Grapevine February 2018 by Betty-Ann Ambury

TThe Worcestershire

February 2018 Issue No. 88

www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

10,600 copies delivered to Pershore, Evesham, and nearby towns and villages Your Free Magazine

A complete range of stunning Glazed Extensions and Conservatories

Celebrati n 35 year g in busin s ess

Holiday Maths Tuition • 1-1 at your home • Half term, Easter, Christmas • Pre-GCSE / GCSE / iGCSE • Pre-entry teaching (QTS) • Nursing/Police numeracy tests

• 30 years tuition experience Windows • Doors • Conservatories • Glazed Extensions

Bryan Edwards 07747 602215 www.mathstuitionevesham.co.uk

Glassier Exhibition Centres: Worcester Rd • Drakes Broughton • Pershore Worcestershire WR10 2AG • Tel: 01905 841900

Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm

Worcester Rd • Upton Warren • Bromsgrove Worcestershire B61 7EU • Tel: 01527 874797

Saturday 10am to 2pm

e: info@glassier.co.uk • www.glassier.co.uk

Sunday (Upton Warren only) 10am to 2pm

PRO DRIVEWAYS Professional Driveway Installations

Welcome to Pro Driveways we are a well established and highly reputable driveway company that is based in Worcester offering our driveway installation and driveway cleaning services all of the surrounding areas.

GET A FREE QUOTE NOW!

01905 887867 | 07903 774 171

Email: driveways.pro@yahoo.com • www.prodriveways.uk 2 The Paddocks, Broughton Hackett, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR7 4BG

• Professional Service • Quality Materials • Experienced Team • Driveway Design • Driveway Installation • Driveway Cleaning • Tarmac & Block Paving • Free Quotations

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

advertorial

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service. Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy

of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the towns and villages in and around the Evesham

The Worcestershire Grapevine

& Pershore area and manager Paul Papandreou agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

If you wish to sell your car please call me You are welcome to visit us or we can visit you. (Based in Rushock)

If you wish to

Charles Fernihough: 01299 851 676 / 07765 240 207 charlie@charlespetercars.co.uk www.charlespetercars.co.uk

SELL YOUR CAR ALL TYPES OF BUILDING WORK CONSTRUCTION

please call me

DRIVEWAYS • BLOCK PAVING

TARMAC • DRIVEWAY REPAIRS RE-SURFACING

You are welcome to visit us or we can visit you. (Based in Rushock) DRIVEWAY SEALING

MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING

Restore your driveway to its former glory Charles Fernihough

PATIOS • FENCING • TURFING LAWNS • GARDEN CLEARANCE

01299 851 676 / 07765 240 207 charlie@charlespetercars.co.uk

RUBBISH REMOVAL

• 20 Years Experience

• Personal and Professional Service www.charlespetercars.co.uk Block Paving, Driveways and Patios Using the latest pressure washer systems these areas can be restored to their former glory. We then re-sand and if required seal on completion. Walls, Brick and Stonework We can also clean decking, fencing, roof tiles and more. All customers are entitled to a 14 day cooling off period

• Show Drives available for viewing • Written Recommendations and References • Free Competitive Estimate and Advice

‘‘

Office: 01386 213628 • 01527 283498 • Mobile: 07881 427297 Email: castleblocks68@gmail.com

’’

as Choose Castle Paving tle cas his is everyman’s home

www.castlepaving.co.uk

Find us:

Village Street, Evesham WR11 7YE

CRAIG MERCHANT ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Part p' Domestic Installer Registered

• New Builds & Extension • Full/Part House Rewires • Outdoor Security Lighting • Mains Smoke Detectors • Extra Sockets & Lights • Night Storage Heaters • Fuseboard Changes

Call for a FREE

Inspection / Quotation t: 01905 841018 or m: 07899 964866

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

QUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS

Celebrate the New Year

with a Quality Kitchen Makeover

EST.

1999

20% OFF T

Before

HIS MONT

FREE OVEN, H H & EXTRACTOOB R on *

all ord £3000 or ers of* more

CALL NOW AND SAVE:

Why replace when you can reface?

01386 898409 Free planning & design service in the comfort of your own home or visit our showroom:

42 The Tything, Worcester WR1 1JT

• Senior Citizens Discount • Free estimating, planning & design service

• Fitted kitchens or replacement doors & worktops • Huge choice of doors, worktops, sinks, taps &Covering appliances Worcester, Evesham, Pershore, Malvern, Ledbury, and surrounding areas dreamdoors.co.uk

The Worcestershire Grapevine

Hello Readers... Welcome to the February issue of The Grapevine.

Grapevine TThe Worcestershire

Publisher & Advertising Grapevine Publications (Worcestershire) Ltd 3 Rye Street • Birtsmorton • WR13 6AS Tel: 01684 833715  Mob: 07754 170286 info@grapevinepublications.co.uk www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Editor Betty-Ann Ambury betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Advertising & Editorial Betty-Ann Ambury

Contributors

Amy Marshall Geraldine Holbourn Jonathan Bishop Pamela Green Sue Johnson Trevor Langley West Mercia Police West Midland Safari Park

Photography

Front Cover & Pages 38 & 39 Mike Ambury

Next Issue Copy Date 8th February 2018 DISCLAIMER. All information published is correct according to those who supplied it and no responsibility is taken if it is not. Care is taken to ensure all advertisements are truthful and no liability is accepted for errors or emissions. Artwork is accepted on the understanding that there are no copyright restrictions.

February of course is the month we associate with Valentine’s Day, and everything that goes with it – champagne, chocolates, flowers, romantic dinners . . . and marriage proposals! And here’s a curious piece of trivia that you might find interesting: this year, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday fall on the same day, as do Easter Sunday and April Fool’s Day! Watch out for those Easter eggs – they may contain some unexpected surprises! On to this month’s magazine. We have several new advertisers, so if your child needs tutoring in maths, or you want to sell your car, or need your driveway sprucing up, or want a weekend getaway on your doorstep, you’ll now find all of these products and services in The Grapevine. A brief word about advertising in The Grapevine: a lot of people think that because this is a glossy, full colour magazine, advertising in it will be expensive. We have over 300 customers across our three publications, some of whom have been advertising with us for over 10 years, and most of them are small businesses, some just oneman-bands, but all have one thing in common: they are satisfied that they are getting their money’s worth – if they weren’t, they wouldn’t still be advertising with us! So if you are thinking of advertising, but are hesitating because you’re not sure you can afford it, well, our rates start from just £24 a month, and I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s a poor business that can’t afford £24 a month for advertising. Give me a call – we have rates and advert sizes and offers to suit everyone. And we’ll even design your advert for you! That’s all for this now. Till next month, keep happy and healthy..

Betty ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All artwork and copy appearing in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The right to refuse advertisements is reserved. The use of this publication for canvassing, direct marketing or any other activity apart from sourcing local goods and services is strictly prohibited. © 2017

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

This month . . . 11

THE NORTHERN BELLE

LOCAL WIND QUINTET

SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY

CHAINSAW ART

ALM FITNESS

A HEDGEHOG AND SNOW

VET TALK

BUILDING A SHOW GARDEN

16 The Worcestershire Grapevine

THE STORY OF CHOCOLATE

WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK

SALMON & PRAWN SPAGHETTI

WEST MERCIA POLICE

BLITZED!

COFFEE BREAK

SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE

COMMUNITY CONTACTS

WHAT'S ON IN FEBRUARY

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Computer Problems?

*All Interior & Exterior Work Undertaken *Domestic & Commercial *Paper Hanging *Insurance Work *Airless Spraying *Plastering *Wall & Floor Tiling

Free Fully Itemised Quotations

For a professional and reliable service please call:

CHRIS BOTTRELL

Tel: 01905 700142 Mob: 07867 813616 www.aztecdecorating.com Fully Insured member of the Painting & Decorating Association

PC repairs and upgrades Spyware and virus removal Health checks and PC servicing Website design and site marketing PCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and media centres built to order General troubleshooting & support Configuring wireless networks Email and Internet problems Advice and ongoing help Apple Mac and Windows p: m: e: w:

01386 550191 07435 964579 info@pendas.co.uk www.pendas.co.uk

Onsite support for all your PC issues, for both the home and business user

Pendas Computer Services Ltd - Pershore -

MARSHALLS of Evesham Ltd

Car & Commercial Vehicle Repairs MOT preparation, etc. Maintenance Contracts Available

Contact Brian or Shelley 01386 556808 Email brian@marshallsofevesham.co.uk Pershore AirďŹ eld, Long Lane, Throckmorton, Pershore, WR10 2JH 8

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

SLEEP ON LUXURY The Finest Beds & Mattresses

Receive Bradfords AWARD WINNING Customer Service: FREE Expert advice on Quality & Comfort FREE Delivery & Assembly* FREE Disposal of old Bed & Mattress* FREE 5 – 10 year Warranty* FREE 60 Day Sleep Comfort Guarantee *

TRY

VISIT OUR BEDS & MATTRESS STUDIO

*Terms and conditions apply

#SLEEPONLUXURY

OVER BEDS ON DISPLAY

SLEEP CENTRE

WALK ON LUXURY

Perfect Flooring for Any Room

BOOK A FREE HOME MEASURE

Receive Bradfords AWARD WINNING Customer Service:

NO OBLIGATION! Suppor ting the best of British Carpet Manufacturing

FREE Expert Advice on Quality & Suitability FREE Home Measuring & Consultation. Tailor Made Expert Fitting Packages available. Fitters - Uplift & dispose of existing ﬂooring. Fitters - Moving Bulky Furniture & Trim Doors. Fitters - Carry out Sub-ﬂoor preparation. FREE Installation Guarantee for 12 months.

#WALKONLUXURY Find us on Instagram...

