Worcestershire Villager April/May 2012

Villager

WORCESTERSHIRE

0

,00 0 2 Over

rs

de Rea

FREE A GRAPEVINE PUBLICATION

APRIL/MAY 2012 ISSUE NO. 24

Delivered to over 7,500 homes, pubs, shops and post offices in Malvern, Pershore, Evesham & surrounding areas

M

y name is Helen Abbott and I am your local ABTA independent travel agent.

My career began over 30 years ago working for BEA, now British Airways, and my passion and excitement for travel really grew from there.

I spent four years in Canada and one year in New Zealand working in the travel business and thus gained a excellent all-round knowledge of both countries, the latter updated last year during a visit to my daughter who now lives in New Zealand.

Whilst on that trip I managed to revisit the South and North Islands; it was amazing to see how much the local population enjoy and value the tourism business, which is now such a key part of their economy.

Hong Kong and Singapore were also amazing - difficult to believe how much land has been reclaimed from the sea since I was last there. I fell in love with Sydney: so full of life and cosmopolitian - certainly worth a visit or stop over.

As an independent ABTA travel agent I am able to source all forms of travel for customer requirements, whether it be a short trip to Europe or a tailormade itinerary to the Antipodese, Africa, Far East or all of the Americas. I can also arrange accommodation (villas and hotels), coach holidays, flights and car hire worldwide.

If you would like some holiday inspiration, fantastic value and an independent personal travel service, where it's all about finding you the right holiday, please contact your local ABTA travel expert Helen Abbott.

2

tel: 01386 561105 L318X mob: 07842 374573 email: helen@designertravel.co.uk www.designertravel.co.uk/

Worcestershire Villager

Turning

holiday dreams into

reality

Hi, my name is Helen Abbott and I live in the very beautiful part of the UK that is the Vale of Evesham, Worcestershire. I have travelled extensively and worked abroad, which really helps with my job as a personal travel advisor.

The world is an amazing place to discover and explore and I really can’t wait to help you plan your next holiday with Designer Travel.

Helen

Independent Agent of Designer Travel

t: 01386 561105 m: 07842 374573

e: helen@desigertravel.co.uk

www.designertravel.co.uk/helenabbott

Spring 2012

Villager H

WORCESTERSHIRE ampton erald

april/may 2012

Contents 6

Humour for Lexophiles

10

"Betty's Recipes"

12

Transition Pershore

14

Sales Agents Wanted

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING

16

Titanic!

3 Rye Street • Birtsmorton • WR13 6AS

18

Safari Park Competition

22

Financial Advice

24

Spring in the Garden

26

Events in Worcestershire April & May

28

ALM Fitness

30

Ante Natal Classes

“Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising.” Mark Twain

Grapevine Publications

Telephone 0845 224 7061 Mobile 07754 170286 info@grapevinepublications.co.uk www.grapevinepublications.co.uk EDITOR Betty-Ann Ambury info@grapevinepublications.co.uk ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Betty-Ann Ambury FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Ambury NEXT ISSUE COPY DATE

16

24 16

31

Coffee Break

32

Star Signs & Your Horoscope

34

Worcestershire Villager Community Directory

35

Index

10th May 2012 The aims of Worcestershire Villager are to help businesses in the area become known and useful to local people and to encourage the people of Worcestershire and surrounding areas to support these businesses in order that the local community can flourish.

510

45

We provide as standard: • FIXED FEES • PARTNER LED SERVICE • FREE MEETINGS • FREE TELEPHONE AND EMAIL SUPPORT

Accounts  Bookkeeping & VAT  Payroll & CIS  Management Reporting Tax Compliance  Tax Planning  Business Start Ups  Company Formations 

01386 49999

43 Merstow Green | Evesham | WR11 4BB www.crumppearce.co.uk

© 2012. All artwork and copy appearing in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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.

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.

Spring 2012

Worcestershire Villager

Bo

Leslie J Holmes The Old Stables Workshop, Cowsden, Upton Snodsbury, WR7 4NX

Tel: 01905 381892 4

Worcestershire Villager

e

s

Quality Restoration & Re-polishing of Antique & Modern Furniture

o o k Ga r d

n

Furniture Restoration & Repair

• • • • • •

w

br

Imaginative High Quality Landscaping Patios & Garden Walls Pond & Patio Cleaning Ponds & Water Features Swimming Pools & Ponds Fibreglassed Fencing & Hedge Cutting

Local Friendly Service ~ References Available contact Glenn Baker 01905 380128 or 07792 613020 Spring 2012

Bant ’s

Your pub in the country Upton Snodsbury, Worcestershire WR7 4NN Situated on the main A422 Upton Snodsbury

Tel : 01905 381282

info@bants.co.uk www.bants.co.uk ‘Small enough to care large enough to be Professional’

ONLY £1 FOR A 2 COURSE LUNCH Buy one 2 course lunch for £8.50 and receive another for only £1

Available Tuesday to Friday lunchtime. All you need to do is pre-book your table 01905 381282.

When you book quote £1 lunch offer.

Maximum table size 8 persons.

Cut out coupon and bring in to receive offer.

Name ................................................................................

Email ..................................................................................

BEAT THE CLOCK Pre-book a table for dinner from our main menu to eat before 7.30 and receive 25% discount from your total food and drinks bill.

Maximum table size 8 persons.

When you book you must quote Beat the Clock.

Cut out coupon and bring in to receive offer.

Name ................................................................................

Email ..................................................................................

NEW SUNDAY LUNCH MENU see www.bants.co.uk Visit website www.bants.co.uk and receive 25% discount off your Sunday lunch when you email your opinions on Sunday lunch.

Terms and Conditions do apply on all offers.

Spring 2012

Worcestershire Villager

5

E. Hill & Son Funeral Directors Established 1960

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

01386 552141 www.ehillandson.co.uk

Fairfield House, Defford Road, Pershore, WR10 1HZ

Home Handyman

Interior Painting & Decorating & Tiling Someone to do those odd jobs around the house No job too small Tel: John 07770 442851

Humour for Lexophiles

(those who love playing with words)

• The professor discovered that her theory about earthquakes was on shaky ground.

• Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.

• Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

• Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

• When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.

• A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

• When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

• To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

• A boiled egg is hard to beat.

• The dead batteries were given out free of charge.

• A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.

• A Will is a dead giveaway.

• You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

• With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

• When you've seen one shopping centre you've seen a mall.

6

Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012

Painting & Decorating House & Garden Clearance Gardening & Fencing General Maintenance Plastering & Tiling Pest Control

TELEPHONE (07515) 569 937 or (01905) 381 282

Windmill Hill Field Alcester Road Radford WR7 4LS Are you planning a trip? Now your feline friends can have a luxurious time too...

- Purpose built cattery situated in beautiful countryside.

- Our chalets are constructed to the highest standards using the most up-to-date materials to comply with the model license conditions.

- All chalets are heated, secure, hygienic and designed to offer interested, comfortable accommodation.

- Any medical conditions are catered for.

- Collection and delivery service.

- 24 hour veterinary care.

- Fully qualified staff.

For more details contact Ayley on: Tel: 01386 792554 Email: ayley@fernscattery.co.uk www.fernscattery.co.uk

Spring 2012

Beauty Therapy

by Katie Haines

ft rs Gi che le u lab Vo vai A

Fern’s Cattery

Stockists of:  Dermalogica

 Shellac

 Jessica as well as a full range of traditional beauty products and treatments Pello Bonito • Church Street • Fladbury Pershore • Worcs • WR10 2QB

Tel: 01386 860110 Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday Late night opening Wednesday

Worcestershire Villager

7

LOGS FOR SALE

Mobile PC Mechanic based in Worcestershire Laptop and computer repairs, upgrades, virus removal and many other services at an affordable price.

CUTTING 6 DAYS A WEEK TO ORDER

MEADOW TURF £1.10 SQ YARD SEEDED TURF £1.30 SQ YARD FREE QUOTES ON SUPPLY & LAY ON TURF FULL LANDSCAPING SERVICE

CALL 01386 424898 DELIVERY OR

COLLECTION AVAILABLE

MINIMAL DELIVERY CHARGE DEPENDING ON AREA

Some of the services we can carry out for you include:

STOCKUP NOW BEFORE ● Health checks and data recovery ●THE UpgradesNEXT and repairs FREEZE ● Virus and spyware removal

LARGE NETS OF KINDLING ● Advice and one-to-one tutorials £3.00 We are available during evenings and weekends and can come ● Affordable, tailor-made web-sites

● Wireless networks set-up and secured

CallforTrevor or Tom on a FREE QUOTE call 07598 499 01386 283 443772

to you, when many companies are closed and unable to help.

