Teme Valley Times Christmas 2020

Christmas 2020

FREE Issue No. 87

facebook.com/temevalleytimes Professional, reliable and affordable pet care OUR SERVICES Pet sitting • Dog Walking • Small pet visits • Horse and Pony care, including exercising if required • Livestock care • House sitting • Doggy day care.

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MIKE’S SANDWICH BAR

Teme Street, Tenbury

OPEN AT 7am DAILY Prepared on Fresh Swifts’ Bread Breakfast Bacon / Sausage Baps Lunch Hot or Cold Sandwiches Salad Boxes Made up From Our Salad Bar, Baked Potatoes, Home Made Soups, Tea & Coffee

FROM 11AM DAILY the much-acclaimed MIKE’S HOT PORK BAPS – SANDWICHES – BAGUETTES Stuffing, Apple Sauce, Crackling Commercial, Office and Industrial pre-ordered deliveries available

01584 812521

Tenbury’s Foodie Market was held in and around the Round Market on December 3rd.

See page 3 for more photos!

DEAKINS FUELS

HOME HEATING OIL 01588 660166

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TEME VALLEY TIMES

Tenbury Fish Bar Fish, Chips, Pies, Pasties, Burgers, Kebabs, Chicken, Vegetarian.

MEGA Tenbury Special: LARGE Fish + LARGE Sausage, served with chips & LARGE curry or beans or gravy.

15 Teme St, Tenbury Wells. 01584 811728 CLEE HILL FISH & CHIPS Chips, Fish, Sausages, Chicken, Pies, Kebabs, Pasties, Scampi, Curries.

Pickled mussels & cockles.

Open 6 days a week, lunch & evening.

Closed Sundays.

01584 891076

Are you looking for: Wooden Crafts; Hand painted or carved signs; Local History DVDs, CD or History Books of Titterstone Clee Hills & North Herefordshire Villages; Guided tours of the Clee Hills & Orleton Village; or Lectures by a Shropshire Lad? Contact Ann and Alf Jenkins Publications: email alfjenkins07@gmail.com or ring 01568 780398 or call and see us at The Damsons, SY8 4HW.

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Late Night Foodie Market This market was held to tie in with Tenbury’s first Late Night Shopping evening and free parking in the Malvern Hills District Council car park after 3pm gave further encouragement to people to come to Tenbury, where they could also visit the shops and get some Christmas shopping done.

As winter’s gloom gathered it was a festive treat to walk down Tenbury’s shopping streets to the Foodie Market in the Market Square. Along Teme Street and Market Street the shopkeepers had done a fantastic job of creating sparkling festive windows.

Complimented by the town’s Christmas Lights, they helped generate a festive mood well before reaching the late night food market!

The market, which ran until 8pm, provided lots of opportunities to buy foodie gifts and discover new tastes and products. Accordion music added to the festive feel with renditions of ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’ and ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’ raising smiles as people shopped.

Mulled wine, hot chocolate with Baileys, and mince pies, were available from The Tavern, while Hill Top Farm’s pig roast provided warming choices to keep the cold at bay, and a hand sanitising station, well-signed distancing measures and well-spaced stalls combined to ensure a safe environment.

Selly Punjabis did a roaring trade

PHIL GRAY Dairyman/Newsagent For all your National, Daily, Sunday and Local Papers, Magazines.

All Milk, Dairy Products, Eggs, Soft Drinks, Waters etc.

Delivered to your door 7 days a week

Redstreak Products brought beautifully packaged bottles of their apple juice - perfect for a gift

Membrillo - a quince paste (often eaten with Manchego cheese) made by Bell Ringers Preserves

Let your Milkman do the Walking!

01584 881385 Phil@eardiston.com

Chilli Zoo selling guajillo, pequin, mulato, chipotle, Kashmiri, chocolate habanero, naga ghost, carolina reaper and prik jinda chillies to name but a few!

Hill Top Farm’s steaming pig roast

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

01584 875096

Free local delivery

Merry Music

Jumbo samosas: 3 for £5

Newspapers, Magazines, Maps, Cards, Toys, Sweets, Drinks, Wrapping Paper, Local Books, Laminating, Fax Service, Batteries, Stationery, Dry Cleaning, Photocopying (colour/B&W).