Find us on Facebook...

facebook.com/carpets.beds

instagram.com/bradfords_1986

Tel:

twitter.com/bradfords1986

01386 40089

9 High Street, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4DA, or visit us online at: bradfordsevesham.co.uk

The Worcestershire Grapevine

“ Stay for a while…..Remember forever ” 01386 462534 / 07592 798555

MOT Testing

Manor Farm, Abberton, Worcs, WR10 2NR abbertonangus@talktalk.net abbertonaberdeenangus.co.uk An exclusive Shepherds Hut hand made from a single ash tree blown down on the farm many years ago. The tradi�onal orchard se�ng with wood burner and balcony overlooking the ﬁre pit and views of Bredon hill help create the surprise of the modern luxury within from the plush shower ensuite, kitchen, electric blankets and TV. Glamping luxury for 2 adults and 2 children locally. Book direct for best deal at www.abbertonaberdeenangus.co.uk. See reviews on Cool Camping/Airbnb/TripAdvisor. Contact Catriona Sutherland.

Servicing, Repairs, Electronic Diagnostics, Air Conditioning, Tyres and Tracking etc. Directors: David & Tracy Alderton

Three Springs Road, Pershore, WR1 1HH

Tel: 01386 552684

A MORE PERMANENT SOLUTION TO A FLAT ROOF PROBLEM DON’T WASTE MONEY ON RE-FELTING

SOLVE IT WITH

Rubber roofing resists water, snow and sunlight and can be laid over old roofs Before

After

Tough Single Ply EPDM Rubber Roofing Membrane 20 YEAR GUARANTEE WITH A 50 YEAR PROVEN PLUS LIFE For a free no obligation survey and quote, call your approved residential installer

NCE

G.M. ROOFING INSBUARCAKEDTEE You only fit a rubber roof once!

GUAR

• UPVC Roofline – Fascias Soffits & Gutters • Traditional Roofing • New or Repairs

Tel: 01386 800400 Mike 0751 316 9244 or Glen 0779 534 2498 www.gmroofingservices.co.uk

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

The Train Now Arriving:

The Northern Belle

rient Express services have been recognised for fine dining and luxury travel for over 100 years. The Belmond British Pullman and Belmond Northern Belle continue these experiences, with travel from a lot of UK cities, including London, plus many regional stations. Lunch and/or dinner is served on board the trains. The Belle trains are famous from the glamorous 1930’s era. Each elegant carriage is exquisite and has magnificent, hand-crafted, ornate veneered marquetry. All guests are offered complimentary perfectly chilled champagne and canapés, at tables with pristine settings. The Spirit of Travel Lunch (5 courses) includes half a bottle of wine per person and is just one of the many dining occasions that can be enjoyed for an exceptional half or full day out. On this occasion the journey was from Nottingham to Derbyshire and the Peak District, via Derby,

The Worcestershire Grapevine

Chesterfield and Sheffield, picking passengers up en route and to return through Stockport and Macclesfield. Two class 57 diesel locomotives provided the power. The sumptuous luncheon commenced with a Trio of Fish, followed by Brown Windsor Soup. Both were very flavoursome and presented with various breads. Mains of Pan-Fried Duck Breast and Duck Leg Ballotine or Chicken or Fish, complete with vegetables, came next. All perfectly cooked and presented, with complementing flavours, it was truly, compliments to the chef! A selection of British Cheeses, with chutney and biscuits followed – a very good range and plentiful. Desserts of Sticky Toffee Pudding with butterscotch sauce and ice cream or Fresh Fruit Salad Presentation, were, again, perfect and flavoursome. Coffee and Tea, with handmade petits fours, finished the occasion. With the pleasures

of the table magician (amazing!), plus the excellent strolling musicians, playing and singing throughout the carriages – all was complete. Whether a (romantic) special occasion, short break, festive or fine dining, including Celebrity Chef Dinners appeal, Belmond offers a range of services that include luxury hotels, trains (some steam-hauled) and river cruises, plus safaris, worldwide. Many trips are fully booked well in advance. Special gifts are available, with a small gift card and personal message, if you wish, to keep the wonderful experiences ‘alive’. For all details and more information: Tel: 0845 077 2222 Tel: 44 (0) 20 3117 1300 Email: reservations.uk@belmond.com www.belmond.com As always, Enjoy! Trevor Langley

The Hotel Bill!

An elderly lady decided to give herself a big treat for her significant birthday by staying overnight in one of London's most expensive hotels. When she checked out next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for £250. She explode and demanded to know why the bill was so high. "It's a nice hotel but the rooms certainly aren't worth £250 for just an overnight stay without even breakfast." The clerk told her that £250 is the 'standard rate' so she insisted on speaking to the Manager. The Manager appeared, and forewarned by the desk clerk announced: "This hotel has an Olympic-sized pool and a huge conference centre which are available for use." 'But I didn't use them," she said. ''Well, they are here, and you could have," explained the Manager.

Simon Haines Construction Services Ltd

● ● ● ●

General Building Conversions & Extensions Property Maintenance Groundworks

Over 20 years experience

Telephone: 01386 550002 Mobile: 07971 002637 Email: simon@shcsgroup.co.uk

www.shcsgroup.co.uk

He went on to explain that she could also have seen one of the in-house shows for which the hotel is famous. "We have the best entertainers from around the world performing here," the Manager said. "But I didn't go to any of those shows," she said. "Well, we have them, and you could have," the Manager replied. No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, she replied, "But I didn't use it!" The Manager was unmoved, so she decided to pay, wrote a cheque and gave it to the Manager. The Manager was surprised when he looked at the cheque. "But madam, this cheque is only made out for £50." ''That's correct. I charged you £200 for sleeping with me," she replied. "But I didn't!" exclaims the very surprised Manager.

Sandie Davis Physiotherapy Sandie Davis CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST MEMBER OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL ACUPUNCTURE ASSOCIATION OF CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Telephone No: 01386 304653 Mobile No: 07930 162546 Baker’s Arcade, Pershore, WR10 1DP www.sandiedavisphysiotherapist.co.uk

Early assessment and treatment can lead to a quick recovery! Recognised by most main insurance providers.

"Well, too bad, I was here, and you could have." Don't mess with Senior Citizens!

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

CR Decorating aims to meet CR exceed Decorating to meet and youraims painting and and exceed your painting decorating needs. and decorating needs. Our Services include: Our Services include:

Our services include : Ourand services include interior exterior painting, interior and exterior decorating, tilingpainting, …. decorating, tiling …. and more and more Call us now to discuss your decorating needs Call us now to discuss your decorating needs

Fully insured • Over 10 years’ experience Fully insured • Over 10 years’ experience Dineley Road, Peopleton, WR10 2EJ Dineley Road, Peopleton, WR10 2EJ Call Chris Rabot on Call Chris Rabot on

M: 07801 271038 M: 07801 412150 271038 T: 01905 T:crdecorating@gmail.com 01905 412150 E: E: crdecorating@gmail.com www.crdecorating.co.uk www.crdecorating.co.uk

01789 762450 LOCKSMITHS and SAFE ENGINEERS • Lock sales, fitting & opening • Safe sales, fitting & opening • Key cutting • Electronic locking solutions • Full mobile service • Car key specialists Unit 12, 34 Tything Road, Alcester B49 6ES Phone: 01789 762450 Fax: 01789 400799

www.alcesterlocks.co.uk The Worcestershire Grapevine

Formation of a Local Wind Quintet or Small Chamber Group

y name is Derek Ruskin and I live in Bishampton. I have been playing in a chamber group for some nine years and a chamber orchestra for two years.

C an

I would like to form a wind quintet comprising hopefully local musicians of around grade 6/7/8 standard.

Flautists are relatively easy to find, I am one, so I really hope to find just one more flute player, a clarinet, bassoon and oboe player, but any small chamber group would probably be OK, even string players could form part of the mix. A first performance for the, as yet, non-existent group is already planned, so no pressure!

I am hopefully aiming for May 2018 to play, for 15 minutes or so, some of Elgar's early works for wind quintet, some of which I have played already.

This performance is to accompany a talk on Elgar's birth place, in St James Church Bishampton, organised by the Friends of St James. A ten to fifteen minute performance is envisaged. The talk is to be given by Michael Forster-Smith who gave a superb talk last year on Croome Court where he has been the driving force for several years. Elgar's own and original quintet line-up was for two flutes, oboe, clarinet and bassoon but I have played this with cello replacing the bassoon and violin playing the second flute part. I have the sheet music for the Elgar quintets. Any more detail and future development would be decided by those forming the group. If you are interested at all in this, or in at least having an exploratory chat, please get in touch. Please contact me even if you think you are not good enough – you have yet to hear me! Derek Ruskin Email: derek@ruskinweb.co.uk Telephone: 01386 462555

Luke's Garden Maintenance Any gardening job quoted for, including: • Fencing cutting• Fencing • Hedge Hedge cutting • Patio cleaning •  Patios laid • Decking areas • Mowing Strimming •   Patio cleaning  • • Rubbish removals • Tree Tree workwork •  Mowing  • Vegetable patches rotovated  Fence and shed painting  • • Fence and shed painting  Guttering cleaning  • • Guttering cleaning • and more...

call now for a FREE, no obligation quote

Local ~ Professional ~ Reliable Find us on

Tel:

01386 244680

Find us on

Mobile: 07892447450 or email lcgardening@yahoo.co.uk

Luke’s Fencing Services All types of new fencing including:

• Close Board Fencing • • Panel Fencing • • Picket Fencing • Stock Fencing • • Hit & Miss Fencing • … and many more

Call now for a free quote on your choice of fencing style and design We also provide repairs and maintenance service Tel:

01386 244680

Mobile: 07892447450 or email lcgardening@yahoo.co.uk

Find us on

he Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust is appealing for donations to help meet the £10,000 cost of putting right the damage caused by vandals to two carriages. The attacks were discovered early on Boxing Day, when workers were shocked to find spray paint covering the carriage sides. SVR general manager Nick Ralls says: “This was not what we expected to come back to after our Christmas Day closure. It’s heart-breaking to think that in just a few minutes the people who carried out this attack have caused hundreds of hours of extra work for our volunteers and staff. However, we’ve dealt with worse before, such as the devastating floods of 2007, and we’ll deal with this too.” Work has begun to put right the damage to the first affected carriage, 2701, a teak-bodied vehicle designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, and owned by the

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

£10,000 appeal launched after vandals attack two SVR heritage carriages SVR Charitable Trust. It entered the Carriage & Wagon paint shop at Kidderminster where it will remain for up to a month, as supervisor Hugh McQuade explains: “Our first task was to remove the spray paint by sanding down to the varnish. Fortunately, the layer of soot acquired during the carriage’s service in December, has acted as a protective layer, stopping the cellulose-based spray paint from reacting with the varnish and our own white spirit-based painted lining and gold leaf lettering. We’ll need to touch up the lettering and lining in a number of places, but the main job now is to prepare the undamaged remainder and apply several coats of new varnish to the entire side of the carriage.

