Wye Valley Now AND THE MARCHES
The Fair is Back
at Caradoc
See page 45 for more information OUTDOOR DINING BEAUTY TREATMENTS FOR MEN GREAT DAYS OUT JULY 2018 | ISSUE 80
YOUR FREE COUNTY MAGAZINE t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 ■
HOMES • GARDENS • FOOD & DRINK • WALKS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • WHAT’S ON • COMPETITIONS
n 2 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
Wye Valley Now
10
AND THE MARCHES
20 16
Contents
28
JULY 2018
HOME & GARDEN 10
Outdoor Dining
15
Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors
16
Too Hot or Too Cold?
19
Caravan Stuff 4 U
20
Gardening Jobs for July
24
Nature’s Notebook
24
Health & Beauty 26
The Real Birth Company
28
Beauty Treatments for Men
w y e va l l e y
NOW
editor
design
Dawn Pardoe PW Media & Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk
Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk
Advertising
01905 723011
Suzie Scott 01905 727906 suzie@pw-media.co.uk
2nd Floor, Richardson House 24 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP
Mel Penkoks 01905 727901 mel@pw-media.co.uk
nowmagazine.co.uk
Bex Small bex@pw-media.co.uk
Contributors Front Cover: Herefordshire Country Fair www.herefordshirecountryfair.co.uk Glynis Dray
West Malvern Cricket Club Debs Hiley Miles Jones Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors Caravan Stuff 4 U Wye Vale Garden Centres Frances Weeks The Real Birth Company Cellar Door Alzheimers Society Richard Wheeler The Royal Welsh Show
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 3 n
30
34 36 Food & Drink 30
Recipe British Brie and Asparagus Tart
32
Competition Cellar Door
Golden Years
38
40
34
Dementia - Not a Natural Part of Aging
Education 36
Play Therapy as a Career Opportunity
Our Events Diary 38
Wye Valley Walks
40
Great Days Out
48
The Herefordshire Stone
50
What’s on this month?
54
Competition The Royal Welsh Show
competition winner Herefordshire Golf Clyb B. Goodes, Ross-on-Wye Hillside Brewery K. Powell, Ross-on-Wye S. Johnstone, Kentchurch Y. Burraston, Malvern D.Miles, Monmouth
t @WyeValleyNow G Wye Valley Now w www.nowmagazines.co.uk
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 Wye Valley Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.
n 4 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 5 n
here & Now
Music Night! On July 21st West Malvern Cricket Club will be hosting their annual Music Night fundraiser, hosted in the picturesque grounds of Mathon Court, Malvern. Guests will be treated to live music from acclaimed local band The White Feather Collective, who return again after their success at the music night last year, with support from the exciting Saladitos. This is West Malvern’s main fund raising event of the year and all proceeds go to the upkeep and development of the club and its facilities. Always a unique and popular event, with entertainment for all generations, it is an opportunity to relax and enjoy an evening in a very special setting. Hosted and run by members of the club the event includes a bar with beers provided by The Hop Shed and a barbecue with produce from LDA Meats. Music night runs from 7pm. Contact West Malvern Cricket Club at WestMalvernCC@outlook.com for more information and ticket details.
n 6 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 7 n
here & Now
Local Debs & Beth Riding London to Paris for women’s cancers Debs had always been a keen cyclist and saw this challenge & opportunity as something she had to do; especially as it finished on her 50th birthday. Having had one very aggressive, advanced breast cancer aged 43, followed by a melanoma, was a day she didn’t think she would see. With her daughter, Beth, they are cycling 240 miles from London to Paris over 3 days to raise money for women’s cancer charities - Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust & Ovarian Cancer Action. They start
n 8 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
on 19th Sept 2018 and finish up in Paris by 23rd Sept. “We wanted to raise the profile of the diseases and charities we were fund raising for – getting people around us talking and more aware of breast cancer, ovarian cancer & cervical cancer- sharing information & the work of the charities where we can” Debs also went on the say “another reason was to emphasise to local people and others who read our story, that with lots of luck, great support & determination you can still have significant health issues ( historical and current) , and face new challenges in life. Illness changes you and affects you so much, but you can, with good fortune, still make a difference and not let it define you and even take positives from these tough
experiences. I feel lucky and privileged to be here to do all this, especially for such good reasons & with my lovely girl, Beth; supported always by the boys at home” They have now raised nearly £8000. Any further donations would be so appreciated and can be made at Market Street surgery, or via their Just giving page _ Debs Hiley ( Debs & Beth vs women’s cancers.
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 9 n
Home & Garden
t u O
r o o d
n 10 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
g n i n i D C
ed
nu
ti on
o
th ver
ge
e pa
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 11 n
Home & Garden Morsoe Kamino available from www.morsoe.com
The great British summer is upon on us. With everything crossed that it stays that way, it’s time to holster the BBQ tongs, shoot up the parasol and break into the Pimms. Don’t forget the plastic American cheese. We all know summertime in the UK can be as predictable as...well the English weather. There are plenty of tools and tips you can use to keep the BBQ lit and the party going whether you just want to have your mates round for a few (or many!) drinks or just to invite the whole family over to show off your grilling skills. Preventing your guests from getting hungry is the most important way of keeping them happy. To do that you will need to ensure that whatever you use to cook is up to the task of serving large volumes of food quickly. A disposable BBQ from the nearest petrol station isn’t going to cut it. Focus on something compact, yet can handle the amount of food you are planning to cook. Make sure to also take note of how much outdoor space you have. You will get some odd looks if your brand new £200 BBQ is in the living room. If you do find your outdoor space limited then you can find some great table top BBQ’s, allowing you to use the free space to add more seating or an extra table. Also make sure to check if the BBQ uses gas or charcoal. Cooking wise, you won’t notice much difference but gas cookers can be tricky to set up. Most cookers also don’t include the required piping and gas canisters so if you feel confident then make sure you also buy the additional equipment required. An upside to these small cookers is that they are relatively cheap. Expect to pay between £25 and £90 for these smart and handy little devices. While tabletop cookers are all well and good, they won’t feed many people. Something bigger will be required. If n 12 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
you are feeling particularly outdoorsy you could try building your own. There are various kits you can buy but you might have to find your own bricks. For most of us that are not Bear Grylls, a medium sized cooker will set you back between £150 and £200. If your parties look like something out of the Great Gatsby then a large cooker is your only option. These will be gas only and come with as many as 6 burners with side burners and even thermometers for the perfectionists. For serial BBQ connoisseurs only and are willing to pay £250+ for the privilege. With all the delicious food lying around plus the usual array of salads, sauces and other condiments you need keep pesky flies and wasps at bay. Having all the food under a gazebo or in a large tent will help but to add some extra protection to your morsels, have some fly tape hanging up around the outside or just on the inside. That way it will concentrate all the winged creatures in one place and will prevent them from even reaching your food. With outdoor shelters in mind, getting a gazebo or an outdoor shelter is a smart move. Even if you have a small outdoor area, there are plenty of choices to keep everyone dry. Outdoor shelters are more often used for hikers and campers but the majority of them will have sides and even a doorway. Both gazebos and outdoor shelters come in a variety of sizes and shapes from small 3 man to large hexagonal 12 man sizes. Expect to pay anywhere between £35 and £150 for outdoor cover. Continued over the page
BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURERS
SAVE UP TO 50% ON ‘A’ RATED WINDOWS CONSERVATION FLUSH SASH WINDOWS
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER SPECIAL OFFERS: www.banburywindows.co.uk EXTRA DISCOUNT AVAILABLE FOR SHOW HOMES VISIT OUR SHOWROOM
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n
Home & Garden
The trouble with many outdoor parties is the simple problem of trying to seat people. Bringing out the dining room chairs just won’t cut it. The classic fold out camping chair is always a reliable regular at outside meals. With a handy cup holder, it means your guests won’t have to juggle with their food and drink. If you want a less ‘festival’ vibe try looking for some stylish wooden fold out chairs and tables. A good set will cost a breezy £150250 but worth the pennies so everyone can sit and eat together. Most will come with seating cushions for added comfort.
