Issuu

T he Leominster News

August 2021 £1

The local monthly for the Leominster area including Bodenham, Brierley, Dilwyn, Eardisland, Eye, Ford Bridge, Ivington, Kimbolton, Kingsland, Luston, Monkland, Nordan, Orleton, Pembridge, Shobdon, Stoke Prior, Weobley & Yarpole

HAMPER FAYRE A visit to Hamper Fayre, by the Bridge in Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, will reveal an array of products sourced both locally and from further afield. We are supporting Local Artisan Producers from Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire wherever possible, as we believe in supporting local families and the local economy. If you want to create a bespoke Hamper as a Gift for a Friend or Loved One then please come and choose from either Traditional Wicker Hampers or from a variety of Eco Friendly Kraft Hamper Boxes and fill them with items of your own personal choice to precisely suit the tastes of the lucky recipient! But remember... anything can be bought individually as we are a normal shop as well! You don't have to buy a Hamper! Choose from Artisan Chocolates, Terrines, Pâtés, Cheeses, Savouries, Nibbles, Jams and Pickles, Cakes, Confectionery and Snacks.

We can arrange for you to collect from the Shop if you want to personally present the Gift, or we can arrange for it to be shipped to anywhere in the UK by DHL Couriers. We have a range of Quality Fine Wines suitable for all occasions and palates, backed up by a huge array of Local Beers, Ciders and Spirits.

Opening Times: 10.00am to 4.00pm Tuesday to Saturday inclusive. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Visit Us: Hamper Fayre 59-61 Teme St Tenbury Wells WR15 8AE

The Leominster News

CONTENTS AUGUST 2021

REGULARS

NEWS & FEATURES

Photo Quiz. Do you know where this is? Mayor's Blog

Leominster Meeting Centre Fete

Pioneering in Leominster

Mortimer Ramblers August Events

Orleton & District Gardening Club

Quiz. How many can you get right? Deputy Mayor's Blog Leominster Ramblers

10% off for Leominster News Readers

DIT Shakespeare News from Plantastik

Leominster in Bloom

The Battle of Mortimer's Cross

News from The Priory Bertie Bargates Update

Leominster Festival weekend

A Question of Endurance

Clive Thomas's Life Story

Civic Society: The Royal Oak

Yucca in Bloom!

18/19 Leominster Town Council update 21

Grannie's Snippets

Leominster Primary update

Answers: Photo Quiz and Quiz

County Councillor's Column

FRONT PAGE Dahlias - one of the glories of summer!

FULL PAGE PROMOTIONS 2

Hamper Fayre

Herefordshire Council: Care Heroes

ECHO: Leominster Creativity

Community Weekender at The Rodd

Oak Tree Funeral Services

Services for Independent Living

ANLX: Full Fibre Broadband

Deadline for advertising and editorial in the September issue is August 15th! email: leominsternews@gmail.com Enquiries: 07484 627841 (10am-6pm)

online: www.leonews.co.uk twitter: @LeominsterNews

 @Care Heroes

 @heroes_care

 @careheroes

PHOTO QUIZ by Will Pridie Where can you find this plaque, commemorating a battle in 1052?

The answer is on page 25

The Leominster News is on twitter. Why not follow us?

@LeominsterNews

LOWER HOPE GARDEN VISIT DATES

Mayor's Blog From July 1st the government furlough grant reduced to 70% with the employer required to make up the remaining 10%, changing in August to a grant of 60%, with businesses required to make up the remaining 20% of workers' wages. Employers are still required to pay national insurance and pension contributions. Countless businesses have benefited from the furlough scheme, allowing them to retain their staff and not have to worry about redundancies. Since I wrote last time I have attended the annual big street quiz, big green family fun day on the Grange, many thanks to all that organised it, it was a great day, Leominster Songs of Praise 'to celebrate 50 years of Westfield School' at the Priory Church, in the evening the Mayoress and I went to the Priory to see the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra play, it was a very good evening. Monday we raised the flag to toast the NHS. Meetings: I have attended the last month are Steering Group, Queen's Canopy, meeting the Hereford Chief executive, Environment, Planning, Communications, Mayor's Meeting in Hereford, full council meetings, Mayors Charity market Ludlow and opening the fete at Monkland. In last month's mayor's blog I wrote that I was looking forward to meeting you all and that I would be available for one to one meetings in the Tourist Information Office from 10.30am to 12 noon. These meetings take place on Fridays so if you would like to visit or have any queries you would like to raise or discuss, please feel free to pop in and say hello. Until next time, please stay safe! Cllr John Rumsey, North Ward, Mayor of Leominster johnrumsey@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk

NGS and Charity Days 2021 www.lowerhopegardens.co.uk  Sunday 8 August (charity)  Sunday 12 September NGS 5 acres of beautiful gardens and wildlife lake. Open 2pm – 5pm. Toilets available, but bring your own refreshments. Entrance £7.50 adults and £2 children. Assistance dogs only. CASH ONLY PLEASE

because “there's no place like home” Services Available • Personal Care and support • Social & community inclusion • Respite Care & Carer breaks • Domestic assistance • Rehabilitation Support • Transport & Escort for appointments • Assistive Technology Support & Welfare Checks • Key Holding & Emergency contact

Lower Hope, Ullingswick HR1 3JF. Signposted Lower Hope and Pencombe from A417.

01568 600523 info@mortimerhomecare.co.uk 5

About Face Theatre Company Leominster Creativity for long periods. But did this stop the creativity? Not a chance" About Face, in fact, led the drive to online, virtual work across ECHO, so that all the About Face groups quickly developed online projects, with support from the Arts Council Emergency Support Fund. About Face Theatre Company is just one of a handful of UK theatre companies working with learning disabled actors .

These included devising and performing an online play, developing a virtual portrait exhibition, a digital artwork project exploring identity, another

About Face is part of the ECHO charity and provides a wide range of opportunities for people with learning disabilities to grow in con!dence through performance based skills.

Covid and lockdown obviously had a massive impact on the About Face projects – performance venues closed, festivals were cancelled and the actors themselves were unable to meet and work together

dance, music and storytelling. Asked about plans for About Face, Artistic Director Jess MacKenzie commented, “We have two shows in repertoire ready and are open to bookings from festivals and theatre venues locally and further a!eld. Also, we are just putting the !nishing touches to a new forum theatre performance designed for schools. This explores themes around Hate Crime, enabling young people to engage with the around theme of isolation and much more. About Face has always seen itself as being a part of the life of the Leominster community and

issues through theatre, and will be available for schools bookings from the Autumn. being ‘back to work’ has quickly shown evidence of that. Above (from top): Creation; At Hay Festival; Performance at Hereford Courtyard. Right (from top): From virtual exhibition It’s About Faces: Online performance The Story of Ada and Little Mary Far right (from top): Our Man in the Moone; The company at their Leominster rehearsal venue

For example, About Face has recently been involved in a performance of ‘Our Man in the Moone’ in Leominster, with Everybody Dance, a Herefordshire based Community Dance Company. This culminated in an outdoor spectacular of theatre, aerial

I think About Face is vitally important to Leominster, as it not only provides an innovative, quality range of opportunities but creates a platform to raise social consciousness about this marginalized and often excluded sector of society”. For more information, examples of About Face’s work and touring plans, please visit their website: www.aboutfacetheatre.co.uk/

Mortimer Ramblers Did you know that in Herefordshire there are more miles of public rights of way (footpaths to you and me) than there are of roads? On them, there are an estimated 8,500 stiles! Inevitably these are regularly encountered on rural walks. Gradually they are being replaced by ‘kissing’ gates, for which I am truly thankful. Membership of Mortimer Ramblers gives walkers a passport to join any Ramblers’ walking group anywhere in the country and stile spotting as you travel can be great fun. Stiles are very varied and are uniquely British. Some of the most attractive forms are the stone steps, integral to a stone wall, familiar on moors in Yorkshire. Most stone stiles are ancient and very long-wearing, however they are rarely found in Herefordshire. You will need to visit the Cotswolds for squeezer stiles which have a V-shape that allows the

August Events courtesy of Leominster Tourist Information Centre (01568 616460)