Remedial work on the other vandalised carriage, No 1146, owned by the GW (SVR) Association, will begin in February, and is likely to take a month to complete.

director Shelagh Paterson said: “As soon as the news of the attack broke, we started receiving offers of help from people who were clearly as shocked as we are. On the first day alone, nearly £1,000 was donated online. We very much hope that this generous support will continue to help us meet the total cost of £10,000 to get these important carriages back into service as soon as possible.”

As the Charitable Trust launched its appeal for donations for help restore the damaged carriages,

Donations can be made online at www.svrtrust.org.uk or by phoning 01562 757940.

essential work on other carriages, and this will set us back several months in our schedule. The knock-on effects of it all will be felt for a long time to come.”

“I’ve been humbled by the response of volunteers to this setback, and I have a willing and able team who are more than capable of tackling the job. The main problem is that we won’t be able to carry out the planned The Worcestershire Grapevine

Chainsaw Art D

riving along a leafy lane in Newbury, my husband Michael and I were astonised when we came across a man carving an owl out of a large tree stump. What made it so astonishing was that he was carving the owl with a chainsaw. We were truly amazed and just had to stop and look. The gentleman carving was Mr. Nick Speakman, and his owl was superb. After Nick had answered a few questions about his work I was allowed to take photos. I couldn't believe the detail he had achieved with a chainsaw. From the beak and eyes, all were perfect. He explained that the tree had to be taken down as it was leaning towards the ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; property and in gale force winds would probably have fallen onto the house. Working closely with a qualified and experienced tree surgeon, Nick is able to stop the felling when the stump is large enough for his intended carving. The superb owl Nick had produced wasn't quite finished but was still magnificent. Nick Speakman is an established carpenter living in Newbury, Berkshire, whose love of art took him into carving. As well as working locally he has worked in a variety of locations across Britain, America, France and Gibraltar. He also creates interior pieces for architectural designs for home and business. Using a combination of chainsaw, power tools and hand tools Nick has created lots of owls and other

birds, many totem poles and life size people, including nudes and soldiers, and each design is unique. Nick draws his inspiration from his clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ideas. When he accepts a commission he works closely with his clients so that he can create their ideas. He has worked with a variety of villages and schools, with the children giving their ideas. One Beatrix Potter sculpture was carved around three years ago in Newbury at a private residence. Nick designed and carved it for a local head teacher who was retiring and it was funded by her colleagues and her family as a leaving retirement gift. She had always loved the Beatrix Potter stories and also had just become a grandparent. The wood Nick used was Alder, and it took him seven days to carve. When I visited his website I was amazed with the WW1 sculptue 'Enham' of a life-size soldier. All his work is exquisite, so, if you have an idea of something you would like made in wood, either for interior or exterior, then you should get in touch with Nick on 07768 097628. The address of his workshop is; Unit 10, Mousefield Farm, Shaw, Newebury, Berkshire, RG142TG. or visit his website www.3dwood.co.uk. You'll be amazed at what can be achieved with a little imagination and a chainsaw. article and photos by Pamela Green

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

digitaltvsystems digitaltvsystems

heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watching... he's are you?

AERIAL. SATELLITE. CCTV. NETWORKING AERIAL.SATELLITE.CCTV.NETWORKING

Specialists in fixing reception problems www.d-tv.co.uk CAI Benchmarked Aerials for Digital TV TV info@d-tv.co.uk info@d-tv.co.uk Trustmark, CAI and and CEDIA CEDIA members members @dtvsystems @dtvsystems FREEVIEW and FREESAT approved company company /digitaltvsystems /digitaltvsystems SKY for new and existing customers CCTV Security Systems Fixed and Motorised Satellite Systems New house installations Satellite Broadband installation Extra TV & Satellite Points High Definition HDMI Distribution Flat Screen wall Mounting Hidden & & Buried Buried Cable Routing Hidden Wired and Wireless Data Networks Home Cinema Installations Home Commercial Installations (SMATV/IRS) Radio Aerial installation Multiroom Audio Systems ( S O N O S etc) etc) TV supply and installation Storm damage and insurance work Set ups and retunes THE THEWIRELESS WIRELESSHIFI HIFISYSTEM SYSTEM

No Call-out Charge and Free on-site Quotations

PLUS Member PLUSMember Member PLUS C.1602 C.1602 C.1602

*t&c *t&c *t&c apply apply apply

Evesham and Pershore 01386 Evesham 01386 770029 770029 For New Existing customers ForNew New&&&Existing ExistingCustomers customers For

Trade Trade Partner Partner SATELLITE Trade Partner SATELLITE SATELLITE BROADBAND BROADBAND INSTALLER INSTALLER BROADBAND INSTALLER

PCI DSS COMPLIANT PCIDSS DSSCOMPLIANT COMPLIANT PCI

Reg Reg No:18265341 No:18265341 Reg No: 18265341

The Grapevine 01684 833715 The Worcestershire Grapevine

7 Ways to Avoid Falling off the Healthy Eating Wagon

hether you’ve been riding the healthy eating wagon for a week or a decade, staying on can be difficult. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can hold on. Keep reading to learn seven ways to protect yourself against the temptation to fall - or even jump off of the healthy eating wagon on a daily basis. 1. Don’t Starve Yourself Eating is a basic human need. Cut your calories in half over night or slash any specific food group out altogether for a prolonged period and you’ll

land flat on your face in no time flat. When you’re eating for good health, you still need to eat. You’ll just need to go with healthy options and avoid eating more than your body needs to fuel itself through the day. 2. No Excuses There are as many excuses to fall off the healthy wagon as there are days in a year. So if you’re going to stay on the wagon, you’re going to have to ignore the excuses and focus in on your goal: eating the right stuff. Which brings us to the

next way to avoid falling off the wagon… 3. Stay Focused Being mindful of your healthy eating ways is easy during the first few days. After all, you’ve spent years eating one way and now you’re changing everything up. In a week or so, however, it can be difficult to remember your desire to eat healthily and even harder to remember why you made that decision. Stay focused on your choices and why you made them to stay strapped tightly on the wagon.

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

4. Get on the Right Wagon Every person’s health goals and expectations are different. If you hop on a healthy eating wagon for the first time in your life and expect to shed 30 pounds in a week, you’re going to be disappointed. Setting appropriate goals will help you stay on the wagon and help you make the next goal, as your wagon gets easier and easier to ride to the finish line. 5. Avoid Naysayers Always struggled with your weight? Tried every diet plan known to man without success? Then you’re going to have a lot of folks who scoff at your desire to eat healthily. Let them scoff on their own and find new friends if you have to. Once your lifestyle changes start to pay off, strut by the folks who said they’ll believe you’re serious about healthy eating when they see results and watch their jaws drop. 6. Stay Away from Triggers The reason healthy eating is difficult for so many is that unhealthy eat-ing tastes so good! Understanding this and understanding when you most want unhealthy food options will help you stay on the healthy wagon. Have a hard time saying no to sweets at your best friend’s house? Invite him to your place or meet at the park. Eat everything in sight when you’re lonely? Give someone a phone call when no one is around. 7. Know How to Get Back On You should aim to stay on the healthy eating wagon all day every day. But you should also be ready when you fall off. While you can find any number of ways to get back on the wagon, the best is to just do it! Admit you goofed up, recommit yourself to healthy living, and start living the healthy life you deserve once again. Ready to take your fitness results to the next level? Call or email me today and we will get you started on an exercise programme that’s designed to deliver massive results. Come on, you deserve it! If you want to find out more or are interested in Personal Training, Group Training or attending any of the Fitness Classes I offer, go to www. almfitness.co.uk for more information. Alternatively call Amy on 07740 366419 or email info@almfitness.co.uk The Worcestershire Grapevine

February Special Offer

Back Massage & Facial £27

THE

Fabrik SHOP

24a Broad Street, Pershore

Tel: 01386 553 626

e: thefabrikshop@btinternet.com

Stockists of:

Dressmaking, patchwork and curtain fabrics as well as waddings, cutters, boards and useful craft items. Fat quarters from £1

E. Hill & Son

Garden Machinery Mobile Service & Repair

Funeral Directors Established 1960

Independent Family Run Business Holders of Diploma in Funeral Directing Professional & Sympathetic Service Available 24 Hours Prepaid funeral plans available

01386 552141

for an estimate call

Will White t: 01386 860918 m: 07716 404489

www.ehillandson.co.uk

Fairfield House, Defford Road, Pershore, WR10 1HZ

FIX AUTO PERSHORE formerly FIX AUTO PERSHORE formerly formerly FIX AUTO PERSHORE SMART and Collision repairs for whatever car you drive... SMART forwhatever whatever car you drive... SMARTand andCollision Collision repairs repairs for car you drive...