Electric heaters are a decent alternative but are pricier
And the good times don’t have to stop when the sun goes down either. You can find plenty of heaters and lights that will keep everybody warm and happy. From solar powered lights, to fire pits and big blankets, not only will lighting and heating keep your guests happy it will add to the overall mood of the party.
of setting the mood. Waterproof LED tealights are a great
Firepits are a great way to warm up and keep everyone involved round a central location. They provide a rustic atmosphere, however they do require more time to set up and need to be constantly kept alight. Expect to fork out between £30 and £150 for one.
n 14 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
than firepits, don’t expect to pay any less than £150 for a reliable electric heater. They provide a constant source of heating and lighting and are much easier to move if space becomes a problem. Some even come with builtin bluetooth speakers. Be warned about cheap electric heaters as they are both inefficient and unreliable, breaking down constantly and may even trip your circuit breakers in the process. If you want something that requires less upkeep, tea lights and a tea light holder can do an equally great job addition that won’t require you to run around with a lighter if there is a breeze. You can pick one up for as little as £7. With all this in mind you can be confident to host a party that won’t look rushed or thrown together. As long as people are fed and watered with a decent place to sit then it will be a guaranteed win. The only thing you will have to worry about is the unpredictable mistress that is the English weather. And if you have enough plastic cheese. n By Miles Jones
Lanyon Bowdler
Solicitors
Herefordshire is a great place to do business and the local economy is in good shape - that’s the message from lawyers working with people across the region. Lanyon Bowdler has offices in Hereford and Bromyard, and recently expanded its commercial property and residential conveyancing teams to meet growing demand. Susan Grazier joined the firm’s Bromyard office earlier this year and specialises in commercial and agricultural property matters. “Agriculture is a hugely important part of the region’s heritage and daily life, so it is good to see so many rural businesses flourishing,” she said. “Running a farm or rural business comes with a unique set of challenges, and some people are finding things more difficult than others, but the overall picture is very positive.” Residential conveyancer, Abigail Huband, has recently joined Lanyon Bowdler’s Bromyard office and said the property market was also doing well. “Despite a lack of new homes coming onto the market, a good number of transactions are going through which is keeping the team really busy,” she added. For advice about any legal issues, contact Lanyon Bowdler on 0800 652 3371 or visit www.lblaw.co.uk. n
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 15 n
Home & Garden
Too Hot
Or Too Cold?
Is your conservatory too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter? Don’t worry, there are several solutions available... and they won’t cost as much as you think! Replacement Conservatory Roofs Unfortunately a conservatory ends up being too cold in winter and too hot in summer, so often it is not used as frequently as you would wish. Not only that but when it rains you can hear the rain pounding on the roof and this can be very noisy indeed. You can change your old conservatory roof for a new energy efficient, PCL replacement conservatory roof. This can effectively turn your old conservatory into an extension that can be used all-year-round. PCL replacement conservatory roof is a warm roof system that does as “it says on the tin” and can completely transform your conservatory. The complete changeover takes a short space of time with minimal disruption to your home. The roof is designed so you can keep your existing build and frames and the warm system works so that you can save energy and subsequently your fuel bills are reduced. Your conservatory will now be cool in summer, warm in winter and quieter when it rains. Blinds If your budget doesn’t run to a replacement roof then blinds are the first thing to consider to help you keep your cool! The ultimate offering are electric roller blinds that position themselves with a flick of a switch. Manual blinds come in a n 16 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
variety of different sytems – it just depends on the look you desire and how much cleaning you want to undertake. Look for wooden blinds, roman blinds and venetian blinds. Fans A ceiling fan doesn’t cool a room, it cools people. It does so without changing indoor temperature one degree. The movement of air over the surface of your skin removes heat from the boundary layer — a warm layer of air that surrounds us at all times. By stripping heat from the boundary layer, a ceiling fan makes us feel as if the air in the room is about 4 degrees cooler. Ceiling fans come in a wide range of styles, colours, and prices. They can come with or without ceiling fan lights. Some are operated by remote control, others by wall switches in combination with pull chains. Most ceiling fans come with a switch to change the speed. In addition, most have two settings so you can control the direction in which the blades turn — one setting for winter (that brings warm air down) and another for summer. In the summer, you should be able to feel “cool” air moving if you stand directly under the fan. Continued over the page
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 17 n
Home & Garden Before shopping for a ceiling fan, measure the volume of the room (length x width x height), and select the right size fan for the room. When selecting a ceiling fan, bear in mind that larger rooms may require two or more ceiling fans. Under Floor Heating What is underfloor heating? Underfloor heating can be either a ‘wet’ system that pumps warm water through pipes under the floor, or ‘dry’ system of electric coils placed under the floor. Underfloor heating uses the basic principle of heat rising. Underfloor heating is often associated with luxury - think plush hotel rooms - and indeed there are few things more luxurious than the feeling of a warm, heated floor on a cold winter’s day. Underfloor heating is hidden away and out of view, doing away with the clutter of radiators. And, due to the even distribution of heat, it is an efficient way to heat a room as it works at a lower temperature. Electric underfloor heating relies on a network of wires under your floor that heat up. Depending on the shape of the room, you can go for heating mats, which cover large areas, or individual wires which can get in every nook and cranny. Heating mats are generally a bit cheaper. Waterbased systems, in contrast, are a network of pipes linked to your boiler that pump hot water around your rooms. The difficulty with water systems comes in the installation, and costs are typically initially higher for this reason. n
n 18 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
Have You Treated Yourself to
a New Caravan or Motorhome? Caravan Stuff 4 U is an independent, family run business that has been serving the local community and beyond for around 14 years. Its aim is to provide top quality goods at sensible prices, along with sound advice from fellow caravanners. From small beginnings the company now sources more than a million pounds worth of caravan & camping accessories and spares for
you every year - and this number is growing! With their outdoor awning display and well stocked shop, choosing goodies to bring extra space, comfort and luxury to your home from home is a pleasure. You’ll also find all the essentials like Calor gas,
kettles and loo chemicals too. If you are new to the hobby, they can help you kit out your van with everything you need – pop in or shop online for free UK delivery. They even offer 0% finance on larger purchases (t&c’s apply) and gift vouchers if you really can’t decide what to choose! n
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 19 n
Home & Garden
Gardening Jobs
For July
Peak gardening season is well underway, which means there are plenty of jobs to keep gardens looking their best in July. This month is all about maintaining your blooms, nurturing your fruit plants, and providing your garden with the care it needs to prevent drying out and becoming damaged during the warmer months. Julian Palphramand, horticulture buyer at Wyevale Garden Centres, shares his gardening jobs of the month, helping you to get one step closer to your dream garden: 1. Dote on your Dahlias Dahlias are incredibly thirsty plants – just look at their fleshy leaves and luscious stems and it’s easy to see why. To ensure your Dahlias are blooming bright with an abundance of beautiful flowers, nourish your plants with liquid feed and regularly water them during the next month. While smaller Dahlias are self-standing, the tall varieties may need supporting with stakes – simply tie the stems to the stake with string to keep their flower heads up right. n 20 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
