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May 2010
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Local Times
Get in touch! To advertise your business or tell us your news contact us on the numbers below:
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Welcome‌ With summer fast approaching some of us will be looking forward to the many events which will be happening around the region. Those who like football will be preparing themselves for the World Cup, which will be taking place in South Africa in June, and other sporting events around our region are preparing to entertain us. We have received a very good response to the children’s colouring competition and will be featuring many more competitions over the next few months. The Wedding season is gathering pace with events promoting many of our local businesses, so we will be delighted to hear from anyone who is getting married and would like to be featured in the magazine. We will all be hoping the upturn in the economy will continue after the election results have been announced and we can continue to promote the region as a vibrant tourist area, which is the only reference to politics this magazine will make. Many of the charity gardens will be opening their doors over the next few months and are well worth a visit. As well as supporting a good cause many of the gardeners have toiled for months to get their gardens ready for their big day. We will be featuring Little Larford Charity Garden that many of us will want to visit so look out for an extended feature on our web site. Let me know what events you have planned this year and we will feature them in the magazine.
Robert Cooper Editor
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Contents
Local Times
This month YOUR FEATURES Angler Extraordinaire Des Taylor’s regular column on fishing
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Severn Valley Country Park Over 51 hectares of beautiful countryside
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Local Business Entrepreneurial spirit has arrived in Bewdley
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Local Pet Care Where do we go for that compassionate and caring attention?
Front Cover Image Electric Cat supplied by JohnFoxall
YOUR
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Local Beauty and Fashion Josephs Jewellers new 50 % sale
FEATURES
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Your Local Garden Centres Wedding Fayres Local Attractions Your Local Sports Teams
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Bewdley Carnival Bewdley Carnival Committee are getting excited about this years Carnival
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West Midlands Safari Park A new Indian Rhino Exhibit
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Community News Towpath Transformation in Kidderminster
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LocalRecipe Smoking on a BBQ
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Community News Local community plant for the future
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Your Local Publisher Passive Income
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Local Business Fine dining arrives in Bewdley
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Your Local Garden Whitlenge diary May
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Local Business How can I have more storage space?
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Competition Rays Farm colouring competition
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Ask the Expert Sue Maclusky from Soothe Out Stres
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Your Local Books Book review interview
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Fred’s Shed Advice from the allotment
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Puzzle Corner Our regular mind-benders
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Local Talent Search For A Star 2010
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Local Computers Guilty Pleasures
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Local Beauty & Fashion
Josephs Jewellers was the best kept secret in Kidderminster. They have now been trading within Morrisons, Green Street since July 2009, building up a loyal base of regular customers with their unrivalled product range and friendly service. So take time to pop in and join the hundreds of customers who have discovered this hidden gem. Josephs Jewellers is the first retail outlet of its kind within Morrisons, but the owners of Josephs have been manufacturing and supplying to the trade for decades. Few other Jewellery shops in the country have such an exquisite and extensive range, with access to designers all over the world. Josephs’ many years in the jewellery industry means that they source top quality materials at rock bottom prices meaning the customer gets amazing savings. Talk to any of the helpful jewellery consultants and they will happily discuss your requirements to ensure that you are matched with best products. Josephs has quickly become known around Kidderminster as the place to go to sell your old, broken or unwanted gold. With the public fearing disreputable companies, it’s
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your
Local Times
reassuring to know there is somewhere local that can be trusted to give you their best price for your unwanted gold. Josephs are also registered Ear Piercers with selection of ear rings to suit all tastes - from basic gold studs to a beautiful pink crystal set in 14ct gold. The Inverness ear piercing system is officially the safest, gentlest and most sterile in the world, and with the prices ranging from £14.50 - £17.50 including after-care. Why go anywhere else? Open 6 days a week - Monday to Saturday - you have no excuse for not popping into Josephs and taking home a beautiful gift for your loved one! With a stunning range of jewellery and prices starting from less than £10 there really is something for everyone. Ask about Evergem - the perfect diamond simulant, My Little Angel - Children’s Silver Charm Bracelets, Off The Cuff and Dunia – stunning and unique fashion jewellery. To make space for new stock coming soon, Josephs SALE gives you the opportunity to pick up a real bargain with discounts up to 50% on a huge range of selected lines. Josephs Jewellery looks forward to welcoming you.
We offer the finest jewellery available, together with ear and nose piercing, watch battery and strap replacement. Jewellery repairs, valuations and gold buying. Josephs offers you a wide range of Gold, Silver, Pearl and Costume Jewellery. Engagement and Wedding rings. Watches and the perfect Christening gift.