01386 552803 pershore@fixauto.com

01386552803 552803 pershore@fixauto.com 01386 pershore@fixauto.com

01386 552803

Find us opposite Pershore Railway Station

Findus uspershore@fixauto.com opposite Pershore Station Find opposite PershoreRailway Railway Station FIND US OPPOSITE PERSHORE RAILWAY STATION

We help business owners ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL GOALS As a business owner achieving your personal goals as well as your business goals is important. Whether thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s providing for your family, reducing your tax bill, protecting your assets, extracting wealth from your business, or knowing your retirement is secure. Our partners will work with you to ensure you have a plan to achieve your goals. To ďŹ nd out more contact Haines Watts, your local award winning accountants Britannia Court, Moor Street, Worcester. WR1 3DB - 01905 612347 worcester@hwca.com Vale Business Centre, 9 Abbey Lane Court, Evesham. WR11 4BY - 01386 579999 evesham@hwca.com www.hwca.com

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

A Hedgehog and Snow

now means extra beaks to feed so I was out filling feeders as fast as I could when it arrived in December. The deepest snow since 2010 . . . up to the top of my wellingtons . . . was fun. I found my inner six year old making the first footprints on virgin snow like an artic explorer, with my two year old whippet chasing snowflakes and leaping like a gazelle in the drifts. A robin huddled in a conifer wasn’t so excited, but cold weather is tough for birds. The garden’s resident hedgehog came into my care one Saturday morning at the beginning of December after being discovered by the whippets. I was immediately concerned. A hedgehog should be hibernating in December and it should definitely not be out at ten o’clock in the morning. Taking the whippets back to the house, I returned with leather gardening gloves so that I could pop

The Worcestershire Grapevine

the hedgehog in a box with a little dog food, which it wolfed down. This was one very hungry Tiggiwinkle. Seeking advice I was told to weigh it and provide it with heat. I had a very underweight hedgehog. A heat pad under the box was just the thing, and I raised the temperature of the little shed I was housing it in. Then it was off to buy food to fill up the hedgehog larder with gourmet delights. Curled up inside a nest of straw, eating two sachets of kitten food, a bowl of dried hedgehog food and fresh water daily, the hedgehog is thriving. Now up to hibernation weight I’m looking forward to it sleeping out the rest of the winter. I’ve hand reared piglets in the past and rest assured, as has far as messiness goes, nothing beats a hedgehog. But I owe this prickly chap - it’s helped control pests in my garden for a few years so the daily

cleaning and feeding is worth it. Yet, despite the snow and being weaned off heat, hibernation is not on this hedgehog’s mind. After reading the Tiggiwinkle website I’m not too worried; my hedgehog is healthy and happy and it will stay dry, safe, and well fed until spring, when I will release it back into the garden. This year I’ve had to replace six of my bird feeding stations. The average feeder is not up to conditions on the Hill. The most sturdy and successful ones I’ve found cost around £60 - I leave you to do the maths while I’m experimenting with hanging the feeders in the trees. The birds like the new feeding locations and the kilometres are adding up on my fitness App. So far a win-win situation. photos and article by Geraldine Holbourn

For all your Trade & DIY needs! Over 15 years experience

From Roofing Systems to Screws YOU CAN FIND IT ALL HERE!

Tel: 01386 244042

NSI Gold & BAFE accredited. Est. 1981 Solutions for every need; domestic, retail or commercial.

Unit 2, Site 14, St Richards Road, Four Pools Ind Estate, Evesham, Worcs WR11 1XJ (Next to Howdens Joinery)

Your protection and peace of mind

Installation and Maintenance • Burglar / Intruder Alarm Systems • Fire Alarm System • Door Access Control • CCTV Systems • Emergency Lighting

Tel: 01386 792 522 info@specialisedsecurity.co.uk www.specialisedsecurity.co.uk

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Vet Talk

with Martin Leith BVetMed MRCVS

ow many of us have made a New Year’s resolution to join a gym or go on a diet in order to lose weight and get fit? Weight gain in our pets is a huge problem, it is thought that up to one in three household pets are overweight, not only does this shorten their life expectancy by two years but it also increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. In conjunction with checking your pet’s weight, we also assess their body condition score (see the image at the end of this article). There has never been a better time to help your pet get their figure back and we are here to help and support you every step of the way. We can weigh your pet free of charge on a regular basis and offer hints and tips on ways to help them shift the pounds. The simplest, cheapest way to help your pet to become fit and healthy is exercise. This can be in the form of a lead walk, a run in the field or zooming around the house chasing toys. Sometimes simply reducing the amount of your pet’s normal food can help with weight reduction but occasionally specialist diets are needed, we can advise you on which is going to be better suited to your pet. The Worcestershire Grapevine

Has your pet been over indulgent during the festive season? Here are some facts that you may not know: • If a 10kg dog has 25g of cheese – it is equivalent to us having 2 large muffins • If a 5kg cat has 25g of cheese – it is equivalent to us having 3½ hamburgers • If a 10kg dog has 1 human biscuit – it is equivalent to us having 1 chocolate bar

• If a 5kg cat has 1 glass of milk – it is equivalent to us have 6 ½ large muffins It is not only dogs and cats that are prone to weight gain; it can also affect other pets such as rabbits and guinea pig. It can affect their ability to groom themselves properly. If you are concerned about your pet’s weight, please contact the surgery for an appointment. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year.

Leadon Vale VETERINARY CENTRE 24 hour Emergency Cover 01531 632276 23

Creating Your Garden Paradise article by Jonathan Bishop

Building a Show Garden N

ow the weather is picking up, people are thinking more about their gardens. First on the Annual Garden Calendar are the Flower Shows. I am often asked about how you go about building the Show Gardens and what the criteria for building a garden is, so I thought I would write about how we are building a Garden at the Malvern Flower Show this Spring. From a Garden Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view, you cannot just start off building a garden at the Chelsea Flower show;

the RHS want you to be able to prove that you can design and build a garden which is up to the standard and quality of the other gardens at Chelsea. The RHS expects you to have won medals at other shows first. At Malvern, you enter an overall plan, a planting plan and a drawing of what the garden would look like if you were standing looking at it. This also comes with a client brief, explaining the theme of your garden. For example, if you selected the theme of a particular National Trust property, your plan and drawing must look like and represent

the property you have selected. If this example National Trust property had a sunken garden, and the drawing you are submitting did not have a sunken garden then you would lose marks for your brief. The brief is worth 20% of the overall marks which count towards your medal. The other thing your brief will cover is the plants that you will select for your garden. For example, if you are building a north facing garden and you are using plants that like to be in a sunny position then you will lose marks. These plans and brief are submitted to the judges and the panel which look at your garden. They can then make some recommendations of improvements which could be made, or they can ask specific questions about heights of plants to ensure that the garden will flow and feel as natural as possible, whilst fitting your theme. For the Malvern Spring Garden Show which takes place in May, you are required to submit your plans in November to be accepted around December/ January time. If it is a big build and you have the opportunity to start building and storing props for the garden, this is the time to do so because you only have 3 weeks on site to build your garden, and after the show we are given 2 days to dis-mantle the garden, so planning is key.

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

When planning a garden it is important to consider the building times of certain elements. For example, if you are digging a pond, you have to move that soil to the storage area on site or you have the opportunity to raise an area of your garden, making your build and your dismantling quicker and easier. Planning it is hugely important due to the fixed deadline, so the build time has to be calculated backwards from that point. The time it will take to plant needs to be calculated, and then the construc-tion must be timetabled into daily portions to ensure that the work will be finished on schedule. If you slip behind you either have to get more man power in to finish the work or you have to change your design, but you will lose marks for deviating from the original plan. This is usually fine, if you are in control, but if a lorry delivering plants is delayed that starts to put you behind. Ideally, you want to be planted a day before the judges start to come around the garden. The judges start to view

the garden a couple of days before finishing the garden. This is to see how well you are getting on, and to note things that you have or haven’t done correctly, to let the other judges know. By planting a day early, this allows the plants to relax from their transportation and in pot condition, to adjust to the garden. The plants will start to open their leaves to the direction of the sun and it gives you the opportunity to wash any mud off the leaves, deadhead etc. There are many more trade secrets which are required to get the garden ready for the first day of the show. The judges then come around and you have 15 minutes to talk to them, and explain any issues you may have had in the construction of the garden. For example, one show garden we built was affected by 2 weeks of rain out of the 3 week build time. Every time we dug a hole for a tree to be planted, the hole filled up with water. After this 15 minutes you must move away from the garden and then the judging takes

place. All that is left for you to do at this point is to cross your fingers and wait. The morning of the first day of the show is when the medals are given out and you find out what you have been awarded. The week of the show follows this and at the end of the week there is the sell off. Sell off is important because if you have self-funded the garden and the plants it is possible to recoup some of your money. A bell goes at a set time on the last day and you sell as many plants as you can. The plants are sold at a loss but it is cheaper to do this than to pay to transport them somewhere after the show. A lot of the smaller landscapers borrow plants from the gardens of family and friends to fill up their show garden, so these are not sold and are returned. If any of you would like to come and say hi, the show garden we are building this year is “From Over The Fence”. The garden will feature driftwood sculpture from James Dorian Webb.

If you have an upcoming event please let me know. If you have a problem in the garden then please contact me and I will do my best to answer your questions. Are you interested in Foliation looking at any aspects of your garden from hard to soft landscaping, small to big projects? Get in touch with your questions or to discuss your garden project call my office number 01531 821336 or email: jonathan@foliation.co.uk Foliation Ltd 44  Lakeside  Newent  Glocestershire  GL18 1SZ Follow me on Twitter @JonBishop15

The Worcestershire Grapevine www.foliation.co.uk

he history of chocolate dates back to 1900 BC.

The Theobroma Cacao tree is native to Mexico. The seeds – or beans - grow inside a pod-like fruit and are covered with white pulp. The Aztecs believed the cacao beans were the gift of Quetzalcoatl the god of wisdom and they were so valuable they were used as currency. (The word ‘cacao’ refers to the beans - cocoa is the product made from them.) The Aztec Emperor Montezuma’s chocolate was flavoured with vanilla and spices and he drank fifty cups a day from a golden chalice. It was said to taste bitter. Until the sixteenth century the drink was unknown to Europeans. The Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes arrived in Mexico in 1519 – the year Quetzacoatl promised to return. He landed at the same spot from which the Aztec god had departed. The Spanish kept the secret of chocolate for a long time. In 1579 English pirates attacked a Spanish ship filled with cacao beans. They had no idea of the value of the cargo – and thinking it was dried sheep droppings they burned the ship in frustration. In 1615, chocolate found its way to the court of France when Louis XIII married the Spanish Princess Anne d’Autriche. She brought

with her a basket of cacao beans and a servant skilled in creating the drink. It was 1657 before the first chocolate house opened in England. Chocolate was viewed as being an alien, suspect substance from France and Spain until pamphlets appeared extolling its benefits. It boosted fertility, cured consumption, alleviated indigestion and reversed ageing. It was also rumoured to be a great aphrodisiac. The diarist Samuel Pepys also advocated its use as a hangover cure. The first chocolate house in England was in Queen’s Head Alley, Bishopsgate Street, London. Chocolate was an extravagant brew that included citrus peel, jasmine, vanilla, musk and ambergris. The chocolate houses of the 17th and 18th century were described as ‘dens of iniquity where noblemen plotted the downfall of kings and gambled their fortunes away.’ Whites – one of the premier establishments was described as ‘the most fashionable hell in London.’