2. Thin out your fruit During peak gardening season, the favourable conditions for plant growth means that fruit trees can abundantly overproduce. Large quantities of heavy fruits such as apples, pears and plums on the branches can often result in a final crop of disappointingly small fruits. This is due to the high demand put on the tree’s resources and the limited sunlight penetrating its heavy branches. July is prime time to thin out your dense crops by removing any excess or damaged fruits from the plant, enabling it to develop a more evenly ripe crop of fruits. 3. Love your lawn Summertime means that everything will be growing extremely fast and as a result, you will need to make sure you are mowing your lawn once a week to keep it in good Continued over the page
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n
Home & Garden health. It is also important to water your lawn regularly to prevent it from turning brown and drying out during the hotter months. If your ground has become dry, spike it gently with a garden fork before watering to aid the penetration of the water. 4. Take cuttings from your perennials Tender perennials such as Fuchsias are best propagated from cuttings, and so July is a great time to get snipping. As young plants root more easily, cuttings should be taken from the tender new growth for the season. Either pot the plants now so that they develop sufficient roots to survive in the winter, or hold onto your cuttings until the following spring. 5. Water new trees, shrubs and perennials It is important that you water the trees, shrubs and perennials that were planted in spring. Make sure you are watering the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves as they won’t absorb any water this way and wetting the leaf tissue can even encourage fungal diseases. 6. Feed the birds Summer feeding is in full swing, so remember to top up your bird and wildlife feeders and water containers. The warmer weather means that July is an especially important month to tend to nature and keep your garden abuzz with birds, bees and other wildlife – particularly as over 82% of Brits would like to attract more wildlife into their gardens*. Birds in particular relish in gardeners’ efforts, using bird baths to both hydrate and cool down through bathing in the water. Whether you’re planting, pruning or reaping the rewards of your burgeoning fruit trees, you are sure to discover many delights in the garden this month. n For more information and advice on July’s jobs of the month, along with all the tools you need to gain ground in the garden, visit www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk.
n 22 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n
nature
The Legacy of The Great War
On Herefordshire's Landscapes While the human cost of the First World War was of course its most tragic impact, the war effort also left its mark on our landscapes in Herefordshire and across the UK. Timber was vital for the war effort. It was used for all manner of things including pit props, railway tracks and duck boards used in the trenches. This meant that many woodlands were felled to supply this timber and, as Herefordshire has always been a heavily wooded county, this had a significant effect on our landscape. With a generation of young men away on the front, this woodland work was undertaken by women from the local communities and beyond who stepped up as ‘lumber jills’. Though we are familiar with images of the Women’s Land Army working on farms, the lumber jills were just as vital. The woodland on Dinmore Hill – now Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum – was one woodland which was clear felled with all the trees cut to the ground. The woodland was a fragment of the vast ancient oak wood that once stretched to the Welsh borders and beyond. Once owned by the crown, the wood was known as ‘Kings Wood’ until its name was changed to ‘Queenswood’ in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. During the 17th century Queenswood became part of the nearby Hampton Court Estate and the estate continued to manage the woodlands for timber throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries up until the First World War.
n 24 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
The woodland was left derelict until the 1930s when Herefordshire County Council took on its management. Following the felling, the woodland regenerated, with many new oak trees planted, growing into what we see today – a thriving, managed woodland in the heart of the county. However, because of this history, many of the trees which are there now are of the same age leading to a comparatively uniform structure. This is less beneficial to wildlife than a more diverse woodland, and arguably less appealing aesthetically, but with careful ongoing management, a more varied structure will continue to emerge over the coming decades. A new project is beginning at Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum to uncover more details about the site’s rich history and that of the communities which are linked with this woodland. The ‘Queenswood Heritage Gateway Project’ will also leave its own legacy to the First World War with a Commemorative Woodland space and sculptural structure, to be created within a stand of 100-year oaks which have grown up since the site was clear felled. n Anyone wishing to find out more about the project and how to get involved should contact us on 01432 530088 or email info@queenswoodandbodenhamlake.org
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 25 n
Health & Beauty
The Real Birth Company Welcome Real
to Birth
The Studio
Hereford! We run courses and classes for women and their birth partners,
supporting
you
through
pregnancy, birth and beyond. At The Real Birth Studio Hereford we are dedicated to providing positive birth information and support, and we’ve built our studio to reflect this. Our studio is designed to be a home-from-home for all who use it; we have comfy sofas and beanbags for you to sink into during one of our antenatal classes, and plenty of room to stretch out in one of our yoga classes. We even run pamper days and other lovely events for mums and mumsto-be! We make sure our classes stay to a nice size so they aren’t intimidating, and all of our staff members are welcoming and keen to help you on your special n 26 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
journey. We also run some free support services including breastfeeding peer support, positive birth movement group, and postnatal depression peer support. These services are run by one of our dedicated team members and are open to anyone who feels they would like to come. If you are unsure or nervous about joining in one of our classes or groups please contact us and we can talk you through it and make sure you feel happy about coming along to our lovely studio. For a full list of all our classes and what we offer please go to www. therealbirthcompanyltd.com and check out The Studio page. Don’t forget to like The Real Birth Studio Facebook page to keep up with all our events and offers! Red Barn Drive, HR4 9NS 07808 648862 admin@therealbirthcompanyltd.com
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n
Health & Beauty
Beauty Treatments
for Men
Approaching the topic of Beauty treatments for men is not as straightforward as it would first seem. Gone are the days when men were stuck with either getting a short back and sides for a Fiver or simple nose hair trimming. With the rise of equality has come the rise of men feeling more relaxed and comfortable in their own skin. Men are more willing to prune and preen in order to look good and feel good. According to a Guardian article: “Male Brazilian blow-dries for men are up by 200%, waxing up by 85% and – according to data from the Treatwell app – 25% of men have regular manicure appointments.” The amount of options available to male grooming products are many. If you are inclined to the occasional pluck of the brow and a haircut then you might feel overwhelmed by the amount options available. Fear not. This helpful guide is here to assist in making some smart decisions and to show you that not all Avacado and Cucumber face creams will cost you a month’s wage. The popularity of waxing has successfully permeated
beyond
bodybuilders.
