Completely Droitwich Spa 01 issuu March April

CompletelyDroitwich Spa

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Welcome to the first issue of Completely Droitwich Spa!

For the past seven years I have published Completely Bromsgrove and on many occasions I have been asked if I could do something similar for Droitwich Spa.

So here we are, I have taken the leap of faith and will now bring you a bi-monthly magazine which hopefully will organically grow into THE community magazine for the town.

In every issue we will endeavour to bring you, the reader, topical and interesting news stories and articles relating to Droitwich and the surrounding area.

If you would like to share a news article or event, please feel free to email completelydroitwich@gmail.com and hopefully we will be able to include it for you.

For 2025, we will be publishing on a bi-monthly basis starting with this March/April issue, which brings you a fascinating feature on how salt making has returned to Droitwich, turn to page 14 to find out more. On page 16, you can read how a £130,000 grant from Wychavon’s Community Legacy Fund is giving St Richard’s House an upgrade.

If you are interested in the natural world, turn to page

21 to learn more about boosting biodiversity in the Spa. We focus on helping hedgehogs live their best wildlife on page 22 and 23. Wendy Carter from Worcestershire Wildlife Trust talks ‘Mad March Hares’ too!

Also in this issue, read the first of what will be a regular column from Droitwich and Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston.

This gives you a small taste of what we have to offer in this first issue. And that just leaves me to say that the team here at Completely Droitwich Spa hope you enjoy reading the magazine and we look forward to bringing you more interesting articles in the May/June issue.

Until next time, remember folks to ‘keep it local’ and support our High Street and independent companies. Otherwise, we all know what happens - we lose them!

Very best wishes

Michele Ford

A message from our MP

It’s a pleasure to write this first column for Completely Droitwich Spa , a wonderful addition to our community. As your Member of Parliament, I take great pride in representing Droitwich, Evesham, and the surrounding villages. This magazine provides a fantastic opportunity to share ideas and celebrate everything that makes our area so special.

Looking back on 2024, it’s been a year of celebration and commemoration for Droitwich. We enjoyed excellent annual events like SaltFest, the Food and Drink Festival, and the historic Edward Winslow Day in November, honouring Droitwich’s historic connection to the Mayflower and celebrating our shared heritage with the USA. These occasions showcased our community spirit and celebrated our rich history.

We are already well into 2025, and I will continue to listen to your concerns and champion the issues that are important to you. Whether it’s securing investment for our area, enhancing public services, or protecting our way of life, my focus remains on making Droitwich and the surrounding area an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Of course, this year has also brought challenges. A decision by the Labour Government that has particularly concerned me, and I know many of you, is their decision to cut winter fuel payments

Lineview visit

for over ten million pensioners. This policy will cost pensioners up to £300 a year, impacting some of the most vulnerable in our society. Many farmers and small local businesses are also concerned about the Government’s planned changes to inheritance tax and business rates increases will hit the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors in April.

I will continue to hold the new Government to account and advocate policies that support and protect our community. Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. I will champion your voices in Westminster. Whether it’s addressing community concerns or working on individual cases, I’m here to help.

I look forward to meeting many more of you at events and gatherings in the coming months. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have an issue to discuss or a suggestion to share. You can contact me at nigel.huddleston.mp@parliament.uk, and my team and I are always ready to assist.

Providing care and support for people in food crisis

Droitwich Spa Foodbank has been feeding local people in crisis since 2014 and is part of the Trussell national network of foodbanks.

Our team of around 70 volunteers is overseen by a project manager and a board of trustees. We operate across two sites, a distribution centre in Droitwich town centre and a warehouse just outside the town where we sort and store our stock.

The work of the foodbank has a big impact on our local community, since without it 4,096 people would have been without food in 2024.

People are referred to us from agencies such as housing officers, children centres, schools and health services. We supply three days of emergency non-perishable food and hygiene products to local people who do not have enough funds to feed themselves and direct them to other services which may be able to help.

We partner with Citizens’ Advice so our visitors can access face-to-face help with debt management and income maximisation. Centre Church Droitwich provides a café during foodbank, enabling our visitors to have access to free refreshments.

In addition to much needed donations of food, we also rely on financial donations from the public and businesses, together with occasional grants. Financial support helps to manage day to day running costs, including running our van and buying food. Food purchasing is our largest overall expense each year.

We are very grateful to all our supporters, without whom we would not be able to operate. Donation points can be found at supermarkets and stores

throughout the town. We are grateful to Morrisons and Waitrose who enable us to run regular collection days in store.

Why not regularly purchase a few extra items when you shop and drop them into one of our donation baskets. We can only distribute food that is within its use by date.

Other ways to support us:

Collect food from family and friends.

Donate financially via our website at www. droitwichspa.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donatemoney

Run a street collection, email info@ droitwichspafoodbank.org.uk for more details.

Sign up to easyfundraising, each time you shop online, the vendor will donate to us with no extra cost to you.

Purchase food online through Give Today and our Amazon wishlist – the food will get delivered to us. See the donation page of our website for more details.

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date. We need lots of shopping bags for clients to carry their food, if you have any spare ones they would be gratefully received.

If you would like to know more, please get in touch. Email info@droitwichspa.foodbank.org.uk, visit www.droitwichspa.foodbank.org.uk or call 07532 130604 . Charity number 1163261.

Established for over 30 years.

Visit our large showroom to browse samples of materials and blinds and receive some friendly advice.

Stunning mural honours comedy icon

Artwork paying tribute to one of Droitwich Spa’s famous residents has been unveiled in the town’s high street.

An empty shop has been transformed by a special mural dedicated to the life and laughs of comedy star Rik Mayall.

Wychavon commissioned illustrator Milan Topalovic to put the piece together to help promote the first Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, which takes place across the town from 31st May to 7th June.

Titled ‘Rik Mayall’s Comedy Emporium’, the work took between 100 and 150 hours to complete and features a variety of nods to Mayall’s career. They include the iconic characters he played in shows like Bottom, The Young Ones, and Blackadder. There is even a reference to Peeves the poltergeist, a role Mayall played in the first Harry Potter film, but his scenes never made it to the screen as they were cut.

The design also includes Mayall’s face on a King of Hearts playing card, representing his fans’ view of him as the king of comedy. Around the outside of the card are four of Mayall’s five mantras for life – equality, opportunity, wisdom, and freedom – with the fifth, love, represented by the heart on the playing card. Special prints will be available to buy from www.milanillustrator.com

The project was supported by Droitwich Spa Place Board and funded through Wychavon’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr George Duffy, chairman of Wychavon, who helped unveil the mural on February 24, said: “We’re

proud to have commissioned this artwork as a tribute to the joy and laughter Rik brought and still brings today to people around the world. We hope it inspires happy memories of Rik and the characters he so wonderfully brought to life in everyone who stops to see it, as well as help sell some tickets to the festival.”

Illustrator Milan Topalovic added: “The original concept was around a joke shop, so the idea of it being a comedy emporium was confirmed quite early. I was very familiar with Rik Mayall to begin with, particularly Bottom and Blackadder but there was still a lot of research involved, particularly into vintage English shop fronts, playing cards and tricks – which plays into the Bottom theme again with them playing tricks on each other.”

Stuart Panrucker, Rik Mayall Comedy Festival director, said: “Milan has done an incredible job. He’s taken a lot of feedback on board from Rik’s family and captured every part of his incredible career while combining it with local references.

“The festival is looking very promising - the lineup at the Norbury Theatre is fantastic. We are now filling the hospitality venues across the town with even more acts to give everyone a chance to get involved and make this a major event.”

Tickets for the festival are on sale from 8th March to Droitwich residents and on general release from 9th March. Visit www.rikmayallcomedyfestival.com for more information.

Ormerod Rutter

comedy fest community partner

Accountancy firm Ormerod Rutter has been confirmed as a community partner for the inaugural Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, which takes place in Droitwich Spa from 31 May to 7 June.

As one of Worcestershire’s leading independent accountancy firms, Ormerod Rutter will support the festival’s final day event, Party in the Park, a community celebration to mark the conclusion of the week-long festival.

The event will feature live comedy, music, and familyfriendly entertainment, bringing together residents and visitors for a memorable finale.

Julian Powell, finance director of the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Ormerod Rutter for their support as a community partner. As a well-respected business in the region, their commitment to the local community is evident, and we’re delighted to have them involved in the festival’s closing celebrations.”

Tony Archer, partner at Ormerod Rutter, added: “Droitwich Spa has a strong sense of community, and we are always looking for ways to give back. The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival is a brilliant addition to the town’s cultural calendar, and we are proud to support the final day celebrations, ensuring the festival ends on a high.”

The festival will feature a variety of performances, screenings, and workshops, with events taking place at the Norbury Theatre and other venues across Droitwich Spa. It is volunteer-led, supported by Rik Mayall’s family, and aims to celebrate his legacy while bringing new visitors to the town, cementing its reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.

