I S S U E 49
F R O N T C O V E R F E AT U R E
Brood farm shop,
a place to enjoy for you and your brood See page 2 for the full feature on Brood farm shop
SPECIAL FEATURE
Discover Worcester
Worcester is an exceptional city with a well preserved historic core, sporting heritage, vibrant university, cathedral and the beautiful River Severn. See page 19 for our top picks for places to visit and explore Worcester.
Severn Railway PAGE 21
Worcester Cathedral PAGE 25
Centenary Lounge PAGE 27
MULTI AWARD WINNING RESTAURANT & TAKEWAY
INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING • TAKEAWAY Set in glorious Worcestershire countryside, Five Spice has established a reputation for fabulous fine dining and exemplary service
Tel: 01562 730 499 Hollies Hill, Stourbridge Road Belbroughton, DY9 9TX
www.fivespiceonline.co.uk
EATING OUT & TAKEAWAY editor’s choice for
this summer
What a wonderful evening, watching the sunset after an absolutely beautiful meal!
Five Spice restaurant in the charming Worcestershire village of Belbroughton is now offering its inspirational Bangladeshi/ Indian menu in a completely refurbished modern environment, which has both indoor and outdoor eating areas. Dishes are made using authentic spice mixes to create fabulous tasty meals for anything from day-to-day dining to those extra special occasions when memories are made. Living | 75
We are an amazing food establishment that offers a great selection of meals suitable for anyone. Gluten free? We got it! Vegan? We got it! Fussy eater? We got it! You can also have food to TAKEAWAY!!! Give us a call or pop in to see us and you can have ANY meal to take home and enjoy in your own company. We have a spectacular selection of drinks from Gin to Wine to J20! We have enough gins to suit everybody and we may even have some you have never tried before. Bringing in a large party? We have so much to offer to ensure everybody can get a drink they can truly enjoy. And if you’re only having a drink, you can get yourself a packet of crisps/nuts to keep you going for a little while.
TA K EAWAY A F T E R N O ON TE A Celebrating a special occasion? Order our delightful afternoon tea, available for collection.
Booking required 24 hours in advance, please mention any dietary requirements.
Our brilliant team are welcoming and caring towards customers and make The Retreat a great place to visit. Without the amazing staff we wouldn’t be the great pub that we are today. Our staff will do anything to ensure your time with us is the best and we can assure you that our staff will help you out in any way they can.
01684 878 019
So...I think that this should all make it worth giving us a try! We hope to see you soon!
Available Monday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 4:00pm. £19.50pp
www.aldwynsrestaurant.co.uk Aldwyn’s at Ellerslie Abbey Road, Malvern, WR14 3HL
Image for illustration purposes only
The Retreat Inn, Norton, Worcester, WR5 2PT 01905 820 274
73692MT_AudCrt_100x130_AldwynAdvert_v3.indd 1
07/04/2021 10:34
The Square · Broughton-in-Furness Cumbria · LA20 6HY manorarmsthesquare.co.uk
Proud to be serving good quality, British food. The Lygon is a beautiful, country pub located in the little village of Feckenham. From field to fork, we have carefully selected the highest quality ingredients from local producers and our very own farm to create dishes we are proud of.
.. .. . . ..
A mini beer fessval, daily! Up to 8 real ales available 150 guest ales annually En-suite rooms available CAMRA B&B start raang Pool table and games Ca Car parking nearby A long established, family owned free house
The gateway to Duddon Valley This award winning, family run 17th century Free House, The Manor Arms is open daily from 12 noon, closing at 11.00pm. Furness CAMRA’s pub of the year 2019. In the bar we have a pool table and a pool team in addiion to a seleccon of other accviies including dominoes, cards, chess and books to keep the children happy.
www.thelygon.com 01527 892800 1 Droitwich Road, Feckenham, B96 6JE, UK
We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy The Manor Arms and this uniquely aaraccve area and remind you that, for the weary tourist not wannng to return home just yet, there are comfortable en-suite rooms accompanied the following morning by another splendid experience in the form of a Manor Arms breakfast served in the comfort of your room.
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THE
Bickford Arms The Bickford Arms: Warm, comfortable accommodation, with friendly staff and excellent food. With comfortable beds and refreshing rain showers our rooms are sure to offer a great night’s sleep. There are eleven spacious letting bedrooms, all centrally heated, with bath or shower en-suite, and beautifully furnished in a modern style. Every room has a TV, tea and coffee maker and FREE superfast Wi-Fi. Warm modern comfortable and relaxing, our rooms are ideal for an overnight stay or a longer break. We have an on-site laundry, so for a longer stay we are more than happy to provide a laundering service at a nominal charge, just ask at the bar!
Local Area Wanting to check out the local area and what it has to offer? The Bickford Arms is in a prime location, just a short drive from Dartmoor as well as the many fabulous beaches of North Cornwall and North Devon. Ask a friendly member of staff for recommendations during your stay, we will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Private Functions Corporate and private functions are available for hire in The Dunsland Dining Room. We can comfortably seat up to 100 people and the venue is ideal for small or medium private functions and for business lunches or meetings. We can provide media facilities, catering and entertainment by request, there is also a private bar. Theme nights will be held regularly throughout the year, so watch this space for details of exciting upcoming events!
The Bickford Arms, Brandis Corner, Holsworthy, EX22 7XY / 01409 221318 www.thebickfordarms.co.uk / info@thebickfordarms.co.uk
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F R O N T C O V E R F E AT U R E
Brood farm shop, a place to enjoy for you and your brood Brood Farm Shop is the countryside family food and drink venue that keeps getting better and better. It has a fabulous range of locally sourced fresh foods, an excellent café and a local gastropub. Now it is adding an outdoor bar, picnic area and two stretch tents where people can relax with an early evening glass of something special in very pleasant surroundings. Brood was designed with the idea of farmers, customers, staff, independent suppliers and the local community all supporting one another and keeping ‘food miles’ to a minimum. Owners Claire Davis and Phil Oliver produce their own beef, lamb, pork, chicken and eggs to the highest standard from their Redditch based farming operation, tracking each stage from farm to fork. They grow fruit, vegetables, plants and herbs themselves and source homemade preserves, bakery products, craft ales and ciders and other gourmet products from specialist producers around Worcestershire and surrounding counties.
Jodie Collinson sales@countylifestyleandleisure.com 01455 698686 ACCOUNTS
Laura Smith accounts@countylifestyleandleisure.com 01455 698570 JOURNALIST
Shirley Elsby shirley.elsby@ntlworld.com 01455 446360 SALES
Theresa Deacy theresa@countylifestyleandleisure.com 01455 446360
create an appetising range of ready meals for sale to the public. The Brood pub, the Lygon Arms at Feckenham, likewise serves a great range of quality lunchtime and evening meals. The farm shop also sells gifts, hampers and household items such as beauty products and cleaning materials. A ‘Click & Collect’ service is available for people who prefer to shop online rather than visit in person. It is free on orders of £40 or more. Brood ’s newest feature is the outdoor bar, now open and currently running with table service.
Creative chefs produce the finest dishes from these very sources to serve in the family friendly café, which is open all day. They also
EDITOR
Head Butcher Antony Fletcher says: “It’s a very nice setting in which to enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshing beer on a summer’s evening. There are some toys for children to play on and some outdoor games such as giant Jenga. Family is at the heart of everything we do here.”
Sally Hassel sally@countylifestyleandleisure.com 01455 698570 DESIGN
design@countylifestyleandleisure.com Suite 10, The Lawns Business Centre The Lawns, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1DY www.countylifestyleandleisure.com Company Number: 10125538 VAT Number: 239853468
CONTENTS
Style your home Health & Care Discover Worcester Home Renovation Weddings Staycations
SPECIAL FEATURE
Discover Worcester
Brood Farm Shop, Astwood Lane, Astwood Bank, Redditch B96 6PS T 01527 868698 E admin@brood.co.uk www.brood.co.uk Lygon Arms, Droitwich Road, Feckenham B96 6JE T 01527 892800 E bookings@thelygon.co.uk
For our favourite places to visit and explore Worcester see page 19
3 11 19 29 37 42
STYLE YOUR HOME our top picks to
this summer
There are great things to be enjoyed about restyling your home, whether in part or in total. One is the beauty that comes from complete rooms being totally co-ordinated in style and colour. Another is in making the most of the available space so everything can be neat, organised and easily accessed. A fully fitted kitchen designed bespoke for your particular space
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can be a masterpiece of practicality. With an immense choice of worktops and finishes to complement smart new appliances, it can offer an abundance of cupboard and drawer storage to hide all those pots, pans and awkwardly shaped gadgets such as air fryers and food processors. It can also bring social space spend quality time with family or friends.
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A new bathroom can be utterly transforming, especially with modern wetrooms and power showers, while fitted bedrooms can bring luxury to where you need it most. Sometimes a modest space can be transformed to a highly useful home office or a playroom. The trick to these lifechanging improvements is to find a reliable specialist, first to draw up
designs in line with your personal preferences and budget, then to carry out the fitting. Most sole traders carry out the main carpentry and joinery work themselves, bringing wide experience to the role. Many have trusted trade friends to complete the electrics, plumbing, plastering, tiling or decorating, so they take care of everything and the customer doesn’t have to worry about a thing.
ENTERPRISE RETIREMENT LIVING
MOUNT BATTENHALL
MOUNT BATTENHALL
Reimagine your retirement
BUY NOW TO SAVE UP TO £15,000
There couldn’t be a better time to take your first step to the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.
Mount Battenhall offers luxurious, independent retirement living in a unique setting, featuring an exquisite Italianate mansion surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, all just minutes from the centre of Worcester.
Buy a luxurious new property at Mount Battenhall and, for completions before 30th September 2021, we will pay the equivalent of your Stamp Duty, up to the value of £15,000.*
Comprising an excellent choice of both new-build and converted apartments and houses, the properties feature elegant interiors with contemporary specification, within easy reach of Mount Battenhall’s superb communal amenities.
CALL TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO BOOK A VIEWING *Paid as cashback on completion.
Call 01905 630274 or visit mountbattenhall.co.uk The Marketing Suite, Mount Battenhall, Battenhall Avenue, Worcester WR5 2BS Viewings by appointment only. Interior photography shows the communal areas at Mount Battenhall.