Aside
just from
athletes the
and sport
advantages, body waxing can reduce body odour and improved muscle definition. The options for male and female waxing are similar - the only difference is the amount of hair. The available options are either hot waxing or (cold) waxing strips. Both have their pro’s and con’s when it comes to “manscaping” but both will cause some discomfort at first. The n 28 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
hot wax opens up the pores, allowing the hairs to be removed easier and tends to remove the hair all at once. However, afterwards you will find yourself in a hot mess and it can be tough to remove when dry. Wax strips are cheaper, quicker and if you arn’t trying to impress anyone, much less painful than using hot wax. On the other hand you may need to go over an area several times to remove all the hairs which could cause skin irritation and discomfort. Costs are very varied since you can get a wax at a salon or buy different kits online. Simple waxing strips can be £10 or less while full body waxes at a salon could be £150. If you don’t want to make your eyes water then some simple grooming treatments can go a long way in defining your hair, beard, eyebrows and keeping the dreaded nostril hairs hidden. To maintain a well groomed beard and some light haircut work, you need clippers. A good kit will set you back around £40-60. Top it off with some hairstyling “mud”, “clay” or “wax”. Not just to shape and define your hair but your beard too. Expect to fork out between £12-25 for hair styling products with “clay” products being slightly more expensive than the other types. For nostril and ear hair removals, it will be far less painful to buy an electric trimmer
to help. We’ve all tried tweezers and we all hated it right? Electric trimmers have come down in price over the last couple of years and are available online for £12-25. When all is trimmed and plucked, make sure to look after your skin too. From simple E45 moisturisers to high quality Italian exfoliators, the choices are vast. Moisturising helps rehydrate your skin and exfoliators help scrub away dead skin. In simple terms it helps the moisturiser sink in better. It’s best to determine how sensitive your skin can be, especially after shaving. If your skin is susceptible to drying out then try and look for products that natural antiinflammatory ingredients, such as elderberry. It might be obvious but if you have oily skin then it’s best to avoid oil based products. Obvious or not, you want the best for your skin! These are just a few of the treatments that are becoming more and more popular with men of all ages. It certainly goes hand in hand with the ever increasing emphasis on social media but more importantly with increased health awareness. This doesn’t just apply to men either but the stigma surrounding male beauty treatments is falling away, making way for some really great choices for male grooming. But remember, plucking nostril hairs is not a great choice. n By Miles Jones
Valid for one test booked on or before 7th August at a discounted price of only ÂŁ10. Present voucher at time of test. Cannot be exchanged for cash, used with other vouchers or redeemed by customers already entitled to a free NHS eye test. One per person, at named Specsavers stores only. CODE 2646
Hereford 12 Maylord Street Tel 01432 353 464
Ledbury 3 The Homend Tel 01531 633384
Leominster 25 West Street Tel 01568 619340
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 29 n
Food & Drink
Ingredients (serves six) • 150g fine asparagus spears, halved • Few drops vegetable oil • 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet, thawed if frozen • 200g British brie, sliced • 100g roasted red peppers (from a jar), drained and sliced • Freshly ground black pepper • 1 tbsp semi-skimmed milk
British Brie
and Asparagus Tart
Method
border, with the brie and peppers. Season with
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan oven 200°C, Gas Mark 7.
black pepper. Brush the edges of the pastry with
2. Cook the asparagus in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. While it’s cooking, lightly grease a baking sheet with the vegetable oil and unroll the puff pastry sheet onto it. Score a border 2cm around all the sides, taking care not to cut right through.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry has
3. Drain the asparagus and rinse with cold water. Arrange on top of the pastry sheet, within the
is out of season, use sliced courgettes instead
n 30 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
the milk.
risen and is golden brown. Serve while warm. Cook’s tip: Another time, try the recipe with sliced soft British goat’s cheese. When asparagus (there’s no need to cook them first). n
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 31 n
Our Events diary
Competition CELLAR DOOR
Cellar Door are an independent bar and bistro located in Hereford City Centre. Producing food that is packed full of flavour, made from scratch by a team of talented chefs. Hereford’s strong agricultural roots are important to the team as they always strive to use the best local produce including ingredients sourced from their own Restaurant Garden when the season allows.
At Cellar Door, preparing dishes to fit a variety of dietary needs is their priority so they not only serve the juiciest Herefordshire steaks and other meats sourced from a local butcher but also have a selection of beautiful fish dishes and intricate vegetarian and vegan dishes to choose from.
They serve all day, between 12pm and 9pm Wednesday to Saturday and serve their Sunday menu 12pm till 4pm weekly. Their bar is also open late into the night and those wishing to just have drinks are welcomed and can choose from an excellent selection of fine wines, draft products and fresh, classic and contemporary cocktails.
Cellar Door is perfect for all seasons, on bright summers days you can dine and drink Al Fresco on the sunny roof terrace or sit in front of their brightly burning wood burner in the deep mid-winter.
www.cellardoorhereford.co.uk
To be in with a chance of winning a ÂŁ50 voucher for two at Cellar Door in Hereford, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the
Answer: Name:
following question:
Where is Cellar Door located? Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: Cellar Door WVN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DP.
Address: Tel: Email:
Closing date for entries is 18th July 2018. n 32 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
If you DO wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from Cellar Door please tick this box
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 33 n
Golden Years
Dementia
Not a Natural Part of Ageing
Dementia is the overall term used to describe a group of symptoms that may include difficulties with memory, thinking, problemsolving, visual perception or language. For the person with dementia, these symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with their daily life and can also cause changes to their mood or behaviour. Dementia is caused by damage to nerve cells in the brain, and symptoms are dependent on the specific areas of the brain that are affected. Alzheimer’s disease is just one of the many diseases of the brain to cause dementia.
begin slowly and progressively get worse. The emphasis on seeking medical advice and a diagnosis is key to accessing the available treatments and support. Diagnosing dementia can be complex and difficult, particularly in the onset as people may want to ignore their symptoms however, it is important to remember that many people with dementia are able to lead fulfilled, and active lives maintaining their independence through the correct treatment and support. An early diagnosis also provides an opportunity for those with dementia as well as their loved ones, the time to plan and prepare for the future.
There are more than 40,000 people under-65 with dementia in the UK, highlighting the fact that dementia is not a natural part of ageing. Every person with dementia is different and people with the same disease, such as Alzheimer’s, can have varying symptoms.
Symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, but if you or a loved one are experiencing troubling symptoms such as memory problems with thinking and reasoning, or are finding it difficult to complete everyday tasks at home, work or in the community then Alzheimer’s Society encourages you to visit your GP. Dementia can be diagnosed by your GP who will then be able to advise the next steps towards finding out for certain the cause of the problems.
The NHS estimates that there are 2,921 people over 65, living with dementia in Herefordshire. Nationally, there are 850,000 people living with the condition nationally and this number is set to rise to 1 million by 2021. People with dementia may experience problems with short-term memory. For example, losing track of their day, preparing drinks or meals, difficulty completing familiar tasks, paying bills or remembering appointments. Dementia is generally progressive, meaning that symptoms may n 34 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
Support organisations are out there and these include charities along with groups run by local authorities. Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity, working tirelessly to challenge perceptions, fund research and improve and provide care and support. The organisation recently invested £50m along with Alzheimer’s Research UK to
fund the UK’s first ever Dementia Research Institute. They are committed to ensuring the rights of people affected by dementia are recognised. There is currently no cure for dementia and it is the leading cause of death in Britain. Too many people are facing dementia alone without adequate support and whoever you are, whatever, you are going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for support. Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Herefordshire, Ginnie Jaques said: “I really urge anyone concerned about their memory to visit their GP or to reach out to Alzheimer’s Society directly for support.” Another benefit to visiting your GP, if concerned can be to rule out any other medical conditions. For example, side effects of certain medications, vitamin and thyroid problems, chest and urinary infections, anxiety and depression can all present similar symptoms to those of dementia. Alzheimer’s Society provides local support across the UK for people living with dementia. Support within the Herefordshire area can be accessed via local GP practices and Alzheimer’s Society. Anyone looking for confidential advice, information and support, can call Alzheimer’s Society’s National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22. n Further information about dementia can be accessed online at: www.alzheimers.org.uk.
