Worcestershire NOW - AUGUST 2021

Worcestershire

Now

Caravan Stuff 4U

Malvern’s one stop shop for camping and caravanning accessories See page 17 for more information

CONVERT YOUR LOFT SEE WHAT’S NEXT GREAT DAYS OUT AUGUST 2021 | ISSUE 209 t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

NEWS • HOMES • GARDENS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • GOLDEN YEARS • PUZZLES • WHAT’S ON

n 2 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

Worcestershire

08

Now

16

12 AUGUST 2021 HOME & GARDEN 08

Garden Offices

12

Convert Your Loft

14

Nature’s Recycling

16

Nature Notebook

17

Caravan Stuff 4U

20

HEALTH & BEAUTY 18

Summer Scents

GOLDEN YEARS 20

See What’s Next

24

Enterprise Retirement Living presents the Launch of Mount Battenhall Retirement Village

24

Thinking of Your Independence

26

EDUCATION 26

The Volunteers Who Saved a Sector that Politicians Forgot

30

LIVING HISTORY 28

Invaded by a Scottish Army 370 years ago!

WHAT’S ON 30

Great Days Out

38

Puzzles - Sudoku and Wordsearch

WO RC E S T E R S H I R E

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd

28

EDITOR Dawn Pardoe PW Media & Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk

ADVERTISING Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk Lis Gardner Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk

Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk

DESIGN Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Daisy Bennett Wendy Carter Botany Bay Nurseries

Caravan Stuff 4U Children’s Activity Association Discover History Federation of Master Builders Kingham Auctioneers Mount Battenhall Retirement Village Movement For Good Three Counties Showground TPG DisableAids Ltd Worcester Live Worcestershire Open Studios

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Worcestershire Now magazine t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 3 n your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA ARTISTS’ STUDIOS OPEN OVER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The doors to art studios across Worcestershire will open wide to the public once again, as Worcestershire Open Studios returns over the August bank holiday weekend.

From Saturday, 28 August to Monday, 30 August artists of all kinds will welcome the public into their studios, galleries and shared spaces to view their work, talk about making art and to buy affordable, locallymade artwork.

Gillian Simpson, one of the event organisers and a Bromsgrove-based artist said, “Due to

the pandemic, we weren’t able to put on the event in 2020 and we can’t wait to welcome visitors back. It’s a real highlight of the year for many of us.”

Visitors can expect a wide variety of artists to

Artist Anna Cumming, based in Upper Colwall, said, “Making art can be quite a solitary activity, especially over the last year, so I’m delighted to have this opportunity to open my studio as part of Worcestershire Open Studios. I know many people have discovered how cathartic painting can be, and I look forward to showing people how I make my work and discussing the techniques, materials and tools that I use.”

Some visitors choose to stay in one area and

choose from, including painters, illustrators, photographers, printmakers, textile artists, sculptors and ceramicists.

visit all the studios nearby, while others use it as an opportunity to explore parts of the county they haven’t visited before. Either way, Worcestershire Open Studios is a great event with a festival atmosphere.

A

full

list

of

participating

artists

and

where to find them can be found at www.worcestershireopenstudios.org.uk. n

‘Sly as a Fox’ - Rare Glass Car Mascot sells for £135,000 The old saying ‘sly as a fox’ refers to a perhaps

Lalique represents the epitome of Art Deco

unfound reputation for the animals to possess

glass and the name alone is a symbol of luxury

a cunning or deceitful nature. Maybe this is

and exquisite taste. Twenty-nine mascots of

the case with regards to a 90-year-old glass

varying designs were produced by the French

car mascot in the form of a fox which recently

company from the heyday of the 1920’s and

totalled £135,000 at auction.

30’s. There were animals such as fish, horses,

During the roaring twenties, it was only the very wealthy that could afford a motor car.

Iconic machines such as Bentleys or RollsRoyces were the preserve of the very affluent and aristocratic. A trend at the time was to adorn your vehicle with a mascot - a decorative

wild boar, birds and dragonfly, human form and one even in for form of a comet. All were made in varying sizes and in frosted, opalescent, clear or coloured glass. Many of these had the facility to be illuminated by the use of electricity.

bonnet ornament, sometimes in the form of

All Lalique car mascots are highly collectable

the company motif which could also serve

today and fetch thousands but the fox or

as a radiator cap. Mascots been used as an

‘Renard’ mascot designed in 1930 is one that

adornment virtually since the inception of

is seldom seen on the market with very few

automobiles and can still be found on most

known to have been produced. Story has

cars today. Mascots were usually made from

it that this was due to the complexity of the

metal but for those wanting to really show off

mould or perhaps lack of demand, either

their impeccable taste and status, it had to be

way when the fox mascot does come on the

glass and more specifically Rene Lalique.

market it causes quite a stir.

n 4 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

Cotswold auctioneers Kinghams held an auction dedicated to Lalique and his contemporaries on 2nd July which included all but two of the Lalique car mascots. The highlight of the sale was Lot 6, a fine example of the ‘Renard’ car mascot, model 1182 in frosted and polished glass and bearing the etched mark R. Lalique.

Estimated at £80,000-120,000, strong interest from collectors and investors from across the globe resulted in some intense bidding competition on the day. In the end, a UK based collector in the room fought off six telephone bidders and numerous internet participants by taking it for a total of £135,000.

Kinghams Auctioneers are now sourcing all manner of Lalique for their next themed auction in October. For further information, valuations or advice, please contact Adrian Rathbone on 01608 695695 or email adrian@kinghamsauctioneers.com. n

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 5 n

HERE & NOW

WORCESTER LIVE LAUNCHES NEW Worcestershire charities celebrate (RE)EMERGING ARTISTS’ SCHEME! share of £1million fund ‘Platform WR1’ is an artist led project

respond to the current pandemic.

for (re)emerging Artists providing

The project will end in a culmination

free access to venue space at

of artists’ work in the form of a public

the

Swan

Theatre

Worcester

scratch night, where artists will be

for

writing,

devising,

rehearsals

commissioned and paid to perform.

and performance. Artists will be supported in their development journey with tailored professional mentored support ensuring their creative practices reach their full potential. The aim of the project is to nurture and develop a strong community of artists and theatre

The project will be supported by the Arts Council, who Worcester Live were incredibly grateful to have received funding from. It will also be partnered with The University of Worcester, Vamos Theatre, Severn Arts and In Good Company.

makers within the city of Worcester

Worcester Live’s Creative Producer

and Worcestershire, and to set up a

and Emerging Artist Lead, Owen

touring circuit for early career artists.