All month: Get Set Go Activities. NT Croft Castle, Yarpole 1st: Scarecrow Sunday & Brampton Bryan Castle Tours. Brampton Bryan, SY7 0DH. 11am-5pm 1st: Outdoor Theatre, Wonder with Grimm. Burton Court, Eardisland 5pm. 01544 388222 2nd – 30th: Art Exhibition, David Ferrero. The Old Stable Gallery, Corn Square, Leominster. 01568 616460 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, 26th: Summer Holiday Activity Club. Oaker Wood Leisure, Kingsland. Book at oakerwoodleisure.co.uk/holiday 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th: NGS Open Garden. Ivycroft, Ivington Green, Leominster. 10am-4pm. £5 Booking essential at ngs.org.uk 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th: Trevor Hill’s Exotic Animals. Hampton Court Castle, Bodenham 6th: Friends of Leominster Library, talk by Alf Jenkins, 7pm. See page 24 6th: Swan Brewery Tasting Day. Swan Brewery, Brunel Road, Leominster 10am-7pm. 01568 617709

passage of human legs but not sheepy bodies. Where there are instances of deer roaming, users can be expected to climb a high A-frame ladder stile that clears an 8ft fence. Handrails are usually then available to assist the nervous. Once in a while a comedy interlude appears when a pointless stile stands forlornly unattached, with no sign of fences or hedges nearby to separate. A brave soul will often give them a go and they can be remarkably secure. Maybe that is why they are still there! Without exception, stiles only permit one person at a time and so they can slow down the progress of a walking group such as Mortimer Ramblers - quite often a welcome opportunity for a breather and for the backmarker to catch up! They are an essential adjunct to the full use of our public rights of way, with a minimisation of inconvenience to landowners. Their variety only adds to the experiences of a walk. Of course, the principal reason for our existence is to organise and enjoy group walks throughout the whole of North Herefordshire and beyond. We also like to support local enterprise, especially during these difficult times, and so we often try to wind down after a walk with a drink in a pub or cafe. During Leominster Festival week, we walked a short section of The Herefordshire Trail, before joining our local Swan Brewery Taster Day for a wellearned pint (ale or lemonade!). Another of our July walks ended with a visit to Stocktonbury Gardens for tea and scrumptious cakes. I do keep trying to tempt you to join us, you would be very welcome! More walks are being planned each week, so for more information visit www.herefordshireramblers.org.uk and click on Mortimer, or go to www.ramblers.org.uk or Mortimer Ramblers Facebook page, or email jenatkins@btinternet.com - or ring me on 01568 620138. Jen Atkins, Secretary, Mortimer Ramblers

7th, 8th: Community Weekender, The Rodd. See page 8 8th: Lower Hope Garden open for charity, 2pm-5pm. See page 5 8th, 29th, 30th: Trevor Hill’s Falconry Display, Hampton Court Castle, Bodenham 13th, 14th, 15th: Brimfield Community Weekend. See page 16 13th, 20th, 27th: Bullocks Arms Pop Up Pub. Swan Brewery, Brunel Road 10am-7pm. 01568 617709 13th & 27th: Teen Activity Days. Oaker Wood Leisure, Kingsland. Book at oakerwoodleisure.co.uk/holiday 14th: Orleton Garden Club Show, 1.30-3pm, see page 13 14th: Agincare Fete Fundraiser for Dementia UK. The Grange, Leominster. 11am-3pm 14th: Leominster Farmers Market. Corn Square, Leominster. 9am-1pm 15th: Nepali Bhoj and Auction. Cawley Hall, Eye Lane, Luston HR6 0DS 5pm. 07970 627770 19th: Trip to Monmouth and Llanover Hall Gardens. See page 14 21st: Garden Party, Moravian Church, 10am-2pm. See page 17 21st: Leominster Cider & Beer Festival, 10am-8pm, Grange Court. Bartestree Cider, Innocent Pilgrim, Swan Brewery, Not Just a Bagel 7

Deputy Mayor's Blog What is The Queen’s Green Canopy? The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree-planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022; it invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.” Everyone, from individuals to Scout and Girl guiding groups, or villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates, is encouraged to play their part to enhance our environment by planting trees from this October, when the tree planting season begins, through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022. Leominster already has plans for planting many trees provided by the Environment Agency as part of their work to improve Leominster’s northern flood defences. There is also a plan to raise funds to plant new street trees in some of the empty tree pits Leominster Rambling Club (LRC) has enjoyed a variety of interesting and along Leominster’s streets. Trees help improve varied walks since resuming its walks programme this year. Among places air quality, so they are a practical way to help visited recently have been Titterstone Clee Hill, Wenlock Edge, Brecon combat vehicle pollution on the heavily-used Beacons, Woolhope, Ludlow, and Bewdley. Pictures from many of our A44 through our town. They also contribute to walks are posted on the LRC Facebook page. At the time of writing, the our public realm by making the environment walks programme for August and September is still being finalised, and more attractive for walking, providing shade further information will be posted on Facebook when available. All walks and bringing the natural world into our streets. take place on a Thursday. We have recently welcomed several new Edward Harley OBE, Her Majesty’s Lordmembers, and if anyone wishes to come along on one of the walks to see if Lieutenant of Herefordshire, said “The Queen’s it suits them, please do not hesitate to get in touch. For further details Green Canopy is a wonderful way to mark Her message Admin on Facebook, or ring Bernard on 01568 720014 or Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, which celebrates a Rosemary on 01568 611107. remarkable 70 years on the throne – the Bernard Ashley longest of any monarch in this country. This Treasurer and Membership Secretary LRC initiative will promote the importance of trees for the environment in a sustainable and relevant way and, it is hoped, thousands of trees will be planted across the Are you looking for: county.” Wooden Crafts; Hand painted or carved Deputy Lieutenant Patrick Wrixon will be supporting us here in Leominster, signs; Local History DVDs, CD or working with a campaign team who will help with guidance for all interested History Books of Titterstone Clee Hills parties, from budding silviculturists to experts, on the best trees and where to & North Herefordshire Villages; Guided tours of the Clee Hills & Orleton Village; plant them. Packs of free trees for community groups and schools are available or Lectures by a Shropshire Lad? from the Woodland Trust on a 'first come first served' basis. Orders must be in Contact Ann and Alf Jenkins Publications: by 25th August for this year’s planting season so don’t delay - visit: email alfjenkins07@gmail.com or ring www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities 01568 780398 or call and see us at The Damsons, SY8 4HW. Trish Marsh

Leominster Ramblers

QUIZ

The answers are on page 25

1. To the nearest million, what was the population of Greece in July 2021? 4 million 7 million 11 million 18 million 2. Which Beatle was born at 9 Madryn Street, Liverpool? John Lennon Ringo Starr Paul McCartney George Harrison 3. When Smokey Sings was a 1987 hit for which band? A Flock Of Seagalls Tears For Fears ABC Roxy Music 4. In which 1979 James Bond movie does Michael Lonsdale play Hugo Drax? For Your Eyes Only Live And Let Die A View To A Kill Moonraker 5. Which England footballer did Joy, of the Beverley Sisters, marry in 1958? Bobby Moore Billy Wright Tom Finney Gordon Banks 6. Jimmy Corkhill was a character in which long-running series? Brookside Crossroads Eastenders Home And Away 7. Burnley is in which county? Durham Yorkshire Lancashire Kent 8. What is a papaya? A fruit A car A island A small mammal 9. How many Olympic gold medals has Seb Coe won? 1 2 3 4 9

The Beatles Statue, Liverpool

Business Profile

OAK TREE FUNERAL SERVICES Independent Family Owned Funeral Directors Conveniently situated in the centre of the town's cemetery, Leominster Cemetery Chapel has been one of the Chapels of Rest of Oak Tree Funeral Services since the building was restored to use by the firm’s founder Mr Bill Rowlatt at the beginning of this millennium. Bill is still involved in the business, although he stepped down as proprietor just last year. We are delighted that we remain a traditional independent family owned funeral directors serving the local community, as the new owners are another wellknown family firm, A.W. Hughes & Son. The wellestablished team at Oak Tree Funeral Services has been able to take up the new challenges presented by the 2020 pandemic smoothly and efficiently. Despite the recent restrictions, it is comforting that we are still able to offer a wide range of choices to families making arrangements for their loved one’s final resting place. These include Crematorium services, grave-side ceremonies and local churches of all denominations, as well as other faiths and non-religious arrangements. We work closely with green burial sites such as Humber Woodland of Remembrance and with many different Celebrants, offering numerous options whether or not religious beliefs are important to an individual. We can help to access information on the most eco-friendly products and arrangements. Each funeral is arranged to individual requirements, and guidance given every step of the way. Increasingly we have found that more people are giving consideration to their own arrangements for the future.

