Gig Review 24th March Gig Review - 24th-March 2018 2018 Prior Sports & Country StokeStoke Prior Sports & Country Club Club

By Sarah

By Sarah Rees Rees

25.

a

o ,

@BromsgroveRockSchool @BromsgroveRockSchool ToJust Lifeʼ.beautiful.

Just beautiful.

Freya's ʻBring ʻBring Me ToMe Lifeʼ.

Freya's

emotional performance was punctuated by Storm Storm emotional performance was punctuated by

the deliberately provocative the deliberately provocative Dylan Dylan for thefor the duosperformance best performance together and hinted duos best together and hinted at Bromsgrove Rock Schoolʼs obvious at Bromsgrove Rock Schoolʼs obvious guidance help theadjust kids adjust guidance to helptothe kids styles.styles.

The gig ended with the introduction of The gig ended with the introduction of on guitar andon Jake on drums.

Harry Harry on guitar and Jake drums.

The The last number was darker than the last number ʻNumbʼʻNumbʼ was darker than the led by 14 year rest of the evening,vocally rest of the evening,vocally led by 14 year at home the microphone clearlyclearly at home behindbehind the microphone for for old Dylan old Dylan as a blend ofrap indie rap that as a blend of indie that ʻHeavenʼ.

Displaying the maturity vocal maturity ʻHeavenʼ.

Displaying the vocal of a of areally really shouldn't have worked but somehow shouldn't have worked but somehow woman she mastered a difficult y growngrown woman she mastered a difficult key key did. It did.

It built into a blistering crescendo built into a blistering crescendo that that change effortlessly.

Phoebe thentotook to change effortlessly.

Phoebe then took had the crowd wanting had the crowd wanting more. more. the stage in a female duoStorm. with Storm. y. the stage in a female duo with theofend the itnight was that clear that By theBy end the of night was itclear two young musicians TheseThese two young musicians really really lookedlooked Bromsgrove Bromsgrove Rock School provides Rock School provides a safea safe thewith partguitarist with guitarist Phoebe bedecked in the part Phoebe bedecked in learning environment for young musicians learning environment for young musicians black for ʻRock YouaLike a Hurricaneʼ. black for ʻRock You Like Hurricaneʼ. toa test a variety of skills, tothem help them to test variety of skills, to help Matched with Storms the female Matched with Storms vocal, vocal, the female duo duoidentify identify theirtalents true talents wherewhere their true lie. lie. were likeRunaways The Runaways Joanand Jett and were like The Joan Jett back in formation. eCherylCheryl back in formation.

For information joining For information aboutabout joining

contact Brian: 07720 211002

After another swift change of again, roles again, contact Brian: 07720 211002 After another swift change of roles Email: brian@dragonmusic.org Phoebe took the keyboard and Storm Email: brian@dragonmusic.org Phoebe took the keyboard and Storm left to left to be succeeded by the chauntesse Freya for www.dragonmusic.org be succeeded by the chauntesse Freya for www.dragonmusic.org

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Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Deaf Awareness Week, 14th to 20th May (BSL) or a mixture of both?

According to the charity Action on Hearing Loss (AOHL), in the UK 11 million of us (that’s 1 in 6) have hearing loss. That’s why Deaf Awareness Week, organised by the UK Council on Deafness, is so vital.

Hearing loss can cause employment issues, social withdrawal, loneliness and depression, and it increases dementia risk by up to five times. Unfortunately, on average, people wait 10 years before seeking help for hearing loss and only 40% of people who need hearing aids have them. Yet today, hearing aids are much smaller and more discreet, and are free on the NHS. Wearing one can reduce that increased dementia risk and tinnitus, which can cause depression.

We need to ensure that we seek help (and urge others to) when hearing problems occur, and do everything we can to make life easier for those with hearing loss.

Make Life Easier for People with Hearing Loss Hearing aids are great, but don’t recreate perfect hearing, so whether your listener has a hearing aid or not: Ask them how they prefer to communicate Lip reading, a sign language such as British Sign Language

Reduce background noise and consider acoustics Background noise (TVs, kettles, white goods, lowlevel chatter) makes hearing more difficult for those with and without hearing aids and cochlear implants (both of which can amplify background noise), so reduce it where possible. 90% of respondents to an AOHL survey said background noise was their biggest problem when eating out. Choose meeting venues or restaurants with soft oor coverings, in quiet locations.

