Teme Valley Times April-May 2016

April/May 2016

TENBURY MUSIC

FESTIVAL

Saturday th

18 June See page 2 for more information

AIRPORT

TRANSFERS

Bestparks Country Holiday Parks With six different parks we can offer a range of settings; Westbrook Park, Little Hereford - Smithy Park, Abermule Poston Mill, Golden Valley - Pearl Lake, Shobdon Arrow Bank, Eardisland - Rockbridge Park, Presteigne.

5 StAR HoLidAy HoME oWnERSHiP & touRinG PARkS

For further information please contact 01584 711280 visit www.bestparks.co.uk or email info@bestparks.co.uk

Blue Bird in Bromyard

or local caBs 1 Passenger uP to 7 Passenger vehicles Birmingham airport heathrow airport gatwick airport all other uK airports on request l

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Flight delay or early arrival we will track your flight online and be there as you arrive - no extra charge!

We will meet and greet you at airport arrival - no extra charge!

Early morning / late night flights no extra charge!

Weekend flights - no extra charge!

Vehicle Exclusivity - we won’t put you in a vehicle with a stranger!

On April 3rd, 2016, Sir Malcolm Campbell’s 350hp Land Speed Record breaker ‘Blue Bird’ could be seen driving up and down Bromyard High Street - a remarkable sight indeed! For more coverage of the Bromyard Speed Festival, please see pages 16 and 17.

Cliffslade JohnMoore 07920 200 715 cliffandjohn@hotmail.co.uk

www.cliffslade.co.uk

PREMIUM QUALITY

Call us or visit us at: 38 Teme Street, Tenbury, WR15 8AA. Tel: 01584 810322 110 Corve Street, Ludlow, SY8 1DJ. Tel: 01584 872421 St Matthews House, Market Street, Craven Arms. Tel: 01588 672776 Email: enquiries@dykeruscoe.co.uk Website: www.dykeruscoe.co.uk

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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TEME VALLEY TIMES

More Parking in Tenbury

Tenbury’s new waste site, on the Bromyard Road Business Park, has not only made life easier for local residents who want to dispose of old fridges and TV sets, it has also led to a useful increase in the number of parking spaces in the town.

This is because once the new site was up and running, the old site on the Palmers Meadow car park could be removed, effectively extending the car park. The extra parking will certainly be welcomed, especially when events are being held in the town.

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Teme Valley Times

Ludford Bridge Ludford Bridge has been closed, other than to pedestrians, since a lorry hit the bridge back in February, sending pieces of stonework crashing into the River Teme, many feet below. The repair work will incorporate what can usefully be salvaged from the river, but a significant amount of ‘new’ stone will also be required. Hopes are high that the bridge will reopen to traffic by the beginning of May, but in the meantime there’s major traffic

More free parking in Tenbury because the waste site and skips have been removed

Teme Valley Laundry Ltd

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY SERVICE UNIT 1 LUDLOW BUSINESS PARK, ORLETON ROAD LUDLOW, SHROPSHIRE, SY8 1XF COUNTER IS OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM Free collection and delivery within 20 mile radius.

Range of services are available: domestic ironing, wash & dry or wash, dry & iron sports kits, workwear, dry cleaning & wet cleaning, linen hire, event decoration, repairs & alterations.

Business contracts and accounts welcome

Telephone - 01584 878010 Email - info@temevalleylaundry.co.uk Website - www.temevalleylaundry.co.uk Facebook - TEMEVALLEYLAUNDRY Twitter - @TEMEVALLAUNDRY

We are a local family run business established in 2013

disruption because Ludford Bridge is the key route into Ludlow from the Leominster and Tenbury Wells direction.

In the wake of this damage and closure, there have been calls to stop Heavy Goods Vehicles using the bridge, in the hope that this would reduce the risk in the future, but concerns have been raised over the impact of lorries using alternative routes.

Pop-Up Charity Shops Tenbury Hospital League of Friends Charity Shop is due to open on Saturday 23rd April.

The League’s fund-raising shop pops-up from time to time at various locations in Tenbury Wells, depending on where and when premises are available.

This spring the League is planning to use the shop unit in Banfields alleyway (where Simply Stoves used to be) for two weeks, by kind permission of Sadie Chalkley, the owner of Banfields.

Donated items for sale can be dropped

off at the shop on Friday 22nd April, or while the shop is open. Opening times are scheduled to be 9.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturday. For further details ring 01584 811066 or 810921.

Tenbury Community Pool (TCP) is also planning a pop-up charity shop, in the same premises, but this is planned to run from 9th to 21st May. If you can help with donated goods or staffing the shop you can contact Jane Jenner on 01584 819653 or jane.jenner@jjaccounts.me.uk

The Bell

The Stockton Cross Inn Kimbolton, Leominster, HR6 0HD

~ A proper pub with real food ~

under new ManageMent

Open daily

Chloe and Simon extend a very warm welcome to customers old and new. email: info@stocktoncross.co.uk

Light bites include Chef’s Soup of the Day with Baguette £4.95 Pot of tea, serves up to four, £3.50 Range of coffees, including decaffeinated

11am to 11pm

new Spring Menu from 1st May

Served 12noon - 8.30pm

01299 896677 A warm welcome and six superbly-kept real ales plus Robinsons, Oldfields and a range of real ciders & perries.

Group bookings and functions welcome l l l l l l

See our facebook page for details of live music and events.

01568 612509

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28 years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide CAMRA 2015 Worcestershire Pub of the Year Local Produce, Home-made Food Daily Blackboard Menu Sunday Lunch £9.50 Sandwiches from £4.50 Tue-Sat Lunch Specials £6.50 Closed Monday lunch (except Bank Holidays)

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

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Teme Valley Times

Soap Box Announcement!

The Richards Castle Soap Box Derby committee has announced the charities that will benefit from this year’s event. They are Close House (a Youth Centre in Hereford), Orleton Youth Club and Dreamcatcher (a Shropshire-based charitable fund). The date has been announced (Sunday 3rd July) and the location is Hanway Common, with soap boxes of all shapes and sizes expected to descend the hill in fine style on the day.

The event is run by a group of volunteers who put on a family day out with a programme of soap box racing and a range of other entertainment. Last year £10,450 was raised.

After the cheque presentation evening last year, Arabella Salwey said it was ‘a very uplifting experience and makes all the hard work worth it when one is able to give out sizeable cheques to worthy local charities who do such good work and desperately need the support.’

LOCAL SERVICES

Advertise from £12/issue with a 5-issue series Email temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk or ring 01584 781762

Arabella Salwey (far right, middle row) at last year’s presentation evening.

Fresh Flowers made to order Special Occasions, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Sympathy Tributes

DOG WALKING SERVICE

For all your dog walking and pet needs, if it’s short walks, long walks, pet sitting or to pop in to feed while you are away, a pet taxi to take your pet to the vets Give us a call or text 01584 811030 or visit www.tenburywellsdogwalking.com Fully insured & DBS checked, prices start from as little as £5!