Harper says: “This is a fantastic

Platform WR1 will also provide mentoring

from

industry

professionals to ensure the rise of an emerging artist culture for the city.

Local (re)emerging artists who are struggling to remain creative due

opportunity

for

not

emerging/re-emerging

only

the

artists

of

Worcestershire but also for Worcester Live; it’s vital we retain local creatives, and I believe Platform WR1 is a great way to do this.”

to a lack of access to venues and

All

resources to progress their creative

Please

email

careers, will be supported through

request

an

Platform WR1, a vital resource as we

owen@worcesterlive.co.uk. n

n 6 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

artists

welcome Owen

to

apply.

Harper

application

to

form:

Three charities based in Worcestershire have received donations of £1,000 each as part of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group’s Movement for Good awards. For the third year running, Ecclesiastical Insurance Group is giving away £1million to charities through its Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 awards of £1,000 available for donation.

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries and Worcester Community Trust are the local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the county.

More than 2,000 kind-hearted residents voted for charities across the county. In total, more than 210,000 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 13,000 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 500 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated. Amazingly, a huge 89% of those who nominated a charity said they’ve donated the same amount or more during the past year, showing just how kindhearted Worcestershire residents are despite challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. Additionally, 50% said they are more likely to support a local charity than a national one, as the country emerges from lockdown. It’s perhaps no surprise that health causes topped the list with the most nominations, while community and animal and wildlife charities were also front of mind as popular choices. n For more information about the Movement for Good awards visit: www.movementforgood.com

ANDREW ALEXANDER GARDEN DESIGN NDH Hort. (Pershore)

G LO AR W HERE & NOW DE M NS AIN A TE SP N EC AN IA CE LI TY

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Find us on Facebook at Andrew Alexander Outdoors for an| extensive gallery of photos7 n t @WorcestershireNow G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

O n e d

s e c i f f

r a G

h, tylis

-

long

as g n i d y ad ds.

E b e PAG ee ac n THE p R s e E c r OV UED doo me offi t TIN u N o CO ro you l your h t s l o e m to fulfi h t e g mak uildin o t b w n t ho garde a k o ng a lo asti l e k a

t We

Rowlinson Garden Studio £2,249.95 www.cuckooland.com n 8 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 9 n

HOME & GARDEN

www.oecogardenrooms.co.uk

Harlow insulated garden room Price: £9,949.99 www.waltons.co.uk

Whether you want to create an office in your garden or just have a separate space to relax in, a garden room can provide you with all the modern technology needed to build a sanctuary, just a few feet away from home.

Larger than a summerhouse, garden rooms are designed to be an addition to your home with all the comforts needed to ensure they can be used all year round. They can be as elaborate as you want them, with some having additional rooms, plumbing and even a gym, depending on space.

Choosing the right office for you There are many different garden offices out there to choose from. You need to make sure that you pick the best one for you. Here are a few that I’ve picked out to suit your garden and home office needs.

The Rowlinson Garden Studio from Cuckooland (previous page) is the perfect little hideaway from the hectic household. With its lockable doors and flowing fresh air from the tilt and swivel windows, you’ll be feeling energised and relaxed before you know it. It’s a perfect space for when friends and family come to visit. Perfect for both the summer and winter months, whatever the season everyone will know where to find you.

Also from Cuckooland, the Summerhouse Ornate Garden Pod. With the addition of a removable office table, this pod will make the perfect home study, ideal for a quiet spot of home working or even for your little ones to complete homework. The pod is fitted with all of the creature comforts you would n 10 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

Medium Summerhouse Garden Pod £18,995. www.cuckooland.com

expect indoors, such as heating, LED lights & Bluetooth connectivity.

The 4m x 3m Harlow Insulated Garden Room from Waltons has ultra-modern architecture and clean lines to elevate this garden room into a contemporary extension of your home. Set up a bespoke gym, luxury office, or entertainment zone in which to relax with friends and family.

The premium Eco-quilt multi-foil insulation in the walls, roof and floor is super-slim, providing a comfortable space for all-year-round use. The 100mm double-skinned walls include removable internal panels, so you can easily insert handy mains connections and hide unsightly wiring.

With double-glazed French doors and windows can be customised, meaning you can set your garden room up to suit your own requirements.

You can also paint the exterior of your garden room to suit any style of garden.

Oeco Garden Rooms also have stunning, superior quality garden structures since 2006. Their buildings are all constructed to an excellent standard, exceeding building regulations even for new homes.

If space is a problem for your garden, get creative. You may only need a laptop and a pen and paper for your work; so build a small hideaway in the corner of your garden. Build a summerhouse or even a small covered seating area surrounded by plants, small trees and a water feature.

Planning permission As garden rooms are classed as outbuildings you may not need planning permission. As long as you have permitted development

rights at your home or the area you live in, you’re allowed to build one. Check with your local planning office.

Even with permitted development rights, you need to follow these rules; • Your garden room or log cabin isn’t in front of your home. If you have extended it then the front refers to how it stood on 1 July 1948.

• The total area of all extensions, sheds and outbuildings - including your proposed garden room - must not cover more than 50% of the total area of land around your house.

• It is single storey and less than 3 metres high (4 metres with a dual-pitched roof). If it’s within 2 metres of your boundary, the maximum height is 2.5 metres.

• The eaves are no more than 2.5 metres above ground level.

• It doesn’t have a balcony, veranda or raised platform.

• It isn’t self-contained living accommodation.

Heating solutions Keeping your garden room at a constant comfortable temperature is vital if you are going to turn it into an office all year round.

The position of the construction in the garden is important. Think about where the sun falls at certain times of the day. If you are working in the evening or throughout the day, where your office is positioned can create heating issues. If your garden gets particularly cold during your working hours, think about installing underfloor heating, installing radiators or an insulated roof. n

By Daisy Bennett

HOME & GARDEN

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t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 11 n

HOME & GARDEN

Convert Your Loft There are five main loft conversion types that tend to be used in the UK. The loft conversion type you opt for should depend on your existing roof structure and shape, how much you want to spend and will, on some occasions, be dictated by planning restrictions. Your builder, house designer or chosen loft conversion specialist will be able to advise you further.