It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that change occurred in the form of a hydraulic machine, invented by a Frenchman named Doret, that could grind the beans to a paste. Soon afterwards, another Frenchman named Dubuisson invented a steam-driven chocolate mill. In 1829 a Dutch chemist named Conrad van Houten invented the cocoa press. This made it possible to separate the cocoa powder from the cocoa butter – a process known as ‘dutching.’ He added alkaline salts so it mixed more easily with water and gave a milder flavour. The first chocolate bar was invented by the Quaker company J S Fry in 1847. Then in 1875, Swiss-born Daniel Peter, son-inlaw of Henri Nestle added condensed milk to chocolate, thus creating the first milk chocolate. Chocolate had come a long way from the spicy, bitter brew of the Aztecs.

Sue Johnson

Poet & Novelist

Creative Writing Workshops Critique Service & Talks Tel: 01386 446477 • www.writers-toolkit.co.uk

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

INSECTS l RODENTS l BIRDS FLIES & FLEAS l WASP NEST REMOVAL DISCREET, PERSONAL & RAPID RESPONSE DEALING WITH YOUR PEST PROBLEM Residential & Commercial l Fully insured l Accredited by BPCA

TEL: 0800 980 4142 l INFO@OPKILL.CO.UK l WWW.OPKILL.CO.UK

For Forall all allyour your your For plumbing plumbingneeds needs needs plumbing Gas Gassafe safe saferegistered registered registered Gas Landlord Landlordcertificates certificates certificates Landlord Boiler Boilerchanges changes changes Boiler

Carpet and upholstery cleaning Stain removal and prevention Block Paving & Driveways Leather cleaning Stone, tile and grout cleaning

System Systemupgrades upgrades upgrades System

Commercial/ landlord and tenancy cleaning

All Allplumbing plumbing plumbingwork work work All

Fully Insured

Bathrooms Bathroomsand and andTiling Tiling Tiling Bathrooms

FREE FREEQUOTATIONS QUOTATIONS QUOTATIONS FREE

01386 640595

www.chrisjamescleaning.co.uk info@chrisjamescleaning.co.uk When booking please quote Grapevine for

15% OFF

01386 550521 01386 01386861676 861676 861676 t:t:t:01386 m: 07976 420150 m: m:07976 07976 07976420150 420150 420150 m:

and claim your free spotter

207290 207290 207290

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut corners, we clean them!

FREE

no obligation survey email:

tcfireplaces@gmail.com

01386 561186 www.tcfireplaces.com The Worcestershire Grapevine

Parker Coal Merchants Ltd

d Fuel Suppliers

Bronte Drive, Ledbury. HR8 2FZ

ham Parker

w.awparkercoalmerchants.co.uk

arker.ledbury@hotmail.com

raw ome

ked r?”

We’re offering top quality fuels with a traditional, personal, friendly service to all parts of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. We pride ourselves on a polite, professional and Pinvin, Pershore timely service, so why not give us a try.

The Warmth of a Real Coal Fire

n go

area. thin

Healthy Living . . . ?!? Tony and Yvonne were 85 years old and had been married for sixty years. Though not young, they were both in very good health, largely due to Yvonne’s insistence on healthy foods and lots of exercise for the last decade. One day, however, their good health didn’t help when they went on holiday and their plane crashed, sending them off to Heaven. They reached the pearly gates, and St. Peter escorted them inside. He took them to a beautiful mansion, furnished in gold and fine silks, with a fully stocked kitchen and a waterfall in the master bath. A maid could be seen hanging their clothes in the wardrobe. They gasped in astonishment when St. Peter said, “Welcome to Heaven. This will be your home now.” Tony asked St. Peter how much all this was going to cost. “Why, nothing,” St. Peter replied, “this is your reward in Heaven.” Tony looked out the window and right there he saw a championship golf course, finer and more beautiful than any ever built on Earth. “What are the green fees?” grumbled Tony. “This is heaven,” St. Peter replied. “You can play for free, every day.” Next they went to the clubhouse and saw the lavish buffet lunch. “Don’t even ask,” said St. Peter to Tony, “this is Heaven, it’s all free for you to enjoy.” Tony looked around and nervously asked Yvonne “Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol foods and the decaffeinated tea?”

go, y be

“That’s the best part,” St. Peter replied “You can eat and drink whatever you want and you will never get fat or sick. This is Heaven!”

For quality pre-packed coal delivered to your door at competitive prices contact Nick Fish at: A W Parker Coal Merchants Ltd Ledbury 01531 631675 or 07483 350639 www.awparkercoalmerchants.co.uk

ales. her

s are

“No gym to work out at?” said Tony “Not unless you want to,” was the answer. “No testing my sugar or blood pressure or . . . ” “Never again” Tony glared at Yvonne and said, “You and your Bran Flakes! We could have been here ten years ago!”

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

ness Profile • Business Profile

20 PENIN 19 G

A Stunning New Retirement Village for Worcestershire Redeﬁning retirement living, Richmond Wood Norton is a new luxury retirement village located in the beautiful countryside between Evesham and Pershore. Providing more than just retirement living, Richmond Wood Norton will offer an aspirational lifestyle. Live free from the stresses of modern living, in a community ﬁlled with social opportunities, surrounded by like-minded neighbours who also want to get the most out of life. Prices from £307,000*

• Large 1 & 2 bedroom apartments • Restaurant, bar & café • Transport service • Library • Activities & events team • Wellness Spa with pool & gym • Hair & beauty salon • Landscaped gardens • Care team on site 24 hours a day

For more information contact:

01386 897285 www.richmond-villages.com/woodnorton The Marketing Suite, Suite 2, Tadcaster House, Keytec 7 Business Park, Kempton Road, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 2TA *For further information on leasehold costs, which include a transfer fee and annual service charges, please speak to a Village Adviser.

1 TheGrapevine_FP-Feb_2018.indd Worcestershire Grapevine

09/01/2018 16:04

Salmon & Prawn Spaghetti This seafood pasta dish made with red wine, cream and garlic tastes stunning and is really simple to make.

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

2 x 200g salmon fillets 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon 2 tbsps red wine 4 large prawns, peeled 225g uncooked spaghetti 8 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2.5cm pieces 1 tbsp vegetable oil 6 mushrooms, sliced Â˝ small onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 120ml red wine 4 tbsps whipping cream 1 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese Serves 4

Preheat oven to 200Â°C, gas mark 6.

Put salmon into a casserole or baking dish, season with tarragon and pour over red wine. Cover with lid or foil.

Bake salmon for five minutes, remove lid and add prawns. Cover and return to the oven.

Cook for 10 minutes, or until salmon flakes and prawns are pink.

Meanwhile bring a large pot of lightly salted water to the boil.

Add spaghetti and cook for five minutes.

Add asparagus and cook for a further five minutes.

Heat oil in large frying pan over medium-high heat and add onion and mushrooms.

Stir and cook for a few minutes, then add garlic.

Cook until garlic is fragrant, then add wine.

Stir and cook, then reduce heat to low and stir in cream.

Drain spaghetti and asparagus and mix into sauce.

Flake salmon and add to spaghetti.

Pour onto serving plate and place prawns on top.

Garnish with grated Parmesan, and serve.

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

BLITZED!

RELIVE THE SPIRIT OF WARTIME BRITAIN DURING THE BLITZ

AN EVENING OF 1940’S ENTERTAINMENT SING-ALONG TO MUSIC AND FILM. IN AID OF PERSHORE VOLUNTEER CENTRE.

Saturday, 24 February 2018 7.30pm Cropthorne & Charlton Village Hall WR10 3NH £15.00

per person - price includes

Fish & Chips, Ice Cream, Tea/Coffee Licensed bar & ample car parking Tickets available from: Pershore Volunteer Centre

1 Billing House (near indoor market), Pershore WR10 1EY 01386 554299

Registered Charity No. 516080

The Worcestershire Grapevine

Bespoke curtains and blinds from design to installation Extensive range of fabrics, poles and all accessories Roller, Vertical & Venetian blinds Complete fitting service

The Old Smithy, Worcester Road Grafton Flyford, Worcs, WR7 4PW

s a le s @ s u nf lowe r- s of t f u r n i s h i n g s . co . u k T: 0 1 9 0 5 3 8 1 8 1 1 M : 07 9 76 6 4 0 3 07

www.sunflower-softfurnishings.co.uk

Dog lovers wanted

Join our local host community

Citizens Advice at Food Bank

outh Worcestershire Citizens Advice is providing a drop in service at Pershore food bank at St Andrews in Church Walk, Pershore. Anyone can come and see us on alternate Fridays between 1pm and 3pm. Dates for the New Year 2018 are 5th and 19th January, 2nd and 16th February, 2nd and 16th March Richard West, Advice Services Manager said: “Anyone living in the town can call in to the food bank to see us for help with a wide range of issues ranging from Money Advice & budgeting to Welfare rights, Housing, Employment issues and Consumer problems and much more. Our clients benefit from trained impartial and non-judgemental advisors who will help them to find the best ways to manage their problems, or who can simply provide accurate and timely information on a wide range of topics at no cost to the user. So why not come and see us?

Companionship, friendship and fun are guaranteed! • Dogs to suit your lifestyle • Completely flexible • Trial stays to ensure compatibility • Full support and advice • A playmate for your own dog

BarkingMad.uk.com

01905 700722

This is in addition to the service already operating in Pershore Library every Tuesday." More information is available on our website www.citizensadvicesw.org.uk or call 03444 111 303 if your query is urgent.