Our experienced and dedicated team members are available to assist and advise both individuals and families through the arrangement process, offering support during a difficult time, and are contactable 24 hours. A noobligation initial chat can help remove some of the fears and 'unknowns' about funerals; we are very willing to speak with anyone wanting to make enquiries, and for convenience can visit you in your own home, if you so wish. Currently our three funeral directors are Dick Allford, Terry Holden and Gill Layton. Between us we hold decades of experience of working with people both within the funeral service field and in other spheres, including local policing (with service as a Family Liaison Officer and Deputy Coroner's Officer), agricultural sales, and church administration. Each of us is involved in voluntary roles within our local communities - all enjoying shared participation with neighbours and friends. We tend not to consider our Funeral Director role as a job, but as a privilege to meet with fellow members of the community to help them through a particularly difficult time. Similarly members of our wider team are caring people. Team members can be contacted on 01568 250030 and are willing to address any questions or to help guide you. Our motto is ‘We promise to care for you and those you love from the moment you contact us.' 10

Meeting Centre Fete Leominster Meeting Centre held a garden fete on Saturday 3 July. The threatened rainstorms stayed away, except for a light, short shower, and friends and supporters of the Centre enjoyed a lovely afternoon of activities and entertainment. A soft toy tombola, a bottle tombola and a raffle saw many receive a surprise win. A table of crafts, including many items produced during the Centre's craft days, such as bunting, bottle lights and button pictures, provided enjoyable browsing and a produce stall offered chutneys, jams, fresh herb bunches and posies. The cake stall did a rapid trade as soon as the doors opened with Fairy Cakes, Bakewell tarts and large muffins on offer. Shetland ponies Tilly (mum 13yrs old) and Dolly (daughter 9yrs old) grazed peacefully outside, occasionally whinnying from their pen, in seeming appreciation of Jenny Pipes Morris enthusiastic dancing and music.

The organisers said "Thank you to everyone who donated items, helped out and attended the fete. It was a great success and a really fun afternoon. So far £1157.10 has been raised!" Leominster Meeting Centre is all about helping people and families adjust to living with dementia by offering exercise, educational sessions, one-toone meetings with support workers and advisers, as well as therapeutic activities and having fun! Activities planned for July included bingo, a trip to Ralph Court Gardens, bowling and lunch at Grove Golf & Bowl, karaoke, a music quiz, country and western line dancing, reminiscence sessions and more! Lucy Dell

Thursday 19th August Travelarts: new day trip Small group tour to Monmouth and a private guided tour of

Llanover Hall Gardens with afternoon tea, as seen on TV with Carol Klein on Britain's Best Gardens. £49 per person. Coach departs Leominster bus station at 9.30am. To book call Justin Lewis on 01568 613836 or email justintourmanager@gmail.com or phone Leominster Tourist Information Centre on 01568 616460

team of Money Mentors ready to accept clients at Leominster’s new Community Money Advice Connect Centre over the summer. As we open our doors we will be giving local people access to free budgeting and debt advice. Leominster Food Bank has also become a Talk Community Hub, helping people in our community to access well-being support.

Pioneering in Leominster Have you seen the Messy Church banners and wondered what it’s all about? Messy Church is a form of church for children and adults that involves creativity, celebration and hospitality. It's primarily for people who don't already belong to a church and it meets at a time that suits people who don't already belong to church. After a long season of delivering Messy Church ‘bags at home’ and connecting with families over Zoom It has been great to restart Messy Church outside, with an after-school session in The Priory Churchyard in June. This was followed by a Messy Church drop-in at the Big Green Festival Fun day in July, where we joined in with the eco theme by upcycling donated ceramic plates and making percussion instruments from used beer bottle lids and sticks. We are looking forward to three Messy Church afternoons in July during the beginning of the summer holidays – an opportunity for families to be creative together; this time with a fruity theme as we explore the Fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5:2223). On a sunny afternoon in June we enjoyed filming some Open the Book Bible stories with our Open the Book team for some of our local schools. Our Open the Book Teams usually visit Ivington and Kimbolton Primary Schools, where pupils join in with the participatory Bible Stories. While we haven’t been able to go into school, we’ve got used to filming the stories over Zoom, so it was a treat to be outside in the sun as we re-enacted the wedding at Cana where Jesus turned water into wine! At Leominster Food Bank we have been busy training our

David and Kathy Bland Licensed Pioneers at Leominster Priory and volunteer managers for Leominster Community Money Advice Connect Centre

HealingHeartSpace Deeply relaxing massage and Reiki. Experience relief from: Neck and shoulder pain, Lower Back pain, Headaches, Grief, Anxiety, Depression.

Lisa 01568 368907 lisawinddancer@gmail.co.uk www.thebodyclinicleominster.co.uk

Orleton & District Gardening Club On 29 June Orleton and District Gardening Club held its annual plant sale at Orleton Village Hall. This had been postponed for almost two months because of the pandemic and in order to comply with Covid restrictions could not be held inside the village hall as usual but in the car park. Trestle tables were set up parallel with the hall, leaving plenty of space for visitor parking. Donations were invited from 2 pm and the sale opened at 4pm. This was the first event that the gardening club had been able to put on since February 2020 and after the privations of the pandemic members and visitors were delighted to rub socially-distanced shoulders and catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. The sun shone and the afternoon became very warm requiring emergency water rations for some plants which were wilting in the heat! A wide variety of plants were offered for sale including vegetables, soft fruit, herbs, flowers, shrubs, succulents and houseplants. As usual the plant sale offered an opportunity, not only to buy plants, but also to swap hints on cultivation and

SKODA

propagation. The outside venue was pronounced a success leaving plenty of space for visitors to view and select plants. Although the club was not allowed to offer refreshments this year and did not have its full complement of stalls, the plant sale was well attended and helped to raise funds for the club. The Club would like to thank everyone who donated plants and all who eschewed the rival attractions of Wembley and Wimbledon to attend and make the afternoon a success. The gardening club looks forward to resuming its regular talks and events at Orleton Village Hall on the last Tuesday of the month and extends a warm welcome to all. Our 39th Annual Show is to be held on Saturday August 14th, 1.30 - 3pm, Orleton Village Hall, all welcome! Please see the advert (below) or our website for details: www.orletongardeningclub.co.uk Ghislaine Arundale

Competent Gardener wanted for regular

KODIAQ 18 18 KODIAQ 2.0 TDi Edition DSG, blue, 16,000 miles, £25,995

KAROQ 21 21 KAROQ 1.0 TSi SE, silver, 750 miles, £23,995 20 70 KAROQ 1.0 TSi SE, grey, 250 miles, £23,250 18 18 KAROQ 2.0 TDi SE 4x4 DSG, stunning green, 47,000m, £19,495

YETI 17 17 YETI 2.0 TDi SEL, beige, 25,000 miles, £14,995 15 15 YETI 1.2 TSi S, green, 25,000 miles, £12,495 15 65 YETI 1.2 TSi SE, black, 53,000 miles, £11,995 14 64 YETI 1.2 TSi SE DSG, gold, 40,000 miles, £10,995 12 12 YETI 2.0 TDi SE, red, 74,000 miles, £7,495

FABIA 19 19 FABIA 1.0 TSi SEL, grey, 29,000 miles, £11,995 18 18 FABIA 1.0 TSi SEL, grey, 29,000 miles, £9,995 16 16 FABIA 1.2 TSi SEL Estate, white, 30,000 miles, £8,995 13 13 FABIA 1.2 TSi Scout Estate, blue, 47,000 miles, £6,250 14 64 FABIA 1.6 TDi SE Estate, blue, 60,000 miles, £5,995 14 64 FABIA 1.2 SE, blue, 61,000 mile, £5,750 13 13 FABIA 1.2 TSi Elegance, beige, 80,000 miles, £5,250 12 12 FABIA 1.6 TDi SE Plus, blue, 75,000 miles, £4,450 09 59 FABIA 1.6 SE Estate DSG, green, 40,000 miles, £4,250 10 10 FABIA 1.4 TDi Level 3, blue, 92,000 miles, £3,995

CITIGO 20 20 CITIGOe iV all-electric auto, white, 3,000 miles, £19,995 18 18 CITIGO 1.0 SE, beige, 12,000 miles, £8,250 18 18 CITIGO 1.0 SE, red, 16,000 miles, £8,250 16 66 CITIGO 1.0 SE, silver, 19,000 miles, £6,450 17 67 CITIGO 1.0 Colour, red, 4,000 miles, £7,995 15 65 CITIGO 1.0 SE, red, 14,000 miles, £5,995

OCTAVIA 17 67 OCTAVIA 1.6 TDi SE Tech Estate, grey, 53,000 miles, £11,495 12 12 OCTAVIA 1.6 TDi Elegance Estate, grey, 120,000 miles, £4,750

STRANGERS IN THE CAMP 12 12 VW UP! 1.0 SE, red, 35,000 miles, £4,595 13 63 SEAT IBIZA 1.4 16v SE, white, 57,000 miles, £4,450 09 09 KIA PICANTO 1.0 SE, blue, 70,000 miles, £2,250

OVERTON SERVICE STATION HEREFORD ROAD, LUDLOW. 01584 872584 13

work 2-4 hours fortnightly. Should be skilled in both power tool and manual implements and knowledgeable about seasonal procedures and best practice. The garden itself is one mile from Leominster town centre. Interested applicants should telephone 01568 612607 for further information.