Do you suffer from heat loss, outside noise or draughty windows like many older properties? Secondary glazing from Lansec greatly reduces draughts and heat loss while retaining the traditional appearance of your original windows • Recommended by Historic England for heritage and Grade 2 listed buildings • Barely visible from inside or outside • Colour matched to your existing windows • 10 year material and labour guarantee • Local, family run business
01299 544013 info@lansecglz.co.uk lansecglz.co.uk
Editor’s Choice Kookachoo Interiors Bespoke Furniture, moderately priced Kookachoo Interiors is helping customers stamp personality on their home with unique and bespoke handmade furniture for around the same price as mass manufactured pieces from the high street stores. Carpenter Tim Allard and his wife, Koo, produce their own range of stylish designs for chairs, tables, dressers, bookcases, benches, garden furniture, accessories and other free-standing items. Working independently from premises in Cradley, Malvern, they also customise existing pieces
to make them their very own, upcycling them into one-offs of real character and quality. For customers who literally have their own ideas, Kookachoo takes commissions to bring their visions into the real world of wood and metal, whether for a dining set of unusual dimensions, the perfect cupboard for an alcove or even a deluxe kennel for a pampered pooch. Whatever the idea, Kookachoo can translate it into a faithful finished product in the customer’s preferred materials and to the required dimensions. These items are then
treated with a natural wood finish for visual impact and great protection. Kookachoo works with beautiful hardwoods such as elm, French oak and American black walnut and works collaboratively with local metalworkers to provide steel or cast iron frames and fittings as appropriate. All items are craftsman-made and even bespoke items are modestly priced compared to many artisan products. Koo says: “We want our furniture to give joy to our customers for many years to come.”
Kookachoo Interiors, Ashvale Business Centre, Cradley, Worcestershire WR13 5LU T 07960 323735 E info@kookachoo-interiors.co.uk www.kookachoo-interiors.co.uk Facebook @ Kookachoo Interiors
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Bespoke Secondary Glazing
Editor’s Choice for styling your home
Jordan Williams Upholstery, better than new
BUILDING • PLUMBING • HEATING ELECTRICAL • LANDSCAPING Here at JW.Construction Limited, we offer a bespoke turn key solution to all your building requirements. We are the one-stop company, that does everything using our trade specific employees and sub contractors.
Are you sitting comfortably? If not, Jordan Williams Upholstery can help! This Bromsgrove based family business provides first class reupholstery of furniture from antique to modern, using both traditional and up-to-theminute techniques to put the bounce back into saggy seating. Bespoke services range from restoring treasured older items to their original condition through to revitalising a shabby three piece suite with a smart new covering in the customer’s choice of fabric, or perhaps just handling a small repair.
01527 274851 07453 28203 jwconstructionlimited.com
The company works on armchairs, settees, ottomans, headboards, dining chairs, chaise longues, even footstools and piano stools. It can also provide complementary soft furnishings made to measure, such as cushions, curtains and seat covers to match the finished items. Owner Jordan Cooper is the third generation of his family to be involved in reupholstery and he has been careful to maintain all the old skills of the trade as well as to learn the newer ones. That means he can be entrusted with the most valuable of antique
furnishings as well as luxury quality modern ones. “We don’t do woodwork but we do anything to do with comfort,” he says, “Including the springs, scrim, coir fibre and webbing. With antiques, we use authentic materials such as horse hair or hog’s hair.” For a free quotation without obligation, contact Jordan Williams Upholstery or visit the website.
Jordan Williams Upholstery, 5a New Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 2HX T 07555 327637 E info@jordanwilliamsupholstery@gmail.com www.jordanwilliamsupholstery.co.uk
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Style your home – our top picks
KITCHENS / BATHROOMS / OUTDOORS SWIMMING POOLS / SHOP FITTING
Reliable and professional tiling in Worcester and the surrounding areas
FLOORS NEED SANDING? CALL IN THE SPECIALISTS
DUST FREE FLOOR SANDING IN WORCESTERSHIRE OUR SERVICES
• Floor sanding • Staining / choose from a large range of colours • Hardwax oil coloured or clear • Lacquer • 2 toned Scandinavian finishes • Bespoke lacquer colours • Floor repairs • Resin or pine slither filling • Light sand and Re lacquer existing flooring • Solid wood and parquet supply and fitting service
07880 745208
infofirstcut@gmail.com
www.firstcutsolutions.com
Electrical Contractors CCTV and Alarm Installation 17 Years Experience • Midlands & UK Wide Commercial, Industrial & Domestic
AC CONTRACTORS (STADT) LIMITED 24 Elm Green Close, Worcester WR5 3HD
MOBILE 07971 819101 WWW.DUSTFREE-SANDING.CO.UK
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Call 07971 524240 www.damandinstalls.co.uk info@damandinstalls.co.uk
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Decorative Aggregates
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Bulk bags delivered
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Building Sands & Gravels
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Collections in bags or bulk
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Timber Landscaping Supplies
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Loose tipped deliveries up to 11t
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Fast friendly local service
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Full lorry loads direct to site
Based on our farm in the heart of Worcestershire we pride ourselves on being able to offer a fast, friendly and flexible local service from our yard out to Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
Call 01905 381195 or email info@cjcaggregates.co.uk visit our website www.cjcaggregates.co.uk Collin J Collins Ltd, Cowsden Bank Farm, Naunton Road, Upton Snodsbury, Worcestershire, WR7 4NU
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Experienced Electrician & Carpenter We take your vision and make it a reality whilst maintaining high standards and quality of work.
Lighting | Power Fuse boards | EV Charging points Full and part rewires | Carpentry
Call or email 07917701376 rneservicesltd@hotmail.com 9
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Elegance & beauty at a reasonable cost •
100% solid wood kitchens – no MDF, chipboard or ply
•
Dovetail jointed drawers – mortise and tenon joints for carcasses
•
Free design service, individual hand drawn plans
•
Non-standard sizes, at no extra cost, to suit your kitchen dimensions
•
Fully assembled units; no annoying flat-pack assembly
•
Straightforward, easy to understand costing – prices include VAT & delivery
•
Primed, or primed and painted units can now be provided
www.pineland.co.uk enquiries@pineland.co.uk
Cleobury Mortimer – Shropshire 01299 271143 Northwich – Cheshire 01606 41292
our top picks for
HEALTH & CARE Moving into a care home is a big step for anyone to take when they have been used to running their own household and looking after themselves. It often follows on from a traumatic event, such as being bereaved or suffering an injury which may heal well enough but rob a person of their confidence for managing alone. It may also follow the onset of dementia, making it increasingly risky for them to continue staying in their own home.
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Happily, there are some remarkable residential homes offering exemplary care and accommodation to suit people’s differing needs. They include those run by our advertisers, who provide friendly, comfortable environments where every resident is treated as an individual. Residents find it extremely reassuring to know that there are caring professionals around 24/7 to assist with personal
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care, dementia care, even palliative care, liaising as appropriate with local nurses, doctors and other medical services. They often find a new lease of life as they find themselves in the good company of staff, visitors and other residents, enjoying a lively programme of activities personalised to their own preferences. It can be a huge relief to people in declining health
to be able to hand over the reins of responsibility for things like cleaning, food preparation, laundry, shopping and dealing an assortment of daily dramas. Check out the websites to see how our advertisers can change life for the better for you or your older relatives.
D R O I T W I C H
M E W S
C A R E
H O M E
Live Safe and Well Avery Healthcare is a leading and award winning national care provider offering residential, respite and dementia care. • Nutritionally balanced seasonal menus • Spacious, beautifully decorated bedrooms • • Stimulating schedule of daily activities and entertainment • Safe visits for family and friends • • A warm and friendly environment to make new friends • Highly trained staff teams •
Call 01905 934201 to book a tour averyhealthcare.co.uk
Droitwich Mews Care Home Mulberry Tree Hill | Droitwich Spa Worcestershire | WR9 7SS 13 countylifestyleandleisure.com
A Beautiful Family Run 19 Bedroom Residential Care Home Near Evesham Leaving home can be a difficult time and so to ensure a smooth transition Cedar Lodge offers an authentic ‘home from home’ experience to help you settle in and become part of our wellloved community. Situated on a quiet residential road in the village of Offenham; the tranquil settings offer an escape from the chaos of city traffic, but still offers convenient access to local amenities, including general stores in the village but close to the market town of Evesham which is less than 2 miles away and has large varieties of shops. The home is a short distance from the renowned village centre maypole,
which at 64’ is one of the tallest of the 6 permanent maypoles remaining in England. We welcome long term and short term residents for a peaceful and relaxing stay, in well-appointed all single ensuites bedrooms. We are focused on promoting independence and choice through person centred planning. We strive to ensure all personal needs are met and social activities of choice are enjoyed, including trips out with staff, we regularly walk out with our residents to the local shop as well as an exciting and varied entertainment program,
including singers, magicians, mobile zoos and various others. All our bedrooms have an en-suite and the rooms are both spacious and comfortable. We encourage our residents to decorate their rooms as they wish to and welcome any belongings which will help in making their room feel like home. In addition to our newly decorated sitting, drawing room and dining room we have modern bathroom and shower facilities, a hairdressing area, wi-fi access and both an outside level patio with bistro style furniture and a sunny secure garden with seating.
01386 446 871 www.cedarlodgecarehome.com info@cedarlodgecarehome.com Cedar Lodge Care Home, Main Street, Offenham, Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 8RL
Albion Lodge
Retirement Home We are a family run establishment and the care we provide is very much based on the ethos that we look after people as if they are part of our own family. Offering individualised care, we aim
to maintain independence whilst providing support. The home itself is a period residence set in two acres of lawns and gardens close to the centre of the small village of Hanley
Swan in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. We are well supported by our local surgery, district nurses, foot care, physiotherapists and a visiting hairdresser. Our CQC rating is GOOD.
What we offer • • • • •
New Rooms Now Available
Period property Village setting Two acres of lawns Specialist baths Disabled access vehicle available for families to use • Short stays can be prebooked • Two lifts
www.albionlodge.co.uk | T: 01684 310626 | E: info@albionlodge.co.uk | Hanley Swan, Worcs. WR8 0DN
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
Your wellbeing awaits, Connect now Everybody wants to feel good, both in themselves and about themselves, but all too often Life gets in the way. The Laura Wellness Centre in Worcester is a great place to reconnect to a serene sense of wellbeing, by means counselling/psychotherapy and a range of complementary therapies in sessions specially designed for each client’s individual needs. Practice owner Laura Baluta is a highly qualified psychologist and psychotherapist who works with people of all ages, including couples. In particular, she has wide experience of working with children, especially those who have been bereaved or facing life threatening illness. As a Master of Integrative Psychotherapy, Laura is trained in different modes of counselling including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Therapies and Humanistic Therapies. She skilfully blends the techniques to help people identify the roots of conditions such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress and relationship difficulties, helping them to resolve
the problems and thereby improve their overall wellbeing, mentally but physically. Alongside this, Laura and her team also deliver Massage/Holistic massage, Reiki energy healing, Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Crystal therapy, Nutritional therapy and Bach flower remedies. Currently, many of Laura’s clients are suffering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions which went with it. “A lot of people present with anxiety disorder, panic attacks and depression to do with lockdown,” she says. “Now, I am seeing more teenagers, around 14 to 16, with anxiety issues around having had to isolate, missing school and, when they return, having to wear masks in corridors and other places, on top of exams. “It all puts massive stress on their shoulders, but I have had some very positive outcomes by helping them challenge their negative thinking, raising their self confidence and self respect. I can see the change, literally from one session to the next.”