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 35 n
education
Play Therapy
as a Career Opportunity Witnessing the change in a childs’ life is wonderful – it will change yours as well! If you have at least two years’ experience of working with children in a professional capacity such as teaching, nursing, or social work and are able to study at post graduate level, then play therapy could be an attractive career for you. When fully qualified, you will be able to work full or part time and employed, contracted or as an independent practitioner in private practice. Although this is one profession dominated by women (97% of registrants) there are equal opportunities for men. There’s also a large latent demand for registered Play Therapists throughout the UK which is expected to become taken up when the recommendations of the government’s Green Paper on Transforming Children’s and Young Peoples’ Mental Health are implemented. Play therapy was recognised in April 2013 by the accreditation of Play Therapy UK’s Register of Play and Creative Arts Therapists by the Professional Standards
n 36 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
Authority an independent government funded agency, overseeing all health and social care professions. It’s important that your training qualifies you for this register to give you public credibility and protection. You’ll be trained to work with children who have a wide range of problems the most common of which are family and social relationship problems, anger management, bereavement and loss, anxiety, lack of self confidence, depression, ADHD and autistic spectrum. Using the Integrative Holistic model the children choose what to do in the playroom from a wide range of creative art media including sandtray worlds, drawing and painting, clay, music, puppets, dance/movement and therapeutic story. You will be trained to communicate with the children using the medium that they have chosen. n To find a therapist search www.playregister.org.uk For more information about play therapy including training: www.playtherapy.org.uk
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 37 n
KEEPING KEEPING ACTIVE ACTIVE Start / Finish: This circular walk starts and ends outside Kingstone High School on the B4349. Public Transport: Nearest Railway Station is at Hereford. There are buses (Yeoman 449) from Hereford Bus Station to Kingstone. Please check ‘Traveline’ and timetables before you embark on your journey and be mindful of the last bus back. Ask for Kingstone High School. Parking: Parking is in and around the nearby village of Kingstone. O/S Map: Explorer Map 189 Distance: Main Walk 5.5 miles. Also shorter 3 mile walk. There is also the option of a longer walk 6.5 mile walk. See sketch-map. Time: The main walk can take all day. The short walk just a morning or afternoon. Refreshments: An ideal walk to incorporate a picnic as this is a very ‘rural’ walk. Please take all food/drink/snacks with you. Terrain: This is a gently undulating walk with no significant climbs. Supportive waterproof boots are essential around uneven field-edges and poles are useful to deal with vigorous summer growth of brambles, nettles and dock around gates and stiles. There are a few steps, stiles and gates which render the entire route unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. However – a brief wander with a wheelchair or pushchair around the village is possible. It is very much a rural walk. The area is well served with footpaths but they are little-walked so some suffer from lack of maintenance. Be prepared to use sticks or poles to push aside the odd bramble or nettles along the way. Some of the footpaths have crops planted across them so please use field margins or ‘tractor-tracks’ through the crop if there are any. The walk has incorporated some lane walking to make a change from field-walking and to avoid areas of ‘bog’ or low maintenance. Please endeavour to do this walk to keep these rural paths open. History: This area has evolved slowly so provides the walker with a step back in time. There are a number of vernacular stone cottages and timber-framed buildings along the way. There is an old castle ‘motte’ at Thruxton and Churches at Thruxton and Kingstone that can be explored. There is an old cast-iron mile-post near point 2.
Paths and Lanes Around Kingstone Written and illustrated by Glynis Dray
1. With back to Kingstone High School, turn right for ¼ mile to
in medieval times but please keep to path as these features are on
Primary school, cross stream then shortly there is a footpath on the
private land. Retrace your steps down hillside to a path, now on your
left. Climb some steps up the bank and go through the gate. The
right that leads towards Arkstone Common. After ½ mile, turn left
farmer has left a path through the crop. Cross the field to a gate out
along footpath towards Kingstone.
into lane at the far side.
8. The path can be straight through a crop but is well marked. At far
2. Notice the old ‘Kingstone’ cast-iron mile marker to your left. Turn
end go through small metal gate into woodland and path (difficult to
right briefly then left along track through ‘Gooses Foot Farm’. Follow
see) goes straight on through a boggy patch where you may need
track for ½ mile to diagonal cross-roads in paths.
to build a raft of ‘windfall’ sticks to walk across!!! Beyond this patch
3. Note: For longer 6 ½ mile walk, fork right and climb gently up slope, following path for a mile passing ‘Bigsty’ to a lane. Turn left and walk for another mile to point 5 where you re-join main walk. Also, from point 3, a path goes back on yourself giving a ‘shorter’ 3 mile option across to lane (point 3) then left to Kingstone Parish Church with an opportunity to explore Kingstone itself. The main walk goes straight on (hedge on left) to stile in top left corner of field near woodland. The path goes along eastern edge of ‘Lady’s Coppice’ then curves round a track. 4. The track goes through gap in hedge and from here, a ‘little used’ right of way goes straight up hillside towards Cockyard Farm and ‘tump’ beyond (private). Near top of field, veer right through rough pasture, climb over chicken wire fence and go through large gate into the farmyard and beyond into a lane where you meet longer route and turn left then left again to road junction. 5. Turn right, sign-posted ‘Thruxton’ and walk for just over a mile to Grithill Lodge. 6. Turn left along lane towards ‘Brookfield’ (dogs on leads please). Take footpath on right before you reach junction and walk parallel to B4348 up hillside to tiny hamlet of Thruxton with a population of less than 50 people. 7. St. Bartholomew’s Church at Thruxton is dominant feature and is a local landmark. There is also a ‘Motte’ (that once held a castle keep) and nearby Thruxton Court. This little cluster is a reminder of life n 38 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
is a footbridge that crosses a stream and leads to open fields. Turn right along field edge aiming for tower of St. Michaels and All Angels Church, Kingstone. The path goes left round Church. 9. Turn right along Lane to path that cuts off corner, see sketch-map. 10. Turn left back to Primary school where walk ends. n
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 39 n
G
a D t a re
When it comes to things to do you’re spoilt for choice in Herefordshire and the surrounding counties. Our stunning natural backdrop is the perfect place to be at one with the outdoors to at an event. There is more than enough art and culture to keep even the most scholarly happy and behind every corner historical treasures are hidden. In the following pages we focus on bringing the best events and places to keep everyone entertained. Your biggest challenge will be cramming it all in.
