MyWorcestershire APRIL/MAY 2024

REPAIR YOUR LAWN

The RGS Worcester Family of Schools MAY OPEN EVENTS

See pages 24 & 25 for more information

INCREASE YOUR WELLNESS

PENSION SCAMS & FRAUD

What the Dickens! Script Haven to get blue plaque

Script Haven, Worcester's beautifully quirky independent bookshop opposite the Elgar Statue in Cathedral Plaza, recently voted by The Times readers as the third best indie bookshop in the UK, now has another reason to celebrate (and be visited)!

Research following a lead by a customer led to the discovery that the shop was once the site of the Swan Hotel, and received the patronage of the eminent author and social critic Charles Dickens,

who stayed there on the 11th August 1858 during his UK tour delivering readings of 'A Christmas Carol', which for Worcester took place at the Public Hall (now the site of the Cornmarket car park).

Owner Leena said "We are beyond excited at this discovery, which explains why the ambience of a bookshop felt so at home in the building. As it was Charles Dickens' birthday on the 7th February, we held a special event to commemorate him and plan to hold one each year on that

date. The Worcester Civic Society have acknowledged our claim, and we are now waiting for the date for the official blue plaque to be mounted. This is a huge moment for Worcester, helping to tie in all the historic creative activities which have taken place here. We will also be a location on the 'Know Your Worcester' app and website, allowing visitors to find us alongside many other significant places of note in the city."

You can find out more about Script Haven's vibrant calendar of events via their website scripthaven.co.uk and social media (@scripthavenltd)

Photographs courtesy of cfow.org

The Dementia Meeting Centre in Malvern

In the world today we face many trials and problems especially as we get older. One of the most common is memory loss, which can be from a head injury, a stroke or other physical impairment. It all comes under the umbrella of ‘Dementia’ which is the generic term for ‘the impaired ability to remember and make decisions which interferes with everyday activity.’ In the Malvern area alone there are over 900 people suffering from some form of Dementia.

The Dementia Meeting Centre in Ascension Hall would like to invite people with onset or mild Dementia to come with family or a

carer to free taster sessions, which take place on Tuesdays from 11am-12noon.

The early onset of the disease such as Alzheimer’s is a frightening and life-changing event. Our centre is a welcoming warm space for those adjusting to change. Our dedicated staff are passionate that people living with Dementia and their families get the support they need to stay living at home in their own environment for as long as possible. They know that interacting with others can make a big difference to the wellbeing and quality of life. Es HayesManager, and her knowledgable volunteers

have a wide programme of activities, games, lunch, talks etc., and value everyone as individuals. They would be delighted to welcome new people.

The Dementia Meeting Centre is available every Tuesday, 10am to 3pm. £25 including lunch. At the Church of Malvern Link with Cowleigh, Ascension Church Hall, Somers Park Avenue, Malvern Link, WR14 1XA. n

To book a free taster session please email hello@malverndementia.org or visit www.malverndementia.org

The Swan Hotel, 1951

Snowdrop Keepsakes Hosts Launch Night Fundraiser:

Supporting Bereaved Parents with Memorial Jewellery

Snowdrop Keepsakes is thrilled to announce its launch night fundraiser, dedicated to supporting bereaved parents with keepsake jewellery. The event, taking place on 8th June 2024, at Alcester RFC in Warwickshire, aims to raise funds for purchasing a CNC machine to create hand and footprint jewellery for The Lily Mae Foundation's memory boxes.

Losing a baby is a heartbreaking experience, and Snowdrop Keepsakes aims to provide solace by providing The Lily Mae Foundation's memory boxes with personalised hand and footprint jewellery. Founder Laura Hibbard expresses the mission to support bereaved parents and provide tangible reminders of their precious babies.

Guests at the event can explore Snowdrop Keepsakes' stunning collection of memorial & keepsake jewellery, including cremation ashes rings, breastmilk charm bracelets, and birthstone necklaces. Various fundraising activities will be available, including raffles, auctions, and donation stations, with all proceeds contributing to this meaningful cause. Guests are invited to bid on items using the provided QR code (right).

To engage attendees further, Snowdrop Keepsakes is hosting a launch competition where participants can win a piece of jewellery by signing up to our newsletter. Additionally, participants will receive a special 20% discount code valid until 31st July 2024, by visiting www.snowdropkeepsakes.com.

Guests can RSVP to the launch night fundraiser using the below QR code, whether attending in person or showing support from afar. Snowdrop Keepsakes is dedicated to crafting beautiful memorial and keepsake jewellery for bereaved parents, offering comfort and solace during difficult times. n

www.snowdropkeepsakes.com

Next steps in ambitious plan for Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter

Ambitious plans for the major regeneration of Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter are set to be considered by Worcester city councillors.

A formal Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out proposals for the revamp of the 14-hectare site, including more than 500 new homes, new public spaces, and the capacity for the creation of up to 5,000 new jobs.

The City Council’s Place and Economic Development Committee will be asked to consider the SPD at its meeting on 29 January, and to agree to the launch of a sixweek public consultation on the proposals.

The area covered by the SPD is to the west of the railway line, and includes the existing Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, the historic Engine Works building and the railway

station. It does not include the site of the neighbouring Sheriff’s Gate development. The City Council is working in partnership with Worcestershire County Council on

Councillor Hannah Cooper, Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee: “The draft Supplementary Planning Document sets out ambitious and aspirational aims for the regeneration of the Shrub Hill Quarter, while also allowing for some flexibility as this scheme develops over the next 20 years.

“The City Council ran workshops and a public exhibition last summer to show the initial plans for this scheme, and the feedback from that has fed into the preparation of this formal SPD. I hope the committee will back the work undertaken so far, so that we can launch a full public consultation to give everyone the chance to have their say on this vision for the future.”

The SPD sets out clear expectations for developers who want to purchase land in the Shrub Hill Quarter or submit a planning application for the area. It clarifies where built development is expected to take place and, importantly, where no development is likely to be allowed.

The document also provides a coherent and integrated approach to the whole site, to assist in attract future funding applications to support public infrastructure.

The Shrub Hill Quarter lies to the west of the railway line, extending across the canal, and is bordered by Tallow Hill, George Street, Pheasant Street and Tolladine Road.

It includes several listed buildings, among them Worcester Engine Works, the former Great Western Hotel, Isaac Maddox House and Shrub Hill Railway Station. All of these will be preserved in the proposals set out in the draft SPD.

The City Council is also working on creating a new pedestrian and cycling link from St Martin’s Quarter, home to Asda and other shops, to the Shrub Hill Quarter site. The SPD sets out how the redeveloped Quarter will provide safe and secure movement for everyone, whether they are moving around by foot, bike, wheelchair or motor vehicle.

The full draft Shrub Hill Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) can be read on the Committee pages of the Worcester City Council website. n

www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ shrubhillquarter

RSVP Auction

your living room

From choosing a functional and spacious layout to determining a style that suits your needs to arranging accessories, with the right inspiration your living room can be absolutely perfect.

While the exciting part may be shopping for a new sofa or choosing the large scale abstract art to hang on your wall, the first steps include measuring, finding your aesthetic, and creating a mood board that will drive the entire project.

