Teme Valley Times April/May 2017

April/May 2017

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Eva Thomas BEM at Little Hereford Parish Hall

HEREFORDSHIRE RESIDENT EVA THOMAS has been presented with the British Empire Medal for services to the community in Little Hereford. The Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Lady Darnley, made the presentation on Saturday April 8th at Little Hereford Parish Hall, in front of an audience of family, friends and neighbours.

Eva commented “This is a great honour and I am very proud to receive it, but I really see this as an award for the whole community of Little Hereford.”

Two cadets, one Army and one Air Force, formed the guard of honour at the hall entrance. Inside, the tables were immaculately presented with fresh flower arrangements and crisp linen, and an expectant buzz filled the hall. All rose when Lady Darnley, the Queen’s Representative, arrived; the National Anthem was then sung. A wealth of planning by Carolyn Sandall and her helpers brought about a fitting and joyful ‘celebration afternoon tea’ in the Parish Hall, following the presentation of the Medal itself.

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TEME VALLEY TIMES

Eastham Bridge The long wait is nearly over! The new Eastham Bridge is expected to be open to traffic before the end of April and local residents will finally be able to bid farewell to making the long drive round, as they have had to do since the old bridge collapsed.

The plan is to open the bridge to traffic as soon as possible, rather than wait for every aspect of the project to be complete. This means that there may well be a need for some traffic management in the period following the bridge’s opening to traffic.

Some bricks from the old bridge are expected to be used to clad parts of the new work, which should help soften the new structure’s appearance. A link with the past will also be provided by part of one pier of the old bridge remaining in place.

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Teme Valley Times

The new bridge taking shape in late March

The new bridge in early April. Photo by Nick Wall

Medal Presentation

The new bridge deck in late March

Little Hereford WI members sang ‘Congratulations’ to Eva It was wonderfully appropriate that the presentation took place in Little Hereford Parish Hall, given that Eva Thomas had spearheaded the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the funding that allowed the Hall to be redeveloped. It was obvious from the cheers, clapping and whoops of delight that those present were ‘over the moon’ at the award and wanted to express their own appreciation and congratulations, helping make this a very joyful event.

In his welcome, John Stone, the Councillor for Little Hereford, commented that there was a deep affection and respect for Eva and for all that she does in the community, adding that no event in the village is complete without Eva’s input - whether it’s running the Grand Draw at the annual fete, or finding lost chickens!

After presenting Eva with her medal, Lady Darnley said it was ‘a great joy and honour to present the BEM’ and that Eva ‘was a most worthy candidate who displays determination and tenacity as well as leadership and exceptional good neighbourliness’. She also commented that in small villages each individual matters and that in serving others we can make the place better and that old fashioned values such as caring for our neighbours are to be commended. She closed saying to Eva ‘Warmest thanks for all you have done for Little Hereford. Yours is an honour well deserved’ Afternoon tea was then served. The cakes and sandwiches were made by members of Little Hereford WI and the members went on to sing their

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A delicious afternoon tea, courtesy of Little Hereford WI own version of Cliff Richard’s ‘Congratulations’ to Eva, with lyrics specially modified for the occasion! Each guest was invited to write a few words in a ‘memorial notebook’ and the event will surely be remembered by all, but especially by Eva, as an afternoon filled with joy and laughter.

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Teme Valley Times

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Phone: 01584 781762 Email: temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk Online: www.facebook.com/temevalleytimes Post: Teme Valley Times, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8LW Editor & Publisher: Chris Dell. Deputy Editor: Lucy If you want to advertise please book your space as soon as possible! We can design your advert for you, we can take photographs if required, and we can help with your wording, if you wish.

The Teme Valley Times is independent and locallyowned, it is not part of a large publishing group. Every reasonable effort was 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 or cancellations. Always check all information before making a special trip or before making a commitment. 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.

Teme Valley Times

Roadworks in Tenbury Many shopkeepers in Tenbury Wells have said that the poor trade in the early part of this year has been due to the congestion and parking problems that have been caused by the recent roadworks. These have included resurfacing pavements, installing new kerbs, and creating a ‘raised table’ by the access to the new Tesco store. The work is expected to be finished before the store opens in late April.

One controversial part of the scheme is the relocation of the bus stop from outside the Regal, in the middle of Teme Street, to outside the TSB bank, almost opposite Tesco’s car park entrance.

Worcestershire County Council says that having a bus bay at this location will help reduce congestion but critics of the plan claim that a bus shelter on this relatively narrow part of the pavement will cause more of an obstruction than it does at the current location, where the pavement is wider, and that when a bus is parked at the stop, it will obstruct traffic flow. Other concerns include the lack of a pedestrian crossing in this area, which some people feel could have a negative impact on road safety.

The next phase of roadworks in Tenbury is due to start in September. This will involve resurfacing the pavements and road from the Regal to the junction by the Crow, which should effectively complete the town’s ‘public realm’ renewal scheme. This phase is planned to end in November, the aim being to avoid disrupting the pre-Christmas trade in the town. Tenbury’s County Councillor Ken Pollock explained that the work could not be left until

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Recent work has caused disruption for pedestrians and motorists alike. This is the planned location for the new bus bay January of next year as the mortar mix they will use is temperature sensitive and cannot be used when there is a risk of frost.

Out with the old and in with the new, with sandstone slabs replacing brick paviours

An aerial view of the new Tesco store on April 4th, photo by Nick Wall

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Whitton Daffodils

Teme Valley Times

This year’s ‘Daffodil Daze’ event at St Mary’s Church in Whitton was held in mid-March with the timing being chosen to catch the daffodils at their best. The weather was dry but chilly, which may have resulted in some people staying away, but those who did turn out were rewarded with a fine display, and of course also had the opportunity to enjoy refreshments in the church.

The access to the new parking area at Palmer’s Meadow

New Car Park in Tenbury A new ‘overflow’ car park has now been constructed at Palmer’s Meadow, accessed via Tenbury’s existing free car park, next to the Swimming Pool. Access to the site is restricted by lockable barriers, the plan being that this new parking area will be made available at times when it is considered to be needed. This is expected to include days when events are being held in the town, presumably including Applefest, for example.

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Tenbury Hospital Update We are grateful to the Tenbury Hospital League of Friends for this update about the Hospital. The following is what they told us.

The Tenbury Hospital League of Friends has felt increasing concern at the sometimes sensationalist speculations that have been around recently, regarding the future of Tenbury Hospital. The Worcestershire Health & Care Trust (who operate the Hospital), the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust (who work with the Hospital) and the South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (who commission services at the Hospital) have all confirmed to the League that bed numbers at Tenbury Hospital are unaffected by the Sustainability & Transformation Plans that are currently in circulation.

During the great Worcestershire hospitals crisis at the beginning of this year, the Day Case Ward at Tenbury Hospital was used to provide additional inpatient beds, but this has now ceased and the bed count has returned to its normal number, with no reduction overall. Likewise the Minor Injuries Unit was temporarily suspended for two days while its staff went to help alleviate the acute situation in A&E at the Worcester Royal Hospital, but there are no plans to close the Tenbury Minor Injuries Unit.

Through ownership of some of the land and buildings, and because of equipment it has bought, the League has a substantial stake in the future of the Hospital, and takes any real threat to it very seriously. Many people may not know, for example, that the Hospital Car Park is owned by the League,

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Teme Valley Times

who lease it to the NHS. This is why, unlike most hospitals, there is no charge for parking for those attending the Hospital for any reason (but it is not a general public car park).

While the League currently has no major projects in hand for the Hospital, subsequent to the recently-opened UltraSound scanning facility, it nevertheless continues to exist to support the Hospital by financing many smaller items aimed at improving the experience of patients. It remains the principal funnel through which the local community expresses its considerable support for this Hospital.

