The villager january upload by Betty-Ann Ambury

The Villager January 2014

Your FREE Copy

Holy Island

A Sobering Thought

Iconic Cars

What's on in January

The Malverns

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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile! It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Papandreou feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is 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 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people

money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. 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. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Malvern, Worcester & Hereford areas and Paul is finding that his 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

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The Villager January 2014

Issue No. 44

Publisher & Advertising

Grapevine Publications 3 Rye Street â&#x20AC;˘ Birtsmorton â&#x20AC;˘ WR13 6AS Tel: 01684 833715 Mob: 07754 170286 info@grapevinepublications.co.uk www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

Editor

Betty-Ann Ambury Info@grapevinepublications.co.uk

Advertising & Editorial Betty-Ann Ambury

Contributors

Andrew Brooks Amy Marshall Brian Joyce Gary Lloyd Lesley Miller Pamela Green

Front Cover Photography (page 5 photography)

Mike Ambury

Next Issue Copy Date

10th January 2014

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.

Happy New Year and welcome to the January edition of

T he V illager This is our second January edition since we went monthly with the magazine, and once again it is packed full of articles and adverts to suit every taste. Our front cover this month is of ducks on Hanley Swan pond. It was taken a couple of years ago, when we had a particularly cold winter. 2014 is a particularly momentous year because, as you know, it marks the centenary anniversary of the start of the First World War. Although for many this is just an event in history, it was however an event of monumental significance with far-reaching effects on all of us alive today. During the course of this year, we will endeavour to honour the men and women - both at home and at the front - who were involved in the conflict, with a series of articles, starting with Gary Lloyd's piece this month entitled "A Sobering Thought". And finally, as always, a quick reminder about advertising; you've made your resolutions to give up smoking, lose weight, etc., so now's the time to add a business resolution to boost sales and bring in new customers with a sparkling new advertising campaign! Give me a call ....

BettyB e t

To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

contents 9

New Spa Team at Farncombe

The most Iconic Cars of all Time

Don't forget our feathered friends this winter

Coffee Break

And pets come too!

Bishampton History Society

A Sobering Thought

What's Happening in January

In The Frame

The Malverns

The Cheeseboard

Your Community Directory

Pershore Volunteer Centre

Back Where They Started

ALM Fitness

St Richard's Hospic

Holy Island

Index of Advertisers

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. ÂŠ 2014

Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Independent Financial Advisers • Pensions and Retirement Planning • Savings and Investments • Later Life Advice • General Financial Advice

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New Spa Team swings into action at Farncombe

arncombe Estate’s exciting new House Spa development has taken a significant step forward by recruiting three key staff, as it prepares to open to members and guests on 4th February. The House Spa is the final stage in the £10 million refurbishment of the Dormy House Hotel near Broadway. A new core team is now in place as the countdown to the opening gathers momentum.

“We are working with the best in the business to bring the spa to life, including the awardwinning consultant Neil Howard of Howard Spa Consulting and international spa designer Sparcstudio. Temple Spa, the English spa brand, is working with us to develop an exclusive menu of treatments and the fashion brand butter London is supplying products for our stylish Veuve Clicquot Champagne Nail Parlour.”

Alongside the `one of a kind` 16-metre Infinity Pool, `Bubble Bath` hydro left to right: Zoe Douglas with fellow House Spa pool and luxurious New Spa Manager new recruits Tracy Philpott & Georgie Smith thermal suite will Zoe Douglas has be - unusually for already begun an intensive training programme with her Spa a spa - two separate gyms. One, managed Membership Manager, Tracy Philpott, Head by Motiv8, will have 24 hours acccess whilst Therapist, Georgie Smith, and other spa staff. the other is a personal training studio for the exclusive use of House Spa members and “I am thrilled to be joining the team at hotel guests. Farncombe during this exciting period for the business,” said Zoe, who was previously Spa memberships will be limited to 200 Spa Manager at the stylish Hotel Missoni in people and have been selling fast. Edinburgh. “When it’s completed, The House Spa will be a tremendous asset for the North For more details on spa membership and Cotswolds area and a destination in its own The House Spa in general, contact The House Spa team on 01386 852711. right. Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

Don’ t forget our feathered friends this winter

s we gear up for another winter, now is a great time to start thinking about how we can all help birds to survive the winter. Frost, snow and ice can make finding food very challenging for birds, but putting out food is something we can all do.