Whether your space is large or small, these steps remain the same. It's a fool-proof approach that leads to a cohesive, styled space that feels like home.

Measure your space

Before you make any decisions about decorating your living space, you'll want to have an accurate sense of its square footage. Proper measurements will ensure you select the correct size rug, furnishings, and window treatments.

Keep in mind that doing your due diligence ahead of time will save you time, money and avoid the hassle of ordering and returning furniture and accessories because they don't fit into a space as you had hoped.

Establish your intentions

Determining the way in which you wish to utilise your living room will significantly shape the decorating process. It is critical to fully understand how you want to use your space before you begin the design process. However, there isn't a 'one-sizefits-all' use for a living area.

You may have existing fixtures such as a fireplace or built-in shelving that will affect the furniture arrangement from the get-go and ease the decision-making process. It's critical to be realistic about your intentions for the space, too, and not just base your design off of what you see around.

Make sure the room reflects you and your lifestyle. Whatever your needs are at the time, make sure the room serves that. For example, if you have kids, you do not need a glass coffee table or too many floor lamps that could be trip hazards.

Focus on your aesthetic

Are you feeling modern farmhouse vibes, or something more romantic? Of course, it may be challenging to determine the direction that you wish to take with your

living room design. Especially if you find yourself swooning over many types of decor styles. There's no need to commit solely to one particular look, but establishing a general scheme is important.

Once you've made your decision you can move onto the fun part - turning to design books, magazines, and the internet for inspiration.

Make a "Room Board"

Before grabbing your wallet, you'll want to consider how your ideal furniture pieces will function in a space. Gather images of the pieces you intend to use and make a small 'room board' and see how all of the pieces interact with each other before you get them home.

Choose a colour palette

Opt for a cohesive colour palette to make choosing prints, furniture, and textiles easier and instantly more stylish.

Get shopping

Given that furniture can be quite pricey, you

Wall decor is essential. Artwork, pillows, and decorative items always act as the jewellery for the room.

may wish to spread out your purchases over time. If you're not sure what to buy first, think big - literally. Start with the larger pieces to ground the room, like the sofa or the area rug, and build from there.

Select complementing, not matching furniture

Forget the days of buying a living room suite with a matching sofa and accent chairs. The sophisticated way to create a designer-worthy living room is to choose pieces that complement each other, but do not match.

Choose the right size rug

Look at all the pieces you have within your living room and how they interact to determine the right size area rug. It's easy to go to big, where the rug practically goes wall to wall, or too small, where none of the furniture actually sits on the rug. Instead of guessing on the size, place all your furniture where you'd like to be, then measure how big the rug needs to be so that all of the main items of furniture in your primary sitting area have at least their front legs on the rug.

Incorporate varied textures

Approach your space with an eye for texture in addition to colour. You can use all neutrals, but as long as the texture is varied, it will keep your eye moving, while also making a space feel cosy.

vintage or an antique will set it apart from

Address your walls

By no means should the walls be left blank, either. Wall decor is essential. Artwork, pillows, and decorative items always act as the jewellery for the room.

Not sure what to hang? Either a large piece of art - or a gallery wall, depending on your style - or a mirror to reflect the sunlight through the room are always great choices.

You can always go the secondhand route, and source a piece that will make your living room truly shine. Having a special

Don't forget about greenery

Plants make for the perfect finishing touch in any living room. If you are tight on budget or rent so you cannot invest much in your decoration, make sure to get some plants. The greenery adds life and freshness to any room without breaking the bank.

Enlist multi-functional furniture and décor

Utilise multi-functional pieces, especially when you're decorating a small spacenesting tables, for instance, offer great versatility. Don't forget about the everreliable ottoman - they can serve their main purpose as storage and also be pulled up as extra seating or be used as a side table for a book or even a drink if you have a tray. n

The days of matching three-piece suites are gone. Go for complementing furniture - not matching

Opt for a cohesive colour palette

Varied textures will keep the eye moving while making the space feel cosy

Why and when to repair

Lawns often start to look tatty or patchy after a summer of regular use or spells of hot, dry weather. Frosty or soggy winters can also take their toll, especially if the lawn is walked on a lot. Perhaps your lawn has some dips or bumps that make mowing tricky, or sparse areas around the edges where border plants overhang it. Repairing issues such as these will help to stop unwanted weeds colonising bare areas and smarten up the lawn’s overall appearance.

Spring and autumn are the ideal times to repair a lawn, when the weather is damp and cool. The lawn is most likely to recover well in these conditions. If your lawn is in a really poor state though, you may need to consider re-laying or re-seeding it entirely, rather than just patching it up.

How to repair bare patches

Damaged or bare areas of lawn can be repaired by either sowing lawn seed or patching it with a piece of turf dug up from another part of the lawn, or new turf if available. The latter gives instant results, but sowing seed may be easier and cheaper if you have no spare turf to use as a patch. If the bare area was caused by shade, choose a lawn seed mix specifically for shady sites, or if the lawn gets heavy wear, choose a robust utility lawn seed mix.

Repairing with lawn seed

Lawn seed is quick and easy to sow, relatively cheap and you can choose a seed mix to suit your growing conditions. But it will take several months to get established.

• Cut out the damaged area of turf in a square, using a half-moon edging iron or flat-bladed spade, then slice underneath

your lawn

If your lawn is looking worn, patchy or a little bumpy, read on to find out how to restore it.

it to lift it, to a depth of about 5cm (2in)

• Lightly fork or dig over the soil in the square and work in some top soil or garden compost, then firm gently with your feet to make a level surface

• Scatter the grass seed evenly over the prepared soil, at the rate advised on the packet – usually about 15–25g per sq m (1/2–3/4oz per sq yard)

• Cover the seeds with a light sprinkling of top soil or home-made compost to hide them from birds. You could also cover with fleece, pinned down at the edges, to keep birds away

• Water gently

You can also get good results by pregerminating the seeds before sowing. Add them to some moist peat-free multipurpose compost in a bucket and cover with clingfilm. Place somewhere warm – at no higher than 15˚C (60˚F). After three days, check for signs of germination, and continue checking daily until you see small white roots appearing. Then sow the mixture.

Repairing with turf

For an instant fix, you can patch the damaged area with some healthy turf from another area of the lawn, where it won’t be missed, or use new turf if available.

• Cut out the damaged area of turf in a square, using a half-moon edging iron or flat-bladed spade, then slice underneath it to lift it, to a depth of about 5cm (2in)

• Lightly fork over the soil in the square and work in some top soil or garden compost, then firm gently with your feet to make a level surface

• Cut out an identical-sized square of healthy turf from an inconspicuous part of the lawn or from a newly bought roll

• Place the healthy piece of turf into the prepared square, and firm down, ensuring it sits at the same level as the surrounding lawn

• Compress the turf edges with the back of a rake and brush a sandy lawn topdressing into the crevices

• Water thoroughly

How to even out minor bumps and hollows

• Cut through the uneven area with an H-shaped incision, using a flat-bladed spade, and peel back the turf

• Fork over the base and either remove the excess soil or add new top soil to raise the level

• Firm down the soil so it is level, then replace the two flaps of turf

• Check the lawn is level and adjust again if necessary

• Compress the turf edges with the back of a rake and brush a sandy lawn topdressing (see above) into the crevices where the turf was cut

• Water thoroughly

Problem solving

Sometimes, repaired patches are a different colour to the existing lawn. Using turf from elsewhere in the garden (rather than new turf) to repair your lawn may avoid this problem. Otherwise, try to buy seed or turf from the same supplier as before, and request the same product as bought previously.