Sale now on with discounts
up to 50%
on selected lines
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Local Fishing
Des Taylor
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Local Times
The Big Fish Angler Extraordinaire
Many anglers and non anglers alike think that the catching of big fish is purely down to one thing and that is “luck”. When I am asked if it is luck I always say the same as a famous golfer, “Yes it is luck and the more I practice the luckier I get”! Don’t get me wrong there is an element of luck in catching big fish but that’s a fact in any sport indeed in any walk of life? Over the years I can honestly say only a very small percentage of my big fish have been landed because of luck the rest has been down to planning and skill. Let me give you a couple of examples. The first one is a huge fish from a vast expansion of water the Sea surrounding our island! I wanted to catch a huge skate, one over 100lb would be the target but one of 150lbs plus would be a dream come true. To try and catch such a fish anywhere but a few spots around the British Isle you would sit there for a lifetime and never see a skate certainly fishing a mackerel off Blackpool Pier no matter how lucky you are you would not see you catch a huge skate! I knew the Isle of Mull had produced a number of 100lb plus skate over the years and a guy from Glasgow named Davy Holt had caught a fair share of these fish. So I contacted him and asked if he would take me skate fishing and guess what he said yes, I suppose one
Des Taylor and Andy Walker with two 30lb carp from near Telford. This capture was not luck ! 8
could say him saying yes was my stroke of luck. Over the phone I asked him a few questions 1) “What is the best time to catch a huge skate” to which he replied “March”. 2) “Where is the best spot to catch huge skate” to which he replied “in a secret channel only a few hundred yards off the Isle of Mull”. 3) “What is the best bait for a huge skate” to which he replied “a whole dogfish, you won’t get many bites but if you do it will be a monster”. So guess what I fished in the month of March, in that secret channel and yes you’ve guessed it with a whole dogfish as bait. I fished two days without a bite and on the third day only had one bite but it weighed in at 210lbs one of the biggest skate ever caught at the time of capture. I think you will agree there was an element of luck but only a small percentage? My second example is lots of local anglers would love to catch a 30lb carp but so many of these anglers think they have not caught such a beast because of their bad luck. To catch such a carp you have to make your own luck. Let me explain. A couple of seasons ago my colleague Andy Walker and myself were making bait at the SBS Factory in Kidderminster when having looked out the window I said to Andy the conditions are perfect for a few carp this evening. Without further ado Andy and myself dropped everything and made our way to The Monument Fishery near Telford. Everyone at the lake had not caught a thing that day so when we arrived mid afternoon they all expected us to the same. We both cast our baits to where we know these carp would be and guess what within an hour I had a run from a 32lb leather carp and as we prepared to photograph it Andy’ line was pulled from his baitrunner reel as another big fish made off with the bait. After a strong fight Andy landed a 32lb mirror carp. How much of that was luck? In reality not a lot for we knew those big carp would be feeding and where they would be and we had got off our backsides to get to the venue to catch them. So the next time you think catching a big fish is luck think again!
Established 30 years
www.njkheating.co.uk
SBS
Fishing Baits Factory Shop Public & Trade Special deal to all anglers who visit the shop – Buy 2 get 1 free on any SBS product. SBS Fishing Baits are now available direct to you, the Angler, from our factory shop in Kidderminster ACE TERMINAL TACKLE e Hemp 70p per pint O ng Worms £12 per Kilo n sh a r ow ll Fu Wave Runner Bait Boats for Sale
www.sbsbaits.com
email: sbsbaits@btconnect.com Mon - Thur 7.30 am - 4.30 pm Friday 7.30 am - 1.30 pm Saturday 8.00 am - 2.00 pm Units 27 & 28, Meadow Mills, Dixon Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1HH.
Tel: +44(0)1562 754172 • Fax: +44(0)1562 754173
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Local Attractions
Local Times
Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley Nestled within the peaceful, scenic valley of the River Severn there awaits a delightful countryside experience with over 51 hectares of beautiful countryside and wonderful views, spanning both sides of the River Severn. The park has been awarded The Green Flag award for the last 6 Years. From the late 1800s onwards the area was mined for coal, this left a derelict landscape of spoil heaps and bleakness. The transformation from coal mine to country park has been incredible, now the park has a diverse mix of different habitats including semi-natural ancient woodland, species rich grassland, ponds and wetlands and of course a particularly attractive stretch of the River Severn. Within these habitats live rare species of wildlife such as the hazel dormouse, otter and club tailed dragonfly together with a plethora of interesting plants and birds. Whatever your age or interest there is something here to suit you. Events – There are events for children, adults and families. Just make sure you are dressed for the weather and activity. Go on a refreshing walk with a ranger through the magnificent Shropshire countryside; make a womery and even the chance to take part in some Indian antics. http://www. shropshire.gov.uk/countryside.nsf
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WalkersFor lovers of the great outdoors there are waymarked trails allowing visitors to explore the park and
surrounding countryside, the extensive rights of way network beyond the park boundaries provides endless opportunities for longer walks see the Shropshire walking website for ideas www.shropshirewalking. co.uk. Cycling – The national cycle network, Route 45 passes through the site and you can download information and a map from http://www. shropshire.gov.uk/ cycling.nsf/open The visitor centre and caféVisitors are well catered for with ample parking, toilets and an informative visitor centre/museum and a teashop serving sandwiches. Ice creams, soup, homemade cake and hot and cold drinks is open every Wednesday through to Sunday and Bank Holidays and every day during school holidays. Opening timesApril to October – 11am to 5.00 pm. November to March – 11.00 am to 4.00 pm Contact us: Severn Valley Country Park on 01746 781192. Email: parks@shropshire. gov.uk
All the fun of the fair starting Friday with two live bands at 8pm, the fun fair and the catering vans. Two live bands on Saturday night. On Saturday there is a road run of vehicles leaving the show ground at 4pm Steam engines Vintage tractors Organs Stationary vehicles Commercial vehicles
Cars Motorcycles Rare breeds Pets corner Trade stands Car boot
Funfair Beer tent Live music 4X4 Off road experience
Coney Green Farm, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire DY13 0TE Gates open 10am-5pm both days Entry fee: Adults £5.00 • OAP £2.00 • Children under twelve £2.00 Family tickets are available • Camping available For more details contact: Pat or Steve Crump on 01299 822032 11
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Local Business
Local Times
Seen in all the best resorts on the continent
Entrepreneurial spirit has arrived in Bewdley. Spain to Italy, France to Germany, and Blackpool to the Cornish Riviera, ice cream captures the heart of every holidaymaker whatever destination we venture to. Bewdley now has its own ice cream vendor traditionally attired with the straw boater and riding a very continental bicycle adorned with a parasol. The freezer carries a range of flavoured ice creams which you can have in a cup or traditional cone. The same ice cream can be purchased from Granny Browns Groceries along with your favourite drinks and sweets. Bewdley needs to support new ventures, which capture the visitor’s imagination whatever it may be. Your Local times magazine promotes and supports Bewdley and over the next three months will be introducing a promotion. The publishing company, Your Local Publisher Ltd has many initiatives planned
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throughout the year to promote our region, including a new web site and magazine called Your Local Trader.biz. It can help promote, and market struggling businesses and people who want to start a new business, not just through advertising but many of our other initiatives. We also distribute to households advertising flyers and leaflets both with and without the magazine, which saves time and money. The company’s involvement with many local businesses, many of which advertise with us, can also help you with services and products, such as finance, printing, accountancy, web site design and computer related products. If anyone wants advice or to start a business, any of our advertisers would only be too happy to give you first-hand advice. If you want to contact Your Local Publisher, you can Email promotions@ yourlocaltimes.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01299 406095.