Celebrating 90 years of broadcasting

Bromsgrove and Droitwich are home to the Droitwich Transmitter (better known locally as the Wychbold Masts), which celebrated its 90th Birthday last year. In its heyday, it was of national importance, revolutionising radio communications in the UK. Over time it’s become a local landmark visible for miles around and held in great affection by thousands of people living in the area.

On 6th September 1934 the BBC made the first broadcast from what was advertised as ‘The World’s most modern long wave transmitter’. It was the height of innovation and marked the dawn of a new era for the BBC not only as a national broadcaster but also reaching beyond the UK’s shores.

There are four masts at the Station. Two masts are 700ft tall and the first erected for long wave transmission (the two smaller masts added later for medium wave transmission). They support a network of cables above ground, whilst beneath lies hundreds of metres of copper strip that collectively form the transmitter. At its peak it required 150kW of power broadcasting at 200kHz/1,500 metres.

In its heyday, the Station boasted an imposing two storey transmission building, built in Portland Stone with Art Deco styling and fitted out to a high quality with lots of polished chrome and glass on show. It also had a thriving social club for the workers and their families and even hosted a live broadcast of the Archers in 1952 from the social club stage.

With the BBC moving to entirely digital broadcasting

from 2025, the Station is due to be taken out of service in the near future. For now, it still serves an important function broadcasting Radio 5 Live and the shipping forecast on the Long Wave frequency for the BBC - as well as the signal to switch Economy 7 on and off!

You can discover more about the history of the Transmitter and sit at the original control desk for the station, at the Droitwich Heritage Centre. Their exhibition about the masts includes much of the original equipment used to operate the Station. Details available at www.droitwichheritagecentre.org.uk

The Bromsgrove Society chose the Transmitter for the subject of its 2024 annual lecture, given by Alastair Moseley. He called it ‘Broadcasting to the World - the history of the Wychbold Masts’ and you can still view a recording of it on the Society’s YouTube Channel. The entertaining lecture featured the Orchestra of St John performing the very first pieces of music broadcast from the Transmitter on 6th September 1934 and a clip from the GPO Film of the masts and control building being erected. The film is available to watch on the BFI website www.bfi.org.uk

Stoke Prior club launches fundraisinganniversary for HB9

This year, Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club marks a major milestone – ten years under the management of Mark Goddard and James Maycroft.

Since taking over in 2015, they have transformed the historic club into a thriving community hub, making it a go-to venue for events, entertainment, and social gatherings.

Originally built in the 1920s by ICI factory workers, the club has overcome many challenges, including a devastating fire in the 1980s. When Mark stepped in as manager in 2015, with James as his deputy, they immediately set about revitalising the venue with a welcoming approach and key improvements.

Over the past decade, they have introduced a full rebrand in 2020, added vibrant beach huts to the beer garden in 2021, and completed a full refurbishment of the lounge bar in 2023. The club hosts major annual events, including the popular Priorfest family festival in August and the spectacular Fireworks Night in November, which drew more than 2,200 attendees in 2024.

To celebrate its anniversary, the club will host ten special events over ten months, beginning with The Great Charity Quiz-Off on 21st March, a fundraising event for the Harry Bennett Foundation (HB9). This marks the start of a year-long campaign to honour the memory of Harry Bennett, a Bromsgrove teenager who tragically passed away from sepsis in 2020 aged just 16.

The HB9 Foundation was established to celebrate Harry’s love for sport and his iconic number nine jersey, his position as a centre forward in football and a scrum half in rugby. The foundation is dedicated to ensuring that individuals and teams can experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of sport, whether through participation, spectating, or community involvement.

“Supporting the HB9 in our anniversary year felt like the right choice,” said Mark Goddard.

“Harry’s story touched the lives of so many in our community, and we are proud to help carry on his legacy.”

To book a team for the quiz night call 01527 577876 or email info@stokeprior.club

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the club is planning an exciting lineup of events, including a galactic Star Wars Day in May, a fabulously flamboyant Rocky Horror Show night in June, and a family-friendly summer Garden Party.

To stay updated on all the 2025 events and fundraising initiatives, follow Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club at facebook.com/StokePriorClub

To donate to HB9, visit www.justgiving.com/page/ stokepriorclubhb9 or scan the QR code.

Managers Mark Goddard and James Maycroft

Harry Bennett (inset) - whose legacy lives on through HB9

Droitwich’s ancient art

Deep beneath the streets of Droitwich lies a treasure that has shaped the town’s fortune for over two millennia – natural brine springs so pure and concentrated they’re ten times saltier than seawater. Today, this legendary British salt-making tradition has been revived at Churchfields Saltworks, combining ancient heritage with modern sustainable production methods.

The story of Droitwich Salt stretches back to before the Romans arrived in Britain. The Iron Age settlers first discovered these remarkable springs, but it was the Romans who developed the first large-scale production, recognising the exceptional purity of Droitwich’s brine. Throughout medieval times, the town’s salt production brought such prosperity that it was mentioned in the Domesday Book, and the tax revenue from salt helped build both Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

What makes Droitwich Salt truly special is its source. The natural brine springs were formed millions of years ago when ancient seas evaporated, leaving vast deposits of pure salt deep underground. Rainwater passing through these deposits creates super-concentrated brine that naturally rises to the surface – a geological phenomenon that turned Droitwich into one of Britain’s most important salt-producing towns.

Today, this precious brine is extracted using a beautifully preserved Victorian pump house in the heart of Droitwich. The traditional methods have been thoughtfully adapted for the 21st century, with the brine carefully transported in bowsers to Churchfields Saltworks, located just three miles away. Here, the production process honours traditional techniques while embracing sustainable practices.

The brine is gently poured into large crystallisation trays, where nature does much of the work. Using

either natural sunlight or heat from the site’s biomass boiler, the water slowly evaporates, leaving behind pristine salt crystals. Each batch is harvested by hand, maintaining the attention to detail that has characterised Droitwich salt-making for generations. The crystals are then carefully graded into different varieties, from ultra-fine to coarse, each perfect for different culinary applications.

The current range includes Pure Droitwich Salt, available in various grain sizes, as well as innovative flavoured varieties such as Charcoal, Beech Smoked, and Coastline Salt. Prices start at £3.50 for a 100g package of Pure Salt, with flavoured varieties at £4.95. For serious cooks and food businesses, larger quantities are available, including a 900g package of Pure Salt for £20, and custom quantities for catering professionals.

The salt’s exceptional purity and rich mineral content have caught the attention of chefs and food artisans across the country. It’s now stocked in farm shops, delicatessens, and supermarkets throughout Britain, while also being available for direct purchase online. The brand has also inspired a range of artisanal products created by local producers, including hand-crafted candles, natural soaps, specialty sauces, and unique spice rubs.

Whether you’re a home cook looking to enhance your dishes with a pinch of local history, a professional chef seeking the finest ingredients, or simply someone

of salt-making returns

interested in supporting traditional British craftsmanship, Droitwich Salt offers a taste of something truly special. It’s more than just seasoning – it’s a continuation of a tradition that has defined our region for thousands of years, now preserved and reimagined for future generations to enjoy.

You can purchase Droitwich Salt online through their website (www.droitwichsalt.com), directly from Churchfields Farm, or find it in select local shops throughout the region. For wholesale and catering enquiries, the producers welcome direct contact to discuss specific requirements.

Salt revivers Will & Gillian Kerton

Salt soap candles

A museum and information hub worth its salt

Have you ever walked past St Richard’s House, the black and white building opposite the library in Droitwich Spa, and thought: ‘What’s in there?’

Since 1984, it has been the home of the Droitwich Spa Heritage & Tourist Information Centre. We offer a range of services for locals and tourists alike and have a gift shop selling a range of local gifts, including a range of Droitwich Salt, local honey and other products. We provide local information and bus timetables as well as leaflets on places to visit locally, coach holidays and day breaks.

Our Salt Museum offers visitors the chance to engage with our rich salt heritage showcasing artefacts found in local archaeological excavations including a Roman mosaic found at Bays Meadow. Our Droitwich Calling exhibition houses obsolete analogue equipment from the Wychbold Transmitting Station and explains the important part Droitwich has played in radio transmission. Entrance is free and during school holidays we always have activities for children.

Although we aim to provide an interesting and engaging experience, The Heritage Centre has not changed much since Droitwich Calling opened in 1990. It is now looking a little tired, cluttered and in need of updating. In 2023, it was decided that we would try and access funding to update and redevelop the centre in the hope of futureproofing this asset for the next 30 years. Last year

we were successful in gaining a £130,000 grant from Wychavon’s Community Legacy Grant Fund and have been all systems go ever since.