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

ScotiaCare ScotiaCare ScotiaCare Homeplan Homeplan Homeplan Established 1979

A fast, reliable service from expert local provider Aan fast, reliable service from A fast, reliable service from an expert local provider an expert local provider www.johnstonscotia.com

01684 773747

3 3 Great Great Products Products for for the the price price of of aa Boiler Boiler Service! Service!

The ScotiaCare Homeplan offers complete peace Homeplan of mind foroffers all your boiler, The ScotiaCare The ScotiaCare Homeplan offers heating, water, plumbing and electrics completehot peace of mind for all your boiler, complete peace of mind for all your boiler, for only £7.99 per month. heating, hot water, plumbing and electrics heating, hot water, plumbing and electrics for only £7.99 per month. forfast, onlyreliable £7.99 per month. A service from an expert local provider A fast, reliable service from an expert local A fast, reliable service from an expert local provider provider A fixed low cost of just £7.99 per month for the first 12 months. ongoing at for £16.99 A fixed low cost A offixed just £7.99 perprice month the A fixed low cost of just £7.99 per month for the per for a further years. price at £16.99 first month 12 months. A fixed 2ongoing first 12 months. A fixed ongoing price at £16.99 per month for a further 2 years. per month for a further 2 years.

Boiler Cover - YES Boiler -- YES including repairs and annual boiler service Boiler Cover Cover YES including repairs and including repairs and annual annual boiler boiler service service Plumbing and Heating - YES Plumbing and Heating Plumbing Heating -- YES YES Electrical -and YES Electrical Electrical -- YES YES Sign up now to claim Sign up now claim your Sign up FREE now to to£10 claim your FREE £10 Costa Coffee gift your FREE £10card Costa Costa Coffee Coffee gift gift card card

£7.99 £7.99 per month per per month month

What's included.. What's included.. •What's Boilerincluded.. Breakdown YES • Heating System & Controls YES Boiler Breakdown YES • Boiler Breakdown YES • Hot Water Systems YES Heating System & Controls YES • Heating System & Controls YES • Internal Plumbing Hot Water SystemsYES YES • Hot Water Systems YES • Home Electrics YES Internal Plumbing YES • Internal Plumbing YES • Radiators YES YES Home Electrics • Home Electrics YES • Radiators YES • Radiators YES Plus.. •Plus.. NO EXCESS Plus.. • FREE annual service NO EXCESS • NO EXCESS • FREE parts annual service • FREE annual service • FREE labour parts • FREE parts • FREE callout labour • FREE labour • Emergency FREE callout • FREE callout • helpline Emergency • Emergency helpline helpline

Established 1979 Established Established 1979 1979

01684 773747 01684 01684 773747 773747 www.johnstonscotia.com www.johnstonscotia.com www.johnstonscotia.com

The Worcestershire Grapevine

What's on ... in February Thursday 1st February Evesham & District Music Club Special offer of £50 for the 4 remaining concerts of the 2017/18 season,so this would be a lovely nice gift or opportunity to enjoy in the New Year. If interested please see edmc.website for more information or come along to the next concert on 1st February at Evesham Arts Centre, Victoria Road, starting at 7.30pm.. Thursday 1st to Wednesday 28th February Silver Jewellery Making Join us in the tranquil and peaceful setting of the Droitwich canal and learn how to make your own silver jewellery. The floating workshop can comfortably seat up to 4 students and is fully equipped with work benches and tools. Students have been really positive about The Jewellery Boat. It’s a beautiful setting which helps creativity and the narrowboat is a very calm and cosy place to work in. Most courses run on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. More dates available during school holidays. Phone:07845 826415. Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 7DU Wednesday 7th February My Thirty Best Plants Renowned plantsman, speaker and garden writer Bob Brown, from specialist nursery Cotswold Garden Plants, based in Badsey, will give us the benefit of his expert knowledge. 7.30pm. Free for members, £2 for visitors. Free parking, disabled access, raffle and refreshments. Bishampton Villages Hall, Bishampton, Pershore, WR10 2LY. Friday 9th February Pianist Leon McCawley at Bromsgrove Concerts Leading British pianist, Leon McCawley, performs a Romantic and Classical programme of Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, and Hans Gl - the often overlooked Austrian composer - who he has recently recorded. 8pm. Tel: 01527 577330. Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1PQ. Saturday 10th February Chocolate Making Our chocolate classes will introduce you to the world of chocolate making. For 2 – 2 ½ hours our chocolate class, will feed your chocolate passion. You will have the opportunity to work with Belgian chocolate, learn some basic techniques and have the opportunity to sample too. You will learn how to make truffle fillings and develop skills in

3434

piping, rolling, dipping, coating and decorating. Altogether you will make 31 truffles, with your choice of fillings and coatings. Each truffle will be double coated in Belgian chocolate. Then to finish, indulge in gift wrapping for that professional touch. £45 pp. Book via website www. chocolategenie.co.uk/chocolate-making-courses. Tel: 01386 834334. Unit 21, Bond Ind ustrial Estate, Wickhamford, Evesham, WR11 7RL. Saturday 10th February Hardy Plant Society Worcestershire Group – ‘Perennials in the Urban Landscape’ James Hitchmough is internationally renowned for the creation of perennial meadows. Raffle and refreshments available. Visitors welcome at £3. 2pm Crowle Parish Hall, WR7 4AZ. www.worcs-hardy-plant.org.uk Sunday 11th February Brockamin - Open Garden for NGS An informal 1½ acre garden adjacent to common land. Mixed borders contain a wide variety of hardy perennials, including Plant Heritage National Collections of Symphyotrichum (Aster) novae-angliae and some Hardy Geraniums. Flowering starts with spring bulbs, including a collection of snowdrops. There is a seasonal pond and kitchen garden. The garden also contains a good collection of Pulmonarias. 11am – 4pm. Light refreshments. Home-made teas. Admission £3, Children free. Tel: 01905 830370. Open for charity. Brockamin, Worcester, Worcestershire WR2 4TQ. Monday 12th February Soap Making Workshop This workshop will introduce you to the basic art of soap making - not the melt and pour mass produced soap but the traditional cold process soap that harks back to a simpler, more natural age. 1pam to 4pm. Tel: 07935 208403. Price per person includes materials and lunch. 68 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1DU. Monday 12th & Friday 16th February WWI - Malvern Museum of Local History Displays and entrance tickets help visitors explore what it was like to live through the wartime insecurities, with its personal traumas and times of hope and gallantry. 10.30am to 5pm. Tel: 01684 575172. Priory Gatehousen Abbey Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3ES. Wednesday 14th February Bees and Beekeeping A talk by Martyn Cracknell, President of Worcestershire

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Beekeepers Association, on Keeping Honey Bees as a Hobby, will be held at Throckmorton Village Hall (WR10 2JX ) at 7.30pm. Free of charge. Anyone with an interest is welcome. School children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. The evening should help people to decide whether or not beekeeping would be appropriate for them, and if so, how they might get involved. Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th February Living History at The Commandery Experience 2000 years of history come to life with a weekend of living history encampments, military displays, vintage vehicles and more. Organised in partnership with Worcester Re-enactors. Part of the Love Worcester Heritage Festival. 10am – 5pm. Adults £5.95, Concessions £4.95, Children FREE, Individual annual ticket £10.95, Worcester residents annual ticket £5 (please bring your council tax bill payable to Worcester City Council to qualify). Tel: 01905 361821. The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU. Sunday 18th February Whist Drive Admission £2 includes a guaranteed prize win! 4pm. Also Whist Drives most Monday nights 7.15pm start. For details tel: 01527 893421. Astwood Bank Club, Dark Lane, Redditch, B96 6AS. Saturday 24th February Counterfeit Sixties Show Re-live the sounds of the swinging sixties, as Britain’s No. 1 tribute show brings alive the magic of the sixties with their tribute to over 25 bands of that era. The show encompasses everything from that period, from the clothes that were worn, to flashbacks from television history, including: TV programmes, adverts and even clips from the original bands. The Counterfeit Sixties presents a showcase of the great bands of this unforgettable time. The fantastic music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Dave Clark Five, The Kinks and The Monkees - to name but a few, all recreated in this stunning show. 7.30pm to 10pm. Tel: 01527 65203. Alcester Street, Redditch, B98 8AE. Saturday 24th February Inkberrow Brownies Jumble Sale 12 noon – 2pm. Entrance fee £1. Ladies, men’s and children's clothing and shoes, toys, books, bric a brac, furniture, DVD's and much, much more. Tea and cake

stall. All money raised goes to Inkberrow Brownie Funds. More info call or text 07870 598323. Inkberrow Village Hall, Sands Lane, Inkberrow, WR7 4DZ. Sunday 25th February 'Pianoscapes #4' Pershore-based pianist Chris Long presents the February instalment of this monthly Sunday afternoon piano concert series, with an eclectic programme to suit all tastes. Previous programmes have included music ranging from Bach, Brahms and Brubeck to Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Arvo Part, John Cage and by Chris himself. Informal, friendly and relaxed, with excellent cake served as well! St. Andrew's Centre, Pershore, WR10 1DT. Tickets £8 from Blue (19 Broad Street, Pershore) or contact Chris by email chrislong2008@live.co.uk or via his website www.chrislongmusic.co.uk Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th February Where is Mrs Christie? Starring Liz Grand as Agatha Christie In 1926 Agatha Christie was at the centre of a mystery as perplexing as any of her own fiction; a series of events that sparked one of the biggest and most extensive manhunts in history. Her crashed car was discovered in Surrey, and the author was missing, presumed dead by many, for eleven days. When she was eventually found at a luxury hotel in Harrogate, the author claimed that she was suffering from amnesia and remembered nothing. 7.45pm to 10.15pm. Tel: 01905 611427. £12.50. The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED Tuesday 27th February Eckington Nafford Lock & the Birlingham Snowdrops A leisurely 5-mile morning walk following footpaths and quiet roads through Eckington to Nafford Lock and onto Birlingham and back to Eckington Bridge. We will have a break at Nafford and a second break at Birlingham Church to admire the fabulous Snowdrop display in the churchyard. A circular walk with a few stiles fairly level. Suitable for dogs on short leads. Arrive in good time to meet the leader and register before the walk start. Could be muddy in parts so boots or strong shoes recommended. Bring a snack and drink for the midwalk break. An optional lunch can be arranged after the walk. For further information about Evesham Ramblers walk visit www.eveshamramblers.org.uk. Eckington Bridge Carpark, Tewkesbury Road, Worcestershire, WR10 3DD.

