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Issue 5

Completely

November/ December 2025

Droitwich Spa

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QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright

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droitwich@parkinsonwright.co.uk

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3

Welcome to the joint November/December issue of Completely Droitwich Spa!

W

ith this being our final issue of 2025, I would like to thank ever yone including our readers, adver tisers and contributors who have helped us in what has been a great first year publishing Droitwich Spa’s own community magazine.

And what a year it has been, from the phenomenal success of the first Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, which brought people from far and wide to the town to celebrate a Spa icon, and the official opening of the ‘Health Corridor’, which is par t of a multi-million-pound investment in leisure and wellbeing, to the disastrous fire at the Raven Hotel, which saw people weep with despair.

Droitwich Spa is for tunate to have hands-on councillors and a community that truly gets

10

20

Contents

6 MPs Message 8 Trustee / Transport 10 History Themed Mural 12 The Litter Squad 14 Property Protection Trust

Finally, I would like to take this oppor tunity to wish ever yone a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year from the whole team at Completely Droitwich Spa. So, folks until next year, remember, keep it local!

Very best wishes Michele Ford

24 30

16 Gardening 18 FODS Railways 20 Worcs Wildlife Trust 21 Duck Vending Machine 22 Worcestershire Cavalry

Completely

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

4 Completely Droitwich Spa

involved, including keeping the railway station looking bright and colourful with plants galore and regular community litter picks. You can read about it all in this issue.

24 Health Corridor 25 New Banner Display 26 Health 28 Drive Time 330 Probus / Walking Rugby

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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A message from our

MP Nigel Huddleston O

ne of the best things about Droitwich is its strong sense of community spirit. Something that shines through in the work of our many charities, volunteers, and local community groups. They are the hear tbeat of our town, suppor ting neighbours, strengthening connections, and quietly making a real difference ever y single day.

Lineview visit

As Shadow Secretar y of State for Culture, Media and Spor t, I often meet people who assume my brief is just about spor t, music, youth and heritage but it covers so much more, including charities, volunteering, National Lotter y, youth and civil society. It’s a par t of my role I find par ticularly rewarding, because the positive impact of these groups is felt most strongly in places like Droitwich.

Recently, I visited two wonderful examples of that local generosity in action. The Droitwich Community Pantr y and Fridge has just opened its new, larger premises on the Berr y Hill Industrial Estate, suppor ted by funding from the National Lotter y Community Fund.

The pantr y redistributes around five tonnes of surplus food ever y week, preventing waste and helping hundreds of local families to access affordable food. It’s run entirely by volunteers and is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

6 Completely Droitwich Spa

I also met the team at Speakeasy N.O.W., a Droitwich-based organisation that empowers people with learning disabilities to speak up and make their voices heard. Through their People’s Parliament, members are tackling impor tant issues such as health inequalities and independence. Their Sheriff ’s Award is ver y well deser ved and reflects the impact they’ve had across Worcestershire.

Many local groups like these receive suppor t from the National Lotter y or the People’s Postcode Lotter y, but it’s surprising how many community organisations don’t realise they can apply for this type of funding. These grants can be used for all sor ts of projects - from improving facilities and running community events, to suppor ting those most in need.

If you’re involved in a local group, charity, or initiative that could use some extra help, I’d strongly encourage you to look into these funding oppor tunities. It is money set aside to suppor t communities like ours, and I’d love to see even more of it coming to Droitwich.

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Help shape Droitwich’s future by becoming a trustee D

roitwich CVS (Council for Voluntar y Ser vice) is inviting enthusiastic residents to join the board of trustees and play an active role in suppor ting and shaping the future of community ser vices.

If you are passionate about helping others, strengthening community connections, and making a real difference in people’s lives, Droitwich CVS would love to hear from you. No formal qualifications are required — just enthusiasm, commitment, and a genuine community spirit.

The organisation is par ticularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in HR, marketing, or finance, though applications from all backgrounds are welcome.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your skills and ideas to a friendly, supportive team that is dedicated to improving the wellbeing of local people.

“Our trustees are at the heart of ever ything we do,” said Tonia Enderbur y, CEO at Droitwich CVS. “By joining us, you’ll be helping to ensure that vital

community projects continue to thrive and make a difference where it’s needed most.”

To find out more or express your interest, please call 01905 779115 or email admin@droitwichcvs.org.uk If you know someone who would be a good fit, please share this oppor tunity with them.

Community Transport Week celebrated with councillor’s visit

D

roitwich CVS’s community transpor t ser vice received praise from Worcestershire county councillor Dan Birch for their exceptional work in the community following a visit during Community Transpor t Week.

The theme for this year’s celebrations was “More Than a Minibus”, showcasing how community transport services are integral to local lives.