2025 is a very exciting year as the project is well under way and we are currently working closely with Far Post Design Ltd on concept designs for the redevelopment. This investment will give the heritage centre a new lease of life, enabling us to reconfigure the layout of the building.

Feedback on our 2024 survey suggested ‘Our entrance is dark and uninviting’. You spoke and we listened. We are planning to create a new entrance by extending out into the existing undercroft and installing automatic doors. This will provide an accessible and inviting entrance into the centre. We are also opening the gallery spaces to provide a better visitor route from the Salt Museum into Droitwich Calling.

Exhibitions will be updated becoming more accessible to a wider audience and the entrance hall will include a permanent space for temporary exhibitions to be utilised by the community. As the project develops, we will share more. We are aiming for completion in January 2026 and can’t wait to show off our new look. Watch this space!

Italian inspired church is an enduring jewel

Although the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Catherine of Alexandria in Droitwich was built over a century ago, it is only recently that it has become a local tourist attraction with thousands of people visiting every year from all over the world.

The first Mass took place in November 1921 but later attracted national media interest. In March 1930 the Daily Mirror published a piece headlined ‘Nine Years Work on Mosaics’ and this was followed a few days later by the Berrow’s Worcester Journal stating that this church was the only one in the world that would be completely covered by glass mosaics and marble. In 1940, The Daily Sketch published an article headed ‘20Year Task of Two Men And Boy Is Ended’.

The church was the gift of Walter Loveridge Hodgkinson who lived in Rashwood Court and made his fortune in Birmingham as chairman of the Holt Brewery. With his architect Frank Barry Peacock, he visited Ravenna in northern Italy, now home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The well-known artist, Gabriel Pippet and Maurice Josey, a renowned London-based mosaicist, also visited the Italian city before taking on the Droitwich commission.

Over eight tons of tiny Venetian glass mosaics adorn the walls, showing scenes from the scriptures. Along one side of the nave, the story of St Richard of Droitwich is told and along the other side is the story of the life of the Virgin Mary. Perhaps the most impressive art is a depiction of the Nine Choirs of Angels on the east wall above the choir gallery. Gabriel Pippet was also an accomplished wood and stone carver. Twelve granite pillars in the nave include his intricate carvings on their double capitals. Gabriel’s statues and other stone carvings can be admired, along with the Stations of the Cross, carved from oak.

The church has recently been awarded a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to clean and conserve the mosaics. Visitors to the church are welcome on weekdays between 10am and 6pm and

on weekends from noon. A visitor centre is open every Saturday afternoon. Free organised tours take place one Saturday each month (places must be booked in advance) and free group tours can also be booked.

by Peter Vella

Photo by Con McHugh

Cartwright Glass Designs continuing with tradition

The ancient Romans and Egyptians were creating stained glass as long ago as the seventh century and it is reassuring to know that in 2025 this art form is still well and truly alive in the accomplished hands of Steven Cartwright.

All of Steven’s work begins at his studio at Canalside Craft Centre in Stoke Prior. Here he creates the template for his vision and the creation is lovingly brought to life, whether that is in the form of a stained glass window for somebody’s home, a new commission or the restoration of a historic window for a listed building. The same high quality plus exacting care and attention are incorporated into every single piece of work.

An alumnus of Plymouth College of Art & Design and Chelsea College of Arts. Steven was also trained in all aspects of stained glass and leaded lights with a local company in Redditch.

The main focus is now on the success of his own studio. Locally Steven’s work can be seen in

the chapel at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bromsgrove and he also created the metal and glass sculptures which can be seen within the grounds at the New Haven Unit based at the hospital. The inspiration for these was the leaves of the trees that were planted in the fruit orchard situated within the grounds. Another of Steven’s creations is the magnificent 10 light window of The Red Lion pub in West Bromwich.

The window was commissioned by Creative Black Country in partnership with the Arts Council to celebrate the rich culture of the Desi pub in the region. Steven designed the window to give the appearance of a traditional pub with a twist, featuring the sub- continent’s striking colours and cultural heritage.

It tells the story of the Punjabi community and celebrates the establishment of the Indian Workers’ Association by Avtar Singh Jouhl and American civil rights activist Malcolm X’s visit to Smethwick in 1965. The window has featured on the BBC News home page and more recently on Grayson Perry’s Full English series on Channel 4.

Other works include an Art Deco rooflight for the palm court at the Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel in Russell Square, London. This stunning feature incorporates 448 custom glass bevels within the design and illuminates the space below.

Also in London, Steven was commissioned to make a lift lobby lantern for Ancaster House. Rumoured to be the most expensive house in the U.K it is the Mayfair residence of British businessman John Cauldwell .

While chatting to Steven at his studio, Completely Droitwich Spa asked whether he felt his trade was a dying art. His initial answer was in the positive,

though he did mention that the English Antique Glass Company, which was based in Rowney Green, closed its doors several months ago. It was the only remaining company making hand-blown sheet glass in the U.K and sadly this craft has now been declared extinct in the U.K.

From his studio, Steven offers discerning customers various forms of decorative glass from stained glass to leaded lights, sandblasted, kiln formed and fused glass. Contemporary new commissions as well as more traditional designs are managed in house from design through to production and installation. He also carries out the repair and restoration of existing stained glass windows and leaded lights and associated metalwork.

To see the master of this ancient craft at work, you can arrange to meet him at his studio, which is Unit 5A, Canalside Craft Centre, 138 Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior.You can also visit his website www.cartwrightglassdesigns.co.uk

Discover the benefits of composting

ADiscover the benefits of composting

Approximately, only 1 in 4 households composts their green waste be composted. Along with other garden waste, this could provide material

What is compost? Compost is made up of organic matter such broken down in the presence of air. The breakdown of the materials microscopic organisms as well as ants, worms and other mini-beasts.

Why compost? Each compost bin diverts 150kg of waste a year, user.

Where to put the bin The perfect position f or a compost bin Ideally, place your compost bin somewhere that is convenient to

Discover the benefits of composting

pproximately, only 1 in 4 households composts their green waste, yet around 40% of the average waste bin could be composted. Along with other garden waste, this could provide a garden with its own free, organic growing material.

What is compost? Compost is made up of organic matter such as fruit, vegetables, leaves, twigs and grass that has broken down in the presence of air. The breakdown of the materials is carried out by millions of bacteria, fungi and microscopic organisms as well as ants, worms and other mini-beasts.

How to c ompost The golden rule is to get the right balance of very quickly) and browns (which are carbon-rich but take longer green or food waste, the contents of your compost bin could becom structure and airflow as well as helping to absorb excessive moisture

Approximately, only 1 in 4 households composts their green waste, yet around 40% of the average waste bin be composted. Along with other garden waste, this could provide a garden with its own free, organic growing material

GREENS BROWNS AVOID

Grass clippings

Plant trimmings

Straw

Pine needles

Meat

Fish

What is compost? Compost is made up of organic matter such as fruit, vegetables, leaves, twigs and grass that broken down in the presence of air. The breakdown of the materials is carried out by millions of bacteria, fungi microscopic organisms as well as ants, worms and other mini-beasts.

Why compost? Each compost bin diverts 150kg of waste a year, creating free, top quality compost at the same time.

Weed stalks and leaves (not roots or seeds)

Raw fruit and veg scraps

Wood chips

Autumn Leaves

Wood prunings

Cooked food

Bread

Bones

Why compost? Each compost bin diverts 150kg of waste a year, creating free, top quality compost at the same user.

Where to put the bin The perfect position for a compost bin is in partial sun and shade, not just one or the other. Ideally, place your compost bin somewhere that is convenient to put materials in and take the ready compost out of.

Crushed eggshells

Hair

Poultry manure

Torn cardboard

Sawdust

Pasta

How to compost The golden rule is to get the right balance of greens (which are nitrogen-rich, moist and rot down very quickly) and browns (which are carbon-rich but take longer to break down on their own). If you add too much green or food waste, the contents of your compost bin could become slimy and smelly. Mixing browns to it provides structure and airflow as well as helping to absorb excessive moisture.

Flower and plant remains

Straw based manure

Vegetarian pet bedding

Shredded or scrunched paper

Paper towels

Egg boxes

Liquids (custard, etc.)

Where to put the bin The perfect position f or a compost bin is in partial sun and shade, not just one or the other Ideally, place your compost bin somewhere that is convenient to put materials in and take the ready compost out

Dairy products

Thick woody

Coffee grounds (loose) and tea bags (not plastic)

GREENS BROWNS AVOID

Grass clippings

Plant trimmings

Weed stalks and leaves

Straw

Heat and air When you add organic matter, the compost bin heats up as organisms get to work. By adding air to the process (like egg boxes, scrunched up paper, browns etc.) the process can be speeded up.