19a High Street, Cleobury Mortimer

Tel: 01299 272995

CORINNE FROST Dip RAM, LRAM

Experienced Professional Cellist

Associate Member of CBSO Co Principal of ESO Musical Director Volante Strings

Available for: Cello Lessons, Ensemble Coaching, Recitals, Care Home Musical Therapy, Funerals, Musical Portraits

Hanley Broadheath 01886 853099 07976 286570 www.corinnefrost.com

How to contact the Teme Valley Times

If you want to advertise please book your space in our next issue as soon as possible! We can design your advert for you and we can take photographs if required. * print run The Teme Valley Times is independent and locally-owned, it is not part of a large publishing group.

10,000 copies per issue*

Phone: 01584 781762 Email: temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.temevalleytimes.co.uk Post: Teme Valley Times, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8LW 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. l

NOT TO SCALE

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Car Wash

Make Up service available

choose a pot and plants and we will pot it up for you.

Stock all types of • Compost • Bark • Grow Bags • Gravels • Soil Conditioners • Bird Food • Lawn Care • Controlled Release Fertiliser • Liquid Fertiliser • Weed Killers • Insecticide & Pest Control • House Plant Care • House Plants • Soft Fruit • Roses • Bedding • Trees • Shrubs • Alpines • Conifers • Herbaceous Free Local Delivery

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Teme Valley Times

Cakes, Lights & Website

On April 9th, Tenbury’s firefighters could be seen washing cars on the Palmers Meadow car park. This was a fund raiser for the Fire Fighters Charity, an organisation that aims to support people in the fire and rescue community when they are in need.

Despite the inclement weather, a number of local residents took the opportunity to get a spring clean for their car, while at the same time helping to raise funds for this worthy cause.

Signage helped motorists find their way to the car wash

Tenbury Chamber of Trade was certainly planning ahead on April 9th when members spent some time running a cake stall on Teme Street, to raise money for Tenbury’s Christmas Lights. The weather might have felt as cold as winter, but the fortitude of the members clearly paid off as by late morning only a few cakes remained.

The Chamber aims to add to the Tenbury’s Christmas Lights each year, and in addition there is a continual programme of maintenance and repair, which necessitates an ongoing drive to raise funds. The Christmas Lights certainly add a festive feel, and few towns of Tenbury’s size have such an impressive array.

The Chamber is currently gathering information to list on their website and they want to hear from local businesses and community groups, to ensure that they have comprehensive and up-to-date information. Contact Sarah at Special Occasions on Teme Street if you’d like the Chamber to add your business or organisation to the site.

Tenbury firefighters washing cars to raise money for the Firefighters Charity

Ludford Bridge, Ludlow, SY8 1PE 01584 874554

Tenbury’s Chamber of Trade held a cake sale to raise funds for Tenbury’s Christmas lights

Sweet News Traditional Sweet Shop and Newsagent In excess of 500 different traditional, retro old fashioned weigh out jars, modern sweets, including a large range of sugar free sweets & local homemade fudge & brittles.

We pride ourselves on service and aim to satisfy each customer’s individual requirements.

Bring this advert into the shop and claim a 10% discount off your sweet purchase. or Place an order via our website and use the discount code Teme 10 at the checkout and receive a 10% discount.

153 Corve St Ludlow 07855 808343

www.thesweethouse.co.uk

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Teme Valley Times

Daffodils at Whitton £677 The daffodils at Whitton were out in force again this spring, in the churchyard at St Mary’s.

Planted perhaps 50 years ago, they have multiplied and spread since and the display they provide has led to the creation of a ‘Daffodil Daze’ event, where in addition to admiring the daffodils, visitors can enjoy refreshments, and perhaps buy a book or two!

Raised for NSPCC SPAR Tenbury Wells recently raised £677 for the NSPCC by raffling a hamper at Easter and by holding an in-store bikeathon.

The in-store charity bikeathon

This hamper was raffled for Easter

What’s On! To advertise, ring 01584 781762 or email temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk

Advertise your local event here from as little as £10. This covers a small simple advert with up to 28 words. Extra words are charged at 25p each.

Saturday 30 April - Monday 2 May 2016

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Teme Valley Times

Craft and Garden Fair

NEW SPRING MENU Family and dog friendly Functions catered for, including outdoor Booking recommended to avoid disappointment!

Check our website & facebook for Menus and updates or call in to see us

Markets and Fairs can be a great addition to any town’s shopping experience. The stalls can expand, enhance and enliven what a town can offer, adding significant interest for local residents and visitors alike, hopefully without treading on the toes of local shopkeepers.

Increasing the choice for shoppers while giving small producers and low-key traders an outlet for their goods means that a market can do a good job for buyers as well as for sellers.

Markets and fairs are often a lifeline for artisans who couldn’t supply enough merchandise to cover the costs of running a shop five or six days a week, whereas at markets and fairs they can contain overheads and hopefully balance supply and demand.

We visited Ludlow’s ‘Craft and Garden Fair’ on Sunday April 10th. In addition to the obvious (crafts and plants) there were many other items

on sale, ranging from books and pottery to fruit and vegetables. Castle Square is an excellent setting, with the town’s architecture providing a splendid backdrop to the stalls, and having a plethora of pubs and cafes within a short stroll can only add to the pleasure of the day.

The day’s busy feel was accentuated by the Harley Owners Group rolling into town, adding even more colour and visual spectacle.

www.temesideinn.co.uk 01584 711070

The Codfather Open Seven Days a Week

Free local delivery

Fish & Chips - Kebabs - Pukka Pies 6 Prospect View/Rock Lane, Ludlow

01584 875096

Memorials • Floral Tributes Independent Funeral Directors • Providing the Very Best of Care • 24 Hour Service 107 The Birches Stourport on Severn DY13 9NR T: 01299 879090

1st Floor, The Market Hall Church Street, Cleobury Mortimer DY14 8EX T: 01299 879090

Bromfield Road Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1DW T: 01584 872048

129 Astwood Road Worcester WR3 8HD T: 01905 27862

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Teme Valley Times

Easter Craft Fair

Music and dancing certainly set the scene in Leominster’s Priory Church and took you back to the ‘days of old’ as a fundraising Easter Craft Fair for the town’s Medieval Pageant got under way.

Opened by Leominster’s Mayor Felicity Norman and Dave from Survive and Thrive, one half of the Priory was filled with craft stalls while the other was populated with medieval re-enactors.

The various medieval characters were keen to engage with visitors and share their knowledge of life in medieval times, whether music and instruments, warfare archery and armour, footwear, art, medicinal cures, writing and education. It was all fascinating and fun to learn. Hurdy gurdy and pipe and tabor sounds drifted evocatively around the Priory while browsing the many stalls of excellent quality crafts and talking to the craftsmen and women about their work.