During the visit, Councillor Birch took the opportunity to meet with staff and volunteers, who shared how their services go beyond transportation, helping individuals stay independent, connected, and empowered.

Droitwich CVS is a small, local charity providing essential services, including community transport, which is a lifeline for people across the local community. From supporting the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable groups, to ensuring access to healthcare, education, and employment, the charity plays a vital role in making sure that no one is left behind.

Councillor Birch expressed his admiration for the work being done, saying: “It was lovely to meet and discuss the invaluable work they do day in and day out. Their services go far beyond simply driving a vehicle - they provide people

8 Completely Droitwich Spa

with the opportunity to live independently, engage in their communities, and access essential services. It’s clear that Droitwich CVS are an essential pillar of our local community.

“Community Transport Week 2025 is the perfect time to recognise and celebrate the vital role these services play. I’m proud to stand behind the Droitwich CVS team and advocate for continued support to ensure they can continue their essential work for years to come.”

Tonia Enderbury, CEO of Droitwich CVS, added: “This was an excellent opportunity to showcase how much more we are than just a community transport service. We are part of the fabric of this community, helping individuals stay connected, independent, and part of society.

“We are very much in demand to provide support to the residents of Droitwich and the surrounding villages, so are always in need of volunteer drivers to give just a couple of hours a week to support the community with transport.

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Playful historythemed mural to brighten up the Spa

A

new piece of street ar t, inspired by classic oil paintings, has transformed the side of Emms Haberdasher y in Droitwich Spa, putting the town’s rich heritage at the hear t of the High Street.

The High Street mural, titled ‘Tides of the Time: The Legacy of Droitwich Spa’s Brine’, is the latest in a series of place-making projects delivered by Wychavon in partnership with the Droitwich Spa Place Board.

Funded through Wychavon’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the ar twork offers a playful interpretation of the town’s historic identity. At its centre is the town’s famous brine bath, where various characters from the past will appear to float – inviting passers-by to spot references to well-known and lesser-known stories from the town’s heritage, including its surprising connection to William Shakespeare.

The design was shaped with input from residents following a four-week public sur vey and fur ther developed during a workshop with groups such as the Droitwich Spa Historical Society and the Droitwich Civic Society.

Councillor Richard Morris, leader of the council and executive board member for economic growth and tourism at Wychavon, said: “This mural is a celebration of Droitwich Spa’s fascinating past but also part of our future vision. By working with

10 Completely Droitwich Spa

local people to bring colour, creativity, and curiosity to the High Street, we’re helping to make the town centre more welcoming and exciting for ever yone.”

Matt Nicol, chair of the Droitwich Spa Place Board, added: “Street art can transform blank walls into talking points and attractions. It has been proven to increase footfall, improve well-being, and create a genuine sense of pride in a place. This mural is another great example of how we’re putting the town on the map and inviting people to see the town in a whole new way.”

Street ar t is known to enhance public spaces by improving their aesthetic appeal, sparking conversation, and encouraging people to explore their surroundings. As well as suppor ting local pride, projects like this also help boost the local economy by drawing in visitors and increasing awareness through social sharing.

The mural is one of several new street ar t pieces planned for the town, including the installation at The Talbot on the High Street – all designed to suppor t the regeneration of the town and help shape a place people feel proud to visit, live and work in.

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Clean team on a mission

to make town Spa-kle T

he Droitwich Spa Litter Squad were formed in 2019 in conjunction with Wychavon Council promoting Adopt a Street.

A Facebook page was set up by Clive Shearman to gain interest from the public to find any other like-minded residents within Droitwich Spa who were currently involved in litter picking or who were interested in becoming a new pickup artist. The Facebook page now has more than 750 followers.

The squad aim to get out early every Sunday morning when traffic is light. Areas around Droitwich Spa are picked and bagged litter is collected and left ready for pick up by Wychavon Council/FCC Environment.

There are also solo pickers, who pick regularly around the areas where they live and report their collections on the Litter Squad Facebook page.

Since 2019 more than 8,000 bags of litter have been collected by the group and solo pickers.

Not only do the Litter Squad pick litter but they are also actively cleaning graffiti and clearing trollies and other debris out of waterways when it is safe to do so.

Litter picking is an opportunity to provide something back to the community. It’s fulfilling, good for our mental health and helps make Droitwich a better place.

By removing litter, we hope we are helping create safer habitats for wildlife.

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Why do we need a

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ost people hope that their estate will pass on to their loved ones eventually. But this will not happen for many unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees.

The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT). A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children of the deceased.

The surviving par tner, under the terms of the Trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second par tner the Trust comes to an end and the proper ty passes to the beneficiaries.

