The worcestershire grapevine october 2015 v2 by Betty-Ann Ambury

TThe Worcestershire

www.grapevinepublications.co.uk

October 2015 Issue No. 64

Your Free Magazine

BUSINESS EDITORIALS  HEALTH & BEAUTY  COFFEE BREAK  LOCAL EVENTS

GROOMING AT FERN'S â&#x20AC;˘

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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

I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ 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!

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Here are some of the Here are some of the mouthwatering dishes we offer Here are some of the mouthwatering dishes we offer mouthwatering dishes we offer

Quality lunches lunches every Sunday Quality

Quality lunches Quality lunches available available Opening Hours available every Sunday Monday 6pm to 9pm every Sunday Tues to every Thurs 12noon toSunday 3pm & 6pm to 11pm from 12 noon to 2.30pm Lively - Modern - Cosy atmosphere Good Food - Real Ales - Lunchtime Specials

Friday 12noon to 3pm to & 5pm to 11pm from 12 noon 2.30pm

Extensive menu withto a11pm selec�on of 12noon to fromSaturday 12 noon 2.30pm Extensive menu12noon withtoa9pm selec�on of starters, Sunday main courses and sweets Extensive menucourses with a and selec�on of starters, main sweets Meals Served starters, main courses and sweets Have you seen our fantas�c Tuesday to Friday 12noon to 2pm & 6pm to 9pm Have you seen our fantas�c Trip Advisor reviews? Have you seen our fantas�c Saturday 12noon to 2pm & 6pm to 9pm Trip Advisor reviews? Trip Advisor Sunday 12noon reviews? to 2.30pm The Dolphin, Main Street, Bishampton, WR10 2LX Tel: 01386 462343

Bloody Mary soup with warm homeMary madesoup breads £4.30 Bloody Bloody with warm homeMary madesoup breads £4.30 Hand salmonbreads with beetroot withsliced warmsmoked home made £4.30 andsmoked horseradish cream, Hand sliced salmon with beetroot Hand granary sliced salmon with£5.25 beetroot bread and butter andsmoked horseradish cream, and horseradish cream, granary bread and butter £5.25 Jumbogranary crevette and crayfish cocktail bread and butter £5.25£5.25 Bespoke curtains and blinds Jumbo crevette and crayfish cocktail £5.25 from design installation Bakedcrevette Cornish and Briecrayfish with chilli jamto£4.95 Jumbo cocktail £5.25 Baked Cornish Brie jam £4.95 Extensive range of fabrics, * *with * chilli Baked Cornish Brie with chilli jam £4.95 poles and all accessories * * Roast rib eye of* Herefordshire beef, * * Roller, Yorkshire pudding £12 Vertical Roast rib eye of* Herefordshire beef, & blinds Roast rib eye of Herefordshire Yorkshire puddingVenetian £12 beef, Roast loin ofpudding orchard£12 pork, Yorkshire Complete fitting service black stuffing £9.99 Roastpudding loin of orchard pork, Roastpudding loin of orchard black stuffing pork, £9.99 Roast black leg of pudding lamb andstuffing onion sauce £9.99 £9.99 Roast leg of lamb and onion sauce £9.99 Oliveleg oilof poached halibut, salsa The Old Smithy, Worcester Roast lamb and onion sauceverde £9.99 Road Grafton Flyford, sauté potatoes £10.50 Olive and oil poached halibut, salsaWorcs, verdeWR7 4PW Olive and oil poached halibut,£10.50 salsa verde sauté potatoes Bakedand field mushrooms with creamy potatoes s a le s @ ssauté u nf lowe r- s of t f£10.50 u r n i s h i n g s . co . u k Stilton saucemushrooms on Foccaciawith toastcreamy £8.95 Baked field T: 0 1 9 05 3 8 1 8 1 1 M :with 07 9creamy 76 6 4 0 3 07 Baked field mushrooms Stilton sauce on Foccacia toast £8.95 www.sunflower-softfurnishings.co.uk * * toast £8.95 Stilton sauce on* Foccacia * * * Home Made Sweets £4.70 * *Sweets * Home Made £4.70 Marmalade and Sweets chocolate bread Home Made £4.70 and butter pudding with custard Marmalade and chocolate bread Marmalade and chocolate bread and butter pudding with custard Vanilla creme with brûlée and butter pudding custard Vanilla creme brûlée Warm cake Vanillachocolate creme brûlée with home vanillacake ice cream Warmmade chocolate Warm chocolate cake Gas Gas safe safe registered registered Gas safe registered with home made vanilla ice cream Stickyhome toffeemade and banana pudding, with vanilla ice cream caramel sauce pudding, Sticky toffee and banana Landlord Landlord certificates certificates Landlord certificates Sticky toffee and banana caramel sauce pudding, caramel sauce Opening Hours:

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Find us on

Grapevine TThe Worcestershire

October 2015

Issue No. 64

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

Hello & Welcome ... To the October issue of The Worcestershire Grapevine ... only one more issue before the Christmas magazine, so start thinking about your Christmas advertising. This month I am very pleased to tell you that we (Grapevine Publications) have recently acquired the Ledbury Focus magazine, which you will soon be able to read online on our website www.grapevinepublications.co.uk. From January, we will be offering special rates to any of our advertisers who would like to advertise in both The Worcestershire Grapevine and the Ledbury Focus. On to this month's issue, and for anyone who who would like to know, the interesting specimen on the front cover is a lion fish, photographed at the National Aquarium in Qawra in St Paul's Bay, Malta.

Amy Marshall Fran Holder Lesley Miller Pamela Green

Photography

Front Cover & Pages 7, 38 & 39 Mike Ambury (photos page 7: St Michael's Mount, Cornwall  hollyhocks  collared dove  fungi growing on a tree  old grain mill at Craycombe Farm, Fladbury)

We still need someone to deliver the magazines in Flyford Flavell, so come on you youngsters ... take a break from your pc's and mobiles, get out in the fresh air and earn some pocket money.

Printers

The Village Shop in Bishampton has recently expanded into a small cafe, offering a range of meals throughout the week. Have a look at the centre pages for more details.

Next Issue Copy Date

St Richard's Hospice are again running their Lights of Love campaign, so if you'd like to remember someone, whilst supporting a worthy cause, give them a call.

DC Print (Yorkshire) Ltd Tel: 01977 642331

10th October 2015 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.

See you again next month. Keep well, and enjoy the magazine.

Betty

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

contents 8

Pershore High School

Brave the Shave

Cats Protection

The Queen

A Passionate Surprise

The Magic of Christmas

S'mores!

Chris James Cleaning

The Village Shop Bishampton

The Cheeseboard

King John & The Magna Carta

WMSP - New Species of Snake

Recipes

West Mercia Police

What's on in October

Lights of Love

Vegetable Gardens

Coffee Break

ALM Fitness

Community Contacts

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 2015

Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

EARLSCROOME

GARDEN CENTRE Fabrik THE

SHOP

24a Broad Street, Pershore

Tel: 01386 553 626

e: thefabrikshop@btinternet.com

Maeghan played International Polocrosse for Wales Pershore High School student, Maeghan Brown, was recently selected through stiff competition, to play for Wales in the Pony Club Polocrosse Home Nations International.

Stockists of:

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

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Specialist Humax Compost now available Specialist Humax Compost now available

Worcester Road (A38), Earls Croome, WR8 9DA Worcester Road (A38), Earls Croome, WR8 9DA Telephone: 01684 01684 592143 592143 Telephone:

Maeghan 13, from Peopleton, played some blinding matches in the Under 13 section and slammed home numerous goals to become the winning team in this section. Overall, with older sections aggregated, Wales finished as runners-up to England by a tiny margin, mainly due to the number of goals Maeghan scored. Mrs Brown said: “Maeghan has had the most amazing week and I would like to thank the school for supporting her with this fantastic achievement. It was a magnificent tournament and all the players from differing countries were all so well turned out. They got to walk in through the goal posts to a tunnel of supporters and all the horses stood calmly as the national anthems were played. Then the rough play commenced across a full two days, one of which was extremely wet and very cold making for some treacherous fast riding conditions.”

