Teme Valley Times Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014

COUNCIL TO OPEN A NEW PLAY AREA AIRPORT

Orchids, Princettia, Cyclamen (mini to giant), Citrus, Amaryllis, Hyacinths, Lots & Lots of Indoor Plants

TRANSFERS

All subject to availability

Non-drop Christmas Trees

Burford Nurseries Ludlow Road (A456), Burford, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8HF

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www.burfordnurseries.co.uk A play area designed for children aged under 8 is to be created on the Burgage in Tenbury Wells.

The work is to be paid for by Tenbury Town Council, using financial reserves that were largely generated by last year’s sale of the old Fire Station on Church Street.

Consultations carried out by the Council identified that swings with cradle seats and a smaller slide were wanted and the design also includes a play tower unit for climbing and hiding, springers for rocking and riding, a train made of logs for imaginative play, a balancing and stepping feature, talk tubes and some play boards for role-play fun.

This equipment will be installed between the existing play area (which was designed for children aged over 8) and the tennis courts. It will take about two weeks to install and once this work is complete, perimeter fencing will be erected. The new area will be linked to the current play space so that parents and carers can keep an eye on children of different ages.

The new play area is expected to open by Spring 2015 and Cllr Susan Corfield, Deputy Mayor of Tenbury, said “This is great news.

I know my grandchildren will really enjoy playing in this new area and I am really looking forward to taking them to the Burgage next Spring”.

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PREMIUM QUALITY Foxwhelp, Kingston Black, Brown Snout and Tom Putt are just some of the traditional Teme Valley cider apple varieties skilfully blended to create Robinsons Flagon Cider. It’s medium dry, variably hazy and gently sparkling to retain that delicious flavour.

Cider just as it should be.

Quantities are limited and you won’t generally find Robinsons Cider much beyond the great local pubs in the immediate area. For the story of Robinsons Cider and a full list of stockists, do take a look at our website.

The locals reckon Robinsons Cider is well worth seeking out.

Discover it and enjoy it for yourself.

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PROMOTe yOUR ClUB OR lOCal eVeNT FROM aS lITTle aS £10 IN THe TeMe Valley TIMeS

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of us at the Teme Valley Times

LOCAL EVENTS & LOCAL CLUBS Promote your event or club here from as little as £10!

Martial Arts The Kajuen Ryu, multi-style Martial Arts club for all EVERY TUESDAY (except Dec 16 & 23)

Successful and well established club, offering a variety of disciplines. Specialists in self protection skills. Positive, friendly, learning environment.

Wednesdays, Sport Martley 7pm for Juniors, 8pm for adults.

Sundays, Shrawley Village Hall, 9.30am for all ages.

Always welcoming new members

Tenbury Wells 9am-2pm Dec 20, Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 18, May 16, June 20

Contact Pete or Amy on

01584 781433 or 07711 699279 sensei@kajuenryu.com

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01584 811442

Burford House Gardens 10am-4pm Dec 6, Feb 1, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, June 6 More details from 07855 833602 or email twlocalproducersmarket@yahoo.co.uk

How to contact the Teme Valley Times If you want to advertise, or if you have an event to promote, please book your space in our next issue as soon as possible!

You can book adverts by phone, by post, or by email. We can design your advert for you and we can take photographs Over if required. The Teme Valley Times is independent and locally-owned. It is not part of a large publishing group.

10,000 Phone: 01584 781762 or 07946 270523 Post: PO Box 11, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8YP

Email: temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.temevalleytimes.co.uk

*average print run during 2014

copies per issue*

Editor & Publisher: Chris Dell Deputy Editor: Lucy Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication were accurate at the time of writing, but no responsibility can be accepted for any consequences of any errors or omissions or for any changes. Always check all information before making a special trip, or before booking any accommodation or making any other commitment. It is important to remember that changes can, and do, occur from time to time, possibly without notice.

The contents of this publication (words, images and adverts) are protected by copyright. If you wish to reproduce anything, you must first obtain written permission from the Publisher.

● ●

Local Services

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TeMe Valley TIMeS

Jack ludwig (aladdin) said “I’m delighted to be taking part in the Regal’s first Pro-am pantomime. I wish the Regal every success for the future and I look forward to next year’s panto!”

Aladdin in Tenbury Ian little, General Manager of the Regal, told us that “This year’s pantomime, aladdin, is the most ambitious challenge the Regal Tenbury Trust has undertaken since taking over the management of the venue in 2012.” He added that it is set to be “the biggest and most expensive production ever to be staged at the venue.”

The production, which will have a mainly local cast, is written and directed by Ben Crocker, the UK’s number one pantomime script writer, assisted by a local director.

The set and costumes have been

specially designed and Paul Daniels, the Regal’s Patron, is designing some of the special effects. It will be a multi-media production and will include film shot on location around Tenbury.

Ian little said “This production will be very challenging for us, but we are determined to create the best possible Pantomime within the limitations of the building. We want to give the people of Tenbury and the surrounding area something special to remember and by producing our own show we have absolute control over the quality.”

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Freedom leisure, a not-for-profit company, will be taking over the management of Tenbury Swimming Pool in February 2015. Tenbury Community Pool limited (‘TCP’) will retain ownership of the building, so the pool will still be community owned. Malvern Hills District Council has agreed to subsidise the first five years of the deal, after which time Freedom leisure believes that the pool will be selffunding, guaranteeing its long-term future.

Tenbury Community Pool limited needs to find funding to cover some of the work that is needed and two major sponsors have come forward. One is Burford-based Orchard Valley Foods, who have committed a five-figure sum to support TCP over the next five years.

Mike Forrester, Managing Director of Orchard Valley Foods, said “Tenbury Pool came out of a community initiative, and was built, then managed by the Guild, which has now evolved to Tenbury Community Pool limited. We’re delighted, as a Burford firm, to be supporting the swimming pool, and would encourage other Tenbury businesses to follow suit”.

Jane Jenner from TCP said “This is a wonderful gesture of support from Orchard Valley Foods for the swimming pool and gym. Tenbury Community Pool is very grateful for this and is looking forward to a fantastic partnership with Orchard Valley Foods over the next 5 years.

This gets TCP’s fund-raising off to a great start.”

Bowkett’s Supermarket is raising funds through their ‘Make a Difference locally’ scheme. This should also see thousands of pounds being donated to the Pool.

One of the first tasks will be to fully reequip the gym. The illustration shows one of the possible layouts.

Trustee Peter Drew said “We have long wanted to create the Regal Players to stage our own productions and this is the perfect opportunity to start something special.”

The cast will be led by Tim Wallers, who has worked extensively in theatre, television and film. Tim’s recent West end credits include Harry Bright in the hit musical Mamma Mia and Simon Chester in yes Prime Minister. The show opens on Monday 22nd December and tickets are already selling fast.

TEME VALLEY TIMES

9 MARKET STREET, Est. 1963 TENBURY WELLS, WORCS 01584 810107

OFFER IN DECEMBER

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Parking Developments

There have been some significant changes to parking in Tenbury in the recent past and there will be plenty more in the coming months.

Starting with the best news first, Malvern Hills District Council is offering free parking in Tenbury’s ‘Pay and Display’ car park on Fridays and Saturdays until December 20th, to encourage more people to shop in Tenbury in the run up to Christmas.

Not so good is the fact that a large white ‘fence’ (more like a wooden wall) has been erected around the disused buildings on the former cattle market site. As a result, the available parking area is much smaller than it was and consequently there is congestion at busy times. However, Tesco would presumably be within their rights to close the site to the public, so we should probably be grateful for small mercies.