As the surviving par tner does not own the deceased’s share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected. This last point can be of par ticular interest to couples who have come together but have children from different partners.

A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensure that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving par tner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life.

If the surviving par tner wants to move to another

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property, they can still sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the trust remain over the new proper ty.

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15

Christmas roses (Helleborus niger)

Reg’s November gardening tips Reg Moule

GARDENING

Lawn fertiliser

W

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

Early November Tr y to finish off bulb planting soon. In fact, this is a great time to be planting tulips.

Plant trees, shrubs, fruiting plants and roses of all kinds. They will be able to settle themselves in before the spring.

Sow Aquadulce Claudia broad beans and round seeded peas, like Feltham First, in sheltered spots for cropping in June.

Christmas roses (Helleborus niger) flower better and earlier with a little protection from a cloche.

Hellebores hate being disturbed but if you must move one this is the best time. Lift it with a good large ball of soil around the roots.

Mid November Check tree stakes and ties before winter winds cause damage.

Plant Paperwhite narcissi for Christmas flowers.

Clean the glass and insulate your greenhouse using bubble polythene.

Pinch out the tips of autumn sown sweet peas when they are 10cm (4in) tall.

Plant garlic by the end of this month, it enjoys a well-drained position.

Take hardwood cuttings of soft fruit bushes and shrubs.

Plant bare root hedging plants.

Keep greenhouses and frames ventilated on bright days.

Grass growth generally slows down a little this month, so only give your lawn a light mowing if the grass is dr y.

If you have not already done so, treat the lawn to a dose of autumn lawn fer tiliser and aerate it.

If your garden is lacking colour, plant some winter flowering shrubs now.

16 Completely Droitwich Spa

Winter Heather

Sow fast maturing carrots, radishes, winter hardy salad onions etc in the greenhouse for April harvest.

Plant a container with winter flowering heathers to brighten up your patio.

Trim over summer heathers to remove the old flower stems.

Clean patios and concrete paths to remove potentially slipper y moss and algae. Patio Magic, or Algon are some of the best treatments to use.

Late November Feed flowering houseplants weekly but foliage ones once a month.

Pot up pieces of chives, parsley and mint to bring indoors for fresh foliage all winter.

Begin pruning grapes as soon as the leaves have fallen.

Garden birds benefit from extra feeding all year round, but it is especially impor tant in the winter months. Tr y to put out appropriate food for the species living in your garden and make sure that water is readily available too.

Prune free standing apple and pear trees after leaf fall.

Place houseplants on wide saucers of moist gravel to provide extra humidity. Grouping them together on trays of moist gravel helps even more, as central heating is ver y dr y.

Begin washing pots and trays in disinfectant ready for the new sowing season if you have had trouble with seedlings rotting off last year.

By Reg Moule - Rowberry’s Nursery, Chaddesley Corbett

Poinsettias

Reg’s December gardening tips

GARDENING Pruning fruit tree

Reg Moule

Early December Overgrown deciduous hedges can be cut back hard while they are still dormant.

Zig-zag some hazard warning tape over winter greens to keep pigeons off.

New deciduous hedges can be planted now. Cut the new plants back hard after planting.

Avoid getting greenhouse plants too wet, they are much better kept on the dr y side over the winter.

Feed flowering houseplants weekly using a liquid fer tiliser.

Avoid walking on frozen lawns, as this damages the grass leaving brown footprints until the spring.

Float a rubber ball, or a chunk of polystyrene, in your pool to prevent it from freezing over completely.

Put your sawn-off Christmas tree in a stand which holds water, as this aids needle retention.

Mid December Feed garden birds and make sure that water is also readily available.

Frost and wind can loosen newly planted shrubs and trees. Check and re-firm them.

Alpines and other seeds needing a cool period in order to germinate can be sown now.

Go through the greenhouse ever y week and dispose of dead leaves and flowers.

Repair fences while climbing plants are still dormant.

Plant new trees and shrubs when weather conditions are favourable.

Tr y to hoe off weeds whenever you see them, as this will pay dividends later.

Grow some sprouting seeds in jam jars for an easy, nutritious addition to meals.

Cut some berried holly for house decoration and keep it in a bucket in a cold greenhouse to prevent birds from taking the berries.

Azaleas

Take root cuttings from herbaceous plants like phlox, oriental poppies, and Japanese anemones.

Ventilate the greenhouse on sunny days to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

Late December Winter is a good time to plan next year’s crops and ornamental displays.

Prune free- standing apple and pear trees.

Prune greenhouse grapes, when all the leaves have fallen, cutting back the side shoots to one bud long.

Christmas pot plants – remember Cyclamen and Azaleas like it cool, Poinsettias need more warmth.

Clean pots, seed trays and ser vice tools ready for the new season’s work.