Laura Wellness Centre, Office 6, Sansome Lodge, Worcester, WR1 T 07931 256034 E contact@laurawellnesscentre.com www.laurawellnesscentre.com
Put your mental health on the first place
Access your wellbeing
with Laura Wellness Centre
Services include
Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. The stigma ‘I’m not going to a psychologist because I’m not crazy’, is limiting you access to your physical, mental and emotional wellness. There is a huge connection between body, mind and spirit, therefore we are the result of our actions, thoughts and emotions.
Reiki
Couple Psychotherapy
Counselling / Adult Individual Psychotherapy
Children Psychotherapy
A ‘broken’ mind gives you as much pain as a broken bone in your body. The most common issues affecting wellbeing are worry about the future, stress and anxiety. Here at Laura Wellness Centre, we provide the tools and information you need to access your wellbeing. Laura Wellness Centre is based in the centre of Worcester, very close to Foregate train station and offers complementary health care to the Worcester community and surrounding areas of West Midlands. The therapies here include Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling, Mindfulness, Reiki Healing, Aromatherapy, Crystal Therapy, Holistic Body Massage and Nutrition.
For more information visit www.laurawellnesscentre.com or email us at contact@laurawellnesscentre.com Instagram: @laura_wellness_centre Facebook: Laura Wellness Centre
��
IT’S
HAPPENING!
11TH - 12TH SEPTEMBER 2021 TUDOR GRANGE PARK
O L LY M U R S
MARTI PELLOW ALEXANDRA THE BRAND BURKE NEW HEAVIES
ARTFUL THE BLOW DODGER MONKEYS
TONY KIM HADLEY WILDE
ABC NIK KERSHAW F RO M TH E JAM
PAT SHARP DJ SET 2ND
STAGE!
FOR TICKETS & INFO VISIT:
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WWW.SOLIHULLSUMMERFEST.CO.UK
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Editor’s Choice
Jim Hilly
Professional Dog Grooming
Dog Grooming for all breeds From Standard Grooming to Show Grooming
Caring cremations for beloved pets Telephone: 01386421463 Mobile: 07917605545 Email: jimhilly@hotmail.co.uk
www.jimhillyprofessionaldoggrooming.com Jim Hilly Professional Dog Grooming, 2 Cotswold View, Mill Street, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4PS
As heartbreaking as it is to lose a much loved pet, comfort can be found in giving a fitting and caring farewell. Cotswold Pet Cremation provides a compassionate individual cremation service for dogs, cats, and other pets, so owners can feel assured they have had the best possible final journey.
Many customers like to drive their special pets themselves to the premises at Bretforton, but collection can also be arranged from home or their vet. Customers are always invited to share a photograph and tribute to their beloved animal online as a lasting memorial too.
Owners Lisa and Simon are animal lovers themselves. It was thinking about what lay ahead for their own special dogs that led them to start this service. They were especially insistent that their dogs would be treated with care and dignity throughout, and that there should be no possibility of another animal’s ashes being mixed with theirs.
ALL-IN-ONE MEMBERSHIPS WE’RE CLEANING & TAKING ALL THE NECESSARY PROCEDURES TO KEEP YOU SAFE GYM SWIMMING EXERCISE CLASSES RACKET/COURT SPORTS COMMUNITY CLUBS
Lisa says: “We can absolutely guarantee that individual comfort and care, as we only ever cremate one animal at a time. We treat every one as if they are our own.” Customers can take their time to say their goodbyes in a relaxed setting, and choose from a wide range of urns, scatter tubes and caskets, including biodegradable urns with a tree seed and even photograph frames containing the ashes.
PLUS GET A
LOCATIONS: PERSHORE LEISURE CENTRE EVESHAM LEISURE CENTRE DROITWICH LEISURE CENTRE
E: INFO@WYCHAVONLEISURE.CO.UK W: WWW.RIVERSFITNESS.CO.UK
FREE PT SESSION WHEN YOU JOIN
www.cotswoldpetcremation.co.uk T: 01386 247 395 M: 07946 052 941 Lower Fields House, Weston Road, Bretforton, Worcestershire, WR11 7QA
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Discover
WORCESTER
Worcester is an exceptional city with its well preserved historic core, sporting heritage, vibrant university, cathedral and the beautiful River Severn. It carries the legacy of a proud industrial contribution – especially through its fine porcelain – and maintains a robust presence on the foodie scene, both as
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an outstanding producer of fruit, vegetables and cider and as a place to savour diverse eating out experiences. One of those experiences can be enjoyed at the Royal Porcelain Works, developed from the original world famous factory, celebrating a long tradition of creativity as a
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home for the arts. It has many aspects, one of which is a family friendly licensed café, serving artisan food and drink from the locality as well as hosting live events, showcasing contemporary artistry and hiring premises for events from weddings to workshops. Worcester played a significant part in
the English Civil War, nowhere more than at Powick Bridge, scene of the first skirmish between Royalists and Roundheads, in 1642. the secretbnb – exceptional accommodation created from Europe’s first hydroelectric power station overlooks the bridge.
Lower Berrow Farm Cottages are traditional barns that have been recently converted into stylish cottages combining character with modern luxury living. Nestled deep in the heart of England within the picturesque parish of Feckenham, these beautiful cottages are surrounded by scenery that could not fail to impress. Situated on the border of Worcestershire and Warwickshire amongst beautiful countryside on a traditional working farm which is close to Stratford upon Avon, The Cotswolds and The Malvern Hills. A great central location to meet up with family and friends from around the country. Indulge yourself with the pure experience of relaxing in our luxurious spa whilst enjoying the tranquillity of the Worcestershire countryside. www.lowerberrowcottages.co.uk T. 07850 866 835 E. info@lowerberrowcottages.co.uk Lower Berrow Farm Cottages, Redditch, Worcestershire
thesecretbnb
Worcester’s boutique bed & breakfast Experience beautiful Worcester and stay in one of the city’s most iconic landmark buildings - thesecretbnb at Powick Mill. Straddling Powick Bridge on the site of a famous historical battle this former Hydro-electric Power Station has been beautifully renovated and can offer boutique 5 star accommodation unrivalled in Worcester. Choose the luxurious Turbine Suite with it’s stylish, opulent living space and ensuite master bathroom or choose the Laugherne View, a room with private bathroom that offers a stripped back and contemporary chic feeling, a million miles from the hotel experience. With the shops, county cricket ground, racecourse, National Trust properties and the beautiful Malverns less than 10 minutes away, plus free secure gated parking, you know you owe it to yourself and your loved ones. We think you’ll be delighted and surprised at our value for money. thesecretbnb - for those wanting to experience the road less travelled. Expect more. To reserve your post-lock down getaway call us on 079191 85872
Powick Mills, Old Road, Worcester, WR2 4BU, UK www.thesecretbnb.com hello@thesecretbnb.com Tel. +44-7919-185-872
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Discover Worcester
ACTIVITES AND EVENTS
Looking for an escape back in time to a time without thoughts of the pandemic? Look no further. The Severn Valley Railway snakes through the beautiful Shropshire and Worcestershire countryside and has been providing steam train journeys for over five decades – celebrating 50 years of steam power in preservation last year. With rolling stock over a century old and stations that have been preserved from the Victorian era, the SVR promises an vintage day out for all ages.
fun
with
friends &family all summer
at the commandery, worcester
discover and generally adventure into the golden age of transport.
What’s more, the railway has an unrivalled selection of compartment carriages being used for its NEW excursion services, meaning your party can travel in comfort and style whilst being Covid-secure during your time on the railway.
From The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley – which gives you the chance to get up close to a variety of engines, sample of whole host of homemade treats in the café and shop ‘till you drop – to picturesque Arley, which you’ll recognise from some of your favourite TV shows and films.
Starting in Bridgnorth or Kidderminster, you’ll meander through the glorious Severn Valley, stopping at a variety of locations to explore, shop, eat, drink, play,
No two journeys on the SVR are the same –book your sociallydistanced table or private compartment for your next adventure now at www.svr.co.uk
TIME FOR ADVENTURES TO RETURN
get together for an unforgettable summer surrounded by 1000 years of history!
For more information visit our website:
www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
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Book your tickets now: SVR.CO.UK
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MAKE OUR SPACE YOURS EVENT SPACES AVAILABLE TO HIRE AT ROYAL PORCELAIN WORKS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT
The Royal Porcelain Works sits within the heart of the city centre, just a three minute walk from Worcester Cathedral. The beautiful Henry Sandon Hall stands prominently in the middle of the courtyard, offering a grand building for a mixture of activities. The venue lends itself to weddings, celebrations, meetings, community groups, workshops and a variety of events. The hall is fully equipped with a fully licenced and stocked bar, projector and screen, lighting and audio visual equipment if required. A large courtyard area will allow you to make the most of the summer months and should you need a more private space we have a smaller courtyard to the side of the building. With a mixture of rooms available on the site and a team of friendly staff we can help create and accommodate a myriad of events. Please feel free to call us on 01905-677 399 or email enquiries@royalporcelainworks.co.uk. Check out our website www.royalporcelainworks.co.uk for more event information @RoyalPorcelainWorks
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This summer…
To help you plan your summer, Visit Worcestershire has pulled together their ‘Top Ten’ things to do with the kids – all activities are ‘Open’ across the beautiful County of Worcestershire. Please plan within guidelines and check with the attractions for entry information.