On the plus side, a scheme to provide overflow parking on Palmers Meadow, using a ‘Grasscrete’-type surface, has been given the go-ahead. This will create a substantial amount of extra parking that can be brought into use at busy times.

However, during the construction period it’s possible that there might be slightly less parking available, as construction traffic will need access to the new parking area.

Moving back to more challenging news, Worcestershire County Council is scheduled to start work on its Market Street scheme in January. This is expected to reduce the amount of on-street parking, at least while work is in progress.

Back to the good news! Once the new Household Waste Site on the Bromyard Road Business Park is open, the existing waste site will be removed from the Palmers Meadow car park, freeing up a

good many parking spaces.

Hopefully the net effect of all these changes will be to make Tenbury a more attractive destination, with both shoppers and tourists.

The security fence surrounding the disused buildings on Tenbury’s former cattle market site

Armistice Day

A warm welcome and six superbly-kept real ales plus Stowford Press, Robinsons, Old Rosie and Country Perry. Group bookings and Functions welcome!

Home-made Food - Local Produce

Tue-Sat Lunch Specials £6.50 - Sandwiches from £4.50 Sunday Lunch £9.50

The armistice to end World War One was signed on November 11th, 1918 and it came into force at 11am (Paris time).

Consequently on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the nation stops to remember and to honour the sacrifice that was made by so many.

In Tenbury the traffic and pedestrians came to a halt as the colours were lowered for 2 minutes’ silence in front of the Regal on Teme Street. Heavy rain added to the sombre atmosphere, but it did not stop a crowd gathering to pay their respects.

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Christmas Eve: 12-3 & 5-11 (food 12-2) Christmas Day: 12-2 (no food) Boxing Day: 12-5 (food 12-3) Dec 27th-30th: normal hours New Year’s Eve: 12-3 and from 5pm (food 12-2) New Year’s Day: open from 12 noon (food 12-3)

MERRY CHRISTMAS + HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

John & Trudy Greaves and Ian welcome you to The Bell at Pensax, Abberley, Worcs, WR6 6AE On the B4202 between Clows Top and Abberley

Specials Wanted! NORDMANNS West Mercia Police have put out a call for volunteers to come forward to act as Special Constables in the Tenbury area. Further details and an application form can be obtained from the West Mercia Police website.

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FROM £15 Burford Nurseries

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Teme Valley Times

The experts for Personal & Business Travel

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2 Teme St, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8BA

Tel: 01584 810850

Medieval Fayre The Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre at Ludlow Castle has been described as ‘the best medieval show in the land’ and it’s certainly an opportunity to ‘step back in time’. Held over the November 29/30th weekend, with late night finishing on the Saturday, you could spend two days steeped in history.

Smoke and fire enactment added to the drama and both days were full of entertainment throughout the castle.

Drama, music, hurdy-gurdys, puppetry, jugglers, dancing, storytellers and giants took people back to a bygone age. Great

THE

BOOT

Christmas menu

New Year’s Eve menu

Starters Roasted butternut squash soup (V) Fritto misto - Deep fried fish & vegetables, aioli & Provencal dip Garlic mushrooms, spiced sweet potato & chickpea salad (V) Handmade potato gnocchi with smoked chicken, wild mushrooms & herb gratin Mains Roasted Shropshire turkey, chipolata & bacon roll, sage & onion stuffing, seasonal vegetables & roasted potatoes Slow cooked lemon & thyme pork belly, Woofferton beef & Mill Hill Farm lamb, braised peas, baby onion & lettuce, new potatoes & broccoli Baked herb crusted Scottish cod fillet, Provencal sauce, seasonal vegetables & parsley potatoes Roasted shallot & thyme tart, goats cheese, roasted pepper & artichoke salad & parsley potatoes Desserts Spiced fruit & nut pudding, toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream Dark chocolate mousse, warm cherry & kirsch compote Bramley apple tarte tatin, vanilla ice cream Mature brie & cheddar cheese scone & mango chutney All parties to order off the same Christmas menu £5 deposit per person.

Christmas Menu 2 also available: 3 Courses £29.95 (ask for details)

3 Cour

se

£19.95s

coffee &m pies £ ince 2.50

Full payment required if less than 48 hours notice given of cancellations

The Boot Inn, Orleton, Ludlow, SY8 4HN Tel: 01568 780228 e-mail: thebootinn@villagegreeninns.com www.thebootinnorleton.co.uk

fun, lots of opportunity to join in, and with over 100 stalls selling wares, crafts, food and drink it was easy to fill the time and you could also come away with some unusual gifts!

Pleasant weather, especially on the Sunday, must have encouraged the crowds to turn out, but the relative warmth did nothing to quench enthusiasm for trying the mulled wines and hot spicy punches. This is certainly an event with a difference, and equally certainly it’s an event that’s well worth a visit. Roll on next year!

Chef’s hot & cold appetisers Starters Baby clam & prawn chowder & prawn crackers Smoked chicken & wild mushroom Kromeski, aioli & pickled quails eggs Camembert fondue, redcurrant & rosemary compote, baguette (V) Intermediate Course Seafood cocktail & smoked salmon (Prawn, crayfish, lobster & crab in cocktail sauce with a hint of horseradish) Main Courses Medallions of Woofferton beef, spinach, girolle mushroom & Ludlow blue cheese, sweet potato purée, macédoine of vegetables & Scotch whisky jus Trio of Venison, Lamb & Duck, celeriac mash, red cabbage, spinach, fruits of the forest sauce Grilled sea bass & cumin spiced king scallops, asparagus, green beans & parsley potatoes, crab sauce Roasted shallot & thyme tarte tatin, goats cheese, roasted pepper & artichoke salad (V) Desserts Raspberry crème brulée, iced pistachio parfait & warm blackberry & apple crumble Ginger pudding, butterscotch sauce & vanilla ice cream Warm cured ham & Blue Monk cheese, crostini & chilli oil £10 Deposit required per person

5 Cou rse £39.9 s 5 Coffe e & pe tit fours £3

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Teme Valley Times

Fire Stations to close More than a year ago, Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority put forward a plan (the ‘CRMP’) for the 2014-2020 period, which aimed to cut costs by reducing services. The options included closing fire stations or axing fire engines. In the end the cuts were less drastic than some people had initially feared, but the axe did fall on Tenbury’s second fire engine, raising questions about the quality of fire cover in the Tenbury area, particularly during severe winter weather, or when roads are flooded, and appliances are unable to attend promptly from other locations.

It has now been revealed that even though Bewdley Fire Station was ‘saved’ from closure under the 2014-2020 CRMP cuts, it is now expected to close, as are the stations at Stourport and Kidderminster. This is due to a new scheme, which will see one new fire station being built to replace all three of these existing stations.

MP cuts ribbon at Ludlow

Bewdley Fire Station is under threat of closure

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne cut the ribbon at the opening of Ludlow’s temporary Visitor Information Centre which is located on the third floor of Ludlow Assembly Rooms while plans and fundraising to reconfigure the original ground floor location are completed. Managed by Assembly Room staff, it’s staffed from Monday to Saturday by volunteers. Philip Dunne said “I was pleased to have been invited to open formally the new Visitor Information Centre”.

Mamble Bazaar Mamble Christmas Bazaar was held on November 29th in the Village Hall. It got off to a very busy start and within half an hour lots of raffle tickets, for three splendid Christmas Hampers, had been sold and the large tombola’s prizes were mostly gone.

Brainteasers were the order of the day and the Scrabble challenge had junior and adult classes. As a variation on a theme, rather than guess the weight of the Christmas cake you could guess how many currants were in the cake. That really had the mind calculating, guessing and approximating - great fun!