(not roots or seeds)

Raw fruit and veg scraps

Crushed eggshells

Hair

Poultry manure

Flower and plant remains

Pine needles

Wood chips

Autumn Leaves

Wood prunings

Harvesting compost When the compost is dark brown and has an earthy smell, the composting process is complete. Which bin? There are many different types of compost bin or you can make your own ‘wooden modular’ bin. Some of these bins are offered at discounted prices by Worcestershire County Council. Further information about composting can be found on the council’s website and the Garden Organic website.

Straw based manure

Torn cardboard

Sawdust

Shredded or scrunched paper

Paper towels

Egg boxes

Content taken from the Garden Organic website and Let’s Waste Less materials.

Vegetarian pet bedding

Elisabeth Johnston: lil.harris@hotmail.co.uk

Coffee grounds (loose) and tea bags (not plastic)

Meat

Fish

Cooked food

Crisp packets

Plastic bags

Any plastic

Diseased plants

Perennial weeds

Weed seed

Receipts

How to c ompost The golden rule is to get the right balance of greens ( which are nitrogen-rich, moist and rot very quickly) and browns (which are carbon-rich but take longer to break down on their own). If you add too green or food waste, the contents of your compost bin could become slimy and smelly. Mixing browns to it provide structure and airflow as well as helping to absorb excessive moisture.

Heat and air When you add organic matter, the compost bin heats process (like egg boxes, scrunched up paper, browns etc ) the process

Harvesting compost When the compost is dark brown and has

Bread

Bones

Pasta

Liquids (custard, gravy etc.)

Dairy products

Milk or juice cartons

Cling film

Glass

Metal

Cat and dog poo

Nappies

Which bin? There are many different types of compost bin or of these bins are offered at discounted prices by Worcestershire composting can be found on the council’ s website and the Garden Content taken from the Garden Organic website and Let’s Waste Elisabeth Johnston – Let’ s Waste Less in Worcestershire Volunteer

Thick woody material

Diseased plants

Perennial weeds

Weed seed heads

Receipts

Coke and ash

Heat and air When you add organic matter, the compost bin heats up as organisms get to work By adding air to process (like egg boxes, scrunched up paper, browns etc ) the process can be speed ed up

Boosting biodiversity in the Spa

Work is underway to restore and boost the biodiversity of a nature reserve in Droitwich Spa as part of a wider leisure and wellbeing investment.

Wychavon is working with the Canal & River Trust to secure the 5.5-hectare wetland and reed bed complex at Coney Meadow, so it continues to be a rich haven for various wildlife.

The meadow is home to several species including grasshopper warblers, cuckoos, reed and sedge warblers, swifts, swallows and house martins, who use the site for feeding and breeding. Its flower-rich grasslands are also home to many different insects which play a crucial role in sustaining the meadow’s food chain.

However, the lack of open water on the site and the threat of shrubs and bushes overgrowing other habitat could transform the reed beds into wet woodlands, rendering them unsuitable for these specialist species.

The restoration project will protect the meadow’s eco-system by creating ponds and enhancing the site’s water-holding capacity through diversion and retention of surface water from the canal. Areas of the main reed bed will also be cut down and cleared to create open water and water-edge environments. Footpaths will be upgraded using

material from the pond to allow visitors to enjoy the meadow without disturbing wildlife.

Wychavon is funding the work through its share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is estimated it will take about five weeks to complete.

Councillor Beverley Hardman, Wychavon’s executive board member for boosting natural capital, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Canal & River Trust on the Coney Meadow enhancement project. This work will not only boost biodiversity but make it easier for residents to enjoy and connect with nature. This is just one part of our ongoing commitment to improving biodiversity across Wychavon.”

Ian Lane, head of operational partnerships and fundraising, Canal & River Trust (West Midlands), said: “Leveraging its extensive experience in habitat enhancement, the trust will manage Coney Meadow for both wildlife and community enjoyment beyond the life of this project. Together with Wychavon, we are ensuring a brighter future for Coney Meadow’s reed beds, benefitting nature and people alike.”

Visit Wychavon’s YouTube channel to watch a video explainer of the project.

Liz Etheridge Wychavons Senior Environment Officer checks the reed beds for signs of wildlife

Helping hedgehogs live their best wildlife

Wefirst noticed we had hedgehogs visiting in 2020 and after researching how best to support them, we started putting out kitten biscuits and fresh water every night. The number of visitors gradually increased, which is when I added wildlife cameras. It was wonderful to watch the secret life of Britain’s most loved prickly mammals.

I looked forward to watching their antics every night, until one arrived during the day. This is a clear sign it needed help, as the motto goes: Out at night I’m alright, out in the day, I’m not okay. Our nearest available rescue was Array4hogs in Birmingham, which has successfully rehabilitated many hedgehogs from our location.

The importance of having our cameras quickly became apparent when in March 2024 we noticed one of our visitors had an unwarranted haircut. This poor hedgehog had been injured by a strimmer. I made him as comfortable as possible until I could get him to the rescue in the morning.

A few days later we noticed another one of our visitors with a wound to his head which had become infected. The following week yet another hedgehog arrived with the most horrific injury. Within the space of two weeks, we had rescued three hedgehogs with strimmer injuries, which broke my heart. Having to administer first aid to them highlighted the need for more rescues, which is where Henbrook Hedgehog Rescue in Stoke Prior became a light in the dark.

I started by raising awareness with our neighbours of hedgehogs in our area and contacted contractors to make them aware of the importance of checking for wildlife when using strimmers.

When a dog walker found an abandoned hoglet, Spike became our first patient. With guidance, I hand fed him a special formula. After a short time, he was released to our garden where we enjoyed watching him grow, living his best wildlife.

By the end of 2024, we had built our own dedicated hogspital. This is a

safe space where we can rescue and rehabilitate hedgehogs in need. Running any rescue isn’t easy, but the reward of rescuing these animals and releasing back to the wild fills our hearts with happiness. We can all make a difference in helping our wildlife thrive. Why not make a hedgehog highway to your garden, get children involved in making a log pile, check for wildlife before using gardening equipment and most importantly, if you see a hedgehog in need, please contact your nearest hedgehog rescue or wildlife friendly vet.

Henbrook Hedgehog Rescue relies on the generosity of the community, without such kindness we wouldn’t be able to keep this dream alive. If you’d like to support the rescue, rehabilitation and release of hedgehogs you can find more information on our Facebook page where you can find a link to the Amazon wish list and ways to send food. You can also sponsor a hutch.

For more details, call Holly on 07572 525315 or email henbrookhedgehogrescue@gmail.com Search ’Henbrook Hedgehog Rescue’ on Facebook

Our first patient Spike

Mad March Hares

Some lucky readers may be fortunate enough to spot boxing hares but what are they actually getting up to?

Catching site of one brown hare is exciting enough but if you’re lucky enough to spot more two or more in a field at this time of year, you might realise where the phrase ‘mad March hares’ came from. You may see them chasing (or ‘haring’) after each other, barging into each other or up on their hind legs, front paws grappling. Rather than two males fighting over a female, boxing hares are actually a female fighting off a male’s over-amorous attention.

Unlike their relatives, the much more sociable rabbits that live in large groups underground, hares are relatively solitary creatures. Spring is one of the few times of the year when they come into contact with each other; even when females have youngsters, they don’t hang around in a family group.

Females have up to four litters per year with one to four young (leverets) in each litter. Hares live above ground so leverets are born with fur and with their eyes open. Despite this, they’re at high risk from predators – from foxes to owls –so they spend their time in their own depression in the ground called a form. Mums only spend a few minutes each day with them and they’re independent after just three weeks.

Brown hares prefer open habitats, such as arable or pasture, but can also be seen in small copses and hedgerows. Most are found in areas where there’s a mix of smaller fields and where a variety of crops are grown in rotation with grassland.

If you are lucky enough to get good views of a hare, you’ll see how it differs from a rabbit.

Although superficially similar, hares are much bigger and stockier with powerful hind legs and distinctively large, black-tipped ears. Those powerful hind legs allow them to reach a staggering 70km per hour at full speed.

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that hares have special places in cultures around the world. Chinese mythology has the Hare in the Moon whilst the Egyptian hieroglyph for ‘existence’ is a hare. Even the Easter Bunny started out as a hare so even if you’re not lucky enough to catch sight of the real thing, Easter is just around the corner.

If you’re looking for the perfect present for a hare-lover, why not buy a virtual adoption from our online shop www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/shop to help us protect and restore more habitat for these super-zooming boxers.

Keep up to date with us... on X x.com/WorcsWT on Instagram instagram.com/worcswt/ on Facebook facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust on Bluesky bsky.app/profile/worcswt.bsky.social on YouTube youtube.com/c/WorcswildlifetrustUK1

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Brown hare on the run by Lesley Key

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Can you stand the heat at fundraising fire walk

New College Worcester is hosting an exhilarating fire walk event at Norton Parish Hall near Worcester on Friday, 14th March.

