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Issue 3

July/August 2025

Completely

Droitwich Spa

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Welcome to the joint July/August issue of Completely Droitwich Spa!

H

ere we are already halfway through the year, and still with little sign of rain. The gardeners among us are now doing rain dances in our gardens, but while we can’t control the weather, we can welcome the extremely knowledgeable Reg Moule who can be found at Rowberry’s Nuseries in Chaddesley Corbett. Reg is sharing his wealth of knowledge with us, and I would personally like to thank Reg for his time and wise counsel.

Since the last issue, a lot has happened in Droitwich Spa, firstly the fantastic week held in June to commemorate ten years since the passing of Rik Mayall. People flocked to the Spa to watch and enjoy so much amazing live enter tainment, bringing a real buzz and energy to the town. While I know the volunteers involved and ever yone who gave their time to the festival have been commended for their organisation and professionalism, the Completely Droitwich Spa team would also like to say a ver y big thank you to ever yone and huge congratulations on the comedy festival’s success!

The ’health corridor’ is now well underway in par tnership with Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. Turn to pages 19 and 20 to learn more.

We spent a lovely couple of hours with one Droitwich

8

19

Contents

6 MPs Message 7 New Council Leader 8 Building Rescue Charity 9 Stourbridge Line User 10 The Will Partners 12 The Catenians

I’ll sign off now for this issue, but we are always looking for that next local ar ticle or feature, so if you know of somebody who deser ves a mention, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email at completelydroitwich@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you.

Until the next issue, remember folks, keep it local!

Very best wishes Michele Ford

22 28

14 July Gardening 16 August Gardening 18 Health 19 Wychavon Health Corridor 20 Worcs Wildlife Trust 21 SpART 22 Lymers Butchers

Completely

Droitwich Spa Tel: 07948 086870 Email: completelydroitwich@gmail.com

4 Completely Droitwich Spa

Spa resident, Dorothy Humphries, fondly known as Dot to her friends. Dot shared her stor y of how she came to feature in the recently published book Blitz Kids – True Stories from the Children of War time Britain.

Originally from Sparkbrook in Birmingham, Dot recalled her formative years during World War Two. Turn to page 24 for this fascinating piece of histor y. Thank you, Dot, for your time and for sharing your stor y with us.

24 Dorothy Humphries 26 Lido - 90 Years Young 27 FeckenOdeon 328 Hanbury Hall 29 History 30 Drive Time

Visit our Instagram or Facebook page and leave a comment, we would love to hear from you. www.facebook.com/completelydroitwichspa

Sales: Michele Ford Tel: 07948 086870 Design: Matt Walton Design The contents of Completely Droitwich Spa magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Completely Droitwich Spa magazine.

Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Completely Droitwich Spa magazine cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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5

A message from our

MP Nigel Huddleston I

t was a real pleasure to attend the inaugural Rik Mayall Comedy Festival in Droitwich Spa – a week-long celebration of comedy, creativity, and community spirit, held in honour of one of the town’s most iconic former residents.

More than 200 events took place across Droitwich between May 31st and June 8th and the town came alive with laughter and energy. From stand-up shows to street performances, panel discussions to pop-up exhibitions, the festival brought people together in a way that felt both joyful and meaningful.

Comedy greats like Greg Davies, Shaparak Khorsandi and Paul Foot headlined a packed programme, with venues like the Norbur y Theatre playing host to sold-out audiences. But what stood out most was how deeply embedded this festival was in the town – not just a performance schedule, but a full community experience. Local businesses repor ted increased footfall, families took par t in free activities and the streets of Droitwich welcomed visitors from right across the countr y and even abroad.

I was delighted to attend one of the shows myself and thoroughly enjoyed the performance – the atmosphere was fantastic, and it was great to see Droitwich so alive. The festival even received national recognition, with a touching tribute broadcast on BBC Breakfast, highlighting both Rik Mayall’s legacy and the success of the event.

The festival was a tribute to Rik, who grew up in Droitwich and began his journey in comedy

6 Completely Droitwich Spa

performing in plays at the Norbur y Theatre, often written by his parents. Rik’s presence was felt throughout the week – not just in memorabilia and screenings, but in the creativity and anarchic spirit that defined his work and that nowLineview lives on visit in the next generation of performers inspired by him.

The festival organisers – a team of passionate local volunteers – deser ve huge credit, as do Rik’s family, whose suppor t made it all possible.

The idea began with a conversation between local councillors and the Mayall family, and what followed was an extraordinar y celebration of a unique comedic legacy. As the BBC rightly noted, it was not only a cultural success but an inspiration to new talent.

I’d like to express my thanks to ever yone involved, especially those working behind the scenes to make it all happen. It was clear that this was something special – not just for fans of Rik Mayall, but for the town as a whole.

I sincerely hope the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival becomes a permanent fixture in our calendar.

It brought Droitwich together, gave a boost to local businesses and reminded us that celebrating our cultural roots can bring fresh energy and oppor tunity to the town.

Here’s to the next one.

New council leader puts focus on economy T

he newly elected leader of Wychavon has vowed to put the economy and town centre regeneration at the hear t of his administration.

Councillor Richard Morris takes over from Councillor Chris Day who had led the authority since October 2023.

Thanking councillors for putting their faith in him, Councillor Morris promised to ensure the voices of residents were heard and listened to across all political par ties.

“I am humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to lead Wychavon, which I hold ver y close to my heart,” he said.

“I would also like to thank Councillor Day for ever ything he has brought to the council and the district during his time in charge.

“From Broadway to Hartlebur y and Bredon to Upton Warren, I will ensure no part of our wonderful district is left behind and gets the support it needs. I look forward to getting out and meeting residents across Wychavon and continuing to work collaboratively with our town and parish councils.