Whether you fill a bird-feeder with nuts or prepared bird food, or prefer to make your own bird food, your offering can mean the difference between life and death for birds at this time of year. However, throwing out whatever scraps you may have to hand onto your lawn isn't always the best way to help. For example, birds cannot digest milk and cooked porridge oats can stick to their beaks. So to make sure you are doing your very best for your garden friends this winter, the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Garden BirdWatch has issued guidelines on how householders can help. Recommended foods: • Oil-rich seeds, such as sunflower hearts and nyjer

Foods to avoid: • Soft fats and oils [can soil feathers] • Dried foods e.g. coconut, uncooked rice [could swell after ingestion] • Bread [nutritionally lacking, compared with other foods] • Milk [birds are not adapted to digest milk] • Cooked porridge [can stick to beak] Provide clean fresh water: This is not only for the birds to drink but to help keep their feathers in good condition for insulation. Don't provide too much:

• Finely grated cheese, beef or vegetable suet

Ensure that food does not go mouldy and clean bird feeders regularly as excess food can attract vermin.

• Chunks of windfall [especially] or fresh fruit

Avoid substantial pruning:

• Dried fruit [that has been soaked first] Note: can be toxic to dogs • Ground-up peanuts • Mealworms • Beef or vegetable suet-based 'cakes' • Pinhead oatmeal or uncooked porridge oats

This is especially relevant for berry-producing vegetation such as holly and ivy that will continue to hold fruit long into winter. Record what you see: Do this through the BTO Garden BirdWatch online, which gathers observations from the public, so that it can monitor garden birds every week of the year.

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Just by following these few simple steps, you could play your part to help birds this winter. Dr Tim Harrison, BTO Garden BirdWatch, said: "Research shows that providing food during winter improves the survival prospects of many species and can even boost breeding success in the following spring. Cold winters often occur in flurries and if last winter is anything to go by, then thousands of birds will race to our handouts during the next few months." As well as helping your local bird population, looking after your feathered friends could also be beneficial to you, says Harrison. "Huge numbers of birds that are normally scarce garden visitors, such as Redwing, Fieldfare and Brambling, can pour into our towns and cities during cold weather - so autumn and winter is a great time to be an armchair birdwatcher. Research shows that interactions with nature can reduce levels of stress, so feeding birds can be a positive activity all round."

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Beautiful Beads and Accessories

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Clothing sale! Paddy and Mick are walking along a street in London. Paddy looks in a shop window and sees a sign that catches his eye. The sign reads: "Suits £5.00 each, Shirts £2.00 each, Trousers £2.50 per pair". Paddy says to his pal, "Mick will ya look at the prices! We could buy a whole lot of those and when we get back to Ireland we could make a fortune. Now when we go in you stay quiet, okay? Let me do all da talkin' 'cause if they hear our accents, they might think we're thicko's from Ireland and try to screw us. I'll put on me best English accent." "Roight y'are Paddy, I'll keep me mouth shut, so I will. You do all da business" says Mick. They go in and Paddy says in a posh voice: "Hello my good man. I'll take 50 suits at £5.00 each, 100 shirts at £2.00 each, and 50 pairs of trousers at £2.50 each. I'll back up me truck ready to load 'em on, so I will." The owner of the shop looks at them, sighs and says quietly, "You're from Ireland, aren't you?" "Well yes," replies a surprised Paddy. "What gave it away?" The owner sighs again and says: "This is a dry-cleaners." 12

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And pets come too!

ith one in three families owning a dog, a cat or both it is no wonder that more and more people are booking holidays that include their four-legged friends.

There was a time it wasn't possible to take pets abroad without considerable difficulty, making the prospect of them joining the family holiday out of the question. With so many of us feeling sad at leaving our furry companions behind, travel operators are fast finding ways of accommodating them. Ferry services are particularly geared-up for taking cats and dogs abroad to destinations including France and Spain and some even accept ferrets and caged pets. Many have kennel accommodation, and the costs are no more than for a person - and certainly less than paying for kennels while you are away. You will need to establish that the accommodation you are going to will accept pets - some campsites won't accept them, and there are also country restrictions. Certain dog breeds, such as pit bull, rottweiler and Staffordshire bull terrier, may not be allowed on campsites by law. French legislation has a list of first and second category dogs where some are banned from entry, and others have to be muzzled and kept on a lead at all times while they are in public areas.