Vale Roofing & Property Maintenance

OAP DISCOUNT

Specialising in Flat Roofing And Property Maintenance

DoesYour Roof Leak?

Does Your Roof Need Emergency Repairs?

Or Property Need Attention?

Felt Roofing,Rubber Roofing, General Roofing, Tiling, soffits, Guttering Replacement Chimney Repairs, Leadwork, Re-Pointing, Ridge Work, General Carpentry, Brickwork, External Painting.

FULLY INSURED 2 Million Cover

8

Call us today for a free quote T: 01386 423276

Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012

PAUL COOPER

Computer Problems?

Plastering, Rendering and Screeding Services Overskim Old Walls and Artex 25 years experience

tel 01905 381082 mob 07977 742245 Lloyds Electrical Services Ltd  Fuse board upgrades  Rewires  Extra sockets  Fault finding  Part P registered and fully insured  17th edition qualified  Free no obligation quotations Call 01386 791328 or 07540 72 60 64

Visit www.lloydselectrical.com

-

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: 01386 550191 m: 07847 287376 e: info@pendas.co.uk w: pendas.co.uk Onsite support for all your PC issues, for both the local home and business user

Pendas Computer Services Ltd - Pinvin -

covering pershore and surrounding areas . . . . . . evening and weekend appointments always available Spring 2012

Worcestershire Villager

9

Betty's Recipes Smoked Mackerel Pâté 4 smoked mackerel fillets 300g Philadelphia cream cheese 1 tsps horseradish sauce

1 clover garlic, crushed juice of 1 lemon 2 spring onions, chopped ground black pepper

• Skin the mackerel and place in a blender with the other ingredients and blitz for 1 minute.

• Spoon into small ramekins and chill.

• Serve with oat biscuits or toast.

Greek Chicken Egg Lemon Soup 1 chicken, cut into 8 pieces 2 onions, chopped 5 carrots, sliced 2 eggs, separated olive oil

4 potatoes, sliced 3 cups rice 3 litres water juice of 2 lemons salt & black pepper

•

Place the chicken pieces in a large saucepan, with the water, onions, carrots and potatoes, and bring to the boil.

•

Reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes, until chicken is cooked.

•

Remove the chicken pieces, place in a dish, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 150°C until brown and crisp.

•

While the chicken is browning, add the rice to the chicken stock and simmer until the rice is cooked.

•

Mix the egg whites with the lemon juice and beat until fluffy, then add a spoonful of hot soup to the egg mixture, beating constantly so the egg doesn't separate.

•

Add egg mixture to the soup, stirring well all the time.

•

Beat the egg yolks, and add to the soup, again stirring well all the time.

• Season to taste, and serve with browned chicken pieces, lemon quarters, and fresh crusty bread.

10 10

Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012

S EE ON FR ATI OT

QU

Plumbing

For all your plumbing needs:  Gas

safe registered  Landlord certificates  Boiler changes  System upgrades  All plumbing work  Bathrooms and Tiling

t: 01386 861676 m: 07976 420150 Spring 2012

Reg No. 207290

Worcestershire Villager

11

PRESS RELEASE

17th February 2012

Pershore Group Win £34,000 Award For Hydropower Scheme

T

ransition Pershore, the community group seeking to increase local sustainability, have won a £34,000 Government grant to assess the possible development of a hydropower scheme at Nafford weir. The award, from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), was made from the department’s Local Energy Assessment Fund, recently set up to fund exploratory work for community renewable energy generation or energy saving schemes.

The award will enable the group to engage a specialist company, All Rivers Hydro, to fully assess the potential and viability of the proposed scheme, to carry out surveys and to prepare specifications and estimates.

Meanwhile the Sharenergy Co-operative will assist with the business side, preparing a business plan and advising on the setting up of an Industrial and Provident Society (cooperative).

Dr Trevor Pryce-Jones, Chairman of Transition Pershore, says: "We’re all very

excited about the scheme. Our immediate challenge is to carry out all necessary preliminary work by the end of March, the Government's deadline. Early indications are that the site is an excellent one for the development of a hydropower plant, with potential to generate around 190 kW when operating at peak conditions.

Being almost equidistant between the villages of Birlingham, Eckington and Great Comberton, and only four miles from Pershore, we believe the scheme will attract lots of support from these communities. We are looking forward to being able to present our proposals once the preliminary work has been done”.

Transition Pershore will be holding a public meeting on Friday 20th April at 7.30pm, in the Courtyard Room at Number 8, Pershore, when there will be an opportunity to learn more about hydro power from Len Marlow of All Rivers Hydro.

For more details contact: Trevor on tel: 01386 550642 or Paul on tel: 01386 550430 or go to http://transitionpershore.org For more information on this, and similar projects please visit these websites: Local Energy Assessment Fund (LEAF) : http://www.decc.gov.uk/ All Rivers Hydro : http://allrivershydro.co.uk Sharenergy : http://www.sharenergy.coop/ 12

Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012

sunflower

QUALITY DENTURES DIRECT

soft furnishings

MALVERN DENTURE CENTRE

• Complete curtain design service • Made to measure curtains, blinds, soft furnishings • Wide range of fabrics & wallpapers to view

Telephone:

01 684 574507

• Poles, tracks & all curtain accessories

209b Worcester Road ● Malvern ● WR14 1SP

• Roller, vertical, venetian blinds

Part-time Courses

• Complete fitting service

We have a great choice of

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

courses on offer including: • Creative Cup Cakes

t: 01905 381811 m: 07976 640307 sal.williams@btconnect.com www.sunflowersoftfurnishings.com

• Zumba • Chickens for your Garden • The Practical Gardener • Make Beautiful Fabric Flowers

Hazel Woodhead Laundry & Repair of the Equine Wardrobe

Wash & Reproof from only £15 Also repairs to leather work, such as missing straps or keepers

T: 01386 765075 M: 07968 774560

and much more!

To find out more visit us at

www.sworcs.ac.uk or call

(01386) 712695 for Course Guide

Your local College in Evesha m and Malvern

Davies Road, Evesham Albert Road North, Malvern

The locally based company for all your HEATING & PLUMBING Domestic or Commerical a quality service is guaranteed Over 20 years experience in Oil, Gas & LPC

Spring 2012

BRITANIA SERVICES 10 Meadow Close • Kington • Flyford Flavell Worcestershire • WR7 4DE TEL: 01386 791321

Worcestershire Villager

13

CLIVE CAMPION Painter & Decorator

Interior, exterior & exhibitions

All Your Plumbing Needs 24/7 + Free No Obligation Quotes No Call Out Fee + Oil & Gas Central Heating Installations Services + Boiler Breakdowns + Bathroom Design & Installation Drain & Pipes Unblocked + Tanks + Taps + Overflows Leaks + Ball Valves + Showers + Stopcocks

Over 17 years of experience Free quotations 01527 401427 07768 104525 clivecampion@sky.com 27 Marlpit Lane, Headless Cross, Redditch

Immersion Heaters + Cylinders + Outside Taps Sani-Flows + Sinks & Taps + Emergencies & Repairs

0845 5390 329

t + m + 07872 824481 / 07872 824482

e + info@aplusplumbingltd.co.uk www.aplusplumbingandheating.co.uk A+ PLUMBING QUARTER PAGE AD.indd 1

26/07/2011 13:23

Sales Agents Wanted Grapevine Publications is looking for salespeople to sell advertising space in the Worcestershire Villager.

• • • • •

The position is:

self-employed working from home part or full-time flexible hours commission based with residual income

Experience selling advertising an advantage, but not essential.

OTE £25k in year one

For more details contact 0845 224 7061 or email your CV to info@grapevinepublications.co.uk 14

Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012

My Worcestershire Free Solar FREE solar panels means:  

My Worcestershire Free Solar is all about giving away free solar to qualifying properties in Worcestershire. There are no fees, no catches. FREE.

Your electricity bill will reduce – saving you money You will be reducing your carbon footprint, helping the environment, and helping the country reach it’s carbon efficiencies targets

How can we do this? In April 2010 the government introduced an initiative called the FIT Scheme.

The FIT scheme allows investors to be paid for all the electricity that panels generate. This means that if you let us put panels on your roof, you benefit from free electricity, and we sell what is left over back to the grid.     