Newly sown grass and newly laid pieces of turf are susceptible to drying out until well rooted, so water regularly if there isn’t enough rain over the following months. n

For more gardening advice visit www.rhs.org.uk

Insulation Solutions

At Conservatory Insulation Solutions, we take immense pride in offering top-notch conservatory insulation solutions, and our use of Low-E insulation stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence.

Low-E insulation has become a staple in our projects due to its exceptional qualities. One remarkable aspect is its impressive green credentials, making it an environmentally friendly choice that aligns with sustainable practices. This commitment to eco-consciousness not only benefits our clients but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.

When it comes to fire safety, Low-E insulation surpasses industry standards. Its robust fire safety ratings ensure a secure and protected environment within your conservatory. Safety is paramount, and our choice of Low-E insulation reflects our dedication to providing not only effective but also safe solutions for your living spaces.

Reflecting an impressive 97% of radiant heat, Low-E insulation plays a pivotal role in temperature control. This ability to repel radiant heat is crucial in creating a comfortable environment within your conservatory. It helps maintain an optimal temperature, making your space enjoyable year-round.

Understanding insulation terminologies can be complex, but we simplify it for you. Our experts explain the distinctions between R-Values, U-Values, and E-Values, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of how our insulation choices impact your conservatory's performance.

Moreover, the breathability of Low-E insulation is a standout feature. It allows for effective ventilation, preventing moisture

buildup and maintaining a healthy indoor environment. This quality is essential for preventing issues like mould and mildew, ensuring the longevity of your conservatory.

Low-E insulation's inability to absorb moisture adds another layer of protection against potential damage. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for safeguarding the structural integrity of your conservatory, making it a secure and durable investment.

Safety is paramount for all occupants, regardless of age. Low-E insulation is renowned for its safety features, making it the ideal choice for both the young and old alike. Our commitment to providing a secure living environment is reflected in the careful selection of insulation materials.

Last but not least, our utilisation of Low-E insulation contributes to exceptional soundproofing within your conservatory. Enjoy a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, shielded from external noise disturbances. The longevity of Low-E insulation further ensures that you can saver these benefits for years to come, making it a wise and enduring investment for your conservatory.

At Conservatory Insulation Solutions, we prioritise quality, safety, and sustainability, and our choice of Low-E insulation reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the best for your conservatory. n

For more information visit www.conservatoryinsulationsolutions.com or www.low-e.co.uk

LOW-E AT A GLANCE

Low-E Insulation is manufactured from nontoxic, recycled, closed cell polyethylene foam which is made from recycled milk cartons. For the last 10 year it has been manufactured using up to 40% recycled material. More recently Low-E have managed to increase it’s recycled content up to 80%. And one day very soon they hope to make the core of our products 100% recycled material.

The closed cell foam core won’t absorb moisture, delaminate or corrode. It’s virtually rot proof.

With a Class A/Class 1 Fire Rating, Low-E not only stops heat, but deadens sound and provides moisture control all in one product.

Independently assessed

Low-E took a great deal of time to perfect and we worked very closely with C-Tech Innovation to have the carbon footprint of Low-E Insulation independently tracked. C-Tech calculated our Carbon Footprint working from our raw materials, all the way through to production and distribution.

The unique design of Low-E Insulation and the fact that no glues, adhesives, or solvents are used during production gives Low-E Insulation one of the lowest Carbon Footprints of any insulation product on the market today. Our Large compact rolls add little in the way of Carbon Miles

The Carbon Footprint of Low-E Insulation at distribution is approx. 37g of Co2 per m2.

your wellness

Many of us have felt tired and stressed, which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever.

Your wellness journey is an ongoing one, and you are in the driver’s seat! But it can be difficult to know where to start, so we've put together a handful of tips to get you going.

Exercise

This may seem obvious, but regular physical activity has many benefits for both your physical and mental wellbeing! Exercise can be done anywhere, including at home or the gym. Regular exercise can help with weight management, reduce your risk of heart disease, and strengthen your bones & muscles. If you’re unsure about getting active or worried about getting hurt, start with walking. Walking is a gentle exercise considered safe for most people. If you’re looking for something more intense, consider jogging, weightlifting, or yoga.

Drink water regularly

Not drinking enough water throughout the day can leave you feeling sore, tired, and unfocused. How much water should you be drinking? The answer depends on multiple factors, including your health, diet, physical activity, and general lifestyle. You’ve probably heard the eight glasses a day rule, but it’s a bit tricky because people also get hydration from other beverages and from fruits and veggies too. In general, you can stay appropriately hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, and when you feel thirsty.

Try carrying a reusable water bottle with you to make sure you get enough water every day. There are even apps you can download to track how much water you’re drinking. Tracking water intake in a paper planner can also be satisfying.

Track your fitness

If you’re exercising, that’s fantastic! But how do you know if you’re getting enough exercise? Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to track your fitness. Many fitness tracking apps are available for your phone or smartwatch, and most of them are free. A fitness tracking app can help you understand how active you are every day, so you can set goals or adjust your lifestyle as needed. You can also try an exercise watch or fitness band, which can track your heart rate and tell you how many steps you take daily. If you want a technology-free solution, use a notebook to log your efforts, or get a workout buddy and support each other.

Stretch at work

It’s easy to forget to take breaks at work. However, frequent breaks can keep us stay focused and alert throughout the workday. Studies show that sitting for too long can be detrimental to your health. Try to take an ”exercise snack” of walking or every half hour or so. If your schedule is completely booked, there are many stretches you can do right at your desk! Take time for yourself during your

busy workday; your mind and body will thank you.

Get outside

Nature is a great remedy for stress. Sometimes, there is nothing better for your mental and emotional wellness than going outside. Spending time in nature can relieve stress, improve mood, and generally boost your wellbeing. During the work week, consider stepping outside on your lunch break. On the weekends, participate in outdoor activities such as gardening, walking, or cycling.

Practice Gratitude Journaling

Taking time to give thanks can be an instant mood-booster. Gratitude Journaling can improve our overall wellbeing by helping us be more appreciative of our lives and the people around us. Writing it down is key because it helps our brains consciously recognise the information. The more you engage in positive writing, the more you recognise the good things around you. So, focus on the things in life you are most grateful for, no matter how big or small, and make a list every day. See how your happiness and satisfaction grow over time.

Read books

Are you looking for a screen-free activity to add some variety to your routine? Try reading more books. Reading is a relaxing activity you can do anywhere and at any time of day. Reading is known to reduce stress levels by giving your brain a break

from the daily grind that weighs us down. It exercises your brain and keeps your memory in tip-top condition. Reading at night or before bed can even help you fall asleep. It's also a great reason to get out and visit your local library and bookshops.