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Before

After

Hi, my name is Amy Marshall - you may know me from ALM Fitness - and I'd like to tell you about 'Brave the Shave', and why I chose to take part in it. During August, Macmillan Cancer support ran a campaign called ‘Brave the Shave’, where people shave off their hair to raise money to go towards supporting people with cancer. By braving the shave and raising money, Macmillan Cancer Support can be there for people with cancer and their families. Whether it's help with money worries, advice about work, listening when people just want to talk or have difficult questions, Macmillan is there. Why I did it My best friend asked me if I'd like to take part in ‘Brave the

Shave’ and support her in this challenge. This came at a time when a client of mine had recently told me she'd just found out she has breast cancer. So not only did I want to support my friend but I also wanted to support my client, and also millions of other cancer sufferers around the world. When I first agreed to take part I didn’t really think about it, but as the day grew closer I became more and more nervous, but I just reminded myself of the fact that I chose to shave my hair to raise money for a great cause,

whereas so many people don’t have that choice. Money Raised I set a target of £500 and I managed to reach that target and surpass it by far! The current total to date is £2170.53 and I am absolutely overwhelmed and speechless by everyone’s kind words and support. I know I have surpassed my original target, but why not try and raise as much as possible. If you’d like to donate to such a great cause then please visit: www.bravetheshave.org.uk/ shavers/amy-marshall

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

Dalton Bookkeeping Bookkeeping service based in Inkberrow

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

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Premier Paving & Driveways

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• Doreen Virtue Certified Angel Card Reader • Meditation Teacher • Angel Workshops

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CHASE Heating “Warming the heart of the community since 1969”

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Rayburn | Good Food | Hot Baths | Warm Home

Everhot Cookers The Electric Range We are now suppliers of Everhot Cookers Visit our showroom to see working models on display or call now to request a brochure…

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STOCKISTS of top brands

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Rayburn Cookers on display including working models

HETAS Reg number 1981

Installation available from our qualified HETAS engineers Like us on Facebook Chase Heating Ltd

Chase Heating Ltd Racecourse Road, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 2EY Tel: +44 (0)1386 555 333 Fax: +44 (0)1386 552 269 E-mail: sales@chaseheating.co.uk www.chaseheating.co.uk Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

New Job ...

A passenger in a taxi heading for the airport, leaned over to ask the driver a question and gently tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. The driver screamed, lost control of the cab, nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb and stopped inches from a large plate glass window.

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For a few moments everything was silent in the cab. Then, the shaking driver said, "Are you OK? I'm so sorry, but you scared the living daylights out of me." The badly shaken passenger apologized to the driver and said, "I didn't realize that a mere tap on the shoulder would startle someone so badly." The driver replied, "No, no, I'm the one who is sorry, it's entirely my fault. Today is my very first day driving a cab ... I've been driving a hearse for the last 25 years!"

Marshalls of Evesham Marshalls of Evesham LtdLtd

Car Commercial and Commercial Vehicle Repairs Car and Vehicle Repairs www.marshallsofevesham.co.uk www.marshallsofevesham.co.uk

MOT Aircon Repairs MOT andand Aircon Repairs etcetc Maintenance Contracts Available Maintenance Contracts Available Marshalls of Evesham Ltd

and Commercial Vehicle Repairs Car, Van & Commercial Vehicle Repairs Car,Car Van & Commercial Vehicle Repairs www.marshallsofevesham.co.uk Contact Brian or Des Contact Brian or Des on on MOT and Aircon Repairs etc 01386 556808 01386 556808 07836 217354 07836 217354 Marshalls of Evesham Ltd Maintenance Contracts Available

E: brian@marshallsofevesham.co.uk E: brian@marshallsofevesham.co.uk Car and Commercial Vehicle Repairs Throckmorton, Pershore, Pershore Airﬁeld, Throckmorton, Pershore, WR10WR10 2JH 2JH Car,Pershore Van &Airﬁeld, Commercial Vehicle Repairs www.marshallsofevesham.co.uk

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J is a cat that loves to have lots of attention and gets it by being vocal • JJ is a cat that loves to have lots of attention nd extremely affectionate too!

and gets it by being vocal and extremely affectionate too! Visit us or call:

• Thomas is a senior cat.  Thomas is a senior cat.  He• has put weight on while staying with us and He has put on weight while staying therefore needs a loving home where he can with us and therefore needs a spendloving home where he can spend time outdoors and get some exercise! time outdoors and get some exercise!

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 Grace is a confident cat despite havi  Thomas is a senior cat. She needs a home a road accident.  He has put weight on while staying with us and

Grace is a confident cat despite having just three legs after losing one in • Grace is a confident cat despite having just road accident. She needs a home where she can be safe and enjoy life.

three legs after losing one in a road accident. • She needs a home where she can be safe needs a loving home where he can and enjoy life.therefore Visit us or call:

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Could you offer JJ, Thomas or Grace a home? Visit us or call: Please Please mention mention THE THE WORCESTERSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE GRAPEVINE when when responding responding to to advertisers advertisers

Visit us 15 15

Her Majesty Queen Eliza

orn 21st April 1926, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, became Queen Elizabeth II upon accession to the throne in 1952.

nannies etc. The exception to this has always been the Christmas holidays which are usually spent at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk surrounded by family and corgis.

Not only the leader of the Commonwealth but head of state of 16 nations, head of the armed forces and the Church of England, we sometimes forget that she has also been a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and now a great-grandmother.

Classical stereotypes of the 1950s were discarded with the Queen being the bread winner of the family, and retaining her family name of Windsor, although some years later it was changed to Mountbatten-Windsor. She has encountered and overcome some chauvinistic views about the proper place of women in society; her father, for one, was against her participation in the war when she drove a truck and was trained as a mechanic. Her Majesty has met each of these challenges with a sense of purpose and firm resolution and has made changes to the monarchy to move with the times in reducing royal expenses, changing the royal succession acts and opening up Buckingham palace to the public.

As a mother and probably one of the first modern working mums, that ever present struggle to balance her domestic and familial responsibilities with those of her professional obligations has meant that her family has generally come second despite helpers,

The engagement between Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten RN was announced on the 9th July, 1947. Prince Philip of Greece & Denmark joined the Royal Navy in 1939, and in February 1947 became a naturalised British subject.

Her Majesty is now the oldest serving monarch worldwide and Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest serving ruler, having surpassed Queen Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reign of 63 years and 7 months on 9th September 2015.

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

abeth II ... Queen, wife and mother article by Brian Joyce

A constant throughout her reign, Her Majesty stated “Prince Philip is, I believe, well known for declining compliments of any kind. But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.” The Queen and Prince Phillip have four children: Prince Charles (first in line and heir to the throne), Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. In addition to four children, the Queen and Prince Phillip have eight grand-children, and with the recent births of Prince George and Princess Charlotte to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, they also have four great-grand-children … family gatherings are now a very crowded affair, methinks? The Queen has been married for over 68 years and is now approaching the grand age of 90 on her next birthday (unofficial, since the Queen has two each year). This lady has dedicated her life to the service of our country, epitomised by her speech at the age of 21 in which she stated, “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our imperial family to which we all belong.” Now, that is commitment. This service has seen the Queen visit over 116 different countries around the world and

all without a passport – one on the perks of being a monarch! Sadly, things have not always gone smoothly for the royal family as demonstrated during the annus horribilis in 1992 with marriages breaking down, the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997 and then the deaths of both the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret in 2002. Yet, for all of those challenges, the commitment and dedication remains, as this remarkable lady of style and elegance fulfills her duties with willingness, sense of duty and a smile. Always stylishly dressed, the Queen makes a point of never wearing a wide-brimmed hat so that her people might see her clearly when out and about in public. I wonder just how many hands she has shaken in the line of duty (mine amongst them), speeches made, how many banquets and dinners she has hosted and attended, and all in the name of this grand and glorious country. What a lady – long may she continue to reign. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has set the bar extremely high and will be a very hard act to follow.