You must own your property (mortgaged is fine) Have a south facing roof or within 30 degrees of south Your roof must be free from shading No slate roofs, thatched roofs, or listed buildings Have 24 square metres of interrupted space on your roof (larger semi detached and detached properties on the whole are fine)

To apply go to www.myworcestershirefreesolar.co.uk or call 01905 676222

S

H

C

S

Simon Haines Construction Services Ltd

● ● ● ●

General Building Conversions & Extensions Property Maintenance Groundworks

Over 16 years experience

www.homechoiceblinds.org.uk

Telephone: 01386 550002 Mobile: 07971 002637 Email: simon@shcsgroup.co.uk www.shcsgroup.co.uk 32 Ashdale Avenue, Pershore, WR10 1PL

Spring 2012

Worcestershire Villager

15

O Marion Freeman with Harry Etches' hat

TITANIC!

ne of the treasures cared for by Pershore Heritage Centre is a black woollen hat worn by a Fladbury man, Harry Etches, who was aboard the ill-fated White Star luxury liner, RMS Titanic. He was a crew member of the ship, built in Belfast by Harland & Wolff, that set off from Southampton on its maiden voyage amidst much excitement and rejoicing on 10th April 1912. Although said to be unsinkable, the vessel floundered some 400 miles off Newfoundland after striking an iceberg, sinking three hours later with a loss of over 1,500 lives.

The afore-mentioned Harry Samuel Etches was born in Southampton in 1869. On 1st January 1896 he married Lillian Rachel Smith of Thockmorton, Pershore, the daughter of Thomas Smith, a farmer. He embarked on the ship on 1st April as a First Class bedroom steward, two of his charges being Thomas Andrews, one of the ship’s builders and a wealthy American, mining industrialist, Benjamin Guggenheim.

When the Titanic sank, it was believed that any attempt at salvage was out of the question but the mystery surrounding the sinking continued for many years until in 1985 the remains of the ship were found by oceanographer and marine biologist Dr. Robert Ballard. The event continues to intrigue, mystify and distress, to the present day, especially as this year sees its one hundredth anniversary.

How could such a disaster have occurred in calm weather and with several hours elapsing between the time of the collision and that of the liner’s sinking?

It was almost unbelievable.

It was a dark, moonless night with an unusually calm sea that would have made sighting of an iceberg difficult until the last minute, and following the disaster, thick fogs descended on the locality with a thunderstorm taking place in the neighbourhood.

16 Worcestershire Villager

With wireless communication still in its infancy, reports to the ship of icebergs sighted in the vicinity were incorrectly handled, and for some reason a scheduled lifeboat drill was cancelled by the Captain, Edward J. Smith, with no explanation; both crew and passengers were therefore unrehearsed when a real evacuation commenced. In any event it appeared the ship carried only 20 lifeboats whereas the original design was for 65. Prior to the sailing of the Titanic the cruiser HMS Hawke collided with Titanic’s sister ship, the Olympic, then under the charge of Captain Smith, just outside Southampton.

She sustained significant structural damage, causing a delay in the completion of the Titanic as materials and manpower were diverted to repair the other vessel.

Following Titanic’s collision with the iceberg, wireless reports of events were muddled and vague in the extreme, with the Wolverhampton Express & Star of 17th April stating that many conflicting messages were received. It was said that all passengers were saved and that the Titanic was proceeding towards Halifax under her own steam and could not possibly sink. Other messages reported that the Virginian diverted to rescue the stricken ship, was towing it, although 20 boatloads of passengers had been being transhipped to the Parisian, who along with the Carpethia was ‘in attendance’ on the strickened liner. At the Spring 2012

same time the Birmingham Daily Post stated that these earlier messages were wholly inaccurate and that there was considerable mystery as to how they could have been despatched.

The Evesham Journal of 20th April reported

that among those missing was Mr FD Millet (a successful artist) of Russell House, Broadway, who joined the liner at Cherbourg. An American by birth he had purchased a house at Broadway some twenty years earlier, and in conjunction with Mr Alfred Parsons, R.A, had produced a “delightful book illustrating a trip on the Danube”. Another local victim was the wife of Frank Adlard of Winchcombe, whilst the same report mentions that Harry Etches, son-in-law of Mrs Smith of Throckmorton Court was missing.

So how did Harry survive? As a steward overseeing important members of Society he was in charge of one of the lifeboats. Of the group for whom he was responsible, Mr Andrews refused to get into the lifeboat thus dying at sea whilst Mr Guggenheim gave up his place, returning to the deck with his valet ‘dressed in their best’ and having availed themselves of a stiff drink, stayed with the ship until it sank.

At a subsequent Senate Inquiry into the disaster Harry Etches was called to give his witness account and his name is mentioned in several reports of the sinking.

A fund, amounting to some £413,000 (around £2 million in today’s terms) was set up to support those who survived. This was wound up in 1959 with the balance transferred into annuities or to the Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariner’s Royal Benevolent Society. Harry Etches returned to the service of the White Star Line, taking two further voyages with Spring 2012

them on Titanic’s sister ship the Olympic’ Pershore has another connection with this illfated ship in that until her death in November 2003, a Pershore woman, Ellen Mary Walker, believed she was conceived on board the Titanic. Her parents, Henry Morley, a Worcester shopkeeper and her mother, 19-year-old shop assistant Kate Phillips, were travelling together as Mr & Mrs Marshall to start a new life together in America, Mr Morley being one of those who lost their lives in the sinking. Kate was fortunate to gain a place in the last lifeboat and returning to Worcester, gave birth nine months later to a daughter, Ellen.

Ellen, known as Betty, throughout her life remained

convinced she was the youngest survivor from the Titanic, attempting to have her father named on her birth certificate and in 1994 was prepared to go to court to achieve this. However she was never able to fully prove his paternity. After working in the passport office in London for many years she returned to Pershore, living in St. Agatha’s Road. In her will she asked that her ashes be scattered at sea.

Pershore Heritage Centre will be re-opening for its new season, at the Town Hall, on Good Friday. Open Wednesday to Friday 10.30am to 3.30pm Entrance free.

Article written by Marion Freeman 17

Worcestershire Villager

Love

evoL

?Penguins? sniugneP

evoThen c niuwould gnep you wenlove eesto otWIN STEKONE CITOF YLFIVE IMAFFAMILY EVIF FOTICKETS ENO NIW to osee t evnew ol uopenguin y dluowcove nehT ?katraWest P iraMidland faS dnald Safari iM tsePark?

W ta fantastic ees ottonbe owwon eb oto t ssee tekcit ylimafHOW citsatnafTO EVIFENTER evah ewN REN TweNhave E OFIVE TW OH familylletickets these delightful little penguins and wa swhole A !ero lot mmore! tol eloAs hw well a dna sniugnep elttil lufthgiled eseht ow that West Midland SafarirePark mmuis s fully rof nopen epo yfor llufsummer si kraP irafaS dnaldiM tseW taht wo