Fix your posture

Good posture can support good form when exercising, helping you to avoid injuries while active. But what does good posture look like? Good posture means having your shoulders and hips even, chin parallel to the floor, and weight evenly distributed on both feet. If you’re feeling a little out of balance, simple exercises can help to improve your posture. Focus specifically on stretches and activities that build muscle strength and improve your balance. Check in on your posture throughout the day.

Listen to music

If you begin to feel overwhelmed by the stresses of the day, try listening to music. It has many positive health benefits, including reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and improving sleep quality. Did you know that listening to a familiar song can even help with memory recall? Listen to music while working or before going to bed at night to tap into its calming effects.

Adopt a hobby

Finding a hobby can help challenge the brain. Learning something new gives your brain a chance to work, adapt, and maybe even forge new neural pathways. Plus, depending on what you choose, your hobby could be a chance to have consistent “me time” or help you find friends who share your interests. Some examples of activities to get involved with include knitting, learning a new language, trivia teams, bingo, chess, creative writing, archery, role-playing games, model kits, ballroom dancing, martial arts, collecting, gardening, learning an instrument... the list goes on. Keep in mind that getting out of your comfort zone can have benefits.

Embrace tidiness

Tidying up and decluttering at home can have many benefits for your wellbeing, productivity, and happiness. A cluttered space can create stress and make you feel overwhelmed. By getting rid of things you don't need or use, you can save money, time, and energy. It may also inspire more creativity and focus. Organising your home is a simple and rewarding way to enhance your quality of life! How to start? Take things slowly. Choose a room, a closet, or a drawer and organise it, getting rid of items you don’t need. You can donate stuff you don’t use. Then, move to another part of your home and take it from there. Tidiness can become a habit. Try to maintain a clean and organied space by putting things back where they belong, avoiding impulse purchases, making your bed every day, and regularly reviewing your belongings.

Follow daily routines

Free yourself from chronic pain and frustration

Get methodical! Developing a daily routine is a simple way to care for your well-being. Having an established, repetitive schedule can help remove stress and anxiety from your day. By following a routine, it is easy to establish healthy habits like exercising. To create your daily routine, try doing activities like chores and taking vitamins at the same time every day. Mealprep or plan to remove additional decisions throughout the week. Don’t forget to schedule time for self-care! n

FIBROMYALGIA, MIGRAINE, PMR and Chronic illness.

Step by Step

Be comfortable again

Learn a combination of self-help techniques to hit the pain hard including a luxurious blend of essential oils.

On a low wage?

Join one of my pain buddy clubs

For over 35 years I have supported men and women looking for answers when suffering from aching joints and muscles, fibromyalgia,headaches etc using MASSAGE and AROMATHERAPY. My clients now find insights as to WHY they experience pain during my COACHING strategy sessions.

Call or Text: 07974 400575

Email: Fran@coachingforwellbeing.co.uk

www.coachingforwellbeing.co.uk

This delicious recipe is just one of many that can be found in Margaret's Cakes & Bakes, which features 50 delicious recipes, the book is priced £7.50, with all profits going to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. It is available from Cradley Village Hall, The Cradley Stores, Crumpton Hill Farm Shop or by emailing: jan.dampney@outlook.com

Before being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease Margaret was a very active baker. Making cakes and other baked goods for the Country Market in Malvern, as well as catering for various tea parties in the local area.

She first started baking at school and gradually started to spend more time in the kitchen as cooking became her favourite pastime. In her early career as a primary school teacher she enjoyed sharing her love

of cooking with the children she taught.

As a stay-at-home mum while her children were small, Margaret continued baking with them, using any spare moments to make treats for WI meetings and local gatherings. Over time the hobby became a more full-time occupation as she started making cakes in bulk for sale at the Country Market in Malvern and she became more in demand as a caterer for tea parties.

The book - Margaret's Cakes & Bakes - contains recipes that she has accumulated throughout her life and includes many that were baked and sold regularly as well several of her personal favourites from across the years.

You don’t need to be a master baker to make the cakes in book, because as one of the testers put it, ‘If I can make this cake, anyone can’.

Ingredients

• 340g self-raising flour

• 170g caster sugar

• 230g butter

• 115g sultanas

• 460g cooking apples

• 3 eggs, beaten

Method

To decorate:

• Demerara sugar

• Almonds

Extras

33 x 25 x 2cm tin OR 3 x 450g (1lb) loaf tins greased and lined

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180˚C/Fan 160˚C

2. Rub the butter into the sifted flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3. Add the sugar and the dried fruit. Peel, core and dice the apples then add to the other ingredients and mix well. Stir in the beaten eggs.

4. When the ingredients are well-mixed, spoon into the prepared cake tin or divide equally between the loaf tins.

5. Sprinkle with Demerara sugar and flaked almonds.

6. Bake the large cake for 1- 11/2 hours, reducing the time to 45 minutes for the smaller ones. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

7. Leave to cool in the tin for half an hour before transferring to a wire rack.

Indulge Locally: Explore The Grovewood Restaurant and Bar's Spring Menu

Nestled within the tranquil embrace of The Malvern Spa Hotel sits a gem waiting to be discovered - The Grovewood Restaurant and Bar.

Step into our world and embark on a culinary journey with our new Spring menu.

Crafted with passion by our Head chef Alex and his team, each dish promises to deliver a wonderful foodie experience. From hearty breakfasts and leisurely brunches and lunches to gorgeous dinners, there's a dish to tingle every tastebud.

Whether marking a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, The Grovewood will surpass your expectations. Indulge in delights including juicy steaks and burgers, flavoursome sea bass or our roasted aubergine

linguine. There's also plenty of side dishes to tempt you!

Tasty afternoon teas are also on offer. Why not treat yourself to an array of sweet and savoury delights?

We extend a warm welcome to non residents, but do recommend booking in advance to ensure you do not miss out. Reserving your table is easy- simply visit our website www.themalvernspa.com, call us on 01684 898290 or email reception@themalvernspa.com

We look forward to welcoming you to The Grovewood restaurant and bar. n www.themalvernspa.com

Dining at The Grovewood

The Grovewood, is the perfect space for you to refuel and tuck into our delicious new menu. From sharing boards, through to hearty pasta and nutritious salads, our extensive menu has been carefully curated by our Head Chef Alex to cater for all tastes.

Meet the Artist

Claire Tindall is an artist and illustrator based at the Artery Studio in Worcester. Originally from Birmingham, Claire studied illustration and graphic design at Bradford School of Art where she gained a BA (hons) in Art and Design. She moved to London where she began her career as a freelance children’s book illustrator, working for children’s book publishers and writing and illustrating for the BBC’s, Cbeebies Bedtime Hour. She came back to the Midlands, moving to Worcester in 2003.

In 2019 Claire decided to go back to school and take a masters degree in illustration at the University of Gloucestershire. ‘I had come to a point where I no longer felt the enjoyment that I once had for my work and became rather stuck. I needed to reconnect with what I used to love and rediscover what makes me tick. The course set me off on a path of discovery and introduced new ways of thinking about the process of making images. When you have spent many years working to client briefs you become very focused on the outcome, the finished piece, this can be very restricting creatively. I have learned to be less afraid of making mistakes, I’m finding what brings me joy, to play and have some fun.’

There is a gentle humour to Claire’s work. ‘My work is about the extraordinary in the ordinary, the small things that are really the big things in life, family, friends and the creatures we share our lives and planet with’.