That local support has been of vital importance in the past, it continues to be so in the present, and it will continue to be so in the future. Membership of the League is open to anyone wishing to join, at a minimum annual subscription of £5, by contacting the Secretary, Mrs. E.Padwick (elaine. padwick@gmail.com).

The League’s status as a Limited Company as well as a Charity requires it to have a set number of directors (nine) plus six others who together form the Committee. This is elected at the Annual General Meeting which is due to be held this year on May 18th.

More Houses for Tenbury?

Solar Farm Approved

An application to build houses at a location between Morningside and Tenbury View was considered at a meeting of Malvern Hills District Council’s Northern Area Development Management Committee on April 5th. The plan shows that vehicular access to the site would be through the recent residential development at Tenbury View, near Tenbury High School, with no road access from Morningside.

The application, by Stonewater (a Social Housing provider), is for “Construction of 48 dwellings including access, landscaping and associated infrastructure.” At the meeting, concerns were expressed about a number of matters and following discussion the application was deferred. The application is expected to return to the Committee in due course, following discussions between the planning department and the applicant.

Last year, Malvern Hills District Council refused planning permission for a solar farm at Stockton on Teme, following consideration of the application at a meeting of the Council’s Northern Area Development Management Committee.

The applicant appealed. The Inspector’s decision is “The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for a Photo Voltaic Solar Energy Farm and ancillary equipment at Land at Stockton Road, Stockton-on-Teme, Worcestershire WR6 6UT in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 15/01017/FUL, dated 21 July 2015, subject to the conditions set out”.

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Teme Valley Times

Wynnes Countrystore and tea room

tuesday - saturday open sundays 9am-4.30pm (may to september only) 10am-4pm We sell Pygmy Goats, Pet Pigs, Miniature Shetlands & Alpacas! Vaccinated, POL Poultry & Bantams! Visit & View the Animals!

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Fundraising at The Vaults The Vaults in Tenbury Wells is continuing to raise funds for the Air Ambulance this year with their regular draws. You can pop into the pub to buy a ticket, the draw is open to customers and non-customers alike. The photo shows just some of the prizes in their very successful Christmas raffle.

David Ball from Burford has twice cycled to Amsterdam to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. In 2015 he raised £905 and in 2016 he raised £750. This year’s target is £1,000 and he’s already made a good start with money being raised by one of the regular raffles at The Vaults, and also from a fundraising cake stall outside the pub.

This year’s ride dates are June 9th -11th, with Day 1 covering the 80-mile ride from the London start to Harwich, followed by overnight on the ferry, and then Day 2

sees the ride continue to Amsterdam. The photo below shows David at The Vaults, raising a glass to success in this year’s London to Amsterdam ride! Readers can help him reach his target by sponsoring him through Just Giving at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/David-Ball21

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Thousands Raised for Poppy Appeal Local art lovers are urged to make their way to Rock Church this Easter Saturday to Monday to see an excellent exhibition and sale of artwork. Organised by the Friends of Rock Church as a fundraiser, and painstakingly arranged by John Instance and friends, this annual event is a great opportunity to see a huge variety of art in a majestic setting. Hundreds of works of art and craft are displayed and it’s an inspiring spectacle even if you don’t make a purchase, with work from local artists being exhibited alongside work by Birmingham Watercolour Society members. Refreshments are to be available in the church.

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Cleobury Mortimer Royal British Legion can be proud of its recent fund-raising achievements.

Roger Gittins reports that a record £6,530 has been raised for the 2016 Poppy Appeal and that the Annual Quiz, organised by Lesley Ravenscroft, raised £123.50 for Fisher House, the hostel for the families of service men and women being treated at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

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Teme Valley Times

Shelsley Coffee Morning Keeping a village hall running can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Hall maintenance and improvement costs have to be found from somewhere and often a regular event can be the way to see a steady trickle of funds come in to help with upkeep. This is what Carol and Terry Smith have done at the Shelsleys Village Hall. On the first Saturday of each month they hold a coffee morning from 10am -1pm and all the money raised goes to the hall.

Everyone is welcome and when we visited on the first Saturday of April a happy throng of villagers were enjoying coffee, tea and an excellent range of cakes. Many of the cakes are donated by the ‘ladies who bake’ in the area and Carol is very grateful for all the support the fundraising events have been given. So if you are passing why not drop in and say hello you will find a warm cheery welcome and friendly atmosphere. One table was laid out with new crayons and colouring books in readiness in case a family group popped in!

A lucky dip, at £1 a ticket, added another opportunity for a bit of fun and there was a good selection of seedlings and young tomato plants ready for the growing season, so you could have come away with a pumpkin, cucumber, red pepper or sunflower seedling to grow on.

Carol who is ‘Fundraiser’ on the hall committee added that she hopes the regular coffee morning will encourage people to use the hall. Since taking on the hall around 2 years ago it has been painted, Carol has made new curtains, there are now hand dryers in the toilets and the kitchen has been upgraded with much help from Carol’s husband Terry, who is Treasurer on the committee.

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They both very much wanted to improve the facility for the village and the way the hall looked on the Saturday, they have definitely succeeded!

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Ludlow Art Exhibition Yet again a fine display of original art, framed and unframed, greeted those who visited Ludlow Art Society’s Spring Exhibition held in St Laurence’s Church in Ludlow. A pleasure to browse, this exhibition is always a great opportunity to find some art to complement living space at home or inspire memories, or perhaps simply to brighten up the day and make you smile!

Pencil drawings, pastels, watercolours, oils, gouache, etchings, acrylics, mixed media, sanguine pastel, wood engravings, wax and wash, graphite, pen and ink, crayon and ceramics were all represented, so there was something to match most tastes.

At the preview evening John Jarvis, the new Chairman of The Ludlow Art Society, took the opportunity to thank outgoing Chairman Sam Manley for all his efforts in bringing the Society into the 21st century during his tenure. Sam, who is a professional science fiction and fantasy illustrator, became at 27 the youngest chairman the society had ever had. He brought forward a steady stream of initiatives which as John said “...have broadened the appeal of the Society, increased outreach, participation and public awareness”. In particular Sam instigated and ran the ‘Paint Jam’, a live art event, as part of the Ludlow Fringe Festival. Members of the Society and other artists created large canvases during the course of a day in the open in Castle Square, enabling the public to see how art evolves and

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Teme Valley Times

the process of creation - a very engaging event.

He also oversaw the group’s 70th anniversary and formulated the idea of producing an Anniversary Art Project book as a snapshot of the society in its 70th year, with members each submitting a piece of art for inclusion.

Deputy Mayor Colin Sheward spoke and nominated the ‘Mayor’s Choice’ as ‘Chewing the Cud’ by Lesley Connolly, a pastel of two Herefords. Gallery owner Tom Dickins warmly congratulated all the artists who had provided work for the exhibition, allowing it to be ‘out there for all to see’ - a brave and commendable step for which he applauded them.

Watch out for the Society’s Summer Exhibition later in the year.

Exhibition in St Laurence’s Church

Medusa - Stephen Fox

Reflections - Lesley Connolly

Croft Castle - Rob Leckey

I’ll be your best friend - Anne Priest

Medi Heights - Dave Tedham

Dhustone washing Clee Hill George Loades

Mousehole Harbour Wilfred Langford

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Teme Valley Times

Whatever the season, you can always find something interesting at

NEW JEWELLERY coming soon!