gnias wovisiting llof eht rthe ews na ylpmiself-drive S answer four-mile safari gnizwith amaits stiamazing htiw irafas evird-Simply fles elim -ruof ethe ht gfollowing nitisiv sa ofna animals em the osworld, era ere there ht ,dare lrowsome eht revo lla m orf slam inasend fo noyour itcelloc rcollection uoy dnes d noitseufrom q all over question and !oot ,toof no tisivanswer, ot snoialong tcarttawith suoyour levram rmarvelous uoy htiw gnattractions ola ,rewsnto a visit on foot, too! dna ssCove, erddanaturally, ,emanis the yThere ldneirfare fo yalso tnelpplenty osla of erafriendly erehT Penguin ehtname, si ,yllaraddress utan ,evoand C niugneP :ot to reexplore. bmun eFound nohpeinlet telephone animal edulcniencounters taht sretnuthat ocneinclude lamina first ni dnuonumber F .erolpxto: e ot tsrif fthe o em opportunity os deef ottoytfeed inutro some ppo eofht foGrapevine yteirav sti hPublications, tiw liarT yrevocsiD ,sDiscovery noitacilbTrail uP with enivits epvariety arG of stathe oGSomali ymgyPSheep, ,peehS Pygmy ilamoGoats S eht attractions noitcaStreet, rtta rehtBirtsmorton, aew-lla didnelps ,nosplendid tromstall-weather riB ,teertS eyR 3 3sRye and Cameroon .peehSSheep. nooremaC dna like Twilight Mark OʼSheaʼs sʼaehSʼO kWR13 raM ;ev6AS, aC thgiliwT ekil ,SA6Cave; 31RW Reptile World, Creepy Crawlies, ,seilwarC ypeerC ,dlroW elitpeR Last takbut reeM notsileast, ,tsaeis l toMeerkat n tub tsaL :liame ro or email: Seaquarium and Sea Lion Show, ,wohS noiL aeS dna muirauqaeS Mayhem, eht nihlocated tiw detawithin col ,mthe ehyaM ku.othe c.snall-new oitacilbPenguin upenivepexhibit arg@oisfni info@grapevinepublications.co.uk si tibihxe niugneP wen-lla eht sAfrican ah tibihVillage. xe ehTThe .egaexhibit lliV nahas cirfA glass tcefrewalls p eht to woallow lla otthe sllaperfect w ssalg viewing esehtopportunity fo ytinutropofpothese gniweiv highly netinteresting fo dna gnitand sereoften tni ylhgih new amusing .little slamanimals. ina elttil gnisuma 2102exhibit rebmthat evoincorporates N ts1 )a a beach, ehtThereʼs ot emohHippo ,sekaLakes, L oppiH home sʼere tohT the 2semi-submerged 102 rebmevoN dn2 waterfall )b and great viewing opportunities ehlargest t ni opp family iH pugroup org yliHippo maf tsin egthe ral 2102 rebmevoN dr3 )c for visitors. sCountry serpxE iand rafathe S eh Safari t dnaExpress yrtnuoC Not forgetting of course “Walking Train tceridride ehtthat sektakes at tahthe t eddirect ir niarT route eht ofrom t krathe p racar c epark ht mo torfthe etuor with Lemurs” – the largest Lemur Amusement si hcihwArea, ,aerAwhich tnemeissumA Walk-through in the UK. This is sepacked dir nuf fwith o sdall nikkinds lla htof iwfun dekrides cap the perfect way to come face to eand mosattractions, gnidulcni ,including snoitcarttsome a dna face with Lemurs and their babies kcalB ehrides t ekil like sedthe ir em Black osewFly! a in this exciting new exhibit located !ylFawesome Twister! !gnitfWild aR re River viR dRafting! liW !retsiwT in natural woodland beside a Rhinocoaster! retaW izebmaZambezi Z !retsaoWater conihR centuries old lake, that is home to Splash and !Venom! moneV dna hsalpS a variety of Lemur that include Ring Tailed, White-Front Brown puEach fo ylticket imaf aadmits stimdaa tfamily ekcit hof caup E and Red Bellied – all native of to four ,kraP people eht ointo tni ethe lpoePark, p ruof ot Madagascar and now totally free nobefore emitreittncloses iw rof for seswintertime olc ti erofeon b range at the Park.

2nd tslNovember ihW .21022012. rebmeWhilst voN dn2 ulcni ton erarides sediare r tne not meincluded suma Then, thereʼs an African themed dedamusement ased part ir itlof um the ,eprize, zirp ehmulti t fo tride rap sa interactive Village that comes wristbands era stekcit and edir ride dnatickets sdnabare tsirw complete with village ʻhutsʼ and .yaavailable d eht no to espurchase ahcrup oton elbthe aliaday. va an African home that allows of eb yinformation am noitamrmay ofni rbe ehfound truF visitors to peek behind the scenes dnuFurther on the Parkʼs :etisbwebsite: ew sʼkraP eht no to catch a glimpse of what life www.wmsp.co.uk ku.oc.psmw.www could be like in an African Village. taking centre stage! See these

dndelightful aldiM tslittle eWanimals seod nmake ehWtheir :retn iw rof esodebut lc krin aP iralovely faS summertime this

18

Worcestershire Villager

eseht eeS !egats ertnec gnikat When does West Midland rieht ekam slamina elttil lufthgiled Safari ylevol Park siht niclose tubed for emiwinter: tremmus a a) set1st arop rocni taht ti2012 bihxe wen November llafrb) eta2nd w ,hcNovember aeb degrem2012 bus-imes seitinutroppo gniweiv taerg dna c) 3rd November 2012 .srotisiv rof gniklaW“ esruoc fo gnittegrof toN rumeL tsegral eht – ”srumeL htiw si sihT .KU eht ni hguorht-klaW ot ecaf emoc ot yaw tcefrep eht seibab rieht dna srumeL htiw ecaf detacol tibihxe wen gniticxe siht ni a ediseb dnaldoow larutan ni ot emoh si taht ,ekal dlo seirutnec edulcni taht rumeL fo yteirav a nworB tnorF-etihW ,deliaT gniR fo evitan lla – deilleB deR dna eerf yllatot won dna racsagadaM .kraP eht ta egnar demeht nacirfA na sʼereht ,nehT semoc taht egalliV evitcaretni dna ʼstuhʻ egalliv htiw etelpmoc swolla taht emoh nacirfA na senecs eht dniheb keep ot srotisiv efil tahw fo espmilg a hctac ot .egalliV nacirfA na ni ekil eb dluoc

Spring 2012

“see the bigger picture, with financial advice you can depend on”

Pensions

•

Long term care

Investments •

Tax planning

For further information please contact: Eugénie Cameron AIFP APFS Certs CII (MP&ER) Chartered Financial Planner Call: 01684 891768 Email: eugenie@candcfp.co.uk

www.cameronandcompanyfp.co.uk Independent Financial Advisers

3 Worcester Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 4QY Spring 2012

Worcestershire Villager

19

S And H Building And Pav i n g C o n t r a c t o r s From this . . . .

. . . . to this!

Extensions • Alterations Garage Conversions • Fencing Conservatory Bases • Fish Ponds Brickwork & Plastering Block Paving • Slab Laying All interior work, including: Ceramic Tiling • Wood Floors Doors & Windows and more . . .

For a free quote call andy on Tel: 01905 841 847 Mob: 07884 274976

20

Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012

Doors, windows, porches and conservatories • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Insurance backed guarantee FENSA registered Trader Register member Local references available Locally based in Worcester Tidy, polite & reliable Argon-filled, double-glazed units fitted as standard.

Composite doors in a range of colours.

Eight-point locking system on all new PVC doors.

Order to installation within a fortnight!

Range of prices to suit No pushy salesmen Full design service Call Free! 0800 0832 660 info@pjimprovements.co.uk

Paul the Plumber • 24 hour call out

• Local friendly service

• All work is guaranteed

• 20 years experience

• Fully qualified & insured • No call out fee

• Leaks & Burst Pipes • Blocked Drains • Cylinders & Pumps • Water Tanks • Toilets & Taps • Radiators • Overflows

Call Paul on Free phone 0800 228 9124 or mobile friendly 07910 681481

A very warm welcome to Twilight Beauty Offers a wide range of teatments in the comfort of your own home of Twilight's very own beauty room • Pedicures, Manicures, Holistic Therapies, Reflexology • Minx, IBD Gels, Nail Art & Designs • Facials, Non-Surgical Facials • Weddings, Party & All Pamper Packages

Spring 2012

Please visit my website for information & monthly offers Contact: 07805 898040 www.twilightbeauty.org.uk

Worcestershire Villager

21

Financial Advice SOLAR POWER - The Story Continues

I

n the last issue of the Villager, we introduced the subject of Solar Power and some of the benefits with regard to savings and investments.

Since then, there has been a lot of publicity on this subject, much of it contradictory and confusing. Most of the articles in the press have been to do with the Feed in Tariff (FiT) and the controversy that has arisen over the Government’s decision to reduce this. This has left many people confused as to what the current situation is regarding the FiT and whether or not solar is still a viable investment.

So in this issue, we thought it might be helpful to give a brief history of the tariff, and what the situation is going forward.

In April 2010 the Government introduced the FiT at 41p per kWp as an incentive to the public to install solar panels on domestic properties.

At that time, the cost of a 4.0 kWp system* was about £20k - £25k. At those prices, the tariff would have produced a return on investment (ROI) of about 8%. The tariff is index-linked, tax-free and guaranteed for 25 years, making it an attractive investment when compared, for example, with an ISA (also tax-free) paying 3%-4%. However, the world-wide increase in demand for solar power over the last couple of years has resulted in the cost of the panels dropping dramatically; solar installations became a lot more affordable, and the ROI increased correspondingly. When the tariff increased to 43p in April 2011 demand for solar systems escalated to unexpected levels, and the Government decided that the 43p tariff was not sustainable, and so cut it to 21p on 12th December 2011. This decision was challenged in court; the Government lost and took the case to the Appeal Court, and lost again. The ruling given was that the 22

tariff would revert to 43p on all installations completed between 12th December 2011 and 2nd March 2012. There was some talk that the Government were going to appeal again in the Supreme Court, but this doesn’t seem to have materialised. However, the ruling resulted in a flood of advertising from solar installation companies, which led to massive demands for installations to be completed by the 2nd March deadline, in many instances because people were under the impression that the tariff would be discontinued completely after that date. This is not so. The tariff is still available, albeit at the lower rate of 21p. But - and this is very significant – in the last couple of months, the price of solar installations has dropped even further! Two months ago a 4.0 kWp system cost in the region of £10k; the same system today costs as little as £8k. The annual income and savings generated by a 4.0 kWp system averages at £980** giving an ROI of over 12%. Bearing in mind that this is indexlinked, tax-free and guaranteed for 25 years, there is no other investment available in this country at this time that can offer the same returns! Add that it is virtually risk-free, good for the environment and benefits the country, and you have the ideal package.