Dormer loft conversion A flat roof dormer loft conversion is a popular choice for many people, being one of the simpler and more cost effective types of loft conversion out there. A dormer loft conversion projects out vertically from the sloping section of the roof and uses standard windows - as opposed to rooflights. They can span the entire width of the roof, or simply feature a couple of smaller dormer windows spaced at regular intervals. This is a great way to add headroom, with its box-like structure creating an easy-touse space with flat ceilings and walls. While not always aesthetically pleasing compared to other types of conversion, they can fall under permitted development. A gabled dormer, where the roof has a pitched roof as opposed to flat, is more visually appealing but might be a little more expensive and limit internal headroom.

Mansard loft conversion A mansard loft conversion is almost like adding an entire new storey to a house and is ideal for period properties and for loft conversions on terraced houses. Bear in mind that the party wall between houses will usually need to be raised and suitable agreements n 12 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

required. A mansard loft conversion involves altering the roof structure of a sloped roof, giving it an almost vertical wall – usually 72 degrees. The roof remains flat and windows are inserted into the new roof structure.

Most mansard conversions span gable wall to gable wall. Mansard loft conversions are most commonly added to the rear of houses, but they can be added to the side and front too. Double mansard roofs are also possible, where they are added to both the front and rear of the house. Those after loft conversions with en-suites or attic conversions should consider this style of conversion. A mansard loft conversion is usually more expensive than other types of loft conversion, taking more time and, in the majority of cases, requiring planning permission.

Roof light loft conversion A roof light loft conversion will almost certainly be the cheapest way to convert a loft. The existing space remains just as it is, with roof windows added. The floor will need to be reinforced and stairs added. Electrics, plumbing and insulation will also be required for the space to become habitable. Roof lights are an easy way to draw in natural light and provide ventilation, with relatively minimal disruption to your existing living space. The frame of the roof lights will be fitted into a new opening in the roof, before flashings are added and the tiling made good around the new window. This is a good option for small loft conversions or simple loft bedrooms — although remember that a minimum of 2.25m of head height in the centre of the room will be required in order to properly build up the floor. It may also be necessary for the new loft

stairs to come into the centre of the room due to limited headroom. In most cases, a roof light loft conversion won’t require planning permission (although it may if the roof lights will be at the front of the house).

Hip to gable loft conversion Those looking for ideas for loft conversions for bungalows, or for a semi-detached house, could consider a hip to gable loft conversion.

In layman terms, a hip to gable loft conversion straightens the slanted (hipped) end of a roof in order to create a vertical wall (the gable end). The existing roof is taken back and the end wall built up to form the new gable with a standard pitched roof. This creates a good space internally with full headroom.

The creation of this new vertical wall means standard window openings can be added for natural light.

Modular loft conversions Ready-made loft conversions, often made up using a steel frame, are fabricated off-site before being craned into position — after the roof of the house has been taken off. Many modular loft companies can organise planning permission approval on your behalf. This type of loft conversion is quick and requires little in the way of on-site labour – you can even choose packages which include doors, windows, electrics and bathrooms. Some modular lofts come complete with a Building Regulations certificate and a Part P Electrical certificate too. Accurate measurements and planning will be required to ensure a good fit and smooth installation. n Federation of Master Builders www.fmb.org.uk

HOME & GARDEN

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Worcestershire

Now

If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team.

Rachel Seabright

Lis Gardner

Tel: 01905 727900 Email: rachel@pw-media.co.uk

Tel: 01905 727901 Email: lis@pw-media.co.uk

www.veragilesinteriors.co.uk

CASH IN YOUR GOLD! OLD JEWELLERY, SOVEREIGNS, DAMAGED & SCRAP ITEMS, CHAINS, BRACELETS, INGOTS, RINGS, WEDDING BANDS, BANGLES, ODD EARRINGS & CUFFLINKS, WATCHES, WATCH CHAINS, CIGARETTE CASES, ETC.

Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk

Established in Worcester for 100 years

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n

HOME & GARDEN

Nature’s Recycling Your easy to follow guide to home composting with everything you need to get the best out of your bin.

Composting is an inexpensive, natural process that transforms your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient rich food for your garden.

are considered “Browns” and are slower to rot. They provide fibre and carbon and also allow important air pockets to form in the mixture. Crushed eggshells can be included to add useful minerals.

It is nature’s way of recycling and helps to reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfill.

Step 3 - Keep These Out Certain things should never be placed in your bin. No cooked vegetables, no meat, no dairy products, no diseased plants, and definitely no dog poo or cat litter, or babies nappies.

Putting these in your bin can encourage unwanted pests and can also create odour.

Also avoid composting perennial weeds (such as dandelions and thistle) or weeds with seed heads. Remember that plastics, glass and metals are not suitable for composting and should be recycled separately.

By composting kitchen and garden waste you can easily improve the quality of your soil and be well on your way to a more beautiful garden.

The following easy guide to home composting will provide you with all the information needed to get the best out of your bin.

Step 1 - Placing Your Bin It’s best to site your bin on a level, well-drained spot. This allows excess water to drain out and makes it easier for helpful creatures such as worms to get in and get working on breaking down the contents.

Placing your bin in a partially sunny spot can help speed up the composting process.

Step 2 - Put These In Like any recipe, your compost relies on the right ingredients to make it work. Good things you can compost include vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, plant prunings and grass cuttings. These are considered “Greens.” Greens are quick to rot and they provide important nitrogen and moisture.

Other things you can compost include card and cardboard items, including egg boxes, scrunched up paper and fallen leaves. These n 14 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

Step 4 - Making Good Compost The key to good compost lies in getting the mix right. You need to keep your Greens and Browns properly balanced. If your compost is too wet, add more Browns. If it’s too dry, add some Greens. Making sure there is enough air in the mixture is also important. Adding scrunched up bits of cardboard is a simple way to create air pockets that will help keep your compost healthy. Air can also be added by mixing the contents.

It has a spongy texture and is rich in nutrients.

Some bins have a small hatch at the bottom that you can remove to get at the finished product, but sometimes it’s even easier to lift the bin or to tip it over to get at your compost. Spreading the finished compost into your flowerbeds greatly improves soil quality by helping it retain moisture and suppressing weeds.

Composting is the easiest way to make your garden grow more beautiful.