Bargainful sprigs of freshly-cut mistletoe, jams, pickles, chutneys, cinnamon swirls, cakes, bric-a-brac, books and local photo cards (with envelopes) were soon snapped up. The Christmas Draw was popular, with some great prizes (many donated by local businesses) to be won, including a case of beer from Hobsons Brewery and vouchers from The Sun & Slipper pub and Brian’s Butchers. With so many prizes on offer, lots of people went away with something in their hand, on this friendly and well-supported fundraising day.

From left: Lee Chapman (Shropshire Councillor), Tony Blench (Ludlow Assembly Rooms), Paul Draper (Mayor of Ludlow) and Philip Dunne MP.

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01584 810552

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Teme Valley Times

Walkway Closed

Christmas Hamper SPAR Tenbury is running a raffle for a Christmas Hamper, in aid of the NSPCC. Tickets can be bought at the store, which is open 7am to 11pm, seven days a week. The draw is to take place on Saturday December 20th.

The ‘hop kiln’ public toilets that were built in Tenbury Wells in 2010, to replace the toilets that were demolished in 2007, are now a familiar part of Market Street. Their quirky architecture attracts comments from visitors and many people have taken photographs of them. However, their early closing time, their persistently wet floors and their dim lighting have all attracted criticism.

Another problem that has been noted affects the walkway that runs behind them. This structure rises high enough to allow people to see over the high wall behind the toilets, affording them a view of the Kyre Brook, and along the brook to the Pump Rooms. However, the wooden surface can become slippery, particularly when wet. Signage has therefore been erected to close off the walkway, thus preventing any more accidents.

BRIAN’S BUTCHERS Traffic Worries over QUALITY MEAT

Merry Christmas from Brian & Rachel Christmas is coming - order now! Open to 6pm on Christmas Eve.

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Pork Leg, Boneless Loin, Bone-in Loin, Belly Draft

Lamb Leg, Shoulder, Loin

Venison Bacon Smoked Back, Plain Back, Streaky, Gammons, Joints

Cooked Ham, Beef, Turkey

Sausages Thick Pork, Thin Pork, Chipolatas, Pork & Leek, Cumberland, Pigs in Blankets, Sausage Meat

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new Waste Site Concerns have been raised that the decision to move Tenbury’s Household Waste Site from Palmers Meadow to the Bromyard Road Business Park will lead to a major increase in traffic on Bromyard Road.

On December 1st, local resident Brian Gough addressed Tenbury Town Council on this matter.

He also circulated information and graphs based on traffic movement data obtained from the planning application.

The new Waste Site has been granted planning consent to operate seven days a week, but at least to begin with, it’s only expected to open

on Saturdays, Sundays and one weekday. The information Mr Gough provided showed that a 60% increase in traffic is expected on the weekday when the site is open, but on Saturdays the increase is projected to be 90%, rising to 360% on Sundays. The graphs show a huge increase in Sunday morning traffic on Bromyard Road, with traffic rising from the current level of around 20 vehicle movements per hour to about 140 movements an hour, which is similar to current usage levels on a weekday at around 5pm. Saturday morning would be even busier, peaking at over 200 vehicle movements an hour.

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New Year’s Eve

2 courses £18.95 3 courses £22.95 Senior citizens 2 courses £14.95 3 courses £18.95

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Food served all day on Fri Sat & Sun

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Teme Valley Times

Christmas Craft Fair Held on November 15th in Great Witley Village Hall, this fundraising Christmas Craft Fair for the Stourport & District Stroke Association Group saw a huge array of gifts, cards and crafts on show, including some great ideas for Christmas gifts - or gifts in general! With so much choice it was easy to spend an hour or two browsing before finally making up your mind what to buy for whom.

If you needed a break from shopping in the

packed main hall, tea and cake, taken in a side hall, were served all day. The standard of craft work was high and for just a few pounds you could find a unique hand-crafted gift for someone, even including bespoke bunting!

A raffle in the entrance hall had many prizes, including a Goodman’s Turkey, golf for two at Wharton Park, a large box of Thornton’s chocolates, Port, a huge basket of fruit and the almost-obligatory large cuddly teddy bear.

Knit’n’Natter Fayre The Rock Knit’n’Natter group held their Christmas Fayre on November 22nd in Rock Village Hall. This year the group is supporting SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) and as people arrived, the SARA bear was busy welcoming them with enthusiastic waves!

The SARA team had a room laid out with fundraising items such as thimbles, pin badges, keyrings, wristbands and pens, plus information about the association. They are very happy to come along and talk to local community groups about their work.

In the main hall you could find refreshments, an art display (and sale) by a local art group, crafts and - of course - a large selection of knitted goods, including soft warm bed socks for £2.50/pair, hats, gloves, jumpers, cardigans,

scarves (for only £2!) and traditional tea cosies for £2.50. A Christmas cake raffle and Christmas £100 hamper raffle were raising money for SARA. Other stalls had cards, advent calenders, decorated face cloths and some intriguing large cushions with a black and white design.

These came with a set of coloured pens so you could colour in the design yourself! Once finished, a quick iron of the cover sees the colours fixed and washable.

The Rock Knit’n’Natter group describes itself as “a friendly group who meet in the hall on Wednesday afternoons from 2 - 4pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and join us to knit, sew, or just to natter over a cup of tea.” For more information contact Margaret Nott: 01299 832305.

H Live music from the Cellar Boyz H Free entry H Tickets for the buffet in advance £7.50

The Rose & Crown, Tenbury Wells www.whites.cc 01584 811336

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Teme Valley Times

Clee Hill Coffee and Craft

A fundraising sale of craft materials was held on November 15th in Clee Hill Village Hall, in aid of ‘Coffee Craft’. Items on sale included wool, stencils, fabric (including hessian, 60 inch width at £2 per metre), threads, knitting needles and patterns, crafting books and magazines.

A display board detailed some of the activities that go on at Coffee Craft.

Around 20 members meet each week (except during school holidays) for coffee

and a chat with a crafting workshop.

Over the weeks a wide variety of crafts are covered. Glass painting, tie dying, origami, crochet, macramé, dough craft, candle making and bead work are a few examples. Some people just call in for coffee and a chat while others try their hand at the craft on offer. The group meets at Clee Hill village hall on Wednesday mornings. More information from 07584 431451 or 07870 301824.

Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720

www.royalfountaininn.co.uk

A family-owned freehouse pub, known for its awardwinning cellar of real ales, quality-awarded Guinness and selection of wines, alongside a menu inspired by Spanish and Italian cuisine

www.facebook.com/royalfountain

O.P.I TREND ON TEN - Top ten best-selling nail varnishes from O.P.I £28.50

Gwen Stefani inspired O.P.I nail varnishes in various colours 4 x 3.75ml £13.95 Limited Edition Rose Gold ghds - includes rose gold and black roll-up bag and heat-resistant mat and 2 sectioning clips to help create your style £130.00 Limited Edition ghd Rose Gold Deluxe Gift Set - includes rose gold ghds, rose gold and black heat-resistant mat and roll-up bag and a beautiful rose gold and black ghd hairdryer complete with 2 different-size nozzles £195.00

Tenbury Poppy Appeal Sue Perry told us that “This year Tenbury launched their Poppy Appeal with a concert at the Regal Cinema with Tenbury Town Band, RBL Choir and special guests Marches Military Wives Choir, the evening was a great success, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended, whilst raising £2,500.”

Christmas Menu

Sue added “I would like to say a special thanks to all those who gave their time with house-to-house collections, street collections and to all the local shops and customers in Tenbury who kindly support us every year. This year was an amazing effort by everyone and we raised an amazing £10,500 towards the 2014 Poppy Appeal.”