A new Pearl Collection plus many more new, unusual jewellery items in stock 61 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells WR15 8AE

Fundraising for the League Tenbury’s Hospital League of Friends recently received two very welcome donations to their funds. Muriel Lanman, on behalf of the League, gave us the following words ‘A short while ago Mr Wal Bounds (centre of the photo, between Pete & Dia of The Bennetts End Inn) presented to Mrs R Adams (left) and Mrs M Lanman (front left) £880 in aid of Tenbury Hospital League of Friends which had been donated by family and friends in memory of the late Mrs Jenny Bounds. Mrs Jenny Bounds had spent some time in Tenbury Hospital where she had been well looked after and cared for, and for this her family was most grateful.’

At the same time £220 was presented to the League of Friends. This had been raised by Pete, Dia and customers of the Bennetts End Inn and restaurant at Knowbury. Muriel added ‘For both of these donations the League is most grateful, as they are for all donations, as they benefit Tenbury Hospital in many ways.’

Tenbury Hospital League of Friends are opening a charity pop-up-shop on April 15th, by kind permission of Mrs Sadie Chalkley. It will run for 2 weeks in a room at the top of the walkway alongside Banfields in Teme Street, Tenbury Wells. Saleable donations will be most welcome. The shop is expected to be open from 9.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday and from 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays and Easter Monday.

Leominster Canal Walk

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Friends of the Leominster Canal at the start of the walk

Teme Valley Specials ‘Plenty for Twenty’ Every week at Teme Valley Foods we put a Family Meal deal together for a family of 4 for just £20.

Each week you get a selection of Beef Roasting Joint, Large Chicken or Pork Loin Joint 4 Pork Steaks (Plain or Flavoured) Chicken Portions (Plain or Flavoured) 1 Kg of Beef Mince (Less than 5% Fat) Beef Meatballs or Pork Koftas Posh Pork Sausages Short back Bacon

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All Locally-Sourced & Great Quality For further details contact Jenni on 01584 819800

March 18th saw enthusiasts gathered at Stiper’s Hill, Knighton on Teme, near Tenbury Wells, to view part of the former route of the Leominster Canal. The morning was organised by the Friends of the Leominster Canal and it was a useful opportunity for people to learn more about the canal and to inspect the route for themselves.

The weather stayed dry and by the end of the walk it was almost pleasantly warm!

Thanks go to the landowner for giving permission for the walk, part of which was on private land.

Experts were on hand to answer questions

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Teme Valley Times

Frankenstein in Tenbury

Making a Difference!

The final performance in Blackeyed Theatre Productions’ five-month tour of the UK with a new stage adaptation, marking the bicentenary of the creation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, took place at the Regal on March 25th.

This fast-paced production, described as ‘Innovative, high energy theatre’, had very little let up. Victor Frankenstein, played by Ben Warwick, was intense and obsessive as he narrated his own life story to ship’s captain Robert Walton (Ashley Sean-Cook). His account included his childhood in Geneva, his love for his adopted sister Elizabeth (Lara Cowin), his friendship with Henry Clerval (Max Gallagher), his studies at University in Ingolstadt and the murder of Henry and Elizabeth by the ‘monster’ he had created and also his pursuit of the

creature to the North Pole.

The simple set was used as the backdrop to many different settings: a ship, an oak tree, a home, and also the university. There was good use of vignettes on stage and the ‘working in the laboratory’ scene, with its evocative sound effects, was particularly effective.

The live music was percussive more than melodic, while the puppetry with the monster worked so well that it was easy to forget the puppeteers. Louis Labovitch, the voice of the creature, was chillingly penetrating, with a halting style, but at times he was full of pathos.

The monster could easily be seen to be the star of the show, but theatre-goers had to wait until the end of the first half of the play before he appeared. Some might feel that the second half

was clearly better than the first.

The first part of the production sometimes felt rather rushed and there were times when it might have been somewhat difficult for the audience to absorb the narrative at the speed it was presented, particularly for people who were unfamiliar with Mary Shelley’s book, and only knew of Frankenstein through screenplay adaptations. A gentler pace, especially in the first half, might have helped with following the plot.

Some aspects were tackled impressively well, but we did feel that there were elements that didn’t work quite so well. However, taken overall, this was undoubtedly an interesting production.

The full-size ‘monster’ was designed and built

by Yvonne Stone, whose credits include the National Theatre’s ‘Warhorse’.

Bowkett’s Supermarket

During 2016, Bowketts in Tenbury Wells has been raising money for Burford Parent and Toddler Group, through NISA’s ‘Making a Difference Locally’ (‘MADL’) Fund.

Glenys Holdcroft, Store Manager at Bowketts, is always happy to receive suggestions of local groups that might benefit from similar help. Funds are raised when products displaying the pink MADL logo are purchased in store.

Over the year the pennies really do mount up!

In addition, Glenys entered Tenbury Scouts into a separate MADL ‘Community Champion’ promotion after hearing they needed funds to renovate the Scout Hut’s kitchen. They were awarded £250 and Glenys presented the cheque on Friday 31st March.

Follow us at facebook.com/Bowketts More at www.Bowketts.co.uk

Market Square. Tenbury Wells.

WR15 8BL. Tel: 01584 810351

Offers available - 17th April to 7th May

Bowkett’s Award Winning Butchers

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% 01584 819891

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-2pm Last Post Collected by Royal Mail at 5.15pm Mon to Fri & 11.35am Sat PO elec top ups, bill payments and more available Mon to Fri 7am - 8pm and Sundays 10am - 4pm

The Bell

15

Teme Valley Times

~ A proper pub with real food ~

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 29 years in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide CAMRA 2015 Worcestershire Pub of the Year Local Produce, Home-made Food Daily Blackboard Menu Sunday Lunch £10 Sandwiches from £5 Tue-Sat Lunch Specials £7 Closed Monday lunch (except Bank Holidays)

l l l l l l l l l

Ian and his team welcome you to The Bell at Pensax, Abberley, Worcs, WR6 6AE On the B4202 between Clows Top and Abberley

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 l

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

Lunching Ladies reach 50!

Early in March there was a little celebration for a club that has been in existence for over 50 Years.

Strictly, last year was the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Tenbury Ladies Luncheon Club on 14th December 1966, but having completed 50 years and now clearly setting out on the next 50, this was reason enough to mark the milestone with a celebration cake at the end of their March meeting.

The Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at The Fountain Inn, Tenbury and is a very happy and jolly group of ladies. If you might like to join them for company and conversation over a 2-course lunch, with a talk by an invited speaker every other month then new members are guaranteed a very warm welcome - contact Margaret McCarthy 01584 812534.

A subscription is payable, to help towards the cost of having speakers come and address the Club.

In its early days the Club was much more formal, it being customary for hats and gloves to be worn if you attended or were invited to attend. But things are more informal these days, as has become the norm throughout society today!

Over the years the Club has met in many places; The Swan Hotel in Burford (where it was founded), The Crow and The Royal Oak in Tenbury and more recently the Rose & Crown and Burford House Café in Burford. Their successful 30th Anniversary party was held in Knighton-on-Teme and in September 2006 a 40th Anniversary celebration was held at Cadmore Lodge in St Michaels, where two founding members, Betty Kemp and Margaret Oliver, were on hand to cut the cake.

According to members, speakers have always been very good and over the last 50 years past talks have often had exotic subjects including ‘Living and working in the Cayman Islands’, ‘Consular and Embassy procedure’, ‘Japanese Treasures’, ‘Sri Lanka’, ‘A Chinese childhood’ and ‘Mauritius - Island of light and sweetness’.