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A Passionate Surprise article & photography by Pamela Green

y husband and I have lived in our little bungalow for three years and in this time we have filled the garden with beautiful flowers and plants, but this summer we had the most wonderful surprise.

whether they had planted it. To our astonishment we found that nothing had ever grown in that position before. The only other explanation for its presence was that a bird had dropped a seed, but oh what a gift.

America, Asia, New Guinea, New Zealand, and they even grow wild in Spain. We found that in this country it was classed as a greenhouse plant and not usually grown outdoors, only in very sheltered places or milder areas.

One morning I noticed a trailing plant growing up our side fence. It was covered with huge bell shaped buds clinging to our fence. As we hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t planted anything, we waited in anticipation to see what the vine would produce. In just a few days the most beautiful blooms of a passionflower appeared.

A passion flower (Lat Flos Passion), is one of the most amazing examples of beauty mother nature has ever produced. We explored the Internet for more information about this lovely plant that had suddenly appeared from nowhere.

We watched as the flowers faded and died but others soon opened, and much to our delight our fence had lovely flowers everywhere. Sadly all things must end and soon our daily viewings were all in vain, no more flowers appeared. Two weeks went by, and small egg shaped fruit appeared. The fruits are dark green in colour and quite firm to touch. On the Internet it says that the fruit must ripen or can cause stomach upsets, so unsure if they are edible. We are also not certain if the vine will grow again next year but we will count ourselves very lucky if it does.

As novice gardeners we would never plant anything quite so exotic as a passionflower. We wondered where it had come from and questioned some of our neighbours about the previous occupants and

It seems a Jesuit missionary first discovered the passionflower in the 17th century. Its unique anatomy is not found on any other flower and is said to symbolically represent the events of the last to days of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; life. The flower is mostly found in tropical countries such as South

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Tuesday Afternoon Tea Club invites you to a

Christmas Flower Arranging Demonstration by

Andrew Lloyd (National Flower Arranger)

“The Magic of Christmas” On

Friday 13th November 2015 at Inkberrow Village Hall - Sands Road Doors open at 6.30 pm - Starts at 7.30 pm £10.00 to include a glass of wine A donation will be made to Inkberrow Church Fabric Fund and Macmillan Cancer Support

Tickets available from Carole Husband on 01386 792396 or Pat Edwards on 01386 792654

n Friday 13th November 2016 all roads will lead to Inkberrow Village Hall in Sands Road, Inkberrow where Andrew Lloyd a National Flower Arranger from Stourbridge will be demonstrating “The Magic of Christmas”. Andrew is well known in the flower arranging world for his imaginative, creative and inspirational work with flowers.

He travels the length and breadth of the British Isles performing his demonstrations. In October he will be demonstrating in Ross-on-Wye for the Area President’s Day, a prestigious event in the flower arranging calendar. He is also kept very busy with his flower shop in Stourbridge – “Flowers by Andrew”.

This event in November will put us all in the mood for Christmas while raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Inkberrow Church Fabric Appeal. Tickets for this event cost £10 to include a glass of wine and are available from Carol Husband on (01386) 792396. Please book your ticket early to avoid disappointment.

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

Special for October is:

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Worcestershire Chef Creates British Version of US Smores

he Brits are challenging the Americans at their own game. S'mores - a toasted marshmallow, chocolate and Graham Cracker sandwich - are as American as the star-spangled banner. But Celebrity Chef Felice Tocchini (pictured above) has teamed up with British log manufacturer - www.certainlywood.co.uk - to create an all-British gourmet version of this campfire treat. Felice Tocchini has come up with a British take on the square Graham Cracker used in S'mores, as they are not available over here (most people use digestives, but their round shape isn't ideal for a sandwich). Felice created a tastier, healthier version using only six ingredients, unlike the original, which features over 10 including artificial flavouring. To complete the gourmet taste, British artisan marshmallows from www.marshmallowdeli.co.uk 22

and milk chocolate by Leicester's www.cocoaamore have been added to the recipe. A blind taste test of British versus American Smores found nearly 100% of people sampled found the former more sophisticated and moreish than its counterpart across the pond. S'mores are the focus of Certainly Wood's Get Outdoors With S'mores campaign, which encourages parents to get their children out of the house enjoying the great outdoors all year round. Their campaign features are all sorts of ideas from building a den to creating the perfect campfire on which to cook a range of delights including British S'mores. Find out more about the Get Outdoors With S'mores campaign at http://www.certainly wood. co.uk/blog/category/get-outdoors-with-smores/

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Simon Haines Construction Services Ltd

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Computer Problems? -

PC repairs and upgrades Spyware and virus removal Health checks and PC servicing Website design and site marketing PC’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:

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portable machine it means the drying times are considerably reduced.

About your carpets On a daily basis your carpet is subject to more wear and tear than any other item in your home which can affect its overall appearance. Soil and grit walked into the home daily can quickly damage carpet fibres leading to premature wear. Most manufacturers recommend that carpets and upholstery are professionally cleaned every 12-18 months. Allowing soil to build up will significantly reduce the life of a carpet

About us : Chris James Cleaning Chris James Cleaning is a family run carpet cleaning service based in Pershore, Worcestershire that strives to surpass our customers’ expectations in all that we do. We have invested heavily over the years in the latest carpet cleaning equipment and training, to provide the best possible cleaning results, whilst maintaining the highest level of care, consideration and professionalism at all times. With our equipment and expertise we remove not only the dirt, but also shampoo residue and water from your carpet, so that your carpets stay cleaner for longer. Unlike professional carpet cleaning, most rented carpet cleaning equipment leave carpets wet with detergent residue.

Please call us or visit our website to book a free no obligation quote.

Tel: 01386 640595

www.chrisjamescleaning.co.uk Your local carpet and upholstery cleaning specialists Carpet and upholstery cleaning Stain removal and prevention Allergy and odour elimination Leather cleaning Stone, tile and grout cleaning Commercial/ landlord and tenancy cleaning

Our Equipment The equipment that we use is a British-built ‘Phoenix 450’ Truck Mount Hot Water Extraction System which is up to 200 times more powerful than a portable extraction machine. The machine has a built-in collection tank to store and carry fresh and waste water, with its own power supply – so no need to use your water or electricity. Only the vacuum hose and pre-treatment equipment are brought into your home or premises, and because it extracts water more effectively than any 24

Our Services  Carpet cleaning  Upholstery cleaning  Stain removal and prevention  Allergy and odour elimination  Leather cleaning  Commercial carpet cleaning  Landlord/tenancy cleaning  Stone tile and grout cleaning

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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:

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Car owner essential Experience preferred but not essential as training provided Good rates of pay plus mileage allowance Call our friendly team for an intial chat on 01386 764830 (weekdays between 8-30am and 5pm) or email worcesterandwychavon@bluebirdcare.co.uk

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

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ive years ago however, when the couple running the shop decided to retire and no-one came forward to take it over, it seemed for a while that Bishampton’s heart would stop beating. Luckily, the Parish Council – with the backing and support of the villagers – decided to buy the shop and look for new managers.