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Local Pet Care
Local Times
On our doorstep Caring for your pets Your pets are very precious and if they become unwell where do we go for that compassionate and caring attention. The team at Riverside Vets are all passionate about animals, which is why our aim is to deliver the highest level of pet care with kindness and compassion. The staff will always find time to talk to clients about their pet’s problems, and where possible put their mind at rest when worried. The care provided includes medicine, surgery, dentistry and nutritional advice, along with the geriatric, weight loss and diabetic clinics held by the clinics’ qualified veterinary nurses.
ophthalmology (study of eyes) and has some advanced equipment to help with eye examinations. Many of the Staff have been with the practice for a number of years. Jayne Bradley the morning receptionist has worked at Riverside Vets for over 23 years.
Gavin the Severnside resident cat.
Sarah Rochelle the Practice Manager has also been a regular face for over 16 years and has recently returned from having her first baby. Head Veterinary Nurse, Henrietta Frewin has been qualified for seven years and works alongside Lisa Portmann and Jane Sadler to complete our team of qualified nursing staff, so your pets are in safe hands. Riverside Vets have regular promotions to look out for. This month we are offering all clients 25% off neutering. Please feel free to pop in and meet the team, who will always be happy to answer any questions you may have. We also have a resident cat called Gavin who is always available for lots of cuddles.
Here are some of the staff, which help all your pets: Hannah Wright – senior veterinary surgeon, who recently joined our long established team of nurses, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Riverside Vets. She has a particular interest in 14
Pet Portraits Professional paintings of your favourite pet
Present this voucher and get £3.00 off any purchase over £30.00 Offer ends 31/05/10 Opening times Mon-Fri 8.30am-6.30pm Saturday 9.00am-11.30am
Oil paintings on canvas of your dog, cat, horse or rabbit
Supply high quality photos or email digital pictures. 14” x 18” portraits in full colour £50.
For a friendly discussion, phone Colin on 0798 999 5180 or email pet-portraits@live.co.uk
17 Severnside South Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 2DX
Tel: 01299 402960 Fax : 01299 405143
Bewdley Gallery Trevor Price established Bewdley Gallery in 1980 and has a range of original paintings, limited and open edition prints all at competitive prices. The Gallery also has a picture framing service with hundreds of designs to choose from and with 25 years of experience. All work carries a lifetime guarantee. Fine arts has experienced a renaissance over the last few years and Bewdley Gallery exhibits many of the paintings that appeal to collectors and enthusiast alike. You are welcome to come and browse, admire or begin collecting fine artwork.
Lax Lane, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2DZ. 01299 400 918 15
Community News
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Local Times
Bewdley Carnival Bewdley Carnival Committee are getting excited about this years Carnival which is taking place on June 12th. Last years event was held in the pouring rain but thanks to the dedicated committee and loyal locals and visitors the Carnival still went ahead and was enjoyed by all that attended. The Carnival is lead through the town on Carnival Day by the princesses float. Last years princesses were Jessica Bromley aged 5 and Anna Bale aged 8 from Wribbenhall Primary School and Georgina Link. Aged 7 and Lizzie Gates and 6 from St Anne’s Primary School. The princesses beautiful dresses where very kindly donated by Mrs June Lacey of the Bridal Train Bewdley. There will be many exciting on the Carnival field during the afternoon and we will advise more details next month. The week will commence with the Pub and Club Regatta on Saturday 5th June and the eve on the Carnival day will see the Annual 16
Fireworks display over the River Severn in Bewdley. The proceeds from the Carnival Day are used to stage the next years Carnival and we hope we will have funds to donate to local organisations in need of funds. Anybody who is interested in having a float in the Carnival Parade or in having a stall on the Carnival field can contact Sue Matthews on 01299 401841.
High Quality Fruit, Vegetables, Fish and Eggs
All local produce when in season
Flowers for all occasions FREE delivery to your home
Tel: 01299 400 346
bewdleyfarmshop@btconnect.com
Dog Lane, Bewdley DY12 2EF
Gavin Smith
Plumbing and Heating 07967 837141 01299 401045 15 year’s experience • Free Estimates Combi-Boiler Specialist Bathrooms Fully Fitted
All Gas Engineers have to be Gas Safe Registered
All plumbing and heating work undertaken gavinsmith9@tiscali.co.uk
Gas Safe Number: 215565
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Local Attractions
Local Times
A new Indian Rhino Exhibit - in a realm of its own West Midland Safari Park has introduced Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis) to their collection for the first time since the Park opened 37 years ago. Work started on the state of the art exhibit in September 2009 and forms part of the four-mile self-drive safari. To ensure that the pair of young adult rhino feel completely at home, their new house - which alone cost £500,000 - features central heating, rubber lined floors, a deep litter of bark in which to sleep and a heated indoor pool in which to wallow - is considered to be one of the best Rhino facilities in the UK.