One talk saw Andrew and Bettyne Wadsley share their experiences of travelling in Peru which included spending

The Club outside The Crow in Tenbury Wells in 2000

Tonie Downes, the eldest member of Tenbury Ladies Luncheon Club, carefully cuts the 50th Anniversary celebration cake for all to share, while other members look on Christmas in a native village on the Amazon river and visiting a Shipibo Indian village. Christmas Eve is the day of celebration there and shopping meant getting the boat out to travel to the nearest ‘town’ for sparklers and fireworks to celebrate with.

They enjoyed the exchange of cultures like dancing (they demonstrated a waltz to villagers) but decided not to share the, probably ‘state-altering’ drink that was being passed around!!

The 18 founder members listed on the first meeting’s agenda were: Kay Howard, Betty Kemp, Margaret Oliver, Sylvia Bostock, Olive Smith, Sylvia Shakespeare, Mrs Entwistle, Matron Giles, Nell Jones, Nora Maund, Mary Lawrence, Josephine McGrath, ‘Mytt’ Mytton, Nora Nott, Molly Owens, Phylis Pearce, Maeve Strong and Hilda Williams.

PIG ROAST OR BBQ 100 ROLLS £300

WEDDINGS, CHRISTENINGS, PARTIES 9 Hole Pay & Play Golf Course in attractive parkland setting

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Nr Tenbury Wells, WR15 8SJ

01584 781231

BRIAN’S BUTCHERS 01299 832 349 Old Bank House, Clows Top

16

Embroiderers’ Guild Show In February, the Teme Valley branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild held an exhibition of members work in Burford Village Hall near Tenbury Wells. The excellent display was a joy to behold with many embroidery techniques being illustrated in the diverse collection of work that was on show. In the side hall there was also a ‘bring and buy’ sale where you could pick up embroidery supplies.

The photos should give you a flavour of the skill that could be seen. If you feel inspired to try it for yourself, the Teme Valley Embroiderers’ Guild meets monthly and prides itself on being a friendly, welcoming group, particularly if you are a complete beginner. As they said ‘we are all beginners in some techniques’.

Members pay an annual subscription to the Guild and the branch and can attend talks and workshops throughout the year. The Guild is a national educational charity and holds a magnificent collection of embroidery of around 11,000 items dating from 16th century and Coptic times. The collection has been boosted with donations and bequests over time with a substantial donation being made by Queen Mary when she was Patron.

Teme Valley Times

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Shopping in Leominster

Leominster in Bloom Each year, a team of volunteers works to make Leominster town centre attractive with awardwinning floral displays. For ten years Leominster has earned either Silver-Gilt or Gold in the Heart of England in Bloom competition.

Fund-raising goes on all year and currently includes the ‘Plant a Penny’ scheme to make a ‘Mile of Pennies’. You can pop in to the Tourist Office to drop any small change off.

This year’s popular Annual Plant Fair will be held on the elegant setting of The Grange on Saturday May 27th from 10am. Over 25 local nurseries will bring their summer annuals and perennials to the town centre, so gardening enthusiasts can happily stock up!

Easter Egg Hunt If you are looking for something fun to do in Leominster over Easter, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt running throughout the Easter break. Just collect an entry form from any participating shop (Spencer Brookes Designs, Jumping Ships or Perry’s to

name a few) and note down the colour of the Easter Egg hiding in their shop or shop window.

It’s a fun activity for the children and a great way to explore some of the lesser known corners of Leominster as well as some of your favourites.

Leominster

market

For centuries Leominster’s market has provided a fantastic range of tempting foods, beautiful plants and flowers, clothing and household goods.

Visit us in Corn square every Friday!

La Parisienne Lee’s Cheese

Jason The Sock Man

John Stirling Pet Food and Wild Bird Food

Les Hill Nursery

Gerry Baker Conservatories, Windows & Doors

Linda’s Cheap & Cheerful Jumpers & Cardigans

Cards for Any Occasion

Paul’s Fruit & Veg

Paul’s Fish

Household Goods

Leather Goods - bags - belts - purses

Jewellery, Crafts & Pet Beds

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Leominster, a town of antiques Perhaps ‘a town of antiques’ should really be ‘the town of antiques’ as, if a whole batch of recent television programmes are to be believed, Leominster is indeed the town of antiques. So how did that happen? One local resident commented “I have spent the last month asking assorted dealers that very question and despite having had some extremely interesting conversations I’m none the wiser!”

Apparently it just evolved, quietly and without fuss, into what it is now. Perhaps it’s the lack of uniformity in the shop buildings that has encouraged Leominster to retain its character and individuality? It certainly seems to have deterred the usual gang of chain-stores who have homogenised so many other market town High Streets.

Instead we have independent shops galore providing food, clothes, housewares, gifts, toys, shoes, hardware - almost everything you need.

Amongst them are scattered an assortment of shops specialising in Antiques and Vintage treasures.

Leominster accommodates fourteen ‘Antique’

The Merchants House Café & Antiques Centre

Café : Lunches, snacks & cream teas. Walled courtyard.

Mon – Sat 9am – 4pm.

Antiques: Furniture, books, tools, crockery, jewellery & more.

10am – 5pm

10 Corn Square, Leominster www.themerchantshouse.org 01568 616141

outlets hosting literally dozens of vendors.

Various dealers in the town specialise in Furniture, Textiles, Clocks, Silver, Militaria, Tools, Books, Lighting, China, Glass, Kitchenalia - in fact everything needed to furnish and enhance your home in whatever style takes your fancy; from heavy carved medieval oak to sputnik legged mid-century style icons and everything in between.

Collectables are well represented, with toys, glassware, pottery and china, enamel signs, etc. available throughout the town. A number of the shops also carry a range of vintage costumes, clothing and accessories - ideal for themed parties!

The style of the shops varies enormously, from modern warehouse buildings on two levels through 17th century buildings with exposed beams on multi-levels, to bijou premises with one small shop space. Some are piled high with exciting treasures and others are more subtle, with beautiful displays of quality antiques in tasteful settings.

Ask for a copy of the Antiques Guide when you visit your first shop. This is a leaflet produced by one of the local dealers to ensure that visitors to Leominster’s Antique shops do not get lost or miss anything. It contains a map and a brief description of the kind of stock carried in each of the shops. What better way to spend a day than to follow the map and experience a proper ‘blast from the past’, browsing and

Minster House The Lion Gallery

Delivery available on all furniture.

Tel: 07770 654763 Secondhand Warehouse and

Antiques Centre 12,500 sq. ft. with 60 Dealers and over 40 Cabinets from Jewellery to Large Furniture Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm

01568 614114 secondhandwarehouse.co.uk

Craft and Fine Art from Herefordshire and the British Isles

34, Broad Street, Leominster

01568 615505

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm 15b Broad Street Leominster

17 Rooms of Antiques and Collectables

Courtyard

30 Broad Street Leominster HR6 8BS An interesting and eclectic mix of decorative antiques, furniture, interior and vintage items.

discussing the items and the buildings that house them? There are plenty of cafes and hostelries on the way to keep you refreshed.

Leominster also houses an assortment of complementary shops and workshops doing restoration work, re-upholstery, lampshades, lighting refurbishment, etc. So if your purchase would benefit from some attention, Leominster can probably provide that too!

The town also offers ample car parking, a museum, a park and a play area at the Grange, sports facilities, a swimming pool, a skate park, pubs, cafes, a wide range of beauty treatments and pampering, so it can be a good day out for the whole family - even for those who don’t want to peruse all the quirky and interesting stuff in the Antique shops!

Light Shop 41 HIgH ST.

The Antique Market 14a, Broad Street Leominster

01568 612189 Three Floors of Antiques, Collectables and much more

Fine works of art can be seen alongside items of an ‘arty’ nature.