As well as being an artist and illustrator Claire also teaches classical guitar and ukulele at the Elgar School of Music in Worcester. ‘Art and music have always had equal importance in my life, and I feel very lucky to have combined the two’. ‘Through playing and teaching I have met some wonderful people’.

My work is about the extraordinary in the ordinary

As part of her master’s course Claire was able to combine her art and music practices by collaborating with guitarist and composer David Carroll. David wrote and recorded two songs, one based on the ancient Irish legend The Dagdha’s Harp and the other Pangur Bán, a poem written by an anonymous Irish monk in the 9th century, about his white cat, Pangur

Bán. Claire illustrated a series of sequential images to accompany each song, both can be seen on her website and on YouTube.

‘I have recently produced artwork for Worcester based pianist and composer Alexander Grenville for his latest release ‘Snowfall’. The painting is very different to my usual work as it is abstract rather than illustrative, this fits the impressionistic feel of the music. Listening to the piece while working on the painting fitted so well with my focus on experimentation and playfulness and was very enjoyable to make.’

‘I am continuing to experiment with my paintings and to keep an open mind. I’m not sure where this is going to take me but know that this is not a bad place to be, to keep trying new things, to be less focused on the finished result and more interested in the process.’

Claire is available for painting and illustration commissions and would love to hear from musicians interested in collaborative projects. She has prints for sale at the independent bookstore Scripthaven in Worcester, where she will be taking part in the upcoming ‘creARTivity Festival’ in May. n

w www.clairetindall.com

A clairetindall_illustrator

who faced the Blitzkreig!

This summer we will remember the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings, the Battle for Normandy and the liberation of Europe. This campaign involved many brave people who called Worcestershire their home. However, the County Regiments had been involved in the Second World War from the very beginning.

The bust of Captain William Tennant RN, in Upton Upon Severn.

The 53rd Anti Tank Regiment RA (Worcestershire Yeomanry)

In 1939 a British Expeditionary Force sailed to France to supplement the French and Belgian troops who were threatened with another German Invasion. Amongst this force were the 7th and 8th Battalions of the Worcestershire Regiment and the 53rd Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery (Worcestershire Yeomanry).

After an extremely cold winter and a lengthy period of inactivity, the Phoney War ended on the 10th May 1940 with the Germans pouring across the borders. At first the three Worcestershire units were enthusiastic about having ‘a pop at Gerry.’

The 53rd Anti-Tank Regiment became the first County Regiment to see the enemy, when they were bombed in Henin Leitard. Several accounts say the Regiment managed to down six enemy aircraft during the following weeks.

The 7th Worcesters, who had been based in Rumegies quickly ditched all non-essential equipment, including the Battalion Drums, when they heard the news. These drums survived the war and were discovered in 1945 in the same cellar they had been abandoned in. A local man hid them and cared for them for five years. When the 8th Worcester’s received orders to move, the Commanding Officer also released his pet ferrets into the French countryside!

At first, orders pushed units across the border into Belgium to meet the attack, but it was soon obvious that the enemy were fighting in the way the British army had started to develop in 1918. A Mass of Infantry and Tanks, supported by Artillery and Aircraft in a coordinated strike! A tactic which is now referred to as Blitzkrieg - A lightning war!

By May 16th most of the Allied units across Belgium were beginning to withdraw in bounds, using rivers and canals as natural barriers. The 8th Worcesters and the 53rd Anti-Tank Regiment RA both ended up passing through the site of the Battle of Waterloo. This time in support of the French.

Private Philip Gilbert became the first casualty in the County Regiments, when the Germans attacked C Company of the 7th Worcesters at Genval. What followed was a series of withdrawals, acting as a rear guard, which saw some very heroic actions.

By the end of the month the BEF was shattered and in some cases becoming scattered. The 7th Worcesters held up

the Germans numerous times, including at Givenchy, where the Earl Coventry was killed when D Company was overrun! The 8th Battalion ended up heroically fighting at Escaut and Wormhoudt. Meanwhile the 53rd Anti-Tank Regiment managed to destroy 26 enemy tanks and armoured vehicles at Wormhoudt, within a stone’s throw of fellow County soldiers.

Some men had been cut off, and it was at Wormhoudt that a handful of men from the 8th Worcester’s and the 53rd AntiTank Regiment RA were murdered by the SS in a barn after surrendering. In total about 100 men were massacred here from numerous regiments.

This fighting retreat allowed for the BEF to reach the coast around Dunkirk. When the 8th Battalion got aboard a ship for home some of the men recognised her as the Glengower - a paddle steamer which conducted pleasure cruises in the Bristol Channel, picking up at places such as Weston Super Mare.

HMS Worcester was also called to help evacuate troops from Dunkirk. When she arrived on the 29th May 1940, under the command of Commander John Hamilton Allison, she put up some fierce Anti-Aircraft Fire, seeing off several aerial attacks and escaping with 450 men.

In another evacuation, HMS Worcester managed to evacuate a further 900 men whilst under heavy fire. Several bombs landed near the ship which lifted the ship out of the water! A detailed report written at Tilbury on the 7th June 1940, went on to say ‘only a miracle prevented the ship being struck.’ On the bridge, Sub Lieutenant Humphreys was killed whilst firing a Bren gun to help ward off and shoot down enemy Dive Bombers.

At sea there was nowhere for HMS Worcester to hide and therefore she steamed on and took the battering bravely! Sadly, the worst was not yet over. A piece of white-hot shrapnel embedded itself in the racking of some High Explosive Shells! These exploded killing 46 and injuring 180! These were predominantly men in the Sickbay area.

Three holes had been made below the waterline that were blocked with wood almost immediately by the quick thinking crew. Damage was also sustained to the Gyro Compass, the fuel tanks, the rudder and the screw. Just 5 miles north of the

Goodwin Light Vessel the ship’s engines came to a shuddering halt!

HMS Worcester was not going down without a fight. The crew made some hasty repairs and though a Tug had been dispatched, the engines were restarted and she limped into Dover under her own power. As the battle scarred HMS Worcester manoeuvred into the Inner Harbour she collided with the SS Maid of Orleans due to her damaged rudder.

HMS Worcester ended the Operation badly damaged. The ship’s crew lost 6 dead and suffered 40 injured. In total 4,350 men were evacuated aboard.

Captain William Tennant was chief staff officer to the First Sea Lord, who was given the job of overseeing the evacuation from the area. ‘Dunkirk Joe’ as he became known was born in Upton upon Severn and went to school at Hanley Castle Grammar before his long Naval Career. A bronze bust of him stands in Upton.

On June 2nd 1940 he walked the beaches, strewn with the detritus of the retreat with a loud hailer ensuring those who could escape the Germans were aboard ships heading home to Britain.

Following Dunkirk, Britain fortified itself behind the moat that was the English Channel. The County Regiments would return to France in 1944. n

Paul Harding, Discover History

ABOUT US

Discover History

Discover History was founded by Paul and Helen Harding in 2003 with an aim of bringing history to life for people of all ages and abilities. We deliver award winning Educational Workshops to schools and home education groups, accurate living history to Heritage organisations and speak to clubs and societies on numerous subjects. We have many years’ experience in running reminiscence Sessions in Care Homes and can train museum volunteers in a number of areas. We also appear on film, TV and Radio. Local History is something we specialise in, where we also offer walking tours around Worcester.