Find out more online: www.visitworcestershire.org 23
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Let’s get wild
If your little ones are into Animals, Worcestershire is the place for you. With a wide selection of Animal Parks and even a drive through Safari Park you can channel your inner David Attenbourgh while checking out penguins, lions and cheeky goats. Across the county there are various other places to have animal encounters including farm parks and a zoo. These include: West Midlands Safari Park (Kidderminster) which has achieved Visit England’s ‘Were good to go’ charter mark and is fully safe and open for business. wmsp.co.uk Cob House Country Park (Malvern) has a café, shop and pleasure fishing as well as a number of FREE to visit animals on site. cobhouse.org Top Barn Farm (Outside Worcester) The farm is open for FREE animal visits, including newborn chicks as well as sheep, goats and pony’s. The café and farm shop are open, but some activities may still be closed. topbarnharvestshop.co.uk/ farm-park-home All Things Wild (Evesham) Open for outdoor activities. Numbers are restricted, so please pre-book for time slots. allthingswild.co.uk Little Owl Farm (Stourport) Is home to Kangaroos, Meerkats as well as your farmyard favourites. With a petting barn you can get up close and personal with a number of animals and with a huge soft play, there is something to keep you little ones busy for hours. littleowlfarmpark.co.uk 2
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
From parks, to the Malvern’s and beautiful woodlands, Worcestershire has loads of great outdoors to explore.
Why not check out the list of Country Parks and Picnic Locations on Worcestershire County Council’s website to help you plan the perfect outdoor afternoon. Or visit somewhere like the Wyre Forest which has a host of trails! 3
Thrill Seekers
For those daredevils amongst us, we have a number of attractions which will get the pulse racing. Wyre Forest Go Ape for exploring the treetops. goape.co.uk/locations/wyre Aztec Adventure Upton Warren open for aqua park inflatable fun, boat hire and launch only. aztecadventure.co.uk/aqua-park Worcester Karting for those looking for a speedy thrill. kartingworcester.co.uk Redpoint Climbing (Worcester) for all those with a head for heights.
check out one of the following:
The Commandry (Worcester) where you can re-live the Civil War and tell tales of the Ghosts that still live there.
Mini Golf Pro’s Park in Kidderminster
museumsworcestershire.org. uk/museums/the-commandery Avoncroft Museum of Buildings (Bromsgrove) which is the UKs first Open Air Museum which hosts a fabulous collection of buildings and even has Dr Who’s Tardis! avoncroft.org.uk 6
Travel in Style
miniprogolfparks.com Ravenmeadow Jungle Safari Worcester adventuregolfworcester.com Axe Junkies – for those with kids over 16 - check out this new axe throwing venue in Worcester City, part of the Arches development – it will bring out your inner Viking! axejunkies.co.uk
Re-live the Golden Age of Steam by visiting one of our Heritage Railways, the magic of the engines, watching the Countryside roll by – it really is a magical day out:
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Severn Valley Railway is already taking bookings for the Summer and even has some Adult days and Gin Trains. svr.co.uk Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway based in Broadway is planning to open with a limited timetable over summer 2021.
Support the High Street and Independents
With the pandemic, more of us are shopping online then ever – but our town centre’s need us! So why not head into town to buy the school uniform, have a coffee in an independent and show some love to local market. They need you… #buylocal
redpointworcester.co.uk
gwsr.com
For an overview of all our town centre’s visit:
The Buzz Inflatable Adventure and Trampoline Park open in Worcester City.
Evesham Light Railway for a mini steam experience.
visitworcestershire.org/ worcestershire-towns
thebuzzworcester.co.uk 4
Making a splash
As the weather is set to hot up, why not check out one of the local pools: Droitwich Lido which has a great splash pad and yummy cafe. riversfitness.co.uk/droitwichspa-lido Malvern Splash which has just had a £2m make over with slides and splash areas. freedom-leisure.co.uk/ centres/malvern-splashleisure-centre 5
Step back in time
Why not get hands on with the past and visit one of the County’s fab museums, family favourites include:
evlr.co.uk 7
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Pick your own
‘Pick your own’ is a Summer Holiday tradition (as is eating the yummy fruit fresh from the vines ssh). There are a number of farms across the county that offer PYO with various fruit from strawberries to cherries. Here are a few we know are open with availability:
Get out on the water
Worcestershire is famous for the River Severn – so why not get out an explore it for yourself. We have several boat and canoe hire companies including: Severn Expeditions (Upton on Severn) Boat Hire
Clive’s Fruit Farm:
severnexpeditions.co.uk
clivesfruitfarm.co.uk
Ultimate Canoe and Kayak who offer tours linked to the Seven Valley Railway.
Bell’s Farm Shop and PYO: bellsfarm.co.uk
ultimate-canoeandkayak. co.uk/river-severn-trips
Stanley’s Farm Shop: stanleysfarmshop.co.uk 8
Or if you have your own canoe or paddle boards, you can get more information on our waterways and safe locations to start from by visiting:
Friendly Competition
If your family and friends like a bit of competition, then why not
visitworcestershire.org/place/ river-severn-canoeing
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All details are correct at time of printing.
Discover Worcester
ACTIVITES AND PLACES TO VISIT
22 - 25 SEPTEMBER 2021
S PA
Together Outdoors
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S P E C TAC U L A R S O U N D & L I G H T S H OW
• Adventure Birthday Parties • Family Activity Session • School Holiday Activity Days • Luxury cottages with hot tubs + much more Activities from £20pp
Journey to the edge of the universe and back! Walk amongst the stars and projected art installations, be enveloped in the music, immersed in sound and light.
For more details contact: 01684 574546 enquiries@boundlessoutdoors.co.uk www.boundlessoutdoors.co.uk
Created by award-winning artistic collaboration ‘Luxmuralis’, Sculptor Peter Walker and Composer David Harper.
For tickets, entry times and more information visit www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/whats-on
@boundlessoec #boundlessoec
The Almonry
The Museum
This 14th Century building was once home to the Almoner of the Benedictine Abbey that was founded at Evesham in the 8th Century. The Almonry has had a varied history: ale house, offices, tea rooms, and a private residence, until it was finally purchased by Evesham Borough Council in 1929, opening as a heritage centre in 1957.
The Almonry houses an eclectic collection that spans from the prehistoric to the 20th Century. The Museum is displayed over 10 rooms and the garden: the emphasis is on how Evesham has developed and grown over time. There are exhibitions about the Abbey, the battle of Evesham in 1265, horticulture in the area, Anglo-Saxon burial treasure and the impact of war upon this little market town.
The Almonry is still owned and funded by Evesham Town Council today.
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For children, this is a wonderful place full of exciting treasures to discover and explore with family and friends. During school holidays we offer Children’s Activity Packs with trails, puzzles and crafts.
@WorcCathedral @WorcesterCathedral worcestercathedral
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England
Plan your visit: www.almonryevesham.org 01386 446944
LUXURY FRAGRANCES IN THE BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE OF BROADWAY
Newly opened in 2020, Scents On The Green is a luxury perfumery in the heart of Broadway Village, stocking a beautiful selection of premium fragrance brands such as Chanel, Hermes, Acqua Di Parma, Bvlgari, Ormonde Jayne, Atkinsons, Gallivant and many more….. The owner Margie Shiers has had an extensive career in the luxury fragrance industry, including managing portfolios within most of the UK’s best known retailers such as Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Liberty, House of Fraser, and John Lewis, as well as working with some beautiful independent boutiques in London and around the UK. The team at Scents On The Green are highly experienced in the world of fine fragrance and will be happy to help you find your favourite fragrance or discover something new.
Come and find us at 8 The Green, Broadway, WR12 7AA, right opposite the Broadway Hotel
01386 852191
A brocante style shop with a range of dealers selling painted furniture, industrial, French, Art Deco, mid century, gifts and homeware items
Call 01386 426027
www.scentsonthegreen.co.uk
Working Craft Units, Intimate Farmhouse Restaurant serving home cooked lunches, drinks and desserts.
www.mmyhomeinteriors.co.uk
Gift Shop & Artist Gallery. Real Ale House. Plant Shop.
2B5 Herbery Courtyard, Blackminster Business Park, WR11 7RE
Gardens, duck ponds and great views.
mmyhomeinteriors@gmail.com
Private Functions Open 7 days a week,
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ELEGANTLY CRAFTED CULINARY MOMENTS Our charming, relaxing venues provide the perfect setting to enjoy a break on your own or a meal with others, from breakfast to brunch, to lunch, afternoon tea and cocktails.
The Cross WORCESTER 31 The Cross, Worcester, WR1 3PZ 01905 724 242
CELEBRATE THOSE SPECIAL MOMENTS WITH OUR RANGE OF LUXURY GIFT IDEAS Featuring Recreations, our very own range of replica GWR-branded giftware. Each piece is crafted with absolute attention to detail, perfectly recapturing the original designs and celebrating the style of the golden age of railway travel.
Fixed fee consultations available remotely to help fit around your busy life out of hours consultations are also available by appointment With over 30 years experience in Family Law, Worcester Family Law Practice offers professional legal advice covering a number of areas including Divorce, Collaborative Practice and Resolution, Private Children Act proceedings, Financial Remedy proceedings, Prenuptials and Postnuptials and Living Together agreements. Based in Worcester, we are happy to receive enquiries from Worcestershire and further afield as we are able to cover cases throughout England and Wales. To discuss your particular situation and our legal services in more detail we can be contacted by email family@worcfamilylaw.co.uk or by telephone on 01905 730900
www.worcfamilylaw.co.uk The Worcester Family Law Practice, 34a Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1EE
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HOME RENOVATION our top picks for
Summer is a great time to put your house in order and ensure it is smart, tidy and weathertight before winter comes around again. Now is the time to tackle all those tasks that you’ve been putting off, from big jobs like painting and rendering the outside down to the niggling repairs that you’ve been putting off for a lack of time or energy. If you’d like someone else to tackle the tasks,
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however, our advertisers can help! They’re on call from for anything from routine maintenance to full-scale trouble shooting. Ceramafix is a versatile business which carries out tiling jobs from the smallest kitchen sink splashback to a full-scale bathroom refurbishment.
It is also a painting and decorating business offering everything from help with finishing off an awkward area through to a sizable decorating job complete with skirting boards and architraves. If your garden is out of hand, call in Gateway Gardens Ltd. These specialists can give
your outdoor areas the VIP treatment with a comprehensive range of maintenance, care and problem solving. The company carries out garden clearances, looks after lawns, hedges and trees, carries out fencing and also installs new patios and driveways.
Hidden Gem for home & garden
FENCING & LANDSCAPING EXPERTS in Droitwich
We offer a bespoke service to our customers. Our reliable fencing and landscaping experts are highly skilled and offer a hassle-free service. Get in touch with us for more details.
GARDEN LANDSCAPING, FENCING, PATIOS & DRIVEWAYS
Telephone: 07772 525 674 / 01905 794678 Email: info@gatewaygardensltd.com
www.gatewaygardensltd.com Gateway Gardens Ltd, 37 Westbury Avenue, Droitwich, WR9 0RT
QUALITY LONG LASTING DRIVEWAYS Pro Driveways
We specialise in creating great looking and long lasting driveways. Our reputation is very important to us and we get a lot of our work from recommendations so you can trust us to provide only the best customer service and aftercare. Whether you need your driveway sprucing up, a complete new build, or even other more specific jobs like turfing or fencing and electric fences erection, we service it all at Pro Driveways.