01568 611898 The

Station Yard, Leominster For all your antique, vintage retro and modern furniture, clothing, homeware, jewellery, books, records, children's items and plants!

01568 610614 or find us on facebook

OxenhamArt is a unique and quirky art gallery situated in the town of Leominster, Herefordshire.

Leominster

01568 369037

Come and see Leominster’s smallest shop Quirky, upcycled, Vintage and Stage lighting for your home or workplace.

Find us on facebook or Instagram:-

The Light Shop, Leominster

9-11 Drapers Lane, Leominster.

Tel/Fax 01568 611766 info@pyepowder.co.uk also at 50 The Bull Ring, Ludlow.

Tel/Fax 01584 872090

No. 14

14, Broad Street, Leominster

01568 614001 Antique, Vintage and Retro. Furniture, Clothing, Textiles and Housewares.

www.no14antiquesleominster.com

Anthemion Antiques We specialise in Town, Country Estate and Decorative Antiques

2-4 Church Street, Leominster

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Shopping in Leominster

Leominster Tourism Leominster hides a wealth of secrets which will delight the visitor and which will become more fascinating as they reveal themselves.

History and heritage slowly unravel as each of the town’s buildings is explored. A town trail leaflet takes in the best of them; this can be obtained at the Tourist Information Centre, along with an extensive range of other local publications.

Leominster is Herefordshire’s largest market town, where early prosperity was built upon the wool trade, principally the wool known as ‘Lemster Ore’, from the Ryelands sheep. A statue of a Ryeland, affectionately known as ‘Lady Baa-Baa’, stands proudly to greet the visitor in Broad Street car park.

Much has been made of the history of the wool trade in Leominster’s most significant timber-framed building, the magnificent Grange Court. This architectural jewel was built by John Abel in 1633, a local man who was honoured by King Charles I during the Civil War with the title of ‘King’s Carpenter’. Grange Court is a Grade II listed building. Ornately decorated with beautiful carvings it was originally the town market house, situated in a completely different part of town. The dramas and changes it has faced can be explored through the displays and embroideries it houses.

Leominster has an extensive collection of other timber-framed buildings, many of them now housing some of the numerous antique shops for which the town is famous. The antique markets feature frequently on television programmes and bring many enthusiasts, however they are fascinating places to visit for those who just like to browse.

The ‘Black and White Village Trail’ explores a forty mile round trip passing through some of the prettiest villages in the country. This has been one of the most popular local guides for over 20 years and it can be obtained at the TIC with or without an accompanying CD. Grange Court is Leominster’s heritage heart with café and exhibitions

Grange Court is fully accessible to people with disabilities, dogs and young children.

It has parking, a lovely walled garden and is free to enter with donations welcome.

Oldfields Camper Hire Visit Leominster for its Unique Independent Shops, but explore Herefordshire, Worcestershire and beyond with our 2-Berth VW Camper Van & Luxury 6-Berth Motorhome.

Ideal for Festivals, Events, Mini Breaks & Holidays!

Call Tim on

01568 612436

www.oldfieldscampers.co.uk

BENGRY MOTORS New & Used Car & Van Sales n Service, MOT & Repairs all Makes & Models n We Buy Cars for Cash n Competitive Car Hire n

Authorised Peugeot Repairer and Parts Distributor Southern Avenue, Leominster, HR6 0QF Fax. 01568 614329 www.bengrymotors.co.uk

Telephone: 01568 612337

Other town gems include the awe-inspiring Priory Church of St Peter and St Paul. This ancient seat of Christianity has an extensive history dating from the 13th century when it began as a Benedictine Priory. It houses an ancient mural of the ‘Tree of Life’ and is home to the country’s ‘last to be used’ ducking stool, housed in its impressive Norman nave. There is also the Leominster Museum in Etnam Street. This houses ever-changing exhibitions of historic objects, a cider house, stable block and police cell. Both buildings are well worth a visit and each has its place in the town’s hidden history.

In recent years a group of the townswomen have developed their sewing hobby into a fascinating record of local history. ‘Leominster in Stitches’ has created extensive tapestries and patch-work embroideries which can be found inside buildings around the

RETAIL, REPAIR, MANUFACTURING

town. These include those mentioned above, but also extend to the hospital, library and community centre.

Leominster has a wide selection of interesting independent shops, cafes and tearooms, making a great day out for browsers and collectors. There are also several art galleries of both antique and contemporary art and crafts.

For further information please contact Leominster TIC - a service that the town is very proud to have retained at 11 Corn Square, Leominster, HR6 8YP, or ring 01568 616460 or visit www.leominstertourism.com

FOR A SKILLED AND EXPERT SERVICE

Leominster Tourist Information Centre

N. E. LUCK JEWELLERY 7 HIGH STREET, LEOMINSTER, HR6 8LZ

A friendly service for visitors and locals, a wide selection of brochures, local and UK. Local produce, art & crafts, box office for many local events and cinema.

Meet us in our new home at 11 Corn Square.

01568 616460 www.leominstertourism.com

TELEPHONE 01568 615330

Phill Prothero Cycles 91-93 Etnam Street Leominster HR6 8AF We care for all your cycling needs

01568 611222 phillprocycles@aol.com www.cyclesofleominster.co.uk

HOME

Sweet home Vintagebox

46 West Street, Leominster, HR6 8ES

Quality Secondhand Furniture Made to Order Handmade Bespoke Boxes for Weddings, Shops & Gifts

Tel 01568 611 580 or 07840 404 800

Martins Models 10 West Street Leominster Herefordshire HR6 8ES

T: 01568 613782 Martin & Annie Chadney

“All Things IT”

t. 01568 612210 m. 0771 6345291 info@computerknowledge.co.uk

3 Morris Mews, Leominster, HR6 8LZ

www.computerknowledge.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Leominster Museum

Leominster, Herefordshire... A ‘Rising Star’ Finalist

Leominster Museum was founded in 1970. It is housed in a building in Etnam Street which is itself historic, having been built as a Mission Hall in 1855. The Museum is independent and run by volunteers. It tells the story of the town and the surrounding area from prehistoric times to the present day. In the collection there are books, paintings, photographs, postcards and all kinds of objects, including a collection of paintings and drawings by the famous Leominster artist John Scarlett Davis.

In addition to caring for the collection the Museum also organises special events.

In 2014, it ran ‘Rifles & Spades’, a commemoration of the First World War - see www. leominstermuseum.org.uk/rifles-and-spades In October 2016 ‘Trails of the Unexpected’ took participants on a dramatised walk around the centre of town, to learn the story of one of the Museum’s best-known objects - our one-hundredyear-old bun!

In 2015, the Museum was one of six small English museums selected to join Creative Museums, a programme funded by Arts Council England and run by Battersea Arts Centre in London. It has helped us all to enrich the experience for our visitors, involve our audiences, and tackle challenges.

The Museum is open five and a half days a week (Monday to Friday 10-4pm, Saturday 10-1pm) from Easter Saturday to the end of October. Entry is free, although donations are very welcome!

Our 2017 season will feature a range of new and rearranged displays and a chance to see objects which have previously been kept in our store.

2016 proved to be an exciting year for the Herefordshire market town of Leominster. With the formation of a Leominster Business Group and subsequent launch of the town’s social media presence, @ShoppinginLeominsterHR6, it was decided to enter The Great British High Street awards for 2016.

These awards aim to celebrate the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the Nation’s high streets. It is one of a number of initiatives helping to champion high streets and show their worth as the bedrock of their communities.

