Teme Valley Times Oct/Nov 2019

Oct/Nov 2019

FREE Issue No. 82

All Round Entertainment Adventure Golf Great Golf Super Bowling Fabulous Cuisine Course Now Open Floodlit Driving Range Have a Great Time, Rain or Shine, Day or Night 01568 610602 or 611777 Ford Bridge, Leominster. HR6 0LE

www.grovegolfandbowl.co.uk

facebook.com/temevalleytimes

Handbags

Scarves

Jewellery

Autumn/Winter collection now in

Hosiery

and much more

Gift vouchers available

40 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells Call 01584 811285

TENBURY APPLEFEST once again saw crowds flock to The Burgage to see the apple marquee and other attractions. For more coverage see page 14.

Deakins Fuels

HOME HEATING OIL 01588 660166

Safety in Numbers for everything tax, accounts and audit 38 Teme Street, Tenbury, WR15 8AA 110 Corve Street, Ludlow, SY8 1DJ St Matthews House, Market Street, Craven Arms enquiries@dykeruscoe.co.uk

01584 810322 01584 872421 01588 672776 www.dykeruscoe.co.uk

2

TEME VALLEY TIMES

OPEN EVENTS

WHY CHOOSE US?

Register in advance at www.hereford.ac.uk

 Outstanding examination results

Wednesday 23rd October 2019 5.00pm-8.00pm

Fantastic range of enrichment activities

Saturday 8th February 2020 9.30am-12.30pm

Good transport links

Thursday 30th April 2020 5.30pm-7.30pm

OUR LEVEL 3 COURSES 2020 Economics

Mathematics

English Language

Media Studies

Business

Environmental Science

Musical Theatre

Classical Civilisation

Geography

Physical Education

German

Politics

History (Medieval/ Early Modern)

Sociology

A Art &Design (Photography)

Computer Science Dance

Scan the QR code to view a Scan the QR code to view a short film on what to expect short film on what to expect at one of our open events at one of our open events

Sport & Exercise Science Information Technology Travel & Tourism

E-mail: sixth-form@hereford.ac.uk E E Ewww.hereford.ac.uk E

H

Hereford Sixth Form College Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1LU Tel: 01432 355166

TEME VALLEY TIMES

3

Local Awards The Michelin awards were announced on Monday 7th October at a special launch event at The Hurlingham Club in Fulham, where Raymond Blanc welcomed the new starred chefs into the Michelin family.

One of just seven new additions to the guide to receive a star was Pensons, one of this area’s newest restaurants. Somewhat unusually, Pensons is based in the countryside rather than in a town. Located in former farm buildings on the Netherwood estate, it lies between Tenbury Wells and Bromyard, on the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border. The chef is Lee Westcott.

The Charlton Arms, on the outskirts of Ludlow, secured a Michelin ‘Bib Gourmand’ award, awarded for exceptionally good food at moderate prices. Only 131 establishments received this accolade this year.

Moving further north, the Ludlow Farmshop at Bromfield was named runner up for the Best Food & Drink Business, at the Midlands regional finals of the Rural Business Awards, held at the University of Nottingham on October 4th. Farmshop Managing Director Jon Edwards said “The Rural Business Awards are held in high regard by us here at the Ludlow Farmshop and with such a breadth of talented competition in the Midlands we are thrilled to have been named as runner up.”

No Post Office for Christmas?

CHIMNEY SWEEP Andy Johnson

Certificates Issued Evening / Weekend Sweeps Stove maintenance

Tel: 01886 821933 07798 790913 www.andysweeps.com

(The House of Portugal)

We Are Back!

Tenbury’s Post Office closed in early May and for months there was no post office at all in the town. More recently, a post office in a van (a ‘mobile branch’) has been turning up once a week for about an hour and a half. Consequently many residents and businesses have been forced to drive miles, simply to post a package, or collect an undelivered item, or to return an unwanted item in a timely manner.

It was announced some time ago that SPAR had been chosen as the new home for Tenbury’s post office. Tenbury SPAR is run by Blakemore, a business that already runs a number of in-store post offices, so there is no doubt that they can do the job.

We have heard nothing official from Post Office about when the new office will open in SPAR. A number of projected opening dates have been rumoured locally, but as each date has neared, a later date has replaced it.

It is now being suggested that Tenbury’s new post office won’t open until 2020, with mid-January being a suggested date. If this turns out to be correct, Tenbury will have been without a proper post office for over eight months.

We understand that the ‘mobile branch’ (which isn’t listed on the Post Office branch finder website) will visit Tenbury weekly until the counter opens in SPAR. However, with winter on its way, a ‘post office in a van’ creates the prospect of customers queuing outdoors in the rain, or in icy conditions, and with nowhere to sit.

This will be particularly difficult for the elderly and less able, some of whom may find themselves literally ‘frozen out’ from access to post office services.

Come and see us on a Thursday or Saturday Lots of Bargains!

Remember that Christmas is only weeks away!

61 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells WR15 8AE

The mobile branch in Tenbury

Local MP Harriett Baldwin has repeatedly urged the Post Office to speed up the delivery of the new Tenbury post office and she recently asked Post Office managers to explain why the conversion is being delayed at the SPAR store.

Harriett visited SPAR last month and staff Harriett Baldwin confirmed that they are ready to carry out the conversions necessary to allow the new Post Office to start trading. Harriett commented “It was really good news when the SPAR was confirmed as the site of the new Post Office but I am concerned that red tape is holding up the process of getting the service up and running.”

“I’ve asked for an update on what’s causing a hold up and I have offered my assistance if there is anything I can do to help speed this up. Tenbury people want their post office back as quickly as possible and although a temporary service is visiting the town once a week, it isn’t a viable solution for the residents and business who want a decent post office service in the run up to Christmas.”

Brimfield post office has also been closed for an extended period and local MP Bill Wiggin has again contacted Post Office to ask if a reopening date has been set.

4

TEME VALLEY TIMES

5

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Chips, Fish, Sausages, Chicken, Pies, Kebabs, Pasties, Scampi, Curries. Pickled mussels & cockles.

Open 6 days a week, lunch & evening. Closed Sundays

Collapse at Eardiston

      

On Thursday October 3rd the retaining wall that supports the footway and the A443 at the junction with Mill Lane in Eardiston collapsed and there is now traffic-light controlled alternate direction working on the main road.

Lindridge Parish Council told us "As far as we know no one was injured and it was lucky that there were no vehicles or pedestrians using Mill Lane at the time. WCC Highways have known about this for at least 4 years. The Parish Council maintains a list of outstanding Highways items and this has been chased many times. The feedback has always been 'The Retaining Wall is being monitored'.

Despite many requests the Parish Council has been unable to obtain a date for the rectification work.

"The collapse of the retaining wall has been hastened by HGV’s driving on the footway. The West bound carriageway on the A443 at this point is only 2.2m wide, HGVs are 2.4 but in practice they need 3m. If 2 HGVs meet, the driver has no choice (unless he can stop) other than to drive on the footway. The footway at this point is narrow and frightening for pedestrians especially with the threat from passing HGV’s.

"The rebuilding of the retaining wall will be a major task. It would seem a sensible solution for the road and footway width to be addressed at the same time. This has been refused on funding grounds.

"Rebuilding the retaining wall was always going to be disruptive even with a planned,

programmed contract, particularly as the A443 will have to be completely closed for some of the time. As already mentioned, the road at this point is too narrow and the rectification work will require complete closure of the A443."

Ken Pollock, the County Councillor for Eardiston, explained "We were aware of the need to rebuild the retaining wall that has

collapsed. The substantive work was held over until Severn Trent had replaced their water main under the A443. That would have required a full closure for some days, and is still scheduled for the near future.

"Because of the delay, WCC had decided to shore up the poor quality retaining wall, but the collapse pre-empted that action. As far as I am aware, a temporary fix will be implemented, allowing removal of the traffic lights, until Severn Trent are ready for their work.

"Once that is complete, WCC will rebuild the retaining wall with adequate strength and longevity to withstand the occasional overrunning of the footway by HGVs, who find the road there too narrow to accommodate two HGVs running in opposite directions at the same time."

Award for Local Firm

The Wyre Pie Company, which is based on Tenbury's business park, received a Sausage Trail award from the Ludlow Food Festival. It was placed second in the 'Plain pork' category - professional choice.