To advertise your event, email info@grapevinepublications.co.uk The Worcestershire Grapevine

3535

A First For Fennessy:

Baby Giraffe Turns One

aby Rothschild’s giraffe, Fennessy, is preparing for his first birthday at West Midland Safari Park. Born on 14 January 2017 to first time mum, Arusha, he joined the herd of eight giraffes and was already a towering six-feet-tall at birth. Still steadily growing since his birth, he has now reached a lofty 10-feet-tall, and the healthy youngster is showing no signs of slowing down. Keepers ensured that Fennessy prepared to celebrate his first birthday in style by presenting him with a gigantic birthday card and feeding him his favourite treat of chopped banana and

apples. He enjoyed the celebrations so much that he even tried to take his keeper’s party hat - giving it a playful nudge and nibble - proving he is still very much the youngest of the herd.

longevity of the species. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) works towards securing a sustainable future for all giraffe populations in the wild and ensuring that these beautiful creatures are protected.

Ungulates Keeper, Vicky Barsham, said, “As keepers, it is great to see ‘Fenn’ reaching his first birthday. He is such an important ambassador for his species considering the ongoing threats to giraffes in the wild.”

In honour of the fantastic work the GCF does, keepers named the calf after the founders and directors of the brilliant charity - Dr Julian and Stephanie Fennessy.

She continued, “We have loved watching him become a confident, but stubborn, young giraffe. He certainly keeps mum, Arusha, and us keepers on our toes, but we love him all the same. We thoroughly look forward to seeing him grow and develop in the coming months.” In the wild, numbers of giraffe are dropping at an alarming rate, which is why any birth is extremely important for the

Celebrations for Fennessy’s birthday start off a year dedicated to lots of giraffe-themed events for the Park. During May half term, staff have decided to devote an entire week to raising money for giraffes. Guests will be able to find out more about the conservation efforts focussed on this incredible species and can participate in giraffe-themed activities. All of the money raised during the week will go to the GFC to support their vital work and research.

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

SWEENEY TODD RETURNS TO PERSHORE... Not visited us before? ENJ OY YOUR FIR S T CUT & FIN ISH O R BEAUTY TR EATM EN T 1/2 PR ICE* Just quote “FIRSTHAIR“ or “FIRSTBEAUTY”

The Safari Park is also the official Education Partner for Worcester Stands Tall - a public art exhibition of decorated giraffe sculptures due to be dotted around the streets of Worcester during the summer of 2018. The event, facilitated by Wild In Art and brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice, will enable lots of schools and renowned artists to design and decorate the sculptures. Larger sculptures will eventually be auctioned off to raise money for the hospice. For further information, visit www. worcesterstandstall.co.uk. The giraffes can be seen in the four-mile safari (weather permitting), which is included in the winter admission charge of £20.00 for adults, £15.00 for children aged 3-15 and £18.00 for concessions. Admission includes a free Return Ticket or safari gift. Adventure Theme Park rides are closed during the winter season. Giraffe Feeds are also available to purchase through the Park’s VIP Experiences - perfect for an extra special treat to meet and feed these majestic creatures. Further information and tickets are available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. You can find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www. facebook.com/WestMidSafari The Worcestershire Grapevine

58 High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1DU 01386 553320 www.sweeneytoddsalon.co.uk *Terms & conditions apply - see website.

Vale Chiropractic Emily Freeman MChiro, M.M.C.A., G.C.C.

Neck & shoulder pain Tennis elbow & elbow pain Aches & pains Headaches & £15 off an back pain initial  Joint pain    

Consultation

New at The Lodge The Vale Golf & Country Club Hill Furze Rd, Bishampton Pershore WR10 2LZ 07909 861058 01386 462189 valechiropractic@hotmail.com

www.valechiropractic.com 37

Internet Dating? #Be Cyber Smart

on't let your heart rule your head. Stop and think before you fall head over heels.

How well do you really know the person you are forming a relationship with? • Are they who they say they are? • Are they really looking for love or do they have pound signs in their eyes? • Are the pictures they send you believable? • Are they asking you lots of questions but keeping tightlipped about themselves? • Have they quickly started using pet names or endearing terms? • Do they want to swiftly move their communication with you away from the website or chat room and instead to instant messaging and text messages? • Are they asking for money? Don't fall for 'hard luck' stories. • What are your instincts telling you? Does this person seem too good to be true? Don't reveal too much information about yourself. Never give money, credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know or trust. Think about your safety if you meet in person. Stay in a public place, don't get a lift with them, tell someone where you are going, keep your phone with you, don't leave your possessions or drink unattended and do not drink too much.

2 Walnut Close, Harvington, Worcestershire, WR11 8LS

Barbara’s

House Clearance Service Full or partial house clearance Sheds, Loft and Garages cleared

Bethesda Physiothe

ARE YOU IN PAIN? P

* Back and Neck Pain

Sympathetic lady owner, very*experienced in Muscle/Tendon/Ligame dealing with family bereavement and moving into Nursing Home situations * Sports Massa Over 10 years experience in donating Kathryn Fussey and Alex Hall HPC Registered recycled goods to Local and Charities Evening Appointments Home Visits available.

01531 633895 / 07796 162027 Tel: 01386 553700 • Baroe@sky.com

Lodge Cottage, The Homend, Ledbury (Train Station and Bus Stop

Safer Internet Day 2018 will be celebrated globally on Tuesday 6th February with the slogan “Create, Connect and Share Respect: A better internet starts with you”. Safer Internet Day is celebrated globally in February each year to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people and inspire a national conversation.

The Most Thorough Carp

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

The Worcestershire Grapevine

Abbey Butchers Abbey Butchers Pershore’s Premier Butcher & Delicatessen Pershore’s Premier Butcher & Delicatessen

No. 10 The High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1BG No. 10 The High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1BG 01386 554349 01386 554349

ello everyone from the team at Number 10 High Street, Pershore, or as you all know us as Abbey Butchers! May I offer to you all a slightly belated Happy and Healthy New Year and hope that 2018 is kind to you all. As we all recover from the manically busy Christmas and New Year period, the evenings are slowly beginning to draw out. The team are all jumping for joy from the volume of compliments and complimentary letters we have received from our customers about the selection of Worcestershire free range poultry, pork, beef, homemade sausages, pies and hams that we supplied for your Christmas and New Year tables. We are truly grateful for your business and humbled by your support. A big thank you to you all. Moving forward, we are now busy preparing for the many shows that we attend and support and of course planning for an early Easter, which this year is at the end of March. We are delighted that this year we will again be supporting the Air Ambulance, and of course the Pershore Carnival and Pershore Plum Festival Plum Festival with our pig roasts and BBQs. This year with the addition of our new on-site pig roast equipment (also available for private hire).it is going to be an exciting time! Our Deli Team are as busy as ever, producing our usual range of succulent meat pies and pastries, and our young apprentice Oliver is working on a new recipe for a new speciality sausage . . . watch this space in next month’s edition . . . you will be the first to know!

Ken's special February Winter Warmer offers Hot Roasted 2.5lb Chickens @ £2.99 each Hot Roasted Belly of Pork @ £1.10 per 100g Home-made Pershore Recipe Faggotts 4 for £2.99 Home-made Pershore White Pudding 99p per 100g English Red Tractor Boneless Pork Steaks 2lb for £7.99 Best English Beef Steak Mince 2lb for £5.99 Best English Diced Stewing Steak 2lb for £7.99

All from Pershore’s Premier Butchers & Delicatessen Best 30 day aged English Ribs of Beef Always there to serve you with the best single Ribs for only £20 each small enough to care Big enough to cope, small enough to care Big enough to cope, only while stocks last!

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

SUDOKU

TRIVIA (answers on page 46

Fill in the grid so that each line, row and 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repetition.

1. What sort of movies are sometimes referred to as 'horse operas'?

3. Name the island of little people in the novel Gulliver's Travels.

3 6

9 4

5 5

4 5

5. What type of buildings did Don Quixote mistake for evil giants? 7. In which decade of the 20th Century was insulin first used to treat diabetes? 8. Jomo Kenyatta was President of which African country?

4. On what date do the French celebrate Bastille Day?

6. Is Hong Kong north or south of the equator?

2 8

2. Carmine is a vivid shade of which colour?

9. Which ex-politician took part in his own play, The Accused, on the West End stage in 2000? 10. In the traditional rhyme, where would you ride to see a fine lady with rings on her fingers and bells on her toes?

coffee break

WORDSEARCH: CHRISTMAS (solution on page 46) Christmas - Crackers - Tree - Decorations - Family - Friends - Gifts Manger - Merry - Santa Claus - Jolly - Scrooge - Presents - Grinch Angel

HIDATO

(solution on page 46)

Starting at 1 and finishing at 37, track your way from one hexagon to another (touching) hexagon, placing consecitve numbers into the empty spaces.