As with many villages, The Village Shop in Bishampton is very much a central meeting point, and could be described as the “heart” of the village.

Fast forward to the middle of 2013, and enter Ajmal Hanif – enthusiastic, entrepreneurial and imaginative – just what the village shop needed! Ajmal has been running The Village Shop for over two years now, and under his expert guidance, it has gone from being a little shop selling bread and milk and newspapers, to something much, much more. Ajmal didn’t want to just sell bread and milk and newspapers; he wanted his shop to provide delicious home- baked cakes, fresh every day; fruit and vegetables from local suppliers; mouth-watering sauces; heavenly ice creams … as well as the everyday necessities. But he didn’t stop there. Ajmal’s next addition to the shop was the introduction of frozen meals – not just the usual “meat-and-two-veg” type of frozen meal you get from the supermarket: these were home-made, haute cuisine meals, worthy of any restaurant.

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

The Village Shop & Cafe Bishampton ... your favourite local 'meet & greet' spot

From there of course, it was a short step to turning part of the shop into a café. With the help of local contractors, Ajmal converted part of the shop into a delightful mini restaurant, with half a dozen simple wooden tables and chairs, giving a fresh airy look to the place. There’s a cosy little nook with a large, comfortable leather sofa, where you can enjoy a coffee and read the paper. From Monday to Thursday, the café serves simple, wholesome meals, such as fish & chips, burgers, steak and so on. Friday and Saturday is ‘Indian’ night, and Sunday there’s an ‘Indian’ lunch. And of course, there are the usual teas and coffees, and a selection of cakes and pastries throughout the week. The café also provides the perfect meeting place for local groups - in the picture on the left are members of the Bishampton History Society research group. With comfortable tables and chairs, tea, coffee and snacks reaily available ... what more could you want?

So if you are looking for a pleasant, quiet place for lunch or dinner, then why not come along to The Village Shop at Bishampton as a change from the noise and hubbub of a pub or restaurant; enjoy a juicy steak with all the trimmings, or treat yourself to a mouthwatering traditional Indian dish. Next month we'll be featuring the menu and some of the specials on offer at the shop.

Opening times for evening and weekend meals at the café are: Monday to Thursday: 4pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday: 6pm to 9pm Sunday: 12 noon to 4pm

T: 01386 462873 M: 07880 981635 Main Street, Bishampton, WR10 2LX

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The Cheeseboard 100 Barnard's Green, Malvern, WR14 3ND

01684 891900

Isle of Mull by Andrew Brooks

trong, fruity and brooding, Isle of Mull is an extremely tasty mature farmhouse cheddar with a long taste and flavour.

Made by the Isle of Mull cheese company in Tobermory, this cheese is made using unpasteurized cows milk with vegetarian rennet and matured for ten months. One of the distinctive features of this cheese is its colour. Whereas most British cheddars are insipid or rich in yellows, Isle of Mull is more ivory in colour, and herein lies its instant attraction. This ivory veneer gives off a sense of what the palate may expect.

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Isle of Mull is a complex cheese which evokes a plethora of tastes; deep and strong, and at times quite severe on the palate, but rewarding when fully devoured. The prominent overtones of grass and fruit are due to the cows having their feed supplemented by leftover fermented grain supplied by the nearby Tobermory malt whisky distillery.

www.cheeseboardmalvern.co.uk 28

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

Berkeley The

Evesham Road, Worcester, WR7 4QL Tel: 01905 345269 Email: info@theberkeleyworcester.co.uk www.theberkeleyworcester.co.uk Food Served 9am until 9pm everyday

Christmas and New Year atThe Berkeley Party nights from £21.95 per person Festive Lunches from £12.95 per person Christmas Day Lunch £59.95 per person New Years Eve - Michael Buble Tribute £39.95 per person Bookings now being taken

Star Inn, Bridge Street Pershore, WR10 1AJ, Tel: 01386 561356 Food Served 12noon until 9pm everyday

Dining Offer

2 courses and a drink for only £12.95 per person Available Monday to Thursday 12 noon to 7pm

Pasta & Prosecco £12.50 per person

Dining Offer

Every Tuesday 12noon until 9pm Choose from 4 tasty pasta dishes whilst enjoying a glass of Prosecco

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Sunday Lunch October Offer

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October 30th - Tina Turner November 27th - ABBA January 22nd - Jersey Boys February 26th - Rod Stewart March 25th - Take That All Tribute Nights £29.95 per person including 3-course meal

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Christmas

at The Star Inn

Festive Lunches from £12.95 per person Festive Dinners From £19.95 per person Christmas Day Lunch £49.95 per person For more details please phone or call in.

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The Home Care Specialists

Do you need a Helping Hand? If you are looking for an alternative to residential care or extra support for those everyday tasks that are becoming difficult for you or a loved one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help - from 30 minutes per week to Live-in Care. Our Worcestershire care team has been providing award winning quality homecare since 1989 and can help with: personal care, housekeeping, help getting around or even to provide a break to an existing family member or care-giver.

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King John & the Magna Carta An illustrated talk at St. James' Church, Bishampton on Friday 16th October 2015 at 7pm for 7.30pm

etired science teacher Howard Robinson BSc is a regular presenter of illustrated talks reflecting his passion on certain periods of history and gives guided walks at Worcester Cathedral where King John is buried. A direct descendant of Oliver Cromwell and the Plantagenets, he will be providing his own interpretation of the background to the Magna Carta as a final event to the Friends of St. James’ programme this year. The fascinating talk will cover the descent of King John, (the great-great grandson of William the Conqueror) and his back-ground, including his immediate family (his parents: Henry II, Plantagenet ruler of the Angevin Empire, and Eleanor of Aquitaine; his brother: Richard the Lion Heart) as well as his education at Fontevraud Abbey in France. Howard will then turn to King John’s predicament having taking over a bankrupt economy (similar to that of Greece today), and the twists of fate following the death of his brother, Richard

and his subsequent differences with the King of France (hence his loss of French lands); the Pope over his own choice of Archbishop of Canterbury and finally the English Barons, all of which led to the creation of Magna Carta.

drink on arrival. For tickets/information please email fosj@ Bishampton.org.uk or telephone Eric Carter on 01386 462847. Website: http://fosj.no-ip.biz

The talk, will be divided into two 45 minute sections, with an opportunity for questions with final reference as to how the Magna Carta still affects us in this day and age. Tickets are £10 each for adults (£5 for children accompanied by an adult), to include a glass of wine/soft

Howard Robinson BSc

King John's tomb in Worcester Cathedral

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Safari Park Snake Man finds New Species of Snake

ark O'Shea, the Consultant Curator of Reptiles at West Midland Safari Park, is proud as punch. He has just had a scientific paper published in the highly respected Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) at Harvard University in the United States. Mark led a team that described an entirely new species of venomous snake from Papua New Guinea. The new snake has been named Toxicocalamus ernstmayri in honour of the famous German biologist and Darwinian scholar Ernst Mayr (1904-2005) who was Director of MCZ from 1961-1970.

Christmas 1969, in the remote Star Mountains of central New Guinea, and handed to one of Mark's co-authors, Fred Parker, who was a "kiap", an Australian Government Patrol Officer during the 1960-70s. The snake was initially misidentified as a different species, the highly venomous New Guinea small-eyed snake Micropechis ikaheka, and so it remained in the collection of MCZ until Mark spotted it in its jar during a visit to MCZ in May 2014.

The paper is titled: O'Shea Mark, Fred Parker & Hinrich Kaiser 2015 A New Species of New Guinea Worm-eating Snake, Genus Toxicocalamus (Serpentes: Elapidae), from the Star Mountains of Western Province, Papua New Guinea, with a Revised Dichotomous Key to the Genus.