All you need to be on your way together is a valid DEFRA certificate - also known as a PET passport - which can be obtained from any registered vet. A PET passport or third country certificate shows that the pet has been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. You need to ensure you plan ahead, as your pet may not leave or re-enter the UK until 21 calendar days have elapsed from the date of the rabies vaccination. Rabies boosters must be kept up to date. Your pet must be inspected by vets, both in the UK before departure and abroad before your return (most vets in France are not open on Sundays and Mondays). Ensure that you are fully aware of the regulations before planning your journey. It is also worth asking your vet about heartworm, which may be more prevalent among dogs on the continent than those in the UK, and also asking about treatment against ticks. Once you have decided you are going to take your pet on holiday, you will need to book in advance otherwise they won't be able to travel. Then when you are on board, these tips can help make your

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pet's journey as comfortable as possible: • make sure your pet is as fit and healthy as possible to withstand the journey. • give them a light meal about two hours before they travel. • give your pet the opportunity to go to the toilet before it is put in its carrying container. • let your pet try out the carrying container before the trip. • the carrying container should be well-ventilated, safe, roomy enough for the animal to move around, and have adequate food and water for the trip, with easily-refillable containers for a long journey. • put a familiar-smelling cushion or rug in the container to help your pet settle.

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A Sobering Thought

article by Gary Lloyd

nce this year’s New Year’s Eve revels have ended, the ensuing year will most likely be the most solemn in living memory, for 2014 will see the centenary of the start of one of the bloodiest conflicts ever fought. Numerous books are already on the shelves to commemorate this event, to be followed by extensive coverage across all media, and rightly so. But what else was happening in the world in 1914? Sadly, precious little that gave grounds for optimism. On New Year’s Day 1914 itself, David Lloyd George described the military build-up in Western Europe as ‘organised insanity’. The world appeared to be in a skid, heading relentlessly and inexorably towards oblivion. War appeared to be not only inevitable but also desirable by the major antagonists. Once they were ready, all that would be required was a trigger.

The suffragette movement, led by Emmeline Pankhurst, had become increasingly militant since the turn of the century. Churches and other buildings - including Yarmouth Pier, no less - had been burned or bombed; paintings had been disfigured in art galleries; church services disrupted and the contents of mailboxes set alight. The authorities had adopted a heavy-handed approach to this apparently unladylike behaviour by arresting hundreds of suffragettes. Especially if their surname was 'Pankhurst'. And often several times. But each act of disobedience seemed to set back their cause, not help further it. The trigger that started the so-called ‘war to end all wars’ was provided – and pulled – by Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Serb nationalist. On June 28th the teenager was one of a team of six Black Hand members who planned to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife on their 14th wedding anniversary. Princip fired two shots from a Browning automatic pistol, killing both of his targets almost instantly. And then the lamps went out all over Europe.

Positive news is nigh on impossible to find in 1914, but women’s emancipation does offer a pinprick of light. With so many men called up to fight in Flanders, millions of women served on the home front. The focus on war work turned public opinion on an almost Ulster was already on the brink of civil war, unprecedented scale, culminating in women which the Great War would only postpone voting for the first time in the 1918 general by a few years. Numerous sectors of the election as a reward for their war effort. This economy were on strike at some point during advancement was made despite – not because the first half of 1914 in search of higher wages of – the ill-fated suffragette movement. Amid and improved working conditions: miners, the sombre commemorations that will quite builders, railway workers, electricians and rightly take place throughout 2014, it is worth even the makers of cricket balls. sparing a thought for the progress made in women’s emancipation as a result of the There was also another group of people that Great War, the seeds for which were sown were campaigning for various rights that during that dreadful year whose centenary we we take for granted these days - women. are now commemorating. 15 Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

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& Elite Stoves ● Prompt, reliable & friendly service ● All types of flues & appliances cleaned. ● Cowls and bird guards fitted. ● Guild certificates issued after every sweep.

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Industrial Units Private Estates Large Gardens Hotels/Pubs Schools Parish Councils Recreation Grounds Local Authorities

BG Digital Photographs Digital Photography for you. Contact me to cover your event, photograph your product, take images of you or your loved ones. Getting married and want images of the whole event. Preparing product or website advertising and need images (including digitally manipulated), need shots taken of architecture, landscapes or landmarks.

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NEW YEAR RESOLUTION? START VOLUNTEERING IN 2014! Now that Christmas is over, do you have time on your hands? If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help others in your community, why not make 2014 the year you start volunteering? You can give as much or as little time as you want to. Short or long term, we can find you a regular or flexible commitment to fit in with your lifestyle now! We have a range of exciting and interesting volunteering opportunities with many local and national charities and organisations. Our most recent opportunities include:

Registered Charity No. 516080

Publicity for a health charity Youth leaders for a village youth club Duty managers for community arts centre Support for the elderly with a housing group Retail assistants for local charity shops Receptionist for charity working with elderly Treasurer for a crime prevention organisation Weekend hosts for overseas students Bucket Collection Co-ordinator for a Deaf/ blind charity Copier and reserve reader for Pershore Talking Newspaper

1 Billing House, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1EY Tel: 01386 554299 E: valj@pershorevolunteers.org www.pershorevolunteers.org