Kyre RDA Carriage Driving needs help The Kyre Group Riding for the Disabled & Carriage Driving Association is looking for a new experienced carriage driving pony. At the Tenbury Show they displayed a specification: "The pony ideally needs to be 13.2-14.2hh (Welsh section D or similar build) to fit the current carriage. Age 5 years+ with at least 2 years' experience of driving and also happy to be ridden. Calm and available one afternoon each week from late Spring to early Autumn".

The group is happy to purchase the pony or take on long term loan. Contact Helen Munro 01584 810083 if you can help.

The Kyre RDA group's stand at the Tenbury Show

6

What’s On!

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Ads start at only £10

To advertise email temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk or ring 01584 781762

Conquest Theatre Bromyard Oct 23 Oct 29 Oct 31 Nov 1 Nov 2 Nov 5 Nov 7 Nov 8 Nov 9 Nov 10 Nov 21-23 Nov 28 Nov 29 Nov 30 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 10 Dec 13 Dec 14 Jan 7

NT LIVE: A Midsummers Night’s Dream Exhibition on Screen: Leonardo’s Full Story The Northern Ballet: Dracula live screening Film: Green Book 12A NY Met: Manon ROH Concerto / Enigma Variations / Raymonda Act III NT LIVE: Hansard live screening Folk in the Foyer: Mice in a Matchbox and Sue Stevens NY Met: Madama Butterfly 42nd Street the musical Conquest Productions: Thark rib tickling farce NT LIVE: Present Laughter NY Met: Akhnaten Our Star Theatre Company: Rebecca live on stage Film: Rocket Man 15 Bromyard Choral Society: A Christmas Cracker ROH: Coppélia Folk in the Foyer: The Julie July Band Climb That Tree live on stage Oddsocks: The Adventures of Pinocchio live

For full details, many more events and online booking visit www.conquest-theatre.co.uk or contact the box office 01885 488575 Join us on Saturday mornings for coffee and a warm welcome

7pm 7.30pm 7.15pm 7.30pm 5.55pm 7.15pm 7pm 7.30pm 5.55pm 3pm 7.30pm 7pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.15pm 7.30pm 3pm 7.30pm Full disabled facilities including loop system

A new ‘Red Light District’

by Dr Ken Pollock The latest “State of Nature” Report, produced by 70 British wildlife charities, has given rise to some damning headlines: “UK in danger of losing a quarter of mammal species” was one.

Reading the actual report it is a bit difficult to see the origin of this worrying headline, given that while some species are in decline, others are increasing in abundance.

That sort of quibble rather misses the point.

We have changed our countryside in drastic ways, making it less hospitable to a variety of species which we would like to preserve. The report offers suggestions on how to do this.

Modern agriculture has drastically reduced wild areas, be they hedges and trees, or ponds and wetlands. We benefit from the cheap food produced, but now we may need to adjust. Farmers are planting more hedges and encouraging hedgerow trees. They are more selective in crop spraying that might have wiped out a whole range of insects, some of which are beneficial.

At the County Council we are constrained by laws that require us to help endangered species to survive, and ideally prosper. We try to minimise the cutting of verges, as we are a “pollinator county”, wishing to encourage the wild flowers that flourish alongside our roads.

This in turn provides food for insects, and they provide food for a variety of birds.

In addition, no infrastructure project can go ahead without an extensive ecological survey, and then appropriate measures being implemented to preserve the often unseen and unregarded amphibians, snakes and small mammals.

When the new Worcestershire Parkway railway station was planned at Norton, efforts had to be made to encourage the newts and toads to move to new areas, kept from returning by low fences. The slow worms were more problematical, so they are staying put, in the pond within the station boundary.

At Redditch Gateway, there were signs of dormice, but investigation found no colony.

Badgers did have to be moved, by offering new setts in safe places, before the old ones were destroyed by the development.

All of this is now routine, but one recent scheme is unique. The ring road to the east of Worcester, the A4440, is a busy bypass, but there is a Toucan crossing at one point, to serve the W6 business park. That needed street lighting, to safeguard crossing pedestrians, but there was a problem.

Certain species, like the brown long-eared bat,

don’t like white and yellow light, and see it as a real barrier. Our ecologist knew, however, that these bats would want to fly between two lots of ancient woodland, on either side of the road.

The solution was devised by our ecologists and our contractors, Jacobs. Three lamp standards are fitted with red lights! These species of bat can’t see that light, so it looks like a gap to them.

For motorists and pedestrians, there is no significant difference, so the road is safe. The bats, however, can fly across without concern, and this wild population can thrive without worry.

Our press office issued a notice about this, partly because it was the first anywhere except for a village in Holland, which used similar street lighting throughout. The response was amazing. Articles written in all sorts of countries, praising the County Council for being so considerate to our wild neighbours.

Most astonishing was the flood - well, a steady stream - of postcards from Canada, the USA and Norway. Each in turn thanked us for the efforts made to help the bats, and improve our world. It was quite astonishing that anyone would take the trouble to send such a card, none with a return address, so we could not acknowledge their kindness.

When the Council seems to spend most of its time apologising for being disruptive and difficult, slow and uncaring, it is nice to reflect that occasionally we get it right - and at no great cost to our council tax payers…

Dr Ken Pollock is the County Councillor (Worcestershire County Council) for Tenbury Wells

Applefest Windows

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Carole Clayton, from Tenbury Applefest, told us "Sponsors Kerry’s judged the windows and totally agreed with Tenbury Applefest Association that the standard of the windows was exceptional this year. A very difficult competition to judge with such high levels of thought and creativity behind the window designs. In the end the windows chosen were well deserving of recognition and all received a certificate with their prize money (£50, £20, £10) which was presented on Friday 4th October, so that the certificates could be displayed on Applefest Day."

The Regal was awarded 3rd prize

Number6 Cafe won 1st prize

Age UK charity shop took 2nd prize

£2m for Leominster

Government investment totalling £95 million has been allocated to help revitalise 69 historic high streets in England. Bill Wiggin, North Herefordshire's MP, reacted with delight to news that £2 million had been allocated to Leominster.

Commenting on the announcement, Bill Wiggin said “I very much welcome this biggest ever investment into our built heritage. Leominster is a wonderful and historic town with many excellent independent retailers. I am sure this money will help to benefit businesses, support our muchloved buildings and help to make this community an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.”

7

HODs at Grange Court As part of the Heritage Open Days ('HODs') event in September, Leominster town's official Ale Taster (Alan McEwen), Flesh & Fish Taster (John Stirling) and Bread Weigher (Gill Bullock) were on hand at Grange Court to educate and entertain the public about their role in the old days.

Dressed for the part you could learn about the duties of each of them and the display in the foyer gave further insights into life centuries ago.

Once the Ale Taster had approved a brew a bunch or bush of leaves was hung outside the house or inn. He was appointed by Leominster Corporation but was paid by the brewers: a Ale Taster Alan McEwen (L) and Flesh Taster gallon of ale from each, at John Stirling (R) bring the ancient roles to life Christmas and Whitsun!

Samples of jellied eels, for getting barrels from the herring soused herrings and smoked salmon ports to Leominster. were available for inspection and we There were many more historical facts were told that at that time fish eaten in to discover, including the location of Leominster would either be freshlyfive of the town's corn mills, the route caught in the town's rivers or fish of old water courses through the town, ponds, or herring caught in the North and information about 'The Assize of Sea; these would be salted into barrels Bread' - fascinating stuff! and transported to the town from Great Yarmouth or Scarborough. A map and model boats were provided for visitors to work out the best route

Jellied eels

Scarborough Herrings

8

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Friends of the Leominster Canal On the morning of Saturday October 5th, there was a good turnout for a ‘Friends of the Leominster Canal’ event. The walk included unveiling a ‘Historic England’ blue plaque recognising the significance of the Grade Two listed Teme Aqueduct, which at one time carried the canal that ran from Mamble almost to Leominster.

This historic structure, which dates back to the 18th Century, is situated on the Shropshire/Herefordshire border, not very far from the Temeside Inn. The centre arch was blown up by British forces in 1941, as a result of which the public footpath across it is currently closed.

In the afternoon the Friends held their AGM at Little Hereford village hall, after which there was a talk about the circumstances surrounding the aqueduct’s partial demolition.