23 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells

01584 810230

Christmas Gift bags containing Rosebud Meadow’s goats milk soap

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TEME VALLEY TIMES

Who do you think you are?

by Cllr Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council "Who do you think you are Stirling Moss?" was the standard comment to a driver pulled over by the police for speeding - at least in the 20th Century. Do they say "Lewis Hamilton" these days?

Stirling was a hero to boys like me growing up after the war. It was a huge privilege to meet and work with him decades later. You can now read the definitive biography, published by Porter Press International of Knighton on Teme, right here in the Teme Valley.

Stirling died a few months ago, but he lived a lot longer than one of his rivals, Mike Hawthorn, who won his only World Championship because Stirling spoke up for him in a dispute at the Moroccan Grand Prix in 1958.

Mike was another dashing hero, always in a bow tie, but he died the

following January on the Guildford bypass in his Jaguar. The London Evening News front page headline read “Mike is Killed” - they didn’t need to explain who…

So much for past heroes of the motoring scene. What about the future? From 2030, we are told we will not be able to buy new petrol and diesel cars. Why? Two possible reasons which get muddled up.

Firstly, air pollution, that is supposed to kill 40,000 people a year in this country. Does anyone really believe that? Internal combustion engines produce nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulates that are all dangerous, so we ban the engines to save lives and promote good health.

One problem. The new engines are very clean. Euro 6 diesel engines produce little pollution; the same is true of modern petrol engines. Of course they do produce those tiny particulates, PM2.5, i.e. particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter or 2.5 millionths of a metre. Someone worked out that if you breathed in air at the legal limit of PM2.5 all your life, by the time you were 80 years old, you would have ingested a teaspoonful of those particulates. Yet we are told they are lethal…

The trick is, of course, that particulates are also produced by

tyre and brake wear, which also happens on the alternative – an electric vehicle, or EV… but the point of those is that they don’t produce CO2 – and that is the second reason: climate change caused by CO2 at 400 parts per million, when it used to be 280ppm…

Of course, you have to build the EV, as you would a normal car, but it has a battery instead of an engine.

And it’s the battery that’s the problem. It needs a lot of rare elements like lithium and cobalt, both mined in third world countries. Lithium in Chile, where the huge amounts of water needed are a problem and cobalt in the Congo, where child labour and poor conditions make mining it highly controversial.

And the battery is very heavy, does not last for ever, and is very expensive to replace. A replacement battery will cost thousands of pounds, for an electric car that would then be worth who knows how much? A brand new petrol-engined car might cost less than just a replacement battery for the electric car.

So where does that leave our need to go green? It leaves us with a massive investment programme for the electrical capacity to charge

potentially 32 million EVs, plus the cost of all the chargers, in homes and public areas.

And if you can’t get your car off the highway? Some say you hook up to lamp standards. But in an urban road near me there are 50 cars parked on the side of the road and just five lamp standards.

Of course, if you can park outside your own house, just run a lead across the pavement. A trip hazard maybe, but the cable is made of copper, selling at thousands of pounds per ton. If it’s worth stealing a catalytic converter from a car’s exhaust system, how about just grabbing a few charging leads?

Easy pickings in the middle of the night…

Maybe we should just stick with those petrol and diesel engines after all. We have enough oil reserves for hundreds of years and so what if it’s a little bit warmer.

They seem to survive on the Mediterranean…

Teme Valley Times: our main circulation area and how to contact us 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 The Teme Valley Times is locally-owned and independent. Every reasonable effort is made to ensure that what we publish is accurate but no responsibility can be accepted for any errors, omissions, changes or cancellations. Check all information before making a commitment or a special trip. The contents of this publication (words, images & adverts) are protected by copyright. If you wish to reproduce anything you must first obtain written consent from the publisher.

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

TEME VALLEY TIMES

Displays at Christmas

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Seeing the Christmas lights and shop window displays in our towns, villages and streets can help lift the spirits and bring on a festive frame of mind. Artistry, imagination, humour, inventiveness and originality could all be found in profusion in the many and varied displays created by our local shopkeepers, businesses and councils. Why not take some time this year to enjoy the splendid fruit of their efforts? It does help brighten up and perhaps even inspire our lives over the Christmas season!

TAILORED HOME INSURANCE RIGHT DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL Our Bespoke home insurance comes with up to £30,000 enhanced temporary cover for those little things that make Christmas special.* For high-value home insurance that takes care of the details, choose NFU Mutual Bespoke.