Indian Rhinos - Sophie and Rap - explore their new surroundings at West Midland Safari Park
Renowned for their ‘armoured’ and prehistoric appearance Indian Rhino - or otherwise known as the Greater One Horned Indian Rhino - are placid animals that live up to 50 years and originate from the Nepalese region of the Chitwan Valley National Park and India’s Kaziranga National Park. Bob Lawrence, Director of Wildlife, said “In conservation terms this is the most significant addition to the animal reserves for many years. It’s a culmination of five years in pursuit of what seemed an impossible dream at times and now that these magnificent animals are here all of the hard work has certainly been worth it”. The Rhino - one female and one male - named Sophie (aged 5 years) and Rap (2 years) - have been in quarantine since their arrival at the Park
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during a time of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures in January. Now both Rhino can be seen daily in the new exhibit that has been called Realm of the Indian Rhino. West Midland Safari & Leisure Park is open daily until Friday, 5th November 2010, including throughout the Easter holiday period. Standard admission costs £12.95 for adults, £11.50 for children. A family saver ticket costs £44.00, which admits two adults and two children. Admission costs also include a free return ticket. Amusement rides charged extra in all cases. Further information is available from the Park’s official website www.wmsp.co.uk Or by telephone 01299 402114.
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Community News
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Local Times
Towpath Transformation in Kidderminster Before…
Areas of the canal side in Kidderminster have recently undergone a complete transformation. The tunnel underneath St. Mary’s Ringway which links the areas below St. Mary’s Church to Weavers Wharf has had a complete artistic makeover thanks to hard work from community volunteers supported by Wyre Forest District Council, British Waterways and the Community Housing Group.
During…
The canal tunnel below St Mary’s Church now has a complete new look which will be welcomed by local residents, visitors and canal boaters. This successful art and clean up project is part of Rewyre, a major regeneration project for Kidderminster lead by the Council and key local partners. Artists Peter Barber and Tony Donnelly from Urban Canvas were commissioned by the council to create a unique piece of graffiti art during the Easter holiday period. The project started with a planning workshop with ten local young people and the two artists at the Boars Head Public House. Stencils inspired by carpet designs and music scores were created to use on the canal tunnel walls. The tunnel wall is now a unique piece of artwork depicting a boy as he journeys through the decades of the last Century. Photographic quality portraits showing close ups of the boy’s face have been done free hand with spray cans.
After…
Friends of Springfield Park also joined in the clean up and held their own tidy day to improve the appearance of the park. Volunteers collected a vast array of rubbish including bicycles, tyres, a pushchair, scaffolding poles and several bags of litter. Find out more about ReWyre at: www.rewyre.org. You can also view more of Urban Canvas’s work at: www.artreview.com/profile/PeterBarber
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To find out more about the Friends of Springfield Park contact Justin on 01562 732346.
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Community News
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Local Times
Local community plant for the future As part of the ‘Grow with Wyre Project’ Lea Memorial C of E Primary School Far Forest, now has a wonderful new hedgerow thanks to parents, friends and local people who all dug deep to create a natural barrier and wildlife habitat along the school’s orchard path. Children, parents and local people together enjoyed the day digging, planting and simply having lots of outdoor fun. Far Forest School’s Headteacher, Mr Max Davis, said: “On behalf of the entire school community, may I thank everyone for making this possible and also to Bill White and the Grow with Wyre Project for such a marvellous orchard hedge. Thank you.” The Grow with Wyre Project is a Landscape Partnership Scheme, involving the Forestry Commission, Natural England, local councils, wildlife and community representatives, aimed at regenerating local orchards, meadows and hedgerows across the area. When fully grown the school’s new orchard hedgerow will provide a natural barrier for the children as they enter 22
and leave the school’s grounds, and a wonderful habitat for numerous birds and animals. Far Forest School PTA Chair, Mrs Penny Child, added: “We would like to thank everyone for all their hard work and for bringing their forks, spades, wheelbarrows and vehicles to ensure the job was well and truly done on the day.
“Our thanks also to Bill White from Bill White Nurseries at Far Forest, for donating such a huge amount of compost to the project, the remainder of which will be used by the children for a number of outdoor growing activities over the coming spring and summer months.”
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Dog Lane, Bewdley TEL: Alison or Justin 404014 • 07767 206433
www.justin2carpetsrugs.co.uk
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Local Business
Local Times
Fine dining arrives in Bewdley The Bailiffs House is under new management, following a full refurbishment to restore the property. Set within a historically significant building dating back to 1610 in High Street, The Bailiffs House bistro and bar brings you the perfect venue for relaxed drinking and dining. The beautifully crafted oak doors, refurbished beams and original character combine to create a unique atmosphere. The ground floor bar stocks a wide range of refreshments, including an extensive wine list, eleven selected wines and Champagnes by the glass as well as the local guest ales and Bailiffs own bitter. On the first floor, the restaurant offers a blend of styles where the award-winning chef creates mouth-watering dishes using
locally sourced ingredients. Nestled amongst the beams and pastel walls are contemporary tables and leather high backed chairs, creating a distinctive setting for diners. Proprietors Richard Hunstone and Ivan Rogers with their team have done an excellent job in sympathetically restoring one of Bewdley’s most prominent historical buildings and creating a new dining destination in the town. The beer garden and outdoor dining area, where guests will receive the same level of service and attention outside as they currently enjoy indoors, is currently under restoration and will be a great addition to compliment these beautiful premises.