Treasurer Bryan Heatley unveiled the plaque

Friends of the Leominster Canal at the unveiling

NEW SERVICE

Hanley Friday Market On October 11th, the last Hanley Friday Market took place in the Village Hall.

The market started around 23 years ago in Sapey Village Hall, organised by Margaret Upton.

In those days the market raised funds for charities such as Acorns and since the change of venue to Hanley Village Hall, a number of years ago, the market’s chosen charity has been The Midlands Air Ambulance.

Thousands of pounds have been raised over the years and organisers Carole Gardner and Margaret Upton should be congratulated for the consistent contribution the event has made to good causes over the years.

On the 11th a coffee morning raised funds for

Bromfield Sand & Gravel are now selling CONCRETE

Macmillan Cancer Care along with the usual Lucky Square board etc for the air ambulance. The hall was packed with people buying from the stalls and enjoying a chat, perhaps with coffee and cake!

It was quite remarkable the things that could be found, including freshly-baked Lamings of Bromyard bread, Sue Field’s ever-popular homemade cakes, Aloe Vera products, local dessert apples (15p each) cooking apples (20p each) and ripe conference pears (15p each). A pack of modelling balloons complete with a pump was 50p and a pack of 8 novelty Christmas coasters was £1. Also on offer were fresh eggs and Little Witley pure apple juice (Gala and Tydeman’s Early Worcester varieties).

Decorative Aggregates

Concrete Aggregates

• Bromfield Gravel • Plum Slate • Brown & Beige • Moon Stone • Golden Shingle • Cotswold • Staffordshire Pink • Criggion • Forest of Dean

Concrete Blocks • Hardstone

Building Sands

Collection or Delivery Prices on request

• Brown • Red • Yellow

Cement • Top Soil Bark • Firewood Rock Salt • Products available in bulk, ½ tonne, 1 tonne & 25 kg bags

• Concrete mixed on site • You pay for what you use • No hidden costs • No part load charges • No returns or disposal fees

Foundations & Bases for Conservatories, Garden Sheds New Builds and all Concrete enquiries Newspapers, Magazines, Maps, Cards, Toys, Sweets, Drinks, Wrapping Paper, Local Books, Laminating, Fax Service, Batteries, Stationery, Dry Cleaning, Photocopying (colour/B&W).

The Codfather Open Seven Days a Week Fish & Chips - Kebabs - Pukka Pies 6 Prospect View/Rock Lane, Ludlow

01584 875096

Free local delivery

23 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells

01584 810230

Phone Today for a quote

01584 856258

Bromfield Ludlow SY8 2JT www.bromfieldsand-gravel.co.uk

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Pensax Thrift Shop to Close

Pauline Briggs sent us the following words about the end of an era for the thrift shop.

"It is hard to believe that on Wednesday 23 October this year it will be 45 years since Pensax Thrift Shop first opened in 1974. Life has certainly changed a lot since then and, sadly, the end of October this year will mark our last opening.

"Although the Thrift Shop continues to offer somewhere to buy and sell bargains of many kinds and the mornings still buzz with friendly chat and exchange of news, we are finding it a struggle to keep opening each week. In addition, we are now pretty much the sole users of Pensax Village Hall - we feel that the writing is

on the wall.

"As a small thank you for your support, we would love to see as many of our customers, past and present, at Pensax Village Hall on 23 October (we are open 9-11am) for a glass of something bubbly and the chance to share memories. The scrapbooks that Nerys has kept over the years with happy reminders of past events will be available to browse through. We hope very much that we will have the pleasure of seeing you then.

"For our current customers who have items entered for sale at the Thrift Shop, please note

Rock RBL Standard Bearer honoured

May Carter with her Standard In recognition of her dedication and commitment to her voluntary role, May Carter, Standard Bearer for the Far Forest and Rock Branch of the Royal British Legion, has been specially selected to represent her Branch and Worcestershire at the Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall in London on Saturday 9th November 2019. The parading of a Standard has its origins in Military History when a large flag was used as a rallying point for soldiers in the confusion of battle.

In recent months May, from Bewdley, has paraded the Branch Standard at a number of local events including the Flag Flying event at Kidderminster Town Hall, the Kidderminster Mayoral Parade and a special dedication service of the new Union Standard for the Branch at Rock Church.

A special Armed Forces Day event was held at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas and May joined other Standard Bearers from a large number Legion Branches and Regimental Associations at the event, to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. May has also attended the funerals of a number of local veterans.

Speaking after learning about her selection May said “The Festival of Remembrance is a very important National event and to be able to take part is a great honour. I am looking forward to the challenge of parading our Standard in front of Her Majesty the Queen and the audience in the Albert Hall and on TV.” In addition to her Standard Bearer duties, May is the Branch Welfare Officer and also represents the Royal British Legion at local shows and events. Far Forest and Rock Branch of the Royal British Legion meets at the Rock Cross Inn, Rock, at 7pm on the second Monday of each month and welcomes anyone wanting to learn more about the work that the Charity does for the Service Community.

that you will need to collect any money owing to you and anything unsold on or before Wednesday 30 October, after which what remains will be passed on to charity shops in the area."

9

10

TEME VALLEY TIMES

What to do with plastic bottles

The Artists’ Gallery

The following is based on information received from Malvern Hills District Council.

The plastic bottle is one of the most common household items. Plastic bottles are said to account for 40% of plastic waste generated by UK households and they present various challenges from a recycling and sustainability perspective.

The first issue is recovering the bottles so they can be recycled. Of the millions of plastic bottles used each day in the UK almost half never reach a recycling bin.

Instead they end up in the waste bin or litter our streets, hedges and waterways.

This is a major waste of a resource as most drinks bottles are made of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and milk bottles or shampoo bottles from HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), both of which are highly recyclable.

Part of the problem is people forgetting to recycle plastic bottles from their home, another is the single-use nature of most plastic bottles.

Some 480 billion plastic drinking bottles were sold across the world in 2016 but the majority use very little recycled plastic, even though making a plastic bottle from recycled plastic requires much less energy than using virgin material.

PET bottles can end up as fibre for use in carpets, clothing, sleeping bag insulation, mattresses and other textiles, while HDPE bottles can be turned into products such as drainage pipes, recycling bins and outdoor furniture, as well as into new bottles.

Sarah Billingham’s ceramics

Part of the display at the gallery

Pip Jones watercolour A gallery has opened on the Ludlow Farmshop campus at Bromfield, adding a further dimension to the estate. The gallery features eight artists: Shelly Perkins (wildlife art), Megan Evans (collagraph prints), Jan Jay (textiles), Pip Jones (watercolourist), Sarah Billingham (ceramics), Kim Davis (wood turner), Priscilla Hann (bronze sculptor) and Danielle Flowers (contemporary wood). Managed and run by the artists, it is open until the end of December.

We went along to a packed preview evening

on the 4th October to see the new gallery and talk to some of the artists.

The quality of the art on display was obvious, as was the enthusiasm and passion of the artists who took time out to talk about their work, their inspirations and their working methods.

Much of the work conveyed vitality, liveliness and vibrancy - with even the painstakingly crafted ceramic pots of Sarah Billingham radiating a deep glow from their luscious glazes and earthy

colours.

Artist Megan Evans recounted how over a decade ago she was profoundly shocked by the quantity of debris and litter encountered when surfing in Britain’s seas. A desire to bring such litter into her art and use it as a basis for creativity now sees it transformed through collagraphy and effectively ‘regenerated’ into something beautiful. Often her work is accompanied with a note explaining where and when the litter, which forms the basis

Taltrees Stoves and Fireplaces VISIT OUR LARGE AND INTERESTING SHOWROOM WITH MANY WORKING MODELS

• Fireplaces, Inglenooks Renovated and Constructed • Installations carried out by • Woodburning and • Fireplaces in Stone, our own Qualified Staff Multifuel Central Heating, Wood and Marble • Without obligation Home Cookers and Stoves • Woodburning, Coal, Gas and Surveys, by appointment supplied and installed Electric Stoves and Fires

TALTREES CENTRE, WORCESTER ROAD, TENBURY WELLS, WR15 8JA

01584 781361 taltreesstoves.com

Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm Sundays & Bank Holidays 10am-12.45pm, 2.10pm-4.30pm

of the artwork, was collected. Extraordinary.