n 40 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
t u O ys
Brobury House & Gardens Brobury House & Gardens is open every day & all year round to the public. The extensive grounds surround the charming, turreted house built in 1881. The marvellous gardens we see today are the result of Pru & Keith Cartwright’s 18 years of meticulous renovation and restoration, with careful planning, empathetic planting and structural improvements. In a secluded Herefordshire countryside location Brobury nestles on the banks of the River Wye adjacent to Bredwardine Bridge. The magnificent trees which give structure to the garden were part of the original design and provide focal points throughout the grounds. Water is a recurring theme, with three formal water features having been sympathetically woven into the original terraces. Neptune’s garden is particularly lovely with the plantings changing dramatically through the seasons. The gently trickling water of The Grotto is a charming place to sit, from here you can enjoy panoramic views across the Golden Valley. Follow a meandering stream through informal woodland & architectural planting down to the water meadow. The walled kitchen garden and original Victorian greenhouse is a working garden, the fruit, vegetables and flowers are grown to supply the house. Espaliered peach, nectarine & kiwis thrive on the mellow old brick walls. Brobury House & Gardens is also a stunning wedding venue, the gardens offering fabulous photographic opportunities. A very tranquil place and truly a “Garden For All Seasons”
Summer Camp at Oakerwood, near Leominster Summer Days at Oaker Wood are the sort of days children will remember for years to come. Our activity site is set in 175 acres of woodland where we offer a wide range of Outdoor Activities. The activity programme varies each day including a selection from Zip Wire, Monkey Climbing, High Ropes Challenges, Low Rope Assault Course, Target Shooting, Rafting, Outdoor Pizza Cooking and Den Making. Some days will also include fun and games on our Inflatable Obstacle Course. At £24.50 a day (discounts for multi-day bookings) this offers excellent value for money for a fun packed day for your child during the summer holidays. To book call Oaker Wood 01568 780111, www.oakerwoodleisure.co.uk/holiday t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 41 n
Royal Museum of Worcester The Museum of Royal Worcester holds the largest collection of Worcester porcelain in the world and has just undergone a major £1.7 million refurbishment supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The new displays are fresh and modern and pay homage to a magnificent history and heritage. They bring fascinating stories of over two hundred years of porcelain making to life with audio and interactives alongside the spectacular china. The introductory film features Henry and John Sandon, and the new
Newbridge Farm Park is full of fun this summer!
show cases are swathed in sumptuous colours showing the collection
Children of all ages enjoy the variety of play and animal contact that is offered at Newbridge; feeding and holding animals, and having a lot of fun in our soft play areas, hay bale tunnels, rope swing, sandpits, zipwire, car track, trampolines, and playframes! Parents love our large, open play area, offering a safe play environment for their children.
workers have shared their living memories and a number continue to
Our family run farm park is a perfect way to spend a summers day with your family and friends! Our friendly selection of animals, including alpacas, donkeys, rabbits, & goats, will be happy to greet you! As well as feeding and hands on sessions, you can experience a fast & bumpy tractor ride, which visitors of all ages enjoy! Check our website or Facebook page for more details and events. n 42 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
off to its best advantage. A gallery dedicated to the factory workshop features the skills that made Worcester famous. Over 200 ex-factory demonstrate their skills in the galleries on a regular basis. There are chances for all the family to get creative during their visit – in the family parlour children are encouraged to take inspiration from the displays and create their own stories, and the twentieth century gallery sends visitors down memory lane. The museum and its popular shop where visitors can purchase Royal Worcester collectables, is now open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm and Sunday, 10am – 4pm. For more information see www.museumofroyalworcester.org.
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 43 n
Waterworks Museum Summer at the Waterworks Museum in Hereford kicks off with the annual Gala Day on Sunday 8th July, one of twelve family open-days before the end of October when visitors can see all engines working (in-steam). To help promote greater awareness of the Museum and encourage first time visitors the Trustees have agreed that for all open days and events in July and August children up to the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge. This offer includes Gala Day and school holiday events for children on Tuesday 24th July (pond dipping) and Tuesday 21st August (teddy bears’ picnic). So why not bring a picnic and enjoy a visit to the only working museum in Herefordshire. Other attractions include an award winning children’s Heritage Water Park and the county’s only permanent exhibition dedicated to Hereford in WW2. The Waterworks Museum is open every Tuesday between 11am and 4pm. It is also open on the second and last Sunday of each month until the end of October between 12pm and 4pm, with all engines and pumps working in steam from 1pm. Information about special events at the Waterworks Museum can be found at www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk.
Hampton Court Castle There’s always something happening at Hampton Court Castle, Herefordshire. This ‘Gem of a Find’ set in hundreds of acres in the heart of Herefordshire is a day out not to be missed. The award winning gardens alone will take your breath away. The Victorian walled gardens are divided by water canals, pleached avenues and pavilions. The Kitchen garden is an ornamental garden of fruit and vegetables. Beautiful herbaceous borders stretch out from the 150 year old Wisteria tunnel that leads to vast lawns and ancient trees beside the Castle. The 1,000 yew tree maze, and sunken garden with a cascading waterfall, completes the picture. Founded by King Henry IV in the early 15th century, and built as a result of a knight’s bravery at Agincourt, the Castle has been on an interesting, and sometimes surprising, journey through the centuries. You can enjoy a 45 minute guided tour to learn about the history four times a day. Go to our website to see what special events are happening for all the family throughout the season. The gardens are open every day until 16th September 2018. The Castle is open most days except for private functions, see our website for any days it may be closed. We would like to extend a very warm invitation for you to visit us and see what we have to offer – we don’t think you would be disappointed! n 44 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
Medieval Archery Day • 8th July
Come and meet the Hampton Court Archer who will be giving talks and archery demonstrations throughout the day!
Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book Trail • 21st July - 2nd September As you walk around the gardens and grounds, follow the Jungle Book trail! Can you find all the characters on display here for you to enjoy throughout the summer holidays?
Circus Skills Workshop & Entertainment • 22nd July
Join us for a day of circus entertainment! An interactive, fun family day out in a magnificent setting, featuring circus skills workshops and comedy.
Exotic Animal Encounters • 25th & 26th July
Get up close to some exotic animals with Trevor Hill’s popular animal encounters this summer holiday. You’ll get to see, hold and learn about a variety of animals including reptiles, insects, meerkats, armadillos and skunks.
The Amazing Hedge Puzzle The Jubilee Maze is one of Britain’s most famous traditional hedge mazes, with a romantic temple at the centre and over a kilometre of hedges. It was planted by Lindsay and Edward Heyes in 1977. Find your way then play! This maze is a great place to play tag or Marco Polo with all the family. Not up to running around? Play by stealth! There’s a viewing platform for calling directions... but who can you trust? It’s not too difficult to have fun, but if you are up for a serious challenge you should investigate the history of labyrinths at the Museum of Mazes. With myths, maths, mysteries and magic, it’s all hands-on, with puzzles about making mazes. How about a maze with just one path and no hedge? Well, the earliest mazes were never intended to be puzzles for people... they were used as traps for evil spirits. Discounted tickets including the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo are available, and Wye Valley Miniature Golf rounds at half price when you visit the aMazing Hedge Puzzle. The maze is in the Wye Valley at Symonds Yat between Ross on Wye and Monmouth and a walk away from Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean. n
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 45 n
Taurus Crafts Taurus Crafts is a vibrant visitor centre where kids can get creative. Based near Lydney in the Forest of Dean, Taurus Crafts is a home to local crafts, cafe, gifts, events, markets and art exhibitions and provides visitors a chance to meet the makers in their craft units and shop for distinctive gifts from the artisan businesses on site. This School Summer Holiday the centre hosts a selection of crafty hands on activities to help keep the kids entertained. With activities on everyday there is something to appeal to all, including; pottery, jewellery making, candle dipping, scrap crafts, reptile encounters, puppet show, slime school, fairy houses, stone carving and more to be announced. It’s well worth joining their newsletter and keeping an eye on their facebook page and website for updates and special offers. Visiting Taurus Crafts couldn’t be easier – located near Lydney, in the Forest of Dean on the A48 with a free, large, accessible car park. For individual event details and opening times visit www.tauruscrafts.co.uk n 46 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
FUN FOR AL
L THE FAMILY
U N T Y SH O W AT THE BRECON CO
BRECON COUNTY SHOW Saturday 4th August 2018 Check out our website for more details www.breconcountyshow.co.uk A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT THE OLDEST AGRICULTURAL SHOW IN THE UK t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 47 n
LIVING history
The Herefordshire Stone Many things make Herefordshire distinctive, but one thing above all others. It is old beyond imagining, hidden at first then revealed slowly over aeons by the actions of the rivers that flow through the county, or more quickly by the impatient hand of man. It differentiates the county from, for example, the Cotswolds to the east. We walk over it every day and probably give it little thought. Its name is Old Red Sandstone – or ‘ORS’ for short. While it is found less extensively elsewhere (for example in the neighbouring counties of Worcestershire and Shropshire), nowhere is it more abundant than in Herefordshire. For this reason it is sometimes called ‘The Herefordshire Stone’. Old Red Sandstone underlies most of Herefordshire, giving to its soils and buildings their distinctive red colouration. This red colour comes in part from the presence of iron oxide in the rocks. The stone is thought to have originated from sediment washed into the area from the erosion of the emergent Caledonian mountains approximately 420–360 million years ago. In many places sandstone has been exposed by the erosive actions of rivers – most notably the River Wye. One of the best examples of this in the county is Brobury Scar. Here, between Brobury and Monnington-on-Wye, the fast flowing River Wye curves in a meander loop, exposing a spectacular 30-metre sandstone cliff.