Special Offer - Buy a Compost Bin If you are a resident of Worcestershire you can buy a 220 litre or a 330 litre compost bin. Both come in a choice of green or black and are made of recycled materials. Buy two compost bins and get the second half price.

In order to reduce kitchen waste, residents can also buy a range of food waste digesters including Wormeries, Hotbins, Green Cones, Green Johanna’s and Bokashi. Please click on the links in the menu for more information.

To order your compost bin, visit www. hw.getcomposting.com or telephone 0844 571 4444 (calls charged at local rate).

This service is provided by Straight PLC and

After approximately 12-18 months your finished compost will be ready.

subsidies are provided by Worcestershire

Step 5 - Using Your Compost Finished compost is a dark brown, almost black soil-like layer that you’ll find at the bottom of your bin.

Compost bins should be delivered within

County Council.

28 days. n www.worcestershire.gov.uk

HOME & GARDEN

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 15 n

NATURE NOTEBOOK

Social wasp © Wendy Carter

s p s a W l u f r e d n o W Wasps are almost universally disliked so discover more about their amazing lives and why it’s important to give them a bit of a love...

There are over 7000 species of wasp in

new queens and males, which prompts the winding

the UK but most of us only notice the

down of a nest and, when there are fewer larvae in

bold black-and-yellow ones that buzz

the nest producing juicy liquid, adult wasps see our

around our picnics in late summer. This is unfortunate

foods and fizzy drinks as a quick and easy carbs fix.

because it gives all our amazing wasps a poor

Like bumblebees, only the new queens survive winter,

reputation. Take a closer look and you’ll discover that

ready to start a new nest somewhere else next year.

they’re important pollinators, essential top predators (social wasps catch an estimated 14kg of insects each year), incredible engineers and it’s thought that understanding more about the chemicals in their stings could help medical science.

see them rasping at the wood – they mix the wood shavings with saliva to produce a paste that is used to make the nest. Essentially, they engineer incredible architecture from papier mache! Solitary wasps dig

means that mums provision their own eggs with food

chambers or construct elaborate pots and other

– depending on the species, this can be flies, spiders,

structures from mud.

radar and our contact is most often with social wasps.

There are nine species of social wasp in the UK and it’s their social nature that brings them into contact with us.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

as it lands on a wooden shed or bench and you’ll

The vast majority of the UK’s wasps are solitary. This

weevils, aphids or other insects. These fly under our

KEEP UP TO DATE

Have you ever seen a social wasp nest? Watch a wasp

If sharing your outdoor food with wasps bothers you, consider placing fruit (if it’s going over a little, this is even better) somewhere nearby to attract them away from your picnic – perhaps the other end of

Ruled by a queen, female workers hunt for food to

a bench or a couple of metres away. If you have a

raise the young. They hunt for insects that we often

nest on your property, you might not know about it

think of as ‘pests’ – flies, weevils, caterpillars etc. I

until it starts to break down but once this happens

once watched a wasp deftly bite off the abdomen of

(at any point from mid-August to late-September),

a horsefly and fly back to the nest with it.

you’re just a matter of weeks away from the wasps

Wasps have incredibly thin waists, which means

disappearing altogether.

that adult wasps can’t eat solid food, so they live off

Only female wasps (the workers) are able to sting and

worcestershirewildlifetrust G

nectar (hence the pollination) and sweet droplets

they’ll only do so if they feel you’re a threat so if there’s

worcswildlifetrust.co.uk w

produced by their larvae. Queens eventually produce

one buzzing around you, try to relax and stay calm. n

@WorcsWT t

n 16 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

Caravan Stuff 4U

We’re all about U!

We’re Caravan Stuff 4 U, owned by caravanning couple Lee and Hayley, we’re Malvern and Worcestershire’s one-stop shop for all your Caravan and Camping needs. We are glad to have our doors open again to all of our wonderful customers.

Wondering who we are? Let’s think back to 2004, the time when Justin Timberlake was top of the charts, our beloved Brookside ended, and low-rise jeans were all the rage!

Amid all of this, Caravan Stuff 4 U was born.

Let us jump back in our DeLorean and come back to 2021.

Open all year round, we have a huge shop over in Hanley Swan with more awnings on display than you could shake a stick at, and we are full to the brim with the latest must-have caravan and camping essentials from quality brands you love and trust.

From mains hook up leads to comfy chairs, toilet chemicals to awnings and even an exclusive loyalty scheme for our local customers. With plenty of parking even if you are towing, we have got all you will ever need all under one roof.

What are we up to right now? Well, the summer heatwave is treating us very well, a little bit of sun is what we all needed!

Over in our shop we are selling huge amounts of customer favourite products, such as BBQs, Sun loungers, Sun canopies, Tables and chairs, Tent pegs, and of course – Awnings!

So why not pop into our Aladdin’s Cave of Caravan accessories and see what you can find?

We really mean it when we say, “Great adventures start here.”

support our small business has received since we reopened. We are glad to see you back! n Visit us at: Caravan Stuff 4 U, Unit 11, Hanley workshops, Malvern, Worcs, WR8 0DX Call us on: 01684 311000 Visit our website: www.CaravanStuff4U.co.uk See our latest deals, brand new stock, and even exciting give-aways over on our social media pages @CaravanStuff4U

Finally, we would like to say a special thank you to all our fantastic customers who have supported us through the difficult times we all faced last year. It is impossible to put into words how much we value and appreciate the t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 17 n

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Summer Scents

Surround yourself with the most summery of scents this month with our top picks of the most delightful floral fragrances around.

4

1

3

2

5

1. SHAY & BLUE, £55 A unique floral freshness of snowdrops and cyclamen, black tulip and plum. www.shayandblue.com 2. OYLMPEA BLOSSOM, £83.50 A floral and fresh scent composed by Paco Rabanne for a radiant and confident woman www.pacorabanne.com 3. CHLOÉ ROSE TANGERINE, £82 A fresh, fruity signature Eau de Toilette www.chloe.com; 4. ROSE, £30 Paul Smith Rose is a fresh, modern, addictive and sensual rose fragrance www.boots.com; 5. DKNY Be Delicious Coconuts About Summer, £47 A warm floral fragrance that adds an extra dose of all things holiday to the iconic apple scent www.next.co.uk. n 18 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

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www.embraceluxurylingerie.co.uk www.embracecancerbeauty.co.uk t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 19 n

GOLDEN YEARS

See What's Next Novartis launches ‘See What’s Next’, a disease awareness campaign to support people with wet AMD to remain independent for longer.