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scams and fraud

Everyone aged 55 and over can access their workplace pension. Unfortunately, there are criminals who want to take advantage of this. Here are some tips to help you keep your pension pot safe.

HOW DO I SPOT A PENSION SCAM?

There are many different ways that criminals may try to steal your pension. These scams could mean you lose some or even all of your pension, so it's important to watch out for the following:

Opportunities that sound too good to be true

Fraudsters may contact you and claim to know about loopholes that can help you get more than the usual 25% of your pension pot tax-free. Or they may offer high returns from overseas investments. They may offer you a ‘loan’, ‘saving advance’ or ‘cashback’ from your pension or talk about new or creative investments.

Offers of 'pension reviews'

Scammers may say they'll help you access your pension pot before the age of 55 in exchange for a fee – but unless you're seriously unwell or have a certain type of scheme, this isn’t possible.

Someone pressuring you to make a decision quickly

Some fraudsters may contact you out of the blue, either over the phone, text or email. Others could send paperwork to your door by courier requiring an immediate signature. But you should never feel pressured into making a decision quickly and you should always seek professional advice before doing so.

Pressure to put all your money in a single investment

In most cases, financial advisers will suggest that you spread your money across different schemes. So if you're contacted by someone who suggests that you put all of your pension pot money into a single investment, then this is probably a scam.

Untraceable companies

Legitimate companies or professionals should have traceable contact details. One sign that the person or company who's contacted you is trying to scam you is that they only have a mobile phone number or a PO box address as contact details.

Did you know nuisance calls about pensions are illegal?

If you receive a cold call about your pension, you can report it to the Information Commissioner's Office online or by calling 0303 123 1113.

HOW CAN I AVOID PENSION SCAMS?

There are things that you can do to help avoid pension scams:

Stay calm: If you get calls offering early access to your pension, don't feel rushed or pressured to respond.

Don't commit: Always seek advice before making decisions.

Stop the call: If you feel pressured or if the caller won't take no for an answer, end the conversation. Don't be embarrassed to put the phone down.

Listen to your doubts: If you think an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I'VE BEEN SCAMMED?

Anyone can be scammed, and there's support available if you think you've been scammed:

Action Fraud: Contact Action fraud to report a scam, or get more advice of scams and fraud.

Financial Conduct Authority: Visit their website to check whether a company is authorised or to view their Warning List of unauthorised companies.

There are also organisations that can help you understand more about pension scams and fraud:

Financial Conduct Authority ScamSmart: Keep up to date with the latest investment scams and fraud.

Pension Wise: Get independent pension advice through the Pension Wise service from MoneyHelper.

If you would like more information on pensions visit www.ageuk.org.uk.

The

RGS Worcester Family of Schools is leading the way. for

their future

The RGS Worcester Family of Schools offers a choice of four leading Schools for pupils aged 2-18, with an exceptional reputation, Academic excellence, breathtaking Co-curricular opportunities, and outstanding Pastoral Care.

RGS Worcester was named in ‘Parent Power’ The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2024 as the top School in the county as well as being placed sixth in the West Midlands.

This follows recognition for RGS Worcester in The Daily Telegraph A Level League Table which saw the School lead the way in A Level results, ranked 85th in the country among independent schools, making it the only Worcester school to feature in the top 100.

The four Schools offer outstanding Cocurricular opportunities providing a huge range of different activities. In Sport, over 20 sports are provided with opportunities for all, alongside programmes to develop athletes to a high level. The Performing Arts are exceptional with so many Drama productions and Music concerts, encouraging participation and developing confidence. Clubs and societies range from Astronomy to Gardening, Debating to driving a Greenpower Racing car. These incredible opportunities provide a wellrounded education that prepares pupils for success in life.

With an Award winning Careers provision and a nationally recognised Digital Learning Programme, pupils at RGS are given a headstart for the future.

The RGS Family transport network, consisting of our own minibus and coach services, spans across the West Midlands making it easier than ever to join RGS.

Whether you choose to start your child's journey in Nursery, at one of our three coeducational Prep Schools (RGS Springfield, RGS Dodderhill or RGS The Grange), or at our Senior Schools – RGS Worcester (coeducational, 11-18 years) or RGS Dodderhill (girls only, 11-16 years), your child will receive the very best independent education.

We warmly welcome you to come along to our Open Events and experience firsthand what our Schools can offer your child. Our pupils and staff will be delighted to see you. n

www.rgsw.org.uk

Supporting your child through exam preparation

Exam time can be stressful for every home. But with a few strategies we can help you guide your child through the revision stage and exam days.

When it comes to revising for exams, as would be expected, preparation is key. Before your child starts revising, you could help them create a revision timetable. The timetable should provide achievable goals, dividing their time between each key subject.

Making this visual plan should help your child see how they’re doing and stop them from feeling so overwhelmed by the amount they have to learn. But make sure it suits your child, maybe they need more time proportionally on one subject versus another, create a timetable to suit their strengths and weaknesses.

Encourage them to revise the subject they find the hardest first when energy levels are at the highest, that way they’ll get the hardest bits out of the way first.

Supplies

Using brightly coloured highlighters, coloured pens and note cards can be really helpful when students are trying to digest large amounts of information – so take a trip to the pound shop together and stock up! If past papers are available, build in practise as part of their revision timetable, so that the actual exam isn’t a shock when they enter it. A planned approach helps reduce their stress, and yours, so it’s well worth the extra effort.

If you are able to provide fresh fruit, berries and bananas are great for concentration, and oily fish is great for brain power — sardine sandwiches anyone? But any type of snack can be used as a reward and incentive.

Techniques

Talk about all the different ways they could revise, and encourage them to shake things up and find ways that work best for them — providing the materials to create mind maps, flashcards, diagrams and flow charts will help. Find out about mnemonics and rhymes that they could use, as these are great techniques for remembering information and also make revision a little more fun!

If they’re up for it, get the whole family involved in helping with revision. Stick notes and posters around the home with facts on, and then you can quiz each other as a family during meal times or travelling to/from school, clubs etc. You could also test them with a Q&A session, getting them to speak on a particular topic for a set amount of time, say two to three minutes — they’ll probably surprise themselves by how much they know, and it will help highlight the areas they need to focus on.

Download the free BBC Bitesize app

For 14 to 16 year-olds taking exams in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, the free app allows users to select the subjects and exam boards relevant to them — it

Key Benefits of Signing From Birth

By around the age of 6 months, a ‘typical’ baby is already able to make connections between ‘things’ and their names. However, babies do not have control over their lip muscles at this stage, and so saying ‘mummy’ is physically impossible.

But a baby can use sign language to express themselves as soon as their motor skills develop, which can be as early as 4 months – therefore providing an outlet for communication and a way to demonstrate their levels of understanding. By signing as early as you can, you can teach your child the most useful signs they’re going to need, and give them enough time to take them in and remember them, even before they can physically sign back. By attending weekly TinyTalk classes, your confidence to sign at home will rapidly grow, and your baby will love spending quality time with you. You’ll be amazed by what your baby has to say. n

contains subjects for GCSEs, National 4, National 5, Higher and TGAU. It gives flashcards, video clips to explain some of the trickier elements of each subject and quizzes for testing.