So, if you have investments that are not paying at least 8%, then give serious consideration to relocating your funds: install solar power, and earn up to 12%.

One last point to ponder: if every building with a suitable roof had solar panels installed, there would be much less need for carbon-producing fossil fuels, and maybe – just maybe – we wouldn’t need another nuclear power plant!

For more information, or to arrange an obligation-free survey, call 0845 474 6489 to speak to your local energy advisor, or email:

info@pcsolar.co.uk

*The optimum domestic system Worcestershire Villager Spring 2012 **Based on a 4.0 kWh system installed on a south facing roof, with little or no shading

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

We provide as standard: • FIXED FEES • PARTNER LED SERVICE • FREE MEETINGS • FREE TELEPHONE AND EMAIL SUPPORT

Accounts  Bookkeeping & VAT  Payroll & CIS  Management Reporting Tax Compliance  Tax Planning  Business Start Ups  Company Formations 

01386 49999

43 Merstow Green | Evesham | WR11 4BB

www.crumppearce.co.uk

Spring 2012

Experts in Off-Mains Drainage        

Cesspit, Septic Tank & Treatment Plant Emptying CCTV Drain Surveys & Repairs Treatment Plant & Pump Station Servicing & Maintenance Blockage Removal & Jetting 24 Hour Emergency Service Competitive Prices Friendly, Clean & Reliable Service Professional & Fast Response

0800 9750836

www.csg.co.uk enquiries@csg.co.uk Cleansing Service Group Waste Solution Specialists

Worcestershire Villager

23

Spring in the Garden Preparation

Propagation

Unless you have a glasshouse to keep them snug, wait a couple more weeks before buying summer plugs. If you haven’t done so, mulch all your beds and borders.

Sow any annuals that you have. If you have seedlings start pricking out and growing on. Take cuttings of perennials and conifers. For a late display of sweetpea sow them as early as possible this month. This is your last chance to sow summer flowering bulbs. Protect any young seedlings from cold nights or heavy rain.

Planting This is the best time of year to plant container grown ornamental plants in your garden. Once the frost has passed; plant out dahlia tubers, and towards the end of the month plant up your hanging baskets and pots but still watch out for late frosts.

Pruning

Now that the threat of frost is all but gone you can start sowing vegetable seed into prepared beds.

Trim back silver-leaved plants to keep them thick and bushy. Prune back shrubs whose flowers have now faded.

Prune back decorative shrubs grown for their foliage and bark. Trim back winter flowering heathers.

Lawns

Maintenance

Start mowing your lawn but start at a high cut and start to reduce the level over subsequent mowings in the coming month. Start sowing and turfing new lawns.

Start dead-heading your daffodil heads as energy will be taken up producing seeds. Keep a watchful eye for pests and diseases. Continue to water any trees or shrubs that you have recently planted.

Spray your roses against black spot. Tie in new shoots on climbers. Start staking your perennials. Protect all your plants from slugs and snails. Clean out your ponds and plant them up with aquatic plants

Indoors Plants & Glasshouses In the greenhouse or your conservatory ventilate regularly, damp down on warmer days. Shade young plants under glass.

24

Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012

Luna Clairvoyant Readings Reflexology Indian Head Massage Reiki Angels Crystals Incense Meditation & Relaxing CD'S and much more . . . .

18 Bridge Street • Pershore Worcestershire • WR10 1AT

Telephone: 01386 555 898 Web: www.lunacrystals.co.uk

Heating & Plumbing Gas Safe Registered Engineer

Mark Hartley

[based in Inkberrow]

Gas & LPG Boiler Servicing from £65

Tel: 01386 793 221 Mob: 07846 198157

M r s C . B oo t h D.Pod.M . M.Ch.S. S.R.Ch. H.P.C. Registered (Health Professions Council)

State Registered Chiropodist and Podiatrist

Surgery appointments and home visits available - 20 years experience Specialist in Diabetes and Biomechanics Surgery 01386 443655 Mob 07790 608 923 94 High Street, Evesham www.chrissybooth.co.uk

Nikki Walding ACA & Ian Cooke ACA

Check your tax position with our Free Financial Healthcheck Call for a free review PERSHORE – 01386 552644 LEDBURY – 01531 631500

Crowthers Chartered Accountants at

Pinvin, Pershore Spring 2012

The Courtyard, 19 High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1AA and 10 The Southend, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2EY

www.crowther.co.uk

Worcestershire Villager

25

Events in W April Sunday 1st April The Ramblers group walk: distance 9 miles Enjoy British wildlife on a Ramblers group walk.

Old Hills. Upper & Lower Wood field farms, Madresfield, Moat Pond, Herriots Farm, Clevelode, Pixham Farm & return. Flatish walk; picnic lunch.

Time: 10am. Contact: Colin & Sue tel: 01242 694217 mob: 07946 035072.

Monday 2nd April to Thursday 5th April Easter Cup Cake Decorating for Children Children can have fun decorating some yummy cup cakes for Easter. There is one to eat and one to take home. 2pm - 5pm. £3.50 per child. Tickets available to buy from the Restaurant on the day.

Webbs, Worcester Road, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0DG. www.webbsdirect.co.uk Wednesday 4th April All Our Yesterdays Nostalgia just doesn't come any better! Another sensational show from the producers of 'Memory Lane', ‘Rolling back the Years’, and ‘A Timeless Collection’. Musical journey from the good old days of Music Hall, through the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. 2pm & 7.30pm. Tel: 01527 65203. Tickets from £11, £10 (conc). Palace Theatre, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE. www.timelesstheatre.co.uk Friday 6th April P2P Community Fun Day Community fun day with something for everyone, hot pork rolls and hot dogs, candifloss, ice creams, youth bands, circus of eccentric cycles, dog displays, archery, go-karts, pony rides, carousel, face painting, inflatables, and much much more.

12 noon to 4pm. Free Admission. PItmaston Primary School, Malvern Road, WR2 4ZF. www. paris2pitmaston.co.uk or www.pitmaston.ncpta. net Thursday 12th April CountryTastic Looking for things to do with the kids? Want a day out with plenty of FREE entertainment and activities? CountryTastic is a great day out this Spring for all the family. Have fun indoors and outdoors at this super children’s event and enjoy a fabulous day full of family activities whatever 26

Worcestershire Villager

the weather!

Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW. www.threecounties.co.uk/ countrytastic Saturday 14th April Overnight investigation at Drakelow Tunnels Join East Midlands Paranormal Investigations as we search for paranormal activity in these dark, tunnels. We will use a variety of equipment of which guests are welcome to try out. Over 18's only. 8.30pm to 3.30am. £25. £10 deposit with balance due 2 weeks before event. Book online at www.eastmidlandsparanormalinvestigations. co.uk. Kingsford Country Park, Kidderminster, DY11 5XB Saturday 21st April Malthouse Ceilidhs Second in a series of Ceilidhs run in Worcester area by popular Malvern based band Malthouse Passage, with well known caller Sheena Masson, in a good hall in lovely riverside town. Bar, Raffle, interval entertainment. Open to all comers. Doors open 7.15pm; dance 7.30pm to 11pm. Entrance £7. Upton on Severn Memorial, Old Street, Upton on Severn, WR8 OHA Friday 27th to Sunday 29th April Swimathon 2012 The world's biggest fundraising swim hits 650 pools across the UK between 27th & 29th April.

Swimathon Weekend participants swimming for Marie Curie Cancer Care can choose from the 5k, 2.5k or Team 5k challenges. Check this pool’s session times on the website. Entry costs between £6 - £10.