Call NFU Mutual Ludlow on 01584 872416 or search NFU Mutual Bespoke.

* Cover applies 1 month before and 1 month after a special event.

Drawing Courses from your own home N T Morgan & J M Sadler is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).

Weekly emailed classes with ‘Stage by stage’ instructions, visuals & email support/feedback.

Choose from Botanicals, Still Life Drawing or Drawing cats & dogs.

Only £30 per student for a 6-week course.

Email annwallace136@gmail.com or www.annwallace.co.uk for more details.

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TEME VALLEY TIMES

Gold for Tenbury High!

Lessons are usually complemented by educational trips and assemblies through the year, with pupils visiting colleges and Tenbury High Ormiston Academy has achieved a ‘Quality in universities, as well as attending mock interview days and having Careers Standard’ Gold award, marking their commitment to assemblies delivered on apprenticeships, and from business helping pupils prepare for their futures. leaders in the community.

A spokesman said “We were commended for the ‘outstanding’ Tenbury High Ormiston Academy also uses its community links careers education we provide, with feedback referencing the to secure work experience placements that suit pupils and give committed and high quality leadership in this area which them a stronger understanding of opportunities that are available inspires pupils, while building their self-esteem and selflocally. awareness, thus enabling them to develop well informed career Parents are very much included in pupils’ career development, plans.” as they are encouraged to be involved through careers fairs at The Assessors were impressed by the academy’s strong links with the school, as well as being sent information on what options are colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers and employers, available for their children. ensuring that pupils enjoy activities that extend their learning The school said “We are lucky to have a dedicated careers hub both inside and outside school. (funded by the #iwill project) in the school which includes pupilTenbury High has a careers programme which starts by helping designed features and holds the careers library and resources early year groups to establish the type of things they enjoy, for students who want to find out more about what’s out there. before teaching them increasingly more about the world of work Pupils are also shown how to write CVs, as well as how to safely and helping them to make choices about their futures. access career opportunities online.”

Goody Bags in Ludlow On Thursday 3rd December, a bit of festive joy reached some of Ludlow’s older residents. After weeks of packing bags and organising deliveries, a team of fourteen Ludlow Town Councillors and staff delivered 425 goody bags to senior citizens.

Mayor of Ludlow Cllr Tim Gill delivered to Hagley Place Care Home and Sapphire Community Care. He also presented seven year old Romeo Ditoria from Ludlow Primary School with a prize for winning the Christmas card competition.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Robin Pote delivered to Quality Community Care at the Rockspring Centre, and College Court in Ludlow. Another 12 councillors and staff delivered to individual residents in Ludlow.

Each candy-striped bag included Romeo’s Christmas card, a festive message from the town council, a painted wooden Christmas decoration, some chocolates, sachets of Fairtrade hot chocolate, Fairtrade biscuits, a mince pie, an environmentally-friendly Christmas Cracker, and two miniature festive drinks.

Tim Gill said “There have been lots of wonderful messages of thanks, and each and every message is very much appreciated by all at Ludlow Town Council. A very Merry Christmas to you all.”

Hamper Scheme to spread cheer!

Lindridge Village Hall committee originally planned to hold a Christmas Lunch for anyone in the Parish who feels lonely or isolated at this time of year. Because of the pandemic this idea had to be abandoned, so they decided instead to prepare and distribute 25 hampers to parishioners, the aim being to cheer people up and show that someone is thinking of them.

As far as possible, the hampers contain home baking and local produce and children of Lindridge Primary School have made 25 Christmas Cards so that one can be included in each hamper.

The organisers said “We have been touched and overwhelmed by the generosity of many local businesses and individuals; despite times being tough there is a real sense of people wanting to help others. The hampers will be prepared and distributed mid-December.”

Free Parking

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

01584 781361 taltreesstoves.com MONDAY - FRIDAY 9am - 5pm. SATURDAY 9am - 4.30pm CLOSED SUNDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS

Bromyard & Winslow Town Council is providing free parking in its car parks in Rowberry Street and Tenbury Road until 31st March 2021. “Councillors hope that the move to extend free parking will encourage people to shop locally, kick-start the local economy and encourage visitors to return to the town”.

Shropshire Council announced free parking from 11am to 6pm in all Shropshire Council car parks until 17th January 2021 “to provide the county’s town centre traders with a welcome boost”.