“I want Wychavon to be economic led. We’ve had some great successes but there are also challenges ahead. We need to ensure we deliver the visions in our town centre investment prospectuses and build on the good work being done by the place boards.

“I will also ensure we get a resolution to issues around the Riverside Shopping Centre and the former Raven Hotel which I know matter so much to our residents.”

Councillor Morris also made changes to his executive board team. Councillor Emma Stokes takes on responsibility for resources, street cleaning and waste and recycling. Councillor Emma Kearsey is now deputy leader and in charge of planning.

Councillor Paul Middlebrough has been tasked with responsibility for local government reorganisation in recognition of government plans that will see Wychavon replaced by 2029 by a new larger council covering a wider geographic area.

“The vast experience I have as both a district and county councillor, including holding senior positions in both authorities, means I am well placed to lead us through the change that is coming,” Councillor Morris added.

“Government has made it clear we’re on the course to unitar y government. We must make sure ever ything Wychavon stands for and the support we provide for our residents doesn’t just disappear because of that process.

“Wychavon is recognised as one of the best councils in the countr y and we must leave a legacy that ensures our residents are best ser ved within the new unitar y.”

Completely Droitwich Spa

7

New heritage charity aims to rescue buildings at risk W

est Midlands Heritage Trust, a new regional charity dedicated to rescuing and reusing historic buildings at risk, was officially launched in Worcester.

Formed from a collaboration between three longstanding building preservation trusts, the new charitable incorporated organisation provides a unified identity and shared platform for their work. The trust aims to increase impact through collective capacity, shared expertise, and a stronger public profile.

Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, the oldest of the three, celebrates 60 years of service in 2025. It began a par tnership arrangement with West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust in 2011, and Wolverhampton Heritage Trust joined in 2016, with the trusts adopting a joint strategy for long-term sustainability. A key outcome was the plan to create a dedicated suppor t body able to take on staff, attract investment, and enable the trusts to deliver heritage at risk rescue projects more effectively across the region.

Suppor ted by funding from The National Lotter y Heritage Fund and Historic England, the trust now employs a dedicated team with exper tise in heritage regeneration. It is currently leading active building restoration projects at Willow Cour t

8 Completely Droitwich Spa

Farmhouse in Droitwich Spa and St Michael’s Place in Warwick, alongside feasibility and development work at Pipe Hall in Bilston and St James the Great Church in Dudley.

Former West Midlands mayor Sir Andy Street CBE said: “Preser ving our built heritage is essential as it reminds us of who we are and of the histor y which shaped our society. While welcome new development is all around us, the reborn trust is well set to respect our shared histor y and protect it for the future.”

Corinne Brazier, manager of the Birmingham Police Museum and chair of West Midlands Heritage Trust, added: “The new trust brings together the combined expertise of trustees, shared resources and overarching strategy to be able to continue to save heritage buildings across our region.”

The launch event took place at the Old Palace, Worcester, on June 9th. Attended by local authority representatives, funders and heritage professionals, the evening celebrated both the legacy of the founding trusts and the promise of a stronger, region-wide future for historic buildings at risk.

Campaigners call for easier capital route I

t’s not everyone that likes changing trains at Birmingham New Street as it can be quite daunting, even for regular travellers.

An option for travellers from Droitwich which may be wor th considering is the improved service from Worcestershire Parkway that is now operating with the recent introduction of regular through trains to Derby, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Southbound, a new hourly fast Bristol service completes the recent improvements.

These are in addition to the already established Cardiff and London Paddington services.

Unfor tunately, the easiest way of getting from Droitwich to Worcestershire Parkway is by car or taxi as the rail ser vice requires a change of trains in Worcester. For most of the connections into the new nor thbound ser vice the connection is too tight to make it workable.

Worcestershire Parkway is a good example of investment coming good as the use of the station has far exceeded even the wildest expectations. It opened in 2020, and ridership has already grown to the extent not expected until the station had been open for 11 years.

Stourbridge Line User Group continues to champion a direct London ser vice from Kidderminster via Droitwich as par t of general improvements along the Cotswold line through Evesham. It is hoped that eventually a regular Paddington ser vice will be seen on this route.

This lobby group is dedicated to improving rail ser vices along the Worcester to Birmingham (via Stourbridge) rail line. Membership is for a modest

by Andy Cope

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What is a Family Trust and how does it work?

A

Family Trust is a type of trust established by persons during their lifetime for the benefit of their family group. It is a discretionary trust and can be used to hold assets, run a family business, manage certain investments and support beneficiaries.

This type of trust structure is typically established for asset protection and tax effectiveness. Having assets in a family trust can help protect cer tain family assets such as our family home, manage cer tain investments, and suppor t beneficiaries.

A family trust can be established by what is known as a trust deed. This sets out the terms and conditions under which the trust operates and is signed by the trust’s trustee/s and settlor (owners). The trustee/s are responsible for the trust and manage the assets in it. Par t of their role can include making decisions about distributions of income to beneficiaries.

Advantages of family trusts include the following: Asset protection, tax efficiency, planning for retirement savings, flexibility of investment and protecting vulnerable family members.

Family trusts can protect assets if members were to go through crisis states, such as bankruptcy or divorce. The trustee typically has discretionar y powers. So, for discretionar y family trusts, the assets are not considered to be owned by the individual beneficiaries and therefore cannot be claimed by creditors.

In the event of a proper ty settlement under family law, while the cour ts have far-reaching powers and exclusion cannot be guaranteed, depending on the structuring of the trust, assets held in a family trust may have a higher likelihood of being excluded from any financial settlement.

Family trusts also provide a mechanism for the passing of assets to future generations, separate to inheritances through a Will.

Therefore, it also has the potential to protect estate assets from any contestation of a Will including by family provision claims, as the assets do not form par t of the estate.