Contact: 0845 36 700 36. Malvern Splash Leisure Complex, Worcestershire, WR14 3DS Sunday 29th April Frogs Nest - Open Garden for NGS Small garden is worth the journey! Two quite different gardens make it a special visit. Front garden is quite formal with herbaceous borders and tongue-in-cheek woodland walk complete with boathouse. Back garden has ponds and allyear colour interest. Open: 29 Apr; 27 May; 30 Sept. Admission £3, Children free. 11am to 5pm.

Frogs Nest, Honeybourne, Evesham,WR11 7PP. www.ngs.org.uk/

Spring 2012

Worcestershire & May Friday 4th & Saturday 5th May Titanic 3D (12A) Re-issued in 3D to mark the 100th year anniversary, this spectacular epic re-creates the ill-fated maiden voyage of the R.M.S Titanic and the tragic sea disaster of April 15, 1912. 7.30pm. £6.50 (£6) plus additional 3D charges. Box Office: 01386 555488.

Number 8 Community Arts Centre, Pershore.

Saturday 5th May to Monday 7th May 1 Church Cottage - Open Garden for NGS True countryman's 1/3-acre garden. Interesting layout, with new Japanese-style feature. Specimen trees; water features; vegetable garden; aviary, poultry and cider making. 11am – 5pm. Admission £2.50, children free. Tel: 01386 750863. Visitors also welcome by appointment. 1 Church Cottage, Defford, WR8 9BJ. www.ngs.org.uk/ Saturday 5th May Broadway Arts & Crafts Market A celebration of local talent from British artists and craftspeople in the Cotswolds and beyond. With up to 25 stalls of quality handmade gifts and artwork also a cafe serving coffee, tea and a selection of fresh homemade cakes. FREE ENTRY. The Lifford Hall, High Street, Broadway, WR12 7AL Saturday 5th May Ginny Davis Productions present: TEN DAYS . . . . That Shook The Kitchen!

A comedy play that won Sell-Out Show 2008 at the Edinburgh Fringe! Join us for this Shindig event in Rous Lench Village Hall, The Green, Rous Lench WR11 4UN. Tickets: £8 Adult, £6 child, £25 family (2 adults, 2 children). Curtains up at 7.30 pm; food available in the interval, licensed bar open from 7.00pm. Tickets available from Fran Herdman: 01386 793651 Monday 7th May The King’s School Fete Slide, gladiator challenge, Victorian merry go round, pig roast, real ale bar, Pimms and wine bar, live music, arts and crafts, games, raffle, cake sale, books, face painting, cream teas and much more. This is a great family event with something for everyone. Free entry. Open 12 noon to 4pm.

College Green (next to the Cathedral) Worcester, WR1 2LL. www.ksw.org.uk

Spring 2012

Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th May Malvern Spring Gardening Show Enjoy 50 acres of glorious gardening heaven, with shelter from the elements and excellent catering facilities. Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW. www.threecounties.co.uk/ springgardening Sunday 13th May Leukaemia & Lymphoma Fun Run 10k & 5K This event is organised by the local branch of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research to raise money for all blood related cancers. Download a form and details from our website. 10k starts 11am; 5K at 11.10am. Cost: £9.00 per entry, £8.50 if affiliated, £10.00 on the day. No children under 16 in the 10k race. Bromsgrove Rugby Club, Finstall, Worcs, B60 3DH. www.lrfbromsgrove.org.uk Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th May Antiques Fair A Quality Antiques Fair in the superb Chateau Impney Broadway Suite. Have a great day out looking at the wonderful selection of Antiques on offer. Open 10am - 5pm both days. Entrance Fee £3.00 Concessions for Coach Parties. For information: 01544 267481 or 07961 371961. The Chateau Impney Hotel, Droitwich, WR9 0BN Saturday 19th May 2012 Music of the Hollies - Performed by The Hollywood Bees The Hollywood Bees: 2 hours of non stop hits from the UK’s top Hollies tribute band. This show is not to be missed!! 8.00pm. Tickets £14.50 - Box Office 01905 611427 – email: boxofficemanager@ worcesterlive.co.uk. Huntington Hall, Crowngate, Worcester, WR1 3LD Wednesday 30th May Meet Your Guides & Guardian Angels!

Do you get the feeling you are being looked after or that you are being guided in some way? Have you ever just had the answer to a problem without knowing how you 'knew it'? What is a spirit guide and guardian angel? Taster evening hosted by International Psychic Medium Julie Angel Guest.

Tickets £10 from venue or £12 on the door.

7.30pm for 8pm to 11pm. Great Malvern Hotel, Graham Road, Great Malvern, WR14 2HN. www. julieangelguest.co.uk 27

Worcestershire Villager

Cardio is makingYOU you fatter CARDIO IS MAKING FATTER!

Y

You know the commonly understood formula for weight ou know the commonly understood formula loss, it is the premise that virtually every mainstream for weight loss, it is the premise that virtually fitness routine accepts. However, it is an urban myth.

every mainstream fitness routine accepts.

However, it is+an urbanactivity=weight myth.

What is it?

Eat less increase loss.

What is it? Eat less + increase activity = weight loss

This is not true. Follow this urban myth of weight loss and you will end up stranded somewhere, This is notthat true. this your urban mythloss of goal. weight loss andyou youmay willasend stranded frustrated you Follow didn't reach weight Even worse, wellup circle the somewhere, frustrated that you didn't reach your weight loss goal. Even worse, may world of mainstream empty weight loss promises and come back to where you started;you more overweight than when youof started.

Let’s putempty this urban mythloss to rest once and forcome all. back to as well circle the world mainstream weight promises and

where you started; more overweight than when you started. Let’s put this urban myth to I repeat, Less Increase Activity DOES NOT EQUAL Weight Loss. rest onceEat and for+all.

IWhy? repeat, Eat Less + Increase Activity DOES NOT EQUAL Weight Loss.

Why?

Here is the answer: Print this out, underline it, and paste it on your bathroom mirror?

Here is the answer: Print this out, underline it, and paste it on your bathroom mirror: Your body is not a calorie checkbook! Treat it like one and three things happen:

Your body is not a calorie checkbook! Treat it like one and three things happen: 1. Phantom Phantom weight some fat burning yes, butyes, morebut muscle wasting and dehydration.

1. weightloss: loss: some fat burning more muscle wasting and 2. dehydration.

Weight loss plateau after 2-3 weeks due to your body developing a tolerance to what you are doing.

2. plateau dueyou to your body a tolerance to 3. Weight You gainloss all the weightafter back 2-3 plusweeks more once quit due to adeveloping depressed metabolism. what you are doing.

This is the typical outcome of any diet and cardio scenario.

3. You gain all the weight back plus more once you quit due to a depressed This is metabolism. the truth of burning body-fat, and staying lean, looking good, and feeling good all the daysisofthe your life: outcome of any diet and cardio scenario.

This typical

This the has truth of burning body-fat, lean, to looking good,To and feeling good on all Yourisbody a fat burning engine thatand we staying can compare a campfire. turn the engine the days of your life: you will need the proper mix of wood (nutrition) and air (exercise) to keep the flames (metabolism) fat. The hormones or your body ignites flames of your fat burning Your body hasburning a fat burning engine that we can compare to athe campfire. To turn the engine engine. As most women are keenly aware, hormone levels fluctuate over time so the ideal on you will need the proper mix of wood (nutrition) and air (exercise) to keep the flames timing and ratio of wood and air to keep the fire burning does vary over the day, the week, or (metabolism) burning fat. The hormones of your body ignites the flames of your fat burning the month. To avoid weight loss plateaus, we need to account for this. Weight loss plateaus are engine. As most women are keenly aware, hormone levels fluctuate over time so the ideal the body's hormonal (and enzymatic) tolerance to what you are doing. timing and ratio of wood and air to keep the fire burning does vary over the day, the week, or avoid plateaus, we need to account fororthis. loss So the whatmonth. happensTowhen weweight chooseloss to cardio ourselves to death for 1 hour moreWeight a day while plateaus arefood theintake body'sinhormonal enzymatic) to what you are doing. cutting our half? Well (and let's compare it totolerance the campfire scenario.

What happens to thewhat flames of the campfire when you to take half the wood out point gust of wind at So happens when we choose cardio ourselves to and death fora1strong hour or more a day the campfire? That's right you got it, without fuel to sustain the fire, and a strong wind blowing while cutting our food intake in half? Well let's compare it to the campfire scenario. What on the flames, the fire will burn out. Bye, fat burn, hello slow metabolism. happens to the flames of the campfire when you take half the wood out and point a strong gust of wind at the campfire? That's right you got it, without fuel to sustain the fire, and a strong wind blowing on the flames, the fire will burn out. Bye, fat burn, hello slow metabolism.