Malvern Hills District Council announced free parking after 3pm in MHDC car parks until December 24th for all vehicles except HGVs and motor homes.

Herefordshire Council announced free parking in Leominster on Saturday December 12th.

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Cleobury Poppy Wall Sarah Barnsley painstakingly attached hundreds of knitted poppies to netting, making a stunning poppy wall for Remembrance Sunday.

Christmas Card Competition Hollie Weaver, in Year 10 at Tenbury High, was runner-up in the annual national Ormiston Academies Trust Christmas Card Competition.

There were hundreds of entries so this was a great achievement.

Hollie has decided to produce packs of Christmas Cards using her festive robin design and is selling them to support the Place2Be charity (www.place2be.org.uk). Tenbury’s Mayor, Eric Hudson, has chosen Hollie’s Christmas cards to send out this year. Two of the photos show designs by other Tenbury students.

Compo’s Exhibition After a few false starts, local press photographer, Andy Compton’s photo exhibition finally opened in Ludlow on October 18th in the intimate Photo Space gallery in Quality Square. Due to lockdown restrictions and the size of the gallery only two visitors were allowed in at a time.

Wall displays, a table full of black and white and colour photographs, and a slide show on a large screen gave people an insight into Andy’s talent for capturing the moment.

Hollie Weaver with Tenbury’s Mayor, Cllr Eric Hudson

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Cleobury Children’s Clothes Co-op If you have nearly new children’s clothes and want to help other local families or need something for your own family, why not think about joining the newly established Cleobury Children’s Clothes Cooperative? It’s run by Cleobury and Neen Savage WI. Donations of good condition children’s clothes, from birth to 16yrs, are welcome. The organisers said “We are able to make minor repairs to clothing, replace buttons etc, and we also ask that only new shoes or new underwear are donated”.

You can make a donation at Ever After Nursery or at Cleobury’s Market Hall. The co-operative plans to be open in the Market Hall on Thursdays (3-4pm) and Fridays (9.30-11.30am). There is no charge for items but donations, if wished, can be given, for the Food Bank and Severn Hospice. Contact Cath Evans (01299 270647) for more information about opening dates and times and donating.

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Eastham Memorial Hall Demolition of the Eastham’s memorial hall began in August and before long the site had been cleared and foundations laid. Delays with the new building’s steel frame and roof mean the expected handover date has been moved to January 11th. The floor slab is in place and screed laid, internal and external drainage in place, external wall framing up with the stud work and ‘first fix’ ‘mechanical & electrical’ completed. The building is now weather tight.

A crowdfunding project was launched to create a new garden area in the hall grounds. The target is £6,473 and Worcestershire County Council pledged £2,000.

Thanks to Matt Hall of Airscape Solutions for the pictures.

Demolition in progress

Pad bases in place

Scaffolding up while the roof is put on Steel frame being lifted into place with beam and sleeper walls in place

Completed frame with block and brick work to damp proof course level

Cliff supports Mike’s!

Despite the second lockdown and some Tenbury businesses still recovering from the impact of flooding, another new business venture has opened in Tenbury, on Teme Street. Mike Slade has opened a takeaway and delivery sandwich bar in the town which is a little bit different. Mike said “Although Tenbury has many fine cafes and bars offering excellent food in the morning and late at night, the town has very few options early in the morning, a niche I intend to exploit and further compliment the town’s eateries and services”. Once Mike’s early morning hot drinks, bacon, sausage, and breakfast bites pass, he then intends to offer a further Tenbury lunch time first with a hot pork joint sizzling in the window. It’s served with the mandatory crackling, apple sauce and stuffing and will be complemented by a comprehensive cold salad bar in either rolls or boxed up in biodegradable lunch packages. Mike added “Every town and city has a hot pulled pork takeaway and Tenbury now has this option with the knowledge the bread, pork and bacon are all local, as well as the award-winning sausages from Tenbury butchery, The Wyre Pie Company”. Finally, Mike said as well as takeaway soups, potatoes, and hot and cold sandwiches, he hopes this will be a springboard for other culinary and delivery ideas he has for the future. Mike looks forward to serving individuals or commercial organisations from 7am in the morning by either walking in or telephoning in to pre-order by calling Mike on 01584 812521 or just follow the delicious smell up Teme Street! - Cliff Slade

Really taking shape!