Jane Jay produces wonderfully bold screen prints and textiles. She shared how she relishes the mechanical process of screen printing, developing her own particular method which, though time-consuming, sees her initial illustrations transformed into powerfully bold designs.

An inspiring gallery - doubly inspiring if you have the opportunity to chat with one of the artists.

Shelly Perkins wildlife art

The monthly magazine for Leominster & surrounding villages.

On sale in Leominster, Bodenham, Dilwyn, Eardisland, Kingsland, Luston, Orleton, Pembridge, Weobley, Yarpole and Tenbury Wells.

TEME VALLEY TIMES

11

12

Farm & Country

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Stoke Bliss & District Agricultural Improvement Society Ploughing Match

Saturday 1st August 2020 Main ring attraction: The e Cavalry of He eroes from Ro oss on Wye

Enquiries: 0158 84 810818 enquiries@te enbury-countrryside-show.co.uk

Held at Collington on September 28th, the Stoke Bliss and District Agricultural Society reported a record number of 86 entries for their 72nd ploughing match.

There were some cancellations but approaching 60 went out to plough the fields.

Morning visitors could watch the spectacle of horses and tractors working the fields in breezy bright sunshine. We were told that Henry Beaumont was the oldest competitor at a spritely 87 years and that the beginners' class had seven entries, including first-time ploughman Clare Procter, who was sharing a tractor and plough with John Read.

At times some tractors briefly struggled to find grip on

the moist clay soil, courtesy of previous days' heavy rainfall, and as the competition progressed lots of measuring and pacing was evident as competitors made sure their furrows were satisfactorily completed.

In addition to the ploughing match there was also a sizeable cookery, handicraft and produce show laid out with lots to see and marvel at. Hearty refreshments of savoury snacks (pasties, bacon rolls), cakes and generous roast lunches were available to make the day complete. This annual event is a great day out and the Society would like to thank the many sponsors and volunteers for making the day happen.

13

TEME VALLEY TIMES

West of England Harvest Show

The Tenbury Agricultural Society has changed the name of its autumn produce show to ‘The West of England Harvest Show’ to mark the intention to transform it from a local show to a regional event.

Show chairman Richard Powell said the society wants to make the event one that celebrates the dedication to fruit and hop growing on this side of the country and which encompasses the region’s diversity of arable and fodder production. The show’s geographic reach will now bring in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, South Shropshire and North Gloucestershire.

Richard said “The first 50 years of the show have been a great success. Beginning with just four hop growers in 1968 it has grown to the point where last year’s hop entries passed the 100 mark, the show received 250 plus entries overall, and raised over £500 each for the Tenbury Hospital League of Friends and the West Midlands Air Ambulance. We want to build on this momentum to involve more growers, increase public attendance and boost our fund raising.

“The younger generation, particularly the Young Farmers, are showing interest in the show. We want to harness this enthusiasm and give them something to get behind and promote. We also need to engage with people’s interest in food and drink. With the great variety of produce grown in the West of England and the opportunity our show presents for face-to-face interaction we are uniquely placed to satisfy this passion for provenance.”

Of the show’s 46 open classes there are eight for hops; eight for apples and pears; seven for combinable crops; and 13 for fodder and root crops. There are prizes for the best trays of desert and culinary varieties, cider apples and perry pears and the heaviest three apples of any variety.

For youngsters there are three classes for Halloween pumpkins and scarecrows and for drink producers there are seven classes for cider, perry, wine and spirits. In particular, Richard added “We would dearly love to see the apple and pear growers of

the region get behind us and enter their best culinary and desert fruit which make the show a real spectacle.”

This autumn’s show is on Friday 25th October at Tenbury Sports Club Penlu and entries will be accepted up to 10.30am on the day. Judging will be from 11am to 1pm, when the show opens for public viewing, prior to the produce auction at 2pm.

The downloadable entry form is at www.tenbury-countrysideshow.co.uk/autumn-show or call show secretary Tom Spilsbury on 07970 665065 to request one by post.

Sale ends 3rd November

14

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Tenbury Applefest A bright but overcast day greeted those setting up for this year's Tenbury Applefest on Saturday 6th October. This event celebrates the tradition of growing fruit, especially apples, in and around Tenbury Wells this area provides excellent conditions for fruit production.

Visitors were treated to a delightful mix of apples, demonstrations, traditional rural

crafts (corn dollies, willow weaving and wheelwrighting), gift ideas, a medieval magician, Morris dancing, ciders, applethemed food, live music, art, juices, apple pressing, vehicle displays, along with many other stalls.

You were spoilt for choice if you got hungry during the day with food-to-go ranging from savoury to sweet, with seating available

for tucking into purchases if you didn't want to graze on the hoof!

As examples: Pedal & Push's 'crêpe du jour' was apple, caramel and cream; Taartie brought sourdough doughnuts; and Continuum Conceits offered prunes dipped in organic chocolate, stuffed with variously flavoured ganaches, marzipans or pralines. A veritable feast.

The apple marquee again had a magnificent display of apples, crab apples and pears, courtesy of local tree grower Frank P

Pekacervenca - red-fleshed apple from the Czech Republic

Apple cake from Courtney's Cakes

Matthews. It was great to see so many visitors, hopefully inspired by the event and the displays, taking away apple trees, presumably to plant in their own gardens.

Blue Moon

Amanda's Bread sourdough pizzas

Mother Earth Pizzas baked in their wood-fired oven

Tipsy Fruit Gins offered Christmas baubles filled with their liqueurs

Lucton School EDUCATION

. . . at its best!

Entrance & Scholarship Exams Saturday 25th Jan For Year 7 entry in Sept.

PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Day, boarding and flexi-boarding. School buses serving: Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Powys Tel: 01568 782000 • Email: admissions@luctonschool.org

www.luctonschool.org

Wedrouge - origin not known

TENBURY APPLEFEST Saturday October 3rd, 2020 10am to 4.30pm Contacts: 01584 810502 / 01584 890007

15

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Knowle helped by Clee Hill Quarry The next issue is due out in early December.

Advertising

Audrey Taylor who organises the popular Knowle Sales as fundraisers for the upkeep of Knowle Sports Association playing fields sent us these words about a recent development at the site, which is alongside the road from Clee Hill to Tenbury.

“Due to raising funds through our sales we have now been able to extend our ‘car park’. This will enable buyers at our sales, visitors

and players to stop having to park on the main road through Knowle. We are extremely grateful to Hugh McGuigan, Manager of Clee Hill quarry for arranging the donation of 150 tons of stone.”

Why not pop along to one of their Saturday morning sales (the next one is on November 2nd) and maybe come home with a bargain?

Please book your space by Nov 21st and please email your copy (words, photos, logos, etc) to us by Nov 25th.

Editorial

Please get your copy (words, photos etc) to us as soon as possible but please understand that we never have enough space to publish everything we receive and that copy is likely to be edited.

Email: temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk Phone: 01584 781762

Heraldic Roll on Show

Ian & Sue Sparey

• Woodburning & Multifuel Stoves • Stove Spares & Repairs • Glass, Ropes, Bricks, Baffles, Cleaners • Chimney Liner Kits & Flue Pipes • Kiln Dried Logs, Kindling and Firelighters

01886 812452 www.is-stoves.co.uk

Showroom & Online Shop Steps Farm, Clifton upon Teme, Worcester, WR6 6EN

The ‘Sir Henry Sidney and the Ludlow Castle Heraldic Roll’ exhibition is at Shropshire Museums Collections Centre in the Parkway, Ludlow until Friday 3 January 2020. It is open during library hours. The Ludlow Castle Heraldic Roll, which dates from Tudor times, was discovered by Ludlow resident Hugh Wood in 2015. It was acquired by the Friends of Ludlow Museum through public appeal.

The Heraldic Roll is a record on parchment of the shields painted by order of Sir Henry Sidney in 1573 in the newly-built chancel of the Round Chapel of St Mary Magdalene in Ludlow Castle.

Sir Henry was an Elizabethan courtier and statesman, appointed by Queen Elizabeth I to be President of the Council of the Marches in Wales in 1560. Ludlow Castle was the Council’s administrative centre.

The exhibition includes a reconstruction of the Chancel and shows how the shields may have been displayed. The Roll records the heraldic shields of the owners of the Castle, the Presidents of the Council and the Council members appointed in 1570. The exhibition also shows documents, arms and armour, and a series of tiles from Ludlow Castle.