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The Bailiff’s House is open from 12 noon to 12 midnight every day. For all enquires and reservations please call 01299 400100 or go to our website at www.baliffshouse.co.uk. 68 High Street, Bewdley, DY12 2DJ
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Local Business
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Local Times
How can I have more storage space without losing living space? It’s very simple get an Attic Access Loft Ladder.
out the advert below and receive 50% more loft flooring in with the deal.
At Attic Access we have one aim – to make your life easier by offering quality loft ladders and safe storage advice. The loft is often the largest unused floor space in your home just waiting to be transformed into a useable, useful space.
For your peace of mind our fitters have undergone approved training by The Ladder Association and hold industry approved certification and photo-ID cards.
Visit www.accessyourattic.co.uk and take advantage of our special package offer – cut
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Call us on 01299 823902 Visit our website at www.accessyourattic.co.uk
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Ask the Expert…
Your Local Expert
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Local Times
Sue Maclusky from Soothe Out Stress answers questions on massage Do you need to take off your clothes? No. You only do so if you want oils. I have clients who enjoy a fully clothed seated chair massage and others who choose to remove just their top half so they can enjoy a back massage with specially blended oils if they so choose. Do you need to lie down? No. I have a specially adapted chair. Many of my clients prefer to stay upright for their massage. What about sensitive skin? Are oils really necessary in a massage? No. I have clients who don’t like oils so the massage is performed without any oils. Can Massage help you recover from major illnesses? Yes. I have many clients who have used massage as part of their recovery. Many have been recommended by their G.P. Massage can help restore the body to full health. Can Massage stop headaches? Yes. I have many clients who used to suffer with migraines & headaches. Massage releases tension. I feel tired all the time and have no energy - can massage help me? Yes. Massage is a great way to boost your energy levels because it boosts your circulation.
Can a Therapist ‘heal’ someone? No. Your body does the healing. The therapist simply activates or ‘triggers’ your body’s own natural healing mechanisms. Can anyone benefit from Massage? (and how does it actually work?) Yes. Everyone can benefit from the deep relaxation and this is one of the most obvious effects. This occurs because of the increase in circulation and warmth. The relaxing strokes have a soothing effect on the nerve endings and the warm touch of the hands makes you feel safe and deeply relaxed. As well as being relaxing, the deeper strokes have a stimulating & powerful effect on the nerve endings. You will feel healthier after a massage because your muscles have been toned - and this increases your sense of well being. What about the physical effects? Massage boosts your circulation by increasing blood flow to the heart. It relieves any muscle tightness and increases flexibility. By increasing blood circulation more oxygen and nutrients are able to reach the muscles. It also stimulates the sensory receptors in the nervous system so the body releases the ‘feel good’ endorphins which make you feel great.
Suppliers of Bread, Cakes and Freshly Made Sandwiches to Take Away Buffet Service to Your Office or Home Bewdley Bake Away Limited 50 Load Street Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2AP
TEL: 01299 404 147 E: bewdleyfarmshop@btconnect.com 29
Banter from the Allotment
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Local Times
Fred’s shed
Advice from the allotment
A yearly stroll through the season on Fred’s allotment May is one of the busiest months on the allotment. The soil is warm and everything should be growing well. Unfortunately the weeds are growing well too so there is no time to relax. Do watch out for a late frost, many growers have been caught out and lost their recently planted beans etc. Keep that fleece handy just in case. If you do not have any horticultural fleece you can use old net curtains, bubble wrap and the traditional newspaper as a method of insulation when a cold night is forecast. Harvest Depending where you are and what you planted, you may have some salad crops ready. Hardy lettuce and spring onions, fast growing radish may well be available. If you tried potatoes undercover, you may well be getting the odd meal from these. Winter cauliflowers, spring cabbage, sprouting broccoli and kale should be ready now. The luxury crop asparagus may be starting for you as well this month. Cultivation There are two main cultivation jobs you need to keep on top of in May. First, the weeds are growing. Hoeing them off as small seedlings will make the job far easier than waiting for them to grow and send their roots down. Hoeing is best done on a dry day so that the weeds do not have a chance to recover. Don’t forget to sharpen your hoe before you start and frequently as you use it. The other cultivation job outdoors is to thin out. We sow our carrots and parsnips and it seems a shame to remove seedlings we were so happy to see appear but it needs to be done. Sowing There is a lot to sow this month and with many crops you can sow one set and then a few weeks later resow to give you a succession of fresh vegetables at the peak of perfection. If it is a dry May, it is a good 30
idea to soak your seed drill before sowing and then just water with a fine rose after. French Beans, Runner Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli and Calabrese, Cabbage and Cauliflowers, Chicory, Kale Kohlrabi, Peas, Turnips and Swedes. Your salad crops should be sown in succession. Lettuce and Leaves such as Rocket, Radishes, Spring Onions. Sowing under cover Sweetcorn, Courgette, Marrow and Pumpkin. These really don’t like starting in the cold and you only grow a relatively few plants so starting off in pots is well worth the investment. Sweetcorn does not like its roots being disturbed so some people pack old toilet roll inners with compost and sow in there, planting out the whole roll when ready. Because you are in a cardboard pot, they can dry out very easily and you need to ensure they are planted with the whole roll below ground level or the collar will encourage drying out and restrict growth. It is easier to use something like root trainers although an ordinary three inch pot will suffice if care is taken at planting time. Planting Out If your plants are large enough, you can plant out now: Brussels sprouts, Summer cabbages, Celery Celeriac, Leeks.