Leominster in Bloom The Junior Bloomers have excelled Leominster Our themselves in our Spring competition for schools and young people. Their work can News be seen throughout the town in empty #37 ISSN 2752-5961

Deadline for the next issue is August 15th. But sooner is always better and advertising space should be booked as early as possible.

Stockists

shops, at First 4 Mortgages and at the Railway Station. Every entrant has been presented with a certificate and a specially designed “I am a Leominster Junior Bloomer” badge. Shops were invited to take part in “Wish You Were Here” - you have probably noticed all the seaside-themed windows in town. They really cheer up the town.

(subject to change)

IN LEOMINSTER Aladdin's Castlefield Stores Etnam News Fletcher’s Newsagent Grange Court Parry's Fruit & Veg Roundabout Stationery Savery's South Street Stores Stitches Tourist Information Centre

OUTSIDE LEOMINSTER Eardisland: Village Shop Kingsland: Post Office & Shop Luston: Quarry Farm Shop Orleton: Post Office & Stores Weobley: Costcutters The Leominster News is distributed by Chris, Lucy & Val.

Throughout July, Heart of England in Bloom ('HOEIB') judges have been visiting our entries for the “It’s Your Neighbourhood” campaign. This campaign encourages people to work together and improve their area. Well done to the Allotments, Arkwright Court, Eaton Barn, Grange Court, Echo Priory and the Bupa home for all their hard work

and also to our judges who have visited Leominster six times. We wish you all the best and eagerly wait your results in September. For Leominster in Bloom (LiB), we have to submit our entry online this year. Thirty pages of information and photographs have to be collated and presented according to guidelines set down by HOEIB. Work is progressing well and will be sent off before the end of July. Lastly, BBC Hereford & Worcester would like to liaise with LiB regarding their “Proud to Pick” litter campaign. They aim to collect 8000 bags of litter throughout the county. Litter is a blot on the landscape and immensely damaging to our wildlife. Let’s all do our bit, whether it be collecting litter, or not leaving it in the first place. This county is too beautiful for litter! Romey Worthington For Leominster in Bloom

Contact Us leominsternews@gmail.com twitter: @LeominsterNews 07484 627841 (10am-6pm, not Sunday) www.LeoNews.co.uk Post: Chris Dell, Aston Bank, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8LW Editor & Publisher: Chris Dell Deputy Editor: Lucy Dell

LEOMINSTER MORAVIAN CHURCH

South Street Leominster HR6 8JH Minister: Rev. Lorraine Shorten Tel: 0121 572 7078 For today's Daily Watchword, bookmark the following: www.moravian.org.uk/provincial-life/information/daily-watchwords 14

Letter to the Editor

10% off for Leominster News Readers

Letters are welcome but should generally be no more than 300 words. Publication is not guaranteed and letters may be edited before publication. Please include your name, address and phone number. Your address and phone number will not be published unless you ask us to. Letters should reach us by the 15th of the previous month and should be emailed to LeominsterNews@gmail.com Relevant images are welcome. Any views expressed in letters are those of the author(s).

I hope everyone is enjoying the sun and the longer days. I would like to introduce myself: my name is Lisa Adshead and I moved to Herefordshire last July from Devon. After a period of time settling into what seems to be an equally beautiful area, I feel blessed to have begun practising Massage and Reiki at 'The Body Clinic' on West Street, here in lovely Leominster. I qualified in massage and Reiki over 20 years ago. I was previously a very popular therapist at the Totnes Natural Health Centre in Devon, the longest-running natural health centre in the UK. My intention as a therapist is to create a nurturing space where I can help you to relax and feel more at ease physically and emotionally. I hold a safe, supportive space which allows you to gently switch from giving and responding to others to receiving and becoming more aware of your own needs. Conditions that I can help with include neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, headaches, stress, grief, anxiety, depression. If you would like to start a journey of self-care with me, I am offering a 'Welcome' discount of 10% off any treatment in August if you bring the Leominster News with you. I very much look forward to meeting the lovely people of Leominster. Here is a testimonial from a past client "Lisa's natural generosity and empathy enhances her deep, sensitive touch. I felt cared for on every level." - Rosie, Devon. Testimonial from a current client: "Lisa is a dedicated professional who in the gentlest way solves the deepest problems. I have no hesitation in recommending her." - Mr A. I hold an enhanced DBS and professional body membership.' Lisa Adshead .

News from The Priory We were very pleased to host the Leominster Festival Civic service at the Priory again this year. As well as the festival, we were able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Westfield School. It was a joyful occasion, with children’s choirs from the Priory, Earl Mortimer College and Westfield all making wonderful choral contributions - signed as well as sung! The children from Westfield then read some of the poems they had written about what their school means to them. We were also treated to a solo performance of Bridge Over Troubled Water by a Westfield 6th form student, accompanying herself on the keyboard. A truly memorable, heart warming service. And the finale was going into the churchyard and singing hymns together with a brass ensemble - the first time we have sung as a congregation for many months! Ceri Hibbert

Bertie Bargates Update It will come as no surprise that the recent weather has made it difficult for our specialist volunteer company, “P&R Bespoke Fabrications”, to work on the removal of decades of crumbling paint from the kiosk, which weighs 720kg. Pete and Ross have managed to get most of the paint off the cast-iron frame, almost ready for the primer, ahead of the undercoat - which is an eye-catching pinkish vermillion in colour! Kindly, the paint has been donated by the paint manufacturers’ federation. All the window panels have been removed and 72 new toughened glass pre-shaped replacements are ready for installation in due course. Some welding is necessary to repair a large window frame, and the wooden door, which is in a poor state, has been taken away for restoration. The organisers are very grateful for Ross and Pete donating their expert knowledge and enthusiasm. This is clearly not a job for amateurs. With just over half the required funding achieved, we should be able to complete Phase I of restoring the kiosk to get it clean, re-glazed and repainted, and in a suitable state to accommodate the defibrillator machine. All that remains is to raise the balance of the funds needed for Phase II which includes the purchase and installation of the machine itself. We are very grateful for the support being shown by the Leominster Community. Courtesy of Leominster Town Council 15

and the Tourist Information Centre Manager, a Coffee and Cake morning was held on 17th July in the Secret Garden of the TIC in Corn Square, with a large selection of cakes made and donated by Jan of “Just VW Desserts”, supplemented by cakes made by members of “Leominster in Bloom”. Other fund-raising activities are being planned but you can donate by following the link to Just Giving on our website" www.bertiebargates.co.uk Chris Hodson

Clive Thomas's Life Story, part 31 I continued to work at Ettington Park on Saturdays and Sundays selling mostly weddings but also one or two birthday celebrations, and also a few company functions. I made quite a few friends and saw many managers come and go. I had been doing this job for about eight years when a new manager arrived at the hotel and she decided that she needed to make some staff redundant and called me into her office to tell me that I was to be one of them and they would pay me redundancy money. A friend of mine had a taxi and asked me if I would do a couple of days a week for him so I had a taxi test and got myself a taxi licence, and worked Friday and Saturday, and also had his car when he went on holiday. My wife had, in the meantime, transferred to working on checkout at Tesco and was enjoying it very much and making lots of friends. We were talking about both of us retiring completely and we started talking about where to live.