The fundraising event, which runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, invites participants to walk barefoot across a bed of glowing hot embers in support of vision impaired students.

The evening will kick off with expert-led fire safety training delivered by UK Fire Walk, followed by the fire walk itself.

Attendees can also enjoy delicious food from Smokey Dough Pizza, who will be on site serving up tasty, wood-fired pizzas, and there will also be live music from My Party Music DJ, ensuring a fun and vibrant atmosphere for all.

Proceeds from the event will go directly towards supporting the school’s vital refurbishment programmes, services, and facilities for students with visual impairments. These funds will help NCW continue to support students as they pursue their academic and personal goals.

“We are incredibly excited to host this unique event and raise vital funds to support our students,” said Emma Williams, NCW fundraising manager.

“The fire walk is a fun, challenging experience, and we encourage everyone to come along and show their support. Whether you’re walking across the fire or cheering on those who are, it’s sure to be a memorable night.”

The registration fee is £30 per person with a minimum fundraising target of £70.The fire walk is suitable for over 11s and all abilities. Under 18s require a parent or guardian to be present and to sign the relevant form.

For more information and to register, please visit: www.ncw.co.uk/fire-walk

Product with golden touch is game-changing

Gold has been used for medical purposes since ancient times. The earliest medical use of gold can be traced back to the Tiongkok in 2500 BC, and it was widely used by physicians and surgeons.

Pure gold was used to treat boils, smallpox, and skin ulcers and to remove mercury from skin and flesh. Some ancient sources also noted that gold drugs can cure joint disease and disease in the lungs and prescriptions that contained gold as a trace element cured measles and other diseases.

In medieval Europe, alchemists had numerous recipes for an elixir known as aurum potabile, many of which contained little gold. A gold cordial could be found in the new Pharmacopeias of the 17th century and was advocated by Nicholas Culpepper for the treatment of ailments, such as melancholy, fainting, and fevers. Later in the 19th century, a mixture of gold chloride and sodium chloride was used to treat syphilis.

In modern history, the use of gold in medicine began with the discovery in 1890 by German bacteriologist Robert Koch that gold compounds could curb the growth of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Gold therapy for TB was subsequently introduced in the 1920s. The suggestion that the tubercle bacillus was a causative agent for rheumatoid arthritis led to the use of gold therapy for this disease.

Gold therapy soon proved to be ineffective for tuberculosis but, after a 30-year debate, a clinical study sponsored by the Empire Rheumatism Council confirmed the effectiveness of gold compounds against rheumatoid arthritis. Since that time gold drugs have been used to treat a variety of other rheumatic diseases including psoriatic arthritis, a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis, juvenile arthritis, palindromic rheumatism and discoid lupus erythematosus.

On 1st March Redox Gold will be launched in the UK. The latest technology in cellular health, the product is non-toxic, safe for all ages and easy to use. It has also been researched by the University of Bath and is halal registered.

I have written a lot about Redox signalling over the past 12 months and this exciting new product is the next level generation of this science. In the countries

where it has already been launched the testimonials are coming thick and fast in relation to inflammatory situations.

Redox Gold is not absorbed by the skin. The gold particles are small enough to act as a catalyst but not small enough to be absorbed, therefore they are referred to as micro gold eliminating the risk of bio accumulation. The molecular gold is pure 100% 24 carat gold and Redox Gold contains a higher ratio of redox molecules. It is a different species, different pH and different viscosity so not to be compared to Renu28. The gold is referred to as a “noble metal” which means it does not undergo oxidation, therefore the gold remains stable.

For me, this product is a game changer. To purchase, visit https://shopasea.com/need4change or contact me at colette@need4change.com

Living with joint pain?

If you are suffering with joint pain, it can massively affect your quality of life and bring down your mood. Andrew Pearson, a Bromsgrove based Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in hip problems, shares his advice.

Rest or keep moving?

Whether it’s your hips, knees or any other joints that are hurting and affecting your lifestyle, the first thing you need to do is to keep your joints moving. Building a programme of regular exercise into your daily routine – which doesn’t have to mean in a gym - along with getting as close as you can to a normal body weight for your height, is essential to help you to control joint pain and stiffness.

How do I manage the pain?

If you have injured yourself by over-exercising, whilst running, playing sports or too much gardening, it’s important to stop the activity that has caused the problem. Resting the joint, applying ice and the use of over-the-counter painkillers will resolve most problems. The internet can be a good source of advice on exercises and recovery strategies to help with most injuries.

When to get help from a specialist?

It may take several weeks for your pain to resolve so don’t expect an over-night recovery. And don’t immediately return to the original provoking activity once your pain goes.

If your pain doesn’t improve over the following few weeks then you might want to see a Physiotherapist. Seeing a private Physiotherapist is in my opinion ‘money well spent’ as they will give you the required time and tailored care you need. You often don’t need a GP referral for this and if physiotherapy doesn’t help they can direct you to the appropriate orthopaedic specialist.

What symptoms mean exercise and weight loss won’t be enough to cure the problem?

At The Midland Hip Centre I treat all sorts of hip problems and it often surprises people to know that pain from an arthritic hip is felt in the groin and front of the thigh, sometimes into the knee and is often associated with stiffness. You might notice that your walking distance and speed has reduced, you have ‘start-up’ stiffness when getting out of a chair and have difficulty getting shoes and socks on and off.

When should I consider having a new hip?

A hip replacement doesn’t save your life it just massively improves your quality of life.

The time to come and have a chat with me is when your hip pain is stopping you doing the things you want to do. Early intervention often means quicker recovery, better outcomes and a return to your former lifestyle so you don’t want to be on a long waiting list for treatment. No one should have to accept lengthy periods of suffering with joint pain when there is usually a simple and quick remedy available.

Am I too old for surgery?

I have replaced hips on patients aged between 20 and 95. Because I work full time in private healthcare I can often see people quicker than it takes to see a GP to even get a referral. Paying to have a private consultation does not mean you have to have your surgery privately, it just means you can be diagnosed quickly and consider your options. But if you do choose to have a hip replacement I can usually treat my patients within 2 to 3 weeks.

By Andrew Pearson www.themidlandhipcentre.co.uk

“Mr Pearson has given me my life back, my only regret is I didn’t have surgery sooner and save myself months of misery.”

Ian from Halesowen

William from Malvern says “Mr Pearson did a total hip replacement for me and from the initial consultation to completion of my treatment I couldn’t fault any aspect of my care.”

Surgeon

Pearson Now seeing patients in Droitwich • Hip arthritis and groin pain

• Muscular hip pain

• Hip Replacement surgery

• Surgery in less than 4 weeks

• Self-pay and insured patients

Malcolm from Wythall says “The whole process of hip replacement surgery has been far better than I ever expected.”

“Absolutely phenomenal, Mr Pearson has given me my life back, and that is not an exaggeration.”

Jane from Bromsgrove

Why are more wills being contested?

Since 2017 court cases relating to contested or disputed wills have increased by more than 34% and by more than 140% in the last ten years according to figures released by the Ministry of Justice. So why is this happening?

As we know, property prices have vastly increased over the periods in question, as well as the significant increase in people falling within the inheritance tax (IHT) bracket which is creating greater pressure on those gifting assets in their lifetime. Broken families, advances in technology, and the use of internet banking all contribute to this issue. In addition, there is an evident wealth gap between generations and people are living longer due to improvements in healthcare, nutrition and advances in medical science.

Another reason for the significant increase in contested wills is the rise in dementia and other disorders relating to the ageing population. It appears that older vulnerable people are increasingly at risk of being exploited for financial gain by unscrupulous persons close to them.

It is also clear that many younger people are now facing a much tougher financial environment than their parents or grandparents, due to a range of factors including pressures in the job market, inflation, property prices and the recently increased cost of borrowing.

There are clearly additional incentives for family members and beneficiaries of wills to attempt to gain as much value as possible from loved ones’ estates, whether fair or not, including the disputing of wills via prolonged court battles. It is now suggested that these legal battles are taking two or more years for a case to even get to trial, and the implications are not only financial but emotional for all of those involved.

It is therefore essential that people take specific upfront action by way of planning to minimise the risk of such disputes or contestation. Updated wills and lasting powers of attorney should be put in place, reviewed regularly and when mental capacity is not in question. We also strongly encourage people to closely and regularly communicate their wishes with their families.

If you are considering making a will, call The Will Partners on 01527 877313 to make an appointment.

Championing creativity in the Spa

Droitwich Arts Network (DAN) is a not for profit organisation with more than 100 members which advocates and champions all forms of art in the Droitwich Spa area. This includes visual arts, performing arts, photography, media, written, music and crafts.

The network provides opportunities for artists to display or perform their work, and for the public to participate in various projects and events. Members are drawn from a wide area including Redditch, Birmingham, Bromsgrove, and Worcester.