Contact Val Jackman at Pershore Volunteer Centre for further details. You will also find more opportunities at www.do-it.org - the national volunteering website 20

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“This year, I’m going to start exercising.” “This year, I’m going to lose all my extra weight.” “This year, I’m going to take better care of myself.” For many people, exercise and nutrition are common “New Year’s resolution” topics. As a personal trainer, this is something I see every January. Full of good intentions, people flood to get started on new, healthier lifestyles. I give these people all the credit in the world; developing a healthy lifestyle positively influences almost every aspect of your life. It is something important to work toward. Some of these “resolutioners” are successful and form new habits. However, many people lose sight of their good intentions and fall back into old, unhealthy patterns. If a healthier 2014 is what you want, keep that desire s t r o n g throughout the year. New habits are not born overnight; you have to keep working at them. These are my top tips for a healthy new year. 22

Exercise 1. Do what you like. If you look forward to (or at least do not actively hate) a particular physical activity, do it. If you like tennis, find an indoor court. If you like dancing, look into dance-based workouts like Zumba. Do whatever will make you move. Just because you know things like running and jumping are great cardio does not mean they have to be your thing. If you like what you are doing, you will do it continually. If you do not like what you are doing, you won’t do it. If you are not sure what you would enjoy, try a variety of activities until you find one that sticks. 2. Formulate achievable goals and milestones. Instead of formulating your ultimate goal as what you are working toward, break your goal down into achievable milestones. If you want to lose 30 pounds, think of it as a goal of losing five pounds a month for six months. If you want to run five miles, try intervals of walking and jogging to get to the first mile, then the second, then and the third. Keep in mind that your goals may shift as you work towards them. 3. Share your goals with the people in your life. Having the support of others can both inspire you and hold you accountable.

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You won't want to report to your mother, child, or colleagues that you have given up on your goals. You will want to report that you are working hard to get what you want. You never know who will inspire you during this process. You may even inspire others to join you on your journey. 4. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let it stop you. People are often afraid to try something new. If there is a group exercise class you have been curious about, but haven’t gone because you are nervous about it, ask someone for more information. By finding out more about a teacher’s style and the format of the class, you will feel more mentally prepared and in control. I always get asked questions about my Body Conditioning Circuits classes, “Is it hard?” “Can anyone do it?” “Will I cope?”. What you have to remember is that all exercises can be tailored to suit your needs, then once you’ve attended a few classes and grasped the basics, you can then progress on to the more advanced versions ... should you want to! Nutrition 1. Combine lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and good fats when you eat. Separately, these are food groups that your body needs. Together, these food groups are powerhouses. Research shows that when eaten together, they will help you feel fuller for longer periods of time. The sum of these three factors is greater than its parts. Try eating an apple and some almonds as a snack and see how it makes you feel.

2. Keep a food diary. Before you can figure out how to amend your food intake patterns, you have to assess where you are starting from. By writing down everything you eat and how much you eat of it, you can start to look for patterns in your consumption. Maybe you get overly hungry, and then end up eating too much. Maybe you are a mindless snacker. Write down everything you eat for a week and review the information. Once you assess your food choices, there are small changes you can make that will add up to a big difference. 3. Think before you eat – why are you eating? Are you really hungry or are you eating because it is “dinner time” or you are bored? Most of the time we confuse thirst with hunger, try having a glass of water to suppress those hunger feelings, it may actually be that you’re thirsty rather then hungry. You should be aiming to drink at least 2 litres of water a day – more if you’re exercising. And remember, caffeine dehydrates you, so drinking cups of coffee all day really isn’t keeping you hydrated. Implementing some of these ideas may help you to achieve your 2014 goals. Stick to your re s o l u t i o n s , great things can happen! If you’re interested in Personal Training, Group Training or attending any of the Fitness Classes I run, go to www.almfitness. co.uk for SPECIAL NEW YEAR OFFERS! Or alternatively call Amy on 07740 366419 or email info@almfitness.co.uk

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Beef Bourguignon A hearty beef casserole for those chilly winter nights, full of flavour and delicious served with a full-bodied red wine. Serves 6-8 Ingredients 150g streaky bacon, chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 1 kg lean stewing steak, cubed 1 medium onion, sliced 1 tsp salt black pepper to taste 25g flour 750ml red wine 1 tbsp Tomato puree 600ml beef stock 2 cloves garlic, pureed 1/2 tsp thyme, dried or fresh 15-20 small onions 400g small mushrooms, sliced

Method •

In a casserole, sauté for 2-3mins to brown spoon.

the bacon in the oil over a moderate heat lightly. Remove to a side dish with a slotted

•

Fry the beef in the oil and bacon fat, then add to the bacon before browning the sliced onion.