The Lamp Restaurant 15a High Street, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, DY14 8DG

01299 272785 or 01299 271313 Fully Licensed and Air Conditioned Serving Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine

The Lamp Restaurant, winner of Currylife award Chef of the Year.

Open 7 days a week from 6pm until 11pm.

The Lamp's cuisine, inspired by Sylhet, the second city of Bangladesh, offers a wide variety of choice along with established favourite dishes and a selection of Chef's Specials.

The wide variety of starters and accompaniments chosen by our chef to complement your main course.

Takeaway service offers free delivery up to 3 miles for orders over £15.00.

Find us on facebook: Lamp Inn Cleobury Mortimer

See our facebook page for up to date information FULLY ATTENDED, TEMPORARY HOURS 9AM-5PM MONDAY-FRIDAY

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Tenbury Country Market 2021

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2ND, 2021 CONTACTS 01584 810502 / 01584 890007 Ian & Sue Sparey

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

01886 812452 www.is-stoves.co.uk Showroom & Online Shop

Tenbury Country Market kept going during the second lockdown. Held on Tuesday mornings in the Scout Hut near the swimming pool, the last two openings this year are scheduled for Dec 15th and 22nd, before closing for winter.

When we visited there was an excellent choice of ready meals (fish pies, vegetable lasagnes, cottage pies, quiches and bread & butter puddings) as well as bakery and preserves, fresh vegetables, Christmas crafts, Christmas wreaths and plants, including pots of hyacinths.

A beautiful home-made iced and decorated Christmas cake was £8 and a home-made Christmas pudding, made with organic fruit, Guinness, rum, brandy, free range eggs and almonds was £4. Bags of brandy snaps £1; damson & sloe gin preserve (300g) £2.80; and bags of dried apple slices (25g) 80p. So much to choose from!

Amongst the crafts you could find pretty pyrography decorated wooden key rings (around £3), handmade purses (£12.50), decorated willow wreaths (£10), and bird feeder wreaths (£7.50 to £12.50). Always worth a visit!

Steps Farm, Clifton upon Teme, Worcester, WR6 6EN

Onion sighted in Cleobury Mortimer!

This impressive onion was to be seen in the shop window at Mumfords, the ironmongers in Cleobury Mortimer, with signage reading: “Results - ONION Championships”; “CHAMPION 2020 - Dave Griffin”; and “3lbs”.

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Harvest celebrated differently Harvest seems a long time ago now as we approach Christmas, but the churches in and around the Teme Valley showed how things can still be done despite lockdown - it’s just that we have had to learn how to do things a bit differently!

Rev Ted Whittaker commented “It was not possible to open all our churches for Harvest celebrations safely, and many parishioners who would have liked to attend could not, for reasons of their own safety. So the churches in 4Rivers decided to do something slightly different. Each of the nine churches in our joint parishes of Teme Valley North, Abberley and Shrawley & Witley decorated their porches or lych gates, and/or placed a harvest decoration in Great Witley Church. Great Witley Church was one of the few churches open for limited and sociallyGreat Witley Church - Arrangement distanced worship.

by St Michaels Church Little Witley “Very small groups of the gifted ‘Flower Ladies’ from each respective parish gathered safely to create some spectacular decorations. Photos of the displays were collected together in a video that was added to the 4Rivers website (now viewable at vimeo.com/465473841). The video included a trail and a hunt for clues in the decorations. Many locals took the trail and visited each church looking for clues.

“As can be seen from the photos the decorations were charming and certainly worth sharing, as people struggled to bring some delight and colour to these covid-darkened days. It also helped to remind us of ‘good gifts’ and celebrate the work of our farmers.

“At the time of writing this, we are waiting to find out what the government plans are for the period up to and beyond Great Witley Church - Great Witley Christmas, but Christmas too is a celebration of good gifts Primary School’s arrangement especially the gift of Jesus for world, who comes to bring forth a harvest of goodness in our hearts and minds. May we allow his Spirit to bring forth the fruit of love, and joy, and peace, at this time. If you are interested in joining our Christmas Events please visit our website (www.4rivers.church) for up to the minute information.”

www.andrewjelleyopticians.co.uk

DELIVERING FRESH COTTESWOLD MILK IN TRADITIONAL GLASS BOTTLES MAY WE HAVE THE PLEASURE OF DELIVERING TO YOU? Milk also available in 1 litre & 2 litre polybottles at competitive prices for homes and businesses

PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL US TO ARRANGE A DELIVERY OR IF YOU REQUIRE FURTHER INFORMATION.