BEFORE
AFTER
CERAMAFIX
Before
Tiler & Decorator
TILING SERVICE TO WORCESTERSHIRE, WARWICKSHIRE AND SOUTH OF BIRMINGHAM
• Wall Tiling • Floor Tiling • Conservatory Floors
Our Services
• Bathroom • •
Refurbishments Kitchen Tiling Ensuites
• Splashbacks • Wet Rooms • Painting & Decorating
Get in touch Phone: 01527 465804 Mobile: 0785 5414758 Email: ceramafix@hotmail.co.uk www.ceramafix.co.uk
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After
Call for a quote 01905 887 867 or 07903 774 171 driveways.pro@yahoo.com www.prodriveways.uk
2 The Paddocks, Broughton Hackett, Worcester, WR7 4BG
Hidden Gem for home renovation
Skyers and Son have been helping customers by providing professional, trustworthy building services. We offer a full range of building services, from major rebuilds to smaller jobs such as masonry repairs, including: • New Builds • Alterations, Extensions & Conversions • Brickwork • Concrete • Plastering & Screeding
• • • • • •
Tiling Painting & Decorating Kitchens & Bathrooms Roofing Services Re-pointing Septic Tanks
• • • • •
Excavation Services Soakaways Foundations External Works Drainage
If you are trying to find a builder near you, why not give us a call? Our friendly, professional team will be happy to talk through your needs and give you a free, no-obligation quote.
Call us for a free, no-obligation quote 07488 331 853 or 07795 420 239 Email: skyersjoel@gmail.com
www.skyersandsonltd.co.uk
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Home Renovation – our top picks
Need a supplier of low cost timber in the Birmingham area? Want your timber delivered direct to your site at a price that’s right?
ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN • New Roofs • Re-Roofs • Roof Repairs • Flat Roofs • Rubber Flat Roof Systems • Rebedding • Repointing • Chimneys Repaired & Rebuilt FREE QUOTATIONS AND ADVICE ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
You need Low Cost Timber! We specialise in providing timber and wood products of various different shapes and sizes, and have done so for the past 21 years. If you need quality wood at the right price, then why not give us a call today? We are certain that you will be happy with the quality and cost effectiveness of our products. We stock c24 and a selection of reclaimed timber.
Call 0121 440 2706 07944 701 435
Please call Aaron on: 01527 903 628 07765 867 629 arrowroofingservices08@gmail.com
www.lowcosttimber.co.uk sales@lowcosttimber.co.uk
Through our wide range of garage doors, we are able to offer our customers great value, superior materials and a quality installation, every time. We are proud to offer a selection of up and over doors, sectional doors, side hinged doors, roller doors and round the corner doors.
• Up & Over Doors • Sectional Doors • Side Hinged Doors • Roller Doors • Round the Corner Doors
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Visit our large showroom
next to Merry Hill Centre DY5 1TX
At Oldunn Developments, personalisation is everything We offer quality bespoke carpentry and joinery services to ensure that you end up with exactly what you want from your home renovation. Specialising in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, we aim to create the perfect space that you and your family will treasure for years to come. Using only the finest woods, we can renovate, rebuild, or build a new space from scratch. We will consult with you every step of the way to make sure that the finished product is truly special.
Bedrooms, Kitchens, Exteriors, Renovations, Roofing
Call 07897 782675
www.oldunndevelopments.com Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7, United Kingdom
Please mention the County Lifestyle and Leisure magazine when responding to adverts
Find us on Facebook
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Making memories? Here’s how to keep them Exquisite prints by Bailey Photographic can bring happy memories into focus for the whole of a lifetime. Whether you want to preserve the magical moments of a wedding day, record the birth of a baby or perhaps celebrate a special moment in time with the family, you can confidently trust the task to this highly experienced and very friendly specialist company. Bailey Photographic is a well-established all-round photography business with a portfolio covering everything from portraiture to commercial product illustration. Owner Prab Smith particularly loves getting to know her clients and capturing the essence of their presence and personality in the frame. Most people are happy to snap everyday events on their smartphone cameras and post them online, but almost everyone wants their wedding photographs to be taken by a professional who will bring failsafe expertise and artistry to the task. There is none better than Bromsgrove-based Bailey Photography.
In other cases, the photographer goes to the customer’s place of choice, whether it be their home or memorable setting such as a historic building, a pretty meadow, farm or woodland. Prab says: “We always try to make our sessions relaxed and comfortable, so they are enjoyable in themselves. And, we always aim to exceed their expectations with work that really touches their heart and brings real joy.” Call now to arrange a free consultation. Bailey Photographic, Canal Side Workshops Metal & Ores Industrial Estate, 138 Hanbury Rd, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4JZ T 01527 873128 E info@baileyphotographic.co.uk www.baileyphotographic.co.uk
The company offers a range of wedding packages for couples’ different needs and budgets. They can be for just a few hours covering the traditional highlights, through to a deluxe service including a pre-wedding photoshoot through to every detail of the wedding day, from the bride’s hair and make-up preparations to the first dance of the marriage. For family photographs, customers frequently go to the company’s Bromsgrove studio, which is in a beautiful rural setting with props, lighting and other features to ensure a highly successful outcome.
3D Body Sculpt, revealing the beauty within 3D Body Sculpt uses non-invasive treatments, utilising the latest technologies to help improve their clients’ shape. With these technologies, this high end beauty clinic can remove everything from cellulite to thread veins and from wrinkles to unwanted body hair. Based in Bromsgrove, the clinic enables clients to firm up, slim down and feel pampered in a relaxing, friendly environment, using an array of treatments to help them look and feel better than ever, all with the minimum of discomfort and down time. Treatments at 3D Body Sculpt are administered by qualified beauty therapists. One of the most popular is for stretchmark reduction, using techniques such as the revolutionary Dipomed®. It applies suction to create inflammation beneath the skin and so boost natural collagen production, reducing stretch marks from 30% and 80% within one to three sessions. Another sought after treatment is for fat or cellulite reduction. One technique uses cryolipolysis, freezing fat cells under the skin so they are broken down and removed by the
Director Natalie Bailey, with 20 years’ beauty experience, says: “Treatments are always evolving. We are committed to offering the best.” 3D Body Sculpt, 8 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7AE T 01527 350 401 E info@3dbodysculpt.co.uk www.3dbodysculpt.co.uk
Dressmakers, quilters and crafters are finding everything they need to perfect their sewing projects at Nellie’s Fabric Shop. Catering for everyone from absolute beginners to experts, this independent retailer provides a growing range of fabrics and haberdashery, including stretch fabrics such as jersey, denim and linen mix, 100% cottons from Moda and Riley Blake for quilting and pre-cut batches of colourful and coordinating prints. Fabrics range from delicate muslin to hardwearing upholstery cottons, while accessories include zips, buttons, ribbons and threads. There are kits to help people get started and shop owner Emma White, an accomplished dressmaker, is always pleased to help, advise and source any material or equipment not already in stock.
Nellie’s Fabric Shop opened in April.“I noticed a big increase in people taking up sewing and crafts again during the lockdown,” says Emma, “And I became increasingly busy selling fabric via my website, www. nellies.store . As demand increased, I
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3D Body Sculpt achieves welcome improvements for the skin, using peels, microdermabrasion, plasma pens and other methods to revitalise, regenerate and remove blemishes. Some clients go along simply to be pampered.
Fabric paradise for crafters old and new
She plans to offer sewing machine servicing and, after the school holidays, to start running workshops.
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lymphatic system. Another uses painless radio waves to target specific areas.
outgrew my workshop space and decided to open a shop. It’s lovely to talk to customers about their projects. “Sewing is a very tactile and sociable hobby. Customers like to see and touch before they buy, and exchange sewing tips. Sadly, Britain has lost many traditional fabric shops over recent years. It’s great to bring one back.” Nellie’s Fabric Shop, 78 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1DU T 01386 244554 E lovenelliesshop@gmail.com www. nellies.store Facebook @ Nellies Fabric Shop
Editor’s Choice
Editor’s Choice Railway Yarns, keeping knitters chuffed.
See page 2 for the full article on Brood Farm
Crafters from absolute beginners to innovative experts feed their hobby at Railway Yarns, a friendly, independent shop sourcing knitting wools from quality suppliers around the UK and beyond.
Fresh local Food
Opening the shop was a dream come true for Gillian Orford after she moved back to England from Australia in 2012. Gillian has been a knitter all her life and loves the range of yarns that enable her and her fellow enthusiasts to create a dynamic range of handmade clothes, toys and accessories. At Railway Yarns, Ledbury, customers can find anything from the natural wool of Shetland sheep to luxury silk, from merino to alpaca wool and many, many more varieties, in a sumptuous range of colours, blends and textures. Gillian has a crafting room where she holds classes to get people started in knitting, crochet, quilting, patchwork and needle felting. She also rents out the space for other people to hold their own classes or crafting gettogethers, and she plans to relaunch a ‘Knit & Natter’ group as soon as COVID restrictions end.
from fields near you, for you
Our Farm Shop stocks all of our locally produced fruit, veg and meat from our very own farms. Using our own products we are delighted to be able to offer meal packs and farm fresh ready meals using recipes created by our very own Executive Chef. Brood grown vegetables, salads and herbs available as well as an amazing array of grocery products. Logs are also for sale, locally sourced.
“Knitting is a very social, sharing kind of hobby,” she says. “We all learn from each other and there is usually cake involved. “It is a very tactile hobby. The pleasure comes not just from the end product but from the whole process, touching, feeling and working with the yarns.” Railway Yarns, Unit 6, Station Industrial Estate, The Homend, Ledbury HR8 1AR T 07854 863312 E railwayyarns@hotmail.com www.railwayyarns.co.uk
Local delivery and Click and Collect available Brood Farm Shop, Astwood Lane, Astwood Bank, Redditch B96 6PS
Call us 01527 868698
www.brood.co.uk
Editor’s Choice Expert & professional skin treatments by Sue Shaw; achieve your skin goals. If you struggle with skin issues of any kind, from brown age spots, fine lines & wrinkles to congestion and spotty breakouts, then see Sue at Sue Shaw Skin Aesthetics and you will be amazed at the improvements you see. This Malvern-based practice is run by Sue, a highly qualified and experienced skin specialist, an expert who trains doctors, nurses and therapists alongside running her own results-driven practice. Sue offers the latest, safest and most effective beauty skin treatments for face, neck and chest, at sensible prices. Sue will treat skin tags, age spots and thread veins using
up-to-the-minute techniques such as diathermy and Freezpen Cryotherapy. Microneedling with Skinpen Precision stimulates the natural production of collagen to plump out wrinklesand reduce scarring, while targeted resurfacing formulations from Phformula and Fusion mesotherapy solutions, leave the skin clear, bright, healthy smooth and soft, no matter what the skin issue might be. Oxygeneo works across multiple conditions for deep cleansing, exfoliation, oxygenation, infusion and skin tightening. Sue loves it and utilises it in her Gold and Silver facials, favoured by brides
and those wanting to be positively radiant when celebrating extra special occasions. “People want to see a difference,” says Sue, “And that is what I deliver. All my treatments are backed by clinical evidence, using medically certified equipment. “It doesn’t matter whether a client’s skin is quite normal and nice or if it is really ‘problematic.’ All treatments and products selected are targeted to their specific skin needs so there will always be improvement that they can see.”