DAN provides opportunities to share ideas, to be involved in Droitwich Spa events, festivals, various projects and activities. We also provide opportunities for artists to exhibit, present, and perform. Members are entitled to their own page on our website, can interact via our Facebook group, and receive a regular newsletter.

Members currently display their work in The Hub, Park’s Café, Corbett Medical Centre, and Droitwich Library. DAN has managed projects such as the restoration of the town’s ceramic mural.

We meet once a month usually at The Hub but some meetings are held online using Zoom. Attendance is not mandatory, but it is great to meet and have a chat with fellow artists. As well as formal monthly meetings and demonstrations, members also enjoy informal “Drink and Doodle” social events.

The Hub is based in St Andrews Square, Droitwich. It is a community space so if people are shopping or just walking through Droitwich, they can come in, sit down, and relax. They can browse the books and magazines and look at the artwork. We do not serve food or drinks, but visitors are welcome to bring in a takeaway drink from one of the cafes or shops. The Hub is open on Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 3.30pm.

The pictures and craft items have all been produced by members of Droitwich Arts Network.

The artwork is for sale and visitors who are interested can see the prices on the attached cards or labels.

The Hub has two notice boards; one is devoted to community events and services, the other for information about Droitwich Arts Network.

Upcoming meetings in The Hub are as follows:

Saturday 15th March from 1pm to 3pm: Art demonstration by Kirstie Trobe (voluntary donations from non-members).

Saturday 5th April from 1pm to 3pm: How to take better photographs using a mobile phone

Saturday 12th April – Easter Dabble Day. All welcome to have a go. Details to be confirmed.

For more information visit www. droitwichartsnetwork.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram .

Spreading goodwill on the streets of the Spa

T he sight of Santa on his sleigh around the streets of Droitwich Spa has been a familiar sight for more than 50 years and in recent years Droitwich Lions has taken on the task with support from the public and other local organisations.

Last Christmas we were very fortunate that the sleigh was sponsored by Ron Smith & Co, specialists in garden and estate machinery. Their sponsorship means we can keep the sleigh in tip-top condition.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of Droitwich we raised £8,500 for good causes, all of which will be for the benefit of children and young people ranging from Acorns Children’s Hospice to Bonterre and Worcestershire Young Carers, who are less well known but who also offer vital services to young people.

In addition to the sleigh, the Lions also run a monthly book sale at the Baptist church in town on the first Saturday of the month from 8am until noon. In addition to a vast selection of books at 50p each we also have jigsaw puzzles, CDs, DVDs, children’s books and brica-brac. The sale has been running for 20 years and has raised more than £80,000 over that time.

You may also have seen us at the annual Remembrance Service in Victoria Square where we hand out the service sheets that we also print.

Some Completely Droitwich readers may wonder who the Lions are. We are part of Lions Clubs International, which is the largest self-financing service organisation in the world with nearly 1.5 million members in 48,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. As the organisation is paid for by the membership fees we pay, all the money we raise goes to the good causes and individuals we support.

This year the club in Droitwich celebrates its 40th anniversary and three of the original members are

still actively involved. We have also had the pleasure of inducting a number of new members recently and now have 23 members to carry us on into the next 40 years. Membership is by invitation but is open to everyone over 18 regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion. The only qualification needed is the desire to serve our local, and the wider, community and to make a difference. If you think you might be interested, pop and have a chat with us at our next book sale.

Easy Beef Stir Fry with Noodles

This simple beef stir fry recipe combines thinly sliced rump steak, vegetables and noodles in a delicious soy, ginger and garlic sauce. Instead of rump you could use beef labelled ‘stir fry strips’ or ‘minute’ steak

Cook the egg noodles according to the pack instructions, then drain.

Toss the strips of beef in the cornflour and set aside. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. Put the vegetable in a small saucepan set over a medium heat. When the oil is hot, lightly fry the garlic for 1 minute, then add the ginger paste and cook for 30 seconds. Add the water, Kikkoman Soy Sauce and brown sugar to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken. Keep warm while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

For the stir fry, put the vegetable oil in a wok or large non-stick frying pan set over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, quickly stir-fry the beef in 2-3 batches. You want it to be crisp on the outside, but not cooked throughout. Transfer the seared beef to a plate. If the wok has a lot of oil in it, remove all but 1 tbsp.

Add the water chestnuts, peppers, broccoli and most of the spring onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes before returning the beef to the wok. Add the sauce, stir, and allow everything to cook for an additional 2 minutes before removing from the heat. Toss through the noodles and serve garnished with the remaining spring onions and sesame seeds, if liked.

Prep. time: 15 mins | Cook time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

• 250g egg noodles

• 200g lean beef rump steak, cut into thin strips

• 3 tbsp cornflour

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 225g can sliced water chestnuts, drained

• 1 small red pepper, deseeded and sliced

• 1 small yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced

• 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets

• 4 spring onions, sliced

• Sesame seeds, to garnish (optional) Sauce:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• ¼ tsp ginger paste

• 100ml water

• 4 tbsp Kikkoman Soy Sauce

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Traditional Talbot offers warm welcome all year round

Droitwich Spa has a wealth of historical buildings including The Talbot pub at the top of High Street.

The Talbot is a late 17th century timber-framed building. The facade was rebuilt in brick and a third storey was added in the 18th century. The pub was frequently used as a meeting place by county justices and Jacobite suspects were examined at the inn shortly after the Revolution of 1688. In 1745, the county justices were busy once again when young Charles Stuart was marching on London.

Moving into the 21st century, The Talbot still stands proud and is now under the ownership of Dave Craddock of Stourbridge-based Craddock Breweries. Taking the helm is Aimee Ryder, who took over managing the pub for Dave just over a year ago.

Aimee and her team of seven staff offer a warm welcome and the pub prides itself on its beers. Five Craddocks hand pulled beers are on offer accompanied by two or three guest ales. The pub has two woodstoves for winter warmth and a courtyard and upstairs garden terrace and beer garden for summertime. There is ample parking available at the rear.

The food, which is wholesome and lovingly prepared by Aimee, is served from Monday to Saturday lunchtimes from noon to 3pm and evenings from 5pm to 8pm. Sunday is the busiest day with lunches being served between noon and 4pm. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

On a cold February evening, we were shown to a cosy table in the back room next to the log burner. Aimee stocked this with logs to ensure we were lovely and warm, and we were lucky enough to sample her home-cooked fayre.

Beef, mushroom and bacon stroganoff was served with rice and garlic bread and a home-made fish pie with fresh vegetables were our chosen mains. For afters, we shared sticky toffee pudding with lashings of custard. All went down extremely well.

For those wanting tradition, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and great home cooked food, look no further than The Talbot.

The Talbot, 19 High Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8EJ. Call 01905 773871 or visit www. craddocksbrewery.com

Bite-sized Budapest is

Mini- breaks are the big thing in travel and we decided to follow this trend with a short stay in the Hungarian capital Budapest.

We jumped on the 8am flight from Birmingham on January 31 and landed back in the UK at 9.15pm on February 3, which meant we had three full days to explore this amazing city. With 10kg hand luggage, we were able to meet our transfer from the airport to our hotel. This was reasonable at £80 return for six, but you can get a bus for under two pounds.

We stayed at the Cotton House Hotel, perfectly situated near the opera house and serving a fabulous breakfast, all for £120 each for three nights. The hotel has 23 spacious rooms which reflect 1920s and 1930s style and are furnished with period furniture, while also meeting today’s requirements. The rooms are named after personalities including Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald and the doubles and twins have different types of bathrooms: shower, bathtub or jacuzzi.

After checking in, we walked around the city streets and sampled Hungarian goulash, which was hearty and delicious, with just a pinch of spice from the paprika. We also ate langos, fried savoury doughnuts with various fillings, on two occasions, sampling Greek style and cheese and garlic.

The following day we bought a 48 hour hop on hop off bus ticket with a River Danube cruise included for 82 euros for two people. This enabled

a feast for the senses

us to see Buda as well as Pest. The two distinct parts of Budapest are separated by the Danube; Buda is the western, hilly side with a more historic and residential feel, while Pest is the eastern, flat side with a livelier, urban atmosphere. On Saturday evening, we found an Italian bar which served great pizzas. The men watched Six Nations rugby on TV while the women chose to go to the light museum.

On Sunday we explored the Jewish area, taking in a walking tour and the synagogue, then we went to an English classical recital in the opera house. Tickets cost only £3. The Ruin bars not far from the opera house offer live music and are worth checking out.

Finally on Monday we experienced the thermal pools. We bought tickets which gave us fast track entrance to a lockable changing room from 7am until 3pm. Outside the temperature was five degrees but the water temperature was 34 degrees so I’m sure you can visualise the steam!