10 Completely Droitwich Spa

Some trusts can offer tax advantages. As beneficiaries pay tax on any distributions as par t of their total income, the family trust can maximise the tax efficiency by distributing propor tions in consideration with each beneficiar y’s personal marginal tax rates. The trustee does not have to distribute the same amount to each beneficiar y, and distributions can change year to year. Family trusts can also receive discounts on capital gains tax.

There are also potential disadvantages. If there is any income earned by the trust that is not distributed, it is taxed at the top marginal tax rate. Distributions to minor children are also taxed at the top marginal rate after the relevant threshold is reached. The trust also cannot allocate tax losses to beneficiaries, although it may be that the tax loss can be carried forward to the next financial year and apply it to taxable income for that year. There are also set-up costs.

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Celebrating an enduring

circle of friendship T

he Droitwich & District Catenians (Circle 151) reached a remarkable double milestone this summer : 900 meetings over 75 years of friendship, fun and fellowship.

Members, par tners and guests gathered at St Andrew’s Town Hotel, Droitwich, on June 5th for a special black-tie dinner attended by 70 people to mark the 900th meeting, ahead of the Circle’s 75th anniversary on July 18th.

Among the distinguished guests were Gerry McCormack, GB national president of the Catenians, Christopher Snelson, provincial president of Province 6 which includes the Droitwich Circle and William Kaniampuram, who flew from India for the occasion. William originally joined the circle while studying at the University of Worcester between 2006 and 2008 and has remained a member ever since, despite returning home to India.

The event also attracted visitors from nearby Circles including Redditch, Kidderminster, Leamington, Kenilwor th, and as far afield as Liverpool, St Helens, Lytham St Annes and Bromley - a true reflection of the mutual suppor t and fellowship shared across the Catenian network.

Founded in 1908, the Catenians is an international association of Catholic men and their families. At the heart of Catenian life is a spirit of friendship, fun and fraternity. Each local group, known as a Circle, meets monthly and organises a wide variety of activities, from social dinners and theatre trips to sporting events and talks on topics of local, cultural or religious interest.

The Droitwich & District Circle first met on July 18th 1950 at the Clarendon Hotel, with an initial group of 34 members, including farmers, dentists, a vet, a chemist and even a dance-band leader. Early

12 Completely Droitwich Spa

Gerry McCormack [L] (GB National President) with Charles Huthwaite (President Droitwich & District Circle 151)

events included dinner dances at The Raven Hotel, cricket matches at Winterfold School, clergy nights, children’s Christmas par ties and hosting the manager of the touring Australian cricket team in 1956.

Since the 1950s, successive presidents and members have introduced new initiatives which, over time, have become cherished traditions. Social events have continued to flourish, bringing both laughter and learning. Even the challenges of the pandemic couldn’t halt the Circle’s momentum, with members embracing Zoom to maintain their monthly meetings.

Today, under the leadership of president Charles Huthwaite, the Circle enjoys renewed energy and is actively welcoming new members from Droitwich, Bromsgrove, Worcester and surrounding areas, to secure its future for the next generation.

For information about joining, contact Jim Quinn on 01684 368560 or email j.quinn789@ btinternet.com. Alternatively, visit facebook.com/ DroitwichDistrictCatenians

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13

Camelias

Reg’s July gardening tips Reg Moule

GARDENING

Sowing seeds

T

his month marks the launch of a new column by Reg Moule, the voice of gardening in Worcestershire, in association with Rowberry’s Nursery at Chaddesley Corbett.

Early July When sowing seeds, water the bottom of the drill, sow seeds and cover with dry soil. This maintains moisture levels around the seeds for a longer period.

Cut back straggly violas to encourage new shoots, Use trimmings for cuttings.

Water and ventilate the greenhouse regularly.

Take clematis cuttings. Conventionally these are taken by cutting the stems into sections between the leaf joints, but I find that they also root when cuttings are taken at the leaf joints too.

Prune plums, olives, fruiting and ornamental cherries now. Treat large cuts with wound paint but do it straightaway or it will not be effective.

Prune and shape bay trees. They will tolerate fairly severe cutting back now.

Mid July Keep camellias and magnolias moist from now until early October. This is an essential aid to the setting of next year’s blooms. Giving them a couple of handfuls of sulphate of potash now helps as well.

Trim hedges including conifer and other evergreen hedges.

Be careful with water – early morning and late evening are the best watering times. If you have slug problems, morning is better. There is no need to water the lawn.

Take particular care of planted containers. Keep them fed, watered and dead headed. I find using a more potash orientated fer tilizer like Phostrogen is good.

Cut down herbaceous geraniums and poppies as they stop blooming to encourage new shoots.

Give roses a boost with a dressing of rose fertiliser.

If greenfly attack water lily foliage, just sink the leaves under the water for a few hours.

Keep feeding and training tomatoes and other greenhouse fruiting plants.

Tr y growing oriental vegetables, like Chinese cabbage, this is the best month for sowing.

14 Completely Droitwich Spa

Pruning raspberries

Sow beetroot, Florence fennel, Swiss chard, raddichio, and turnips in the vegetable garden.

Spray potato foliage with Vitax Copper Mixture or one of the plant invigorators if attacks of potato blight are likely. You could also try using soluble aspirin two tablets per gallon of water sprayed over the foliage two weeks.

Prune summer fruiting raspberries after har vest by removing old, fruited canes.

Air layer straggly houseplants, usually near the top, to create a new plant.

Pinch out the tips of unwanted grape shoots after one leaf, to concentrate the plant’s energy on fruiting.

Take conifer cuttings from stems that are characteristic of the variety.

Late July Thin out oxygenating plants in pools as they can cause problems if over abundant.

Pinch out the tops of outdoor tomato plants once four trusses of fruit have formed.