The Worcestershire Grapevine

VETS & ANIMAL CARE Evesham Bowler Lewis & Partners Tel: 01386 442804

MUNITY COM CONTACTS AGE UK

pershore Martin & Carr Tel: 01386 553631 UPTON-UPON-SEVERN The Stocks Veterinary Centre Tel: 01684 592606 RSPCA Tel: 0300 123 4999

malvern Malvern & District Tel: 01684 560666

CATS PROTECTION EVESHAM Tel: 01386 833343

EVESHAM & PERSHORE South Wychavon Tel: 01386 422700

CATS PROTECTION WORCESTER Tel: 01905 425704 RSPB Tel: 01767 693690

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN 15 High Street Tel: 01684 593633

POST OFFICES

CHEMISTS

Bishampton Tel: 01386 462873

EVESHAM Evesham Parmacy Tel: 01386 48899 Morrisons Pharmacy Tel: 01385 40610

EVESHAM Tel: 01386 423344

MALVERN Boots The Chemist Tel: 01684 572905 Lloyds Pharmacy Tel: 01684 573811 PERSHORE Boots The Chemist Tel: 01386 556860 UPTON-UPON-SEVERN Talbot Cooper Chemists Tel: 01684 592637

CITZENS ADVICE CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE Malvern Evesham Droitwich Tel: 03444 111 303

COMMUNITY SUPPORT CHILDLINE Tel: 0800 1111 CHILD PROTECITON HELPLINE Tel: 0800 800 500 CRIMESTOPPERS Tel: 0800 555 111 WORCESTERSHIRE RAPE & SEXUAL ABUSE SUPPORT CENTRE Tel: 01905 611 655 SAMARITANS Tel: 01432 269 000

RAILWAY STATIONS EVESHAM Tel: 0845 700 0125 malvern Tel: 0121 634 2040 pershore Tel: 0845 700 0125

EMERGENCY SERVICES

GREAT MALVERN Tel: 01684 573003

POLICE FIRE AMBULANCE Emergency: 999

Inkberrow Tel: 01386 792201 Lower Moor Tel: 01386 861705

FIRE BRIGADE Worcester Road, Malvern Minge Lane, Upton upon Severn Tel: 01684 572948

pershore Tel: 01386 552608

Defford Road, Pershore Tel: 01905 24454

PEOPLETON Tel: 01905 840471

Merstow Green, Evesham Tel: 01386 466388

Upton Snodsbury Tel: 01905 381511 UPTON-UPON-SEVERN Tel: 01684 592634

TOURIST INFORMATION

WEST MERCIA POLICE Victoria Road, Malvern Station Lane, Upton Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore Abbey Road, Evesham Tel. 0300-333 3000

BROADWAY Tel: 01386 852937 www.beautifulbroadway.com

AMBULANCE SERVICE Victoria Road, Malvern Tel: 01684 561556

HOSPITALS

EVESHAM Tel: 01386 442348

Spetchley Road, Worcester Tel: 01905 764226

Evesham Community Hospital Tel: 01386 502432

MALVERN Tel: 01684 892289

GAS Tel: 0800 111 999

Malvern Community Hospital Tel: 01684 612600

PERSHORE Tel: 01386 556591

WATER Tel: 0800 783 4444

Pershore Hospital Tel: 01386 502070

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN Tel: 01684 594200

ELECTRICITY Tel: 0800 328 1111

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

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







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











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



  

  

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

FABULOUS SELECTION OF FOOTWEAR FROM THE LEADING BRANDS FOR ALL THE FAMILY MOST STYLES IN FULL AND HALF SIZES ~ SIZE 3 - 8 LADIES & SIZE 6 - 12 MENS

Childrens' main fitting centre in the area for both CLARKS & START-RITE at Redditch Our Alcester shop also has a large selection OUR STOW SHOP SPECIALISES IN LADIES & MENS FOOTWEAR Owned and run by a local family BRANDS INCLUDE: CLARKS, ECCO, RIEKER, HOTTER, LOTUS, LELLI KELLY, ROHDE, GABOR, ANATOMIC, LOAKE, BARKER, START-RITE, GEOX, MERRELL, SKECHERS, SEBAGO, VAN-DAL, EQUITY, TAMARIS, TIMBERLAND ~ HANDBAGS BY RADLEY & TULA

KINGFISHER CENTRE, REDDITCH - REDDITCH Tel: 01527 62416 HIGH STREET, ALCESTER 4 PARK STREET, STOW-ON-THE-WOLD The Worcestershire Grapevine

beautiful & energy efficient Choose from our extensive range and enjoy high quality products combined professional design and quality installation. With years of experience we offer a relaxed and friendly service at great value prices!

Let us transform your home... No pressure, No hassle, just quality products and workmanship at honest prices

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

ETC Windows Doors & Conservatories are proud to be Worcestershire’s select installer for Vevo products

tel : 01386 800600

Unit 2, Site 14 Four Pools Ind Est. St Richards Road, Evesham, Worcs. WR11 1XJ

www.vevowindows.co.uk www.etcwindows.co.uk

Are you

looking

at this page? So are your customers! What would you prefer them to see … this advert … or yours! TO ADVERTISE IN

Are you u

The TheGrapevine Villager call Betty on 01684 01684 833715 or email

ooking ng t this page? rates start from as low as £25 per month

info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Accountants Crowthers 46 Haines Watts 20

Driveways & Paving Castle Paving Pro Driveways

Aerials & TV Services Digital TV Systems

Bathrooms & Kitchens A Job 4 John Dream Doors

28 5

Education & Courses Holiday Maths Tuition Open 4 Business Writer's Toolkit

2 47 26

Electricians Craig Merchant Electrical Marchwood Maintenance

4 38

Fencing Luke's Fencing Services

Fireplaces TC Fireplaces

Funeral Directors E Hill & Son

Beds & Carpets Bradfords 9 Boiler Services Johnston Scotia J S Plumbing

33 27

Building & Construction Evesham Trade Centre 22 Simon Haines Construction 12 Butchers Abbey Butchers

Gardening & Landscaping Foliation 24 Garden Machinery Mobile Service & Repair 20 Luke's Garden Maintenance 14 Luke's Fencing Services 14

Carpets & Beds Bradfords 9 Cars: Parts, Repairs & Sales Charles Peter Cars 4 Fix Auto 20 KCR Garage 10 Marshalls of Evesham Ltd 8 Cleaning Services Chris James Cleaning Pro Driveways

27 2

Coal Merchants A W Parker

Community Services Richmond Villages Sally's Respite Care

29 46

Computing & IT Services Pendas CS Ltd 8 Conservatories Cloudy2Clear Windows 3 ETC Windows, Doors & Conservatories 44 Glassier 2 Malvern Glass 43 Decorators & Painters A Job 4 John Aztec Painting & Decorating CR Decorating

4 2

The Worcestershire Grapevine

28 5

Locksmiths Alcester Locks

M O T KCR Garage Marshalls of Evesham Ltd

10 8

Oven Cleaning Ovenclean 38 Painters & Decorators A Job 4 John Aztec Painting & Decorating CR Decorating

28 8 13

Pershore Retail Market Custom Graphix ED Furniture Ltd

48 48

Pest Control Opkill 27 Pet Care Barking Mad

Haberdashery & Material The Fabrik Shop 19

Plumbing & Heating Johnston Scotia J S Plumbing

33 27

Hairdresser Sweeney Todd

Recipes of the Month Salmon & Prawn Spaghetti

Handyman A Job 4 John

Retirement Properties Richmond Villages

Roofing Services G.M. Roofing

Security Specialised Security Systems

Health & Beauty ALM Fitness Sandie Davis Physiotherapy The Beauty Barn Vale Chiropractic

18 12 19 37

Heating & Plumbing Johnston Scotia J S Plumbing

33 27

Holiday Accommodation Abberton Shepherd's Hut 10

28 8 13

Kitchens & Bathrooms A Job 4 John Dream Doors

House Clearance Barbara's House Clearance

Interior Design & Soft Furnishings Sunflower Soft Furnishings

Shoes Humphries 43 Solicitors Thomson Bancks

Windows, Doors & Conservatories Cloudy2Clear Windows 3 ETC Windows, Doors & Conservatories 44 Glassier 2 Malvern Glass 43

Round up a tax specialist Crowthers help private clients complete Tax Returns and minimise tax bills For Income Tax and IHT Planning that makes sense:

Answers to Trivia on page 41: 1.

Westerns

Red

Lilliput

14th July

Windmills

North

1920s

Kenya

Jeffrey Archer

10. Banbury Cross

Solution to Wordsearch:

www.crowther.co.uk

October, December & March

Sally's Respite Care In need of Person-Centred Domicilary Care?

Call Sally

07794 004117 • D • I • O

Solution to Hidato:

Enhanced DBS Adult Fully insured

I love being a carer, but I need a break!

You need to call Sally! 07794 004117

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

“Open Business” OPEN 4 4BUSINESS recently started your ownown business? • HaveHave youyou recently started your business? Are• you thinking about starting your own business in the near future? Are you thinking of starting your own business? Would you like to start your own business? • Would you like to start your own business?

you’ve answered yes"yes" to any these IfIf you have answered to of any of questions, then Open Business is theis these questions, then 4Open 4 Business essential business workshop for you. the essential business workshop for you. According to Theo Paphatis (former star of Open 4 Business is a straightforward, easy Dragon’s Den) 50% of start-ups fail within to follow, one-day workshop that will the first couple of years because “… take you through all the steps you need people don’t do their homework”.

follow to make sure your business hits Open 4 Business is a straightforward, the ground running.

easy to follow, one-day workshop that will

The is all runthe in steps small you groups take workshop you through need to (maximum 10 people) andhits thethe feeground make sure your business includes running. all course material and refreshments. The workshop is run in small groups (maximum 10 people) from 10am to 6pm

onFor Saturdays (so or no to need takeplace time off more details booktoyour on work!) theworkshop, fee includes all course theand next please contact: material and refreshments.

0845 224 7068*

For more details or to book your place on the next workshop, please contact: info@cred-ex.co.uk

0800 292 292 4 O info@mba-solutions.co.uk P E N 4 BUSINESS

O4B

The Complete Guide to Starting your Business

* Calls to this number may incur a charge

February workshop date: Wednesday 28th February

The Worcestershire Grapevine

Pershore Retail Market Cherry Orchard, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1EY 01386 553232 www.pershoremarket.com

ED Furniture Ltd High quality furniture at discount prices: Chest of drawers  Beds Wardrobes  Mattresses Tables & Chairs and more in store Free delivery to Pershore Charges apply to other areas Join us on Facebook

Tel: 07341 443323

Custom Graphix For all your custom Motorsport vinyl graphics and custom Garment printing: T-Shirts  Polo Shirts Hoodies  Overalls e: adian.mcarthur53@ btinternet.com

Tel: 07800 861800 48

To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: info@grapevinepublications.co.uk