28

Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012

Excessive cardio, like a hurricane wind, blows out the fat burning flame because it causes the body's hormones to "bottom out" and metabolism goes south. This response is even more severe if you "go on a diet" at the same time. Some exercise (air) is necessary to burn fat, and weight training with accessory cardio accomplishes this. Most people fail because they focus on burning calories. Who cares about burning calories? We want to burn fat not calories. This preoccupation with the calorie checkbook idea and endless cardio + hardly eating to "bring down the balance" continues to be accepted despite the fact it fails miserably to deliver. Even hormone conscious experts, like the people who have developed the zone and south beach diets don't recognize the application of their hormonal science to exercise, and its interrelationship to nutrition and the body hormonal clock. However, doctors are disease specialists and clinical nutritionists are food chemistry specialists. They focus on the science, of the chemistry of the human body, not the art of applying strategies derived from science to a person's lifestyle to get fat burning results.

Hey, most of them don't even follow their own advice. Not a criticism, just acknowledging that they face the same challenges we all do.

Personal Trainers are health and fitness experts, applying proven strategies for results. We look to science, but it has to hold up under application, it has got to deliver. This is where the cutting edge lies. So this is the cutting edge on burning off body fat. Get rid of the notion of the calorie checkbook because that is leading you to nowhere.

For more information visit www.almfitness.co.uk or call Amy 07740 366419 or email info@almfitness.co.uk

Getting exposure on

The Malverns’ fastest growing Online Business Directory is cheaper than you think...

● Prompt, reliable & friendly service ● All types of flues & appliances cleaned. ● Cowls and bird guards fitted.

● Fully qualified by the Guild of Master Sweeps and fully insured. ● Guild certificates issued after every sweep.

NO MESS NO DUST NO FUSS Call Eddie T 01905 679950 / 07895 612915

malvernbydesign.co.uk 07777 666452 Spring 2012

Worcestershire Villager

29

Ante-Natal Classes The room was full of pregnant women with their husbands.

The instructor said: "Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you.

Walking is especially beneficial. It strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make delivery that much easier. Just pace yourself, make plenty of stops and try to stay on a soft surface like grass or a path."

"Gentlemen, remember . . . you're in this together. It wouldn't hurt you to go walking with her. In fact, that shared experience would be good for you both."

The room suddenly became very quiet as the men absorbed this information.

After a few moments a man, name unknown, at the back of the room, slowly raised his hand.

"Yes?" said the Instructor.

"I was just wondering if it would be all right if she carries a golf bag while we walk?"

Brings a tear to your eye doesn't it? This kind of sensitivity just can't be taught!

Local homemade gluten free cakes and bakes www.melsiejanebakes.co.uk 07545 157957

Hate Flat-packs?

We love 'em!

Call now for our assembly rates

tel: 01684 833715 30

mob: 07966 355448

Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012

Coffee

Break Sudoku

Continuous Starting at the top left corner, place each group of numbers in a continuous chain. The last digit of one number is the first digit of the following number.

Fill in the blank squares so each row and each mini the numbers 1 - 9 without same number in any row,

06914 07583 09863 10021 19855 24856 31037 36194 36459 40264 47112 47721 57980 62440 74518 89210 94320 99919

3

that each line, square contain duplicating the line or square

6

2

5

8 9

7

7 5

2

5

8

6 3

2

4

2

4

7

9

4

8

6

2

1

9 8

6 Crack the Code

   

   

 

55

 49

       38       

36

      

43

 

     54

    32 2012 47 40 Spring

43

   40 44

45

64

6

(answers on page 34)

1.

What are the segments of a garlic bulb called?

2.

Who "wheeled a wheelbarrow, through streets broad and narrow"?

3.

What is the term for an adult male pig?

The 7 symbols each represent a different number 4. between 1 and 10. The numbers to the right and below the grid show the totals of that row or column.

5.

Use these to work out the value of each symbol.

  

4

Trivia

5 1

7

Which actresses played Rex Harrison's two Fair Ladies?

What colour are an albino elephant's toenails?

6.

Which disease used to be known as consumption?

7.

What's the most comon colour of cue chalk?

8.

Where did Lewis Carroll's most famous cat hail from?

9.

What was the first book to delve into Watergate?

10. What is 2 cubed divided by 2 squared?

Worcestershire Villager

31

Star Signs & Your Horoscope April & May 2012 Aries (21st March - 20th April)

You’re feeling wise and ready to negotiate with an upcoming challenge in uncovering truths of money matters and that of romance. You understand that part of the goal this month is to be a positive role model and to guard against chaos where possible.

In your finances you may want to maintain your well earned current cash flow rather than splurging your finances into unknown territory. You’ve succeeded in making the right choices so far, but still something incompletes you in your career. This month focus is to re-dress the imbalances. For most Aries love life should be heading towards better times and for those that are still fighting their way through a change of direction will come in your favour.

Taurus (21st April - 20th May)

One phase is done with, so there’s a feeling of easy going rather than rushing into the next ‘setting in stones planning’. You understand it is better to move on to the next big thing or person slowly. With your finances much digging around is expected for that long term agenda of yours. However as easy going you are the challenge is not to walk away from situations or people that easily. Even though you are aware in the past you had given too much of your time and energy, you’ll keep the balance right that you won’t have to burn bridges.

You may focus on your heart’s desire closely and ways you can communicate this positively all around, even though you may not be getting much love messages this shouldn’t get you off your track to fulfilment. In your finances and career uncertainty lingers but you must continue ahead despite the surreal feelings and situations this surrounds you in. With your calmness and positive outlook unconsciously you represent an unknown quantity not to be underestimated.

Leo (23rd July - 22nd August)

You don’t want to be held back anymore, and instead committed to getting yourself out of the stagnant phase. There are some things you cannot accept anymore only that what had happened had led you here with no turning back so you are co-dependent no more, to go solo equipped with plenty of financial, emotional and intellectual ammo. You’ll have the chance to show the confident and secure self with a past contact you reunite again. In your love life you want to celebrate and embrace more, like yearning for the emotional stability and considerable control over personal feelings with fertile creativity. This leads you to build your career on a secure square future to build on. All interacting under special care to maintain the necessary harmony for a permanent security.

Virgo (23rd August - 22nd September)

One quest is over that you’ll no longer accept, tolerate, stagnate or sacrifice. You understand there are times when it’s best to carry out the rejections. However, as hypocritical situations can be, you’ll be challenged to give more with little return. Your finances will be going under major changes but not quite fully a life reconstruction as yet. So far you’ve brilliantly dealt with disasters in life that equipped you to deal with any upcoming mental anguish with ease. Be extra prepared on your journeys with plenty of time as the chance of delays, rerouting and cancellations are high only temporary though.

You may aim to make a wrong choice on purpose and burst someone’s bubble unintentionally. There are some people and situations in life that you just have to be cautious with or to adopt the ‘cruel to be kind’ theory approach. What challenges you is the conscious voice ‘what will people think?’ reminding you of where you moral compass is facing. You have succeeded in trying you hardest in the past until exhaustion so be easy on yourself. Hold those big decisions if you’re unsure on ways you can execute your plans to fruition in your career. Your moves this month could unconsciously create plenty of opportunities on the back burner that will soon present itself in the most unexpected time in future.

Cancer (22nd June - 23rd July)

Libra (23rd September - 23rd October)

Gemini (21st May - 21st June)

You may feel this month that things will never be the same again, as you breathe the new air through your transition you aim to block out unhappy thoughts because it’s the only way to move on from here on.

32

Worcestershire Villager

As you leap your way through unknown territory, you could anticipate madness to occur especially when you attempt to take the short cuts. If carelessness is the only way you can get to where you want to

Spring 2012

then so be it. Financially though it is not wise to ignore where attention or mercy is needed. You could be challenged to hold your ground if you want a harmonious relationship, the key is to take a step back with an expansive outlook on life before you begin your case on rationality. If you succeeded to find a replacement or similarities from the past as clues to fill the void, you know things will never be the same again regardless of what you can hold on to that is familiar.

Scorpio (24th October - 21st November)

security for the future could be built upon and this will involve taking care of any emotional issues from the past as priority. Financially due to a large payout made recently this could leave you temporarily trapped. With those closest to you you’ve tried everything you can and that is all the best you could but you also have to deal with your problems before you conjure up the creativity to deal with another.

With your love life you are moving towards finding your comfort zone and solutions that will be of a permanent relief.