Sue Shaw Skin Aesthetics, 141 Barnard’s Green Road, Malvern WR14 3LT T 07882 976 608 E sueangleshaw.aesthetics@gmail.com www.sueshawskinaesthetics.co.uk Facebook @ Sue Shaw Skin Aesthetics
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WEDDINGS
& special occasions Micro weddings may have been in vogue during lockdown, celebrated with just a handful of a couple’s most treasured circle, but many couples postponed their big day multiple times so they could have the big bash of their dreams. With COVID restrictions lifted, business looks likely to boom as the romantically inclined put their hearts into creating the wedding day of their dreams. Many who went ahead and married with a limited guest list and a modest celebration, now
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intend to dust off the plans for a full-scale celebration complete with a ginormous reception and exotic honeymoon abroad. Never has there been so much scope for a bespoke wedding crafted entirely to the couple’s own preferences and, of course, budget. The average pre-COVID wedding in the UK was reported to cost around £32,000 with all the travel and trimmings, although it’s fair to say that many managed admirably with a significantly lower tally.
Luxurious Mallory Court Hotel and Spa offers a stunning setting for a romantic wedding in Leamington Spa, whether for just small numbers or up to 150 guests. With four Red Stars from the AA, Mallory Court has superb accommodation, a restaurant with three AA Rosettes and a beautiful brasserie, along with amazing spa facilities, 10 acres of beautiful grounds and expert staff to help arrange ‘your day, your way.’ Go online to www.mallory.co.uk to check out this magnificent venue.
At The Malvern Well we are there for you right from when you say “yes” to “I do” Our Make Up Artist, Cassie, and Hairstylist, Lucy, can create your perfect look on the day. From relaxed and natural, to full on glam and anywhere in between!
Did you know that we can meet all your pre wedding beauty requirements? Our team specialise in waxing, lash and brow tinting, nails, lash extensions, threading, tanning, and hairdressing including hair extensions. We have a wide range of massage and holistic therapies to de-stress before your big day.
Occasions by Design is a proud independent family owned and run bridal, bridesmaid, prom and occasions dress shop in Bromsgrove town centre.
All our facials are tailored to your individual skincare needs. We have a wide range of specialist facial treatments including non surgical facelift, to target fine lines and wrinkles. LED treatments to improve acne, rosacea, blemishes and uneven skin tone. Or why not try microdermabrasion, a deep exfoliation to get you glowing for your big day and allows your make up to glide on effortlessly. Bespoke treatments and packages are available.
Contact us today on 01684 560929 www.themalvernwell.co.uk
Call us on: 07903 862495
www.occasionsbydesign.co.uk info@occasionsbydesign.co.uk
@themalvernwell Book now themalvernwell.book.app
The Old Mill, 14 Hanover Street, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 7JH
Weddings Mallory Court is a magnificent country house hotel surrounded by 10 acres of landscaped gardens, set amidst picturesque Warwickshire countryside. From the most intimate and informal gathering to the most lavish, The Dining Room encapsulates the history and tradition of the original Manor House. It’s fine oak panelling and dignified atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for your celebration. The Knights Suite is perfect for a larger wedding party or for you to continue the celebrations into the evening. Recently refurbished, with glass roofed atrium, private bar and late music licence!
CALL OUR AWARD-WINNING EVENTS TEAM ON 01926 330214 01926 330214 | WEDDINGS@MALLORY.CO.UK | MALLORY.CO.UK HARBURY LANE, LEAMINGTON SPA, WARWICKSHIRE CV33 9QB /mallorycourt 07_07_2021 - CountryBrideMag - Mallory Court.indd 1
@MalloryCourt
mallory_court 06/07/2021 16:56
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Weddings & Special Occasions – our top picks
Everything you need for the perfect day, all in one place When it comes to planning your wedding there is so much to consider, not least the suppliers you choose to provide the services that turn your day from good to ‘WOW’ yet it is so difficult to know who you can trust and to know you are getting good value for money. The wedding market is like no other with so many ‘businesses’ running without premises and in many instances without following appropriate legislation. We started Frily’s Boutique with one goal in mind – to be a trusted, nationwide one stop wedding shop providing exceptional quality with fantastic value for money, but most importantly providing confidence to brides to know that they truly have a wedding specialist supplying all aspects of their day so they can rest easy and focus on enjoying their day.
• Venue Dressing • Photography • Cakes
www.frilysboutique.co.uk sales@frilysboutique.co.uk | 01246 906434
Frily’s Boutique, 9 Calow Brook Drive, Hasland, Chesterfield, S41 0DR
Anita Powell Aesthetician and beauty therapist in Droitwich with 17 years experience
TREATMENTS The world famous CACI non-surgical facelifts, jowl lifts and Hydratone therapy Re-energising facial muscles, toning the face and neck areas and reducing lines and wrinkles.
We are an award winning Nail and Beauty salon based in Broadway. Treatments include: • • • • • • • •
Acrylic and Gel extensions Manicure and Pedicure Gel polish Waxing Tinting Individual Eyelash Extensions Lash lift .....and more!!
Intense Pulsed Light hair removal (IPL) Ipulse - the alternative to laser with fewer limitations, painfree, effective & semi permanent suited to most hair and skin types. Medical Microdermabrasion Pain free crystal exfoliation of facial skin; improving firmness and texture & diminishing lines and wrinkles and the effects of sun and acne. Please call 0797 313 5346 for information and to book appointments
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Call 07957 196460 or book online: www.beauboobeauty.bookinbeautiful.com Beau Boo Beauty, WR127DP, Broadway Find us on
In conversation with
Sadie Skipworth – online personality It is the art of conversation that will get you remembered - says online personality Sadie Skipworth. Sadie has 15k organic followers on Twitter, 30k on LinkedIn and 4k on Facebook, using them to connect business to business leads and helps to promote her clients as well as help generate leads for local and national SMEs and larger companies. Sadie began her own business, using social media to connect people in December 2017 and uses her personality by taking on their persona and increasing her clients’ presence online. Sadie has had an amazing and measurable success in doing so. To find out more about Sadie and how social media can support your business, please read on:
My alarms goes off…. and so does my mind, as I wake up in ‘work mode’. After porridge and tea I set to work with ideas that have been formulating about how to help each of my clients achieve their vision.
How did you start doing what you are doing? It started as a hobby back in January 2016. I had 30 followers on Twitter and I set myself a task to reach 10K by December of that year: organic followers are those you have attracted over time because your content grabs their attention and become popular, rather than ‘bought’ followers who would not have any attention of interacting with you. My original profile photographs on social media showed me holding two beers and smiling… this not only grabs attention but also demonstrates my interest in craft beer. So I combined the two and went onto Twitter, whilst I took a year out of work whilst dealing with Cancer, thankfully all clear now. Initially to support the growth of microbreweries in Norfolk, where I was living at the time. I thought of the name LadySadie66 because I couldn’t think of anything else at the time and it rhymed! It seemed to suit me so I stuck with it. I gained 10k organic followers by
December 2016 and now I have 15k on Twitter. The majority have stayed with me, which is great. I grew the idea by starting to promote local SME’s. In addition to the breweries I used #shoutouts for the Top 25 companies or individuals per month. This started in January 2016 and I carried it on. I am now supporting businesses across Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. I found that I had a niche of simply bringing out the best in people. One day, one of the microbreweries I was supporting asked me to promote them online as their personality. It worked so well that I then became a well-known contributor to the various live ‘business’ hours on Twitter as myself and other businesses. This, then spilled over into local radio, which worked extremely well, as we promoted local businesses on air and played great music. Local companies would sponsor air time and the concept was a great success in Norfolk, it engaged the audience and helped spread the word further. I then moved to Worcestershire in February 2017 and thought about seeking a job; I have worked in all sectors i.e. Education, Construction, and Healthcare within various roles. Whilst looking for employment a financial advisor came to see me and took an interest in my role and suggested I should develop my own style. The next day I was invited to pitch at a Networking Meeting – in Independent Networking Group (WIN) hosted at the Mount Pleasant in Malvern, where I nervously stood and spoke about my idea to a panel of people from different businesses across Worcestershire, including a digital marketer. My passion, and drive obviously shined through, as I sat down, I had my first client, who incidentally is still with me today. So, I took the plunge, and registered with HMRC in December 2017 and by May 2018 was brimming with clients, and even had a waiting list! I found that some clients wanted to expand onto LinkedIn and Facebook too, so in January 2018 – I decided to
think ‘outside the box’, my son tells me that is a very eighties saying! I only had a sum total of 60 connections of people I knew, but I started to build up and in just under 4 months, I had reached a total of 25k. I employed a sector based strategy to connect with people who would bring value to my network and those I felt that I could add value to theirs. I now have global connections as I upgraded to the Premium rate, this subscription allows me to connect to more people across all sectors.
My typical day: LinkedIn is by far my main platform these days, so I spend a lot of my time researching relevant content and help them to target the right audiences, engagement is the key to success. I also write content in my ‘clients’ style for LinkedIn which has proved very popular. I am a great believer in people buy from people.
Your highlights to date: •
•
Being publicly thanked at a conference by the Managing Director of a multi-million pound company by being consistent in helping them promote their social media across my own channels. My ‘Golden Nugget’ of business wisdom has been published in a book.
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One Golden Nugget by Steven Foster - https:// onegoldennugget.com/
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I have managed via LinkedIn and Twitter to gain a client their biggest contract to date.
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Purely through Twitter and tagging in companies together, have won another company a big contract.
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Have helped in various Twitter Workshops.
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I am also on the role of honour or
hall of fame for micro businesses #microbizmatters •
https://tonyrobinsonobe.com/ small-is-beautiful/
Who or what has been my biggest influence? My late Father, he was a very a successful innovative businessman.