The GB High Street success as a campaign was proved by the record number of entries for 2016. Nine hundred entries were received, over all 14 categories (including new ones for shops and individuals). The importance of the high street to the general public was shown by the 400,000 plus votes cast, voting online to support their best-loved high street. This was proof, if it was needed, that despite all the changes of recent years the high street does still matter to the individuals that use them, providing a sense of belonging and community.

This was seen to be the case for Leominster. The strong and imaginative social media campaign raised the profile of the town both locally and nationally. It highlighted Leominster’s uniqueness, its many Independent Businesses, world-famous Antiques trade, visitor attractions and community spirit.

When Leominster was subsequently shortlisted in the Rising Star category (up against Stockton-on-Tees and Dornoch) the

Zenith

Ba

gZ Z

01568 613145

campaign created a huge buzz and common purpose for the town. The judges were given an enthusiastic welcome when they came to visit and enjoyed a reception at Leominster’s stunning Grange Court followed by a visit to numerous retail shops.

Finally at the awards ceremony in December 2016 in London, Leominster was named as a Rising Star finalist and also scooped the Gold Cup award for social media. The social media campaign was run through Twitter and Facebook using hashtags #Leominster #GBHighSt. The campaign as a whole was approached with humour and a sense of purpose. It drew the public and the businesses together and provided a feeling of huge community spirit, loyalty and commitment for all. This is a legacy worth more in the long run than the award itself!

In celebration of this success, Leominster

UNIQUE to Leominster

From Bhuddas to Suncatchers

Fairtrade goods Crystals Silver Gemstone Jewellery Ethically sourced clothing Earthly Spiritual Shop 16A Corn Square, Leominster

Businesses continued their enthusiasm through to Small Business Saturday where businesses paid to hire the town car parks for one day, to give customers free parking.

This was a great celebration of shopping local, hugely supported by residents and visitors.

Shops were decorated with balloons and full of promotions, a day to remember was certainly created. Leominster has also this year been named by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the Midlands.

You can follow Leominster Businesses at facebook.com/ShoppinginLeominsterHR6 and on Twitter @shopLeominster

LADIES FASHION #everydayelegance Made in Herefordshire new styles weekly in sizes 8-20 PLUS sizes sold on bespoke service

The latest fashion with styles arriving daily.

Catwalk inspired looks & Celeb-led trends.

21 High St, Leominster

Shop in store at 6 Corn Street, Leominster or online

www.jumpingships.com FREE UK Shipping

www.beaubell.co.uk

Terrific range of...

The Clothes Exchange

Handbags, Travel Goods, Suitcases, Holdalls, Backpacks, Evening Clutch Bags, Purses, Wallets, Belts, Scarves... and more!

The Shop To Buy Quality New/Nearly New Affordable Ladies Clothing Opening Hours: Tues - Saturday 10am - 4pm Wed 10am - 1pm

MorriS MEWS, LEoMinSTEr.

Richards Furnishing 1 & 3 Corn Street Leominster HR6 8LX Carpets, Vinyls, Wood Flooring, Beds, Bedroom Furniture, Blinds, Curtains, Poles, Tracks & Rugs Phone / fax 01568 612182 mail@richardsfurnishing.com www.richardsfurnishing.com facebook.com/richardsfurnishing

INVISION TV & COMPUTER SALES & REPAIRS ACCESSORIES & HOME VISITS EST SINCE 1985 TEL 01568 612069 4 ETNAM ST LEOMINSTER

Individual collection of quality lamps and upholstered furniture New to Leominster!

Unique Bespoke Service 35 High Street. Tel 07715 880923

Burgess Street, Leominster, HR6 8DE 07598 205061

STITCHES Wool & Fabric Shop

Curtain Making and Clothes Alterations and Repairs 2 High Street Leominster Tel 01568 610467

Stockist of Brakeburn, Shruti, Lua, East of India, Brixton Pottery, Miss Milly and much more!

JUST For

YOU

100’s of gift ideas

Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm 16 West Street, Leominster, HR6 8ES 01568 368070

Lingerie, Nightwear, Swimwear and Hosiery 27 Drapers Lane, Leominster Baby and Children’s Clothing

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Shopping in Leominster

Dementia Friendly Leominster Dementia Friendly Leominster was set up in January 2016 by a group of organisations and individuals who are working together to make Leominster a Dementia Friendly Community. It is part of the national Dementia Action Alliance which is for organisations across England to connect, share best practice, and take action on dementia.

A dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported and are confident they can contribute to community life.

They should feel included and involved, and have choice and control over their day-to-day lives.

Our priorities are to raise awareness through short

Leominster - Leading the Way in Social Media A free, easy and pleasant way for your business to talk to potential customers seems too good to be true, but it’s not. Anyone can learn how to do it - you just have to open your mind to the possibilities, seek training if you need it and just start DOING it.

This communication tool is known collectively as Social Media. Some businesses have spotted that their Facebook (or Pinterest, or Instagram) habit can be used for commercial success, but

Roundabout StationeRy 17 Broad Street, Leominster Herefordshire, HR6 8DB

Tel: 01568 610215

info@roundabout-stationery.co.uk

CelebRating 28 yeaRS of Selling StationeRy & aRt SupplieS in leominSteR

Dementia Friends information sessions and work with and provide support to shops, groups and clubs and public facilities, to become Dementia Friendly. This year we have been very fortunate to be one of the Mayor’s chosen charities which has provided resources to support our aims. In April we will be holding a series of awareness-raising workshops with local shops and businesses. These will be repeated on different days and at different times to be as flexible as possible and to optimise attendance and impact. The Mayor of Leominster, Angela Pendleton, has recently completed her Dementia Champion’s training and is key to the delivery of this exciting programme.

Dementia Friendly Leominster is working closely an effective tool for spreading the word about your business and even making sales, is Twitter - at the moment!

Once you start Twitter you can reach out to the sort of customers you want - find your target market and ”follow” them - hopefully they will follow you back. You have started a conversation and, since people do business with people they know, you’ve taken the first step in a selling relationship.

If you want a quick, easy way to make the most of your social media efforts, you could join a Twitter networking “hour”. This is a specific time where everyone using a special hashtag (the symbol # next to the hour’s name) is having a joint conversation.

Barking4Walkies Dog Walking, Pet Home Visits, Feeding / Water for pets while you’re away.

Cater for all animals great and small.

Available May onwards: Reiki therapy for your pet Ring Judy on 07702 658644 or email jprice@barking4walkies.uk

with Leominster Meeting Centre for people with dementia and carers and Herefordshire Dementia Action Alliance and helping the county to lead the way in this important work.

If you would like to find out more or join us, or if you would like us to run a Dementia Friends Information session for you, please email dfleominster@gmail.com

#HEREFORDHOUR Leominster is leading the way in one of these conversation hours - specifically #HerefordHour and there are many others, such as #MarchesHour and #WorcestershireHour, which do a brilliant job of introducing Tweeps to each other.

Run by Sign-Rite UK Ltd, on Leominster’s Enterprise Park, #HerefordHour now has a potential audience of 5 million people in a week.

Mostly from the Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Powys catchment area, the hourlong session often trends nationwide.

That means anyone in Britain looking at Twitter on Mondays between 1 and 2pm can see tweets carrying the #HerefordHour hashtag. That’s an

Mayor Angela Pendleton with Bill Jackson, High Sheriff of Herefordshire

impressive marketing tool for a small local business, even if you only have a few hundred followers of your own.

Cathie, Sign-Rite’s marketing manager, sets a topic every week. A music topic will encourage performers, venues and potential audience members, as well as regular visitors to the hour.

A topic like Hereford’s bid to become a City of Culture in 2021 gives everyone a chance to join in. And even if you can’t include the topic in your tweet, people will want to know about you and your product or services, so you will make new connections and grow your account. If all else fails, pictures of cake will get a response from friendly tweeps! #HerefordHour does not discriminate against businesses operating in border counties customers are customers, even if they live in a different county, town or village.