When you can feel the sensitivity that everything is coming to a head it makes you aware of much to do and settle before you reach some kind of bliss yet you also understand that you can’t have it all. Don’t let your finances represent who you are or dictate you on how you should live your life. The challenge you may face is to have the strength to walk away from situations that could oppress you. With your love life you may decide to show selfless acts to listen more and mend another’s broken wing before your own, perhaps you’ve realised from the past havocs all you could hear was your voice and that it gave a lonely feeling taking centre stage. It is also time to accept what you can create and what ideas too far-fetched to drop. However regardless the soul searching dilemma’s, with your closest of relations this month you’ve come to a ‘break through’ moment.

Aquarius (20th January - 18th February)

Sagittarius (22nd November - 21st December)

Worries, regrets and sleepless nights may cause you to be extra sensitive, unyielding to budge an inch and if this is the case, be careful that this ‘rigid’ characteristic isn’t blocking out every trace of your feelings for others or you could turn into your own worst enemy. You understand that is due to a testing time where courage is required for longer term successes. What you could challenge this month is sending out positive, encouraging sweet regards which could help balance your mood swings. When plans are not coming together as hoped it is ok to let go of it momentarily your focus into tackle another, you may even stumble upon the answers. In your love life if at times you don’t have the extra care of for an undivided attention, again come back to this when you are ready. Keep your closest of relations close by as their advice can be worth its weight in gold, besides they are the ones you look up to.

You may feel like you’re ready to face some rough times, so you sit back wisely using all your wits but this insecure feeling could have all come from a series of terrible nightmares lately. Although pay close attention to your dreams where a message extracted could give you the clarification you need in your waking hour. There’s plenty that you are wishing for in your love life, your dreams amplified your individual desires for personal happiness and to keep your secrets close to your heart as they become very important, now is the time to do something about them. Don’t let indecision and work related stress creep in to fade it all too soon.

Capricorn (22nd December - 19th January)

You cannot just do ‘nothing’ anymore, you’re aiming for a firm basis upon which arrangements and

Spring 2012

Too much of the pleasurable things can cause a stir but you’ll aim not to care of other’s views. You understand that you will get back onto the right path again because you’ve already induced a safety net to sort any loose ends, such as your finances also. It may be a while until you see further progress but at least no further damage can be done from here. What you could be challenging this month is showing that the quality of living is not only down to figures, you know that factor alone didn’t complete you. You’ve succeeded to follow a good budget whilst being the generous giver. In your love life, there seems to be a budget on how much more you can give up or give out but remember that quality of life is merely down to figures.

Pisces (19th February - 20th March)

Worcestershire Villager

33

Worcestershire Villager Community Directory

AGE CONCERN & COMMUNITY CARE malvern Malvern & District Grange Road, Malvern EVESHAM & PERSHORE Hereford & Worcester Bromwich Road, Worcester UPTON-UPON-SEVERN 15 High Street

01685 560666 01905 740950 01684 593633

chemists EVESHAM Lloyds Parmacy Morrison Pharmacy MALVERN Boots The Chemist Lloyds Pharmacy PERSHORE Boots The Chemist UPTON-UPON-SEVERN Talbot Cooper Chemists

01386 48899 01385 40610 01684 572905 01684 573811 01386 556860 01684 592637

citizens advice EVESHAM Wychavon Citizens Advice Bureau 13 Port Street 08444 111 303 pershore Pershore Citizens Advice Bureau 34 High Street 08444 111 303 MALVERN Malvern Hills Citizens Advice Bureau Grange Road 01684 563611

HOSPITALS Evesham Community Hospital 01386 502510 Malvern Community Hospital 01684 612600 Pershore Hospital 01386 502070

VETS Evesham Bowler Lewis & Partners malvern Avenue Veterinary Centre pershore Martin & Carr UPTON-UPON-SEVERN The Stocks Veterinary Centre

01386 442804 01684 572420 01386 553631 01684 592006

POST OFFICES

Bishampton Post Office & Store EVESHAM Post Office GREAT MALVERN Post Office

Inkberrow Post Office Lower Moor Post Office & Store MALVERN LINK Post Office

PENDOCK Post Office & Store pershore Post Office & Store PEOPLETON Post Office Village Store Upton Snodsbury Post Office & Store UPTON-UPON-SEVERN Post Office WELLAND Post Office & Store

01386 462873 01386 423344 01684 573003 01386 792201 01386 861287 01684 573634 01531 650034 01386 552608 01905 840471 01905 841616 01905 381511 01684 592634 01684 310377

TOURIST INFORMATION EVESHAM Abbey Gate MALVERN Church Street PERSHORE Pershore Town Hall UPTON-UPON-SEVERN High Street

01386 442348 01684 892289 01386 556591 01684 594200

railway stations EVESHAM High Street, Evesham malvern Great Malvern/Malvern Link pershore Station Road, Pinvin

0845 700 0125 0121 634 2040 0845 700 0125

Answers to Trivia on page 31: (1) Cloves (2) Molly Malone (3) Boar (4) Julie Andrews & Audrey Hepburn (5) White 34 Worcestershire Villager (6) Tuberculosis (7) Blue (8) Cheshire (9) All the President's Men (10) TwoSpring 2012

I n d e x Accountants Crowthers Crump Pearce & Co.

25 23

Advertising Malvern by Design

29

Bathrooms & Kitchens A Job 4 John

25

Electricians Lloyds Electrical Services Ltd

9

Employment Sales Agents Wanted Entertainment West Midland Safari Park

18

Equine Services Hazel Woodhead

Oven Cleaning Ovenclean

13

Paving A Job 4 John S & H Building & Paving

14

Bedroom Furniture A Job 4 John

25

Events in Worcestershire

26

Blinds & Curtains Homechoice Blinds Sunflower Soft Furnishings

15 13

Fencing AB Property Maintenance A Job 4 John

7 25

Building & Construction S & H Building & Paving Simon Haines Construction

20 15

Finance Cameron and Company Financial Advice

19 22

Car Parts & Repairs Marshalls of Evesham Ltd

20

Funeral Directors E Hill & Son

6

Carpenters & Joiners A Job 4 John

25

Furniture Restoration & Repair Leslie J Holmes

4

Catering & Baking Melsie Jane Bakes

30

Cattery Fern's Cattery

7

Chimney Services Elite Sweeps

29

Chiropodist & Podiatrist

25

Coffee Break

31

"Comic Relief" Ante-Natal Classes Humour for Lexophiles

30 6

Computers Mobile PC Mechanic Pendas CS Ltd

8 9

Logs & Firewood Smart Cut

Gardening & Landscaping AB Property Maintenance Bowbrook Gardens Smartcut Spring in the Garden Vale Turf

7 4 4 24 8

Gifts Luna Crystals Yuuki-Mitsukai

25 4

Hairdressers Hair by Colette

9

Handyman A Job 4 John Home Handyman Flat-Pack Assembly

25 6 30

Decorators , Painters & Plasterers AB Property Maintenance A Job 4 John Clive Campion Paul Cooper

7 25 14 9

Health & Beauty ALM Fitness Ocean Blue Beauty Therapy Twilight Beauty

27 7 21

Dental Services Malvern Denture Centre

13

Heating Britania Services Mark Hartley

13 25

Drainage & Waste Treatment Cleansing Service Group

23

Kitchens & Bathrooms A Job 4 John

25

Education South Worcestershire College

13

Locksmiths Alcester Locks

30

Spring 2012 the Code on page 31:  = 10 Solution to Crack

=9

 = 8  = 7

4

M O T Marshalls of Evesham Ltd

20 6 25 20

Pest Control AB Property Maintenance

7

Picture Framing Huxley Imaging

11

Plumbing A+ Plumbing A Job 4 John Britania Services J S Plumbing Mark Hartley Paul the Plumber

14 25 13 11 25 20

Property Maintenance AB Property Maintenance Vale Roofing & Property Maintenance

7 8

Pubs & Restaurants Bant's

5

Recipes

10

Roofing Vale Roofing & Property Maintenance

8

Skip Hire MHF (UK) Ltd

11

Shoes Humphries

23

Solar Power My Worcestershire Free Solar Ploughcroft Solar

15 36

Star Signs & Horoscopes

32

Travel Agent Designer Travel

2

Windows, Doors & Conservatories P J Home Improvements 20

Worcestershire = 6  = 4  = Villager 1

35

info@pcsolar.co.uk

0845 474 6489 • www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk Worcestershire Villager

Spring 2012