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Registered waste carrier Fully insured 31
Local Talent
your
Local Times
Austin’s Got Talent - Search For A Star 2010 Multi talented youngster Sam Pagett from Stourport-On-Severn has recently won one of the biggest annual talent shows in the Midlands. Austin’s Got Talent - Search For A Star 2010 held at the Austin Sports & Social Club Longbridge Birmingham, he has waited years to enter this competition but was never old enough until now. He entered as SAM SAX MAN a solo performer to a sell out crowd of 500+ for the FINAL night, for his 20 minute spot he player 2 numbers on his tenor sax, sang 2 numbers including his dance partner ‘Jive’ Linda joining him on stage for a Jive dance routine and then to finish off 1 number on his harmonica.
great future infront of him and at only 17 a amazing achievement. Music is his life.... Rock n Roll his passion. Video footage of his win can be seen on You Tube search SAMSAXMAN or direct links via his web site.
He beat 8 other fab acts to claim the top spot and a substantial cash 1st prize and no end of publicity resulting in hopefully many future bookings.
He also has a very popular duo called The Lady & The Sax and cabaret act working with some of the UK’s top female and now male Sam with vocalist vocalists, recently Becky Neale welcoming on board West End star Mr David Lawrence.
He was totally overwhelmed to come first and was delighted to win the money which is going towards learning to drive. Sam with Laura Broad He is a very talented at last years KAF young man with a
His duo won the Kidderminster Arts Festival Best Buskers ward in 2008 & 2009 and they will be appearing again on the streets of Kidderminster at the KAF in Aug 2010. Also Sunday 8th August Stourport Riverside meadows bandstand 2.30 to 4.30 and every month on a Sunday afternoon at Brindley Place Waters Edge Bandstand Birmingham City centre.
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S & T HOME CARE LTD YOUR SAFE & TRUSTING SERVICE
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We are a Domiciliary Care Agency looking after the elderly and disabled in the community. S & T Home Care provides the highest standard of care & support for people who want to stay in their own home. We take pride on offering reliable flexible & friendly care which is individually tailored to your needs. Our experienced team are available to assist you with:
Personal Care Preparing and serving meals Weekly shopping Domestic help and Laundry Waking and sleeping nights Assisting with medication
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your
Local Recipe
Local Times
Smoking on a BBQ Recently I had a go at smoking some sausages on the ole BBQ. Wow!! What a difference is makes, now this was still early in my BBQing career so they were a little burnt, but you could really taste the difference between just grilling them and smoking them. I’ve tried smoking chicken, kebabs and burgers since with good results. The method I’ve settle and seems to work well for me is this. Set up the charcoal for indirect cooking, I use a kettle BBQ. Soak the wood chips for at least 30 mins in water. I might try beer or another liquid but for now I just use water. When I first tried smoking I just threw the chips onto the coals, they produced smoke, but it didn’t last longer and the wet chips damped the fire down. So no I get a small tin can, the ones you get tuna in, put the wood in that the place that amongst the coals. The result is lots of smoke and it doesn’t put your coals out. So next time you are BBQing try a little smoking whilst you are there.
Simple BBQ Marinade Marinating meat before you BBQ it is an excellent way to add extra flavour. To do the job properly the meat needs to sit in the marinade for a good length of time preferably over night to really get the flavour in. Here is a recipe I found for a simple steak style marinade. * 1 Small Onion (Minced) * 5 tbsp Soy Sauce * 4 tbsp Olive Oil * 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce * 2 tbsp Vinegar * 1-2 tsp Liquid Smoke * 1/2 tsp Black Pepper How much liquid smoke you use depends on how smoky you want the flavour of the food. 1 tsp for a mild taste and 2 for a more smoky flavour. Mix all the ingredients in a pan boil for 5 mins. Once the marinade is cool, place the meat in a sealed contain or food bag pour over the marinade and place in the fridge. Allow a good few hours to allow the flavours to get in to the meat. Light the BBQ, cook and enjoy.
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Traditional Pub & Restaurant AA & Michelin Recommended 2008 & 2009 CAMRA Real Ale Pub 2009
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Your Local Publisher
your
Local Times
Entrepreneurs Do you want to continue working 50, 70, 100 hours a week the rest of your life? Good! Neither do I. Do you want to be able to take time off whenever you want to, without worrying about what’s going to happen to your business? So do I! Let’s think of “being promoted” as earning more and working less. You can raise your prices, but until you can remove yourself from being directly involved in doing the work that generates the income, there’s always going to be a limit to how much you can earn, and it can only increase very slowly. Passive income, on the other hand, is income that does not require your direct involvement. Some kinds of passive income you may be familiar with include owning rental property, royalties on an invention or creative work, and network marketing. If you want to earn more, work less, and have a decent retirement, you’re going to have to start creating income streams that do not require your direct involvement.