Cover a sheltered area of veg. garden with clear polythene to warm it up for early spring sowings.

Sow onions suitable for exhibition, like Robinson’s Mammoth or Kelsae in a heated greenhouse.

Winter wash dormant fruit trees for a clean star t next spring.

Star t winter digging on the veg. garden but keep off ver y wet soil – it ruins the structure.

If snow is expected encircle vulnerable conifers with hoops of wire to hold branches in place that could, otherwise, be bent outwards by heavy falls.

By Reg Moule - Rowberry’s Nursery, Chaddesley Corbett

Completely Droitwich Spa

17

Projects put smiles on

T

he Friends of Droitwich Spa Railway Station was formed in 2021. Following an advert in the Worcester Evening News to adopt the station, the group was formed and met just after the Covid outbreak, quickly establishing our aim to visually enhance the station’s appearance and improve the passenger experience.

We currently have ten volunteers with different skills who give up their time to devote to the station, having become good friends over the time we also meet regularly for meetings and social activities. We work in par tnership with West Midlands Railway, Worcestershire Community Rail Par tnership and the local Rail User Group.

After completing our safety briefing we set out on our first project. Looking for a quick win, we were suppor ted with a generous donation by a local garden centre and refreshed the garden area and concrete planters at the rear of the ticket office with more than 200 new plants. Over a fiveday period, we completely transformed the area.

The project was featured at the Rail Live event and was nominated for an Ar ts Council award.

18 Completely Droitwich Spa

During 2022, having campaigned to get some unused bike rack hoops removed, we installed two new large planters onto the platforms which were all sponsored by local businesses. In the latter par t of the year, we had a large quantity of fencing panels to dispose of, but rather than send them to the tip we decided to recycle them and made a number of Christmas trees.

We held sessions with the local scouts and St John’s Ambulance to assemble them and held bauble painting sessions for local children to decorate the trees. They were erected on the railings at the station throughout December and have been a Christmas feature ever since. We have since added snowmen made in a similar manner.

Spa rail passengers’ faces

The following year we installed several pieces of ar twork by local ar tists. In the passenger shelters on the nor th platform, Lottie Mountford, a Droitwich Spa High School pupil, produced four pieces of ar twork as par t of her A level course with line drawings promoting the town’s heritage.

The ar twork on the Brunell building feature three paintings that were produced by Rosie Philpott, Gail Braznell and Wendy Simmons.

We were also pleased to help co-ordinate the installation of a defibrillator, working with West Midlands Trains and Droitwich AED to get this valuable piece of equipment installed at the station. We are currently the guardians for the machine, and it has been deployed on several occasions by the ambulance ser vice.

In March 2024 we were excited to receive a nomination from The Community Rail Par tnership in the categor y ‘It’s your station’ at the yearly awards event in Swansea.

Later in the year we commissioned Rosie Philpott to produce a wonky street map of Droitwich highlighting local landmarks. It also features QR codes for walking trails, visit Droitwich and Droitwich Heritage. The map was sponsored by Worcestershire County Council and The Community Rail Partnership. It can be seen on the rear wall of the ticket office and smaller versions in the shelters.

At the end of 2024 we installed a large bug hotel which one of our members constructed and positioned at the rear of the ticket office.

We currently have a train structure over a large planter where we are growing plants to develop a topiar y structure in the shape of a steam train.

We were grateful for the local sponsorship we received for these two projects.

In July 2025 we held a fundraising quiz at The Old Cock Inn. It was a great success and from the feedback we received it will probably become an annual event. We were amazed by the generosity of the local businesses who suppor ted us with raffle prizes and gifts.

Our latest project is almost ready to deliver but sadly will be over by the time this goes to print.

It is a remembrance display that will feature a large felt, knitted and crocheted poppy display with black soldier silhouettes on the railings at the nor th end of platform one.

The group currently feature in the community fund coin drop at Waitrose, so if you get the chance, please suppor t us through to the end of December with your tokens.

Finally, if you have any ideas for new projects or have some free time to come and join us, we would love to meet you at the station. Please get in touch via our Facebook page.

Completely Droitwich Spa

19

Mr Beestans Community Garden photos by Anna Josiffe

Mr Beestans Community Garden S

ince June, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Neighbourhoods Nurturing Nature team has been working hard with a couple of dedicated community members and Platform Housing to reinvigorate the space on Winslow Avenue called Mr Beestans Community Garden.

This area is a little nature haven, hidden in east Droitwich, with some beautiful fruit trees and shrubs, a pond that’s full of life and spaces all over the garden for insects and other local wildlife to call home. Over the course of the winter and spring, the space had become fairly overgrown (great for wildlife, not so great for access) so local residents Kevin and Emma decided that they wanted to help get the garden back to its previous, glorious state.