Wet AMD is a condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

Supported

by

the Macular Society, the See What’s Next campaign empowers and equips the wet AMD community to better manage the disease and maintain independence for longer.

Wet AMD usually affects people aged 50 and over, and many living with the disease have other significant medical conditions which can cause increased vulnerability to COVID-19. During the pandemic, injections for eye conditions such as wet AMD, which can cause severe visual loss if not treated, were deemed essential and despite many ophthalmologists continuing to provide onsite and telemedicine care, people living with wet AMD missed essential support services2,3. Since the start of the pandemic, scheduled and attended eye appointments

are down by approximately a third (30% and 36% respectively) compared to 20192.

Additionally, a report, published as a preprint and awaiting peer review, from some of the largest clinics in the country has showed that during the initial peak of the pandemic in April 2020, the number of new wet AMD referrals fell by 72% on average and up to a quarter (25%) of people with known wet AMD did not attend their treatment appointment.

Feelings of anxiety and fear brought about by the pandemic, as well as a need to shield along with changes in the AMD services, are some of the key reasons thousands of people have missed or cancelled their eye appointments.

“Treatment is vital to slowing the progression of wet AMD and to help people living with the condition to maintain as much vision as possible, so whether it’s for emergency advice, monitoring or treatment, it’s important to

attend all essential eye appointments. ” said Robin Hamilton, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Macular Society Trustee. “I want to assure patients that measures have been CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Worcestershire

Now

If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team.

Rachel Seabright

Lis Gardner

rachel@pw-media.co.uk

lis@pw-media.co.uk

Tel: 01905 727900

n 20 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

Tel: 01905 727901

Kate Gilmartin Tel: 01905 727904

kate@pw-media.co.uk

GOLDEN YEARS

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n

GOLDEN YEARS

implemented to ensure our clinics are safe, so people should come forward for their checks and treatment when called to do so. I would encourage people living with AMD and their carers to make use of resources such as those featured on the See What’s Next website to help them with day-to-day living and how to monitor any changes in vision from home.”

With the launch of See What’s Next, Novartis with the support of the Macular Society, is sharing practical information to help people with wet AMD manage daily activities and look out for signs of disease progression at home, as well as providing tips and tools for preparing for in-person and virtual appointments with their eye specialist.

“Vision loss caused by wet AMD can have a devastating impact on people living with the disease and their friends and family. It makes everyday activities such as reading and recognising faces more difficult and presents unique challenges that can be lifealtering and isolating,” said Cathy Yelf, Chief Executive of the Macular Society. “During this particularly difficult period in which many have been shielding and possibly missing appointments, we’re excited to support

n 22 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

Novartis with the launch of See What’s Next.

We hope it will help people with wet AMD to navigate life with this chronic condition, in lockdown and beyond.”

The See What’s Next website (seewhatsnext. co.uk) provides practical resources to help people living with wet AMD and the friends or family who care for them better manage their condition, from tips on daily living, such as adaptations to make in the home, to advice for preparing and staying safe at appointments. The website also hosts a short questionnaire, which based on responses produces a tailored discussion guide including prompts to help patients

maximise the time with their eye specialist at virtual or in-person appointments.

“It’s more important than ever for people living with wet AMD to have access to information and resources to enable meaningful conversations with their eye specialist,” said Chinmay Bhatt, Managing Director UK, Ireland & Nordics for Novartis Pharmaceuticals. “We are proud to be reimagining how people living with wet AMD and those who care for them are supported, even during these exceptional times, so they can be better prepared for daily life with their disease and continue to do the things they love for longer.” n

GOLDEN YEARS

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t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n

GOLDEN YEARS

Enterprise Retirement Living presents the launch of Mount Battenhall Retirement Village On 27th July 2021 ERL launched Mount Battenhall, Worcester, their third retirement village with a number of special guests.

The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Stephen Hodgson and Georgina BrittenLong, the Great Granddaughter of the Hon. Alfred Percy and Maud Allsopp. Alfred Percy Allsopp acquired the property in 1890 intending to create a special home for his bride to be, Maude. ERL were extremely proud to present this stunning renovation, restoring Battenhall House back to its full glory. Without exception, the attending guests admired the beautiful building and exquisite landscaping.

from Neil Davison, the Managing Director of ERL, and The Mayor. Jim Pegg, Chairman of ERL, introduced Georgina Britten-Long and invited her to unveil a commemorative plaque in her honour, Georgina then gave a lovely speech to all the guests recounting stories of her ancestral family and Battenhall House.

Following the formalities, many of our guests were delighted to have a tour around the grounds of Mount Battenhall, visit the stunning show suite and the original Chapel located in the main building.

were offered and enjoyed by our guests.

This joyous event gathered together our new owners at Mount Battenhall, all ERL staff and many businesses ERL have worked closely with over the past few years. This wonderful event brought Mount Battenhall to life and provided a taste of what living as part of this incredible community will be like when more events take place at Mount Battenhall for our owners and prospect owners alike.

The afternoon progressed

“ERL are very proud to open the third village

During this extraordinary event each guest was welcomed by our amazing living statues and once inside the building, were greeted with refreshments whilst a string quartet played on the stage in the Music Room. Delicious canapés, all handmade by our Executive Chef from our retirement village in Chester – Boughton Hall,

with speeches

at Mount Battenhall. The launch was a great success and it was wonderful to hear music and laughter in the building after being empty for so long. We are pleased to have just welcomed our first few owners to the Village and look forward to the vibrant community it will become, with many more events for our owners, their families and friends to enjoy” – Neil Davison, Managing Director. n Mount Battenhall, The Gatehouse, Battenhall Avenue, Worcester WR5 2HP Tel: 01905 630296 Email: sales@mountbattenhall.co.uk

Thinking of Your Independence It goes without saying that this winter has been a challenge for many of us and now that hope is on the horizon of better times, we all start to think and dream about what the warmer months may hold for us.

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bring you a range of product to support you whether you are walking to the local park, needing to pop to shops on your scooter or moving around your home and garden safely.