With beautiful blue skies for most of the weekend, we really enjoyed our short break. Highlights were the Heroes Square ice rink, the Hungarian parliament building, St Stephen’s Basilica and the synagogue which houses 3,000 people. Here we saw the tree of life with 6,000 leaves in remembrance to unnamed Jews who died in the Holocaust.

Budapest is a city full of feasts for the senses with wonderful architecture and culinary delights, all less than a three-hour flight from Birmingham.

By Jackie Kamara

Big names headline first festival honouring Rik

Comedy fans will soon be able to buy tickets for the initial shows to be released as part of the very first Rik Mayall Comedy Festival in Droitwich Spa.

The eight day event, which runs from 31st May to 7th June, is set to host well known comedians and friends of Mayall such as Greg Davies who acted alongside him in TV sitcom Man Down, Peter Richardson, founding member of The Comic Strip Presents, of which Mayall was an original cast member and Helen Lederer who worked with Mayall on shows such as The Young Ones, Happy Families and Bottom.

Other performers include Shaparak Khorsandi, Red Richardson, Paul Foot and Laura Smyth, who are booked to appear throughout the week at the Norbury Theatre.

The curated programme will also feature theatre, comedy for children and parents, panels and screenings. Free activities suitable for families will take place around the town during the weekends, and a pop-up museum will feature memorabilia, costumes and photography from Mayall’s career.

The festival will feature the world premiere of Serious About Comedy, a film produced in collaboration with the University of Birmingham’s Shakespeare Institute and the Birmingham Rep, with a panel after the screening including the director of West End productions of Dr Strangelove and Upstart Crow, Sean Foley.

Other venues across town are part of an open Fringe, and applications are open on the festival website to perform throughout the town. The Fringe will feature a variety of shows, with a large proportion of free and ‘pay what you want’ performances including stand-up, improv, theatre and live music. The festival team will be announcing more events in the run up to the festival.

Chris Broad, chair of the festival committee, said: “We are so excited to welcome these fantastic comedians, actors and writers to our debut festival. It’s a rare opportunity to see these big names in such an intimate

setting as the Norbury. Tickets are limited so we wanted to give our local community the opportunity to buy this initial release of tickets.”

The idea for a comedy festival came about through a discussion with Mayall’s family and local councillor Richard Morris who was keen to celebrate the iconic comedian and his connection to Droitwich Spa. The family suggested that a celebration in the town where we found his feet in entertainment was a fitting tribute to his legacy.

Richard said: “Growing up, Rik was regularly involved in productions at the Norbury Theatre and in many plays that his parents had written, and I believe this is where he found his love of performing. Supporting young people discovering acting and comedy is a key part of why we wanted to hold a festival, and the family has given us their blessing.”

The Bottom comedian known for his extrovert characters moved to Droitwich with his parents when he was three, taking part in plays at the Norbury throughout his childhood and teenage years. The festival aims to capture his distinct spirit by offering a diverse range of performances, screenings, and workshops suitable for both adults and young people, as well as family friendly events, in celebration of his remarkable life and career.

Tickets are available to Droitwich residents from 8th March and on general release from 9th March at www.rikmayallcomedyfestival.com

The greatest show in Droitwich? - oh yes it

The Norbury Theatre is a volunteer-run theatre in the centre of Droitwich Spa town; we play hosts to many external hirers who put on shows from classic Gilbert & Sullivan musicals to pop star tributes. The majority of our year is spent putting on our own productions of an annual pantomime (oh yes we do!), two musicals, multiple plays and a Children’s Theatre in 8 months of the year!

This year we have got plenty to look forward to with a fantastic play called Men In Green gracing our stage from the 12th to 15th of March, focusing on the well-intended but potentially over-ambitious green issues that two university graduates bring to the fore!

Children’s Theatre will take place on Saturday 15th March and 12th of April, providing a great opportunity to introduce the little ones to theatre!

Our two week play in May is Blackadder II from 1st to 3rd & 8th to 10th of May, bringing the charm of the classic comedy to life again with plenty of laughs and guffaws to come.

We’re welcoming two brilliant hirers to the theatre in April with Showtime Dance Academy & Wymsical Theatre bringing the energy and fun that only youth groups can.

For more information and tickets please visit www.norburytheatre.co.uk

Spring programme echoes with sounds of sophistication

There’s plenty for music lovers to enjoy at Feckenham Village Hall this month.

Out of The Blue Big Band will be appearing on Saturday, 1st March at 7pm, conducted by Jo James with vocalist Lee Hamblett.

This big band brings serious swing, plenty of sass, and just the right amount of brass. Think bold solos, toe-tapping rhythms, and enough swagger to make you forget your problems, or at least where you

The Tim Kliphuis Trio come to Worcestershire on Sunday 23rd March at 7.30pm. Classically trained and widely regarded as “the successor to Stéphane Grappelli”, Dutch violinist Kliphuis breathes new life into existing styles with a high-energy blend of classical, gypsy jazz and folk music. His improvised sound is totally new and yet is steeped in tradition.

Tim’s trio’s electrifying performances have made them firm favourites on the festival scene including the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, North Sea and Edinburgh Jazz Festivals, Richard Strauss Festival and Fiddles on Fire.

This is a professional show coming to Feckenham as part of the Live & Local programme. It is supported by Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Borough Council.

parked your car.

They can belt out Sinatra and Buble classics and jazz standards one minute and dazzle you with Santana, Oasis, The Monkees and Elton John the next.

Proceeds of this concert will go to The Sick Children’s Trust. More details about the band can be found at www.outofthebluejazz.com

The Midland Sinfonia take the stage on Saturday 5th April at 7.30pm with a programme entitled The Good, The Bad and The…

Music inspired by divine and evil includes Shostakovich’s Sinfonia for Strings, Tavener’s Song of the Angel, Elgar’s Elegy, Bernard Herman’s Suite from Psycho and The Charlie Daniels Band’s The Devil Went Down to Georgia.

Based in Alvechurch, The Midland Sinfonia is a professional orchestra which aims to bring quality live classical music to the communities of North Worcestershire, performed by local professional musicians.

Tickets for shows at Feckenham Village Hall are on sale at The Village Shop and The Rose & Crown. You can also book by phone on 0333 666 3366 or online at www.feckhall.org

Critics and Christie are spring cinema highlights

The spring season at The FeckenOdeon Cinema Society in Feckenham begins with The Critic (15) on Friday, 14th March at 8pm.

An extravagantly malicious theatre critic who strikes fear into the thespians of 1930s London, Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) is known for many proclivities, but mostly for his savagery.

When his job at the Daily Chronicle is threatened, Jimmy’s response is as vicious as that of a cornered honey badger in a cravat. Gemma Arterton and Mark Strong are all collateral damage in his Machiavellian scheme. Wicked, compelling fun. (UK 2023)

The big screen offering on Saturday, 29th March at 7.30pm is A Haunting in Venice (12A). Kenneth Branagh grows the famous moustache of Agatha Christie’s Belgian supersleuth in a new adventure which he also directs.

In post-World War II Venice, Hercule Poirot, now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer. The film is based on an original story by Ms Christie. (USA 2022)

Friday, 11th April at 8pm: Film to be confirmedcheck feckenodeon.co.uk for information

Swede Caroline (15), a British mockumentary about dirty tricks in the cutthroat world of competitive marrow-growing, is being shown on Saturday, 26th April at 7.30pm.

As Caroline readies herself for the championship, her prized marrow plants are stolen, and her life turns upside down, so she hires two private detectives who discover more than mere thievery is going on beneath the allotment surface. This film will make you laugh - and want to grow your own vegetables. (UK 2023)

The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham, B96 6HN. Tickets 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.

Gather friends and family for hall’s spring events

Hanbury Hall has a wide range of activities to suit all ages this springtime.

Celebrate Mother’s Day and join card-making craft sessions in the Long Gallery on 29th and 30th March . Make a floral pop out card to give to a loved one to say thank you. Follow the step-by-step instructions and decorate your card with mum’s favourite flowers.

This Easter, treat the whole family to a world of adventure on an Easter trail . The trail takes place between 12th and 27th April from 9am to 4pm , with last entry at 3.30pm , so come along and explore the beautiful parkland. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg.

Inspired by the wall paintings inside the hall by Sir James Thornhill, discover ten trail point activities based on art, colour and creativity. Paint a selfportrait, make music, and challenge your family and friends to wheelbarrow racing, hoopla, welly wanging, and much more.

Celebrate the Festival of Blossom from March to May with a range of activities including blossom bathing, crafts, talks, storytelling and yoga. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of ‘Hanami’, or flower viewing, the Festival of Blossom, created by the National Trust, invites people to take a moment and appreciate blooming blossoms that can be seen across the country.

Have a go at blossom bathing in the walled orchard, filled with 56 varieties of heritage apple trees adorned with pink-tinged blossoms. Help yourself to a yoga mat and take a deep breath as you rest

beneath the apple blossom at drop-in yoga sessions in the orchard on 17th and 24th April at 2pm.