Cleobury RBL Harvest Auction The Branch’s annual auction of harvest produce and other goods took place on September 20th at The Bell Inn, Cleobury Mortimer. A good range of seasonal and other items were on sale and anyone was welcome to bid.

Mark Baldwin reported that the expected total is around £1,100, which will be in line with the average over the last six years.

Mark commented “This was a good result and we must thank not only all those who bought, and all those who donated, but especially Jim Hulme, who did the lion’s share of collecting the goods, and also carried out the marathon task of auctioning everything off. Well done, Jim!” The Branch’s next social event will be a Fish & Chip Concert, with entertainment by the Shropshire Strummers Ukulele Band, on 1 November. Tickets (£10 each) are available from Ron Breakwell (01299 270830) or Mark Baldwin (01299 270110).

Remembrance Sunday is on 10 November, followed by Remembrance Day itself on Monday 11th. There will be a brief gathering around Cleobury’s war memorial at 11am on the Monday. The Branch welcomes new members - contact Membership Secretary Matt Sheehan on 01299 271347 for details, or join online.

Call to Tackle Business Crime The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the government to make tackling business crime a priority as the costs incurred as a result of such crime run into “billions of pounds”.

Research carried out by the FSB revealed that almost half the small businesses in England and Wales have been affected by business crime.

According to the research, around 7.7 million crimes are committed against small firms in a year.

Traditional crime, including robbery, fraud and criminal damage cost small businesses nearly £17 billion in a year.

The FSB found that one in five small businesses suffered a cyber-attack between January 2017 and January 2019. In total, over seven million attacks took place over that two-year period, an average of

almost 10,000 a day.

The average cost of an attack on a small business is £1,300, with the combined cost totalling £4.5 billion. The FSB has called for the Home Office to link funding to the “proper resourcing of business crime”.

Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the FSB, said “At a time of huge uncertainty and increasing costs, business crime is a serious issue that is devastating firms up and down the country. These figures come before other indirect costs such as store closures and staff absences are even taken into account, meaning that the £17 billion figure is estimated to be far higher. Traditional crime affects around 900,000 small businesses each year, and we must tackle this issue before it gets even worse.”

16

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Clows Top & District Gardening Club News

Take a seat in Ludlow!

Taking a seat and enjoying the locality can be one of the pleasures of visiting a historic market town and public seating plays an important role. During the last fifteen years Ludlow has benefited from new seating as a result of town centre enhancements, but over the last five years a project headed by Graeme Perks has taken on the role of preserving many of the older seats, in and around town, which are often A restored bench below the castle forgotten and neglected.

In July 2018 a survey of all seats to suit the slopes! the public seats recorded 83 seats in Graeme Perks said "In the next five the town centre with a similar years another twenty seats will be number in the surrounding areas of repaired and, more importantly, a the town and in play areas. In the last program of preventative regular five years 20 older-style traditional maintenance will ensure the timber seats have been saved from repaired seats stay in good order and the bonfire thanks to the project. the eclectic range of seats from the The volunteer effort works in last sixty years or so will continue to partnership with Ludlow Town serve the needs of residents and Council, Ludlow Castle, St Laurence’s visitors alike as Ludlow, and other Church and others including the market towns in the Marches, Library Friends and Methodist continue to improve their respective Church to repair neglected timber destination partnership offer." seats and to recycle and reuse old If you would like to help the project timber bench seats to provide public with donations or would like to help seating on the routes into town. The with the work contact Graeme Perks topography of Ludlow also provides or pop in and see Margaret at an opportunity for the rebuilding of Poyners in Broad Street.

Benches by Ludlow Library receiving attention

November can be a damp, raw month. Flowers may be scarce in the garden but there are many berries, evergreen foliage and trees with decorative bark to add interest on the dullest of days.

Frosts can be quite frequent at night, especially when it is calm and clear. Cold winds from the east will make it feel much colder than it really is. November is also the perfect time to plant new roses in a well prepared site and don’t forget your Spring Flowering Tulips.

In the workshop

Soap Box Derby presents cheques Richards Castle Soap Box Derby gave £12,000 to local charitable causes at a presentation evening on September 17th.

Representatives from the charities spoke about their work and how the donation would be spent.

The donation to Ludlow Hospital League of Friends will help purchase a special memory machine to support patients suffering from learning difficulties, memory loss or dementia. Orleton CE Primary School will be putting their donation towards an adventure trail, and Bishops Hooper CE Primary School will be using the money towards creating a mosaic mural and supporting Design & Technology at the school.

Cheques were also presented to Richards Castle Village Hall, Ludlow Fire Service, West Mercia Police, Ludlow Air Cadets, Richards Castle All Saints Church and Richards Castle WI, who have nominated The

Leominster Stork project to receive part of their donation.

Chairman Humphrey Salwey commented “We had a very successful event this year and it was a delight to see our two nominated local schools take part and bring with them a crowd of enthusiastic spectators. Tonight it was a real pleasure to bring together all the

Plant-Te ech Hire UK Ltd Keep the earth moving

Digg gers - Dum mpers - Ro ollers Mobile Plant Rep pairs & Se errvicing vicing tt: (24/7) 7 Newhous Find us on Faceebook

At the September meeting, the club had its annual ‘Autumn Show’ for members only. Winners were: 1st Marion Wilson, 2nd Kath Thornton, 3rd Madge Edwards & Best Exhibit Tracey Webb.

Next meeting Wednesday 23rd October at Clows Top Victory Hall, doors open 7.30pm. Ray Sturdy will talk about ‘The Rise & Fall of Witley Court’. Admission is £2 for members or £4 for non-members. Further details from Marion Wilson: 01299 270475.

ury Road, B 8am - 5.30pm

people from the different charitable organisations and hand out cheques from the money raised on the day. After 16 years of doing this, we are still doing what we set out to do - money raised locally is spent locally”.

To date £126,000 has been raised and distributed to over 60 chosen charities and local organisations.

17

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Tenbury Community Pool update We received the following from Tenbury Community Pool (TCP).

“Firstly TCP want to thank everyone for their patience and support. After four years’ hard work and fundraising our development plans are finally coming to fruition. The Directors of Tenbury Community Pool Ltd are pleased to let everyone know the funds needed are now almost in place!

“Malvern Hills District Council has approved our Section 106 Grant Fund application for £199,291.68!! This amounts to 100% of the Section 106 money currently allocated to Tenbury from the Oldwood Road development 12/00659/OUT. MHDC congratulated TCP on their thorough and detailed application as a prime example of good practice. Furthermore, Sports England has made a conditional award of £50,000 from the Community Asset Fund.

In addition, other TCP fund raising events and local donations currently amount to £90,000.

Wine Duty Philip Dunne, the MP for Ludlow, has backed calls to support a Small British Vineyards Relief scheme in the next Budget. British wine sales grew by 31% between 2015 and 2017, with approximately 6,200 acres across the UK under vines, and with as many as 1.7 million vines planted last year. Wine duty however, has risen by 39% since 2010, while duty on beer and spirits has been frozen.

Mr Dunne said “British wine is a real success story over the last few years, with British sparkling wine being particularly highly regarded. But we currently pay 68% of all

“The TCP ‘Sponsor a Locker’ campaign during November should raise a further £26,000. Other local business and fund raising applications should result in the filling of the £65,000 gap to enable the campaign to be a success.

The funds are to be used for the refurbishments and new build included in the recently approved Tenbury Swimming Pool and Gym Planning Application, for refurbishment of the changing rooms, resiting the reception, and creating a new office for Freedom Leisure Staff; a new exercise and community studio for use

by Freedom Leisure and for hire by members of the community for activities such as pilates and yoga; providing a family changing room with direct access to the pool; steps into the pool to make it easier for parents and carers to access the water with toddlers and for those with disabilities; increasing the size of the gym; making the building fully accessible; reducing energy costs by providing a new heating wine duties across Europe, and 43% of all sparkling wine duties. I want to ensure that small vineyards in South Shropshire and across the UK can take full advantage of the growing interest in British wine, and are not hampered by increasing tax rates. So I have supported calls to Treasury Ministers to look to either extend existing Small Breweries Relief to vineyards, or to introduce a Small British Vineyards Relief scheme, to give these businesses a welcome boost.”