Telephone 01584 811857 Email info@temedairy.co.uk Teme Dairy Ltd. Tenbury Wells Business Park, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8FA

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Festive Wines Co-op Irresistible Marlborough Pinot Grigio 2019 13% £7.50 Actually a Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc blend, this has a firm grassiness you wouldn't expect from a pure Pinot Grigio. Fresh and with notes of lychees, white peaches and nectarines, this is perhaps better with food, rather than by itself.

Winter Whites!

Tanners NZ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 13% £11.20 A really nice example of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with freshness and tropical fruit flavours and aromas of ripe star fruit and hints of ripe gooseberries. Easy drinking, but don't over-chill or you could lose the fruit flavours.

Tesco Finest Chablis 2019 12.5% £12 A classic Chablis with grassy and star fruit aromas, apple and lemon flavours, and minerality.

Co-op Irresistible Chablis 2018 12.5% £12.50 Fresh and clean-tasting and with classic minerality, but with more fruit than many Chablis, this might be enjoyed with turkey or chicken.

ASDA Extra Special Pinot Grigio Trentino 2019 12% £5 Quite dry and easy drinking, with hints of melon and citrus, this might be enjoyed cool or as a spritzer.

SPAR Vine & Bloom Vegan Pinot Grigio 2019 12% £6.50 From northern Italy, this relatively simple white has green apple flavours with hints of sherbert. Could be drunk on its own, or with food.

Warming Reds!

In the Pink!

SPAR Vine & Bloom Vegan Rosé 12% 2019 £6.50 Also from northern Italy, this rosé is quite dry, so not a Mateus Rosé substitute, for example. Fresh and uncomplicated, with a clean flavour and hints of strawberry.

Co-op Famille Perrin Les Cardinaux 2018 £7 until Jan 1st If you like a nice Côtes du Rhône, you should enjoy this.

Fruitier and fuller than some, with smooth tannins, this could good well with Christmas Dinner.

SPAR Vine & Bloom Vegan Merlot 2019 12% £6.50 A fresh red from Northern Italy, with redcurrant flavours; eminently pleasant and inoffensive.

Sainsburys TTD Chateauneuf du Pape 2018 14.5% £18 Complex and well-balanced with dark fruit flavours with smooth tannins, this dry red would be a very welcome presence on the Christmas dinner table.

ASDA Chateauneuf du Pape 2019 14.5% £18 Dry, with blackcurrant fruit leading to peppery spice and tannins on the finish, this is a robust and substantial red.

Aldi Maison Rouge Claret Bordeaux 2018 13.5% £4.49 A perfectly pleasant dry red, and a surprisingly enjoyable Claret, given the price.

Tanners Claret Bordeaux 13.5% £9.20 Dry, with a long finish, this is a good example of this French classic. An excellent choice for those who enjoy this style of wine.

Tesco Finest Malbec The Trilogy Mendoza 2017 13.5% £12 This substantial red is dry and full of dark fruit flavours and would go well with roast beef, for example.

ASDA Extra Special Malbec 2019 San Juan Argentina 13.5% £6 Black cherry and bramble flavours combine to produce a strongly-flavoured red, with a lovely aroma. However, it's not one to go for if your favourite red is a Beaujolais.

Co-op Fairtrade Bonarda Malbec 2019 13% £5.25 Not as soft as many reds, but with long-lasting blackberry and unripe blackcurrant flavours, and with a tannic finish.

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Something for Th Mulled Wine, perhaps?

A glass of hot mulled wine can be just the thing on a cold winter's day. Here's a selection to choose from!

Sainsburys Taste the Difference Mulled Wine 11% 75cl £5.00 German and Italian grape varieties, blended with flavours of orange peel, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, this has plenty of flavour but possibly a bit sweet for some.

Tesco Gluhwein Felix Solis Mulled Wine 12% 75cl £5.50 Made from Spanish wine, with clove and cinnamon spice, this fruity little number might be preferred by those who prefer something a bit less sweet.

ASDA Mulled Wine 5.5% 75cl was £3 reduced to £2.75 Spicy and warming, this will particularly appeal to those who are looking to moderate their alcohol level!