Cathie welcomes suggestions topics to discuss and you can contact her on marketing@signrite.co.uk with your suggestions or for advice and information. Sign-Rite does Twitter training - individually or in groups - with Tenbury social media trainer Adam Richard Jones. Call 01568 616171 for details or visit www.HerefordHour. co.uk for information, hints and tips.

Cathie commented “See you in #HerefordHour Mondays at 1pm!”

Lion Court Podiatry in Leominster

Open: Mon Tues Thurs Fri Sat Clinic: 01568 368181 Mobile: 07828 286339 Email: lion.court.podiatry@gmail.com Ground Floor Clinic

Back Pain ExPErts

% 01568 610610

enquiries@leominsterosteopaths.co.uk www.leominsterosteopaths.co.uk

Westbury court, Westbury street, Leominster, Hr6 8nt

Community based & supported living service for adults with complex needs & challenging behaviours, to live the life they choose. Flexible, quality support, promoting independence & choice. www.abelcareandsupport.com Tel: 01568 612875/ 07860 115195

Cards, Gifts, Jewellery, Toys and Helium Balloons Fancy Dress Department 11 Corn Street l Leominster % 01568 614144

Traditional Pharmacy

offering a wide range of NHS services, medicines, toiletries and cosmetics. Fully qualified staff to help with your health queries.

Mobility aids.

Local delivery service

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Outside the Centre of Town If you’re heading into Leominster to visit the unique independent shops in the town centre, don’t forget that there’s plenty of other products and services to take advantage of in the out-of-town industrial and enterprise parks. Leominster’s enterprise zones are relatively new, and include retail businesses and exercise and leisure facilities, as well as home, motor and industrial services.

Some of what the businesses offer you might need only once in a while, such as invitations printing, a car servicing, or a check-up for a pet and it’s handy to be able to complete all of these while visiting the town. You’ll find the industrial parks to the south side of the town centre, either side of Southern Avenue.

Learner drivers and dog walkers probably already know where they are - just head south of town and explore! Google maps shows where the businesses are. There’s also a geocache - Leominster Ale Taster

Reward Jars

- hidden in the Enterprise Park for young and old alike to find.

Local Brewery is Green Hand brewed in the heart of Herefordshire.

Green Business of the Year.

Brewery shop open Fridays.

swanbrewery.co.uk

Leominster-based Swan Brewery certainly caught the judges’ attention at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Business & Industry Awards 2017 by winning the Green Business category. Their entry covered such topics as passing on spent hops to a network of gardeners, linking with local food producers, cycling to visit suppliers and customers, and working with local contractors and trades people.

With 1700 breweries in the UK, the SIBA awards are highly competitive.

Swan Brewery made a 2000 word submission covering their energy reduction, minimising waste and their efforts relating to sustainability of communities where people live and in which businesses operate.

Preparing the entry gave Jimmy Swan and Gill Bullock, the husband and wife partnership who run Swan Brewery, the chance to reflect on their first year of business. Jimmy commented “An obvious green choice we make relates to our raw materials. The hops we brew with are mainly

Spencer-Brookes Designs has been established in Leominster for six years. Last year they stepped things up a gear and, working with Simple Design Works in Hereford, they created their Reward Jar. A simple concept, this magnetic jar sits on the fridge and comes with 12 metallic coloured tokens. These tokens slot into the top of the jar to reward your child when they have achieved something special or completed a task or just for general good behaviour. When the jar is full, you choose the ‘reward’ for your child. Maybe a trip to the park, going swimming or a new book the choice is yours.

Available in pink, green and blue, the jars cater for everyone.

from Herefordshire and Worcestershire and we are receptive to and proactive in trying out new local varieties such as Instone grown by Simon Parker of Instone Court, Munderfield. This hop strain is believed to be a wilt-resistant Fuggles seedling, with a great deal of potential to reduce pesticide usage.”

Gill added “We started out by buying a “preloved” brewery, and it was mainly Herefordshire contractors who helped us commission it. We work with local firms now for all kinds of supplies and services. We get involved with the local business community in a proactive way, through the Leominster Business Group and the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chambers.”

There is one aspect of their submission that Swan Brewery is sure won’t have featured elsewhere. This is the “chutneyathon” which they ran – a chutney-making marathon, with vegetables grown in spent-hopenriched-soil and with beer in the recipes.

Swan Brewery has a shop on the Enterprise Park, within the brewery, which is open on Fridays and their website is www.swanbrewery.co.uk

BarBer & Manuel Fine dining, Fine coFFee

Cafe Bar Bistro 07484 545368 18 West Street, Leominster

Live music every Saturday night Open 10am-11pm weekdays, till 12 weekends Your local cafe-bar specialising in home-cooked food and an eclectic mix of music

leoMinster’s very own deli and coFFee house.

For all your confectionery, Hand-made Chocolates, Easter Eggs & Fudges Stockist of NO ADDED SUGAR Chocolates & Sweets

High Street, Leominster

R Bright Family Butcher

Serving Leominster since 2003

Stepping Stone Fun Party nights every weekend, only late night venue in Leominster!

Private Bar and ‘quirky’ booths for hire.

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See the Black Swan Facebook page for upcoming events

Locally produced Lamb, Beef, Pork, Poultry, Bacon, Gammon & Sausages.

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Parry's Fruit & Veg

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QUARRY FARM SHOP Locally sourced quality meats and produce

Peppercorns Restaurant T: 01568 610735 E: eat@peppercorns.uk.com www.peppercorns.uk.com 5 School Lane, Leominster

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On the Leominster to Ludlow Old Road

Teme Valley Times

25

‘Springs of River’ Project

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The River Teme at Ludlow This four-year project from the Severn Rivers Trust, funded by the Heritage Lottery, aims to bring together a diverse partnership, to work on the ecologically-important River Teme and some of its tributaries.

The project will incorporate a number of initiatives such as wildlife and habitat enhancement, water quality improvements and flood alleviation. Areas of vulnerable river will be fenced and re-vegetated to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution, and to allow banks to stabilise and be colonised by riparian plants. Invasive species will be targeted for removal. Time will be spent engaging with schools and local communities that are linked together by the river.

A ‘Teme Valley Trail’ will be set up as part of this project. By improving and linking existing Rights of Way and roads, the project hopes to allow locals and visitors alike to walk the entire length of the main river and gain access to and experience views over the stunning Teme Valley. An Education Centre will be built alongside the Teme at the site of the new fish pass at Dinham Weir in Ludlow.

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Road Closures in September On September 24th approximately 15,000 people are expected to take part in a bike ride from Birmingham to Collington and back.

The route heads from Birmingham towards Halesowen, then through Bewdley, Dunley, Great Witley, Stanford Bridge, Upper Sapey, Upper Rochford, then across onto the B4214 TenburyBromyard Road, across the Downs to the B4203, back to Upper Sapey, then through Clifton Upon Teme, towards Martley, up the B4197 to Great Witley, then along the A443, then on through Ombersley, up the Droitwich bypass, then back to Birmingham.

The organisers said “...it will be necessary to implement road closures across the full route...”. The planned duration of the closure depends on where you are, but as examples: Dunley 6am to 1.30pm, Clifton Upon Teme 6.30am to 3.30pm, and the Holt Fleet Bridge 7.30am to 4.30pm. More information at www.velobirmingham.com or leave a message on 0207 593 5248.

A leaflet with a map of the route has been delivered to many homes in the local area

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26

Teme Valley Times

Advertise in the Teme Valley Times!