Tenbury Wells

Merry Christmas 30 Teme Street Tenbury Wells 01584 810545

For Quick, Safe & Easy Cash Withdrawals, Banking, Paying In (inc Lloyds) and Bill Payments.

Foreign Currency: Euros, Dollars, Turkish Lira & more

FLOWERS by FIONA 19A High Street, Cleobury Mortimer

Ghd curve collection 4 different styles and looks to choose from all come with limited edition rose gold and black heat-resistant mat and bag £110.00 Wella S.p Gift packs - includes 250ml shampoo in either Repair or Colour Save, 250ml conditioner and 2 x mini s.p shampoos and 2 x mini s.p conditioners and a 50ml Perfect Hold hairspray £29.99 Moroccanoil Hydrating Trio - Mini gift set including 70ml hydrate shampoo, 70ml hydrate conditioner and 75ml treatment £18.65 Moroccanoil Repair/Volume Kit - 70ml shampoo, 70ml conditioner, 75ml conditioning mask and 75ml moroccanoil treatment £22.00 Moroccanoil Home and Travel Duo - 100ml Moroccanoil treatment with free 75ml Moroccanoil treatment £35.85 Special Edition Moroccanoil Duo - 500ml Moisture Repair shampoo and 500ml Moisture Repair conditioner £39.90

Christmas Opening Times Sat 20th Dec: 9am to 5pm Mon 22nd & Tues 23rd Dec: 9am to 8pm Wed 24th Dec: 9am to 3pm

Thurs 25th to Sat 27th Dec: CLOSED Mon 29th & Tues 30th Dec: 9am to 6pm Wed 31st Dec: 9am to 3pm Thurs 1st & Fri 2nd Jan: CLOSED Sat 3rd Jan: 9am to 3pm

Tel: 01299 272995 Fresh Flowers made to order Weddings, Parties, Business, Birthdays or Sympathy Tributes....

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TeMe Valley TIMeS

Street Works Starting soon Orleton Craft Fair Major ‘public realm’ works are due to start in Tenbury Wells in January. locations that will be affected are Market Street, Market Square, part of Cross Street (near Bowketts) and part of Teme Street (near the Crow public house). Pavements will be relaid, mainly with Indian sandstone, but in some areas blue blocks will be used. The road will be resurfaced, with red chippings being used at the junction areas by Bowketts and by the Crow; the roadway will also be raised in these areas. Stainless steel bins and bollards will be installed.

There will be times when Market Street will be closed to traffic. Worcestershire County Council says that “to reduce disruption, the closures will be outside of business hours” but given the business hours of the Market Tavern and Bowketts, it will probably be impossible to honour this commitment.

There will also be times when vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will not be allowed to use the road, which will mean that HGVs wanting to travel from the a456 junction by Swan Garage to the Bromyard Road Business Park, or to Bowketts Supermarket, or to Bromyard, will have to find an alternative route, presumably via a minor road.

Market Street

The scheme is due to be largely complete by easter but some residents have raised concerns over the impact the works will have on them.

Not just because of access, but also because of noise. The Council says that “Works will finish at midnight to reduce the effect on residents” but midnight would be very disruptive for many people.

Roger Bowkett, from Bowketts supermarket, expressed some of his concerns at a recent meeting of Tenbury Town Council. He said that trade still hadn’t fully recovered following the floods of 2007 and 2008, that “The money could have been spent a lot better” and that (regarding the upheaval) “I dread to think what it’ll be like”.

What a treat lay in store for people who made their way to Orleton Village Hall on November 15th. a craft fair, organised by St George’s Church, provided many ideas for unique crafted

gifts from less than a pound for a knitted decorated girl’s bracelet, up to a few hundred pounds for a piece of individually-designed exquisite jewellery.

The high standard of craftwork that’s available in the local area is a good reason to resist the temptation to flee to a big city in search of gifts as so much is available on the doorstep. Some craftwork is ‘upcycled’ or recycled, so you can even buy a ‘sustainable’ gift!

Refreshments were served all day and the Orleton art Group had an extensive display of members’ work, much of which was for sale. allin-all this was a very enjoyable event!

Bollards will be erected around the Round Market to reduce the risk of trucks hitting the building

We’re open over the festive period!

Tenbury Wells

Leominster

Christmas Eve New Year’s Eve Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day

Ludlow

Bishops Castle Christmas Eve New Year’s Eve

7am - 10pm 10am - 2pm

Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day

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Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve

9am - 9pm

Don’t forget your milk!

Christmas Day

7am - 6pm Closed

Boxing Day

8am - 6pm

New Year’s Day

9am - 9pm

12

Defibrillators and CPR There is increasing awareness of how cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a defibrillator can play a critical role in saving a life.

Defibrillators have already been installed in various places where the public can access them, and a defibrillator is due to be installed at Tenbury Pool early next year. Other locations include telephone boxes and village halls.

Defibrillators will actually talk you through their routine, so even if you aren’t sure what to do, you still stand a chance of saving someone’s life. However, rather than learn ‘on the job’, it’s better to attend a CPR training course.

A number of these have

Knighton on Teme Parish Rooms is one of the community locations that has a defibrillator

At a meeting of the Cleobury Mortimer Branch of the Royal British Legion on Wednesday 12th November, retiring Chairman Jim Hulme was presented with an engraved salver to mark his six years of service. Retiring Secretary Lesley Ravenscroft was presented with a flower vase in gratitude for her years of service.

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This ‘telephone box’, near Clows Top Post Office, is now home to a defibrillator

Recent Legion events have included a Variety Concert and Fish & Chip Supper on 31st October, which raised over £650 for the Poppy Appeal, and raffles at each of the three performances of ‘Journey’s End’, put on by Cleobury Players in St Mary’s Church.

These raffles raised nearly £300 for the Poppy Appeal.

Tinsel Tuesdays and with carol singing round the Christmas Tree! The dates are December 9th, 16th and 23rd.

MULTI-CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS ST MARY’S CHURCH, CHURCH STREET, TENBURY WELLS 26 OCTOBER - 11 DECEMBER Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm

been held in and around the Teme Valley. One of the most recent was held at Knighton on Teme Parish Rooms, where trainees included John Powell, one of Knighton on Teme’s Parish Councillors, and Chris Dell, the District Councillor for Lindridge Ward, which includes Knighton on Teme.

Cleobury Legion

It’s Tinsel Tuesdays time again in Ludlow, with free Tuesday parking from midday onwards, with a Christmas Gift Market,

Teme Valley Times

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Mrs S of Tenbury Wells wrote: ‘To know that when pressing the RED button there is immediate attention, is very comforting.’

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13

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Sapey Christmas Fayre The Sapey Village Hall Christmas Fayre on November 29th was an opportunity to start the run up to Christmas, and to browse stalls for gift ideas in a relaxed manner, while enjoying the simple pleasures of tea and homemade cakes as you contemplate your purchases! The hall was decked out with Christmas decorations and lights and with festive background music you couldn’t help but feel at least a teeny-weeny bit festive!

The presence of Santa’s little helper indicated that Santa had called in, to welcome any and all to his grotto, with a gift for all those who visited him. Stalls lined the hall, selling everything from Zetor tractor mugs, pens and coasters through to edible tree decorations (which looked so delicious they might not last till Christmas Day) festive candles, multicoloured dinosaur soft toys, exuberant dress rings and even a catnip ‘smice’ for your cat! This was a lovely event, and a fund-raising raffle helped the hall funds.

Murder Mystery Members of St Michael’s WI performed a Murder Mystery Play - ‘Fete Accompli’ - at St Michael’s Village Hall on November 6th. The event was attended by 90 ‘detectives’, only one of whom was able to solve the crime! It was an enjoyable and entertaining evening and included a buffet, several fete stalls and a raffle with prizes generously donated by local organisations. The event raised £357.