If you got hungry during the day, soup and a roll, filled ciabatta rolls, and bacon or sausage baps were all available at £2.50, with the money raised going towards the Medieval Pageant in June. This year there will be prizes awarded for the best-dressed knight or princess - so get ready to join in the fun and if you get dressed-up and you might even win a prize!

We have so many gifts to choose from, including a lovely variety of beautiful silk flowers and glass vases, all at very reasonable prices.

Do come and have a look!

61 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells WR15 8AE

01584 810552

www.casaportuguesa.co.uk

COTTESWOLD DAIRY More than just milk!

Newspapers, Fresh Bread (white, brown, wholemeal, granary plus small white/ wholemeal), Butter, Eggs, Cheddar Cheeses, Welsh Yoghurts, Broken Biscuits, Potatoes, Spring Water, Fruit Juices, Elderflower and Elderflower & Gooseberry Pressés, Organic Double Cream, Organic Butter - plus Fruit, Vegetable and Salad Boxes!

Household Items including Cling Film, Foil, Refuse Sacks, Freezer Bags, Toilet Rolls, Kitchen Towels, Easy Logs (compressed sawdust) ALL DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR! We offer a full range of milk including Channel Island, Sterilised, UHT, Soya, Flavoured, Organic (whole, semi, skimmed), goats (whole, semi) - in traditional returnable glass bottles or recyclable plastic containers.

Areas covered include Tenbury, Menithwood, Clifton-on-Teme, Whitbourne, Bromyard, Stoke Prior, Kington, Presteigne, Leintwardine, Shobdon, Yarpole, Ludlow and Much Wenlock, plus many places in-between.

To see if we deliver in your area or for a copy of our full product list call 01584 811857

www.cotteswold-dairy.co.uk

Teme Valley Times

Woolpack Knitters

The Woolpack Knitters is a community of knitters who meet weekly to knit and crochet a range of items to donate to local individuals and groups. Begun in September 2015 with 7 members, the group is now 25-strong. They meet on Friday mornings in the lounge of the Duke of York pub in Leysters. Each year they adopt a charity and fundraise for it with sales of their work. It’s free to join and knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn, patterns, advice, guidance and expertise are also provided free of charge.

On Easter Saturday we visited their very first exhibition and sale, in Leysters Village Hall.

Scarves, hats, blankets and items for babies and children filled the tables. A steady stream of purchasers took away a variety of knitted goods and the tea (or coffee) and cake for £1 was also popular. Raffle prizes included a lovely-looking Easter cake, a large blanket of squares knitted by the group, a bottle of 12-year-old single malt whisky and a primula!

Donations of yarn are always very welcome as the knitters get through an awful lot with their projects so they need a constant supply.

In particular, the group is looking for pastelcoloured double knit yarn for the Summer. Any donations can be left at the Duke Of York, or at Pool Farm in the village.

This year the Air Ambulance and the Marches Family network are the chosen charities and any donations made on the day received a free hand-made wool flower as a keepsake! The group hopes to have a pop-up shop at Barclays Bank, Leominster, on June 3rd.

The next issue of the Teme Valley Times is due out in early June.

If you would like to advertise, or if you have any news for us, please contact us by May 13th.

Email temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk or ring 01584 781762

THE LAMP Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine

Tel: 01299 272 785 or 01299 271 313

15a High Street Cleobury Mortimer DY14 8DG

l Full Licensed & Air Conditioned Restaurant l Open 7 Days a week (inc.

Bank Holidays) 6pm to 11pm l We are taking bookings for large parties Sunday to Thursday. Set menu will apply - 5 course meal at £14.95 per head, minimum 10 persons. l Free Home Delivery on all orders over £15 within 5 miles and orders over £50 within 6 miles.

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Award Winning Executive Chef The Curry Life Chef Awards 2015

GOOD FOOD AWARD WINNER 2016 Lamp Inn Cleobury Free WiFi in the Restaurant.

We offer a large range of gas and electric stove and fires.

Quick heat for those chilly times at the flick of a switch!

Gasco electric stove (1-2kW) with remote control

Huge range of electric fires, wall-mounted (1-2kW). Very good flame pattern

Gazco gas stove (1.5-5kW).

More models to choose from

Come and visit our large showroom.

Many models working. Electric, Natural Gas and LP Gas.

Full installations available by our own engineers

Gazco electric wall-mounted (1-2kW).

VAT - Forget it! We pay the VAT, saving you the 20% VAT! Visit our website - www.taltreesstoves.com

Phone 01584 781361

We are open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sundays and Bank Holidays 10-12.45 & 2.15-4.30.

Taltrees Centre, Worcester Road, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8JA

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Teme Valley Times

Regal Theatre Company Launched The Regal Theatre Company was launched with an ‘Open House’ event at the Regal in Tenbury Wells on April 9th. Trustee Jane Allen said “The Regal already holds successful weekly groups for pre-school children, and a thriving children’s musical theatre class. To follow up these successes we are now launching a Theatre Company for adults.”

Simon Wallace, Regal Volunteer and Actor, added “This is for everyone who wants to be involved in live theatre, either as a performer or backstage learning the many technical roles.

There’s a place for everyone and all they need is the enthusiasm to have a go and get involved.”

The ‘open house’ event certainly allowed people to have a go, whether on stage or off. Visitors could create lighting effects for real, making the stage glow green, blue or red at the touch

of a button. You could call up a vast selection of sound effects and broadcast them around the auditorium (the panto cow ‘moo’ was particularly popular with the more young at heart).

Backstage there were stalls laid out, illustrating the varied other roles that make a performance happen, such as a ‘props’ table marked out with separate boxes for each prop, just like the real thing. The ‘wardrobe’ stall had a massive range of sewing items; altering costumes to fit and adapting them for various roles is all part and parcel of the challenge.

Creative Director John Hollyhead outlined that the mission statement of the group is ‘To become a leading regional theatre group by establishing a programme of training and theatrical awareness in order to achieve a reputation for delivering the highest standards of performance’.

Hopefully the number of visitors on the day will get the Theatre Group off to a flying start and weekly evening sessions with occasional oneday specialist weekend workshops are being planned for performers, with the RSC already offering to run the workshops.

Visitors could experience lighting the stage

Making sounds can be fun

Wardrobe alterations often demand ingenuity

“An outstanding education - in a safe rural environment.”

Boarding, Day and flexi-boarding.

School buses serving: Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Powys

Lucton School, Lucton, Herefordshire HR6 9PN. MAKE CONTACT TODAY: 01568 782000 • www.luctonschool.org • admissions@luctonschool.org

Founded 1708

Founded 1708

Teme Valley Times

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Orchard Project In February we spent an interesting morning in Whitbourne, with the friendly people from the Three Counties Traditional Orchard Project. After initial introductions over a hot drink, Tim, the local expert, took us into the orchard at Longlands Care Farm. Following lessons in basic safety precautions and safe working practice we were split into groups, depending on whether we were ‘experienced’ or ‘novice’.