My wife's side of the family lived in Telford and my side of the family in Leominster and New Zealand. We decided that we would come and look for a house in Leominster as we had both lived in the area before. We looked at many houses, coming to Leominster many times, and one day we had come to my daughter's, and she told us about the house we now live in. On contacting the estate agent he said he could only give us maximum of 20 minutes as he was the only one in the office. The agent came and met us and my wife took to the house straight away; to cut a long story short we moved a month later. The day we moved, after the vans pulled up, a person came out of the house opposite and said "Hello Clive" After a short conversation I discovered that she joined St John when I ran the division in the late 1960s! KEEP WELL AND IN GOOD HEALTH This concludes the story of my life up until Judy and I moved back to Leominster in 2013

"Foxtrot 02"

West Eaton Nursing Home: A summer of sport and live music… What a summer of sport! We were swept up in football fever, festooned our home in flags and bunting and cheered on our inspiring England team. We also watched some exhilarating tennis and had a strawberry cream tea and jugs of Pimms for the men’s final. So Wimbledon and so West Eaton! Next, it’s the Tokyo Olympics and we shall be having our own mini-Olympics with themed fitness sessions and garden games. We recently spent a wonderful afternoon on the patio learning about

different Birds of Prey. Luke from Wye Valley Falconry brought his Eagles and Owls to see us. Trench the Owl was happy to be held by our residents. It was amazing to be so close to these magical creatures and to hold an owl was a dream come true for many residents. Residents have missed live music through the lockdowns, so we are having a summer spectacular of music events. Back by popular demand was Eddie Graham on keyboard and vocals. Residents sang

and toe-tapped along to classic songs from John Denver, the war years, Elvis Presley and, Kath’s favourite, Roger Whittaker. The Rock ‘n’ Roll vibe was the perfect fit for our American diner Hamburger Day. Residents tucked into burgers and hot dogs with the works, and cola, lemonade and milkshakes. We also had a fabulous time marking the Queen's Birthday with our very own Trooping of the Colour. Music from Simon Addison, The Herefordshire Piper and sunshine and a blue sky backdrop - just perfect. Simon is joining us again to commemorate VJ Day later in the summer. We are also welcoming back Melissa Hollick with her vintage vocal nostalgia from the 1940’s and 50’s. And most recently, we enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment from Carol Rees-Jones, who travelled all the way from Aberystwyth with her two

West Eaton, Worcester Road, Leominster, HR6 0QJ 01568 610395 16

lovely dogs. Such classics as ‘Que Sera Sera’ and 'Show me the way to Amarillo’ got us all singing along and playing percussion. We love to encourage our residents to either take up new hobbies or remember old ones. We find out about residents’ lives, likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests when we welcome them to our home and compile a “See Me Story” with each resident and their family. This is regularly updated and reviewed as we get to know each individual. Helped by our “Resident of the Day” focus where everyone in the team from carers to maintenance, contribute to each resident’s well-being. One resident, Mike, recently told us how he spent his younger days playing piano accordion in various local bands. He was delighted when we tracked down an accordion on ebay and he is now entertaining us with his tunes.

Music is such a powerful thing - it is amazing how you don't forget the notes and songs. For more information about our home, please give us a call or see our website: www.heritagemanor.co.uk /locations/west-eaton/ where there is a virtual tour of our home. Best wishes from Clare Lockley, Lifestyle and Wellbeing Co-ordinator, and the West Eaton team

DIY Shakespeare

News from Plantastik

Would you be interested in a DIY Shakespeare group? Leominster Community Centre? Starting in autumn? The idea is that group members decide on a play and establish its story line. Then each member would choose a topic to investigate and share their results with the group over the next 6-8 sessions. Topics could include, for example, the social and political events of the time? Which original story, if there is one, did Shakespeare use as a basis for the play? Who indeed was Shakespeare? We will read the play and explore its language, which can be difficult to understand, and consider whether it is in verse, prose, or what? Hopefully we would find a way of seeing a video of the play we choose. Everyone is welcome: those with no particular knowledge of Shakespeare but who want to find out more and those who do know something about the Bard and who would be happy to share what they know. So, no pressure! We can all learn from each other as no expertise is needed just a delight and interest in Shakespeare. I would facilitate the group. I am no scholar or Shakespeare expert - just fascinated by him and his era. Hopefully we could all share and learn from each other. For further information contact me, Christine Oliver, on 01568 750454 or via chrishazeloh@hotmail.com

We’ve been open since May 6th at 15, West St, next door to Stepping Stones. It’s the first vegan cafe in Leominster and it's a not-forprofit community project. It’s run solely by volunteers and serves multi-ethnic vegan dishes, cakes and drinks, using surplus food that would normally be thrown away. So far we’ve had Palestinian bulgar and lentils, tofu keema curry and burritos on the menu. The chocolate cake is always the first to sell out. The community has supported us and has been very encouraging. Thank you to everyone who has donated things to us and gifted us generous donations. We appreciate it. We run out of food most days and compost most of our waste or recycle. The charity Fare Share provides us with good quality surplus food from smoked tofu to pumpkins and coconut milk. The menu is always changing because the food supplied always changes. Our generous customers buy meals for those who need a free nutritious lunch. We then pass on vouchers to the food bank. Sadly this is not working as well as we’d hoped as take up is slow. So we will now change to a simple drop in scheme which will work like this: there will be a number of free meals to give away each day. We’re open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10am - 3pm and meals can be claimed by whoever turns up (they can come with a friend) and is in need of a nutritious lunch or a nice slice of cake and a latte. The meal can be boxed up to take away. Please if you know people who could benefit from this offer, tell them! There is no need for any voucher or bit of paper. Just turn up. The other thing we’re happy about is how many lovely young people we have as volunteers. They serve, wash up and clean up for nothing. Any money we make goes to paying the bills and funding projects within the community. We have space to host meetings and can offer coffee-making facilities if there are groups in Leominster who could use our space on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Many of you will know Nori and her fabulous music evenings. We’re pleased to invite you to a musical evening with 3 course south Indian vegan menu on Wednesday September 29th from 7pm. Nori will provide the band and alcohol. Plantastik will provide the meal. It'll cost £20. We’re taking bookings at Plantastik and Nori will be sending out invitations to her usual crowd. Please come and have a well deserved night out at your local vegan cafe. It’ll be great to see you. Any ideas, comments or offers to volunteer with us you can reach us by email on plantastik@myphone.coop Hanna Woodall

For further details, please contact the Council Offices at 11 Corn Square, Leominster. HR6 8YP townclerk@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk

Leominster Town Council Update August 2021 Casual Vacancy for a Town Councillor

Art Exhibition in the Old Stable Gallery DAVID FERRERO ART EXHIBITION “ORIGINAL PAINTINGS”

CASUAL VACANCY FOR A TOWN COUNCILLOR (Leominster South) 1. There is a vacancy on the above Council in the Leominster South Ward, following the resignation of Ms Elspeth Parris. 2. Leominster Town Council will fill the vacancy by co-option. 3. If you wish to be considered for the vacancy, please contact the Town Clerk for an application form. 4. The closing date for applications will be Friday 20th August 2021. 5. Council will consider the co-option of the new Councillor at its meeting on Monday 27th September 2021. 6. If two or more candidates apply, interviews will be held prior to Tuesday 31st August. Dated: 15th July 2021 Signed: J. Debbage Town Clerk Leominster Town Council has a Causal Vacancy following the resignation of Ms Elspeth Parris. No election has been called, so the Town Council will be filling the vacancy by co-option at its meeting on Monday 27th September 2021. If you are interested in applying for the vacancy, please contact the Town Clerk for an application form. To be eligible you will need to be a British citizen, a Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of a European Union country and 18 years of age or over. In additional you will need to meet one of the following criteria: • Be on the electoral register for the Parish of Leominster; • Have lived either in the Parish of Leominster, or within 3 miles of its boundary, for at least a year; • Been the owner or tenant of land in the Parish of Leominster for at least a year; • Have your only or main place of work in the Parish of Leominster for at least a year.