buildings. In Hereford itself, the town’s medieval walls, dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, were built from the material. Coningsby Hospital in Widemarsh Street was built in 1614, reusing large blocks of coursed sandstone from the remains of Blackfriars Monastery – a thirteenthcentury house of the Knights Hospitaller. More prominently still is Hereford Cathedral itself, the core of which is Norman. The material can be especially well appreciated in the huge columns of the nave, made of pale reddish sandstone more than 800 years ago. The stone for the cathedral was probably quarried at Capler (near Fownhope) and transported to the construction site either overland by cart, or up river on barges. The remains of these quarries can still be seen today. On a smaller scale, the exceptional Norman church at Kilpeck – arguably the finest of its date in England – shows in its lavish carvings how well suited Old Red Sandstone could be for the intricate decoration favoured by the masons of the so-called Herefordshire School of Sculpture. The fine, granular composition of the stone – not to mention its surprising resilience to weathering when chosen carefully – made it an ideal material to showcase their craftsmanship and imagination.n Until recently, no comprehensive account of the geology of Herefordshire existed. This has now been remedied with the publication of Herefordshire’s Rocks & Scenery:
Elsewhere – and more accessibly – the stone can be appreciated in some of Herefordshire finest and oldest n 48 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
A Geology of the County (Logaston Press, £15.00 – logastonpress.co.uk).
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 49 n
What's On
OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH
Linton Music Festival Friday 6th - Sunday 8th July www.lintonfestival.org
JULY Saturday 1st Bromyard Gala Bromyard Gala is a hugely popular show and highlights the best of country pursuits, classic vehicles, steam engines and local produce, with an action packed central arena.The first Bromyard Gala was held in 1967 to showcase the attractions of the market town of Bromyard. Fast forward 51 years, and the event remains Herefordshire’s biggest celebration of country pursuits and rural lifestyle. Welcoming thousands of visitors over a two-day event, Bromyard Gala is a fantastic outing for all the family. From Heavy horses to steam engines, vintage caravans to handicrafts, every year the Gala gets bigger and better. On-site parking is free and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Cost: Visit the website for all ticket prices as they vary over the weekend, daily entry for adults from £8.50 www.bromyardgala.org.uk Shobdon Food and Flying Festival Sponsored by Bestparks and set in beautiful north Herefordshire surroundings at an historic WW2 airfield, this event combines the best local food, a host of aviation attractions, arts and crafts, demonstrations, n 50 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
live music and lots more. For Fliers: Browse the incredible collection of static aircraft and helicopters and watch dozens of interesting arrivals from around the country throughout the weekend. Could flying be the hobby for you? Take a light aircraft or helicopter trial flight over beautiful Herefordshire countryside. Enjoy talks and demonstrations on various aspects of aviation. Also this year Great British Bake Off favourite, Val Stones will demonstrate at this year’s event. Cost: Adults -£8, Under 16’s £2 and under 5’s Free of Charge www.shobdonfoodandflyingfestival.co.uk
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th Lindon Music Festival Linton Music Festival takes place at The Alma Inn in Linton, near Ross on Wye.The Linton Festival® is run by a team of local volunteers and is a non-profit organisation with a policy of supporting local charitable and other voluntary groups. Since 2001, the festival has raised in excess of £90,000, most of which has been distributed to the benefit of the local community. Cost: Prices vary for day/weekend tickets starting at £20 for Friday and a weekend ticket from £86 www.lintonfestival.org
Beer on the Wye XIV Festival Hereford’s annual beer and cider festival is back for its fourteenth year and is set to return to Hereford over the weekend of the 6th to 8th July 2018 at the Hereford Rowing Club. BEER: Beer on the Wye XIV will showcase over 135+ different real beers from breweries the length and breadth of the UK, with styles ranging from light ales to stouts; from lagers to dark milds and probably everything in between. As always there will be the popular Herefordshire Brewers’ Bar). The Foreign Beers Bar will again offer an eclectic and interesting range of 40 beers from overseas catering for those with more international tastes. CIDER & PERRY: As you might expect for an event based in Hereford there will be the very best range of ciders and perries from our local producers as well as some from the neighbouring counties. In total there will a choice of 130+ draught ciders and perries (over 100 from small Herefordshire producers) and a number of bottled products, some will be from new producers, as this vibrant sector continues to expand Cost: Friday 6th July £4 Saturday 7th July £6 Sunday 8th July £1 Contact: www.beeronthewye.org.uk
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 51 n
What's On
OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH
Ross Country Music Festival Friday 6th - Sunday 8th July
City’s Brooks and learn about their history, geography and wildlife. Meeting Point: Meet at Brookfield Vet Surgery, 1 Old Eign Hill, Hereford HR1 1TU. Park on nearby Sedgefield Road or Lichfield Avenue (not Vet’s surgery parking). The walk will finish at the Three Elms Industrial Estate around 21:00 and walkers will be given a ride back to the start of the walk in the Trust’s minibus. Cost: £2 members, £3 non-members Places are limited so booking is essential. Book your place online at www.herefordshirewt.org or call 01432 356872
Saturday 14th
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th
Saturday 8th
Ross Country Music Festival Ross-on-Wye Sports Centre, Wilton Rosson-Wye HR9 SJA. Weekend camping, licensed bar, hot and cold food. Stalls– fast draw – marquee – night security venue, within walking distance of the town
Waterworks Museum Annual Gala Day Visitors are invited to the very popular Waterworks Museum Annual Gala Day in July. View all the engines working insteam and enjoy the children’s Heritage Water Park. For the car lovers there will be a wonderful cavalcade of vintage and interesting vehicles to explore.