The irony of the find was that Mark had been awarded a much coveted Ernst Mayr Travel Award by Harvard University, to enable him to visit MCZ and other important US museums to examine specimens of the genus Toxicocalamus as part of a larger project. He had finished working on the Toxicocalamus in the collection and had some spare time so he turned his attention to

The only known specimen of T. ernstmayri, a 1.1m female, was killed by a villager two days before 32

One other interesting discovery about this snake was that despite being venomous the snakes of the genus Toxicocalamus are only thought to prey on the giant earthworms that occur in New Guinea. This specimen contained an earthworm almost half a metre long.

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"Naming the specimen in honour of the late Professor Ernst Mayr seemed a logical conclusion," said Mark, "because had it not been for his award I would never have been at the MCZ in the first place". And like Mark, Prof Mayr had conducted extensive fieldwork in Papua New Guinea, albeit on birds, whilst Mark's ten expeditions to PNG have all been about reptiles. So what next for Mark? "Well two things mainly; I continue working on the second edition of my field guide to New Guinea snakes, and I am writing a paper to describe another species of Toxicocalamus, which I found hidden in the collection of the Bishop Museum, Honolulu when I was in Hawaii last July for an IUCN workshop. It all goes to prove you can find new species in the wild and also in the world's museums - you just need to know what you are looking at". Mark will be at West Midland Safari Park presenting the Reptile Encounters at the weekends, throughout the remainder of the summer. Download Mark's publications including this paper: https://wlv.academia.edu/MarkOShea Mark's website: www.markoshea.info

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another genus of interest, Micropechis, and when he took the two dozen jars down off the shelves he immediately spotted the mislabeled specimen.

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Tomato & Pepper Tapenade Bruschetta

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar Sea salt & fresh cracked black pepper Sourdough or Italian bread, thickly sliced Extra virgin olive oil Garlic clove Freshly grated parmesan cheese • Combine tomatoes, peppers, olives, capers and pepper flakes in saucepan and cook over low heat to warm. • Strain mixture in large strainer and allow liquid to drain away. • Place mixture in bowl and combine with basil, parsley, olive oil and vinegar. • Season, stir and set aside.

6 fresh plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped 3 red peppers, roasted and chopped 6 Kalamata olives, chopped 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and chopped 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 1 tablespoon basil, chiffonade, parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Roasted Radishes & Lemon

• To make bruschetta - grill or toast slices of bread and rub with garlic clove. • Place on serving platter, drizzle with remaining oil and sprinkle with sea salt. • Place large spoonful of tapenade on each toast piece and sprinkle with parmesan.

Serves 4 as a starter, 2 as a main meal

2 bunches of radishes 2 tablespoons olive oil Small handful coarse salt 1 lemon • Heat oven to 2000C, gas mark 6. • Scrub radishes, chop off green tops and cut each in half vertically. • Toss radishes with olive oil and lay cut-side down on baking tray. • Sprinkle liberally with coarse salt. • Roast for 15 minutes, tossing halfway through.

• Cut lemon, squeeze over radishes and serve with lemon wedge. Radishes aren't just for salads! Roasting brings out their sweet, earthy flavour to widen your roasted vegetables menu. Serves 4 as a side dish 34 To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

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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 Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

Message from Police Inspector Bob Barnett As summer is drawing to a close (what summer!) the nights are drawing in and unfortunately more than bats come out in the dark. West Mercia Police will be launching its annual ‘Lighting Up’ campaign during October. When you leave your house remember to lock it securely, as well as leave some lights on. If you are going away or know you will be back after dark, use timer switches as an effective tool to turn lights on. A lit house is always a deterrent to anyone thinking of stealing from you. They can be purchased quite reasonably from most supermarkets or DIY outlets as well as via the internet. The beginning of October sees the start of National Rogue Trader week. A ‘rogue trader’ is someone who cold calls you and who tries to get you to agree to work being done there and then. This is a criminal offence. They normally want payment in cash and will offer to take you to the bank to collect the money. In many cases the people who do it also take the opportunity to steal from residents. They normally target vulnerable people, so if you see strange vehicles or people at a vulnerable neighbour’s house and you have any concerns, take the registration number and description of the people there. There are strict penalties for traders who break the law in this respect. Anyone with information about such traders can ring the police or Worcestershire Councils Trading Standards Team. Guidance – Fraud, Tricks and Scams Criminals around the world are trying to use the Home Office name to steal money from people. They use a number of tricks, often known as ‘scams’. This page tells you about the tricks known about and gives advice on protecting yourself. More at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ frauds-tricks-and-scams/fraud-tricks-and-scams

between the Safer Neighbourhood Policing Teams, local Councillors and partners. PACT meetings are your chance to raise issues affecting your local area. The meetings are open public meetings held every Tuesday at No. 8 in Pershore, from 1pm to 2.30pm, and allow the community the chance to raise issues and discuss what is important to them. The meetings will consist of a formal PACT panel, comprising of a key stakeholders from within the community, such as local councillors, district councillors, youth services and other voluntary and statutory bodies, including the police. At the meeting, locally agreed priorities will be taken on by the Panel to tackle in the forth coming month(s), and all actions and results will be reported back at the next meeting, where future priorities can be set. How do I report bad driving? Being a victim of bad driving includes any situation where you have been made to feel unsafe by the actions of other drivers on the road. Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police receive around 25 calls every day from people reporting bad driving. Often the information given to police by witnesses or victims is not enough to prosecute the offender. What can you do? If you are involved in an incident of bad driving which does not end in a collision, you will need to do the following: • record the registration number and description of the vehicle(s) involved; • take details of witnesses - these can be pedestrians or people travelling in other vehicles who saw the incident; other people in your vehicle will not count if you know them. Whilst we appreciate your time and commitment in relation to reporting any incident of bad driving,

Partners And Communities Together (PACT) meetings are regular meetings organised jointly 36 To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

you should be made aware that in order to meet the criteria for the alleged offender to appear in court, the evidence you alone provide will not be sufficient; • call us on 101 or visit your local police station to report the incident. What will the police do? A report of your incident will be recorded on a police computer system. As your report is taken, you will be asked three questions: 1. Do you have the registration number of the other vehicle(s)? 2. Do you have details of any independent witnesses? 3. Are you prepared to go to court to support proceedings? If you answer 'no' to any of these questions, there will be no investigation into the incident. If you answer 'yes' to these questions, the form can be downloaded here: https://www.westmercia. police.uk/article/6617/Allegation-of-BadDriving-Form, completed and returned to the police within 10 days of the incident. The information provided on the forms will help the police to decide if there is sufficient evidence of an offence, which can be investigated and prosecuted. We will then contact the witness(es). If further information is needed for an investigation, you will be contacted and you will be kept informed about the progress of your case. If the information you and the other witnesses provide is not enough to enable police to investigate, you will be notified of this result in writing. However, if you have the registration number and description of vehicle(s), this may be given to local officers on patrol and roads policing officers for observations. The details of the vehicle(s) will also be kept by police as intelligence and will help inform officers should the vehicle(s) be involved in another incident. View our new Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police websites at: www.warwickshire.police.uk and www.westmercia.police.uk