Make sure they know you’re talking to them et their attention first by making eye contact, waving, or touching them on the shoulder (from the front or side). Again, you could ask which they prefer.

Make lip reading easier for them Whatever other strategies they use, lip reading can assist people with hearing problems. Make it easier for them by: > Facing them when you’re talking. > Avoiding covering your mouth or chewing. > Speaking clearly but naturally at a normal pace and volume. Overexaggerating your mouth movements hinders rather than helps. > Avoiding standing somewhere that’s shadowy or overly-bright.

Use body language, pictures and subtitles

Gestures and pointing can help. Even if you don’t know any signs, you can gesture to indicate directions and intentions, e.g. miming drinking and raising an eyebrow to ask if they want a drink. If you’re giving a talk, diagrams, pictures and video (with subtitles) can all help to explain and elaborate what you’re saying. Visual stimulus helps to attract attention and aid learning whether we’re hard of hearing or not.

Be considerate in a group situation Try to get out of those bad habits of interrupting and talking over each other. Take turns talking and raise a hand to indicate you’re about to speak.

Finally: Have patience.

However frustrating it is to be unable to make yourself heard or understood by someone hard of hearing, it’s many times more frustrating for them to be unable to hear or understand you – so be patient. Find other ways to communicate, even if that means writing it down (or tapping it out on your phone).

Whatever you do, don’t give up.

Useful Links: Action on Hearing Loss: www. actiononhearingloss.org.uk UK Council on Deafness: deafcouncil.org.uk. A useful list of member organisations: deafcouncil.org.uk/about-us/ member-organisations National Deaf Children’s Society: www.ndcs.org.uk Ear Foundation: www. earfoundation.org.uk

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Beauty Top Travels

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

New sandals and a bikini aren’t the only holiday essentials you’ll want to add to your shopping list this month. We’ve found plenty of travel-friendly health and beauty goodies to tempt you, whether you’re planning to backpack through Thailand, sightsee in Italy, or go camping in Cornwall.

Towels, bucket and spade, Kindle, water, snacks…beach bags can get pretty heavy. Try decanting your suntan lotion into a smaller bottle, or pick up a travel sized one. Green People’s Scent Free Sun Lotion has an SPF of 30 and is gentle enough for all the family to use. It’s water-resistant and packed with skin-loving natural ingredients such as green tea, olive oil and avocado extract. The full size 100ml tube is £14.50, while the 30ml travel size is £6.50 from www. greenpeople.co.uk.

Marks and Spencer’s also have lots of travel sized products to choose from, including this Nature’s Ingredients Lemon Shower Gel. The 50ml size costs just £1.50 and is perfect for a short break away. Planning a longer break? A bar of soap takes up less space in your

suitcase than a bottle of shower gel. Check out TK Maxx for luxury bars at a budget price, or treat yourself to the gorgeously scented Geranium, Ylang Ylang & Neroli Soap by Cole & Co, which costs £4 plus delivery from www.coleandco.com.

Hotel bathrooms never seem to have enough cupboard space. Keep the clutter at bay with a wash bag that can be hung on the back of a door This oral one from Paperchase is £15 and has three separate compartments.

Pop cosmetics in one, pills and plasters in another, and lotions and potions in the third. See www. paperchase.co.uk.

Hot and sticky days at the beach call for a hydrating spray. Make your own by adding a few drops of essential oil to pure rose water or a cup of green tea. Or just pick up a bottle of Crabtree & Evelyn’s La Source Refreshing Body Mist (£16). It’s cooling, revitalising and smells amazing.

Think cool ocean breeze with a hint of citrus. Rich in antioxidants, it leaves skin feeling softer and more hydrated. Bliss. See www. crabtree-evelyn.co.uk. f you re catching a am ight, or have a packed itinerary, you might benefit from Tisserand Aromatherapy’s Little Box of Energy. For £11.95 you get three pulse point rollerballs, each of which contains a 10ml blend of pure essential oils. Energy High, for example, is a refreshing citrusy blend of lime, grapefruit and orange leaf. Holiday still weeks away and feeling a bit stressed? There’s also a Little Box of Sleep and a Little Box of Relaxation, see www.tisserand.com.