The experienced volunteers quickly got to work on the trees, while the novices had a slower pace for the morning, as Tim explained in more detail what we were

Teme Valley Times

trying to achieve, and while we got the feel of the tools. The long-handled pruning saws allow people to do a lot of work on trees without having to use a ladder, but can be hard on the arms!

The time flew by on the dry and sunny morning, amidst beautiful countryside, while the volunteers beavered away, and work on the orchard steadily progressed.

All-in-all it was an interesting and rewarding experience, not least because Tim was such an excellent tutor, and by the end of the session the trees were clearly looking more ‘tree shaped’!

9 Hole Pay & Play Golf Course in attractive parkland setting

Open Daily All Equipment for Hire l Clubhouse Facilities with Shop l Beginners/Groups & Children Welcome l Ideal School Holiday Activity l l

Sutton,

Nr Tenbury Wells, WR15 8SJ

01584 781231

Local legal advice Property sale, purchase and disputes Wills, estate planning and tax l Powers of Attorney and “Living Wills” l Commercial and Agricultural l Prenups, cohabitation and separation l Divorce and finances (Court process, mediation and collaborative) l

Long-handled pruning saws reduce the need for ladders

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Telephone 01584 810575 post@norrismiles.co.uk www.norrisandmiles.co.uk

Some trees needed more work than others

Why Not Collect Fresh Eggs From Your Own Hens ?

WYNNE’S OF DINMORE

The Poultry Store & So Much More!

• Laying Hens – P.O.L From £10 • Pet/Poultry & Animal Housing • Walk-in Enclosures & Aviaries • Feed (inc feed with wormer) • Bedding • Equipment • Supplies • Hardwood Woodchip in bags Pygmy Goats & Miniature Pet Pigs Fresh Eggs £1.60 dozen

info@wynnes.co.uk - Tel: 01568 797314 www.wynnes.co.uk

Tim explaining techniques to the novices.

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Teme Valley Times

Blooming Marvellous!

Martley and District Horticultural Society, a thriving club that is now in its 40th year, held its annual Spring Show on March 19th. The Society’s Chairman, Mike Dunnett, trained at Pershore College of Horticulture and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. He has been a professional horticulturist for over 50 years.

Mike explained that there are four sections (flowers, floral art, photography and children’s exhibits) and he commented that “The flower section always attracts the largest number of entries. It has eighteen classes, giving exhibitors the chance to show a wide range of spring flowering bulbs and other spring flowers.” The large numbers of daffodils and narcissi certainly helped give the hall a wonderfully spring-like feel!

Mike added “Children from Martley Primary School enter paintings with the works of art being produced in school time. Competition is fierce as the winners of each class receive a large Easter Egg!”

Tenbury Wells

The Society is planning a number of special events to help celebrate their ruby anniversary, including a Gardener’s Question Time evening in Martley Memorial Hall.

Ludlow

Leominster Bishops Castle

£1 Offers until April 27th include:

Open seven days a week 7am-11pm (Bishops Castle 7am-10pm)

£1 £1 £1 LINES £1 £1 £1 £1 Offers until April 20th include:

Walkers 6-pack Assorted / Cheese & Onion / Ready Salted Pepsi Max / Cherry / Regular / Diet 2 litre Domestos Extended Germ Killer Original 750ml

Pork Farms Pork Pie 295g

Ginsters Original Cornish Pasty 227g

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter 500g

Don’t forget your milk!

Lucozade Original / Orange / Caribbean Crush / Pink Lemonade 1 litre Pataks Korma / Tikka Masala / Balti/Jalfrezi / Madras 450g

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Craft & Gift Fayre

Teme Valley Times

With crafts galore and a choice of unique gifts, Kimbolton’s Craft & Gift Fayre held in the Village Hall on April 9th, was well worth a visit.

Some of the stall-holders had come a significant distance to be at the event and there were certainly some lovely and quirkily different items for sale, even including little chocolate pigs, hedgehogs, lions and puppies!

As well as the crafts and gifts, refreshments were on offer, as were raffle tickets, to help raise funds for the Primary School. These were on sale in the entrance hall and the tasty-looking prizes must have helped to encourage people to try their luck.

Tel/Fax: 01584 810812 Mobile: 07967 489194 Email: davidbailey.33@orange.net

DAVID BAILEY GENERAL BUILDERS

Raffle tickets were on sale in the entrance hall

18 Castle Close Burford Tenbury Wells Worcestershire WR15 8AY

We are delighted to welcome a new member of staff at Tenbury.

Nikki Martin has recently joined the firm and all being well, will shortly qualify as a solicitor. Nikki has done her training the hard way, starting as an office junior 13 years ago, in Coventry. She has toiled away spending her evenings and weekends studying for Law Society exams whilst holding down a full-time job. This is a huge achievement, and Nikki should be an inspiration to all those thinking of taking up a legal career without necessarily having the Law Degree first. We have every confidence that Nikki will produce the results in her final exams.

Nikki’s previous experience is in Wills, Powers of Attorneys and administration of estates, but she is looking to expand into other areas including commercial law and property.

Having left Coventry just over a year ago, Nikki has opted for a more rural lifestyle and may be familiar to clients in the Ludlow area.

We at Norris & Miles feel that Nikki’s enthusiasm and knowledge of all things technical will be a huge bonus for the firm. She has inspired us to embrace social media (at last), no mean achievement for a newcomer at Norris & Miles.

For help and advice please contact Nikki on 01584 810575 or email: nikkimartin@norrismiles.co.uk Norris & Miles Solicitors, 6 Market Square, Tenbury Wells, Worcs, WR15 8BW

Phil and the team would like to thank all our customers for your support over the last 34 years.

Easter Saturday was our last day of trading at Clockhouse, Market Street, Tenbury Wells but please welcome The Smiling Goat delicatessen to our former premises and please give them your support.

We are sure they will continue to provide the high quality of service we have always tried to achieve.

Phil’s outside catering service will be continuing, Carvery and BBQs a speciality. ‘All Occasions Catered For!’ Enquiries to 01584 781208.

Market St, Tenbury Wells

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Teme Valley Times

Lucton Food Festival

In March, food enthusiasts headed to Lucton School for the Lucton Food Festival to see, taste and possibly buy the delights that were on offer from some 40-odd stallholders. Held in the sports hall at the rear of the school and organised by the Friends of Lucton School, the event is now in its second year.

Mouthwatering fudges, delicious spirits, scrummy chocolates and a plethora of jams, pickles, chutneys, mustards, dressing and vinegars made it easy to spend time tasting and chatting to the enthusiastic producers.