Sow parsley for winter use.

Onions, garlic and shallots are ready to har vest when foliage turns yellow and bends over.

Sow autumn/winter salads, e.g. claytonia, salad rocket, corn salad, land cress, and winter hardy white Lisbon onions.

Cut the old foliage off strawberry plants after harvest.

New growth soon appears. Give them some sulphate of potash too.

Take fuchsia cuttings to be trained as standards.

Lantana, golden privet and elaeagnus are also suitable for training in this fashion.

Take semi – ripe cuttings from most shrubs – they will root easily now.

To encourage the production of plenty of embryo figs for ripening next year, pinch out the growing points of the new shoots once they have made five leaves.

By Reg Moule - Rowberry’s Nursery, Chaddesley Corbett

Completely Droitwich Spa

15

Geraniums

Reg’s August gardening tips Reg Moule

GARDENING

Picking beans

W

e’re delighted to bring you top tips from the voice of gardening in Worcestershire, Reg Moule, in association with Rowberry’s Nursery at Chaddesley Corbett.

Early August Keep dead-heading flowering plants and picking beans to maintain production.

Liquid feed bedding plants in tubs and baskets but switch to high nitrogen feed which stimulates new growth for flowering later.

If carrot fly bothers you, grow the crop under garden fleece or insect barrier mesh for excellent control.

Thin out overcrowded water lily foliage on ponds.

Star t preparing the soil for laying new lawns next month.

Mid August Take cuttings from geraniums, fuchsias, penstemons and other semi-hardy plants.

Keep camellias, hydrangeas, magnolias, pieris, rhododendrons and azaleas well-watered to prevent bud drop later.

Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken from a wide range of shrubs. These are shor t side shoots which have slightly woody bases.

Pot some strawberr y runners into 18cm (7in) pots.

Leave them outside until Januar y then put them in the greenhouse for an early crop.

Trim over lavender, santolina (cotton lavender), helichr ysum (curr y plant) lightly after flowering.

Sow last outdoor carrots, lettuce, radish and spinach beet in the vegetable garden.

Sow Japanese onion seeds soon or buy autumn planting onion sets next month.

Summer prune wisteria – cut back all new growth

16 Completely Droitwich Spa

Sorting tulip bulbs

to five leaves up from where it arises from main branch, unless it is required to extend the plant.

Sow browallia, schizanthus and calceolaria in the greenhouse for winter pot plants.

Plant young strawberry runners for cropping next year.

Take hydrangea cuttings – they could make a flowering pot plant for next year.

Tr y collecting some seed from your own garden plants – you could get a new variety.

Take cuttings from heathers. Use 2.5 cm (1in) long shoot tips. Root in gritty compost.

Look out for specially stored early seed potatoes, plant soon for new potatoes for Christmas dinner.

Late August Spring flowering bulbs will be around now. Buy colchicums, Madonna lilies and autumn flowering crocus soon.

Gather up and dispose of diseased rose leaves as they fall. Prune rambler roses.

Summer prune trained forms of fruit trees.

Clean and check over greenhouse heaters.

Pot up some herbs dug from the garden ready to bring indoors in October for winter use.

Sow a final batch of parsley seed outdoors and some spring cabbage.

Check over any bulbs e.g. tulips that you have in store to ensure that they are fit to re-plant.

By Reg Moule - Rowberry’s Nursery, Chaddesley Corbett

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17

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Sea, sun and sand:

Coping with holiday stress S

ummer is here and you may be jetting off to exotic places in search of sunshine, sea, and adventure. But as relaxing as holidays are meant to be, the lead up can bring more stress than serenity. From checking if passpor ts are up to date, to booking the dog or cat into kennels, packing, planning, and purchasing travel essentials, it’s no surprise many feel overwhelmed before they even leave the house.

Even for those staying in the UK, the unpredictability of the British weather can add its own layer of anxiety. What clothes should you pack? Will it rain all week? And if you’re travelling by car, there’s the worry about breakdowns and making sure everything is in perfect working order.

This kind of pre-holiday stress is incredibly common. In fact, the preparation phase of a trip often involves dozens of decisions, financial planning, and logistical coordination, which can leave us feeling frazzled.

So how can we manage this stress to ensure our holiday is the relaxing break we so desperately need?

Plan ahead - A good way to reduce anxiety is to prepare in advance. Create a checklist weeks before depar ture to avoid that last-minute panic. Include ever ything from booking confirmations and pet care to packing lists and medication. Spacing tasks out over time will make them feel more manageable.

That said, it’s also impor tant to embrace a flexible mindset. Not ever ything will go to plan — and that’s okay. Accepting that you can’t control ever y detail (like the weather) can help lower your stress levels.

Take time for yourself before you go - Often, we rush right up until the moment we leave — frantically packing the night before and collapsing onto the plane or into the car. Take an hour or two the day before to unwind, perhaps with a walk, a bath, or simply some quiet time. This mental reset can help you arrive at your destination feeling more at ease.

18 Completely Droitwich Spa

Before Renu 28

After Renu 28

Breathe and be present - Once you’re on holiday, allow yourself to truly disconnect. That means resisting the urge to check emails constantly or sticking rigidly to a packed itinerar y. Take time to relax, reading a book, taking a stroll, or enjoying a leisurely meal. Simple mindfulness techniques like deep breathing exercises, journaling, or a shor t daily meditation can keep you centred and help you soak in the moment.

Make space for joy Holidays are meant to be enjoyable, so prioritise activities that bring you happiness and leave room for spontaneity. Whether it’s tr ying a new food, exploring a hidden cove, or just watching the sunset, these simple pleasures are often the most memorable — and the most calming.