We are now in th e Bull Ring, Ludlow

Adrian Taylor and Jane Jenner at TCP’s stand at Tenbury Show control system and triple glazed windows.

The next steps will involve legal work and a full project plan outlining when and what will be

undertaken. The new Project Manager is Sam Hine.

Cancer Group’s Donation Members of Ludlow Cancer Support Group (LCSG) organised a Prize Bingo Night in aid of the O’Connor Haematology Unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. This was a great success and the Group agreed to use its own funds, to make the donation up to £1,000 and LCSG Treasurer, Pauline Goslyn (right in photo), presented a cheque to Linda Morgan, Haematology Unit Manager, on September 13th.

The Haematology Department receives approximately 1,800 new cases per year and offers 8,000 follow-ups. Most case work takes place in the purpose-built Haematology Day Unit, which consists of 10 stations and 2 treatment rooms, 5 out-patient clinics and a quiet room. Several

members of the Group have personal experience of the Unit and the neighbouring Oncology Ward, and listened with interest to Linda’s talk about the needs and aspirations of the Unit. Her words evoked both laughter and concern.

We are still offering the same breads from home and around the world with health and dietary breads alongside cakes and savoury as well as our handmade sandwiches to eat in or takeaway but now we can offer a new tearoom and sit down menu, pop in and see what we can do for As seen you at lunch time. on BBC 2

Victorian Bakers

Foot Care in the comfort of your own home. Locations covered include Tenbury Wells, Bromyard, Leominster, Ludlow and surrounding areas.

Nails Trimmed, Corn Removal, Callus Reduction, Fungal & Thick Nail Treatment, Ingrowing Nails, Verrucas, Cracked Heels, Diabetic Foot Care.

Tenbury, Ludlow, Craven Arms & Cleobury Mortimer Find our shops on Facebook

www.swifts-bakery.co.uk

Head office Clee Hill 01584 890003

Fully qualified & insured foot health practitioner.

Katie Burrows S.A.C.Dip. FHPT/FHPP. Tel 01568 750672 Mobile 07827 316629 email katiesmugglefootcare@gmail.com

18

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Bayton Heritage Weekend Held in Bayton church over the weekend of September 14th/15th, this event was an excellent opportunity to take a trip to Bayton to see a collection of photos, extracts, historical documents, stories and written memories laid out in the recently renovated and re-ordered interior of the church.

You could read an account of the trial and execution of William Handley, a 29 year old Bayton-born collier, who had gone poaching. He was convicted for ‘shooting at, with the intent to kill’ Sir E Blount’s gamekeeper, John Bannock.

You could learn how the spelling of Bayton has changed over the centuries. You could read a Leominster Canal Company notice dated 15th May 1797 which stated “The Leominster Canal Company having completed the navigation from Leominster to Mamble Wharf, hereby inform the public that, on the 5th June will be opened, a communication with the river Severn at Bewdley.” It was also offering to “effect a saving of upwards of 15s. per Ton” on the conveyance of goods. Fascinating stuff!

Refreshments of tea/coffee and cakes were on hand and with so much to study it was nice to take a break and have a cuppa. It is hoped that the heritage archive will eventually be kept in the church so as to be available to visitors and family history researchers alike.

The event was also raising funds towards a new heating system. The Heritage Lottery monies for the renovations ran out before the planned boiler could be purchased, so the church finds itself with much of the infrastructure in place for heating, but no boiler or oil tank!

An afternoon concert of music and entertainment featuring the Hereford Police Male Voice Choir in aid of the heating fund is to be held on Sunday 1st December, organised by Brian Link. Tickets are £15 and include a big Christmas tea during the interval. For more information contact 01299 832219.

The ‘Lower’ Crown Inn, Clows Top

Julie and Gary McDonald provided this photo of the Wheatsheaf B darts team

Inside Bayton’s pub, the Wheatsheaf. Late 70s or early 80s?

The old Post Office sign

Butchery Counter now open at the Wyre Pie Co on Tenbury Business Park, Bromyard Road

“Tenbury’s Premier Pie Makers” Now taking orders for Christmas Poultry, Beef, Pork, Pies, etc.

Purveyor of Quality Meats

g in nn ! wi es d- g ar usa Aw Sa

Meat, Poultry & Game Pies

Quiches, Scotch Eggs, Pasties, Pies. All cooked & prepared on the premises.

Cooked fresh daily.

Monday 7am - 1pm Tuesday - Friday 7am - 5.30pm

Follow the signs from the Bromyard Road

01584 811196

Saturday 7am - 3pm

19

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Jaguar E-Pace

SKODA SKODA KAROQ

18 18 KAROQ 1.6 TDi SE AUTO, silver, 10,000 miles. . . . . £19,995

Compact SUVs have really caught on in recent years, as buyers look for a car that's more fashionable than a people carrier and better looking than a traditional estate. There's also a trend towards more performance, not just in a straight line, but also through the bendy bits, and this is exactly where Jaguar's E-Pace comes in. There's a premium badge; there's eye-catching looks and - if you opt for one of the higher performance models - there's

SKODA YETI

16 66 YETI 2.0 TDi SEL 4x4, blue, 23,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14,995 16 66 YETI 1.2 TSi SE, green, 8,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13,495 16 16 YETI 2.0 TDi SE 4x4, green, 35,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £12,450 16 65 YETI 1.2 TSi SE, green, 30,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11,995 16 16 YETI 2.0 TDi SE, blue, 27,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11,995 14 64 YETI 2.0 TDi SE, silver 12,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11,650 16 16 YETI 2.0 TDi SE, white, 29,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £11,495 14 64 YETI 2.0 TDi SE 4x4, red, 34,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10,995 14 64 YETI 2.0 TDi SE, blue, 52,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10,495

SKODA FABIA

16 66 FABIA 1.2 TSi SEL, grey, 19,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8,995 15 15 FABIA 1.2 TSi SEL, blue, 30,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7,995 10 60 FABIA 1.2 TSi Elegance Auto, beige, 40,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . £4,995 12 62 FABIA 1.2 TSi SE PLUS Estate, red, 47,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,750 13 63 FABIA 1.2 TDi Greenline Estate, silver, 59,000 miles . . . . . . . . £4,650 13 13 FABIA 1.2 SE 12v, blue, 51,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,450 12 12 FABIA 1.4 SE, red, 90,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,350

certainly plenty of power.

Buying an E-Pace doesn't mean you have to go down the sporty route though, as whether you want 150PS or 300PS, there's a model to suit. There's also a choice of diesel power or petrol and with the entry-level engine you can go for front wheel drive, rather than all wheel drive, if you wish. Obviously all wheel drive gives better grip on slippery surfaces, but many people are perfectly happy with front wheel drive, and this delivers a cost benefit, not just in terms of the purchase price, but also where running costs are concerned.

From the outside the E-Pace is quite an imposing-looking car, particularly from the front, where the Jaguar grille makes a strong impression. The test car was equipped with optional 20-inch wheels, which obviously come into their own

W ill’s A uto R epairs L td Will’s Auto Repairs Ltd Tyres ● Servicing ● Repairs 01584 811 849 ●

SKODA OCTAVIA

16 66 OCTAVIA 2.0 TDi 4x4 DSG Auto Estate, grey, 33,000m . . . . . . £15,995 16 65 OCTAVIA 2.0 TDi Scout 4x4 Estate, blue, 39,000m . . . . . . . . . £13,450 14 64 OCTAVIA 2.0 TDi SE, blue, 61,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8,650 13 13 OCTAVIA 1.6 TDi SE Estate, silver, 80,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . £6,995

SKODA CITIGO

16 65 CITIGO 1.0 SE, 5-door, beige, 40,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,750 14 64 CITIGO 1.0 Elegance 70, 5-door, red, 34,000 miles . . . . . . £5,750 16 16 CITIGO 1.0 SE, 5-door, red, 27,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,750

SKODA ROOMSTER

12 12 ROOMSTER 1.2 TSi SE, blue, 67,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,495

OVERTON SERVICE STATION HEREFORD ROAD, LUDLOW. Tel. 01584 872584

Ask about alley our Teme V er Times read offer!

01584 711264

visually when the car is seen from the side. And it's nicely fitted out inside - no surprise in a Jaguar!