Demonstrations included how to make mayonnaise and there were activities such as face-painting and also a food quiz, with questions such as ‘The Pizza Hut franchise began in which country?’ The Ludlow Harmony Choir rounded off the afternoon, appropriately choosing as their first song ‘Food Glorious Food’ from ‘Oliver’. Pony rides (outside!) were provided by the Lucton Equestrian centre and fortunately the weather stayed dry.

The Roebuck Inn 01584 711827

Di and Ade welcome customers old and new to The Roebuck Inn. A traditional village pub which has a bar, lounge and restaurant for you to enjoy local drinks and homemade food from locally sourced ingredients. There are also three newly-refurbished guest bedrooms.

Located next door is The Roebuck Shop, selling a large range of everyday items including newspapers. Open from 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm on Saturdays and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Sundays.

Lunches served Tuesday to Saturday 12-2pm and Sunday 12-2.30pm.

Roast on a Sunday lunch.

Evening meals Tuesday to Saturd ay 6pm-8pm.

Bar open Monday night, Tuesda yFriday 12-3pm and 5pm-11pm plus all day Saturday and Sunday.

bRImfIeld, ludlow, SY8 4ne

TheRoebuckInnbRImfIeld@gmaIl.com

THE KINGS HEAD Cross Street, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8EG 16th Century, Cosy, Traditional Pub Welcomes You Tel: 01584 810804

New Function Room: available for Parties and Private hire, Meetings and Band Rehearsals (PA provided) Wide range of Real Ales, Ciders & Wines Children and Dog friendly Bar Billiards, Darts, Dominoes QUIZ NIGHTS every 2nd Sunday 7.30pm Live Music most Weekends Open Mic Night on 1st Thursday of Month Folk Night on 3rd Thursday of Month Blue Grass American Country Music Night, 4th Weds of Month New Bar Menu: New Traditional pub faves, Tapas menu, Pizzas & Sharing Platters Healthy, wholesome, home-cooked food!

Laid Back, Lazy SUNDAYS, Music and Brunches: 1-5pm. Full English (veggie option); Bacon / Sausage Baguettes; Tea and Fresh Coffee. Come in and relax by a roaring log fire with a Sunday Paper and listen to background jazz, blues and live acoustic music!

Follow us on facebook at Kings Head Tenbury Car Park at rear

South Shropshire Roofing www.southshropshireroofing.co.uk RE-ROOFING SPECIALISTS

★ SLATING ★ STONE TILING ★ SHINGLES ★ ★ TILING ★ LEADWORK ★ REROOFING PROPERTIES DOWN THE TEME VALLEY FROM FELINDRE TO WORCESTER

FOR OVER 35 YEARS

Tel: 01547 530434 Fax: 01547 530751 Mob: 07968 232709 email: southshropshireroofing@gmail.com

16

Teme Valley Times

BROMYARD SPEED FEST The streets of Bromyard echoed to the sound of exhausts on April 3rd, as a remarkable collection of cars made their way around the town. Historic cars, classic cars and competition cars could all be seen as they paraded round the ‘circuit’ - better known as Bromyard’s one-way system!

The roads were, of course, closed to other traffic, leaving the stars of the day - the cars - to strut their stuff before an admiring public.

The biggest star was inevitably Blue Bird, the former Land Speed Record holder. This 350hp aero-engined car was built by Sunbeam in 1920. It was most-famously driven by Malcolm Campbell (later Sir) when he set land speed records in the 1920s, including one of 150.766 mph in 1925, on Pendine Sands - the first time the record had been pushed above 150mph.

In 1922, Kenelm Lee Guinness, of the Guinness brewing family, had also broken records in the car, one of which turned out to be the last

Teme Valley Times

TIVAL - APRIL 3rd, 2016 time the land speed record was set at Brooklands.

Another famous name associated with the car is that of band-leader Billy Cotton, who recorded 121.57 mph on Southport beach in 1936.

In the 1950s, Blue Bird was bought by the then-Lord Montagu, who founded the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The Festival programme reveals a local connection, in that Lord Montagu first visited Bromyard in 1957, and “Staying at the Falcon Hotel, he subsequently purchased no less than 16 vehicles from Williams Garage in Bromyard!” Williams Garage was started by the grandfather of local racing driver Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams, who opened the Festival.

Blue Bird’s first outing had to be curtailed due to problems with first gear, but immediately after the lunch break the car made a successful trip through the town, using second gear, before returning to its base for the day, in front of the Conquest Theatre.

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Teme Valley Times

Past Times

Little Hereford WI at the County Picnic at Berrington Hall in 1949. Members wearing fancy dress created a gipsy scene from Jane Austen’s Emma. Back row (L to R): Mrs Hamer, Mrs Hyde, Miss P Hamer, Mrs Threlfall, Mrs Evans, Mrs Peace, Mrs Smith, Miss Froggatt, Mrs B Lewis. Front row (L to R): Mrs Jones, Mrs Siddall, Miss Griffiths, Mrs Lewis.

Call: 07530 063113 or 01905 312552 E-mail: williamsoli86@yahoo.co.uk Heating | Bathrooms | Tiling www.opwplumbing.co.uk

NEW! NEW! NEW!

This shot, thought to be of singers in Tenbury in the 1920s, is courtesy of Robert Robinson, of Robinsons cider fame. However, we know almost nothing of the people, the location or the circumstances.

Can anyone help?

l

Small schools in rural areas are few and far between these days, though the old school buildings often survive, generally as houses.

This 1921 photo relates to Eastham and Hanley William school.

l

This photo was supplied by Robin Fidoe who wrote “I live in Bristol and have been researching my family tree on my father’s side for over 3 years.

My family originates from the Menithwood, Pensax, Martley, through to Knighton, Tenbury and Newnham Bridge areas. I have made a number of visits to the area and I am now looking to draw the research to a conclusion but need some help”.

Robin would like “anybody with even the slightest idea or thought” about the photo to get in touch. He commented “This photo was probably taken somewhere between 1911 - 1920. Surname could be Davis or Davies with possible link to Menithwood, Pensax or Knighton upon Teme or, a real outside chance, even Cheltenham.” If anyone can help, please let us know!

• We would be pleased to hear from any readers who have photographs

from ‘the old days’ that we could use. If you have any please contact us: email temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk or ring 01584 781762.

l

l l l

We welcome our new stylist Kirsty and our new apprentice Freesia Newly Refurbished Salon New this month: new range of Wella System Professional products Now open until 5pm on Tuesdays New this month: Bridal Packages Express Nails (file & hand massage) with Chloe

s Martyn Payne and Caroline Carini, directors of Soap Opera Ltd, play a very active part behind the scenes. Caroline s From left: Chloe, Kirsty, Sally, and Martyn are proud to be Freesia, Sarah and Diana part of such a wonderful and talented team and are looking Check our Facebook page forward to progressing into the future with them. for our April & May Offers!