We offer full bespoke assessments, completely free and with a guarantee of no obligation to n 24 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

buy or hard sales technique, our aim is first and foremost to get you the right product for your needs.

As a respected and longstanding member of the British Healthcare Trades Association

or 01432 351666 or via our social media sites.

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 25 n

EDUCATION

The volunteers who saved a sector that politicians forgot As more than forty thousand children’s activity businesses closed their doors for the Covid pandemic in 2020, leaving business owners floundering and millions of children isolated, a group of twelve volunteers stepped into the breach.

The Children’s Activity Association (CAA) represents the sector and is therefore incredibly important to the wellbeing and welfare of the nation’s children. The CAA was formed 5 years ago as a Community Interest Company to provide parents, schools and nurseries guidance and information on health and safety, child safeguarding, criminal record checks, qualifications and training. It is governed by a diverse board of volunteers including children’s activities providers and highly experienced and skilled individuals who are all passionate about providing the best organised children’s activities in the world.

enjoying a vast choice of activities every week, giving them critical social interaction with children of similar age groups and important learning through participation in physical, cognitive and mental activities which are so important for a child’s mental wellbeing and positive development.

In the last fifteen months CAA board members gave their time voluntarily to work tirelessly issuing guidelines and giving support to members and the whole community after the government forgot to include the 2 billion pound sector in the guidelines they issued. The CAA had to dissect all the general information the government was giving out and identify the snippets of most use to the CAA community of children’s activity providers. With no clear guidelines for small businesses operating often as sole traders with no fixed business premises, the CAA put together a task force and created their own set of guidelines.

The board of the CAA worked tirelessly to support members and non-members by giving frequent and timely advice as to practical interpretation to government guidelines and infection control. Also, the CAA and members together began lobbying MPs which helped to ensure that our sector was not overlooked, and needs were taken into account,” says Mike Dodd, CAA Chairman.

“Before the government locked the country down there were millions of children n 26 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

The 40,000 businesses in the sector ( mainly SMEs) were receiving conflicting advice or, worse, no advice at all as the financial packages didn’t apply to them. From large franchise organisations, down to smaller franchise organisations and one-man bands, the CAA literally stepped in to fill the void.

Supported and helped to lead the sector and its interaction with government.

The CAA provided a lifeline for some very profitable businesses at a time when they had no income and no government support.

The CAA Board is managed by volunteers who were also trying to keep their own businesses afloat whilst helping thousands of others. “I’ve been involved in the world

of children’s activities for 15 years now and head up the ARTventurers franchise network and I have never worked through times like this before,” says Fiona Simpson, Managing Director of Artvenrturers and CAA Board Member.

“I decided to set up online weekly support meetings for our members to provide them with a forum to talk through the issues they were facing and to share ideas, as well as to help support their wellbeing. So many members got in touch with me to say what a lifeline these meetings were during such a difficult and stressful time,” she adds.

The CAA also ran free information, training and guidance sessions and these proved to be invaluable as businesses navigated their way back to face-to-face classes In a recent survey conducted by the association 67.5% of parents said that their child’s mental health was affected by a lack of social interaction during the lockdowns. 45% said that their children became agitated and 43%could see their self-confidence diminish. It is these sort of statistics that drives the CAA to do the valuable work supporting the businesses that deliver children’s activities - and setting the guidelines and compliance measures for this often overlooked, yet hugely profitable and valuable, sector.

Already over 200,000 children across the UK are safe and happy at their activities provided by 1000+ CAA members! n

EDUCATION

WISHING WELL KIDS CLUBS! Breakfast, Afterschool and Holiday Clubs for 4 -11 year olds Various Locations across Worcester Offering School Drop Offs and Pick Ups for Local Schools Holiday Club open 8am – 5.45pm through all school holidays Offering care for children from 6 months – 4 year olds all year round.

Open from 7.30am – 6pm Monday to Friday.

We accept Nursery Education Funding and 2 Year Old Funding.

Contact us to book your place!

Part of Wishing Well Nurseries Ltd – operating since 1994.

Tel: 01905 745 168 • info@wishingwellnurseries.co.uk • www.wishingwellnurseries.co.uk t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n

LIVING HISTORY

Invaded by a Scottish Army 370 years ago!

370 years ago this month, the peaceful village of Ombersley was filled with Scottish Soldiers.

They had left Stirling on July 31st 1651, to march on London and help return Charles Stuart to his father’s throne. They were shot at by members of the Worcestershire Militia who had swarmed into the lanes, fields and hedgerows to slow this Royalist Army down. let the Scots into Worcester. He believed they would rest overnight and continue their march to London. Many wanted to follow General Harrison’s order to hold these Royalists back!

In 1651, this ‘new’ Royalist Army was seen by almost every Englishman as a ‘Scotch Invasion’. Only a small number of old English Royalists had joined Charles’ cause. Charles, the son of the executed King, was seen as reigniting the flames of war!

At dawn on the 22nd August, an exodus of citizens left Worcester for the ancient refuge, used in times of war and plague - Bevere Island on the River Severn. The Worcestershire Militia began to skirmish with the Scottish Advance Guard as they entered Ombersley. This would have been a violent skirmish involving muskets and swords. The main Scottish Army was moving slowly behind and would have been armed with Pikes and Muskets and supported by some Cannon and Cavalry.

Life, trade and commerce took a long time to recover following the earlier phases of the English Civil Wars (1642-46). Skirmishes and Sieges were common in Worcestershire and had destroyed trade and Commerce, as much as it did to the physical fabric of the County.

The bridges at Evesham, Worcester and Pershore needed major repairs, and in some cases complete rebuilds following fighting.

Hundreds of houses had been destroyed by fire, looting soldiers and violent attacks.

Worcester had lost one fifth of its housing stock by 1646!

Some of the local Gentry who helped the Royalists had been stripped of their land and their titles. Sir William Russell was heavily fined for the part he played in the wars. His fine was set at one-third of the value of his estate. A large sum of £2,071. A levy of 25 % was made on every estate in the City of Worcester too.

It is not known how many people died in the earlier phase of war, but we do get a little insight by looking at surviving documents.

The Parliament Survey for Worcestershire in 1649 mentions ‘Humfrey late husband to Mary was slain in the Parliament Service, and she left a poor widow in misery.’

The wars were thought concluded in 1646 when the Royalists surrendered. This was confirmed when King Charles I was executed in 1649.