In the end, the key to a stressfree holiday lies not just in the destination, but in how you approach the journey. With a little planning and a lot of selfcompassion, your summer break can be as rejuvenating as the sea, sunshine, and sand you set out to find.

Lastly make sure you don’t get sunburnt. For tunately, I had Redox Renu 28 and within three to four applications over 24 hours this was the result. For information contact; colette@need4change. com

by Colette Garside

Spa’s ‘health corridor’ aims to improve wellbeing W

ork has started on the latest stage of Wychavon’s multi-millionpound investment in leisure and wellbeing projects in Droitwich Spa. The towpath running along the Droitwich Canal from Vines Park to Ladywood Lock in Salwarpe is being resurfaced to create a ‘health corridor’.

The Canal & River Trust has transformed the 5.5hectare site with funding from Wychavon’s share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Currently, it is a mixture of uneven sand, silt, and stone, making it inaccessible for many residents, par ticularly during winter. The towpath is being completely reconstructed with a new sub-base and edging boards to help maintain the structure. It will be resurfaced with compacted grey limestone to give it a high-quality, natural finish. Three wheelchairfriendly benches and new directional signage are also being installed along the route.

Restoring ponds has added open water to the site, and its water-holding capacity has been improved through the diversion and retention of surface water from the nearby Droitwich Canal. Areas of the main reed bed have been cut to enhance open water habitat and water edge environments and promote new reed growth. The work will ensure the site continues to be a rich haven for wildlife and contributes to carbon capture.

Contractor R&C Williams is carr ying out the work, which is expected to take up to 14 weeks to complete. It is being done in sections, so only some of the towpath will be closed at any one time. Warning notices are in place along the route and will be adver tised in advance on Wychavon’s website and Facebook page.

Cllr Dan Birch, Wychavon’s executive board member for wellbeing, social mobility and transformation, said: “Walking, being outdoors, and connecting with nature can boost both physical and mental wellbeing, and the creation of this accessible health corridor opens those benefits to ever yone.”

The project was inspired by Droitwich Spa Place Board and is par t of a major investment in leisure and wellbeing in the town by Wychavon, including upgrading the lido and leisure centre and creating a new pump track and skate park.

Once completed, the new towpath will create an easily accessible route, providing increased access to nature, including the recently improved Coney Meadow wetland and reed bed.

Ian Lane, head of operational par tnerships and fundraising at Canal & River Trust, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make canals welcoming and attractive.

They provide such a wealth of benefits and it’s great to see projects like this unlock their potential, whether that be for our boating customers or from the local communities that are within easy reach of this wonderful green corridor.”

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Creating a Wilder Droitwich Planting a ‘tiny forest’ at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Droitwich. Photo by Brian Taylor

W

elcome to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Worcestershire: Neighbourhoods Nur turing Nature project.

That’s a lot of alliteration for a title but then we’re doing a lot of amazing improvements for nature in Worcestershire. We have three years to turn a vision into a reality using funding from both The National Lotter y Heritage Fund and the Trust itself to involve communities in conser vation to create better spaces for both nature and people.

There are three of us in the project team. There’s me, Julie Grainger, leading things and I’m joined by ecologist Connor McGoldrick and ex-teacher Anna Josiffe. We’re liaising with communities in Droitwich Spa to learn about how people want to help nature in their neighbourhoods and begin their steps to make a Wilder Worcestershire.

So why do we need to make spaces more wild?

Back in 2023, the UK-wide State of Nature repor t told us that wildlife is continuing to decline at an alarming rate. A significant contributor in this is the disconnection between people and nature. Our project focuses on the urgent need to tackle this crisis and reconnect communities with nature. We suppor t community-led action to create a positive impact for wildlife.

We’re focusing on the rivers Salwarpe to Severn corridor, encompassing Droitwich, Fernhill Heath, Worcester and Kempsey, where a quar ter of Worcestershire’s population live. This corridor features diverse natural landscapes, hosting vital habitats and species, and is rich in oppor tunities to suppor t and encourage local communities in areas that they are interested in, which can var y from a

20 Completely Droitwich Spa

specific habitat – hedgerows, perhaps - to a specific species - brown hairstreak butterflies, for example.

Maybe a community decides to have plant pots full of pollinator-friendly plants outside ever y house in a street? Or a school installs a pile of dead wood for inver tebrates? The possibilities are endless!

We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response with interest from schools, community hubs, resident associations and volunteer groups.

What I love most is that we get to talk to people about their nature stories and celebrate in their conservation successes no matter how big or small, whether they spend £1000s on equipment and landscaping or £2.50 on a packet of seeds. If you’re not doing anything for nature right now but would like to, then please get in touch.

We’re really interested in your ideas and experiences and can support you to take the next steps or can put you in touch with others who share your vision or have their own stories to tell...then we can all become wilder.

Find out more: www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/community-action Get in touch: julieg@Worcestershirewildlifetrust.org Follow us: www.facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust

by Julie Grainger, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Turning Droitwich Spa into Droitwich SpART T

he streets, buildings, and underpasses of Droitwich Spa have been transformed into five vibrant works of art, funded by Wychavon and the Droitwich Spa Place Board.

This Street Ar t initiative, funded through Wychavon’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, builds on the success of the Droitwich Spa Underpass Ar t Project with several stunning installations already completed and an exciting new piece set to be unveiled at Emms Haberdasher y this summer.

One of the featured ar tworks, Droitwich Loves Books, created by Andrew ‘Title’ Mills for the Chawson Pleck Underpass, brings characters from children’s literature to life, showcasing them as they enjoy local landmarks. This design was inspired by the creativity of students from Chawson First School.

A mural at Camp Furlong, created by Melanie JS, was developed with the enthusiastic input of Witton Middle School students and is named Positive-Safe-Future. This installation has transformed the underpass into a brighter, safer space filled with uplifting images and messages.