Want to be a Councillor?

Christmas Card Shop

Tenbury Town Council is inviting anyone who wants to find out more about becoming a councillor to come along to an open evening in the Pump Rooms on Monday 8th December from 7pm-8pm. The Town Council, which is directly responsible for many facilities and amenities in the town, has 13 members: 11 nominated by residents of Tenbury, and two by residents of St. Michael’s. Elections are expected to be held on May 7th 2015.

If you need any more Christmas cards this year, you might still have time to buy some from the Multi-Charity Christmas Cards Shop in St Mary’s Church, Tenbury Wells. It’s open 10am to 4pm, but not on Sundays, until December 11th.

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Burgers 1/4lb from £3.95, 1/2lb from £4.75. Jacket Potatoes with salad from £3.25.

Omelettes from £4.25. Baguette with chips & salad from £5.25.

Cobs served all day - Cheese, Bacon, Ham, Beef - all at £1.75.

NEW EVENING MENU Starters include - Forest Pig Charcuterie Platter £5.95 or Homemade soup & roll £4.25 or Creamy Garlic Mushrooms £4.95 Mains include - Liver & Bacon Casserole £7.95, Red Thai Chicken Curry £9.25, Mushroom Stroganoff £8.50 or a 20oz Mixed Grill £16.95.

3-Course CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU £15.95 Adult, £9.95 Child (under 12). Available throughout December (excludes Christmas Day). Pre-ordered booking for 8 or more only.

Starters: Prawn Cocktail, Parsnip Soup, Stilton Mushrooms, Melon, Liver Pate.

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BROADHEATH, NR TENBURY WELLS, WORCS WR15 8QX 01886 853241 www.tallyhorestaurant.co.uk

14

TeMe Valley TIMeS

Holly and Mistletoe at this time of year the media flocks to Tenbury to cover the mistletoe season and to attend the sales that have been run

by Nick Champion for a good many years.

It’s all good publicity for the area and of course the sales also bring in some useful trade, not just for holly and mistletoe, but also for wreathes and Christmas trees.

auctioneer Nick Champion

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Hops, apples, pears, ciders and more could all be seen at Tenbury agricultural Society’s autumn Show held at Penlu, Burford, on October 24th. at the end of the event the entries were auctioned off by Nick Champion, with the £570 raised from the event being split between the league of Friends of Tenbury Hospital, the air ambulance and the Tenbury agricultural Society.

The Society told us that this year’s cup winners were SJ adams & Sons, JN Probert & Son, MH & l andrews, RMO Capper, T & J Walker, Pridewood Hops, little lambswick, J adams, Newnham Farms, Cadmore Valley and PR & a Basford.

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Teme Valley Times

Teme Valley Mistletoe

Night Closure for Injury Unit?

The Minor Injury Unit based at Tenbury Hospital is currently open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which runs the service, is proposing to cut the opening hours to 9am to 9pm. Other services at the hospital are not affected as the proposals relate solely to the Minor Injury Unit.

Meetings were held at Tenbury Hospital on November 24th at 10am, and on December 3rd at 5pm, so that local residents could make comments. People can still pick up a questionnaire from the hospital or from the local GP surgery, or the questionnaire can be completed online, or alternatively telephone the Trust on 01905 681502, but comments must be received by December 14th. A video relating to the proposal can be viewed online - click through to it (or to the questionnaire) from www.temevalleytimes.co.uk

Bowkett’s Supermarket Market Square. Tenbury Wells. WR15 8BL. Tel: 01584 810351 email: info@bowketts.co.uk

www.bowketts.co.uk

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Christmas Fayre Menu

To enter: Simply make a purchase and write your name and contact details (phone/email/address) on the reverse of your receipt (ask cashier for a copy) and drop it in the competition box at the front of the shop.

CHILDREN’S COMPETITION Create a Christmas Card

Age Categories: 3 to 6 years - PRIZE £40 Love to Shop voucher 7 to 10 years - PRIZE £40 Love to Shop vouchers 11 to 15 years - PRIZE £40 Love to Shop vouchers Place your Christmas card in the box in-store with name, age and contact details on the back.

Both competitions run until 20th December.

Winners announced in-store Monday 22nd December.

GOOD LUCK and thank you for shopping locally...

**Don’t forget to order your fresh locally sourced Bowkett’s Christmas Turkey before 6th December to save £1/kg. Leave your order with our butchers or telephone 01584 810351

FREE parking on The Square and Royal Oak (limit 2 hrs) with complimentary carry to car service Open 7am to 8pm Mon to Sat & 10am to 4pm on Sun

1st December to 23rd December Starters

Soup of the Day (v).

Crayfish, mango & Thousand Island salad, served on a bed of leaves.

Chicken liver & brandy parfait served with warm toast.

Breaded Brie served with cranberry sauce and dressed leaves.

Main Courses

Rib-eye steak with peppercorn sauce or garlic Stilton butter (£4.50 supplement).

Slow-cooked pheasant on a bed of red cabbage and a red wine jus.

Fillet of salmon served with crushed new potatoes, butter spinach and hollandaise sauce.

Grilled turkey steak served with root vegetables, roast potatoes and a cranberry jus.

Tagliatelle in a creamy wild mushroom sauce topped with spring onions (v).

Christmas Day £59.95 p/h

Desserts

Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce.

Raspberry crème brûlée.

Cheesecake of the day.

Cheese & biscuits (£2.50 supplement)

New Year’s Eve (Dinner & Live Band)

£34.95 p/h

2 courses £12.95 - 3 courses £17.95

16

Teme Valley Times

Drinks for the

As we approach Christmas and New Year, many people will be buying wines and spirits. Some will simply be looking to stock up the drinks cupboard; some will be wanting to buy a few bottles to go with special meals or to mark special events; some will be looking for a bottle of ‘fizz’ for a celebration or to help make a party go with a bang - while others will be buying bottles to give as presents.

Here we look at a wide range of drinks from most of the major retailers. Some are special bargains for the festive season, some are unusual drinks that relatively few people will have tasted, and some would make particularly nice Christmas gifts. So, whether you’re looking for red wine or white, Champagne or Prosecco, Sherry or Port, or spirits or liqueurs, there are plenty of ideas here.

Tesco

Tesco Mulled Wine 75cl. £3.99 A great start to the festive season, especially if friends arrive on a cold night. Flavoured with cinnamon, cloves, blueberries, vanilla and lemon zest this spicy wine was full of sweet fruit flavours. finest* Salted Caramel Irish Cream Liqueur 70cl. £12.00 If you find Irish Cream Liqueur too sweet or sickly, this is an interesting alternative and the salted caramel adds a bit of a twist - and a toffee flavour - to an old favourite. Remember to give it a good shake! finest* Premier Cru Champagne 75cl. £19.99 Clean tasting, with flavours of rich tea biscuit and a hint of tangerine, but the sharp, fresh finish might not suit everyone’s palate when served on its own, so if in doubt, you might prefer to serve it with food.

Simply Pudding Wine 50cl. £4.99 This is more like a liqueur than wine, but if you’re familiar with Moscatel de Valencia you’ll know pretty much what to expect.

The pink colour adds a fun note and it’s not just sweet wine there’s a spicy edge that gives a touch of firmness. You might try it with Christmas pudding or mince pies!

Co-op

Co-operative Prosecco 75cl. £6.66 (until 3rd Jan 2015).

Fresh and crisp with green apple and pear flavours, this Italian fizz earned itself a Best Buy award from Which? last year - need we say more?