What is on your bucket list? To do List? Travel, I love to travel – either in the UK or globally.
Biggest bugbear? People who have hidden secret agendas, people who are not genuine and rude people.
What I wanted to be when I grew up: An actress or a journalist to far flung countries.
Where can you mostly be found after work? Going to live music gigs.
What can you do 3 of? Bring out the best in people. Make a difference. Help businesses achieve their dreams and visions.
Best piece of advice? Target your audience. Engagement with all types of businesses is vital. ‘Art of conversation’ really does get you remembered. Find something that make you stand out from your competitors. Research your competition.
How do people find out about you? Head over to Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with Sadie and see if she can help support you and your business online.
For more about Ruby and the Pay as you go PR firm head to www.youdobetter.co.uk or contact Ruby direct at: ruby@youdobetter.co.uk or 07891 777464. You Do Better | Pay as you go PR.
EDITOR’S CHOICE staycations for all seasons
Exmoor’s hidden gem Walkers and nature lovers find the warmest of welcomes at The Staghunters Inn, a traditional country inn set in the valley of the East Lyn River. Surrounded by the wild beauty of Exmoor National Park and within strolling distance of the spectacular North Devon coast, this is English countryside at its very best, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part of an International Dark Sky Reserve with outstanding views of the stars.
the Wyburn family since 2006, supported by a long-term, dedicated family kitchen team. Meals are homemade and sourced locally and the bar is well-stocked with beverages including a wide range of wines, malt whiskies and West Country ales such as Exmoor.
The Staghunters Inn is family-run accommodation in the charming village of Brendon, near the coastal village of Lynmouth. It has 14 well-appointed, dog friendly guest bedrooms, all with pleasant views of either the river or gardens. It also has four acres of gardens and fields as well as private car-parks.
“This is a walkers’ paradise. There are beautiful walks in all directions and there is a wide variety of wildlife in the valley including otters, kingfishers, dippers, heron, red deer and Exmoor ponies.”
The inn – which is featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide - has been owned and run by
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Simon Wyburn says: “We strive to give people what we would want, to feel welcome and really enjoy their stay.
The Staghunters Inn, Brendon, Near Lynton, North Devon EX35 6PS T 01598 741222 E stay@staghunters.com www.staghunters.com
countylifestyleandleisure.com
Peace, tranquility and spectacular breakfasts in Dorset Southern Breeze Lodge offers exceptional bed & breakfast accommodation for adults within easy reach of two Blue Flag beaches in a pleasant suburb of Bournemouth. It’s highly convenient for all the shops, restaurants and attractions of the town and also stands on a main bus route offering stress-free access to Poole, Christchurch and other Dorset destinations, even the New Forest region of Hampshire. Yet, it holds a peaceful spot away from the hassle of crowds and traffic. The accommodation provides five immaculate en suite guest bedrooms, all individually decorated to modern taste and one a suite with its own lounge. Many personal touches ensure guests enjoy the best possible comfort, including back-care mattresses, hypoallergenic bedding, TV, complimentary toiletries, mini-fridges and a superb breakfast menu featuring the freshest of locally sourced food. Hosts Noel and Elizabeth Cutler even provide delicious packed lunches to order so guests can stay out all day. It’s no wonder they gain consistent ‘excellent’ ratings from their guests’ reviews! Southern Breeze sits above the seascape of Southbourne, a short stroll from the cliff lift, or, for the energetic, the zig-zag path to
Book the best spot in Scarborough Hotel Ellenby occupies a premium place on Scarborough’s dramatic cliffs, overlooking the stunning North Bay and offering stylish accommodation within easy reach of the beach, cafes and prime attractions. These include an open air theatre, castle, cricket ground, Sea Life Sanctuary and pretty Peasholm Park, voted one of the UK’s top 10. The main town centre shops, restaurants, harbour, funfair and many other attractions lie within a gentle 15 minute stroll.
the beach, with stunning views all the way down. Culture lovers are spoiled for choice with National Trust properties, museums, galleries and theatres galore within reach, the closest being the Shelley Theatre built by poet Percy Shelley in 1866. Southern Breeze Lodge, 20 Southern Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset BH6 3SR T 01202 427459 E enquiries@ southernbreezelodge.co.uk www.southernbreezelodge.co.uk
Editor’s Choice – Staycations for all seasons
The Ellenby was built in 1943 and is a Grade Two listed building, but has been recently and sympathetically upgraded by new owners Tony and Paula Bates. There are 11 en suite guest bedrooms, all tastefully decorated, comfortably furnished and with tea and coffee making facilities and beautiful views of either the sea or the gardens. Paula and Tony pride themselves on providing a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for guests aged from 10 upwards, together with hearty breakfasts making the most of top quality local produce. They have provided a guest lounge and honesty bar. Scarborough itself has much to offer by way of entertainment, activities from golf to sailing and a wide range of restaurants. It is also a great spot from which to explore the Heritage Coast
to Whitby and beyond, the spectacular North York Moors and the historic city of York. Hotel Ellenby, 95/97 Queen’s Parade, Scarborough YO12 7HY; T 01723 372 916 E hello@hotelellenby.co.uk www.hotelellenby.co.uk
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Trethiggey campsite, putting you close to nature Cornwall’s beautiful Trethiggey Holiday Park is better than ever after and offering a warm welcome to guests with tents, touring caravans and motorhomes. The family-run site on the edge of Newquay – a resort famous for its beautiful beaches and powerful Atlantic surf – also has static caravans available to buy or rent.
Fossil hunters of all ages will be delighted to find Hensleigh House, offering friendly, relaxed bed & breakfast just three minutes’ walk from Dorset’s famous Charmouth Beach. This amazing spot on the Jurassic Coast offers one of the best chances in Britain of finding remains of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, as well as being in a village with pubs and restaurants and only two miles from lively Lyme Regis. Also within easy reach is Bridport, a market town with a thriving arts and antiques scene.
Trethiggey covers some 16 acres and has both grass and hard standing pitches, which are well spaced out and served by facilities including two modern shower blocks with hot water, a games room, children’s adventure playground and a fishing lake. Many are sheltered by the 4,000 trees and shrubs on site. All that greenery plays a key part in Trethiggey’s popularity. It attracts diverse birds such as kingfishers, jays and woodpeckers, not to mention foxes, bats, rabbits and badgers. The site encourages them with nest boxes, ongoing planting and thoughtful planning and also uses ecofriendly technology to limit environmental impact. There is no shop or club onsite to disturb the peace, so everything is quiet and relaxed, but there are three village pubs within walking distance for those who wish to be sociable.
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Hensleigh House, Gem on the Jurassic coast
Hensleigh House has eight en suite guest bedrooms including family rooms and suites, all clean, comfortable and equipped with complimentary toiletries and drink making stations. The accommodation is within earshot of the sea and has direct access from the car park to the beach, where Kate Winslet was recently filmed for the romantic drama ‘Ammonite’. Amy, of the owning family, says: “This is a lovely spot in the Cornish countryside. Newquay is great, but with the A30 nearby we’re also well placed for exploring the rest of Cornwall, including the Eden Project.” Trethiggey Holiday Park, Quintrel Downs, Newquay TR8 4QR T 01637 877672 E enquiries@trethiggey.co.uk www.trethiggey.co.uk
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Most rooms have been recently upgraded and owners Jayne and Warren Edwards ensure that people have a great breakfast with lots of choice and that they feel at home when they stay. Jayne says: “On our beach is Charmouth Heritage Centre, which is all about fossils and holds guided walks all year, for adults as well as children. Loads
of our guests find interesting things, especially in winter, because the sea is rougher. Lots of people arrive after a storm.” Lower Sea Lane Charmouth, Nr Lyme Regis DT6 6LW T 01297 560830 E edwardsjayne66@gmail.com www.hensleighhouse.co.uk Facebook & Twitter @ Hensleigh House
Editor’s Choice – Staycations for all seasons
Luxury, space and serenity on the Somerset coast, Few settings could be as serene and beautiful as that of Bossington Hall, exquisite bed and breakfast accommodation with a self-catering apartment surrounded by the wild Exmoor countryside and the Heritage Coast of Bossington Bay on the Bristol Channel, near pretty Porlock with its characterful streets, shops and country pubs.
Relax in 5 Star Gold luxury in Torquay Briarfields Guest House offers superb, stylish and friendly 5 Star Gold rated accommodation on the English Riviera in Torquay. Within an easy walk of the town’s many attractions – including the beach, outer harbour, marina, Royal Gardens, Torre Abby, bars, restaurants and great public transport links – it offers a relaxing base for chilling out at the end of a busy day and looking forward to a gourmet breakfast.
Owner Guy Dewdrey says: “The outlook from the hall is stunning, some say the best in Somerset.” Bed and breakfast accommodation here is luxurious and attentive, with six superbly appointed guest bedrooms with en suite or private bathrooms. Guests share a sumptuous lounge and the sunniest of dining rooms, while the apartment has three more double bedrooms, three bathrooms, a lounge and kitchen diner.
The accommodation is modern and well designed, with eight en suite guest bedrooms all individually decorated and with drink making facilities, Freeview TV, blackout curtains and quality beds. Unusually for Torquay, Briarfields is for adults only, and it has a free parking space for every room, a premium provision in this busiest of Devon resorts. Owners Charlie and Julie-Anne Afrin bought the premises in March, and because of COVID restrictions have only been able to open since May 17, but already they have had glowingly complimentary guest reviews. One of the reasons is the fantastic location, so convenient for everything, but another is the upmarket breakfast menu. Julie-Anne says: “My husband is a chef and is always trying
Designed and maintained in keeping with the understated elegance of the 1920s Arts and Crafts movement, the Grade Two listed hall sits in eight beautiful acres of grounds, offering joys such as a mill pond, streams, flower-filled informal gardens and woodland. Recreational facilities including tennis, badminton and squash courts, a children’s play area, even a 10 seat cinema.
different delicious things. He’s Scottish, so our full English includes Stornaway black pudding from the Outer Hebrides. He does breakfast wraps, buttermilk pancakes, French toast, corned beef hash and many other choices.”
Observant guests will relish unusually precise attention to every detail of the property, thanks to the sky-high standards of Guy, formerly an aircraft design engineer. The room signs are hand crafted, the door locks have individually crafted keys. Screws fit flush. Plumbing is modern and computer controlled. There is an electric vehicle charging point and the lawns are trimmed by robot mowers.