In the Long Gallery during March, join a nature inspired storytelling session with friendly volunteers, and have a go at a free, drop-in blossom themed craft, including origami.

Enjoy the gardens as they burst into life this spring. Go for a stroll through the Formal Gardens and enjoy displays of daffodils in the peaceful Orchard and lining the path along Cedar Walk. Don’t miss the Parterre’s ribbon border with its colourful and fragrant array of fragrant tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Elsewhere in the gardens, admire fruit trees heavy with pastel pink blossom, and look out for the first signs of our new lambs leaping in the parkland. After exploring the outdoors, refuel in the Courtyard Kitchen restaurant or dog-friendly Stables Café and browse the second-hand bookshop. All your donations go towards looking after Hanbury Hall for future generations.

Visit the website to find out more and plan your visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ worcestershire-herefordshire/hanbury-hall

Free Easter fun for everyone!

Easter Kids Fun Fest

Vines Park Droitwich WR9 8LB

The Easter Kids Fun Fest has been striving to bring something for the kids of Worcestershire. Set in the surrounds of Vines Park which has successfully achieved the converted GREEN FLAG award.

The festival is designed around kids entertainment, and enjoyment. We have everything to make the festival a day out for the whole family.

Pony Rides, Hook A Duck, Wrestling Match, Sweet Pick & Mix Hut, Burgers, Doughnuts, Karaoke, Disco, Easter Egg Hunt, Candy Floss, Children’s Clothes, Toy Shop and lots more.

For more Festival info visit www.visitdroitwichspa. com/droitwich/festivals-events

You can access the festival in Vines Park via Gate One (located on Vines Lane), Gate two (accessed via the Saltway), and Gate three (situated by the B4065).

For more information go to the website www. saltfestdroitwich.co.uk/easter-kids-fun-fest

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th April 10am 5.30pm 2025

NO BOOKING OR ENTRY FEES

The Festival of Greek Culture

NO BOOKING OR ENTRY FEES

Just turn up and enjoy.

FREE ENTRY Vines Park Droitwich WR9 8LB

Fri 23rd 1pm 11pm Sat 24th 10am 11pm Sun 25th 10am 10.30pm May 2025

Greek Cooking Demos Guest Speakers Sat 24th

May Cooking hosted by Author & professional Chef Paul James will be cooking some of his own dishes from his latest cookbook “Paul James’s Corfu Odyssey” plus he will be inviting guests from the festival to cook their own dishes alongside him.

Plus Greek Music, Greek Dancing and whole lot more to find out more head to www.saltfestdroitwich.co.uk/greekfest

The Festival was inspired by Edwards Winslow born in Droitwich, Mayflower Passenger, Pilgrim Father who played a significantrole in the early interactions between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. He is The Pilgrim Father that built America. His legacy with America, England and

Droitwich which, carries on today with his descendants.

Marie-Chantal Miller was born in London England 17th Sept 1968 she is Edward Winslow’s 11th greatgranduncle today she is known as:- Marie-Chantal Miller Crown Princess of Greece.

SMarvellous March

pringtime is upon us, and what better way to enjoy it than to come along to one of our fabulous upcoming shows at Artrix!

We kick off the month with Roy G Hemmings and his fabulous Motown Show on the 1st. Throughout March we also welcome a host of tribute acts to the stage, including Deep Purple (7th), I’m Every Whitney (21st), The Stadium Rock Experience (22nd), Really Hot Chilli Peppers (23rd) and The Carpenters Experience (28th).

We continue our run of CinemaLive productions with Jesus Chris Superstar on the 4th and A Night with Janis Joplin The Musical on the 17th.

Local funnyman ‘Fat Theo’ joins us for his live show Journeyman on 2nd March.

We also welcome back local theatre company All and Sundry, with their version of the Shakespeare classic The Tempest , running at Artrix from 12th-16th March.

Tickets for all performances are available at www. artrixbromsgrove.co.uk or via our onsite box office Wed and Sat 10am-12pm.

YOUNG CREATORS ONLINE EXHIBITION

Open Call For

YOUNG CREATORS ONLINE EXHIBITION

For the fourth year Creative Art Showcase (CAS) is launching its Young Creators Online Exhibition The theme for the exhibition this year is Identity which dovetails into Severn Arts Theme for the Young Voices Exhibition of ‘Courage’ our collaboration partners ALL works entered will be showcased in a special video at Worcester Cathedral, on the CAS website and social media in June 2025, and later at Showcase 2025 Young artists will also have the chance to win prizes

Come along to our Free workshops, no booking required

Sunday 23rd February - 11 30am-3 30pm

Bromsgrove Methodist Centre - B60 1AS Sunday 16th March - 12 30pm-3 30pm Catshill Village Hall - B61 0JZ Thursday 24th April - 11am-3 30pm

POD Humphrey Avenue Charford B60 3JB TBC Rubery community & Leisure Centre

Keep an eye on our website www creativeartshowcase org and socials @creativeartshowcase or email events@creativeartshowcase org for more information Young Creators Online Exhibition Timeline:1st February - 30th April - Creative phase - submit entries to www

Age Groups - Preschool & under, 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-16 and 17-18

- Winners announced

31st August - Original winning artwork to be with Creative Art Showcase 8th November - Premier screening and awards presentation at Showcase 25 at The Artrix 8th & 9th November - Winners original artwork displayed at Showcase 25 at The Artrix

• Food Stalls

• Children’s Activities

• Model Boats Sat & Sun

• Now in its 14th year

Vines Park WR9 8LB 2025

Friday 2d May 5pm - 11pm

• Dog Show on Monday

• Fun for all the family

• Arts & Crafts

Saturday 3rd May, Sunday 4th May 10am - 11pm

Monday 5th May 10am - 5pm

• Real Ale & Cider Bar all weekend

• Around 50 different beers and ciders

• Live Entertainment every day

• Canal boat rides during the days on ‘Pamela May 2’

• The ‘Great Droitwich Duck Race’ 4.30pm Monday

The Genesis GV70 -

It takes a certain type of individual to strike an individualistic blow against uniformity. Real determination is needed. Perhaps the same sort of determination that breeds success. And, of course, with success comes the wherewithal to choose from the widest range of the latest essential goods.

Ask the man or woman in the street what ‘Genesis’ is, and they will gaze back at you with suspicious eyes, ready to run the moment you flash an evangelical leaflet. Ask a proper individual and the reply will be short and sweet. Genesis is a luxury offshoot of the Hyundai and Kia empire and stands for a motoring brand like no other. Not so much a luxury essential as an essential luxury.

It’s the right sort of machine for the discerning man or woman who appreciates the unique marketing and customer care package that includes a concierge service to look after your every need during the five-year warranty period. It’s a whole new brand experience that reflects the Korean dedication to customer care.

The Genesis G70 Saloon, which retails from £41,470, is a stunning rival to Mercedes C Class and Jaguar’s XE and VW Arteon. This top specand a car for tomorrow if ever there was one.

Inside this beautifully appointed good looking executive saloon you get an array of driver aids and safety advances. There’s a long list of digital gadgetry too. With reasonable space for passengers in the back to relax, lovers of swish interiors and supple and supportive power adjustable heated or cooled seating will be happy to just sit there and breathe in the heady aroma of leather trimmed classiness.

a creation sensation

Once clear of traffic I was able to put the car through its paces. The Genesis nosed forward: a consummate performer with a four cylinder, 2.2 diesel putting 197 bhp through an eight speed automatic. There’s a choice of modes from ‘eco’ to ‘sport plus’ (in which you will need to hang onto your toupee).

Figures like that are a clear indication of a super abundance of what is technically known as ‘oomph!’ plus ‘grunt’. For the safety conscious reader, it must be pointed out that thanks to super powerful brakes, it stops too - on a sixpence. Fuel consumption? Well, I’m pleased to tell you that it is jolly low. A claimed 41.6 mpg to 43.5 mpg is modest. I tried tootling along in eco mode and got near 56 mpg. But if you think along those lines, you will miss the enjoyment on offer.

Some good news is that the rear wheel drive adds to the driving enjoyment. Handling and road holding are beyond reproach. Motoring writers often bore readers by talking of understeer, oversteer and ‘turn-in’ and ‘turn-out’. For me the new-fangled concept of ‘fun to drive’ has a more important contribution to make. Simply put, do you feel better for driving the car after a long trip? Frankly, my spring having long sprung, I exited gracefully, elated by the experience.

In this Genesis the ability to establish a connection with the driver goes beyond mere communication - it represents tomorrow today. The G70 is close to ‘mind-reading-metal’ in the fluidity of its responsiveness. It certainly sets a challenge to other car makers both in the top quality of the product and the new way of marketing.

by Syd Taylor