Whether you’re just starting your business, or you’ve been running it a while, the sooner you start thinking about how you are going to shift your business model to create more passive income, the sooner you can achieve personal and financial freedom. Residual Income is revenue that occurs over time from work done one time. Some examples include an insurance agent who gets commission every year when a customer renews his policy, a network marketing or direct sales rep’s income from their direct customers when they reorder a product every month or creating 36
a product like a fitness video and selling it at the gyms and outlets or a photographer who makes his photos available through a stock photography clearinghouse and gets paid a royalty whenever someone buys one of his images. As you can see, there are many different ways to generate residual income across a wide variety of businesses. It may be recurring income from the same customers, or the sales of a product to new customers. It may require no personal involvement whatsoever, such as an e-book sold on a web site, or it may require some personal interaction, such as the salesperson a calling the customer to remind them about their renewal and ask them if they want to change any of their advertising. Often, it’s something that you can delegate to an assistant. Note that this is different from merely recurring income. Recurring income may still require your involvement to earn the income, e.g., a coach or consultant on a monthly retainer, or a caterer who delivers lunch every Monday to the local school board. While this “active recurring income” offers welcome stability, it also tends to tie you down, and you still have limits on your earning capacity based on your own personal production capacity. There are many other ways of creating incomes without working and web sites, after you have spent time and money building them are another source. At Your local Publisher ltd we can create income streams of passive or residual to suit your lifestyle and build upon your hard work that you put into the project. If you want to start earning from day one go to www.yourlocalpublisher.com Or Email income@yourlocalpublisher.com. There is more information and a blog at http://tr.im/J5AB
The Sun & Slipper Inn Mamble, Worcestershire DY14 9JL
Find us off the A456 between Clows Top and Newnham Bridge
Traditional hand pulled local beers and lagers Meals cooked fresh to order using local produce Try Rogers “famous” hand cut chips using local potatoes
A La Carte Menu and traditional Sunday lunch Best in the area Fixed price Menus 2 course lunch £9.95 Tuesday to Saturday 2 Course Dinner £12.95 Tuesday to Friday Due to popular demand now Saturday night 2 course £15.00 3 course £18.00 Closed all day Monday We cater for small weddings, Christenings, Funerals and luncheon Clubs
TEL 01299 832018 for reservations www.sunandslipper.co.uk
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Your Local Garden
your
Local Times
Whitlenge diary May As seedlings begin to appear so do the dreaded slugs. Put out some beer traps and also a flat stone for thrushes to use as an anvil to smash snail shells. At Whitlenge we have strategically placed a number of toad houses, as toads favourite meal is a nice juicy slug! The days are really warming up but the nights can still be very cold so protect what you can and hold back on planting anything too early. In the greenhouse apply shading or blinds and ventilate well but don’t forget to close windows at night. Damp down floors on hot days to reduce risk of spider mite. Hoe bare ground to eliminate weeds as they germinate. This will hopefully save a lot of time and trouble later on as they are more easily killed off at this stage than when they get bigger and start sowing more weed seedlings. Put straw under your strawberry plants and remove runners so that they put all their energy into fruit production. Mulch all fruit trees to retain moisture, water ground well before applying,
beans and sweet corn. Sweet corn can be sowed in blocks 1 foot apart each way with two seeds in each hole. Prune evergreens to remove any frost damage, Kerria japonica and Spiraea argutica after flowering. Feed fish regularly but only give them just enough to be eaten in a short time or the remains will rot in the water. Remove duckweed and blanket weed, grow waterlillies and oxygenating plants to help keep the weed at bay With the established lawns at Whitlenge we start mowing with high blades and lower them as the season progresses, don’t be tempted to go too low to save mowing time or you will end up with a brown scalped lawn, recognise the voice of experience? Feed now if you didn’t in April. Divide early flowering primulas and feed spring flowering bulbs with a general organic fertiliser. Water in if the weather is dry.
Sow ornamental cabbages and kales for stunning winter displays. Also runner beans, French
Even in Shakespeare’s time English summers were tricky “Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summers lease hath all too short a date” so lets be ready when and if it arrives to enjoy every minute. 38
GRANNY BROWN’S GROCERIES BEWDLEY’S INDEPENDENT STORE Stateside Quality Butchers Traditional cuts of meat and poultry
original & Flavoured sausage
Specialist coffee and Loose teas
Local beers & real ales
Deli cheeses, hams, traditional faggots bakery variety of freshly baked bread, cobs, cakes and pastries Fruit & Nut pick ‘n’ mix gluten free - wheat free - yeast free products Available
FREE DELIVERY SERVICE
Call: 07817 087778 Open 9am-6pm
59-60, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 1AW 39
LAST CHANCE TO Win a family ticket with this Rays Farm colouring competition!!
Colour in the picture of the Cockeral and tell us what is the name of the Cockeral at Ray’s Farm? Write your answer here: Post your picture to: Bridge House, Riverside North Bewdley DY12 1AB OR scan it in and email to: winner@yourlocaltimes.co.uk Your name: Address: Telephone No. Competition rules 1. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash and are not transferable. 2. Only one entry per person is permitted. Incomplete or illegible entries are Invalid. 3. No employee or subcontractor of Your Local Publisher Ltd may enter any Competition. 4. A telephone number, email address or postal address must be provided to advise if a prize has been won. Your Local Publisher Ltd will not pass on information to any other party unless specifically stated.
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5. The winner will be chosen at random from the correct entries and will be notified by telephone, email or post within 21 days of the closing date. 6. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 7. These rules include any instructions set out in the competition. By entering the competition the entrant will be deemed to have read and understood these rules and be bound by them. 8. Entrants must be 10 years of age or under. 9. Your Local Publisher Ltd reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel and/or suspend any competition.