Friday night: Memphis Belle plus Ben Thompson Saturday afternoon: Martin Boyd plus Ben Thompson Saturday Evening: LA Country plus Ben Thompson. Sunday: Dave Sherrif plus Steve James (4 piece band) plus Savannah plus Ben Thompson. all supported by: C & B Roadshow (resident) Friday: 7.30-11.30pm, £6.00 per person, Saturday: 1.30-5.30pm, £6 7.30-11.30pm, £7.00 (or £10.00 All Day) per person. Sunday: 11.30am-6.30pm, £11.00 per person Weekend Ticket £25 per person. Contact: Colin Gray on 01989 567 995 or 07790 341 703
n 52 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
The exceptional Hereford Concert Band are back again this year to entertain visitors and provide a lively and upbeat vibe. The Mayor of Hereford will open a new exhibit at 2pm. So come and enjoy a fantastic day of steam history with lots to entertain the children within the Heritage Water Park. Light refreshments and small souvenirs can be purchased in the cafe and visitor centre and picnics are permitted in the picturesque grounds www.waterworksmuseum.org.uk In steam day admission charges apply £6 adults, £5 seniors & £2 children
Thursday 12th Herefordshire City Brooks Walks Join the Hereford City Branch of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust for a Hereford City Brooks Walk upstream along the
Radway Rose Day with Jane Masters A day of high-flying family fun whether you’re just watching or actually joining in the this amazing spectacle. From the whacky to the traditional, let’s go fly a kite at Berrington Hall; the skies above their beautiful grounds become awash with the colour and shapes of beautiful kites. It’s a laid-back friendly festival showcasing some of the best sport and single line kites. It’s for kite enthusiasts and for the public to come along and watch – and to bring along a kite and join in. The festival is at on the lawns of Berrington Hall leading down to the lake. PUBLIC ACCESS: Members of the public are welcome to come along, watch or fly a kite. The site is on National Trust property, so there is an admission charge, which also includes the Hall and Gardens which are well worth a visit.. www.kitefestival.org.uk Normal admission costs apply Pop Up Opera at Kingsland A richly entertaining and amusing Mozart double bill, presented in the unique and wonderfully instructive way that only the talented cast of Pop Up can perform. If you have never been to opera, then Kingsland Parish Church will be open all day before the event. Advise arriving at least one hour beforehand.this is the one for you. Complete with our Pimms tent for pre production drinks! www.popupopera.com Cost: Adults £25, children £12
Sunday 15th Kentchurch Court Open Gardens The large stately home dates to C11 and has been in the Scudamore family for over 1000yrs The deer-park surrounding the house dates back to the Knights Hospitallers of Dinmore and lies at the heart of an estate of over 5000 acres. Historical characters associated with the house incl Welsh hero Owain Glendower, whose daughter married Sir John Scudamore. The house was modernised by John Nash in 1795. First opened for NGS in 1927. Formal rose garden, traditional vegetable garden redesigned with colour, scent and easy access. Walled garden and herbaceous borders, rhododendrons and wild flower walk. Deer-park and ancient woodland. Extensive collection of mature trees and shrubs. Stream with habitat for spawning trout. www.ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden/ garden/193/ kentchurchcourt.co.uk Cost: £5
Saturday 21st Much Marcle Steam Rally A great day out for all the family with an array of Steam Traction Engines, Vintage Tractors, Vintage Commercial Vehicles, Vintage Motor Cycles and Cars, Stationary Engines, Fairground Organs, Models and Crafts. Also lots of trade stands, working displays of cider pressing, steam ploughing, and threshing. The first Much Marcle Steam Rally was held on the 19th & 20th July 1986. Over the last 27 years
the rally has grown tremendously with a number of exhibitors and supporters who look to come back year after year. Opening times are: Saturday 10am – late and Sunday am – 5pm
Sunday 22nd
www.muchmarclesteamrally.com Cost: Adults £10.00, under 16’s go free
magnificent setting, featuring circus skills
Freedom Yoga Workshop The Nest, Little Verzons Farm, Hereford Rd, Ledbury HR8 2PZ Join The Closet Yoga Club, for a truly inspiring few hours at the glorious ‘Henry’ yurt at The Nest. Starting with a beautiful vinyasa flow practice to clear the mind and reconnect our subtle body, taught by CYC founder Emily Charlton. This will lead into readiness for a gorgeous ‘freedom from anxiety’ workshop with the wonderful Ruth Adams. Finally, dream your way past the orchard to the Nest Box, where you will be eating a hearty lunch courtesy of The Nest’s talented chef, in the form of delicious buffet boards, filled with local, seasonal produce. There will be an option to let us know whether you are a meat eater, vegetarian or vegan on ticket purchase. Enjoy a chance to discuss the experience, and meet some amazing new people. All levels are very welcome, but you might find it more enjoyable if you have a little prior yoga experience behind you. Contact: hello@closetyogaclub.com Cost: Early Bird £30.50, 35.50 General Admission. Price includes a 50p booking
Circus Skills Workshop & Entertainment Visit Hampton Court Castle this summer for a day learning circus skills & entertainment! An interactive, fun family day out in a workshops and a circus comedy show. The gardens, castle tours and Orangery Cafe will be open as usual, and normal entry prices apply. www.hamptoncourtcastle.co.uk Cost: Normal Admission Charges apply
Saturday 28th The Three Choirs Festival A week-long programme of choral and orchestral concerts, cathedral services, solo
and
chamber
music
recitals,
masterclasses, talks, theatre, exhibitions and walks, rotating each summer between the beautiful English cathedral cities of Hereford,
Gloucester
and
Worcester.
Highlights include artists such as The Philharmonia Orchestra, Artistic Director Geraint Bowen, Soloists Clare Hammond, Ruby Hughes and Mahan Esfahani. The full programme line up can be found at www.3choirs.org/events/2018-festivalprogramme Cost: Ticket prices vary from free to £55.00, please see the website Contact: 3choirs.org Box Office: 01452 768928
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 53 n
Our Events diary
Competition THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW
Every year, the livestock classes attract thousands of entries from far and wide promising a popular and exciting four-days of competitions. Along with the fantastic livestock and great shopping, the show provides something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, food and drink and a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays. The big attractions in the main ring will be the incredible Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery - the Queen’s ceremonial Saluting Battery of superb equestrian soldiers trained to drive a team of six horses pulling the First World War ‘thirteen pounder’ state saluting guns at high speeds. In recognition of the RAF centenary celebrations we will also have amazing aerial displays from RAF Parachute Display Teams. All taking time out of their busy active duties, the teams will be jumping into the main ring each day of the show. Returning to entertain the crowds will be the spectacular
Black
Mountains
Falconry,
Tristar
Carriage Driving, Meirion Owen and the Quack Pack, Inter Hunt Relay and much more. Reduced price e-tickets are available online now. For tickets and info call 01982 553683 or visit www.rwas.wales.
www.RWAS.WALES
To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket for The Royal Welsh Show, simply fill out the entry form with the correct answer to the following question:
Answer: Name:
How Many Days Does The Royal Welsh Show Run For?
Address: Tel:
Send your answers in a sealed, stamped, addressed envelope to: The Royal Welsh Show WVN, PW Media & Publishing Ltd, 2nd Floor, Richardson House, New Street, Worcester,
Email:
WR1 2DP. Closing date for entries is 18th July 2018. n 54 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018
If you DO wish to receive information on forthcoming events, news and offers from The Royal Welsh Show please tick this box
t @WyeValleyNow | G Wye Valley Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 55 n
n 56 | Wye Valley and the Marches Now | Issue 80 | July 2018