DAVID FERRERO IS A SELF TAUGHT ARTIST AND PAINTS A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING PORTRAITS, LANDSCAPES, SEASCAPES AND ANIMAL PORTRAITS. ORIGINAL PAINTINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE. COMMISSIONS WELCOMED. THE OLD STABLE GALLERY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE, 11 CORN SQUARE LEOMINSTER 2ND – 31ST AUGUST (MON – SAT 9.30AM UNTIL 4PM) FREE ENTRY

Leominster ROARs Cultural Programme Leominster Cultural Consortium is a collective of local artists, creators, crafters, performers, event organisers and community groups, supported by Leominster Town Council and Historic England. The Consortium has successfully secured £85,000 of funding from Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme Scheme to promote and engage local communities in art, heritage and culture. Between now and March 2024, the Leominster ROARs Cultural Programme will provide a range of events and activities designed to celebrate the voices of Leominster’s past and present, creating a mighty roar of local creativity, pride, passion and community spirit. This is Leominster’s Cultural

Programme and we need the thoughts and ideas of local residents to help us make the most of this exciting opportunity. We have put together an online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LeominsterRO ARS) to start the consultation process. All survey respondents who register their contact details with us will be entered into a draw to win a £50 local shopping voucher! Hard copies of the survey are available from the Town Council Offices, for those who struggles to access the internet. We’ll also be holding focus groups and taster activities later in the year. Anyone who would like to get involved or learn more about the Cultural Programme activities can either submit their contact details via the online survey, or email Liz Womack (e.womack@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk) Council and Committee Meetings Meetings take place at 7pm at the Town Council Offices at 11 Corn Square, Leominster, unless otherwise indicated. Please contact 01568 611734 for further information. August 2021 Meetings: Monday 16th 6pm– Planning & Highways Committee

CONTACT THE COUNCIL Council Offices, 11 Corn Square, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 8YP Tel: 01568 611734 Office open Monday to Friday 9.30am until 1pm Town Clerk, Julie Debbage: j.debbage@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Projects & Grants Officer, Liz Womack: office@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Office Manager, Jackie Whittall: jackiewhittall@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Office Administrator, Lena Dahnsjo (primary contact for allotments and civic events): admin@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Financial Assistant, Jo Lee finance@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk

Environmental Services Supervisor grounds@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Tourist Information Centre, Tel: 01568 616460 tourism@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Events, Tel: 01568 616460 events@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk

COUNCILLOR DETAILS Leominster Town Council has 16 Councillors who represent 4 Parish Wards. Their contact details can be found below: LEOMINSTER EAST Cllr Jenny Bartlett Tel: 01568 368509 jennybartlett@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Wayne Rosser Tel: 01568 613798 waynerosser@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Adrian Marshall c/o Tel: 01568 611734 adrianmarshall@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Gillian Murdoch Tel: 01568 589287 gillmurdoch@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk LEOMINSTER NORTH Cllr Paul Davies c/o Tel: 01568 611734 pauldavies@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Patricia Marsh Tel: 01568 611909 trishmarsh@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Jon Preece c/o Tel: 01568 611734 jonpreece@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr John Rumsey Tel: 01568 620382 johnrumsey@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk LEOMINSTER SOUTH Cllr Tessa Smith-Winnard Tel: 07739 152315 tessasmithwinnard@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Russell Sutcliffe c/o Tel: 01568 611734 russellsutcliffe@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Beth Williamson c/o Tel: 01568 611734 bethwilliamson@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk VACANCY

LEOMINSTER WEST Cllr Jacqueline Herschy Tel: 07974 393692 jackyherschy@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Felicity Norman Tel: 01568 610955 felicitynorman@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Clive Thomas Tel: 01568 589398 clivethomas@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Allan Williams Tel: 01568 615365 allanwilliams@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk

The Battle of Mortimer’s Cross In the fifteenth century, a series of civil wars, known as the Wars of the Roses, was fought between the House of York ('white rose') and the House of Lancaster ('red rose') over the throne of England. One of the pivotal battles in this struggle was the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross, fought close by Kingsland, Herefordshire, in February 1461. The Lancastrian King Henry VI, king since 1822, was considered to be a feeble and stupid ruler, and the Yorkists were determined to unseat him. Richard, Duke of York, was determined to become king after Henry’s death, in place of Henry’s son Edward, Prince of Wales. Richard was killed at the Battle of Wakefield, and his son Edward of March, now Duke of York, took over the claim to the throne. Edward of York, based at Wigmore Castle, gathered an army of 5,000 men from the English border counties and Wales, and confronted Jasper Tudor’s Lancastrian army of 4,000 at Mortimer’s Cross. Little is known of the details, but the Yorkists defeated the Lancastrian army. Owen Tudor, Jasper’s father, was beheaded at Hereford; Edward of York became Edward IV in March 1461. Edward’s forces captured Henry in 1465 and imprisoned him in the Tower. Henry was restored to the throne in 1470, but Edward IV retook the throne in 1471 and returned Henry to the Tower, where he died in the same year, possibly on the orders of Edward IV. This monument (right) commemorating the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross was erected at Kingsland in 1799. The inscription reads: "This pedestal is erected to perpetuate the Memory of an obstinate, bloody, and decisive battle fought near this Spot in the civil Wars between the ambitious houses of York and Lancaster, on the 2nd Day of February 1461 between the Forces of Edward Mortimer, Earl of March, (afterwards Edward the Fourth) on the Side of York and those of Henry the Sixth on the side of Lancaster. The King's Troops were commanded by Jasper Earl of Pembroke. Edward commanded his own in Person and was victorious. The Slaughter was great on both Sides Four Thousand being left dead on the Field and many Welsh Persons of the first distinction were taken Prisoners among whom was Owen Tudor (Great Grandfather to Henry the Eighth and a Descendant of the illustrious Cadwallader) who was afterwards beheaded at Hereford. This was the decisive Battle which fixed Edward the Fourth on the Throne of England who was proclaimed King in London on Fifth of March following." Dennis Hawkins

The Monument

FAST.. EFFICIENT.. SEPTIC TANK & CESS PIT EMPTYING SERVICE

BUILDER BRICKWORK  BLOCKWORK STONEWORK BUILDING  RENOVATION LANDSCAPING RE-POINTING  PAVING

CHARLES MAIDEN WASTE DISPOSAL LTD

I can help with:

RAPID EMERGENCY SERVICE 30 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS

Building & repairs to piers, walls & door openings retaining walls, laying patios, small extensions

Tel 01885 482305 Mobile 07831 277193

No job too small – no VAT Tel: 01885 489359 or 07967 517633

Head Office: The Hortons, Thornbury, Bromyard, Herefs, HR7 4NF. 20

Grannie's Snippets My Varied Aunts Both my parents were from large families. Mother was the youngest of ten. Dad was second youngest of seven. Therefore I had a large extended family with many Aunties. Auntie Daisy, Mother's eldest sister, never married, and visited us whenever she could. She generally worked as a housekeeper, which seemed to be the fate of many unmarried women in those days. She dreamt of a Mister Right but he never came along. Auntie Flo (Florence) was always on the plump side, judging by old photos. When she was 82 years old a new young doctor told her she should lose some weight and gave her a diet sheet. She remarked to my Mother that she didn't like the diet. Mother said 'I shouldn't bother with it if I were you. You've lived to 82 without it'. So Auntie Flo dropped the diet and lived several more years. She and I both loved flowers very much, also gardening and the countryside. She had a dry sense of humour and would make some droll remarks. Auntie Carrie (Caroline) lived in the Midlands so we didn't see much of her. Sadly she died in her forties. These three were all borne in Victorian times. Auntie Marjorie was pretty and a talented pianist. I remember her playing carols at our Christmas Party when we gathered round the piano. She was married to a farmer. They lived high on a hill about a mile away from our village when I was very young. I used to like visiting them, including my three boy cousins. The farm was called Mount Pleasant and the area Hanging Grimston but I don't recall any grisly events there. Auntie Dorothy, she of the pithy sayings, lived in the same village as us, along with her husband and four children, until I was about 13. Those four cousins were more like

siblings to me as we did a lot together. Auntie Dorothy was very kind and caring and she and my Mother were very close. They were always ready to help each other. She also made delicious treacle tarts and it was a great treat to be given a piece. Dad had three sisters. Auntie Maggie married late. I believe she had a boyfriend who was killed in the Great War. She married a farmer but never had any children. She was kind and generous and lived five miles away in another village. Auntie Rose was widowed by the time I knew her and had two grown-up children. She also brought up her nephew Les, who was orphaned at only 8 or 9 years old. His whole family got TB. His mother, father and brother died of it but he got over it. This had happened before I was born. Auntie Rose was always very welcoming when we visited. She and family lived in the vicinity. Auntie Lilian was the youngest of the seven. She was a spinster who remained looking after her mother until the latter died aged 95. She loved cats and was adept at crocheting. When young in old photos she looked very pretty. Aunts by marriage: Aunt Edwina had no children and was never very easy with us. I don't think she knew how to relate to children. She wasn't unpleasant, just remote. For many years my Auntie Charlotte ran the village shop and Post Office. In later years she ran 'Social Evenings' after they moved to the next village. They were good fun for young and old alike and were held in the Village Hall. There were silly games, dances and quizzes, followed by a substantial supper. There was a Canadian aunt we never knew; mother's brother emigrated there in the twenties. Oh dear, I missed out Auntie Hilda, one of Dad's older sisters who lived at Cheesecake Farm. She was kind and generous. By the time I knew her she was widowed and my older cousin ran the farm. When young I took all my relatives for granted but I realise now how blessed I was to belong to such a large extended family. I was rather appalled when Richard and I were going to get married and he said he only had one cousin. At that time I had 76 first and second cousins. Stella Scott

Est. 1980

BROMYARD GLASS LTD

Local Family Business www.bromyardglass.co.uk

LEOMINSTER 01568 614611

Kids kicked a ball through the window? Need to get your DIY job finished quickly?