Fun

Your child might feel overwhelmed or demotivated at times, trying to balance their school work, revision and social life. Offer lots of reassurance to them that however the exams go, it’s not the end of the world, it will help them to feel less stressed.

Make sure they are allowed some down time too. So if they are revising for two hours, let them choose a TV show they want to watch for an hour afterwards, or dish up their favourite dinner to keep their motivation and energy levels up. Encourage them to still go to their clubs and meet up with friends, it’s important they have fun and down time too.

Practical support

Be patient. Try not to get cross if they’re stressed and take it out on you – exams will come to an end, and they will return to normal! Be a little lenient when it comes to helping around the home (up to a point!) so you can’t be accused of adding extra pressure.

Being there to listen and provide practical support is important. But try not to get too involved - be there but don’t crowd them. n

CROSSWORDS

Across

1 Crush flat (6)

4 Prose compositions (6)

8 Subsequently (5)

9 Offspring (7)

10 Not easily disturbed or angered (7)

11 Conductor’s stick (5)

12 Six (4, 5)

17 Additional (5)

19 Eminent (7)

21 Sports arena (7)

22 Item of cutlery (5)

23 Vast desert of North Africa (6)

24 Team game (6)

Down

1 Weighing machine (6)

2 Falsehood (7)

3 Bush (5)

5 The entertainment business (7)

6 Representative (5)

7 Espionage (6)

9 Assumed name (9)

13 Having more foliage (7)

14 Nine iron, in golf (7)

15 Sumptuous meals (6)

16 Crunchy salad vegetable (6)

18 Garbage (5)

20 Capital of Japan (5) Across

8

9

14

5

11

12

15 Layers (6)

17

19

21 Gaelic (4)

The first butterfly to brighten our days is often the brimstone, the bright yellow males offering a flash of the sunshine to come. Their name reflects the yellow of sulphur but it’s these flutterers that are likely to have provided the ‘butterfly’ name – it’s thought that these ‘butter-coloured flies’ became ‘butterflies’. Once they emerge from thick wintery vegetation like ivy, they search out nectar-rich plants to gain the energy to find a mate and produce the next generation. The paler yellowy-green females seek out common or alder buckthorn on which to lay their eggs; the caterpillars will only eat the leaves of these shrubs.

Spotting the eggs of orange-tip butterflies is a challenge that I set myself almost every year. Occasionally, I’m successful but it’s a game of chance! Male orange-tip butterflies are one of our most recognisable spring flyers; smaller than brimstones with the tips of the upper-side of their wings looking like they’ve been dipped in flame-orange paint. The tips on females are a mid-grey but both sexes have beautifully mottled underwings. Females lay their eggs on cuckoo flower and garlic mustard and, being bright orange when freshly laid, you’d think these would be easy to spot. Not necessarily so, especially as the females lay few eggs per plant because the caterpillars can turn cannibalistic if they run out of food!

Holly blue butterflies snooze away winter as a pupa in a fine silken cocoon on or near the ground, having spent autumn feeding up on ivy. As spring takes hold, the adults emerge looking splendid in their pale blue plumage. Although quite small, they often catch our sight as they flutter past at eye-level, searching out a mate and looking for somewhere suitable to lay their eggs. The spring generation lay eggs onto holly whereas the summer generation seek out ivy.

If you’d like to attract butterflies where you live, there’s plenty that you can do. Think about a butterfly border, whether in the garden, on a patio or in a window box; plenty of nectar-rich flowers will help lots of other wildlife too. From winter aconites and grape hyacinths through to lavender, scabious and verbena to ice plants, Michaelmas daisies and winter-flowering heathers. The caterpillars of many butterflies are fussy eaters so it’s not necessarily just about the blooms, have a think about plants they might like to nibble on too (and don’t worry if they then get eaten). Small and large white butterflies will happily munch on nasturtiums rather than your prize cabbages. Orange-tips love honesty as well as cuckoo flower. Allowing bird’sfoot trefoil to grow might attract common blue butterflies whereas having the space to leave a clump on stinging nettles might attract peacocks, red admirals or commas.

You can discover more about helping wildlife on your patch at www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wild-about-gardens. If you’re part of a community group that’s helping wildlife in your neighbourhood, why not add your group to our map or take a look at how other communities are lending nature a hand www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/community-action n

Wendy Carter

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

KEEP UP TO DATE

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

t @WorcsWT

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© Carl Graef

© Richard Clifford

© Margaret Holland

© Bob Tunstall

Blooms are blossoming, birdsong is in the air, bees are buzzing about their business and the gentle fluttering of butterfly wings paint colours as they pass by. Spring has sprung!

© Wendy Carter

The Fold Café will also be open. 10am-3pm. thefold.org.uk

First Monday of the month Health Walk

Croome NT, Worcester, WR8 9DW. Our trained volunteer walk leaders will offer a choice of 30, 60 or 90 minute walks (no pre booking needed) to enable you to explore Croome’s parkland at a suitable pace for you, improve your fitness and well being and enjoy the company of others. Meet outside Visitor Welcome Centre from 10am for 10.30am start. If extreme weather is forecast we may need to cancel. Please check our homepage for updates prior to each walk. Wear weatherproof clothing and appropriate footwear. Walk options available for Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs users. A limited number of Trampers are available to book. nationaltrust.org

Most days

Gems Pilates

Join Gems Pilates and discover the transformative power of Pilates at Gems Pilates. Beginners and intermediates classes are available day and evenings. Classes run every weekday (except Tuesdays)

‘pay what you can afford‘ pricing, please select your chosen date(s) and then select the price you are able to pay for your ticket. Please bring your own materials (paper, sketchbooks etc), we have 10 easels with boards on a firstcome, first-served basis. thearterystudios.co.uk

Monthly Co-working Group

The Artery, Arches 28/29, Croft Walk, Worcester, WR1 3BD. If you work from home on your own, this is your chance to get out of the house (and the distractions that come with it) and work, socialise and connect with like-minded women, in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment. Together we’re building a community of female business owners, who are thriving, inspiring and guiding each other by coming together for this monthly co working group. We work alongside each other, connect and support. Giving that much needed boost to be able to get through the month. There’s shared conversations, discussions and brainstorming to inspire and motivate, but you’re also welcome to plug into your

Wednesday 10th

Artists Clubhouse presents:

Conjuring Creativity - 6 Week Creative Workshop

The Artery Studios, Arch 28, Croft Walk, Worcester. Cost £95.00 for all 6 workshops. Artists Clubhouse presents a 6-part art workshop by artists @kirstiegregoryart & @the_awkward_peach. Inspired by fantasy, folklore & witchcraft. Escape into your sketchbook and join us on a journey of creative play, experimentation and a little bit of magic. All materials are provided for this course. thearterystudios.co.uk