67 Teme St, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8AE

01584 810657

soapoperahairandbeauty@hotmail.co.uk

Teme Valley Times

Art at Rock

19

Once again the Friends of Rock Church, ably assisted by watercolour artist John Instance, provided an interesting exhibition of arts and crafts during the Easter weekend. Despite the rain, and despite a fallen tree closing one of the roads to the church on the Saturday, people made their way to view this wellestablished event.

Work from over thirty artists and craftsmen was on show and - in addition to paintings jewellery, wood turning, walking sticks, cards, ceramics and pottery could also be seen.

The wide range meant that most tastes were catered for, and also most pockets with prices ranging from £20 to over £2000, while the number of ‘sold’ dots on paintings showed that people hadn’t come along merely to admire the art!

Since their formation in 1980, the Friends have been raising funds for the maintenance and development of this historic building, which contains some of the finest Norman architecture in this area. Using the church as a gallery for a weekend not only gives pleasure to a good many people, it’s also an ingenious way to raise funds.

The BaiTing house aT upper sapey - re-opening soon!

The puB

The Baiting House has been an integral part of the local community for over 170 years. Sadly the pub closed in early 2015, but Upper Sapey villagers Andrew and Kate bought it last autumn with a view to bringing it back to life. Since then, the place has been totally refurbished using an amazing team of local builders and craftsmen with a keen vested interest in making it a brilliant pub once more…

Our aim from the start has been to keep the cosy and welcoming feel that The Baiting House was always known for, but to give the building a new lease of life and bring it into the 21st Century.

The Team

sTaff WanTeD With our opening planned for early May, we are looking for positive, motivated individuals with good people skills to join our team for all positions including bar staff, waiting staff, kitchen porters and cleaners. The positions are available either full time or part time and although previous experience is an advantage, it is not a necessity as full training will be given in-house. full Time sous Chef

(£20-24k) Fresh food led pub - Upper Sapey Sous chef position available at exciting new pub. Working under Michelin-trained chef, fresh food experience is vital. After extensive refurbishment this will be a destination food pub.

Everything is brand new so you will have access to all the best equipment and be given full support to do your job to a high standard.

As sous chef you will need to be passionate and hard working.

You will have input on menu ideas and must have a desire to really help push the food operation forward. Own transport is vital.

To apply for these positions please email jobs@baitinghouse.co.uk with your contact details and a full CV if you have one.

We have a great management team, led by Tim and Abi Lawson, who spent 10 years just down the road running the Bridge at Stanford Bridge. Head Chef Charles Bradley, who joins from Mr Underhills in Ludlow, and assistant manager Beth Turner are all Teme Valley locals. The team are sure that the combination of a lovely property together with great beer, food and service will put the Baiting House back at the heart of the local community for many years to come. We can’t wait to welcome everyone when the pub re-opens in May.

eaT

We aim to serve seasonal, fresh, locally-sourced food – the kind of food you want to find in a lovely country pub. New Head Chef Charles Bradley is currently overseeing the installation of a brand new kitchen as well as preparing the Spring Menu for our opening season. Our new dining room has lots of room for nearly 50, but if you like dining al fresco (and the English summer allows it) we have a huge new patio area on the sunny side of the pub for those long summer evenings...

Drink

At the Baiting House we pride ourselves as much in our drinks offering as we do with our food. The bar serves a fine range of five hand-pulled cask ales including local favourites Hobsons and Wye Valley alongside Otter Bright, Doombar and a rotating guest ale. We also serve craft beer as well as a range of local ciders, including Westons and Hennys from Herefordshire and Robinsons from Tenbury Wells.

Our wine offering has been developed with Tanners of Shrewsbury, and we offer a great range of reds, whites, roses and sparkling wines by the bottle and the glass.

sleep

We now have six luxury en-suite rooms with comfy beds, power showers and all the trimmings. Whether you’re looking for a romantic break, a base for a walking, cycling or golfing holiday or you’re visiting the area to see our amazing local sights, landlady Abi and her team will take care of you with traditional Herefordshire hospitality (and a hearty breakfast).

opening soon…

We aim to be open as soon as possible in May. If you’d like to keep up with progress, check our Facebook page ‘The Baiting House at Upper Sapey’ or keep an eye on www.baitinghouse.co.uk We can’t wait to welcome the valley back to the Baiting house - so see you all soon!

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TEME VALLEY TIMES

Est 1989

FARM SUPPLIES LTD

GRASS SEED NOW AVAILABLE

Mitsubishi: 25 Years with Badminton Mitsubishi Motors is preparing to celebrate 25 years of sponsoring the Badminton Horse Trials in May this year, having taken over the title sponsorship in 1992. To mark the occasion a copse of 25 oak, beech, maple and lime trees have been planted on the Badminton Estate.

Mitsubishi Motors also commissioned the Stevenson Brothers, well-known local rocking horse makers, to create a rocking horse replica of the Duke of Beaufort’s favourite horse Countryman III, on which he competed at Badminton in 1957, 1958 and 1959.

Equestrian legend and Mitsubishi Motors ambassador Mary King was the first to pick up the Mitsubishi Motors Trophy when she rode King William to victory in 1992.

Daughter Emily, also an ambassador for Mitsubishi Motors, is set to make her debut at this year’s competition.

Mary said “It is a huge thrill having Emily aiming for her first Badminton. The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is the crème de la crème in the sport of eventing. I am so looking forward to cheering Emily on. I am a proud Mitsubishi

Motors brand ambassador - it’s great that I can say I won the very first Badminton Horse Trials that Mitsubishi Motors sponsored back in 1992.”

Mitsubishi Motors’ UK Managing Director, Lance Bradley, said “To reach the milestone of 25 years in any partnership is a great achievement and to do it in the sporting arena is truly remarkable.

This accomplishment is testament to the relationships we’ve built over the last quarter of a century with Badminton Horse Trials and we are very much looking forward to celebrating with them in May and for many more years to come.

CUTTING & GRAZING LEYS / PATCHING MIX HORSE PADDOCK MIX / LAWN SEED

• FOR FARMERS FOR CALvES - CATTLE - SHEEP - TURKEYS • (IN BAGS & BULK) • FARMGATE FOR POULTRY & PIGS • • MAIN LOCAL STOCKIST OF ALLEN & PAGE FEEDS FOR ALL ANIMALS • • BAILEYS HORSE FEEDS • • BADMINTON COARSE RATIONS• • RUMENCO • • NAF SUPPLEMENTS • • ANIMAL BEDDING • • PET FOODS • • ANIMAL HEALTH & SUNDRY ITEMS •

OPEN: Monday to Friday 8am to 5.30pm Saturday 8am to 12.30pm

Alex Farrar-Fry on Grey Finnsky (BE100 Grassroots winner in 2015)

Emily King

Firewood Mary King in 1992

£20,000 to Inherit the Farm?