However, Charles Stuart landed in Scotland in 1650 and was defeated on September 3rd 1650, near the village of Dunbar. Cromwell went on to occupy Scotland, so Charles decided to march on London at great haste on July 31st the following year.

The Council of State, which governed the n 28 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

A running fight moved South out of Ombersley and up to the Medieval Walls of Worcester.

The City Garrison closed the City Gate on Charles and even fired at him from the City Walls. They then destroyed the defences and Gun Powder, before carrying off any weapons to prevent the enemy from using them.

Country after the Monarchy was abolished, ordered the part time soldiers, called Militias to ready themselves.

The Worcestershire Militia rose to the challenge and began to prepare some defences before the Scots entered the Midlands. Colonel John James and Captain Andrew Yarranton mustered about 500 extra men on Pitchcroft Meadow in Worcester.

On August 21st 1651 the Scots were sighted moving through the lanes around Kidderminster and Hartlebury. General Harrison sent a final set of orders to the Militia to hold the Scots back, until Cromwell was able to bring a large army into Worcestershire.

The Mayor of Worcester was worried for his City and ordered a meeting immediately.

The meeting included the Commander of the Militia and the City Aldermen. It was a heated debated with the Mayor wanting to

Charles officially entered the City the next morning with his whole force. This numbered around 12,000 men. Meanwhile Cromwell was closing in with a large force of 30,000 men, including the Worcestershire Militia, who had slowed down the Royalist advance.

The Battle of Worcester was fought on the 3rd September 1651 and would see local men liberate their County from the invading Scots. Cromwell’s great Victory closed the last Chapter on the English Civil Wars. n

By Paul Harding Discover History Facebook and YouTube - Discover History Instagram and Twitter -DiscoverHISTPH www.discover-history.co.uk

Discover History is an award winning education and Living History Performance Company based in Worcester. They specialise in the local history of Worcestershire and deliver school workshops and history days, living history performances and talks across Britain.

LIVING HISTORY

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 29 n

Great Days Out

Great Days Out Summer is finally here, and we all know what that means – it’s time to get outside! You definitely want to take advantage of the beautiful weather, and have a lovely day out with your partner, your family or your best friends. Here are some tips to make your day perfect: What’s Your Budget?

The first decision you should make about your day out is how much you plan to spend. You can have a wonderful day out with no money at all, or you could go all out and spend big bucks for a lavish day on the town. This will dictate the kind of day you’re going to have, and you should decide on a budget to let everyone know so they can set aside enough money to fully enjoy the day. If you’re going out with a group of friends, be sure to look for group discounts.

What Do You Want To Do? Sometimes, it can be difficult to plan an entire day of fun activities – especially when it comes to where you should start. That’s why it’s a

n 30 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

good idea to find an interesting event around which you can plan the day.

You can pick an event going on and plan the day around that. The following adverts will give some great ideas. This certainly helps to narrow it down, as you’ll have a point of interest and your day can revolve around that.

Pack Smart Whether you’re going to the beach or to the park, you’ll likely have lots to pack: blankets, food, sports equipment, swimsuits and other items to keep you and your friends entertained. It would be a good idea to take a backpack together with reuseable bags if you’re travelling on public transit. However, if you are driving, the possibilities for folding chairs and even a table are endless

How Will You Get There?

Always be sure to plan your route in advance.

You don’t want anything delaying you getting to your destination, so be sure that your travel is all sorted first.

If you’re travelling by car, check the traffic in advance for planned roadworks. Shortly before you leave, don’t forget to check again for any accidents that might result in heavy traffic. If you’re taking public transit, thoroughly plan your route – especially if you have to take multiple busses or trains.

Make sure you know where to transfer and how long the trip should take. There’s nothing worse than getting stressed out while you’re on the way to your perfectly planned day out. n

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 31 n

Great Days Out

Malvern Autumn Show 2021

Visit the UK’s Biggest Harvest Festival The Three Counties annual celebration of autumn is back for 2021 and for the first time, this jam-packed event is being held over three days! With so much seasonal fun on offer, show organisers have decided to pull out all the stops and extend the event over a full weekend, launching on Friday 24 September and running on Saturday 25, with the final day on Sunday 26 September.

This popular 3-day outdoor event is all set to showcase a bumper crop!

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Malvern Autumn Show at Three Counties Showground, taking place on 24, 25 & 26 September 2021. Brought to you by the award-winning team behind a whole host of successful horticultural and lifestyle events, this ginormous Harvest Festival offers visitors a full day of gardening and grow your own delights, with celebrity speakers and gardening gurus, unique retail experiences and of course a wide selection of quality regional food and drink.

n 32 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

For the green fingered, there is the open air RHS Flower Show, offering visitors the opportunity to wander through impressive displays and don’t miss out on all the gardening inspiration, hints, and tips and of course the chance to grab some seasonal bargains.

Families need to flock to our Family Green where we have heaps of harvest fun, activities aplenty, giant tortoises and fluffy four-legged friends on hand.

No visit to the Malvern Autumn Show would be complete without experiencing the CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship!

Expert growers battle it out for the title of biggest or heaviest vegetable and each year World Records are smashed under the watchful eye of the Guinness World Records.

For foodies, a brand-new outdoor Food & Drink Village awaits, filled with a delicious mix of artisan food and drink purveyors including the popular Malvern Gin Show, to tantalise the taste buds and when it comes to some muchneeded retail therapy, visitors can enjoy the

Countryside Shopping Pavilion for a unique selection of gifts and homewares.

At the heart of the show is the Autumn Potager Theatre which will feature an impressive lineup of guests and celebrities, sharing seasonal gardening tips and trends for 2022.

Commenting, Shows Manager, Jane Edwards said, “The Malvern Autumn Show is the jewel in our seasonal events crown. With over 25 years of history and heritage, it is back for 2021 with a brand-new three-day format and lots of exciting experiences, alongside all the much loved and popular elements, including the must-see CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship! n Tickets for the Malvern Autumn Show are available from www2.theticketfactory.com/ three-counties/online/ Ticket prices: General Admission (from 9am) £18.00 per adult, Under 16-year-olds: Free (but ticket required). Parking: Standard Parking free, Gold Parking is available at £15.00.

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n

Great Days Out

AUGUST Thursday 12th Bromsgrove Street Theatre at Sanders Park Street theatre entertainment, displays, children’s activities and more to keep the family happy during the summer holidays!