Co-operative 12 Year Highland Single Malt Scottish Whisky 70cl. £22.99 A powerful aroma; sweetness; caramel; oak; a light peatiness. If you like single malts, this is a whisky you might buy yourself for Christmas - or if you’re really lucky, somebody might buy it for you!

Morrisons

Morrisons Signature Pedro Ximénez 37.5cl. £4.99 (until 4th Jan 2015) This is a very sweet, very rich, very intense and decidedly unusual sherry. Packed with fig and raisin flavours, this is one to sip and savour. You could even try it poured over vanilla ice cream. Potentially delicious, but it will be too sweet for some.

Morrisons Signature Champagne Brut 75cl. £18.99 Creamy, with very small bubbles, and not too frothy, this was less assertive than many Champagnes so would probably appeal to a wider audience, which might be particularly useful at Christmas and New Year. Very drinkable and really rather good - by itself or with food.

Morrisons Signature Distillers Choice 70cl. £14.99 A blend of 20 single malts, left to marry in sherry casks for up to three months, this has a lot of flavour, particularly at the front of the mouth, and a smoky, oaky, but not too peaty, finish.

Tawny Port 70cl. £7.00 Tawnies are softer than the more common ruby ports, and this is a very enjoyable example. It’s possibly more towards a ruby than some tawnies, but is none the worse for this. Enjoy it by itself, enjoy it with a ‘proper’ meal, enjoy it with a ham, lettuce and tomato cob! Terrific - and a bargain.

Chablis 1 Cru Blason de Bourgogne 2011 75cl. £14.99 Chablis is sometimes described as flinty or steely, descriptions that many white wine drinkers may not find attractive. However, this particular Chablis is easier going than many and it’s refined and subtle in an understated way. Strong food flavours might dominate it, but if you’re having chicken at Christmas, this should go down very nicely.

Morrisons Signature Valpolicella Ripasso 2012 75cl. £7.49 Smooth, rich and delicious, with dark fruit flavours and very well-balanced, we found this to be an excellent partner for a traditional Christmas dinner. Very drinkable, with no harshness, but with plenty to interest even the serious red wine drinker. This was well-liked by all.

Waitrose

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Waitrose Grüner Veltliner 2013 75cl. £7.99 This offers more than you might expect from an Austrian Grüner Veltliner.

With zesty citrus aromas and luscious, fresh flavours of gooseberries and Chinese grapefruit, this white could be enjoyed by itself or with food. An interesting alternative to a Pinot Grigio, for example.

Stolichnaya salted Karamel Vodka 70cl. £21 An interesting variation on the vodka theme, this could certainly help warm you up in wintry weather! The toffee flavour comes through early on, then there’s the warming feeling from the vodka, next the saltiness and finally a toffee finish.

Heredad Del Rey Yegla 2012 75cl. £8.99 This rich and complex red (Monastrell/Syrah) has a lot to it, but opinions varied, ranging from “excellent, delicious” to “strange”. Clearly it’s a matter of personal preference, but there’s no denying that this is an interesting wine! Monastrell may be a little-known name, but it’s simply the Spanish name for Mourvèdre.

17

Teme Valley Times

Festive Season Tenbury and Ludlow SPAR

(prices valid until 1st January 2015) Perlezza Prosecco Brut. Magnum (150cl) £11.50, bottle (75cl) £6.00, mini (20cl) £2.50 This Italian fizz has a soft grapey flavour, just the thing for fun occasions or when there’s something to celebrate. It also stands up quite well with food, and a magnum has an undeniable presence on the table.

Marquis Belrive Champagne 75cl. £16.00 Decidedly sharp and fresh, with flavours of green apples, this is one for people who like their Champagne to be on the dry side.

SPAR Sancerre La Vallee des Vignes 2012 75cl. £8.00 A relatively soft but fruity and fresh Sauvignon Blanc, with grassy/ gooseberry flavours. We all liked this refined white and it’s excellent value at this offer price.

SPAR Chateauneuf du Pape les Trois Couronnes 2011 75cl. £11.00 Not many years ago you could confidently expect Chateauneuf to be short on fruit and long on tannin. Styles of some old world reds have changed significantly over recent years and this Chateauneuf differs greatly from what you might have bought 15 years ago. It’s fruity and quite dry but only moderately tannic and not challenging in the way many might associate with Chateauneuf.

SPAR Barolo Valle Vento 2008 75cl. £15.27 Dry but fruity with some pepperiness and a smoky oakiness but soft tannins, this red would be an interesting alternative to a Rioja Reserva.

Aldi

Freeman’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 75cl. £5.89 This affordable and enjoyable New Zealand zesty white wine was a hit with all the tasters - and it’s good value.

Exquisite Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Clare Valley 75cl. £6.99 Lovely sweet black cherry aroma, rich and full of fruit in the mouth, refined and complex and bursting with flavour.

Tremendous for the price. We all enjoyed this Australian red.

Fletcher’s Fine Ruby Port 75cl. £6.49 Ruby ports should be tasty, fiery and fruity and this example is. It’s amazing how versatile port is, it can be enjoyed with a wide range of foods, or, of course, on its own, preferably in front of a roaring log fire. Don’t let the modest price put you off, you could easily pay more for something that’s not as good in the glass.

Belucci Amaretto 70cl. £6.79 If you like marzipan or almonds this soft, smooth liqueur should appeal, whether on its own or with ice, or in a cocktail, such as a Godmother (vodka, amaretto, ice) or a Godfather (whisky, amaretto, ice). Amaretto is also used in cooking, or you could try it in coffee.

Panamericana Merlot 2012 75cl. £8.99 (£5.99 if you buy 2 or more) This smooth easy-drinking Chilean red has aromas and flavours of plums and forest fruits. A good party red. We’d want to serve this slightly below modern room temperature, perhaps 17 or 18C. Macon-Villages ‘Les Roches Blanches’ 2013 75cl. £12.99 (£8.66 if you buy 2 or more) An interesting and quite serious Chardonnay, this offers a sharp lemony-star fruit freshness, but it also has some depth to it. This should go very nicely with the turkey!

Vina Eguia Rioja Reserva 2009 75cl. £9.99 (£6.66 each if you buy 2 or more) Bursting with ripe red fruit flavours, smoky and complex, this red was enjoyed by all the tasters. Try it with the cheeseboard, or with a beef main course.

Bouvet Ladubay Saumur 75cl. £13.49 (£8.99 if you buy 2 or more) This fizz evoked mixed reactions, ranging from ‘Oooh that’s sharp’ to ‘mmm that’s nice’ so it’s clearly a matter of personal taste. It might go nicely with smoked salmon canapés - or try it with Roquefort.

The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc 37.5cl. £12.99 (£8.66 each if you buy 2 or more).

A decidedly unusual pudding wine, from New Zealand. with the vibrancy of the Sauvignon Blanc shining through with amazing power.

Some liked it, some didn’t, but it’ll certainly be a talking point, and possibly worth trying just for the novelty value. Try it with Christmas pudding or blue cheese and make up your own mind!

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Champagne Veuve Monsigny 75cl. £9.99 A pleasant dry Champagne which could be enjoyed with spicy nibbles or with mince pies, or mix it with freshlysqueezed orange juice for a proper Buck’s Fizz!

Highland Black 8 Year Old Scotch Whisky 70cl £12.99 This is a blend of grain and malt and the malt comes through but it’s balanced by the grain and the result is a whisky that offers plenty of flavour, without being too challenging, though many might like to add a drop of water.

Majestic (prices valid until 2nd February 2015) Mud House Sauvignon Blanc 2014 75cl. £9.99 (£6.66 if you buy 2 or more) Sharp and floral, with flavours of pineapple and hints of lychees, this New Zealand white was quite assertive, with some astringency to the finish.