Saturday 13th

Wildjac Distillery

Gin Tasting Experience

4pm - 6pm. A guided tasting to give you an insight into our distillery life. We’ll take you on a tour of our space to give you an insight into what we’re so passionate about. With our forest inspiration just metres away, we will talk you through our history and how we select and forage our ingredients for all our range. After this, we’ll guide you through sampling our range of spirits to understand our flavour profiles, mixers and

restaurant at Wychbold as we celebrate the humble honeybee with a spring/summer, honeyinspired, afternoon tea. The Swingettes are back, and this time they'll be entertaining you with hits from the 60s...so dig out your Mary Quant mini skirt and join us! Our afternoon tea is always seasonal and reflects local, quality ingredients. webbsdirect.co.uk

Sunday 21st

Empowered for Menopause 6pm - 9pm. Embrace and navigate the perimenopausal and menopausal years with grace and confidence. Our workshop, held at Bennett's Willow Barn, is here to provide support and empowerment during this transformative phase. Embrace a holistic approach to well-being with breathwork, gentle flow yoga, guided relaxation, expert led discussions and of course tea and cake. Tickets can be booked online. worcestershirewellness.com

Sunday 28th

Churchfields Spring Fayre 10am – 4pm. Join us and jump

into spring, enjoy local artisan craft stalls, local food & drinks and of course Churchfields Ice Cream too! Over 30 stalls already confirmed!! Free parking and admission.

MAY

Friday 3rd

Cider Tasting with Little Pomona

Webbs, Droitwich, WR9 0DG. 5pm-7pm. Cost: £35. We’d love you to join us for an adventure in flavour! We have paired Little Pomona fine ciders and perries with 8 delicious grazing dishes created by Executive Chef Myles Matthews and the Food at Webbs team. This is an evening not to be missed. Your hosts for the evening are Susanna & James Forbes - owners of Little Pomona. Founded in 2015, Little Pomona is based in Herefordshire, a heartland for great cider and perry fruit. Working with fruit from their orchard as well as fruit sourced from local orchardists, they have adopted a wholly natural ethos – natural fermentation, no dilution, no pasteurisation and filtering. webbsdirect.co.uk

Friday 3rd - Monday 6th

Upton Folk Festival 2024

Upton-upon-Severn, WR8 0HW. Concerts, Ceilidhs, Lots of Morris and other Dance Display Teams, Stalls by the water front, Huge Sunday Procession, Folk Clubs, Music and Song Sessions, Musical Meander, Acoustic Talent Contest and much more. There is something for all at the Upton Folk Festival. Whether you want to camp, visit daily, or just got for a day (or two) - there are tickets to suit most requirements. uptonfolk.org

Saturday 4th

Plant-Based Pairings: Vegan Wine and Sushi Soireé Bottles Wine Shop, Unit 3-4 Reindeer Court, Worcester, WR1 2DS. 7pm-9pm. Partnering with the esteemed Little Bento Box, we are thrilled to present a unique collaboration that pairs seven small plate

courses of vegan sushi with seven exceptional vegan wines. Little Bento Box was set up in 2020 by Chloe and her partner Kieran. They are going to be serving a range of dishes and sides to fit all tastes. Along with their sustainable ethics, Little Bento Box donates all their tips to animal charities; 2023 saw them raise an incredible £1300! Come along to this tasting where Bottles are selecting a special line-up of seven vegan friendly wines to pair with this phenomenal menu, all presented by our wonderful Beardy Wine Guy, Joe for this guided wine tasting. Spaces are limited for this exclusive event, so secure your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable Vegan Wine & Sushi Pairing experience! bottleswine.co.uk

Sunday 5th & Monday 6th

Eastnor ChilliFest

Eastnor Castle. Over 60 stalls selling chilli produce, live cookery demos from local chefs, delicious hot food, licenced bars, live music & entertainment plus a chilli Eating Competition! All included in your entrance price alongside all of our usual attractions. eastnorcastle.com

Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

Three Counties Showground, Malvern. 9am-6pm. This spectacular Festival wows gardening lovers with the very best plants and flowers, interesting talks and demos from BBC Gardeners World celebrities, expert growers and chefs, and immersive food and drink experiences. Visitors can see the first Show Gardens of the year at RHS Malvern, with a full offering of spectacular gardens showcasing new and emerging talent, inspirational in planting, design and scale. This year’s event theme is “Gardening For Change” and will include a whole host of imaginative features that promote planet-friendly gardening, community projects and the positive change visitors can make through a love of gardening. rhsmalvern.co.uk

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th

Evesham Medieval Market

Evesham Market Place & All Saints Church and St. Lawrence’s Church Grounds, Evesham WR11 4RW. 10am5pm. Each century will be represented in the battle arena – with a multi-period fight at the end of each day. Over 120 re-enactors will welcome visitors into medieval life, showing how skills, crafts and medieval medicine during these 400 years developed into what we are familiar with today. Kids of all ages will be able to have a go at archery, axe throwing and learn the art of sword fighting during the family fun weekend of medieval mayhem. Set in the grounds of Evesham Abbey ruins and its twin medieval churches, there will be over 130 stalls for you to browse, including medieval crafts, arts and weapons –along with modern high quality artisan traders, community groups and charities for you to get to know. All moneys raised go towards funding the Battle of Evesham Festival, so come and have a great day out in May so we can all have another fantastic festival in August. battleofevesham.co.uk

Sunday 19th

Worcester Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K Worcester Full and Half Marathon is now in its 13th year and has grown consistently in that time. 2024 will see the continuation of our happy & successful partnership with St Richard’s Hospice, an independent charity providing free expert care for patients, their families and bereaved people in Worcestershire. The Full Marathon takes in two laps of the loop around beautiful rural lanes with a small addition section on the second loop. The Half accompanies the Full for the first lap before splitting away at 11 miles and heading back to the finish. All finishers receive a quality bespoke medal and technical T-shirt. tempoevents.co.uk

Sunday 26th

Mamma Mia - Bottomless Brunch at The Bank House Hotel

Join us at the Bank House Hotel, Spa & Golf Club as we bring the magic of Greece to Worcester for our Mamma Mia Bottomless Brunch. Experience a Mamma Mia inspired afternoon that will transport you straight to the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Enjoy Greek-style street food, lively ABBA-themed music, and, of course, endless drinks! £45 per person. includes: Live ABBAthemed entertainment from ‘The Dynamos’; Greek-inspired street food; Bottomless drinks for 90 minutes (Includes Prosecco, selected lager, soft drinks, and our Cocktail of the Day).

Sunday 26th - Friday 31st CreARTivity Festival

Script Haven, 104 High St, Worcester WR1 2HW. It will showcase a mix of literature, music, and art, featuring both family-friendly and evening events, as well as collaborations with other independent shops in the city. Tickets available from www.wegottickets.com/ ScriptHaven

Monday 27th

Oak Apple Day 2024

The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU. Oak Apple Day marks the historic moment when King Charles II returned to the throne following the English Civil War. Where better to commemorate this historic moment than at The Commandery, the Royalist Headquarters in the final battle of the Civil War? Delve into an exciting day of living history for all the family – there’ll be: Fantastic reenactors to encounter as you make your way around The Commandery; Living history camps to explore; Musket firing in the gardens; Pike and cannon drills for children (and grown-ups!) to get hands-on with; History talks about Oak Apple Day and the English Civil War; and Wonderful refreshments available at Commandery Coffee. museumsworcestershire.org.uk