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Servicing • MOT Repairs Clutch & Brake Repairs Welding • Diagnostics Tel: 01386 550013 Mob: 07850 550238 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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Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October The Malvern Caravan Show, Malvern Large trade area full of caravans, motorhomes and accessories. Family activities such as Dog Show, Tray bake competition & Lawn games. Evening entertainment for two nights. 10am - 5pm. Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW. Tel: 01684 584924. www.threecounties.co.uk/ caravanshow/ Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th October Hanbury Hall & Gardens - Apple Weekend Purchase delicious home-grown apples from Hanbury's orchards and talk to the experts. Also see the Worcestershire Woodturners in the Long Gallery with their beautiful crafts. Booking not needed. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Gates open 10.30am to 5pm. General Admission Prices Apply. Tel: 01527 821214 - Rachael Trimm. School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich Spa, WR9 7EA. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events Saturday 3rd October Hollywood Bees - Music of the Hollies A must for all Hollies fans, Essential Hollies is a celebration of the band that had more hits than The Beatles. The Hollywood Bees perform a warm and nostalgic two-hour show featuring timeless hits from the early years, reminding you of the greatest music decade ever! 7.30pm. Tickets £16. Box Office 01905 611427. Huntington Hall, Crowngate, Worcester, WR1 3LD. www. worcesterlive.co.uk, www.holliestribute.com Saturday 3rd October Pershore & District U3A Open Day No longer in full-time employment? Come to our Open Day 10.30am to 1pm in Pershore Town Hall to find out what we offer. Refreshments, displays, live events. Call Barbara on 01386 553497 for more details. Sunday 4th October The Wife & The Gallows... and Other Telling Tales Northumberland Theatre Company with an evening of six tale-telling misadventures with comic, swashbuckling, sad and bawdy traditional stories, linked through character, music and song. An evening to delight, enchant and entertain with music, song and plenty of humour. One of our favourite theatre companies returns with this inventive romp. 7.30pm (doors open 7pm -

licensed Bar). Tickets £10 - book online, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Village Shop or The Rose & Crown in Feckenham. Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham, nr Redditch, B96 6HN. www.feckenodeon.co.uk/ shindig.htm Sunday 4th October Fold Earth Fest With over 60 stalls including amazing food and drink, arts and crafts, demonstrations from truly talented crafts men and women plus a full day of live music and dance this ‘Festival in a Day’ is set to be a real treat for the senses. 10am to 4pm. £4 per adult, under 16’s go free. Tel: 01886 833633. The Fold, Bransford, WR6 5JB. www.thefold.org.uk Tuesday 6th October An evening with Monty Don Monty Don is a renowned gardening writer and BBC television presenter and the nations favourite and most respected gardener. Hear him speak about his life and travels visiting gardens all over the world, what really happens behind the scenes when filming, about how he made his own organic garden from a bare field. Tel: 01905 611427. £20. Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate, Worcester, WR1 3LD. www.worcesterlive.co.uk/ events_review.asp Wednesday 7th October Defensive Gardening at a Time of Climate Change A talk by David Cropp, who is author of several books including 'The Lost Gardener' Thomas W. sanders 1855-1926'. 7.30pm. Free parking and disabled access. Free for members, £2 for nonmembers. Raffle and refreshments. Tel: 07854 362318. Bishampton Villages Hall, Bishampton, WR10 2LY. www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk Friday 9th October Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice's hit family musical retelling Joseph's tale. Another awesome show by Evesham's ever-talented Phoenix Theatre Group, providing quality amateur theatre in Evesham for 25 years! 7.30pm. £12 per person. Tel: 01386 446944. Victoria Avenue, Greenhill, Evesham, WR11 4QH. Friday 16th October Live Ferret Racing Live Ferret racing, including a fish and chip supper.

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What's on in October Cash bar with local ales. A great family friendly event. 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tickets £15 pp (including fish and chip supper). Tel: 01905 763963. Norton Parish Village Hall, Littleworth, WR5 2QB. www.strichards.org.uk/events

dark. Ticket price includes a drink and cake. Booking Essential. 6pm to 8pm. For more details please phone 01905 370005 Becky Wilks - Events Officer. Croome, nr High Green, Worcester, WR8 9DW. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Friday 16th October Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Quiz night Avoncroft Art centre in Stoke Heath. £28.00 for teams of 4, includes fish and chips. Bring your own drinks. Starts 8pm. Tel: 01527 878493. Avoncroft Arts Centre, Redditch Road, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR. www.lrfbromsgrove.org.uk

Wednesday 28th October Childrens School Holiday Pottery Sessions An ideal opportunity for aspiring young potters to work with professional, ceramic artists. Experience hands on real clay with an exciting variety of techniques. The 1½ hour sessions take place throughout the day and are designed to suit either 4-8yrs and 9-12yrs. Tel: 01531 633886. £15 per child 10% discount for x3 places booked. Prebooking essential. Home Farm, Eastnor, Ledbury, HR8 1RD. eastnorpottery.co.uk

Friday 16th October King John & The Magna Carta See page 31 for details. St James Church, Bishampton, Worcestershire WR10 2LT. Tel: Eric Carter 01386 462847 Wednesday 21st October Club WOW - Brilliant Birds Discover birds and their fantastic feats. Activities aimed at 5 to 11-year-olds. Booking essential. Tel: 01905 754919. 6pm to 7.30pm. Free entry. Wildlife Farming & Education Centre, Lower Smite Farm, Worcester, WR3 8SZ. www.worcswildlifetrust. co.uk/events/2015/10/21/club-wow-brilliant-birds Thurs 22nd October to Sun 20th December Voxrox A really fun way to make new friends and boost your confidence. VoxRox is open to all abilities, absolute beginners to advanced singers. We sing anything from ABBA to blues, soul, gospel, rock/ pop. No auditions, just have fun whilst singing. 7.45pm to 9pm. Tel: 07989 407748. Albert Road North, Malvern, WR14 2YF Monday 26th to Friday 30th October Wet ’N’ Wild Holiday Club Our programme is set for the week and includes activities across 5 days so you can book your children in for the day or for the week depending on what they fancy. Tel: 01905 622223. 1 - 5 days £30pp. 5 - 10 days £27.50pp. 11+ days £22.50pp. Top Barn Farm, Holt Heath, nr. Worcester, WR6 6NH. www.topbarnactivity.co.uk/courses-andlessons/wetnwild/ Tuesday 27th October Croome - Family Full-moon Walk at Croome Join our team for a wonderful evening walk around the parkland and discover Croome after

Friday 30th October Medicine & Witchcraft in 17th Century England This presentation explores the lost world of medicine and witchcraft in the age of the English Civil War. Dr Darren Oldridge is a specialist in early modern religious history, with a particular interest in witchcraft and the Devil. 7.30pm to 9pm. Tel: 01905 542373. Free entry. University of Worcester, City Campus, Worcester, WR1 3AS. www.worcester.ac.uk/your-home/the-infirmary Saturday 31st October Hospitals at Halloween Experience the gory side of hospital work with family activities about deadly disease and amputation. Find the cats and bats through the exhibition or carry out your own science experiments! 11am to 4pm. Tel: 01905 542373. Free entry. University of Worcester, City Campus, Worcester, WR1 3AS. www.worcester.ac.uk/yourhome/the-infirmary Saturday 31st October Halloween Ball at Stanbrook Abbey Enjoy a delicious meal in the splendour of Stanbrook Abbey, finely decked out with classic Halloween theming! Experience this recently refurbished venue's glorious architecture, wonderful views and world class entertainment. Don't forget your costume! Tel: 0330 3337222. £75 pp. Callow End, Worcestershire, WR2 4TD. www.amazingvenues.co.uk/avstore/halloween-sa

39 ToWORCESTERSHIRE advertise yourGRAPEVINE event, email Please mention THE when betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk responding to advertisers

SALLY’S Bargains 71 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1EU steve.tirebuck@btinternet.com

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Out of the mouths of babes .... "Give me a sentence about a public servant", said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder, pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Do you know what pregnant means?", she asked. "Of course", replied the young boy confidently. "It means carrying a child." ***** A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting," she said, "... how do you make babies?" "It's simple", replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."