It’s Wedding Season
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For: Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Funerals, all occasions. 25 years experience. Phone for appointment for friendly, helpful advice. Plenty of car parking space. Where To Find Us Unit 1, Blackmanstitich, Long Bank, Bewdley DY12 2QW Turn left at top of Bewdley Hill to find us in front of Wharton Golf Course
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In Bewdley Worcestershire Full and exciting workshop program, weekly classes for beginners and improvers and day workshops most days of the week. Come along and learn a new craft, give your home that fashionable Homemade look. We stock a great selection of patchwork fabrics, books, threads etc. We also stock some gift items and are your local stockist of Yankee Candles and East of India gifts. Opening Hours: 10:00am - 4:30pm Opening Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closed Wednesday and Sunday. 24 Load Street, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2AE
01299 409390
Email: totallypatched@btconnect.com Website: www.totallypatched.com
Fantasy
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For more information contact Jan on 07974 531264
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your
Local Books
Local Times
Bewdley Books Book Review Interview:
ZULU HART
by
SAUL DAVID
Interviewer: “ What made you choose this book?” Reader: “ I wanted to stay away from a typical thriller or crime fiction so I was looking for something a little bit different. I was browsing through the bookshelves at Bewdley Books and I was quite attracted to the front cover of this book. Then I started to look at the back cover so that I could get an overview of what it was about.” Interviewer: “ What information did it give you on the back cover?” Reader: “ It gave a flavour of the story. It was about someone whose mother was part Irish, part Zulu and who grew up to be a warrior living in Victorian times. Then I looked inside the book to get more details about the author and decided it would be an interesting read.” Interviewer: “ Were you immediately captivated by the book the moment you started to read it?” Reader: “ Yes. It got my attention straight away. I was intrigued as to how the story would unfold and it certainly gained pace quickly.” Interviewer: “ As you continued to read it what impression did you get?” Reader: “ I thought the book was easy to read. It was a real page turner with lots happening. One of the things you learn early on is that the main character discovers that his father, who he believed to be dead, is in fact alive. Although he doesn’t really know his father he has been set a challenge by him and if he is successful he will receive a financial reward. He must marry respectably, reach the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army and receive the Victoria Cross, all by the age of twenty-eight. No pressure then! You are left wondering how he is going to achieve this. However major emphasis is placed on the people the main character meets and on the prejudice he encounters for the most part because he is dark skinned. It shows the difficulties faced when he tries to progress. The question at the back of your mind is what is he like as a person. Clearly he is very principled and he doesn’t take too kindly to prejudice and to people trying to put obstacles in his way. There is a war brewing up in South Africa. He is called in at an early stage to be an intermediary between the British and the Zulus. You are left wondering once war breaks out whose side he will be on. Then as the story progresses you question the objectives set by his father and wonder whether he will eventually make his fortune. This is a real adventure story. Lots of unexpected events occur all the way through. It is a great read.” ZULU HART by SAUL DAVID Hodder 2009 ISBN: 9780340953648 £6.99 PB 42
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Puzzle Corner
your
Local Times
Instructions for sudoku For anyone new to Sudoku puzzles, fill in the blank spaces so that each row, each column and each 3 by 3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9.
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Answers to puzzles on page 46‌
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your
Local Computers
Local Times
Guilty Pleasures It’s been said that a good snooker player is a sign of a misspent youth, well having spent a good part of my childhood frequenting amusement arcades, I think I can speak from experience that maybe a seasoned video game player could be accused of a similarly dubious past… Before video games came along, pinball machines were the way to impress your friends and onlookers and even though I could hardly be described as a “pinball wizard”, I can well remember sprained wrists and a dose of the shakes after a particularly hectic session. So, it was perhaps with a breath of fresh air that PONG came along in 1978 to change the future of arcades and living rooms across the entire World. Now although the word “pong” has more than one definition (and I’ll leave the obvious one for you to ponder on at this point), let’s just say the video game was here to stay !! Nolan Bushnell, inventor of the first commercially viable video game cabinet, has stated that the biggest problem they had with early versions of the unit was the coin mechanism – it kept jamming because of the vast number of coins that had been fed through and I can well remember scenes in the local pub where there would be piles of ten pence pieces lined up. Since then, video games, love them or hate them, have established themselves as an integral part of our lives and there are regular competitions around the World that offer massive cash prizes to the winners. I think it’s unlikely we will see video games included as an Olympic sport, but you do need to have good handeye coordination to achieve any degree of success. If you’re looking to try out video games on your computer, there are a number of factors you have to
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weigh up and if you tell me you don’t play games, I don’t believe you – how many of you are addicted to Solitaire, one of the free games included with Windows ??? As you walk through the entrance of your nearest branch of Game Station, Game or HMV, take a look at the vast number of titles now available for use on the humble PC. A new release will probably set you back around £40, which may seem a lot of money “for a game” but when you take into consideration the amount of man-hours, production and preparation that go into modern games (if you’re fortunate enough to complete a game, check out the end credits, they’re longer than the average Hollywood movie !!) then maybe you’ll understand where your hard-earned bucks end up. So, you’ve decided to move up a peg from Solitaire and you’ve purchased your first game. Well, other than the fact your pocket is now a little lighter, here comes your second challenge – are you sure your computer will run it ?? Take a look on the back of the box, you’ll probably need a good pair of glasses or indeed a magnifying glass to read it, but you will find some very useful information that highlights the specification you will need to run the game – processor speed, memory and hard drive space, but most importantly – what graphics card you have!! Of course, you really need to know what you have “under the bonnet” in the first place to know if the game will work at all and it’s at this point you find out you need to spend a couple of hundred pounds to upgrade your PC – you might as well buy a dedicated games console like an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3, it’s a lot less hassle or you could stick with Solitaire, either way, you’ll have a lot of fun and improve your reflexes at the same time - the choice is yours.
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Local Times
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