2015 winner William Fox-Pitt on Chilli Morning

The Government is considering increasing probate fees - the fees payable when one applies for a Grant of Representation in order to administer an estate - to as much as £20,000. The current system imposes flat fees of £155 (if the application is made by a solicitor) or £215 (if made by an individual) for estates that fall within the scheme.

The current charges fully cover the £45m a year cost of running the probate service, but the government wants the service to make a profit of a quarter of a billion pounds a year, hence the need for higher fees. A government statement explained that “All parts of the Ministry of Justice must contribute to the national effort to reduce

the deficit and restore the government’s finances to surplus”.

The government claims that the changes would “make the probate system fairer”, but on assessing fairness they appear to have overlooked the potential impact on many in the “asset rich, cash poor” family-farming community. The combination of land prices, house values and development potential would take many estates above £2million (the starting level for the proposed £20,000 fee) but farming incomes are often low and the death of a key family member can itself produce a major challenge to a farm’s sustainability.

Burford l Tenbury Wells Worcs l WR15 8HS

T: 01584 811831

info@nomark.co.uk

www.nomark.co.uk

SPRING IS HERE! We have in stock for immediate delivery:

TRailed Flail and RoTaRy MoWeRS, HaRRoWS, SpRayeRS, RolleRS, SWeepeRS, BoWSeRS. Make your quad bike a real workhorse.

Ideal for Farmers and Smallholders.

Plenty of new and used quad bikes in stock.

See www.nomark.co.uk for the latest offers and used equipment.

Tel: 01299 896399

Depot: The Goat House, St Michael’s Farm, Stourport Rd, Great Witley, Worcs WR6 6JB

Saturday 6th August 2016 Put the date in your Diary!

See the amazing “KANGAROO KID”, Sheep Show, Paws for Thought Dog Team, National Young Farmers Tug of War Finals PLUS LOTS, LOTS MORE!

Enquiries to Rose: 01584 810818

www.tenbury-countryside-show.co.uk

CODER TYRES LIMITED AuTO SERvICE CEnTRE

Mon-Fri 8.30 - 17.30 Sat 8.30 - 12.30 4 Tyres 4 Batteries 4 Exhausts 4 Pre-MOT work 4 Suspension 4 Punctures 4 Welding 4 Servicing 4 Wheel Balancing 4 Locking Wheel Nut Removal 4 4-Wheel Laser Adjustment 4 Diagnostic work 4 Agricultural on site work

01584 879200

www.ludlowtyres.co.uk UNIT O CODER ROAD, LUDLOW BUSINESS PARK, LUDLOW SY8 1XE

Seasoned logs Barn dried Ready to burn Free local delivery 01584 890993 07970878224

Paul Harding Tree Services

21

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Carrying on the family cider-making tradition Geoff Thompson, from Oldfields Farm at Frith Common near Tenbury Wells, has farmed all his life, as did his father before him. “Dad made cider in whisky barrels for our farm workers and 25 years later we’re carrying on the family tradition.”

“It’s like comparing freshly-squeezed orange juice with the carton version” Geoff proudly said, adding “Our cider is different, it isn’t made from concentrate like most, it’s freshly pressed and contains a very high percentage of apple juice. You can really tell the difference when you taste it.”

A well respected hop grower, Geoff has been supplying hops to nearby Hobsons Brewery for 15 years. Hobsons’ founder Nick Davis said “I was at the farm enjoying some cider with Geoff, when we both realised we’d like to produce this fantastic drink commercially.”

Two years later there are six large stainless steel vessels in a brand new building next to farmhouse, all brimming with cider, freshly pressed from apples grown on and around the farm. Geoff explained “We want Oldfields cider to be 100% local from apple to glass so we are continually investing in new equipment. Our steam cleaning keg washer and filler is the latest addition.” Geoff added “My children travelled further to school than the apples do to be pressed!”

“These are exciting times, Oldfields Cider is now available in 40 local pubs and 150 shops, it’s won prestigious awards and press recognition and now we’re exporting too. I hope lots of people take advantage of the voucher in this newspaper to taste the difference for themselves!”

Geoff and his Dad c. 1974

At the first pressing, Geoff Thompson with Nick Davies and Martin Churchward of Hobsons

Geoff Thompson and Nick James inspect the apples

To find out where the voucher can be used visit www.OldfieldsOrchard.co.uk/voucherpubs or phone Hobsons Brewery on 01299 270837

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Teme Valley Times

Sound in the Movie Industry - Take Two!

The Oscar that Norman won for his work on ‘Goldfinger’

Teme Valley resident Norman Wanstall was involved in the Film Industry for over two decades, mainly in the 1960s and 1970s, to such an extent that he won an Oscar for his work on the James Bond film, Goldfinger. He worked with sound on the first five James Bond movies.

Sound in the 60s

Sound creation in the 60s was often a huge challenge as films began to introduce fantasy, ‘space’ and futuristic themes at a time when sound technology was lagging behind.

Norman had worked as an assistant to a legendary sound-effects editor on three major productions which gave the producers of Dr No the confidence to promote him from assistant film editor to sound-effects editor.

It was a huge promotion, unheard of at the time. Usually when major productions finish shooting they immediately hire two expensive sound editors - one for dialogue and the other for sound effects - but the budget for Dr No was so tight that the producers couldn’t afford both. The answer was to trust Norman with the sound-effects, hence the promotion, and hire in just a dialogue editor.

Norman’s only concern at being given such a major break was that he would be working with Gordon McCullum, the chief sound mixer at Pinewood Studios. Norman explained that “Not only did Gordon set a very high standard, he was famous for his temper. As it turned out we both realised that we had the chance to create interesting and original sounds and as a result we formed an excellent team.”

They enjoyed the challenge of creating sounds such as the silenced pistol, the

Norman working on the 1983 Bond film ‘Never Say Never Again’ - with an editing machine (left) and in the editing suite (right). electronic sliding doors, the futuristic lift, Dr No crushing the metal idol in his hand, Odd Job crushing the golf ball, the sound of his metal flying hat, the laser beam sequence, the rocket arriving and leaving in the volcano, plus the scene of the car crusher in Goldfinger, which Norman described as “our favourite”.

The end result of course was the Hollywood Oscar, for the sound effects in Goldfinger.

Nuclear Challenge

One challenge that nearly defeated Norman was the escalating sound of the nuclear reactor in Dr No’s laboratory. Bond is disguised as a lab assistant and is sent up onto a gantry where a wheel controls the intensity of the reactor. He realises that if he were to turn the wheel way past the danger level he would send the reactor into overdrive, so he turns it onto full power and carnage ensues, foiling Dr No’s plot and saving the world.

Norman knew he needed a machine that would not only emit an electronic tone that would be appropriate for a reactor, but one that would also have a pitch control that could be synchronised to Bond’s turning of the wheel.