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Finance

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By Ann Haldon

How Much Money Will You Need For Your Retirement? the gov.uk website. Work and personal pension statements should be available by phone or in writing from your pension provider(s), and there are also a number of online ‘pension calculators’ that give you an idea of how much you might receive.

There’s a general consensus in the press that, to live comfortably in retirement, you need a pension of at least £20,000 a year. Where you live obviously makes a difference to the costs, but in general, people’s idea of what constitutes a ‘comfortable’ retirement also differs.

So, if like many people you’re unsure how much you’ll need in retirement, how can you find out?

Focus on your expenditure initially Rather than obtaining pension statements and forecasts first, it’s a good idea to calculate how much you’ll need for the essentials in retirement, taking into account what your circumstances might be in the future rather than now.

If you pay your bills by direct debit, have a look at your bank statements for regular household outgoings such as mortgage, utilities, council tax and house insurance. Then you can factor in the cost of emergency repairs such as boiler or car breakdowns. The total is the sum you’ll need to cover using a guaranteed income.

Pension forecasts and statements Once you’ve calculated your expenditure, you can obtain a state pension forecast from

What expenses will you save in retirement?

If you’re currently supporting your family or making mortgage repayments, these expenses may not be relevant once you retire. Not having to commute to work is also a significant cost-saving for some.

Many people choose to downsize their property in retirement – if this is on the cards for you, it would release a lump sum of cash to pay off any debts you have remaining, invest for an income, or to pay future house maintenance costs, for example.

So now you’ve got all the figures you need, how do you access your pension pot when the time comes?

Pension freedoms The pension reforms that were introduced in April 2015 give you much greater choice in the way you access your pension pot. Prior to this, an annuity had to be purchased which provided a guaranteed income for life.

Although this option remains available and is commonly used, it’s no longer the only one. With professional pension advice, you can maximise your pension savings whilst also ensuring you avoid the significant pension pitfalls that now exist.

Pension mistakes that could jeopardise your retirement Could you outlive your pension savings?

It’s possible that you could outlive your pension savings if you take out too much money too early. It’s crucial to seek professional help on the most tax-efficient ways to access your pension, so you don’t risk reducing its value unnecessarily.

Beware pension scams One of the downsides of the new pension freedoms is that con artists have been able to swindle people out of their hard-earned pensions Scams such as those offering tax-free transfers to dubious investment schemes, or suggested legal ‘loopholes’ that allow you to avoid paying tax, have been widespread in recent years.

So essentially, there are three factors when it comes to thinking about money in retirement: How much money you’ll need to live on each month.

How you’re going to achieve this level of income.

How you’ll manage your money.

With the help of pension professionals, and the facts and figures at your fingertips, hopefully you’ll make the most of your long-awaited retired life www.which.co.uk/money/ pensions-and-retirement starting-to-plan-your-retirement guides how-much-will-you-needto-retire

www gov uk check-state-pension www.pensionsadvisoryservice. org uk about-pensions pensionreform freedom-and-choice

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Home & Interiors Make The Most Of A Small Bathroom

Even a tiny bathroom can function brilliantly and look gorgeous. Our top ten tricks of the trade will help make the most of your space.

The perfect bathroom – whether it’s a shared family affair or an en suite shower and WC – is a great blend of comfort, good looks and functional efficiency, all achievable even in a small space.

1 Choose subtle colours A pale, neutral colour palette opens up a small bathroom, giving it a clean, sophisticated, contemporary feel. If you want colour, watery blues and greens help the room feel light and airy. To avoid a clinical feel, add texture – think timber shelving, wicker baskets, waf e towels and linen blinds, for example.

2 Fit excellent storage Reduce clutter by minimising what you keep in your bathroom and then find clever spaces to store it. Slimline cupboards are ideal for cleaning products and toiletries and take less oor space. False walls conceal pipework and can have inset cupboards or niches; otherwise, look for anywhere that storage

By Katherine Sorrell

could be added, from above the door to below the basin, even behind the bath panel or a rack inside the shower.

an illuminated mirror. Note that fittings will need to be -rated for safety (check with your electrician).

3 Make the most of natural light Enhance the space by getting the most light possible through the windows – keep sills clear and don’t cover any of the glass with window treatments.