Ask about our While You Wait Double Glazed Units! Any Non-Toughened Glass, any type of Spacer Bar and with or without gas filling We'll make it while you wait! Just pop in and see us! We also supply single glazing, greenhouse glass, ceramic glass for woodburners (all also available while you wait!), other types of fire glass, decorative glass, mirrors and everything needed to fit our units or put up a mirror in our shop. You can find us on Glendower Road on the Southern Avenue Industrial Estate, HR6 0RL Like our Facebook page for exclusive discounts and offers! * Mon-Fri Only. Max quantity 3 units. Max size applies, exc Geo/Duplex bars. While You Wait Units will incur a surcharge but we will offer you a hot beverage while you wait! 21

Leominster Festival weekend Leominster Festival weekend has been hailed a success by organisers, performers and visitors alike after a series of socially distanced events went ahead across the town. The Festival Market took place on Friday 2nd July, followed by the Swan Brewery Tasting Day at their micro-brewery. The day was topped off with the Grapes Big Annual Street Quiz, sponsored by Leominster Motors. With 30 teams taking part, more than 150 people took their seat on Broad Street and enjoyed the first rain-free Street Quiz in many years. Julie Saxon and the Grape Vaults staff did a fantastic job keeping the questions and the drinks flowing and the quiz winning team, ‘They think it’s all over’ kindly donated their £50 cash prize back to the Festival. Saturday morning on the Grange was damp but volunteers were erecting tents at 6.30am to prepare the Big Green Family Fun Day. The event included free children’s activities, music and storytelling in Grange Court gardens, while on the Grange itself there were more, free kid’s activities, e-vehicles on display, stalls from Herefordshire Green Network, Woodland Trust and Herefordshire Wildlife Trust among many more. Herefordshire RSPCA ran a fantastic Dog Show, with tricks on show from All Positive Dog Services and prizes sponsored by Leominster Pet Centre. The Music Stage had acts on all day, Jenny Pipes Morris performed in their inimitable style and Earl Mortimer College Year 9 Choir gave a beautiful performance in front of Grange Court. Despite threats of rain over 700 people came along to enjoy tasty food, drinks and entertainment in the heart of Leominster. Leominster Cafe? , 35 West, was once again the venue for the Festival Poetry Slam on Saturday afternoon. Covid meant the numbers were smaller but the quality of the local poetry on display was high. Winner Josh Dyer took home the prize for his poetic performance. And finally, a wet Sunday didn’t dampen the spirits of audiences for the Fetch Theatre Puppet Show, Insect Safari which took place in the Secret Garden just off Corn Square. Young and old enjoyed the sights of many a puppetry bug and creepy crawly telling their tales and weaving their webs while at the Priory Church a celebrational Civic Service was held in honour of Westfield School. Westfield is celebrating its 50th year, an incredible legacy of support for children and young adults with severe or complex learning difficulties. The weekend was closed in style with the return of the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra to the Priory Church. Led by charismatic conductor Michael Lloyd, the performance was an emotional rollercoaster of incredible music from the awardwinning orchestra, long standing friends of Leominster Festival. Restrictions on rehearsal numbers meant that the orchestra was playing in sections, split into brass and strings with accompanying woodwind and an incredible performance from bassoonist Rebecca Eldridge. Masked, and socially distanced, the audience was visibly moved by the pieces which included a beautiful rendition of Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium and the Festival organisers are so grateful to the orchestra, and to the event sponsors The Dale Family for their unwavering support of this cornerstone of the Festival. Festival Trustee Wendy Coombey commented, “Between Covid restrictions and the weather, this year has not been without its challenges but we are so happy that we have been able to hold events again this year. We had so many local businesses involved in giving towards raffle prizes and offering their support to the Festival which is a charity, run entirely by volunteers. What a return to live events, we couldn’t be more grateful to all our supporters, volunteers and audiences for making the weekend possible.” Joanna Macleod Photography on this page and page 5 by Richard Shakespeare

A Question Of Endurance

They took to the lifeboats and headed for Elephant Island. This was only a stepping-stone to safety, and on 24th April 1916 he set off again with five chosen companions in the James Caird for South Georgia, 720 nautical miles away. The sea state was anything but friendly, and they feared for their lives. As they approached South Georgia on 8th May, the winds climbed to hurricane-force. The following day, they landed on the uninhabited south shore of South Georgia. Undaunted, Shackleton set off with two companions to trudge the 30 miles to the whaling station on the north shore, reaching it on 20 May 1916. His first task was to send a boat to the south coast to pick up the other three men. He then attempted to rescue the remaining 22 men on Elephant Island, but the pack ice was impenetrable, and eventually the Chilean government sent a boat and brought the 22 safely to Chile. Not one member of the expedition was lost, in happy contrast to the total loss of Scott’s team in 1912. Next year, Endurance22 will set off in a quest to locate the sunken Endurance, believed to be at a depth of 3,000 metres in an uncertain location. A previous attempt in 2019 was called off due to bad weather. .

In 1915 Ernest Shackleton, a seasoned Antarctic explorer, had the idea of crossing the Antarctic continent from the Weddell Sea to the Ross Sea, a distance of 1,800 miles, and proceeded to organise the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. He was an accomplished fund raiser and he soon raised enough in private donations, with some help from the British and New Zealand governments. Their ship, the Endurance, set off on 8th August and was joined later by Shackleton at Buenos Aires. In January 1915 the ship began making its way through the Weddell Sea. Before long they encountered ice, and conditions got gradually worse until on 19th January the ship was trapped. By February they realised they wouldn’t be able to release the ship soon, and the crew resigned themselves to remaining on the ship throughout the Antarctic winter. Come the spring, the ice would melt and they would continue on their way. Unfortunately, as spring arrived in September, the breaking ice began to inexorably crush the ship. The men set up camp on an ice floe, and the ship sank on 21st November. The ice floe drifted steadily, but they had no control over its direction of course, and in early April 1916 the floe began to break up. Ernest Henry Shackleton

Leominster Primary It isn’t long until the arrival of a long-awaited 6-week break for us at Leominster Primary School, and we have had a lovely summer term full of exciting events. As a whole school (and with the rest of Europe!), we have been thoroughly enjoying the European Football Championships and have been learning about all aspects of the competition. These areas include the skills involved with football itself and all about the cultures and geography of the countries taking part. Through PSHE, the children have been learning about the highly important aspects of sport such as taking part, working as a team, supporting one another and celebrating all of our achievements and differences. Every class within the school was allocated a different European country to focus on, and learn about over the past few weeks - which the children have all thoroughly enjoyed! On the final week of term, we will be having a very special Euros Celebration Day, where the children have been invited to dress up wearing the colours of the flag from their chosen country. In addition to this, there will be lots of exciting activities for the children throughout the day to enjoy. The class who were allocated the winning team of Italy, have also been rewarded with a special party! In other wonderful news, our lovely Reception classes have been enjoying learning about many different topics, including Farms and Pirates! Through the Farm topic, the children enjoyed making delicious butter by hand and were treated to some very special fluffy duckling visitors! During the Pirates topic, the classes have been busy making pirate hats and eye-patches, treasure maps using coordinates and have been balancing carefully to walk the plank! The children have had so much fun through their learning. In September, our new Reception classes will be enjoying focusing on a variety of life skills each week, including cooking and gardening which we are all very excited about! As well as this, a fantastic trim trail will be joining the Reception play area next year. We will also be creating a