He searched all the sound-effects libraries, rang up factories and listened to all kinds of machines but eventually had to accept that no such machine existed. In desperation he

Norman and a sound crew recording Aston Martin sounds for a Bond movie

Teme Valley Times

23

New Wines from the Co-Op The Co-Op has introduced an interesting new range of wines, including New World and Old, still and sparkling, and reds and whites. Many of these wines are only available in a limited number of stores, so you might have to shop around a bit if you have a specific wine in mind.

We tried five of them and here’s what we discovered.

A member of the team recording helicopter sounds turned to a colleague in Pinewood’s sound department who dealt with electronics and begged him to come up with something.

With only three days remaining before the reel had to be completed, his colleague called him to the recording theatre and presented him with the crudest of gadgets made of metal, valves and wires which made Norman’s heart sink. When it was switched on however it emitted an ideal sound for a reactor and when he turned a spindle hidden amongst the wires the pitch began to escalate. Somehow the guy had done it.

He’d created a machine with bits and pieces, and Norman said “To this day I never stop thanking him for it. What would have been the outcome if the guy had failed?” He has never forgotten the stress of the fruitless days spent searching for that perfect machine, and the joy and relief when it all fell into place!

From Russia With Love Another challenge Norman faced was a gypsy scene in From Russia With Love, the second Bond movie to star Sean Connery.

The scene was set in Turkey with Turkish gypsies, but was actually shot on the back-lot at Pinewood Studios, near London, using English extras. The scene involved an erotic performance by a belly-dancer performing for the crowd, followed by an arranged fight between two girls over the affection of the gypsy leader’s son.

Norman knew that the scene would only work if Turkish voices called out and reacted enthusiastically to what was going on.

Ignoring the cost, he brought into the recording studio ten Turkish men and ten Turkish women and set them loose reacting to the scenes on screen. They loved the chance and performed to perfection bringing the whole scene to life, and when the director Terence Young heard it later he was overjoyed and full of praise.

Mixing it

Once a section of original soundtrack has been deemed too low quality and discarded, the various elements have to be replaced individually and blended together again later in a ‘mixing’ theatre in a process known as dubbing.

A typical discarded scene could be that of a man and a woman walking and talking along an exotic beach as the sea laps around their feet. One can assume that it’s been decided to replace the track as the dialogue can’t be heard clearly enough. To replace that soundtrack the sound editors would need to not only re-record each of the actors’ voices, but also the sound of their footsteps as they slosh along the water’s edge, as well as the sound of the lapping sea and the general atmosphere of bird song, for example.

For that ‘simple’ scene one could easily end up with six separate tracks which would have to be blended back together again. One can only imagine the number of tracks that

Norman Wanstall with Honor Blackman, who played Pussy Galore in ‘Goldfinger’ might be required for a battle scene with its wide variety of vehicles, guns, explosions, ricochets, activity and voices.

The dubbing theatre and the work carried out there is a vital part of the production of any film and the creative teamwork between the sound editors and the sound mixers cannot be over-estimated.

Sound editors spend many weeks preparing, researching, choosing and recording tracks until the time comes when their work is brought into the theatre, reel by reel, and the sound mixers take over. The theatre itself resembles a music recording studio with a large screen for viewing the picture and a vast mixing desk that has a separate control for all the soundtracks which have been placed high above in the projection box. The average film would be formed into ten to twelve reels and one would hope to complete the mixing process of each reel in a day, bearing in mind that the process also includes adding music to the scenes for which it has been recorded.

At the cinema!

Next time you watch a film you might like to consider the amount of work that goes into even the smallest part of a scene. Norman admitted that after years at the top of the industry he still finds trying to watch a film difficult, as he is always studying the way things have been put together and working out the techniques today’s technicians have used, rather than simply watching and enjoying the film!

• Part One of ‘Sound in the Movie Industry’ appeared in the Aug/Sept 2015 issue of the Teme Valley Times.

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2015 £5.49

The Co-operative Truly irresistible Pinotage 2015 £6.99

This is the only white that we tried and we really liked it, finding it fresh but not sharp, fruity but not over-the-top, with ample depth, and with a well-balanced mellowness.

Verdicchio - otherwise known as Trebbiano di Soave - is the grape; its name derives from ‘verde’ (green). It has been grown in the Marche region of central Italy since at least the 14th century.

Pinotage is South Africa’s signature red. It’s a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault and it owes its name to Cinsault being called Hermitage in South Africa at the time Pinotage was bred. Dry, and lighter than some Pinotage, with nice red/black fruit flavours, this is probably at its best with food rather than by itself. It should go nicely with a Sunday roast, or with some rustic bread and strong cheese.

Doudet-Naudin Pinot Noir 2014 £6.49

Henry’s Drive Padthaway Shiraz 2012 £14.99

This relatively light-bodied red comes from the Aude Valley, in the south of France, quite close to the Pyrenees. It’s fresh and fruity, but in a fairly delicate way. Probably best drunk young, and for preference served just slightly cooled (say 15C) rather than at the room temperature of a typical modern centrallyheated house.

This is a very bold, very firm and very serious red wine, as the price might suggest. There’s less pepperiness than some Shiraz offers, but it’s certainly got the dark fruit flavours you might expect. This is another wine that would probably be at its best with full-flavoured food. It’s from South Australia and the producer says the name comes from a 19th century mail coach that once drove through the property.

Gran Vista Garnacha 2015 £4.99 There’s not a lot of aroma but this certainly offers plenty of taste. Ripe dark fruits raspberries, blackberries and even plums - can be found in the flavour, and this red, which is from northern Spain, would go well with hearty stews or a barbecue. Possibly too assertive for some, it should be appreciated by those who like a substantial red wine.

Queen’s 90th Birthday Beacon To celebrate The Queen’s 90th Birthday, Worcestershire County Council has been invited to take part in lighting the Worcestershire Beacon to mark The Queen’s 90th birthday. On 21 April 2016, the Lord Lieutenant will lead the ceremony on the top of the Malvern Hills, lighting the beacon at 8.30pm. He will be joined by guests including The Chairman of Worcestershire County Council, The Chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, The Chairman of Wychavon District Council and the Mayor of Malvern Town Council.

Over 1,000 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK overseas Territories and a Commonwealth Country to celebrate this landmark birthday. Alan Smith, Worcestershire Partnership Manager, said

“Our country has a tradition of celebrating significant royal occasions with the lighting of beacons, and I’m delighted that we’re able to celebrate this momentous milestone of Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday in this way. There is something very special about being part of this chain of beacons across the country and overseas, and it would be great to have as many people along as possible to join in this wonderful occasion.”

Bruno Peek, LVO, OBE, OPR, Pageant master, The Queen’s 90th Birthday Beacons said “It has been an enormous privilege to be able to organise this amazing community event to celebrate the 90th Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen. I am delighted to see so many different organisations playing their part.”