Bounce light around the room using mirrors and glossy tiles.

in ne is est Multifunction is the solution.

Choose towel radiators, storage seats, mirrored cabinets and basins with cupboards beneath, for example.

e ect fittin s ise Bathroom fittings designed for small bathrooms don’t compromise on looks or function, including shortprojection WCs, shower-baths, thin-but-tall towel rails and ultra-slim basins. For awkward spaces, consider corner showers, basins and WCs. Wall or mixer taps create room on a small basin, and if space is tight add a wall-mounted soap dispenser. aise it the r A bathroom can appear more spacious by the installation of wall-mounted pieces. With a modern and sophisticated look, they also show off the oor space beneath, making the room appear bigger.

6 Lighting is vital Your lighting scheme should meet all requirements, from putting on make-up to reading in the bath. Choose recessed spotlights, or neat directional lights mounted on a slender track. Fit LED strips beneath wall units as a hidden light source, with a baf e board in front to avoid glare, and include

nsi er n er r heating If you are renovating, installing under oor heating is relatively easy and inexpensive, and saves the oor space taken up by a radiator. is a tric s Large-format tiles wall or oor can work better in compact bathrooms than smaller tiles, and with fewer grout lines, large tiles look sleek and are easier to maintain. ssess r in options Curtains in a bathroom contrast the hard surfaces elsewhere, but avoid anything too ouncy in a small room. Floaty sheers in simple gathers work well, such as a at panel of muslin threaded onto a pole or wire across the bottom half of the window. Alternatively, try a neat Roman or roller blind, waterproof louvre shutters or simple frosted glass.

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10 Electric 10 Electric Vehicle Vehicle Myths My Busted Busted

by James Baggot

by Jam

Confusion surrounds the when needed. Othe The EV maker upgraded Confusion surrounds the when needed.

EV maker running and The operation of anupgraded replacement warran its underbody battery pack Others offer running and operation of an car. Here, warranties, withto eight-year c its underbody electric we try tobattery pack fiveprotection inreplacement 2014 but also electric car. Here, we try to that up.protection in 2014 but also fiveto eight-year covernorm. the clear noted that the odds of fires in its clear that up. norm. noted that the odds of fires its “five cars in were times lower than 1. You can’t boil the kettle 8. EVs are less cars were “five times lower than 1. You can’t boil the kettle those of an average gasoline 8. EVs are less while charging an electric car environmentally fr those of an average gasoline while charging an electric car car”. environmentally friendly A National Grid report warned across their life cy car”.

A National Grid report warned theirin life cycleThe energy require that home networks might 4. You can’tacross drive them car that home networks might 4. You can’t in car or when The energy required to an build struggle to cope with high-drive them washes it’s raining electric car can struggle to cope with highan electric car mix, can make it environmental capacity car washes charging.or when it’s raining Water and electricity don’t less capacity car charging.

Water and electricity don’t mix, less environmentally friendly so manufacturers carefully seal to produce than a t However, EV owners with a so manufacturers carefully to produce than a traditionally all ofseal the electrified components However, EV owners with a low-capacity home network fuelled car. Howeve all of the electrified components to make surefuelled there aren’t any low-capacity home network car. However, aNorwegian study qu wouldn’t have a high-capacity to make sure there aren’t any problems using car washes, wouldn’t have a high-capacity Norwegian studyorquoted by the charger, so there’s little BBC estimates an E problems using car washes, drivingoror charging in the rain. charger, so there’s littlechance of the BBC estimates an EV is10about network being per cent better o driving or charging in the rain. chance of the network being cent its life and that will overloaded.

5. You can’t10 goper very farbetter over cycle, overloaded.

5. You can’t go very far andnow thathave will continue to Most electriccycle, vehicles improve.

2. EVs are more expensive Most electric vehicles now havein excess improve. a range of 150 miles, 2. EVs are more expensive than petrol and diesel cars 9.

Battery disposa a range in excess of 150 miles, with 200 miles becoming the than petrol and dieselGenerally, cars 9. Battery disposal poses the base price of hugeaenvironmen with 200 miles becoming the norm – and the average journey issue Generally, the base price huge environmental an of EV will be slightly more It does, but the EV norm – and the averageisjourney less than nine miles. an EV will be slightly more expensive, but manufacturers It does, but the EV boom has encouraged lateral is less than nine miles. expensive, but manufacturers compensate by offering a 6. There’s nowhere to charge encouraged lateral thinking to recycling r improve compensate by offeringgenerous a 6.