Work on the site, now known simply as Mr Beestans Garden, began in 2013 with the collaboration of group of local residents and For tis Housing (now par t of Platform Housing).

They worked together to clear an incredibly overgrown plot of land between Winslow Avenue and Charles Henr y Road and by the summer of 2014 this little patch had gained its current name.

In the 11 years since then, the site has been a hub for local residents to socialise and work together to make this space amazing for growing fruit, vegetables, flowers and friends.

When the growing season came this year, Kevin and Emma realised that the garden was beginning to look a little overgrown again. Along with Platform, they decided to collaborate with our small community team at the Trust to try and jumpstar t the garden for the year. This combined team has put in a lot of effort to clear the beds and get some fruit and veg into the ground whilst also working to support the habitats and pollinator-friendly plants that have been the reason why so much local wildlife can be found there already.

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We’ll be continuing our work at Mr Beestans Garden throughout the winter to get it ready for next year and to tr y and involve as many members of the community as possible in suppor ting each other and our local wildlife. If you are interested in dropping in and joining Kevin, Emma and us , there is an open gardening session ever y Wednesday morning from 10 until 12. We’d love your help in bringing ever yone in Droitwich a little closer to nature.

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

by Connor McGoldrick, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Quack-ing initiative for popular park W

ychavon has approved the installation of a special duck vending machine at Vines Park, Droitwich Spa, to help ducks thrive on a healthy diet.

The dispenser, supplied by the Feed the Ducks Initiative, has been provided and fitted at no cost to the council, and it fully suppor ts the council’s environmental promises.

Powered by solar energy and made from 20,000 recycled plastic bottles, the new machine promotes sustainability and reduces its environmental footprint, ensuring consistent operation throughout the day.

The machine, already available to use at the park, enables visitors to feed wild birds healthily and sustainably. Unlike bread, which is often fed to ducks but lacks nutritional value, the feeder provides a varied diet essential for the birds’ health for £1.

Bread can fill a duck’s stomach, preventing it from foraging for its natural diet and potentially leading to malnutrition. Uneaten bread also attracts pests and can cause algae blooms and water pollution.

The vending machine gives a fun way for the community to engage with nature for a small fee the machine dispenses a generous amount of food to feed the wild birds. No cash is needed, just a contactless payment method.

Councillor Beverley Hardman, executive board member for environment, said: “We are excited to work with Feed the Ducks on this project. It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect with the environment and help care for our local ducks and waterfowl.”

Cllr Richard Morris, and Wychavon Parks Team Officers, Charlie Willis, and Kirstie Yarwood by the Duck Feed Vending Machine

For ever y pound spent, 10% will be given to Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, a wildlife charity which offers help to injured birds and other animals.

Natalie Gould, from the hospital, said, “We were thrilled to learn about the Feed the Ducks Initiative.

For many years, we’ve tried to educate against feeding bread to waterbirds, not only to help the birds but because of the impact feeding bread can have on the environment.

“The initiative is a fantastic way to provide safe, nutritious food for waterbirds with minimal impact on the environment, and we are so grateful that we’ve been chosen to receive donations. We hope that all councils follow suit, and these wonderful feeders are available at all local parks that are home to waterbirds.”

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Show-stopping horses

E

questrians Justin and Julie Allman combine a love of histor y and horses to create a group called Worcestershire Cavalr y. Based in Inkberrow, the members have a keen interest in por traying cavalr y through the ages.

The riders are all experienced and confident, some have their own horses and others borrow one of the troops. Some of the members prefer to help from the ground, making props, taking photographs and acting as ground crew. They are the linchpin of the group and ver y much valued.

The team at Worcestershire Cavalr y likes to offer retiring army horses a happy forever home.

Most of their horses have spent their working lives in the army, either in King’s Troop, pulling gun carriages through the streets of London or in the Household Cavalr y, performing ceremonial duties

in front of royalty.

They are used to crowds, flags and loud noises and this makes them par ticularly suitable for cavalr y reenactments, parades and arena displays.

The horses can enjoy an easier pace of life where they still get to perform in front of the public but get plenty of time in the fields to relax.

Worcestershire Cavalr y have quickly become established in the UK, dedicating themselves to por traying mounted cavalr y across a wide span of histor y, from the Roman era to World War One.

Michele Ford on the now retired Tommy, enjoying his retirement!

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with historic tales to tell

They have performed for television, appeared in historical documentaries and taken par t in English Heritage shows, county fairs, and a variety of reenactment organisations, including the Sealed Knot, the American Civil War Society, and the Napoleonic Association, both nationally and internationally.