It follows that breakfast at Bossington Hall is well beyond the norm. While the full English is exceptional – Guy and his team blind tested the sausages and bacon to select the best – there are many other choices, from poached egg with smashed avocado to scrambled egg with smoked salmon. Bossington Hall has a symbiotic relationship with Cross Lane House, a restaurant just a half mile stroll away. Bossington Hall, Porlock, Somerset, TA24 8HJ T 01643 862800 E info@bossingtonhall.co.uk www.bossingtonhall.co.uk
Briarfields Guest House, 84-86 Avenue Road, Torquay TQ2 5LF T 01803 302484 E info@briarfields.co.uk www.briarfields.co.uk
Editor’s Choice – Staycations for all seasons
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BILLESLEY MANOR Hotel and Spa Tried & Tested Review A stay at Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa is not only a luxurious treat but where it is situated in the heart of Warwickshire there are endless possibilities of places to visit, entertainment and gastronomic delights. En route, we called into Leamington, enjoying coffee and cake in an Italian coffee shop, a wander among the wealth of shops, a stroll in a lovely park, then lunch at Carluccios. Tired and satiated, we travelled the short distance to Billesley Manor. Approaching the drive, our first impressions were of a wonderful imposing building in acres of grounds. It was Halloween, so we were welcomed with a display of gourds and pumpkins together with a large bronze shaggy dog. Much effort had been made to keep guests safe during Covid restrictions whilst maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. Reception staff were friendly and we were shown to our clean, comfortable room. Two floral velvet armchairs overlooked the garden, which was full of large and unusual topiary. One hedge looked like a gorilla! It was quite magical. We could imagine the grounds and seating area being delightful in spring and summer.
We went for a pleasurable, relaxing swim in the Spa pool, then rounded off our day with a most delightful evening meal from an extensive menu with fine wine served by friendly professional staff. We could not help but notice that although the whole building is in post medieval style with a Shakespearean theme, there were some quirky modern touches. Elizabethan pictures in the dining room looked as though they had been brush stroked with bright paint. An ‘As You Like It’ room had books hanging from the ceiling! A wonderful day was followed by a good night’s sleep and then a choice of breakfast with tasty locally sourced ingredients. Making the most of our time in this wonderful area, we travelled a few minutes into Stratford upon Avon, where we walked along the river, had a drink outside the Dirty Duck and took lunch in one of the many good restaurants. We
also made a note of many interesting things to do in Stratford for our next visit. We will definitely stay at Billesley Manor again and take advantage of this wonderful hotel and all the surrounding area has to offer.
Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is a unique 5 Star luxury hotel in an Elizabethan manor house standing in 11 acres of superb grounds in Alcester, on the doorstep of Stratford upon Avon. With COVID secure accreditation and more than 70 guest bedrooms, including deluxe suites, it is here that Shakespeare penned his comedy ‘As You Like It’ in 1599.
A £5.6 million refurbishment has recently been completed and the premises include not only guest accommodation and a divine spa but extensive facilities for weddings, conferences and other private events. The grounds have features including a spectacular Victorian topiary garden and an 11th century church where Shakespeare is thought to have married Anne Hathaway. Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, Alcester, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire B49 6NF T 01789 279955, E reservations@ billesleymanor.com www.billesleymanor.com
Birchcroft-hideaway wins Gold Award for Accessible Tourism in Dorset In late summer 2020, just as we thought life was getting better, HolidayInDorset decided to enter their Birchcroft-hideaway property into the Dorset Tourism Awards 2020 in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category. “This self-catering chalet bungalow was built in 1968 as our family home”, says Sonia the owner. A nature lover’s secret hideaway, Birchcroft nestles at the end of a winding lane, surrounded by rhododendron bushes in over an acre of land and enjoys walks into the local woodland. This beautiful chalet bungalow offers ground floor bedrooms and bathrooms and is large enough for two families. All rooms are of a good size. From the terrace enjoy breath taking views of the local landscape. Wild life including deer, foxes, rabbits, and many species of birds. For the children there is a large rear garden laid to lawn. A summerhouse in the front garden is now a children’s’ playhouse. Learn more about Birchcroft at www.birchcrofthideaway.co.uk where you can book on line and see availability. As special offer of 15% off for a week or more’s stay applies at present.
Birchcroft-hideaway has the status of M2 mobility rating, Hearing 1 and Visual 1 awarded by VisitEngland as well as 4 Stars. They have many items to help with families that like to bring the older or less able members on holiday with them – a fully equipped wet-room, ramp to the front door, profile or hospital style bed, a hearing loop in the lounge linked to the TV as well as speech, riser/recliner chairs, perching stool in the kitchen, swing bins, personal alarms, flashing smoke alarms, vibrating pillows, low level sinks and mirrors for wheelchair users and they can hire in hoists if needed. “By the beginning of 2021 we were delighted to hear that we had won the Gold Award for Accessible Tourism in the Dorset competition”. Dorset Tourism Awards are highly thought of and are now in their 9th year. They cover all of Dorset, including the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, offering businesses the chance to win not just locally, but to progress on to the regional South West awards and – for matching categories – the national VisitEngland awards. The 2021/22 awards categories
cover the full range of tourismrelated businesses including pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as accommodation. There is a new award for ‘Resilience and Innovation’, as well as opportunities to submit entries for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, accessibility and sustainability. Awards organiser Robin Barker says: “The last year has highlighted the need for tourism to adapt and innovate, and the same applies to the Awards. This year sees new categories, new criteria and an extended entry period giving businesses the chance to enter early ‘before the rush’ or to leave it till they have welcomed more visitors if they prefer. We so look forward to engaging with everyone once again. Congratulations to Holiday in Dorset for being a Gold winner in the important Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category of the recent Dorset Tourism Awards. Email Sonia at holidayIndorset@btinternet. com, telephone on 07889090773 or book direct at www.birchcroft-hideaway. co.uk to receive the 15% discount for stays of 7 nights or more. countylifestyleandleisure.com
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Trust the local experts with your Cotswold holiday home
CAMBRIDGE World famous as a university city, Cambridge is steeped in history and ancient charm, yet buzzes with a youthful vibe from so many international students. Wow factors are packed into numerous museums, colleges, galleries, parks, gardens, shops and a vibrant entertainment calendar. Explore all this and county attractions such as The Fens, Newmarket Races and Ely Cathedral, perhaps from exceptional accommodation such as Waterbeach Hospitality’s Old School House Rooms or Fullers Hill Cottages. Just 25 minutes away from Cambridge city centre, we are perfectly situated for a fantastic balance of relaxing country break and exciting city experience. Five of our stylishly renovated self catering apartments have been converted from the historic ‘1840 Barn’ and its surrounding outbuildings, including the original heavy horse stables and tack room. They have been finished to a very high standard, with stylish interior design and modern fittings, including underfloor heating powered by a ground source heat pump. We have a further two recently renovated farm cottages dating from the 19th century, which have been restored to encompass modern living in a characterful setting.
Call 07544 208959 www.fullershillcottages.co.uk
Fullers Hill, Little Gransden, Sandy, Cambridgeshire, SG19 3BP
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At StayCotswold we treat our owners with the same care and attention we show our guests. As the independent, local experts in Cotswold holiday lets, we’re ideally placed to help you get the very best from your property. From the moment you join us, you’ll notice the difference: Get in touch today and discover how StayCotswold can help turn your property into profit. Call: 01993 259 444 Email: owners@staycotswold.com Visit: staycotswold.com
The Old School House Rooms and Lodge overlook the village green in the centre of Waterbeach which is situated about four miles north of the historic University City of Cambridge. The bedrooms situated in the Old School House Rooms have been refurbished and upgraded.They are all comfortably furnished with quality linen, towels and luxury toiletries. All rooms have large en-suite shower rooms, multi channel smart TV’s with Netflix, premium hairdryers, free wi-fi and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also the added benefit of ample off road parking.
We are conveniently situated for touring the City of Cambridge with its beautiful colleges. The famous Ely cathedral, Bury St Edmunds and the headquarters of horse racing at Newmarket are within easy reach.
Tel. 01223 861609 Mobile. 07771677181
www.theoldschoolhouserooms.co.uk Email. bookings@theoldschoolhouserooms.co.uk 9 Greenside, Waterbeach, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB25 9HW
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED, NORTHUMBERLAND
The accommodation is a beautiful period townhouse perfectly perched on the Edwardian Walls in the tranquil heart of the historic old town of Berwickupon-Tweed overlooking the River Tweed. It offers visitors a stunning view over the river which must be seen to be believed.
NORTHUMBERLAND Northumberland is amazing with its National Park, the Romans’ masonry masterpiece Hadrian’s Wall and beautiful Kielder Water. Enjoy, too, the rich Heritage Coast including Lindisfarne, wildlife haven and site of England’s first monastery and don’t miss historic Alnwick and the exciting city of Newcastle upon Tyne with its landmark bridges.
All the rooms have been extensively refurbished and we offer a clean, spacious environment that treats each guest with the comfort of home. We pride ourselves on our service and we are extremely pleased to hold a Five Star Gold Award for excellence. For all enquires, please contact Stephen or Louise on +44(0)1289 330 233 or email: info@thewallsberwick.com. We will be more than happy to help. www.thewallsberwick.com 8 Quay Walls, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1HB
Crawford House is a two bedroom self-catering holiday home situated beside the River Wansbeck in Morpeth, Northumberland. Morpeth is a great place to have as a base to explore the rest of Northumberland from. It offers the perfect balance of rural and urban experiences, whether you are looking for a day of shopping in Newcastle or a visit to the coast for a lovely walk on the beach, there is something for everyone in Northumberland.
Our cosy cottage is set in a peaceful location just a 40-minute drive from Newcastle. Set in beautiful surroundings with 360-degree views of the Tyne Valley, close to the Roman Wall and sites of Roman interest. Our pet-free cottage has everything you need for a truly relaxing stay. From a clean, spacious bedroom and a snug enclosed garden through to a warming wood burner and Wi-Fi facilities, we have it all.
01434 344341 07722 022 121
info@hillhousehideaway.co.uk www.hillhousehideaway.co.uk
We are a pet friendly holiday. Morpeth and the county of Northumberland are great places to bring your dogs. There are lots of pet friendly pubs and cafes in Morpeth as well as the Northumberland region. The walks in the region of Northumberland are endless for you and your dog, with countless beaches to visit along the Northumberland coast.
CRAWFORD HOUSE ESCAPE TO NORTHUMBERLAND
Call 01670 516214
info@crawfordhouse.co.uk www.crawfordhouse.co.uk
Crawford Terrace, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1UA
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If you are thinking of selling your home and need an estate agent who can personalize their service to meet your needs then look no further!
Get in touch with me to book your free, no obligation valuation!
Jake Cullum-Hollins Sales & Lettings Manager
01432 619222 www.thegoodestateagent.co.uk