There’s nowhere to charge specification so that them improve recycling rates,companies with taking u generous specification with so that them the government’s £4,500 Long trips require a bit more companies taking usedbatteries EV for use els with the government’s £4,500 Long trips grant require a bit planning, more zero-emission vehicle butbatteries charge point for use elsewhere, such as home ener zero-emission vehicle grant planning, but charge point locator Zap Map taken into account, they’re a suchindicates as home there energy storage. locator Zap Maplow indicates taken into account, they’re a good deal, 10. They’re boring are there almost 15,000 connectors pretty plus have 10. They’re boring to drive are almost 15,000 connectors pretty good deal, plus have lowcosts.

Modern electric car at more than 5,000 locations running Modern electric cars can at more than 5,000 locations running costs. be genuinely fun to in the UK, with more added all What’s more,inas technology be genuinely fun to drive, theEV UK, with more added all particularly thanks the time.

What’s more, as EV technology becomes more prevalent, costs particularly thanks to the high-motors, whic the time. torque becomes more prevalent, Plus, rapid chargers can willcosts reduce – the new Nissan torque motors, which make acceleration brisk.

Plus, rapid chargers can will reduce – the new Nissan provide 80 per cent of charge Leaf starts at £1,500 less than acceleration brisk.in in minutes.

Leaf starts at £1,500 less about 30 thethan old one. provide 80 per cent of charge Tesla takes this to e about 30 minutes. the old one.

Tesla takes this to extremes with its Model S, wh 7. The batteries don’t last 3. They’re more likely to reachesin less than batteries don’t very last long with its Model S, which 60mph 3. They’re more likelycatch to fire in7.a The crash 60mph in less than three verycrash long safety catch fire in a crash Concerns about seconds – compara Batteries do have a finite life seconds – comparable new to the Batteries have of a finite Concerns about crash safety McLaren Senn are largely driven by ado couple butlife most manufacturers offer newforMcLaren Senna supercar, are largely driven by a couple of Tesla but most manufacturers offer leasing with its petrol-powe high-profile Model S fires battery a monthly with its petrol-powered twin- V8. high-profile Tesla ModelinS2013. fires battery leasing for a monthly turbo fee and will replace it for free turbo V8. in 2013. fee and will replace it for free

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Coughton Court

Dates for your diary: May half-term 2018 Sat 27 May – Mon 28 May, Wed 30 May – Sun 3 Jun, 11am-4pm Join us for family fun this May half-term and see how many of our 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ you can tick off.

Father’s Day Sun 17 June, 11am – 3pm, Duck race starts at 2pm Celebrate Father’s Day by getting all the family together to sponsor a duck on Coughton’s traditional duck race down the River Arrow, plus traditional games for families and classic cars to enjoy. £2 for the duck race

This season we are raising money towards our horological conservation, all of our clocks are beautiful objects which keep very good time – unfortunately, two of them have cases which are in dire need of conservation work that will cost around £10,000 to repair both cases.

Our eighteenth-century, early Louis XV bracket clock is in need of repairs to the case. The brass boulle inlay has lifted in several places, and once it comes away it is in danger of becoming detached completely. The striking movement, made by Cronier of Paris, will be reinstated once the case is in better condition. It is currently in storage and estimated cost of repairs is £6,000.

Our eighteenth-century oak longcase clock was made by Thomas Toms of Bicester.

Although this keeps excellent time, we’ve had to remove the face and movement to ensure its preservation. Deterioration of the case is putting the mechanism at risk of damage. It will cost about £4,000 to complete all the necessary work

The conservation work we do here at Coughton is all about slowing the effects of time but two of our clocks have stopped altogether and we’d love to hear them ticking again. So the next time you’ve popped in for a visit ask a member of the team about all Open 11am—5pm (last admission the conservation work we do here and if 4.30pm) you’d like to buy a raffle ticket while you’re For more information and details on here you’ll play a big part in giving our how to volunteer with us please visit the clocks a second chance - thank you. website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

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