Recently, some members of the troop took par t in the 210th anniversar y of the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium. It was a proud moment for the team, when one of the regular group members was selected to ride as the Duke of Wellington at this prestigious event.

During the summer the group can be seen performing at Battle Prom concer ts at stately homes across the countr y. In the Cavalr y through the Ages show, riders showcase the uniforms, weaponr y, and combat skills of their respective eras. In the evening, the team perform a musical ride to Von Suppé’s Light Cavalr y Over ture, while the orchestra plays live.

Group members love the pomp and ceremony

of parades and recently provided a mounted escor t to the Sheriff of Lichfield, inspecting the city boundar y, a tradition dating back 500 years.

For the occasion, a small troop of 16th Queen’s Light Dragoons escor ted the Sheriff through the city centre and then for a nine-mile ride along the nor thern perimeter before escor ting the Sheriff back into the city centre.

Earlier this year, the horses returned to visit London for the New Year’s Day parade, passing Downing Street and Big Ben, then time for a group photograph at Horse Guards Parade before having a team photograph in front of the gates of Buckingham Palace.

Julie said: “It would have been so lovely if it hadn’t poured with rain. People were lining the streets with their umbrellas, and we were smiling and waving but we were all wet through and cold!”

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, either as a rider or ground crew, feel free to visit ‘Worcestershire Cavalry’ on Facebook.

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Droitwich Spa Health Corridor officially opens A

new health corridor has officially opened as par t 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 has been completely reconstructed to provide a more accessible route for people to access nature, be active and boost their wellbeing.

Previously, the towpath was a mixture of uneven sand, silt, and stone, making it inaccessible for many residents, particularly during winter. A new sub-base has been installed along with edging boards to help maintain the structure and a natural compacted grey limestone finish.

Three wheelchair-friendly benches and new directional signage have also been installed along the route.

Contractor R&C Williams carried out the work.

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, which includes upgrades to the Lido and leisure centre, as well as a new pump track and skate park.

The new towpath has also improved access to the recently enhanced Coney Meadow Wetland and reed bed, which was carried out by The Canal & River Trust with funding from Wychavon’s share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Visitors to Coney Meadow will be welcomed by a new owl sculpture at the entrance and an improved bird-viewing panel. Plans are to add decorative features to the bird-viewing panel to showcase the wildlife that can be spotted.

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Councillor Dan Birch, Wychavon’s executive board member for wellbeing, social mobility and transformation, said: “Being outdoors, walking, and enjoying nature all play a vital role in supporting physical and mental wellbeing. This new health corridor ensures those benefits are more accessible, while marking another key milestone in our investment in leisure, wellbeing and active travel. It brings us closer to our vision of making Droitwich Spa a leading leisure and wellbeing destination.”

Matt Nicol, chair of Droitwich Spa Place Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see the health corridor finally open. This project shows how collaboration can turn ideas into spaces that benefit the whole community.

The upgrades create a welcoming environment that ever yone can enjoy throughout the year.”

Ian Lane, head of operational partnerships and fundraising at Canal & River Trust, said: “The completion of the health corridor is a great example of how partnerships can bring canals to life, and we are really pleased that more people now have the opportunity to use the canal all year round and realise the many benefits it offers. Whether that is residents enjoying their local canal for recreation, or visitors exploring the waterways. Research has shown that using our green and blue corridors and connecting with nature can really improve your physical and mental wellbeing.”

Town’s story celebrated

in new banner display N

ew decorative banners celebrating Droitwich Spa’s rich heritage and iconic attractions are now brightening up the town.

The eye-catching designs have been installed on lampposts throughout the town centre this month.

Each banner captures a different theme close to the hear t of Droitwich Spa – from its famously crooked High Street to the refreshing Lido, its unique salt and Roman histor y, the scenic canal, and the stunning mosaics at Sacred Hear t Church.

The banners, funded through Wychavon’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, have been developed as par t of the town’s ongoing placemaking effor ts and have been suppor ted by the Droitwich Spa Place Board. In future, they will rotate with other promotional banners, including the popular Rik Mayall Comedy Festival set.

Matt Nicol, chair of the Droitwich Spa Place Board, said: “These banners are a celebration of what makes the Spa such a special place. Whether you live here or are visiting for the day, they help tell our stor y and make the town feel welcoming and vibrant.”

Councillor Richard Morris, leader of the council and executive board member for economic growth and tourism at Wychavon, said: “We’re investing in local pride through projects like this, which not only brighten up our town centres but also promote the unique features that make our places stand out.”

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Give the gift of radiant skin this Christmas

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

C

hristmas is fast approaching, and with it comes the question: “What’s the perfect gift?”

If you’re looking for something thoughtful, luxurious, and truly transformative, look no fur ther than the Renu Advanced Skin Care Range, the gift that keeps on glowing.