•

Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with the salt and pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly. Place casserole uncovered in the middle of a preheated oven for 4 mins. Remove casserole, and turn oven down to 160°C 325°F Gas 2.

•

Stir in the wine, and enough stock so that the meat is barely covered. Add the tomato paste, garlic and herbs. Bring to simmering point on top of the stove. Then cover the casserole and place in lower part of a pre-heated oven. Simmer for 3-4 hours or until meat is tender.

•

While the beef is cooking, gently fry the small onions and mushrooms, then add them to the casserole before serving with green beans.

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Holy Island article & photography by Pamela Green

he Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a National Nature Reserve and the breeding place for migrating birds that pass through in spring, autumn and winter. The birds include Short Ear Owls and Light Bellied Brent Geese. Other species found include Wigeon, Greylag Geese, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Mallard, Teal and Pintail. Saint Cuthbertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite bird, the Eider (Cuddy) Duck is also a popular resident. Many waders, Thrushes, and Finches pass through in great numbers during the spring and autumn migrations. Common British Songbirds breed in the sand dunes, hedgerows and gardens.

very welcoming. It has a local Post Office, a school, general store, and you can purchase local produce grown on the island. The island also has many good cafes and restaurants. Fishermen still fish from the small harbour and their boats stand proud. Holy Island attracts many

pilgrims who come on a retreat, seeking spiritual renewal and refreshment. There are three churches The island is very interesting on the island and also two and charming. It has a retreat centres. Visitors come community of 150 residents. to see the stunning ruins of Yes, this is very small, but Lindisfarne Priory or visit the Castle. The peace and tranquillity attracts many people, as well as the beautiful wild flowers and views across the mudflats. Shifting sands and tides combine to Please mention THE VILLAGER when responding to advertisers

create the dunes, saltmarsh and mudflats. These can be spectacular when filled with thousands of feeding birds and a paradise for twitchers and photographers. Holy

Island is linked to the mainland by a causeway, which is covered by the sea twice each day. Safe crossing times are posted at each end of the causeway and you are asked to please respect the tides, do not take a chance or you will drive straight into the North Sea. Ignore the tides at your peril; like the couple who decided to park their car on the road and explore the island. The tide came in and covered their car triggering their headlights to come on. This in turn caused an alert and on finding the car unoccupied the lifeboat from Seahouses was launched and a coastguard helicopter was also scrambled to search for the occupants. After several hours of searching, the couple were discovered having dinner in the local restaurant; a very costly dinner! 27

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The most iconic cars of all time

here are certain cars - not necessarily expensive sports cars or even the best, most reliable or useful cars - which we all admire. Here we count down the ten most familiar, well loved and longed for cars around ..... consistently adapted the design to appeal to everyone from curve-loving 60s swingers to 1980s city boys.

Mini Cooper Ever since Michael Caine uttered the immortal line 'you were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off,' we've longed for our own super-sweet, utterly cool Mini Cooper. No other car is so recognisable or so adored by drivers here and all over the world. Jaguar E-Type Sensuous lines, come hither eyes and the ability to go like no other, the Jaguar E-Type is the car most men would sell their wives for. Sports Car International magazine named it the best car of the 1960s but many would argue it's the best of all time. VW Beetle The re-launch of the Volkswagen Beetle in the late 1990s disappointed many a fan of the original bug which was produced from 1938 to 2003. Uncomfortable seats, a lack of speed and roaringly noisy engine are among the problems which has seen the Beetle named among the worst cars of all time. But still we love them. Porsche 911 No Porsche manufactured since has lived up to the 911. But perhaps it's simply because few cars can better it for driveability or design - Porsche

Aston Martin DB9 Few new cars have captured the public imagination like the DB9, launched in 2004. Practically perfect in every way it lives up to previous DB incarnations and then some. A basic model may cost a similar price to a three bed terrace in South Wales but you know which you'd rather have!

Ford Escort MK1 Whilst modern Ford Escorts might be frowned upon by the chav-hating kids of the noughties the MK1 and MK2 models of the late sixties and seventies were everyman car perfection and remain a triumph of car design as far as retro-lovers and rally drivers are concerned. VW Golf GTI MK2 If there's one car which sums up the original boy racer it's the MK2 GTIs which rolled off the production line from 1984. Still picked up and souped up to this day there's just something about a white, convertible MK2 with rally lights.