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***** A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found!" the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" asked his mother. With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear!" Blinded? by sun

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2015

2015 Reg.Charity No. 515668

Remember and celebrate the life of someone special

November Friday 6th 2.30pm & 7pm, Worcester Cathedral, WR1 2LA

Tuesday 17th 6pm, The Sacred Heart Church, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8AZ

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December Tuesday 1st 6pm, The Great Malvern Priory, WR14 1DT

Dedicate a light in memory of a loved one this Christmas Lights of Love is free to attend and open to everyone More information please ring 01905 763963 or go to www.strichards.org.uk/lightsoflove Kindly sponsored by

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Dedicate a light in memory of a loved one this Christmas

GARDENING ...

start your own vegetable garden

espite reductions in the price of an average shopping basket, and the increasing availability of more exotic food types, Britain is in the throes of a micro-revolution. More and more of us are considering growing our own vegetables and fruits at home, aware of how much this can save on the budget in the long run, and also concerned about our civilization's need to reduce food miles in order to try and save what's left of the planet. Put simply, then, this isn't just another gardening craze born out of some trend. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It's about getting back to the roots (excuse the pun) of our species in its domesticated form, breaking free from the increasingly distrusted big businesses that provide the majority of what we put in our stomachs, and avoiding too many nasty chemicals that can be linked to a variety of unpleasant diseases. Tempted? Here's the basics when it comes to starting your own vegetable garden.

Sample the soil We're blessed in the UK as the majority of soil types are ideal for growing veg, but check the quality before planting. Too many stones is never a good situation, and if it's less than a 'spit' deep (the length of your spade's blade), then you'll need to rethink. In both instances consider building raised beds and filling with bought soil, or growing the crops in large pots. Clay-soil is well-known for its rich nutrient content, but in winter it can kill your seeds, meaning if you have this type then raised beds with another soil variety will be required. Slugs, snails and weeds often come together It's vital that you keep your vegetable plot neat and tidy, and not just for the aesthetics. Molluscs hide in between leaves and weeds, within long grass and dense flower borders. Avoid them all. Try constructing a paved path in between your flower beds; these pesky pests will stand little chance of making it from one side to another without being eaten by the birds. Yes, it sounds mean, but this is the gardener's equivalent to a war zone.

Keep your eyes on the ground Depending on what you want to grow different And, finally ... ground can offer different benefits. For salad items â&#x20AC;˘ Always read the instructions on any packet of and strawberries, choose somewhere with shade. seeds you are thinking of using. And if that's not on offer naturally, create some â&#x20AC;˘ Make your own compost to feed your produce shade. Carrots, onions, tomatoes and chillies, on the properly- lawn clippings, kitchen peelings, green other hand, need as much sunlight as possible. And, prunings can all be used. particularly for the latter two, the further north in the country you are the more it might make sense to â&#x20AC;˘ Try to avoid chemicals if you need to kill weeds, put them in a greenhouse. but this isn't the end of the world if you have to. 42 To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: betty@grapevinepublications.co.uk

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Coffee Break Sudoku

Trivia (answers on page 50)

Fill in the grid so that each line, row and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repetition.

The medical term cutis anserina is better known as what common condition?

Who painted 'The Potato Eaters'?

Which musical instrument does Bill Clinton play to a very high standard?

Apiphobia is the fear of what creatures?

In which American city would you find the headquarters of General Motors?

Who became the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 1992?

In which war was the Gatling gun first used?

Which country has a flag that is not rectangular? Which desert covers much of Botswana and parts of Namibia?

7 7

2 2 1 2

9 9

10. Who was the 40th President of the United States?

3 8

ACROSS

1 4 7 8 9 10 14 17 19 20 21 22

Small twig (5) Shroud (5) Large bird (3) Sparkle (5) Wax candle (5) Beach costume (8) All and sundry (8) Weary (5) Blockhead (5) In the past (3) Wordy (anag.) (5) Compass point (5)

1 2 3 4 5 6 11 12 13 15 16 18

7 8

10 DOWN

Wise man (4) Foray (4) Break free (3,4) Slash (3) Gas (6) Something unusual (6) Speak of (7) Alloy of tin and lead (6) Jewish language (6) Fibber (4) Restless craving (4) Time unit (3)

20 21

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7 Fat Loss Myths Debunked

verywhere you turn there’s another headline about how to lose weight and shave off fat. Many of these eye-catching headlines are myths, plain and simple. And if you’re not careful, they can suck you in and spit you out, without helping you lose any weight at all. What myths are out there waiting to trick you? Here are seven that you’re most likely to come up against. Fat Loss Myth 1: You Need to Work Out Every Day A little bit of working out will help you lose a little bit of weight, so a lot will help a lot … right? Possibly. If your “little bit” of working out involves taking a walk from your living room to your postbox, ramping up to a jog around the block, then everyday is a good thing. However, if you’re pushing it hard at the gym 5 days a week, adding another two days isn’t a great idea. Not only do you increase your chance for overuse injury, but you don’t give your body time to recover. If your body can’t recover, you can’t get your peak performance every day, making it harder to burn fat. Fat Loss Myth 2: No Coffee! For many people, having to drop coffee is unbearable. Fortunately, if you’re a coffee lover and you’re trying to lose weight, you don’t have

to give up your hot caffeinated goodness altogether. What you will need to do is cut the sugar and creamer. Once you get used to the taste of black coffee, you may find that drinking a cup half an hour before your workout will actually propel you to your best sessions ever. Fat Loss Myth 3: Slow Is Better Slow-moving folks rejoiced at the idea that a slower pace could mean more fat burned. And while moving slower — walking instead of running — may seem more appealing, there is a problem. Because moving at a faster pace and pushing yourself harder will always burn more calories in less time. Of course, if you plan to walk at a moderate pace for three hours, you will burn more than if you sprint 100 yards and call it quits. But if you can sprint 100 yards, walk 20 yards, and then sprint again, repeating the process for an hour, you will easily shed more calories, fat, and pounds, than just going for a walk. Fat Loss Myth 4: Cardio Is All You Need Want to lose weight? Good. You’ll need to get some cardiovascular exercise. But don’t buy into the idea that cardio is all you need to lose weight. If you don’t lift weights or do some sort of strength training, your aerobic workouts will eventually work to burn off your muscle as well

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as fat. In the end, this means less strength and a lower metabolism—both which could lead to an inability to maintain a workout routine. Fat Loss Myth 5: Your Workout Should Be Killer Ever feel your workout didn’t work you hard enough? If you’re improving and increasing, don’t sweat it. That’s just a sign that your body is growing stronger and better able to handle whatever you throw at it. While many think a workout isn’t good unless it leaves you unable to stand up straight or lift a book, don’t believe the hype. Pushing your body so hard that you can’t function after a workout may give you mental assurance that you’re working hard, but it’s putting you at extreme risk for extreme injury. Fat Loss Myth 6: Heat Burns More Slide this one under the heading “Stranger Than Fiction,” but according to research, those hot yoga classes may not be paying off like you expect. Strangely, they found that people who slept in a colder environment increased their weight loss ability substantially more than

those who slept in a warmer temperature. Granted, the study involved sleeping and not exercising, but the chill should transfer to your workouts. Get the temp turned down a notch for a month or two and see if there are any changes! Fat Loss Myth 7: There Are Negative-Calorie Foods Whether you’ve bought into the myth or not, you’ve likely heard that certain foods — celery is a favourite — burn more calories via digestion than they contain. So if you eat nothing but celery, you’ll burn more calories than you consume, which catapults your weight-loss ability into the heavens. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Celery is low in calories, but you could survive on it if there was no other food available. 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