What makes Renu Advanced so special? It’s suitable for all ages and ever y skin type. You can mix and match products to suit your budget, or spoil someone (or yourself!) with the complete set. Each product is crafted with the cutting-edge science behind this revolutionar y skincare range empowered by Redox molecules.

One standout star is the Redox Molecules Clay Face Mask, a truly unique formulation and the only one of its kind on the market. After years in the beauty industr y, I can honestly say it’s unlike any other clay mask I’ve used. It doesn’t dr y, crack, or crumble; instead, it glides on smoothly, dries to a soft matte finish, and leaves your skin clean, fresh, and visibly radiant. It’s indulgence and innovation in one elegant package, making it a fabulous Christmas present for anyone who loves a little self-care.

But what’s the secret behind those amazing results? It all comes down to Redox molecules, the body’s own natural signalling molecules that allow cells to communicate and repair themselves. When we’re young, our skin renews ever y 28 days, but as we age, this process slows to 60, even 90 days. That’s when fine lines, dullness, and loss of elasticity star t to appear.

Redox technology helps reawaken those cellular connections, suppor ting faster renewal and healthier, more resilient skin.

In today’s world, our skin faces daily stress from pollution and harsh chemicals to UV exposure and even emotional tension. These factors accelerate aging and damage at a cellular level. By restoring healthy communication between cells, Redox molecules help your skin recover, rejuvenate, and resist the effects of stress and time.

This Christmas, go beyond the ordinar y. Skip the socks and scented candles, and give the gift

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of confidence, vitality, and glowing skin. The Renu Advanced Skin Care Range isn’t just skincare, it’s a science-backed celebration of beauty, wellness, and self-care.

Because the best gifts don’t just sparkle under the tree, they shine on your skin all year long. The beauty of this skin care range is it has no parabens or ar tificial colours, is vegan, fragrance free and is not tested on animals.

To order any of these products, contact me at colette@ need4change.com

by Colette Garside

ELGAR Day Trips COACHES Trafford Centre Shopping Centre Manchester £30 Saturday 22nd November Festive Lunch with Christmas Show At Studley Castle - 30th November 2025 £60 - Enjoy a Bucks Fizz on arrival,3 Course Lunch with tea or coffee and a Christmas Show Longleat Festival of Light £79 Adult £69 Child Saturday 13th December - Explore iconic sights as you embark on a grand day out this Christmas as The Festival of Light presents British Icons with Wallace and Gromit and friends!

Cotswold Designer Outlet for January Sales £25 - Saturday 10th January

HOLIDAY 2025 SPECIAL NEW LOWER PRICE New Year in Porthcawl 4 Days from £515 30th December staying at the Seabank Hotel - Dinner Bed & Breakfast, Mystery Excursion and entertainment NEW EARLY 2026 Winter Weekender in Exmouth 4 Days from £235 20th February - Staying at the lovely seafront Cavendish Hotel. Also includes a day excursion to Torquay and time to explore Exmouth at your leisure.

Strictly Come Dancing Live at Utilita Arena, Birmingham Sunday 25th January 2026 matinee performance £99

Price Held! - Tribute Weekend at The Riviera Torquay - 4 Days from £205 - 6th March Acts are Lional Richie, Gary Barlow and their resident tribute act - Staying at the Riviera hotel in Torquay.

Birmingham International Tattoo Sunday 15th February 2026 Matinee performance£65

Springtime in Bognor Regis for Mothers Day Days from £245 13th March

For our 2026 Brochure please phone and we will post a copy to you or check out our website: www.elgarcoaches.com Tel: 01905 333349 Completely Droitwich Spa

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Premium package H

aving covered a fair number of miles behind the wheel of new compact SUV the KGM Actyon (The name is a combination of ‘Act Young’ and ‘Act On’), I am pleased to extol its virtues and pronounce positive verdicts on its range of outstanding features.

This well-made Korean vehicle with a pedigree of some standing formerly carried the respected SsangYong brand name. With attractive coupe styling, it offers a premium package at a price (£38,649) prospective customers are likely to find tempting.

Externally it presents pleasing contours that, while conforming to modern trends, convey an interesting individuality. It certainly has presence, yet there are no hints of vulgar assertiveness.

Rather it exudes a confident and tasteful degree of poise: so much so that at the local Land Rover dealer it was mistaken for a Range Rover Evoque.

A top class motor in other words, befitting those who like driving in style and looking stylish as they drive. No wonder it has hit the market

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running. With underpinnings similar to the KGM Torres but bristling with new tech, the Actyon reaches greater heights; buying into today’s motorists’ preference for a compact, yet roomy and uncramped multi-purpose car that is stylish even when box-ticking practical considerations.