Bubbly Co-op Irresistible Prosecco Brut 11% £7 until Dec 29th Prosecco has become hugely popular in recent years so this is bound to go down a storm with many people.

Sainsburys TTD Bucks Fizz 4% £4 Low in alcohol and made with sparkling South African Chenin Blanc and clementine juice, this might be served chilled as an aperitif, or with a decadent Christmas breakfast.

SPAR Perlezza Rosé Spumante Extra Dry 11% £8 Almost any bottle of fizz is just the thing to welcome in the New Year, but rosé always adds a certain something!

Co-op Les Pionniers Champagne Brut 12% £18 until Jan 1st For many people, Champagne is the real thing for celebrations and Les Pionniers has won various awards over the years, including a 'silver' in last year's International wine challenge.

Legges Cheese Hamper Hampers are an excellent idea for a gift if you know the recipient's predilections and this beautifully-presented hamper, from Legges of Bromyard, could be just the job for cheese lovers. The hamper we tried came with Hereford Red, Harrogate Blue, Black Bomber, Bromyard Brie and Scrumpy Cider & Apple cheddar, plus three boxes of crackers (Bath Squares, Water Biscuits and Miller's Elements Fire), and a jar of Myrtles Herefordshire Hedgerow chutney.

A lovely gift or something to share after dinner with the Port!

£35

Sainsburys TTD Merry Berry non-alcoholic Mulled Punch 75cl £2.50 You might not expect too much from a non-alcoholic mulled punch but this 'Merry Berry' does a surprisingly good job. It also has no added sugar!

A Glass of Port?

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he Festive Season?

13

Gins and more!

ALDI Haysmiths Spiced Plum & Clementine Gin & Tonic 6% 25cl £1.19 Packed in a ring-pull can, this premixed flavoured G&T offers a convenient alternative to mixing your own.

Tesco Limehouse Apple & Cinnamon Gin 37.5% 70cl £15 The forward cinnamon means this gin is perhaps best served with plenty of tonic over ice.

Tesco Fox & Foremen Bramble Shimmer Gin Liqueur 20% 50cl for cocktails £9.99 Offering blackberry and raspberry flavours, the fun aspect of this liqueur is that, as its name suggests, it shimmers in the light, provided you shake it first.

Sly Gin Gift Pack: gin miniatures (43%) £16.00.

Delivery £7.50 (free for orders over £30) This attractive package includes three 50cl miniatures, one each of London Dry, Lemon Verbena and Pink Grapefruit, all manufactured in Herefordshire. A lovely present, perhaps as a decadent stocking filler! www.havendistillery.co.uk

Sainsburys Mulled Cider 5.5% 75cl £3.75 This blend of cider, ginger, clove and star anise will appeal to those who prefer a mulled drink that's based on sweet Herefordshire cider rather than wine.

Tanners 2014 LBV Port 19.5% £15.95 The most expensive of the ports we tried but its class is obvious as soon as you try it. Lovely, warm and fruity, this is big on substance and taste and it went very well with the Bromyard Brie.

Co-op Taylor's Select Reserve Port 75cl £7 until Jan 1st Smooth, refined, civilised and fruity, this is a bit of a bargain at the offer price.

ASDA Ruby Port Vila Nova de Gaia 19% 1 litre £9.45 Nice and tasty with fresh flavours, this affordable port has good depth and good length, and is less sweet than some.

ALDI Fletcher's Fine Ruby Port 19% £6.49 Enjoyable and with some chocolate notes, this went particularly well with Harrogate Blue cheese.

ALDI Highland Black 8-year-old Special Reserve Whisky 70cl £12.99 Highland Black has secured Gold Medals at both IWSC and ISC awards in recent years. The blend uses a range of Speyside and Highland Malt whiskies, blended together with grain whisky from Girvan in the Lowlands.

Sainsburys Blackfriars 11 Winter Berry & Clementine Gin 37.5% 70cl £16 This limited edition winter gin is distilled by brothers Yves and François Battault and combines blackberry flavour with Corsican clementines and juniper. The '11' in the name reflects the use of 11 botanicals.

ALDI Haysmith's Rhubarb and Ginger 70cl £9.99 This ultra-low alcohol drink offers just 0.37% alcohol so could be welcomed by those who want to avoid high-strength spirits, particularly if they are driving.