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CHEMISTS

POST OFFICES

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

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

Bishampton Tel: 01386 462873

MALVERN Boots The Chemist Tel: 01684 572905 Lloyds Pharmacy Tel: 01684 573811

GREAT MALVERN Tel: 01684 573003 Inkberrow Tel: 01386 792201

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

PERSHORE Boots The Chemist Tel: 01386 556860

Lower Moor Tel: 01386 861705

Defford Road, Pershore Tel: 01905 24454

pershore Tel: 01386 552608

Merstow Green, Evesham Tel: 01386 466388

PEOPLETON Tel: 01905 840471

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

EVESHAM Tel: 01386 423344

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN Talbot Cooper Chemists Tel: 01684 592637

CITZENS ADVICE EVESHAM, PERSHORE & WORCESTER: Wychavon CAB Tel: 03444 111 303 MALVERN Malvern Hills CAB Tel: 01684 563611

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

TOURIST INFORMATION

EMERGENCY SERVICES POLICE FIRE AMBULANCE Emergency: 999

AMBULANCE SERVICE Victoria Road, Malvern Tel: 01684 561556

EVESHAM Tel: 01386 442348

Spetchley Road, Worcester Tel: 01905 764226

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

HOSPITALS Evesham Community Hospital Tel: 01386 502432

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

ALL TYPES OF BUILDING WORK CONSTRUCTION DRIVEWAYS BLOCK PAVING TARMAC DRIVEWAY REPAIRS RE-SURFACING DRIVEWAY SEALING PATIOS FENCING TURFING LAWNS GARDEN CLEARANCE RUBBISH REMOVAL • • • • •

20 Years Experience Personal and Professional Service Show Drives available for viewing Written Recommendations and References Free Competitive Estimate and Advice

MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING Restore your driveway to its former glory

‘‘

’’

aving as Choose Castle P is his castle everyman’s home Find us:

All customers are entitled to a 14 day cooling off period

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.

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

www.castlepaving.co.uk

Village Street, Evesham WR11 7YE

Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

Dapper Doggies Your local, friendly Dog Grooming Service

Elke Hooper

Professional Dog Groomer

t: 01905 345765 m: 07930 619246 Bowbrook Studios  Broughton Hackett  Worcester

LPG Installations:Servicing:Repairs

Do you have young children?

Oil Installations:Servicing:Repairs

Are you struggling to balance work and parenting? Ever fancied being your own boss?

Gas Installations:Servicing:Repairs

Landlord's safety inspections and certification. All aspects of heating and plumbing undertaken from new boilers to replacing washers

With childcare costs at an all-time high would you like the opportunity to work flexibly, on a full-time income, from home?

Become a “Mumpreneur!”

katie.woodward.5205

Answers to Trivia on page 44:

A+ PLUMBING QUARTER PAGE AD.indd 1

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

26/07/2011 13:23

Goose bumps Vincent van Gogh Saxophone Bees Detroit Glenda Jackson The American Civil (by the Union) Nepal The Kalahari Ronald Reagan

Answers to Crossword on page 44: ACROSS: 1. Sprig, 4. Cover, 7. Emu, 8. Glint, 9. Taper, 10. Swimsuit, 14. Everyone, 17. Tired, 19. Idiot, 20. Ago, 21. Rowdy, 22. North DOWN: 1. Sage, 2. Raid, 3. Get away, 4. Cut, 5. Vapour, 6. Rarity, 11. Mention, 12. Pewter, 13. Hewbrew, 15. Liar, 16. Itch, 18. Day 50

07767 663 125 katiewoodward79 @gmail.co.uk

I’m Katie Woodward ask me for more info I can show you how!

Garden Machinery Mobile Service & Repair for an estimate call

Will White t: 01386 860918 m: 07716 404489

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

Accountants Crowthers 35 Haines Watts 18 Bathrooms & Kitchens A Job 4 John Dream Doors

23 5

Boiler Services Johnston Scotia

Bookkeeper Services Dalton Bookkeeping

Building & Construction Evesham Trade Centre 2 Simon Haines Construction 23 Cars: Parts, Repairs & Sales BD Auto Services 37 Marshalls of Evesham Ltd 14 Tint Shop 40 Cleaning Services Chris James Cleaning

Chimney Services Elite Sweeps

Community Services Age UK Aspen Retirement Bluebird Care Helping Hands St Richard's Hospice

43 9 25 30 41

Fireplaces TC Fireplaces

Funeral Directors E Hill & Son

Pershore Retail Market Clouds 52 Pest Control Opkill 28 Vale Pest Control 18

Gardening & Landscaping Cut Above The Rest 23 Earls Croome Garden Centre 8 Garden Machinery Mobile Service & Repair 50 Luke's Garden Maintenance 11 Styling homes and gardens 12

Pet Care Cats Protection Dapper Doggies Fern's Cattery Grooming at Fern's Snippets Dog Grooming

15 50 2 2 18

Glass & Window Coating Tint Shop 40

Picture Framing Huxley Imaging

Haberdashery & Material The Fabrik Shop 8

Photography BG Digital Photographs

Handyman A Job 4 John

Health & Beauty ALM Fitness Jacqui Turvey The Beauty Barn

46 12 21

Plumbing & Heating A+ Plumbing Johnston Scotia J S Plumbing N A Taylor

50 45 4 11

Heating & Plumbing A+ Plumbing Johnston Scotia J S Plumbing N A Taylor

50 45 4 11

Pubs & Restaurants The Berkeley The Dolphin The Star Inn

29 4 29

Roofing Services G.M. Roofing

Second Hand Dealers Sally's Bargains

Computing & IT Services Pendas CS Ltd 23

Interior Design & Soft Furnishings Styling homes and gardens Sunflower Soft Furnishings

Decorators & Painters A Job 4 John Aztec Painting & Decorating CR Decorating

Kitchens Dream Doors

Shoes Humphries 35

Locksmiths Alcester Locks

Windows, Doors & Conservatories Cloudy2Clear Windows 3 ETC Windows, Doors & Conservatories 33 Tint Shop 40

23 14 25

12 4

Driveways & Paving Castle Paving Nationwide Driveways Premier Paving & Driveways

49 33 12

Electricians Craig Merchant Electrical Marchwood Maintenance

11 18

Online Dating Matcheo 18

Employment Mumpreneur 50

Oven Cleaning Ovenclean 35

M O T BD Auto Services Marshalls of Evesham Ltd

37 14

Wood Burning Stoves Chase Heating 13 Elite Stoves 40 TC Fireplaces 28

Please mention THE WORCESTERSHIRE GRAPEVINE when responding to advertisers

Clouds The Tack Shop For all your Vaping needs

NOW OPEN High end e-cigarette equipment and UK manufactured e-liquids Rugs • Feed • Gilets Jodhpurs • Fly Masks Opening Hours: Tack Cleaning Grooming Monday - •closed Fly&Sprays and more Tues Sun - 10am to 2pm Wed SatShop - 10am toof6pm ThetoTack is part Pershore01386 Pet & Livestock telephone: 550471 telephone 01386 561635 mobile: 07548 815440

Pershore Market: with over 50 stalls and shops all conveniently together in one place, this is your ideal one-stop shopping “mall”. Open Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 4.30pm, here you can get anything from apples to anoraks, buttons to books, cards to cakes and everything in between. Conveniently situated in the middle of Pershore with ample parking … come along to Pershore Market where you can get everything you need for your summer barbecue, fresh fruit and veg for smoothies and salads, a range of everyday essentials, or just browse for gifts and knick-knacks.

Pershore Mar together in one

Then take a break and enjoy a cuppa or a meal at one of our family friendly restaurants.

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