VW Microbus Just packing up a bag, strapping your surfboard to the roof, loading The Beach Boys in to the tape deck and chugging down to Cornwall with all of your mates. It's every kids dream and, judging by the prices fetched by campers to this day, for many the dream doesn't fade. Citroen 2CV Only slightly less recognisable than a Mini or a Beetle, the 2CV is as French as baguettes, frogs legs and Chanel. A French village is indeed incomplete without a rusting 2CV or two. Girls love them, men tolerate them. If only because James Bond drove one in For Your Eyes Only. Morris Minor Traveller Once the preserve of countryside vicars and greying old ladies with fox terriers, the wood-framed Moggy Minor Traveller has, somehow, never been cooler. Whatever it is that makes us long for tweed and spotted dick has turned the Traveller from style-death to chicer-than.

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Sudoku

Trivia (answers on page 41)

Fill in the blank squares so that each line, each row and each mini square contains the numbers 1 - 9 without duplicating the same number in any row, line or square

What colour is malachite?

Which Oscar-winning movie score is Vangelis best known for?

Which European city's oldest bridge is Pont Neuf?

3 4

Which is the fastest sporting animal?

What is the fundemental unit of heredity?

Which is the largest of the Channel Islands?

What is the core of an atom called?

On what colour square is the zero on a rouletette wheel?

Which No. 1 Beatles hit was the only one to be sung by only one Beatle?

8 9 10 12 13 15 17 19 21 22 23 24

3 1

9 7

8 2

8 6

9 1

9 6

3 9

7 4

Coffee Break

ACROSS

Custom, practice (5) ___ City, historic Kansas cattle town (5) Portray (3,3) Strike with a cane (5) Item used to give someone a call (5) Let out breath (6) Twelfth Night charater who pretends to be a man (5) Jeremy ___, Brideshead Revisited star (5) Region around the North Pole (6) ___ Lionel Blue, Jewish broadcaster (5) Food smell (5) One who accompanies (6) Collective term for a group of foxes (5) In good time (5)

10. Who made his last public speech on 10th April 1865?

1 5

4 5 6 7

Firmly mark (4) Copy (9) Further, additional (5) The Naked ___, comedy movie (3) 11 Intense joy (7) 1

14 16 18 20 4

Information tag (5) Distinctive smell (5) Instrument that gives the user a mechanical advantage (4) Schindler's ___, Thomas Keneally book (3) 5

8 9

12 13

14 17

18 21

DOWN

1 2 3

Though (7) Code word between alpha and charlie (5) Expose yourself to danger (4,1,4)

22 23

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Inside/outside painting/decorating, window cleaning, guttering cleared Contact Richard

on 07841 866782 or richard@thelenches.org.uk

ora Weaver's talk at the Bishampton History Society's meeting on Elgar's Worcestershire years gave a fascinating insight into the composer's life, most of which he spent in the county. She became interested in Elgar when she discovered, whilst researching her family history, that Elgar had been engaged to Helen Weaver, one of Cora's antecedants. Helen later went on to break Elgar's heart.

lunatic asylum. It wasn't until 1888 when love finally found him again in the form of Alice Roberts, one of his pupils and a well-heeled lady eight years older than him. Despite some resistance from Alice's family, in 1889 they married, moving to London to try to get Edward more teaching work. However, this was unsuccessful and they returned to Malvern where he advertised for pupils and taught at The Mount School.

Cora introduced her talk by saying that Edward Elgar came from humble stock. Ann Greening and William Elgar, his parents originally lived close to the Cathedral in Worcester, where they had a son Harry, followed by a daughter Lucy. Elgar's mother inexplicably converted to Catholicism which in those days was enough to make you a pariah and excluded from family and friends, but for some reason this did not happen.

Cora said that Elgar never had to promote himself again, as his career took off; she gave an insight into how his mother had encouraged him to write music drawing on the Malvern Hills and surrounding countryside for inspiration. His first work, Caractacus, was followed by other works, the best known of which are Pomp & Circumstance and the Enigma Variations which were based on his closest friends. The couple had one daughter Carice.

So Elgar, who was the next to be born in 1857 in Broadheath, was brought up as a Catholic, together with his siblings, including another sister, Polly. Cora painted a fascinating picture of the composerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career including the fact that during his 75-year life, he moved from Worcester to Malvern and back several times, as well as living at times in Hereford and London. She explained that his father was a piano tuner and proprietor of a music shop in Edgar Street, Worcester. Elgar would write what he affectionately termed his 'shed music' for his woodwind quartet in the shed at the bottom of the garden when they lived in College precinct in Worcester. His schooling took place in Britannia Square where he learned piano, and then at Spetchley from the ages of eight to eleven where he and friend Hubert Leicester spent the next four years. He became head boy, leaving school at fiftenn, and was eventually offered a job teaching music.