Looking at the range in more detail, all the engines have a nominal capacity of two litres and all have four cylinders.

Manual transmission is available on some versions, but higher-level models are only available as automatics.

The diesel offers three power levels (150, 180 and 240PS) as does the petrol alternative (200, 250 and 300PS).

Unsurprisingly, if you do a lot of miles and focus on fuel economy, you'll probably go for a diesel, whereas if you don't do many miles, or do a lot of short journeys, or want the maximum possible performance, you may prefer the petrol alternative.

Friendly local garage Few people will need the 'full with family service. on' 300PS engine and the Domestic & Commercial. 240PS diesel model that I drove made it very easy to sustain a good pace on country roads, while remaining unruffled and really not seeming to try at all. This relaxed ability was particularly welcome on long journeys, but did mean the driver needed to be extra-careful to keep an eye on the speedometer!

On the road prices start at about £29,000, running up to well over £45,000 if you decide to go 'top of the range', info@thefoundrygarage.co.uk excluding any optional extras.

20

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo

Small cars are big sellers and Skoda’s Fabia has been popular for over a decade. It’s come in for plenty of changes over the years, both cosmetic and mechanical, and a further range of updates was introduced last year.

There's a good range of models, each with a three-cylinder one-litre engine. These run from the entry-

level 'S', though the 'SE', 'SE L' and 'Colour Edition', up to the sportylooking range-topping 'Monte Carlo'.

The Monte Carlo is the model I drove and its 95PS turbocharged unit really suits the car. It’s not just that it offers significantly more performance than the 60PS engine in the 'S', it's also that despite its extra power, the turbocharged engine has lower

emissions and better official fuel economy than the less-powerful unit fitted to the entry-level model!

The turbo also means this engine offers far more torque at modest revs which makes for easier hill-climbing, less gear-changing, and a generally more relaxed driving experience, particularly as the high gearing meant that 55mph in top saw just

2,000rpm on the rev counter.

The Fabia is a nice little car, especially with the nippy but refined turbocharged engine. A Monte Carlo Fabia with its privacy glass, rear spoiler and contrast colour roof also makes it a neat-looking car especially with the Corrida Red paintwork and black roof of the example I drove - a very fetching combination.

It isn't any faster than other models with the same engine, but it certainly looks the part and there's a lot to be said for that. It also has a tidy-looking interior!

The suspension combines good control with a fluid ride and the neutral steering, good brakes, light controls and easy manoeuvrability all help make the Monte Carlo easy

to drive, not just in town but on the open road too.

Prices start at around £12,500 for the 60PS “S”, with a standard Monte Carlo retailing at around £17,500 on the road, excluding any added options.

Fuel economy varied significantly depending on the driving conditions. For example a relaxed trip from the Welsh coast to Tenbury ended with the computer displaying an average of 58mpg, but on stopstart short journeys it dropped below 40mpg.

If you’d like to give your Monte Carlo more of a personal touch, there’s a huge range of optional extras. To list just some of these: keyless entry, metallic paint, sports suspension, reversing camera, cruise control, full LED headlights, hill hold, light & rain assist, satnav, rear disc brakes, heated washer nozzles and larger wheels (17 inch or 18 inch, 16 inch being standard). It really is a long list and if you got carried away it wouldn't be difficult to add thousands of pounds to the price!

Suzuki Swift Attitude

Suzuki have a great reputation for building small cars and the Swift is one of the best known models. It may not have the funky looks of an Ignis but it's certainly a car that's earned a lot of friends over the years.

The 'Attitude' is the newest addition to the range and it's designed to add a sporty look to the Swift, without people having to go the whole hog and buy a Swift Sport. Features include 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear

spoiler, a mesh front grille and front, side and rear carbon-fibre-look trim.

There's also rear privacy glass, special badging and front fog lights, so you get the sporty looks, but as the Attitude is only available with the Swift’s entry-level engine, a 1.2litre naturally-aspirated petrol unit, you get the modest running costs of an ordinary Swift.

It's a very smooth engine and although its 90PS power output may not sound that generous, the Swift

has weight on its side: it tips the scales at less than a ton and the resulting power to weight ratio ensures that the car's performance is eminently respectable.

The roof in a Swift is higher than you will find in many cars. This not only helps create a feeling of space, it also makes it easier to get in or out, which will be welcomed by many, particularly those who are less supple. And there's more space in the back than some might expect,

given the car's size.

The suspension is firm which makes it possible to tackle roundabouts in an enthusiastic way, if conditions permit. At such times the Swift delivers a sporty feel, with its suspension giving the driver plenty of feedback about the road surface, The brakes, clutch and accelerator are all light to operate and the steering has a pleasntly neutral feel to it during normal driving.

The Attitude retails for £12,617 on-

the-road during the current "VAT free" offer - the discount offered is equivalent to the current VAT element of vehicle purchase price.

And despite this low price, the Attitude comes with a generous range of features, including satnav, a reversing camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Looking at the Swift Attitude overall, it is a well-equipped car at a relatively affordable price. It might appeal to younger drivers who want a car with a sporty feel and with sporty looks, without moving up to the insurance costs of a Suzuki Swift Sport, but it might also suit older drivers who are looking for a car that's small on the outside but still manages to offer a useful amount of space on the inside.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander has been part of the Mitsubishi range for a number of years and over that time it has come in for a great many changes. In recent years though, it has rather been overshadowed by the Outlander PHEV (the plug-in hybrid version), simply because of that model's success.

Here, however, we are not looking at the hybrid, but at the petrol-engined model with which it shares a great deal. Why, you may ask, would somebody want a petrol-only model, when a petrol-hybrid is available? In fact there are several reasons.

One is that the non-hybrid costs substantially

less: around £28,000 to £30,000 for the nonhybrid, compared to say £35,000 to £43,000 for the PHEV. Another is that it may not be possible for you to plug in a hybrid either at home or at or near where you work. And another is the fact that the hybrid only has five seats, whereas the model we are looking at here has seven. So for those who want a seven-seater, the PHEV simply isn't an option.

This is a well-equipped car, with features such as automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, and seven airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver.

It also has an advanced four wheel drive

FIELDS MITSUBISHI Acts as a credit broker and not a lender

Dunley Service Station, Dunley, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 0UE 01299 827867

www.fields-mitsubishi.co.uk

TEME VALLEY TIMES

system, with a choice of settings: Eco, Auto and Lock, so the driver can choose the setting that best suits the conditions. The normal 'Auto’ mode offers full-time four wheel drive.

As well as working well on-road, this also offers good off-road performance in a range of conditions.

The 'Eco' setting enhances fuel economy and reduces emissions by using an 'on-demand' system which normally provides front wheel drive, but power is also sent to the rear wheels when required.

Finally, there is the 4WD Lock mode. This maximises traction in more challenging off-

21

road conditions, meaning that the Outlander can keep going when some SUVs might not be able to.

This Outlander is only available with CVT automatic transmission, though it simulates a non-CVT set-up by stepping through six ratios rather than actually being continuously variable. The result works extremely well during ordinary day-to-day driving, where most of the gearchanges go unfelt.

Comfort is a real strong point. The suspension does an excellent job of soaking up road shocks and even Herefordshire potholes do little to disturb the Outlander's equanimity; this would particularly help people with back trouble, for whom road shocks can be quite painful.

The ride comfort and good driving position help make it a pleasure to drive over long distances and if you're looking to take mum, dad and four or five youngsters to the beach for the day you'd be hard-pressed to find a better answer, particularly at this price.

Fuel consumption obviously depends on how you drive, but cruising gently across midWales showed that 39mpg was possible, which goes to show that a seven-seat petrolengined 4x4 doesn't have to be particularly expensive to run.

TEME VALLEY TIMES

16 Teme Street Tenbury Wells Worcestershire WR15 8BA T: 01584 810555 W: www.nickchampion.co.uk E:info@nickchampion.co.uk

PROPERTY | AUCTIONS | AGRICULTURE | PROFESSIONAL

NN EEW

NE NN W EEWW

W

MILSON, KIDDERMINSTER - GUIDE PRICE £450,000

ASTON-ON-CLUN, CRAVEN ARMS - GUIDE PRICE £555,000 A period stone farmhouse with two traditional farm barns with conversion potential and equestrian facilities on the edge of the Shropshire Hills AONB. EPC Rating E. Farmhouse Kitchen with Aga, Two Reception Rooms, Four Double Bedrooms, Three Bathrooms, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Cellar, Abundant Character Features, Partially Converted Barn (Class B1 Use), Second Barn Ideal for Conversion, Mature South Facing Gardens, Stabling, Manege, Paddocks, Two Driveways and Parking. About 2.402 Acres (TBV). Further Land Available by Separate Negotiation.