We have moved:

Demijohn

Walnut Liqueur 38%. £19.10 (250ml), £26.30 (350ml), £36.60 (500ml) Here’s something decidedly different.

Green walnuts are infused in apple eau-de-vie, with spices including cloves, to produce this almost black liqueur. Full of flavour, it’s a splendidly warming drink for the cold winter months. It’s possibly a ‘love it or hate it flavour’, but if you enjoy green Chartreuse you’ll probably be in the ‘love it’ camp! (Order online: www.demijohn.org)

A warm welcome awaits customers old and new.

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18

Teme Valley Times

Abberley Christmas Fayre

A private family business for over 130 years

On November 8th the Village Hall and car park were full to capacity for Abberley’s Christmas Fayre, and with free admission nobody was excluded from having the chance to ‘find something for everyone’ as the organisers put it!

Father Christmas called in at the hall and saw a steady stream of youngsters. They all came away with a gift from him - no doubt he will be visiting them again at Christmas!

Even if you didn’t see Santa, it was hard

not to come away with some lovely early Christmas gifts - there was so much choice! The craftwork that was on sale was of excellent quality and local crafts people, artists and the WI had all contributed to a great display. There were hampers to be won, cakes to buy, Winnie the Pooh was up for raffle, and the silent auction progressed silently as people wrote down their bids.

You could buy a Poppy Cupcake (raising funds for the RBL) or meringue snowmen,

fresh fruit and veg or even a scented ceramic decoration, made up to form a Christmas card gift. The huge tombola gave you the chance to have a flutter and secondhand goods including handbags, scarves, books, jewellery and general household items all made for great browsing and ‘bargain hunting’. Add in refreshments on tap all afternoon and a Grand Prize draw this was certainly a great start to the festive fair season.

Proceeds were for the Abberley Churches.

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Golf Club Foursomes

Concert Raises £1200

On October 28th the Ludlow Golf Club played in the Ludlow Golf Club Autumn foursomes cup, in somewhat windy conditions as the end of a

A musical evening at St Mary’s, Cleobury, raised £1200 for Cleobury Compassionate Communities (CoCo), which supports lonely, frail and vulnerable people in Cleobury and surrounding villages such

hurricane swept through the county. Winners were Liz Weston and Chris Bradshaw with a score of 78 1/2. The photo shows (from left): Liz Weston, Lady Captain Jackie Corbett and Chris Bradshaw.

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as Highley, Kinlet, and Neen Savage. The performers were the Goode Ensemble - local amateur string players who play among themselves and in their local communities, helping organisations to raise funds

20

TeMe Valley TIMeS

Book Reviews - a Book for Christmas?

Headwaters - Walking to British River Sources

by Phil Clayton

Reggie by John Challis

Here we are looking at two books: Reggie - a Stag at Bay and its sequel, Reggie - In the Frame. John Challis, who only lives a stroll from the River Teme, earned his fame as an actor but in recent years he’s turned to writing, with Reggie - a Stag at Bay being his first novel.

This probably explains the slightly awkward start to that book, but don’t let this put you off as once John gets into his stride it flows nicely, in a pleasantly entertaining way. It’s easy to see a lot of Boycie’s, (and perhaps even the author’s) character in Reggie, which is no bad thing. He comes over as a bit of a spiv, a wheeler dealer who takes what life throws at him and comes up smiling, not least because of his beloved wife, Rosita.

In Reggie - In the Frame the style shifts a little, moving more towards being a whodunnit, or even a who-did-what, reaching a clear focus at the end of the book, which is just as it should be.

Do read the first book first as it provides a grounding that helps the second book make sense; they could have as well been titled Part One and Part Two. The big question has to be: once someone turns Reggie into a film, or a TV series, who will play the leading role?

Published by Wigmore Books (www.wigmorebooks.com) at £8 each

ann and alf Jenkins with their new book

From Clee to Eternity by Ann & Alf Jenkins

alf and his wife ann have worked together for years amassing facts, figures, recollections and photos about the Shropshire Clee Hills. This new book brings this work together, with the added bonus of alf’s own personal life story to provide a vivid and vibrant record of a life mostly spent in the Welsh borders and Shropshire Hills in the 20th century. From being born in a little country pub (the Dhu Stone Inn) on the Titterstone Clee, to the forming of the Titterstone Clee Heritage Trust in October 2006 and onward to receiving his MBe from the Queen in 2008. alf’s autobiographical social history is entwined with studies of long-gone village industries, abandoned ancient camps and tales of local characters. events large and small are covered in an extensive ‘Snippets’ section towards the end of the book. a pleasing indulgence is the inclusion of a selection of ‘grandchildren’s quotes’ that are guaranteed to raise a smile.

With approaching 300 pages and many thousands of words, this book will reward readers who want to know more about a local lad’s life experiences. alf’s style, which involves a light touch and gentle humour, is engaging and personal, as he seems to be almost having a conversation with the reader. This might be due to his teaching background - after attending Worcester Teacher Training college in the 1950s he taught at leintwardine, ludlow, Madley, Canon Pyon, then for many years he was Head Master at Tenbury Primary School.

The book primarily focusses on the Clee Hills but many other places are drawn in. alf’s father worked for a time at the Morgan Motor Company in Malvern and alf recounts happy times spent on aunty Gladys’ Callow Farm at Martley Hillside. alf attended ludlow Grammar; his National Service brings recollections of Park Hall Camp, Oswestry and Germany. alf’s wife ann came from Orleton just 5 miles from ludlow and the boot-shaped pub sign of the village’s Boot Inn is one of the many creations of ann and alf’s crafts business. a fascinating, engaging read, this book would be a worthy addition to any local history library and a lovely gift for anyone with an interest in social history and the local area.

Published by Ann & Alf Jenkins (01568 780398, www.alfjenkins.com) at £16.75

A View from the Tractor by Roger Evans

Roger evans is back on top form with his latest collection of wit and wisdom as, arguably, ‘the nation’s favourite dairy farmer’. But the book isn’t all about cows and milk prices, though Roger does candidly talk about how angry he gets sometimes and tackles the contentious subject of TB, dairy farming and badgers.

The book covers many aspects of rural farm-life and life in general. It’s a delightfully loose and varied collection of thoughts and observations of man and beast, made over the course of two years, from Spring 2012 to Spring 2014.

Roger’s thoughts on beer festivals, vegans, badger culling, the pub quiz (which he suggests encourages newcomers, because they think they know more than the locals) are all gently given and often provide food for thought, with a bit of home grown philosophy thrown in: “...like life itself, you just go with the flow and enjoy the good bits while you can...”.

His imagined innocence when a wedding fair catwalk presentation includes a gown for the pregnant bride prompts the comment “...thought you had to be married to get pregnant...” is disarming but mischievous at the same time.

From early in the book, the hunt is on for a replacement for ‘Neville’, Roger’s territorial and fearless cockerel. Will eric, the stag turkey, make the grade? Guaranteed to raise a smile as you travel the farm, fields and countryside with Roger, often gravitating to the pub on Saturday night - but hopefully not (in his eyes) when there is a beer festival under way!

Published by Merlin Unwin at £12

Hudson’s Historic Houses & Gardens

The 2015 edition packs in information on over 1,000 of Britain’s stately homes, historic houses and gardens, including privately-owned properties and those owned or managed by National Trust, english Heritage, Historic Scotland, Cadw and Historic Royal Palaces. Maps, opening times, catering information, tours, plant sales, shopping, special events and more are packed into 500 pages. Now in its 28th year, it’s a great source of inspiration when you fancy a day out - or a weekend away - but aren’t quite sure where to go!