It’s easy to advertise in the Teme Valley Times. Why not let us put your message in front of thousands of readers? We offer a wide selection of sizes, styles and prices and we can design your advert for you if you wish. Standard business adverts start at around £30 per issue.

Our “What’s On!” section (see page 4) is ideal for promoting a local event or a local club at low cost. A simple advert with up to 27 words costs £10 (for one issue) and extra words are 25p each.

LOCAL SERVICES V E B UT L E R S TE

The next issue of the Teme Valley Times is due out in early June and adverts should be booked by May 11th. For more information, email temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk or ring 01584 781762 and speak to Chris or Lucy.

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Teme Valley Times

27

The Old Post Office

Cricket Club approaching Century!

Tenbury’s Post Office was on Teme Street for over 100 years, but last year it moved to Bowkett’s, on the Market Square. Relocating Post Office counters into other shops is commonplace of course and Tenbury was doing no more than following in the footsteps of towns such as Ludlow and Leominster. Bromyard, however, still has its ‘proper’ Post Office!

Shop fronts hold a lot of local history in their appearance and keeping the original facades helps a town look individual, intriguing and eclectic, rather than homogenised, like so many of the look-a-like high streets that can be found in larger towns.

In Tenbury the old post office is an example of how a frontage has survived with little change for over a century. A stone has been installed in the front of the building, which should help retain and communicate its history to residents and visitors alike in the decades ahead.

In the old days

Frontage much the same in 2016

New Stone Plaque

A cricket club that was founded in 1919 is looking for new players to swell its ranks and to keep the club vibrant into its 100th Year. Numbers are everything and getting 11 players on the field each match day is the priority for Knighton on Teme Cricket Club.

Everyone is welcome to come forward, from novices to more seasoned players, including youngsters and women. Age isn’t, of itself, an issue and players who want to come back to the game can expect to be made welcome. Weather permitting, players can expect a full afternoon of cricket and it’s also a great excuse to get out of the house on a Saturday afternoon!

There is a worry that without new players the club might not make it to the 100 year landmark which would be a great shame. The season starts on the 29th April and the club has just received new kit courtesy of The Talbot Inn in Newnham Bridge. Newly appointed Captain Rob James and opening batsman Matt James (no relation!) agreed that ‘We welcome all abilities and all ages. Come along and have some fun - it’s not too serious. Our ground has a stunning setting amongst hop fields with a lovely pavilion, you will be made most welcome’. If you’re interested you can contact Rob James, Captain, on 07802 763134 or email robbiejames@yahoo.co.uk

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28

Lucton Food Festival It really was ‘Food, glorious Food’ at this year’s Lucton Food Festival. Free entry saw a much improved attendance and many visitors left laden with purchases. Producers were keen for people to ‘try before you buy’, providing an excellent opportunity to try new things and to discover more about what you’re eating!

A raffle ticket stall greeted festival-goers on arrival, with some very impressive prizes on offer, at £1 a ticket. The Lucton Chamber Choir opened proceedings from the stage and really got into their stride with a charming rendition of ‘The Bare Necessities’ from The Jungle Book. Subsequent food demonstrations included Cocktails

by Jo Hilditch (from British Cassis) and Sarah Hughes (from The Applebox Cake Studio); Sarah built and decorated a stunning cone of profiteroles during the course of the day.

There were many mouth-watering options to experience, from ‘Cotswolds Sleepy Nights Liquorice’ tea to Basil & Pea dressing, cocktails from The Tipple Truck (a stylishly-converted Piaggio Ape), and raspberry friands (small cakes using almond flour).

The Leominster Air Cadets’ raffle saw one lucky winner take home an extremely indulgent-looking chocolate cake which was topped with large quantities of white, milk and dark chocolates.

Gluten-free red lentil pasta, raspberry vodka, apple & quince juice, vegetarian scotch eggs, espresso fudge, sweet damson vinegar and more could all be found if you browsed carefully.

Lots of seating and lunch options meant you could take a more leisurely approach if you wanted to, with Gordito’s offering Serranito (a roll with pork loin, peppers, ham and aioli). or Churros y chocolate to help keep hunger at bay!

Teme Valley Times

Teme Valley Times

29

MEMORIES OF TOP GEAR

Ken Pollock, the Worcestershire County Councillor for the Tenbury division, was previously a BBC TV producer of ‘Farming’ and ‘Top Gear’. Here he gives us an insight into his time with the Top Gear programme The new Top Gear series has recently returned to our screens, running alongside the first series of The Grand Tour. These hour-long entertainment shows are very different from when I co-produced the original 30 minute series that went out on a weekday evening. That had started in 1978 as a regional programme made in Pebble Mill, Birmingham and soon went on the full network, presented by Noel Edmunds and then Angela Rippon.

I was a refugee from the Farming programme, which we had just transformed into Countryfile. Sadly, the BBC management thought I

would make it too dominated by farming topics, so I went off to produce Top Gear, by then fronted by William Woollard.

At that time, the show consisted of discrete items, linked by William from some relevant location. In my first series, I wanted to do a group test of sports cars, involving the four presenters. The feeling was that it would not work as they all hated each other - but maybe it was just rivalry…. Anyway we thrashed up to Portmeirion and then recorded a discussion between them on the relative merits of the four cars - a Caterham Seven, Morgan Plus 8, a Reliant SSE and a Panther Kallista.

It seemed to work, but little did I realise that this was the magic ingredient that made the ‘Jeremy Clarkson’ show so successful - the humorous banter between the three presenters.

Jon Bentley, now to be seen presenting C5’s The Gadget Show, and I, refreshed the presenter line up with the likes of Tiff Needell, Steve Berry, Tony Mason, Quentin Willson and, of course, Jeremy Clarkson, now to be seen presenting The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime. At that time, we still had aspirations to inform the audience about cars and motoring topics, so we had to try to balance excitement, like testing the new Jaguar XJ220, with something serious about child safety seats.

It proved popular and, in one 10part series, we topped the BBC2 chart seven times. My interest was dominated by motorsport, and I covered a junior single seater series called Formula First in 1987. It is

memorable for three famous faces.

Racing driver and journalist Tiff Needell, later also to be seen on C5 Fifth Gear, tested the car in his first-ever television reporting role.

Chris Goodwin drove car No 1, and went on to become McLaren’s chief road car test driver – and appeared with the latest McLaren in the first edition of The Grand Tour – and Ben Edwards, who won the racing series, and went on to be the main television commentator on F1 racing.

On the car testing side, we covered everything from the latest mini to the supercars, like the McLaren

F1. Ex Grand Prix driver Jonathan Palmer was selling the latter at the time and flew down in his helicopter to Goodwood to see how we were getting on. The helicopter provided an excellent platform to film Tiff Needell driving the £638,000 supercar very quickly around the track. Quickly, but with only a wisp of smoke, and not the clouds of burning tyres that now seem to be obligatory. The car’s designer, Gordon Murray, later wrote to say that Tiff had perfectly captured the mix of superb performance with everyday practicality that he had intended.

It is strange to think how different life was in the ‘90s. PAs typed your letters as personal computers had barely

penetrated the BBC. The internet did not exist, so we sent out “fact sheets” to give viewers information about topics in the show. It was the existence of that simple printed material that meant the BBC could produce a Top Gear magazine when others tried to claim the title.

Now Top Gear sits in the entertainment department and lives up to that brief. For me, a mix of serious items, proper car tests and motorsport was preferable and served the general audience better.

But then, in the beginning, we did not realise that Jeremy Clarkson would turn into an international superstar…

The Spa 24 Hour race, as filmed by Ken Pollock

New Name - Familiar Faces

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