A detached country cottage in a secluded rural setting with large gardens and a pony paddock - in all about 1.5 acres (TBV).

GUIDE PRICE £490,000 LINDRIDGE, TENBURY WELLS -Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Dining Room, an exclusive development withinWoodburner, kiln conversion An impressive brand new hop Sitting Room with Three Double Bedrooms, set in the heart of the countryside with outstanding views across the Teme Valley.

Bathroom, Ground Floor Shower with Room, Ensuite, Kitchen/Dining Room, Spacious Sitting Room, Laundry Room, Cloakroom, Master Bedroom Stable Block and Workshop, Parking, Spaces, Three Parking Bathroom, Family Guest Bedroom with Ensuite, Three Further Bedrooms, Views.EPC Rating G. Visitor Parking, Landscaped Garden, LargeWonderful Gardens,Countryside Pony Paddock.

EPC Not Required - Grade II Listed Building.

NN EEW

N PR EW NNEEWW IC E

W

EARDISTON, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE £293,950

NEWNHAM BRIDGE, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE £289,950 An immaculate barn conversion with far reaching views over parkland.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Spacious Living Room, Master Bedroom with Ensuite, Two Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Downstairs Cloakroom, Gardens and Allocated Parking. EPC Rating C.

FIND US AT: www.nickchampion.co.uk

An immaculate and well-appointed modern detached house in a popular and accessible village.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Two Spacious Reception Rooms, £289,950 PRICE TENBURY WELLS, WORCESTERSHIRE - GUIDE Master Bedroom with Ensuite, Three Further Bedrooms, An immaculate detached house in a quiet cul-de-sac Family Bathroom, Cloakroom, within easy walking distance of the town centre.

WC, Laundry Room, Rooms,Gardens, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Two Reception Attractive Integral Garage, Bathroom, Family Bedrooms, Master Bedroom with Ensuite, Three Further Driveway Parking. EPC Rating D. Attractive Gardens, Double Garage and Ample Parking Space. EPC Rating C.

TEME VALLEY TIMES

16 Teme Street Tenbury Wells Worcestershire WR15 8BA T: 01584 810555 W: www.nickchampion.co.uk E:info@nickchampion.co.uk

NN EEW

NN EEWW

W

PROPERTY | AUCTIONS | AGRICULTURE | PROFESSIONAL

NEWNHAM BRIDGE, TENBURY - GUIDE £265,000 £555,000 PRICEPRICE - GUIDE ARMSWELLS CRAVEN ASTON-ON-CLUN,

EARDISTON, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE £199,950 £490,000 PRICE - GUIDE WELLS TENBURY LINDRIDGE,

splendid and kiln well-appointed ground apartment development exclusive anfloor conversion within new hop brand An impressive A a converted Grade II Listed Country House the Teme Valley. views across outstanding with set in the heart of theincountryside panoramic views across the TemeMaster Valley.Bedroom with Ensuite, Cloakroom, Room, Laundry Sitting Room, Kitchen/Dining Room, Spaciousenjoying Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Formal Drawing LarderThree and Stores, Parking Spaces, Bathroom, FamilyRoom, Bedrooms, Ensuite, Three Further Guest Bedroom with Two Double Bedrooms, Bathroom, Cloakroom, Cellars, Views.

Countryside Wonderful Garden, Landscaped Visitor Parking, Private Garden, Gardens, Parking Spaces. EPC Rating G. Building.

II Listed - GradeFour Not Required EPCCommunal

NNNE

EEW W

N PR NNEEEW IC WW E

W

An immaculate well-appointed holiday cabin potential conversion with log farm barns traditional with twoand A period stone farmhouse set in on extensive grounds of about one acre (tbv)EPC Rating E. AONB. Hills of the Shropshire the edge and equestrian facilities enjoying super viewsFour across the Teme Valley. Three Bathrooms, Utility Bedrooms, Double Rooms, Reception Farmhouse Kitchen with Aga, Two Kitchen/Dining Room, Spacious Sitting Room, MasterConverted BedroomBarn and Wardrobe, (Class B1 Use), Partially Features, Character Cellar, Abundant Room, Cloakroom, Second Study/Dressing Room, Shower Room, Utility Room andPaddocks, Store, Manege, Stabling, Gardens, Facing Mature South for Conversion, Ideal Bedroom, Second Barn SouthAbout Facing2.402 Gardens, Space.Available EPC Notby Required.

Separate Negotiation.

Further Land (TBV). Parking AcresAmple Two Driveways and Parking.

TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICEPRICE £187,500 £289,950 - GUIDE WELLS TENBURY NEWNHAM BRIDGE, An immaculate barn conversion A semi-detached family house a popular development parkland. viewsinover with far reaching within level walking distance of the townRoom, centre.

Living Spacious Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Kitchen/Dining Master Room, Sitting Room, Bedrooms, Bathroom, Ensuite, withFour Bedroom Attractive Gardens,Family Garage, DrivewayDownstairs Parking, EPCCloakroom, Rating D. Bathroom, Bedrooms, Two Further Gardens and Allocated Parking. EPC Rating C.

FIND US AT: www.nickchampion.co.uk

£289,950 - GUIDE WORCESTERSHIRE TENBURY WELLS, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICEPRICE £148,000 cul-de-sac in a quiet detached An immaculate A mid-terraced house house in a popular development town the of distance walking easy within within level walking distance of the towncentre. centre.

Room, WC, Laundry Reception Room, Two Kitchen/Breakfast Kitchen/Dining Room, Sitting Rooms, Room, Two Bedrooms, Further Bedrooms, Three Attractive Master Bedroom with Ensuite, Bathroom, Garden, Family Bathroom, Space.

Parking AmpleEPC and Space.

Garage Attractive Gardens, Double Driveway Parking Rating D. EPC Rating C.

TEME VALLEY TIMES

FOOD SERVED CHRISTMAS M O N D AY - 6-9pm T U E S D AY - S A T U R D AY N E W N H A M

B R I D G E

Lunch | 12 - 2:30pm Dinner | 6 - 9pm

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS C H R I S T M A S PA R T I E S 1ST - 24TH DEC C H R I S T M A S D AY 25TH DEC

S U N D AY 12 - 4pm

NEW YEARS EVE 31 S T D E C

CHRISTMAS DAY TO START Chestnut, bacon and parsnip soup, croutons, truffle oil Goats cheese, pear, walnut tartines Duck liver parfait, cherry compote, sourdough croutes Beetroot and blackberry cured salmon, crisp salad MAIN MEALS Free range turkey, roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips, seasonal vegetables, bread sauce, cranberry Baked beetroot and camembert tart, garlic sauce, creamy mash, seasonal vegetables Roast root vegetable wellington, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, cranberry Rosemary and garlic crusted lamb, dauphinoise potatoes, fresh mint and pea pesto, seasonal vegetables Pan-fried duck, spiced orange and cranberry compote, creamed cabbage and thyme, parsnip puree Dill and vodka cured trout, crushed roasted seasonal vegetables, orange saffron butter sauce TO FINISH Cranberry and white chocolate bread and butter pudding with custard Traditional Christmas pudding, brandy cream Christmas pudding cheesecake with cinnamon butter rum cream Raspberry, almond and sherry trifle with saffron custard Local cheese board | selection of cheese, figs, grapes, cranberry baked brie, chilli jam, selection of crackers Afters Tea, coffee, mince pies £65 per head | Children £32.50 per head

15% O F F To say thank you for your constant support we want to offer you

15% off food, Monday - Thursday, during the month of November. Booking is essential to receive your discount and please quote #letseat. Thank you * not available with the set lunch menu

2 C O U R S E L U N C H F O R £12 TUESDAY-SATURDAY 12 - 2:30 *set menu with weekly changes

The Talbot Inn, Newnham Bridge, WR15 8JR

01584 781 941

bookings@talbotinn-newnhambridge.co.uk www.talbotinn-newnhambridge.co.uk