The final panels feature the students’ designs, showcasing their pride in the town.

Another highlight is For the Love of Droitwich Spa at The Talbot, crafted by WeTheSeeds in collaboration with the community. This artwork celebrates Droitwich, highlighting its iconic landmarks and rich heritage. Residents are challenged to see how many they can spot.

The Rik Mayall’s Comedy Emporium, by Milan Topovic, honours one of Droitwich’s most cherished residents, comedian Rik Mayall.

It incorporates elements from his beloved characters and features his likeness on a King of Hearts playing card, symbolising how his fans view him as the King of Comedy. This piece was unveiled to coincide with the first Rik Mayall Comedy Festival. Due to its popularity, the vacant unit that hosts the ar twork was transformed into a pop-up merchandise shop during the festival.

Vivid Memories: Reflections from Our Community at Union Lane, created by WeTheSeeds, is a breathtaking installation that showcases the cherished stories and memories of residents, serving as a welcoming sight for those

arriving by train. From dancing at the Winter Gardens to memorable trips on the Pamela May, this art piece beautifully captures the essence of our community.

Councillor Richard Morris, leader of the council and executive board member for economic growth and tourism at Wychavon, said: “We take pride in collaborating with the residents of Droitwich Spa, and Droitwich Spa Place Board on this transformative project.”

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Local butchers 50 years

Tom and his wife Sandra

F

or over 50 years ‘Lymers’ has been at the hear t of Droitwich Spa. And owner, butcher and Droitwich born Tom Lymer, who is 82, has no plans shut up shop - yet.

The key to a successful career and business is to be friendly, to make customers feel welcome.

“You’ve only got customers for now” said Tom. “I am straight with people and they appreciate that. It’s about having a good personality and sharing stories and advice.

“I even say hello and talk to people who are just walking past – you never know, they might come back.”

Over the years Tom has got to know his regulars and ser ves the grandchildren of the families who were customers over half a centur y ago It was at the age of 13 when Tom volunteered to take a par t time job at Leight and Boston, a butchers in Droitwich High Street, making deliveries on a bike with a basket.

At the age of 15 he left school and his mum encouraged him to work at the butchers full time and his training began.

In 1972 he opened his own shop in Queen Street and when bigger premises in High Street, formerly a Fine Fayre supermarket, became empty, he used his savings to buy it.

Tom and his wife Sandra, a former banker who

22 Completely Droitwich Spa

star ted work at the shop during covid, pride themselves in ensuring their produce is local, sourced within 30 miles.

As well as quality meat – the cows are grass-fed – they sell eggs from Vernon’s in Hanbur y, tomatoes, cheese, pies and Droitwich salt.

Sandra said: “People often buy ready meals or packaged meat from supermarkets and we love to advise people how they can buy fresh, local ingredients and make simple meals like casseroles.”

It’s not just locals who visit Lymers – over the years well-know residents like Ralph Edwards who owned the Chateau Impney, and his daughter Jean Brettell who was County Commissioner for Worcestershire Guides, were regulars.

Historian Nelly Copson visited Lymers twice a day for a chat and a cuppa and each year Tom and Sandra held a par ty for her bir thday with guests including Henry Sandon a Worcester porcelain expert from the Antiques Roadshow and his wife Barbara HRH Prince Edward during a visit to the town, popped to Lymers, after the floods of 2002 which saw the shop having to be refurbished.

on and still in it’s prime “As long as customers want to use us, we will continue to provide a quality ser vice. It is an honour to do so and we enjoy ever y minute.”

Sandra said: “It was devastating and it was a lot of work over three months to ensure we were open for Christmas.

“Our customers missed us and welcomed us back with bottles of champagne and prosecco which meant a lot.”

The shop remains an impor tant par t of Droitwich High Street and a par t of the lives of local residents

and visitors alike.

Tom said: “My customers are so important to me and are the main reason why I don’t want to retire.

Tom’s favourite is a sirloin steak – medium/medium rare.

The best way to cook it is 5 minutes on each side then loosely cover and rest for 15 minutes.

Nelly Copson

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23

Cox’s Screw Factory, Charles Henry Street, Highgate, Birmingham

Blitz Kid Dorothy’s childhood revealed in new book T

hanks to the nation’s favourite sitcom, Only Fools and Horses, many of us associate the phrase ‘during the war’ with the hapless, but loveable, Uncle Alber t.

However, there are plenty of true tales of resistance and resolve to be told that happened on our doorstep, and among the finest stor ytellers in the West Midlands is Droitwich Spa resident Dorothy Humphries.

Dorothy, who is more commonly known as Dot, is already a familiar face to generations of Spa folk thanks to her family’s antiques business – her son Ian is one of the dealers on BBC One’s popular The Bidding Room, hosted by Nigel Havers – and her wider interest in the thriving local ar ts scene.

homes and schools destroyed and, in some cases, their families shattered. Yet amid the turmoil and tears, they found a way to enjoy their childhoods.

Dorothy, who is 91, welcomed Completely Droitwich Spa into her home to tell us about her war time experiences, and how her appearance in the book came about.

“Midland Memories and More, the Facebook page that I contribute to, published an appeal by Duncan Barratt which my brother-in-law spotted. I gave Duncan a calll, and, to my surprise, he came to visit me that afternoon,” she said.

And she’s now gaining an audience beyond Worcestershire as one of the inter viewees in a recently published book, Blitz Kids - True Stories from the Children of War time Britain to commemorate the 80th anniversar y of VE Day.

“I was born in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, in 1934 and lived in a terraced house in Larches Street with my mum and dad. As a tool setter who was in great demand during the war, my dad wasn’t called up. He also had an important job as an air raid warden.

When World War Two began, there were ten million children living in Britain. Many were evacuated to the countryside, but others stayed behind and witnessed the Blitz close at hand in cities around the UK.