Cora concluded her talk by saying that Elgar achieved fame and success later in life, and was knighted in 1904 by King Edward VII. For more details about the Bishampton History Society contact: Mike.Rickard@sky.com or Lesley Miller at lesleymiller3451@gmail.com www.bishampton.org.uk

Coraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk covered his a job as an organist at St. George's Church where he had been baptised, and then as bandmaster at the local 32 To advertise call 01684 833715 or 07754 170286 or visit www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

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Skip Hire We are renowned for our skip hire services in and around the surrounding area. Our service is secondto-none, our drivers are polite and considerate, and we always go the extra mile for our customers. BUT did you know that here at MHF (UK) Ltd we also sell and hire hook, cable and chainlift trucks and drawbar trailers? We are a major supplier of spares for demountables and have a wellequipped workshop and trained mechanics. SPECIALISTS IN GROUND DEMOUNTABLE HOOK & CABLE TRUCK HIRE ● SALES ● SPARES ● REFURBISHMENT ● CONTAINERS ● WASTE DISPOSAL Registered Office: Address as stated Incorporated in England Company Reg No. 2721020 VAT Reg. No. 770281436

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Thursday 2nd January Amphibians of Worcestershire & Beyond The Lyttelton Rooms, Malvern Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. Alan Shepherd is the principal ecologist with the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust consultancy team. He has a keen interest in and knowledge of amphibians. 7.30pm to 10pm. Mon 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th January Quiz Night at The Old Oak Pub Every Monday at 8.30pm. Free entry. First prize £30 cash. The Old Oak Pub, 40 Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton, Pershore WR10 2AP. Tel: 01905 840239 Sat 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th January Callow End Club Music Events 7th: Sam Eden 14th: The Chuck Harriot Trio 21st: Aquarius 31st: The Fabulous Offcutz Every Saturday night live at 9pm. Free entry, cheap beer & late bar. Callow End Club, Upton Road, Callow End, WR2 4TL Thursday 23rd January “Quiz in the Afternoon” at Tudor House Banish those post Christmas blues! Come and join a team, have fun and enjoy a cream tea in a fantastic Tudor Setting. Tickets £6 includes cream tea. 2pm. Tudor House, Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NA. Judy 01386 553536 / 01905 613309. www.tudorhouse.org.uk Saturday 25th January Bishampton History Society Tour of Evesham Almonry at 2pm. Details at www.bishampton.org.uk

Saturday 4th January Afternoon Concert Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra Welcome in the New Year with our traditional New Year’s Viennese Concert. A wonderful selection of world famous waltzes, polkas and marches; programme includes Die Fledermaus Overture, The Blue Danube and more. 2.30pm. £10, children free. Contact 01905 359247. Tickets at the door, Tourist Information Centres in Pershore, Worcester and Malvern, or from Blue and A La Carte in Pershore. Pershore Abbey, Pershore, WR10 1DT Friday 10th January Public Observing Bishop Perowne College, Worcester Worcester Astronomical Society. A chance to look at Jupiter, the Moon, nebulae and star clusters through a telescope, plus displays about astronomy. If cloudy, there will be an astronomy talk. 7.30pm to 10pm. Sunday 12th January Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Show It’s fun all the way as the "Purveyors of Cool" swing into town, with a sensational show featuring The Greatest Music Of The 20th Century! Wonderful memories of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Junior in a fabulous production that continues to be successful all over the world. 3pm to 5.30pm; 7.30pm to 10pm. Tickets £20. Tel: 01527 577330. Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1PQ. ww.artrix.co.uk/Music/Rat-PackVegas-Spectacular/365 Sat 11th, 18th, 25th & Sun 12th & 19th Jan Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The Norbury Players present: Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. This newly revised script based on the original Grimm Brothers' tale includes

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all the well-loved ingredients of traditional family pantomime. 2.30pm. Phone: 01905 770154. Tickets £10 (£8 concessions). Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED. More info at www.norburytheatre.co.uk Wednesday 15th, 22nd, 29th January Junior Hockey Training Droitwich Spa Hockey Club, Droitwich Droitwich Spa Hockey Club. Fun and energetic junior hockey training for children aged 7 to 16. All abilities welcome! 6.30pm to 7.30pm Saturday 18th January Alan Barnes/Allison Neale Quintet Top UK clarinet and saxophone star, Alan Barnes returns to Hanley Castle High School in the company of rising star Allison Neale, alto sax/flute with Rob Barrow, piano, Jeremy Brown, double bass, and Upton regular Steve Brown, drums. 8pm to 10.30pm. Phone: 01684 593794. Church End, Hanley Castle, Upton-upon-Severn, WR8 0BL Saturday 11th & 18th January Party Nights Re-visited Tree Tops Pavilion and Spring Grove House will be hosting a 'Party Night Revisited' on Saturday 11th January in Spring Grove House and Saturday 18th January in Tree Tops Pavilion. Booking essential. Please contact the events team on 01299 406397 or 01299 406460 or e-mail events@wmsp.co.uk for further information or to make your booking. Full payment is required and bookings for less than 8 people may have to share a table with other parties. West Midland Safari & Leisure Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley, DY12 1LF. www. springgrovehouse.co.uk Saturday 25th January St Martin’s informal Coffee Concert A musical coffee morning for charity: On