Most activities are free, with a small charge for face painting, bouncy castle and craft activities. The event runs 11-3pm.

Saturday 14th Bodenham’s Picnic in the Park Pack a picnic, sit back and enjoy an evening of wonderful music covering a mix of genres from contemporary to classics from the very talented James Baker Acoustic and Got 2 Sing Choir. A bar will also be open. Grounds open 6pm. Tickets: £15 Adults - includes free drink from the bar (adults), £7.50 Under 16s. Please note - no barbeques or gazebos allowed.

That 70s Show GlamStar is the Ultimate 70s Tribute SHOW, for THE 70s theme party - look no further.

Taking you on a non-stop nostalgic trip back to a decade of sparkle, glamour and glitz.

From Glam Rock to Disco, GlamStar bring you all your favourite 70’s Party anthems

in one amazing show! Come dance the night away & don’t forget those flares and feather boas. Performing hit after hit of dance floor glam rock and disco classics from bands such as T-Rex, The Sweet, ABBA, Slade, The Tramps, Bay City Rollers, Queen, The Jacksons, Elton John and many more. Tickets start at £9, to book, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk

Friday 20th - 22nd Warners Motorhome Show Malvern Renowned as one of the most famous country and western festivals in the UK, this will be the stand out weekend in any country and western lovers’ calendar. Known for its exciting atmosphere, join over 6000 people camping against the backdrop of the beautiful Malvern Hills. Not only will there be over 20 great country & western bands taking to the stage over the weekend, there will be the chance to watch authentic living history displays from the Lonestar Old West Re-enactment Group, an absolute mustsee when visiting the show. The dedicated group provide authentic living history displays, educational workshops and liveaction performances based around 19th century Western America. On top of all this, there will be one of the biggest displays

of vehicles in the whole of UK! 50+ local & national dealers will be bringing over 600 new & used motorhomes and campervans in a range of styles and layouts. To book visit www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

Sunday 22nd UB40 Live After Racing Grab a glass of ‘red, red wine’ because UB40 are now confirmed to be performing at Worcester Racecourse. Right in the city centre, you can make a full day of it, with thrilling horse racing and entertainment throughout the day, before listening to the upbeat reggae sounds of UB40 live in the superb surroundings of Worcester races.

Celebrating 40 years in the business, the Birmingham Reggae and Pop Band UB40 has had more than 50 singles in the UK and sold over 70 million records worldwide. Their classics such as “Red Red Wine”, “Kingston Town” and ‘Homely Girl’ will have you dancing the night away. *Hint - Music tickets also make great Birthday gift for music lovers, those who can’t resist a day out and of course, the absolute lovers of UB40. With lots of people planning their post-lockdown days out, we’re expecting this event to be CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

Visit butterflyzoo.co.uk For everyday value ticket prices and exclusive online offers!

Symonds Yat West HR9 6DA Open daily from 10am Safe secure metered parking

n 34 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

Book at www.axeplay.co.uk

A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT For More information call 01452 311211 or visit www.jdrkarting.co.uk Open: Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-7pm & Wed-Fri 11am-9pm (please check availability prior to your visit)

t @WorcestershireNow | G Worcestershire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 35 n

Great Days Out hugely popular. Plus, book your ticket safely with our ‘Book With Confidence’ promise.

Don’t miss out! For more information go to www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk The Adventures of Bo Peep Award winning, Knuckle and Joint and Churchill Theatre have teamed up to bring you a brand new and magical adaptation of well loved nursery rhyme, Little Bo Peep, to Worcester Swan Theatre. It is a perfect theatre introduction for your little ones with an interactive story and sensory learning. Look out for a flock of woolen puppets, original music and sheep themed silliness. The event starts at 1.30pm, with ticket prices at £11.

professional ‘touring-grade’ tribute bands that put on a superb performance. They look, sound and move like the real rock-stars – you have to see them to believe it! They work hard to ensure that all festivals are safe, secure, accessible and friendly - with an environment that caters for all ages. The giant marquee ensures a warm, lively, inside atmosphere, so you can really enjoy the music. So round up your group or family members and make it a fun packed music day out - come and support live music and party with us late into the evening! For more information and to buy tickets, go to www.fakefestivals.co.uk

Sunday 29th Supercar Fest

Saturday 28th Wootown Festival From the guy’s that bought you DNBCity Worcester, we embark on a new journey to bring a brand new and first time day festival to the heart of central Worcester featuring all things bass music, street art, street food & fairground attractions. For more information go to www.skiddle.com

Shelsey Walsh Hill Climb present Supercar

Worcester Fake Festival Worcester Fake Festival is a tribute-based music event and one of our 2021 tour dates.

Bringing six ‘fake bands’ to Worcester –

Monday 30th

Fest on the August Bank Holiday Sunday.

Reserved parking in your clubs allocated area plus all day access to Supercar Fest including the Supercar Paddock, Sports Car Show, spectator areas, food court, social enclosures & Sunday evening party. To buy tickets, go to www.supercarfest.co.uk.

The Further Adventures of Doctor Dolittle at Hanbury Hall Following the phenomenal success of 2018’s

ANSWERS You’ve found the answers!

The puzzles are on page 38

n 36 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

tour of The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, we’re delving back into Hugh Lofting’s amazing stories to bring you a brand-new musical adaptation of the Doctor’s FURTHER adventures with Jip the Dog, Dab Dab the Duck, Gub Gub the Pig, Polynesia the Parrot.

Where in the world will they go? Will they even stay on this world?! Which new animals will they help along the way? Will the Rats still have pithy observations to make? Is Gub Gub still dreaming about cake? As in our 2018 production, The Further Adventures of Doctor Dolittle features a fully orchestrated score, amazing puppets and a plethora of songs that our audiences will be singing along to for years to come, thanks to our cast-recording CDs. Perfect summer fun for everyone aged 5+. Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including a 20 minute interval). To book tickets, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk.

PLEASE VISIT INDIVIDUAL EVENT WEBSITES FOR LATEST CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS FOR ANY CHANGES

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Puzzles

SUDOKU - HARD

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 36 6

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6

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9

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Find and cross out all the listed words.

The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.

7 4

6

WORD SEARCH

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n 38 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021

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n 40 | Worcestershire Now | Issue 209 | August 2021