“I was evacuated to my aunt in Worcester, but it was only for a short time as I grieved too much. My school was hit during the Blitz, but we were quickly moved into one of the many empty Victorian houses in the area so we could keep up our studies.”

Written by Duncan Barratt and Nuola Calvi, Blitz Kids tells the remarkable true stories of children who spent their nights in cold, cramped air-raid shelters, hearing the rumble of planes and the crash of bombs overhead.

Many woke up in the morning to find their

24 Completely Droitwich Spa

Dorothy recalled the family’s routine during these uncer tain times.

“I had to rush home from school, eat my tea ver y quickly and then change into what we’d now call a onesie, but what we knew then as a siren suit.

Mole Street/Stratford Road and St. Agatha’s Church, Sparkbrook, Birmingham

“As we hadn’t got a shelter in our garden, we were invited to go into the cellar of a little grocer y shop a few doors down which was owned by one of my schoolfriends.

However, the cellar was flooded after a water main burst, so my mum and I hung a carpet up in the entr y by our house and stayed there. I just used to sleep.

“After the Blitz, nothing was what we’d think of today as normal, but I was able to go to music lessons – my mum was a keen pianist, and I followed in her footsteps – and I also went to dancing class.”

When the book dropped onto her doormat, Dorothy was delighted to learn that the other inter viewee from Birmingham named Brian lived just around the corner from her in Sparkbrook.

Her son Ian also helped to promote Blitz Kids on Instagram, filming an extract from the book read by broadcaster Malcolm Boyden.

Blitz Kids is now available at all good bookshops and via Amazon.

Dorothy with the new book

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Lido celebrates 90 years of bathing

Rivers Fitness Managing Director Nigel Grundy

A

Droitwich Town Council Leader Cllr Rick Deller

Pictured (from left) Lido Manager Seb Parker, FODSL committee members (in the pool) Julia Watkins, Deb Holdsworth, Caroline Attwood-Reusser, June Mills, Sarah Clements, FODSL Chair Suzi Wood, Wychavon Leader Cllr Richard Morris and Wychavon Executive Board member.

summer of water-centred celebration will mark 90 years since the opening of the much-loved Droitwich Spa Lido.

Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido (FODSL), Rivers Fitness and Wychavon have joined forces to put on a series of events marking nine decades since crowds flocked to watch film star Ralph Lynn open the ‘Seaside of the Midlands’ on June 10th 1935.

The celebrator y events star ted in June, and the enter tainment is water-borne again from 6pm on Saturday, July 19th with a synchronised swimming display star ting at 6pm, followed by an open swim session. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children.

A memor y book, containing photographs and written memories of Lido users past and present, will be launched on the same day.

On Saturday, August 16th there will be a unique swim and open-air cinema night at the venue in Worcester Road with a special screening of the Hollywood blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Visitors can enjoy a swim from 6pm and the film will be shown on the big

26 Completely Droitwich Spa

screen in the car park from 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available from Little Al’s café at the lido.

Throughout the summer season there will also be a Swim 90 Challenge, enabling swimmers of all ages and abilities to sign up for personal or group activities. Entr y cards will be available from the kiosk.

Suzi Wood, chair of FODSL, said: “The 90th anniversar y of the opening of the Droitwich Spa Lido is a momentous milestone and a stor y of sur vival throughout nine decades. We’re looking forward to a spectacular summer and hope for a good turnout of revellers to join in with our celebrations.”

Councillor Dan Birch, Wychavon’s executive board member for leisure, health and wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted we’re supporting Droitwich Spa Lido’s 90th birthday celebrations. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how much the Lido means to the people of the town while also looking to the future with confidence.”

More information on the Lido’s website: www.riversfitness.co.uk/droitwichlido

Revenge is sweet for gutsy S

howing at FeckenOdeon on Friday, July 18th at 8pm, Thelma (12A) is a warmhearted film for a summer’s evening.

Thelma Post is a 93-year-old grandmother who loses $10,000 to a con artist on the phone then takes matters into her own hands.

After stealing a souped-up mobility scooter from her friend Ben (Richard Roundtree), the pair eventually team up, setting out to retrieve her money from the scammer (Malcolm McDowell). June Squibb, herself 94, gives the performance of a lifetime in this comedy caper.

The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, B96 6HN. Tickets for all FeckenOdeon films can be booked online through feckenodeon.co.uk, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Rose & Crown and The Village Shop in Feckenham.

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Outdoor Theatre

Summer of play(s) to enjoy at Hanbury Hall H

ead to Hanbur y Hall for a jampacked summer of games, activities and live performances.

Running from 9am to 5pm ever y day from Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, August 31st, this year’s Summer of Play is inspired by the magnificent wall paintings inside the hall, and the Victorian fetes held by the Vernon family.

Sponsored by Starling Bank, the timetable of events includes circus skills, face painting and bracelet making.

Join award-winning Illyria Theatre in the gardens as they perform Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice on Saturday, August 2nd from 7pm to 10pm.

With her tongue ver y firmly in her cheek, Austen tells us “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Mrs Bennet cer tainly thinks so. So, when Mr Bingley – single, young, handsome and with £5,000 a year – moves into nearby Netherfield Park, she devotes all her energy to contriving for Jane, the eldest of her five daughters, to meet him.

Thank heavens Lizzy, her second daughter, finds Mr Bingley’s disdainful friend Mr Darcy (despite his whopping £10,000 a year) detestable too! Or does she? Can she see beyond his pride – and could he overcome her prejudice – to consider a possible future of happiness together?

Illyria will return on Saturday, August 9th with Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows.

Timid Mole yearns to explore the wide world.