the birthday of Robbie Burns, Dampiers Round present a morning of Scottish folk music. Drop in for a cup of coffee or tea with homemade cakes and biscuits. All proceeds to the Alzheimer's Society. St Martin's Coffee Concerts are every 4th Saturday of the month. 10.30am to 11.30am, FREE entry with donations to the Alzheimer’s Society. St Martin’s Church, London Road, Worcester, WR5 2ED. www.stmartinsworcester.org.uk Sunday 26th January The Ramblers Group Walk Enjoy British wildlife on a Ramblers group walk. Distance 8.5 miles. Circular walk from Rochford nr. Tenbury Wells. Time 10am. Contact Ursula Woodhouse 01584 781376. Most walks are intended for Ramblers’ Association members. Non-members are welcome to join us as guests on two or three walks. The Ramblers group walk starting point. Grid Ref: SO632677 Worcestershire WR15 8SN. www.ramblers.co.uk/walksfinder/ walkInfo.php Sunday 26th January Evening of Clairvoyance with Julie Angel: International Psychic Medium After the presents ... feel the presence!! This exciting night includes an introduction to all things paranormal with International Psychic Medium Julie Angel. Julie gives messages of a psychic and mediumistic nature to people in the audience. This is a lighthearted evening suitable for believers and sceptics alike! Doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm start. Event closes at 11pm. Tickets £10 on the door. Private tarot readings available on the night; booking advisable. Call 01684 566944 to reserve your spot. The Portobello Pub, 139 Bransford Road, St. John’s, Worcester, WR2 4EZ. www.julieangelguest.co.uk

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The Malverns article & photograpghy by Brian Joyce

he Malverns have been designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty; a design which started over 300 million years ago with the uplift in rock formations forming the Malvern Hills, looking north to Worcester, east to the Vale of Evesham and west to Wales. Sometimes thought of as a single place, it is actually five locations that make up this sprawling metropolis straddling the hills: Great Malvern, Little Malvern, Malvern Wells, Malvern Link, and the lesser known West Malvern. Ever popular as a place of residence, the folks way back in the Iron and Bronze Ages settled the area and built a motte-and-bailey hill fort at the top of British Camp, around 1000BC. Although there is debate as to whether Caracticus made his last stand in and around the Malvern Hills or near Church Stretton, it is generally accepted that the Ancient Brits were responsible for the name Malvern, from moel-bryn which means the bare hill.

In more recent times, the area became famous for its natural spring water which still flows abundantly from a number of taps and spouts around the Hills. Until the bottling plant in Colwall closed in 2010, it produced around 12 million litres per year. The original Holy Well source was founded in 1622 after Queen Elizabeth I gave the spring to John Hornyold, which remained in his family until 1919. Dr John Wall's analysis of Malvern water in 1756 started Malvern's national fame as an hydrotherapy centre, although he is noted as having said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Malvern waters are famed for containing just nothing at allâ&#x20AC;?. The centre reached its peak in the mid1800's as doctors set up clinics in Malvern for wealthy Victorians, and J Schweppes sold Malvern Holy Well water at the great exhibition in 1851. The Hills have attracted many famous people to live in the area and to benefit from vistas, clear air and the natural spring water: 'The Cure'? One of the most famous includes Sir Edward Elgar who moved to

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Great Malvern in 1884; he died in 1934 and is buried in Little Malvern. Charles Darwin convalesced in Malvern and his daughter, Anne, died there and is now buried in Great Malvern Priory. Others included Professor Roget - of Thesaurus fame - who also lived here, died and is buried in West Malvern.

The many business and science parks scattered throughout the area clearly attest to Malvern also being a great place to work and establish businesses - The Morgan Motor Company - to name one, and my favourite. I simply love The Malverns for the peace and tranquillity, the walks and the fresh air .... all available in abundance.

S EE N FR ATIO OT QU

Lady Emily Foley [d.1900] owned the majority of the land around Malvern, and when it became known for the water cure, it also became a popular place to live and land for building houses became very sought after. Lady Emily insisted that land bought from her on which to build a house must be at least an acre in size, with a large number of trees planted around the houses, leaving a legacy of beautiful trees throughout the town.

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