Published by Hudson’s at £16.99

Michelin Eating Out In Pubs 2015

This guide recommends almost 600 pubs, selected, first and foremost, for their food. each entry features colour photographs and a description, as well as prices, directions and a list of real ales. There are also regional maps and indexes by both pub and town name, and pubs with accommodation are highlighted. local entries include the Talbot at Newnham Bridge (“Menus offer something for everyone”), the Charlton arms at ludlow (“superb river view”) and the lion at leintwardine (“a relaxed, stylish environment”).

If you like to go out and about looking for decent pub meals with a sense of direction, rather than trusting to mere serendipity, this would certainly merit a place on the bookshelf.

Published by Michelin at £13.99

This is an unusual book. as the title suggests - it looks at walking to the source of a number of rivers, ranging from Scotland to the West Country.

It includes our very own Teme, and indeed the Onny and Clun, so although it’s a wide-ranging book (at least geographically) it’s also local.

Consequently it’s a book you could make use of while planning a day out, or for a trip when you’re on holiday. There is a description of where the source is, plus a grid reference, and a general description of the area. Written in a chatty but informative style, it manages to get information across in an easygoing way.

Nicely designed, there are a number of photographs, but some of these could have contributed more to the book had they been a larger size.

This 220-page hardback is the sort of book that could interest armchair enthusiasts as well as actual outdoor types; it might also make an interesting gift.

Published by Frances Lincoln at £18.99

The Cotswold House

by Tim Jordan & Lionel Walrond

This book takes an interesting look at Cotswold houses. Not just the grand houses people visit, but also the more modest, and it looks at both interior and exterior. The character and charm of Cotswold houses is conveyed well, not least because of the colour photographs - over 400 of them that illustrate the book.

It goes into considerable depth so it is, perhaps, more likely to appeal to the enthusiast rather than the casual reader.

For example there’s a two-page spread of photos illustrating Coursed, Squared and Fine ashlar Stone, which may be more detail than some require. However, it’s coherently and cogently broken into clearly-illustrated topics (‘Thatch’, ‘Guttering’, ‘leadwork’, ‘Chimney Stacks’, ‘Finials’ etc) so even if you aren’t particularly knowledgeable at the start of the book, you surely could be by the end of it.

Published by Amberley at £20

Worcestershire - Stockton-on-Teme

GUIDE PRICE £1,250,000

A stunning listed country house in an astonishing Teme Valley position Reception hall, drawing room, study, sitting room, dining room, fabulous living kitchen, laundry room, gym. 6 bedrooms, media room/bedroom 7, 6 bath/shower rooms (5 e/s).

Double garage, workshop. In all about 5233 sq ft.

Long gravel driveway,wonderful landscaped gardens. 2 paddocks,exceptional views. Around 3.73 acres.

Worcestershire - Abberley

GUIDE PRICE £625,000

A delightfully situated small farm with good equestrian facilities Wonderful views over the surrounding valley.

A delightfully situated Farmhouse with good equestrian facilities & wonderful views over the surrounding valley Reception Hall, Lounge, Snug, Farmhouse Kitchen,Garden/Dining Room, Study, Utility, Cloakroom, Cellar. Four double Bedrooms, Dressing Room, En-Suite Shower Room, Family Bathroom. Double Garage. Stables, Menage and Approx 4.5 Acres - more land available by negotiation. ghb@gherbertbanks.co.uk www.gherbertbanks.co.uk

Worcestershire - Eardiston, Tenbury Wells

GUIDE PRICE £390,000

A fine traditional family home Elevated setting with superb Teme Valley views

Reception hall, large sitting room, dining room, breakfast kitchen, utility room, shower room.

4 bedrooms, family bathroom. In all about 1612 sq ft.

Detached double garage, studio/workshop. Summmer house.

Delightful mature gardens. EPC rating C.

Teme Valley Times

Clunton, Shropshire

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Guide Price £585,000

Three/four bedroom Grade II listed Mediaeval farmhouse dating back to 1540 Significantly extended in 2002 with the addition of a large baronial hall-style room leading down to a lower ground floor.

Nestled in a beautiful secluded valley, and set in garens and grounds of approx. one acre Approached along a private drive past a stream and large natural pond with an island

Near Craven Arms

Guide Price £500,000

Lovely rural location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with quite outstanding far reaching views. l Flexible five bedroom and three bathroom accommodation, suitable for sub division. l Currently offering annexed accommodation and further holiday letting unit/ bedsitting room. l Ample parking, garage/workshop and large barn l Approximately 8 acres in all, mainly pasture land thus suitable for a variety of uses including equestrian or as a country smallholding l Secluded one acre garden & spinney l

Beguildy

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Guide Price £189,500

Very pleasant position in the centre of the village Detached character 2 bed barn conversion, en-suite to master

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Well fitted kitchen and utility, sitting room, conservatory

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Garage, parking, lovely rural views to the rear

Round Thorn, Nr Ludlow

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Guide Price £365,000

A spacious four bedroom detached house just a few minutes drive from Ludlow 17 ft sitting room, separate dining room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room and utility Garage, ample parking and turning area, greenhouse, useful stores, large gardens adjoining open countryside Lovely views towards Titterstone Clee Hill and surrounding countryside.

Double glazing and oil fired central heating.

Teme Valley Times

g n i p p Sho e g a l l i V

SEASoN’S GREETINGS FRoM

as istm g r h c ppin Sho g 12th in Even ember Dec 9pm 6pm

Seven stylishly converted farm buildings now form this delightful shopping village in the heart of the Teme Valley.

Located just a stone’s throw from the banks of the river Teme and the old historic bridge at Stanford Bridge.

Focusing on food, beauty, home and garden the village offers traditional hot smoking, butcher’s, delicatessen, tearoom, crafts, hair salon, beauty salon, plants and home & garden décor. Whether you want to meet up with friends for coffee, do some shopping for essentials, pamper yourself, treat yourself to a Vintage afternoon tea, find a lovely gift or card, or just browse for an hour or two, Mill Farm is a great place to visit.

KyRE KITchENS Traditional Applewood Hot Smoking FISH DUCK CHICKEN - VENISON Fish Pâtés Tasting table every day come and try!

Open until Christmas Eve for your Festive Orders 01886 853336

EllIE’S DElI Newly Opened Groceries - Cheese Swifts Bread Charcuterie - Olives - Vegetables 01886 853596

ThE SNuG Beauty Treatments & Therapies Latest technology in non-surgical facelifts, oxygen facials and glycopeels Massage Manicures & Pedicures Waxing. Gift Vouchers available.

01886 853296 07989 529 215

ThE hoNEy PoT Tearoom & Crafts Come and see us this December for Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe Christmas decorations and gifts Festive Sandwiches, Paninis, Mince Pies Log Burner to keep you warm!

01886 853800

TASTy MEATS ThE PARlouR We wish all our clients a very happy Christmas and a happy New Year!

Beautiful Hair in a warm and cosy retreat in the picturesque Teme Valley.

Somewhere to unwind, relax and let your stresses melt away.

We would like to welcome Sarah to our team (now taking Thursday appointments) 01886 853338

Old-fashioned traditional Butcher Rare breed & free-range Meat Christmas Turkeys, Chicken, Beef, local Game Order NOW in good time for Christmas - don’t be disappointed!

Open ALL DAY on Mon/Tues/Wed of Christmas Week 01886 853212 - 07818 278 934

Mill Farm, Stanford Bridge, WR6 6SP

BuRlISoN & FITch In the Garden & Now At Home An eclectic mix of new and vintage items for home and garden 07530 183 115 - Janice 07834 380 120 - Jayne

FREE PARKING