The well appointed, fuss free cabin boasts the latest in driver and passenger essentials. It is packed with high tech kit, and two 12-inch screens control most functions. A few minor adjustments to seating and mirrors and I was ready to press the starter button.

DRIVE TIME

at a tempting price Quality Nappa leather seating and comprehensive equipment ensure a first class lounge ambience, delivering a feeling of positive engagement. It puts you at ease straight away and the generous room adds to your comfort.

Everything you touch delivers tactile satisfaction, be it upholstery, trim, or the delightful ‘crystal’ gear selector. All combine to deliver a feeling of positive engagement.

Such refinement is only found, of course, where design parameters are exacting both in inception and execution: the SsangYong tradition written into the new KGM ensures that. Passengers too, were delighted with their experience and when asked to guess the price I was genuinely shocked when almost double the list price was suggested.

The 161 bhp 4 cylinder 1.5 turbo petrol engine quickly lived up to its promise.

Responsive, quiet and smooth, it delivers about 120mph and punchy acceleration to

match. Used gently I achieved nearly 40 mpg and enthusiastic use reduced this to around 33 mpg.

The engine connects its power to the road via a six speed Aisin auto gearbox which is seamless in operation, adding to the effortlessness of driving the Actyon.

At the wheel you feel unflustered and confident. This KGM is sufficient for all sensible needs. The suppleness of a well-balanced chassis and suspension set up lets it ride the bumps while clinging to the bends in a refreshingly undemonstrative manner. It makes for safer motoring in that the driver feels relaxed but at the same time fully engaged with the kinetic satisfaction derived from being in control of sophisticated engineering. Seldom have I felt so comfortable and safe in a sub £50,000 car.

And so, I enquired of my passengers, how they were fairing? Were they enjoying the smoothness of the journey? The canine said it all with an emphatic “Bow WOW!”

by Syd Taylor

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Find friendship and enjoy activities at welcoming club P robus Phoenix Club of Droitwich is a friendly and informal social club for semiretired or retired with leisure time.

Established in 1986, its members come from a range of backgrounds and careers. The club’s aim is to foster enjoyment and companionship for all our members in our retiring years by organising events programmes.

or favourite films with images or extracts of films shown on the screen. On another occasion a member organised a musical miscellany with tunes across the decades.

We have two or three lunches per six-monthly events programme. There is also a Christmas lunch and an annual club lunch. Every summer we are invited to a coffee and cake morning in the garden of one of our members. Wives, par tners or friends are invited to come along.

Our weekly talks by engaging speakers cover many varied topics, for instance, The 1960s – Over-rated?, Forgotten Heroes of Two World Wars, JFK – the Myth and Reality, Britain in the 1950s – the Optimistic Decade and SOE – Churchill’s Secret Army. We also recently had a morning of wine and cheese tasting given by an informative speaker, with samples to drink and taste.

This is just par t of the ongoing, six-monthly events programmes in which members are involved in both planning and organisation. We meet at around 10am on Monday mornings for an initial chat over tea or coffee before we hear our speakers.

Members’ mornings are also a feature of our events programme. Some members talked about their first cars

Regular outings are also par t of the programme, and we recently visited Birmingham Steelhouse Lane Police Museum and Walsall Leather Museum. Wives, par tners or friends can join us, and the day includes lunch.

Interested in joining, drop in and meet us at Rotary House, Corbett Avenue, Droitwich Spa, WR9 7BD on a Monday morning at around 10am? Visit our YouTube channel at: @ probusphoenixsocialclub, email the secretary at jpeters401@ gmx.co.uk or call the chairman on 01905 794735.

Fun and fitness at a walking pace

W

alking rugby is a noncontact adaptation of traditional rugby, played at a walking pace for par ticipants of all ages, gender and fitness levels.

Key features include a two-handed touch as a tackle and no running or jumping.

Droitwich Walking Rugby train at Droitwich Rugby Football Club in Hanbur y Road on Wednesday evenings between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

If you would like to come along and give this fun and inclusive game a tr y you will be made most welcome.

We play tournaments throughout the Midlands, Southwest and Wales.

The team would also like to hear from any local businesses who may be interested in becoming kit sponsors.

If you require any fur ther information or are interested in sponsorship, please contact Dan on 07715 995189.

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Open Day Friday 30th January

Come and see us in action Individual visits welcome REGI

Amazing opportunities for children aged 2 to 13

T H E

W I N T E R F O L D PWTVWTKPI EWTKQUKV[ CPF DWKNFKPI EQPƂ FGPEG PCVWTCNN[ please contact admissions to arrange your visit 01562 777234 admissions@winterfoldhouse.co.uk www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk

W A Y