Gruff old Badger enjoys peace and quiet. Rat likes just messing about in boats. Their idyllic lives on the riverbank are turned upside down when Toad announces his latest in a long line of extravagant

28 Completely Droitwich Spa

Fun for all ages

obsessions: a caravan. Generous Toad. Exciting Toad. Only-A-Tiny-Bit Boastful Toad.

The river bankers console themselves with the fact that he cannot possibly get any worse - until, bewitched by the roar of a motorcar and the screech of burning tyres, he does. His friends resolve to save him from himself – but can they teach him even a jot of restraint and help him evict the stoats and weasels from his ancestral pile?

For more information and to book tickets for both plays, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ worcestershire-herefordshire/hanbury-hall/events

Wall paintings inside The Hall

HISTORY

Talks and events aplenty for Spa historians to savour T

he coming months will be extremely busy for members of Droitwich Histor y & Archaeology Society.

We will be manning a stand at the Salt Fest at the end of August. Last year it was voted the best community stand, and once again, our display of images and maps showing the historical development of the town will be there for you to browse, share your own memories, or to discover something new about our history. The stand can be found close to St Richard’s statue and where the remaining brine spring flows into the River Salwarpe.

The first speaker meeting of our autumn programme will be on Wednesday, September 3rd when David Clarke will remind us of the time when the penalty for stealing a loaf of bread to keep the family fed could result in life-changing results.

David’s talk “Sentenced to Beyond the Seas: the true stor y of eight Worcestershire females convicted to death or transported in the 1780s”, will star t at 7.30pm in the Community Hall, Heritage Way, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8RE. Visitors and friends are always welcome to attend. Admission is £3 for members and £5 for friends and visitors.

Another exciting event is the Millennium Exhibition displayed in the upstairs galler y of Droitwich Spa Librar y in Victoria Square from Friday, September 6th to Wednesday, October 1st.

Through pictures and text, the exhibition tells the stor y of 2,000 years of Droitwich’s histor y, with

a glimpse at the Ice Age mammoth before taking visitors through the Iron Age, Roman, Medieval, and Tudor periods right up to the star t of the current centur y.

Additional free-standing displays are planned and will include oppor tunities to read bound copies of the Droitwich Evening News 1989, learn more about the histor y of Droitwich canals, see items from the Willow Cour t research project and study large scale maps and images from the histor y society’s collection. Unless booked for another meeting, the galler y will be open according to current librar y access arrangements.

Our regular evening meetings continue on the first Wednesday of each month with interesting and varied talks and presentations. Themes are as follows: October 1st - Margaret of Anjou, Queen of England crushed at Tewkesbury 1471 - John Reid; November 5th - Droitwich Postcard Album – Paul Jones; December 3rd - To Murder a Priest.

The Popish Plot and Worcestershire 1678-1681 – Doug Smith.

Look out for our posters or collect a leaflet giving full details of our future meetings.

By Chris Bowers

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The new Santa Fe T

ransformed visually with a new squared-off looking design, the latest Santa Fe stands out to a point that could almost be termed a rebirth. Spotting one coming towards you is easy thanks to those impressive H shaped lights.

If you’re on the trail for SUV serendipity you just might want to consider this bigger and bolder Santa Fe which has consistently received a multitude of well-deserved accolades in 2024 and 2025 as one of the best large SUVs. It’s a purposeful looking and appealing ‘whip crack away’ seven-seater from Korea with an indomitable presence that’s practical, classy, top quality and well equipped inside and outside. A five-year, unlimited mileage, warranty, therefore, reflects manufacturers confidence. It seems that reliability is a given with this make.

Since its entry into this highly competitive market, competitors have quaked. And with good reason, for you’d be hard-pressed to match the ‘bangs for bucks’ that Hyundai delivers. At

30 Completely Droitwich Spa

£49,650, this top spec. Calligraphy 7 seat 1.6 petrol hybrid with the new six speed automatic transmission and with ‘on demand’ four-wheel drive, is up there with the best for much less.

We all know that the appeal of the SUV is dependent on ultra practicality and versatility.

You can go anywhere with anyone in any weather and virtually on any highway short of the Rocky Mountains in one of these because it is no ‘soft-roader’. It has different drive modes for different challenging conditions.

There are acres of room for five and their luggage and if you flip up the other two seats from the boot floor, there’s still room for luggage. Put all seats down and you have a veritable pantechnicon.

DRIVE TIME

is a drivers dream The name given to this model is redolent of adventurous treks ‘Out West’ but for the British market Hyundai have made subtle and clever adaptations. UK models are chassis tuned to the unique demands of our great British roads.

Driving feels as smooth as silk, and it even has Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). The torquey 1.6 petrol engine combines with the 58 bhp electric motor to give lovely smooth and linear performance, taking you to ‘certainly fast enough’ mph (112mph) and, surprisingly, I got about 48 mpg in eco mode on a long run.

Inside, comfort is as comfy as comfy can be, on heated and cooled seats that are power operated.

There are so many bells and whistles to make your life complete and you can even choose from 64 colours for the interior ambience.

You and yours are kept safe by safety systems galore. The flight deck displays an array of

instruments and controls, and you are soothed by a Bose (the best) sound system of sonic excellence. To put it in a nutshell (and a very big one at that) it has as much going for it as rivals that are over half as much again. Would I buy a Land Rover when I could have a Santa Fe that is unlikely to breakdown?

With indomitable presence and purposefulness, the Santa Fe delivers like a galloping Pony Express. If you’re in the market for a big-hearted hunk of a car that won’t take a massive chunk out of your earnings, here is utility value that’s worth flagging up: and never has practicality felt so luxurious.

You could carry the Queen of Sheba and guarantee not to spill her sherbet in one of these - and it’s also a fairway to carry a gaggle of golfers on their way to the 18th.

by Syd Taylor

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31

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