Dennis Hawkins

super den-building area for the children to all enjoy and to develop their skills of working together and problem-solving. I am sure you will agree that the children have had a great final few weeks of the Summer term and have a super Autumn term ahead of them to look forward to. We bid a fond farewell to our brilliant Year 6 children and their families who are moving on to secondary school in September and wish them all so much luck. We look forward to warmly welcoming back our current children and their families and hope they all have a restful summer break. We are also are excited to welcome our new pupils and families to our wonderful school who are starting in the Autumn term. Thank you to our staff, families and local community for your support throughout the year, we look forward to being able to share with you our future news in the Autumn term and wish you all a wonderful and safe summer. Should you wish to visit our lovely school, please contact our office team who will be able to organise a suitable day and time for you. Natalie Preece

left with open windows, peeling paint work and buddleia growing from the facade. The roof is in a Leominster Civic Society, along with very bad state and there are fears concerned individuals, has been trying about the dangers of masonry to find answers to the question of the falling on people passing by. future of the Royal Oak Hotel. It is Grade The Society has written to Historic II listed and was formerly a coaching England, Herefordshire Council inn. The first-floor Regency Ballroom and Leominster Town Council would seat up to 100 people and The Royal Oak in bygone times regarding the condition of the Leominster Festival held many events The Historic Buildings Officer of Royal Oak. there. It was notable for an extending Herefordshire Council wrote “This Historic England replied [We are] minstrels gallery which was operated by building is included on the "aware of the condition of this building turning a wheel so the balcony slid out! and of its significance to Leominster. Herefordshire Council Buildings at Risk The hotel has visibly deteriorated both You will hopefully be pleased to know Register and has been identified as a before and after its closure and sale. We that it is one of the key buildings we high-risk category. We agree that it is have looked on in dismay as this once hope to target for grant aid under the one of the key historic buildings in fine building on South Street has been Leominster High Street Leominster and, like your society, are Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ). extremely keen to see it restored and The HSHAZ is a partnership put back into use. I can confirm that we between Historic England, are in active discussions with the owner Herefordshire Council and to safeguard it from further damage Leominster Town Council pending proposals coming forward for which, amongst other things, its restoration.” will provide over £2m in grant We have also learned that one of the aid for Leominster’s historic Town Councillors has had a meeting buildings over the next 3 years. with the current owners. …. At this stage it is not clear The Leominster Civic Society aims to what the owner’s plans are for make Leominster a more enjoyable the building, but with the place to live and work. availability of grant aid, it is To find out more please go to: sincerely hoped that its historic www.leominstercivicsociety.co.uk fabric can be restored and the Leominster Civic Society The Royal Oak in recent times building removed from risk.”

The Royal Oak

THE FRIENDS OF LEOMINSTER LIBRARY INVITE YOU TO A TALK AT LEOMINSTER LIBRARY (THE FIRST SUCH EVENT THERE FOR 16 MONTHS!)

ON FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST STARTING AT 7PM, BY

MR. ALF JENKINS MBE

"WAGONS TO WHEELBIERS" Interesting and amusing reminiscences about Alf’s schooldays and his father’s work as a wheelwright, a publican and an undertaker on Titterstone Clee Hill.

TICKETS: £5 EACH, AVAILABLE NOW, ONLY AT LEOMINSTER LIBRARY. MAXIMUM PERMITTED ATTENDANCE 30, SO DON’T DELAY - BUY TODAY! 24

Charlies Auto Repair Service

PHOTO QUIZ ANSWER

The plaque can be found on the wall of the Masonic Lodge in South Street. It marks the spot where there was a bridge which spanned the town's defensive ditch. It was called Battle Bridge after a battle between the Welsh and the Earl of Hereford's army in 1052. The bridge and the ditch are no more.

1 11 million 2 Ringo Starr 3 ABC

Servicing, Welding, Air Con Services, Cam-Belt Replacement, Diagnostics, Free Estimates Tel: 01568 613100 Mobile: 07702 528088 email: carsleominster@yahoo.com www.charliesautorepairservices.com RMI - TRUST MY GARAGE - IGA (Independent Garage Association)

Will Pridie

The question is on page 5

QUIZ ANSWERS

MoTs FOR CARS AND SMALL VANS

The questions are on page 9

4 Moonraker 5 Billy Wright 6 Brookside

7 Lancashire 8 A fruit 9 2

Good or Outstanding following recent Ofsted inspections. Well done to all schools, teachers, teaching assistants, head teachers and pupils. For those of us who enjoy using phone apps it is worth downloading the ‘LoyalFree’ app from the apple store or google play store. To boost the local economy Herefordshire Council has introduced the app, in partnership with award winning provider LoyalFree, to help support economic recovery in the county, by encouraging people to stay, shop and spend locally across our historic market towns and villages. Perfect for staycations and visitors alike. If you are a business owner then there is plenty of information on the benefits of signing up and advertising, all for free, on Herefordshire Council’s Loyal Free page, at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/loyalfree - it would be great to see Leominster well represented on here. More good news for business, hospitality and the visitor economy. The £6.144m Covid Recovery Plan has been approved. The economic and wellbeing recovery plan focuses on four priority areas; Business viability and resilience support such as grants and facilities will be made available, supporting the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, as well as an attractive investment location; Safe and welcoming places to encourage a return to our towns and city. Incentives such as discounts for activities, enhancements such as refurbished shop fronts and infrastructure for events, and to the wider county with investment in footpaths/ public rights of way and public seating areas; Supporting employment with advice and support for return to work, opportunities to re-skill/ change career path, and find new job opportunities will be available in a one stop shop. A new Youth Employment Hub will offer additional support for young people who are not in education, employment or training; Supporting wellbeing with opportunities for individuals, families and communities to improve physical and mental wellbeing, with free events, activities and on-line resources, and enhanced support to reduce alcohol consumption. The plan will also help continue the excellent business led visitor economy marketing and PR campaign ‘Visit Herefordshire / Feel a world away’ when the current LEP funding which ended in July. Go to www.visitherefordshire.co.uk to see the new Herefordshire website. August 6th this year marks the 76th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima in Japan. On Monday 9th August a second bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. Hiroshima Day on 6th August has become an annual event in the UK and a memorial gathering will be held at midday at the Peace Tree in Hereford Crematorium. Dignitaries and citizens gather not just to remember, but to promote peace and to celebrate the spirit of survivors and those who have dedicated themselves to ensuring that such events are never repeated, and nuclear weapons are never used again.

County Councillor's Column As I sit and write this month’s county councillor column my mind is still on the European Cup final on Sunday 11th July. What a fantastic effort from our team and manager to reach the final. We have so much to be proud of and it just shows what working together can achieve. This is the spirit that local government and public service engender, that despite our differences we all want the best for our town and county. Last month saw the return of the Leominster Festival and it was fantastic to see the town buzzing with live events again, even if numbers were restricted. The Big Green Family Fun Day on The Grange and the return of the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra to the Priory stand out for me. The Festival Civic Service celebration of 50 years of Westfield Walk School, with all the children’s choirs was such a wonderful celebration. Another milestone in covid recovery this month is the first live event at Leominster Library since before lockdown in March 2020. On Friday 6th August at 7pm the Friends of Leominster Library are hosting a talk by Alf Jenkins MBE, local historian about his life growing up on Clee Hill. Tickets are limited to 30 people and are available from the Library in the Buttercross Arcade. The Library Summer Reading Challenge for children up to the age of 12 continues until 11th September. The theme this year is ‘Wild World Heroes’ so head over to the library to pick up a free collector kit containing everything needed to take part and become a Wild World Hero. Children can read any library book of their choice; fiction, non-fiction, picture books – they all count. With the summer holidays in full swing there are a number of activities happening this year for kids. HALO are running Get Active learn to swim and Family Fun swimming sessions, funded by Herefordshire Council, check with HALO for details. Lots of activities are free for all, but on others there are free places for children if they are aged 4-16 and eligible for benefitrelated free school meals. Places can be booked here via Herefordshire Council’s Talk Community Directory website at www.talkcommunity.org/holidayactivities - well done Marcus Rashford MBE, the England football player for helping to get this government funded scheme running this summer. Some more good news for school children. Herefordshire schools have moved up to 7th place in England for Key Stage 2 performance, with 98.6% of our pupils in primary schools rated

A magnificent Yucca flowering in Leominster this summer

Councillor Jenny Bartlett MA Leominster East. Tel: 01568 368509 Jenny.Bartlett@herefordshirecouncil.gov.uk

Herefordshire Stoma Support Group Your Local Ostomies Support Group Worried? Lost? Need Support? Come and join us for an hour of friendship and sharing, get advice, find answers & make new friends. We are a non-medical group whose objective is to provide a social atmosphere where colostomates, ileostomates and urostomates and their partner/ friend/family can meet and share experiences and problems. For further information please contact: Carol Steele 01432 880656 or Mr. Val Hickin 01568 614040 or email herefordshirestomasg@gmail.com

We also have a facebook group, please ask Carol about joining. 26