Ludlow Gin Christmas Crackers with gin miniatures. £35.99 inc delivery A great idea, this pack contains four crackers, each with a gin miniature: one each of Ludlow Dry; Triple Citrus & Pomegranate; Spiced; and Hibiscus, orange and pink peppercorn. All are 42%/5cl. Could be such fun on Christmas Day! www.ludlowgin.co.uk

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Remembrance Sunday in Tenbury The 2020 Remembrance Sunday in Tenbury was, like so much else this year, greatly affected by coronavirus. There was no Tenbury Town Band to get a Remembrance Parade marching proudly through the town and, with the exception of the Band’s conductor Mel Parker playing the Last Post and Reveille, there was no music at all.

This is a significant year in which we commemorated the 75th anniversaries of the end of WW2, VE Day, VJ Day and the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. We were therefore extremely pleased that the Tenbury Branch of the Royal British Legion was allowed to hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial in St Mary’s churchyard, with an excellent short service conducted by the Branch Padre, the Rev Mark Inglis.

Church Wardens Philip Rees and Ian Chell had marked out places for wreath layers, three Standard bearers, and others taking part, to stand safely distanced. The skies were leaden and grey but the rain held off and there was one very bright spot to lighten the day: a beautiful display of knitted poppies in memory of the Fallen, produced by Sue Perry and a group of talented Tenbury ladies. This brilliant red cascade flowing down the church wall was a truly fitting tribute.

Several RBL and Royal Naval Association members laid Service and Regimental wreaths and Tenbury’s Mayor, Cllr Eric Hudson, plus Councillors from Worcestershire CC, Malvern The Poppy Waterfall at St Mary’s Hills DC and Burford Parish Council, laid wreaths on behalf of their councils, together with a wreath laid on behalf of West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, who was involved in Remembrance elsewhere.

Many Tenbury groups and organisations were represented and Tenbury’s policeman, PC Jon Hand, was on parade. He had come from a night shift which finished just four hours earlier. Also deserving mentions are Louise Bennet, who laid the Royal Marine wreath, Kelvin Wormington, who laid the Burma Richard Jones lays a wreath on Cllr Tony Penn lays a wreath on Star Association wreath, and Richard behalf of the Parachute Regiment behalf of Harriett Baldwin MP Jones who laid a wreath for the Parachute Regiment. Louise’s two Worcesters in the bloody but decisive Battle of Kohima. One sons served with the Royal Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan and both returned safely. Her wreath Tenbury man was killed at Kohima but thankfully Tom was one of is a tribute in memory of comrades who sadly did not return. six from the town who returned home safely with the battalion.

Kelvin’s father Phil, Tom’s son, laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Kelvin’s wreath was in memory of his grandfather, Tom Wormington, a Tenbury man who served in the 7th Battalion Mail.

Richard Jones, who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, of the Worcestershire Regiment in the British Expeditionary laid a Parachute Regiment wreath in memory of his son, Craig, Force (BEF). After their fighting withdrawal to the beaches of who was sadly killed in action in the Falklands War while serving Dunkirk he was safely evacuated in May 1940. In 1944 Tom, with the Paras. Memories for these four wreath layers are now a Lance Corporal, was fighting against the Japanese particularly poignant, more so at Remembrance. in the jungles of Burma, where he took part with the 7th

Jim Keating, RBL Name Reader

Kelvin Wormington pays his respects after laying a wreath on behalf of the Burma Star Association

Cllr Ken Pollock lays a wreath on behalf of Worcestershire County Council

Standards are raised after the service

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Books How Now? by Roger Evans Shropshire’s well-known dairy farmer Roger Evans is on top form in this latest compilation of diary entries.

Roger is widely regarded as one of the best modern spokesmen for the British farmer and has represented them at national level.

Covering January 2018 to April 2020, Roger shares his seasonal jottings about life on his farm and daily life in the local community.

These observations are interspersed with innumerable anecdotes and life-affirming incidents.

Throughout the book, Roger’s deep love of and respect for the countryside emanates from the pages. As the 80 year old says “...there is no end to what nature has to teach you, and you never stop

learning.”

We learn that he despairs of people spending time in company staring at their phones when they should be making conversation or listening to gossip; that he once went on safari in Zimbabwe; that sliding sideways down a field on saturated ground is a funny old feeling; that his farm went organic for milk production; and that the milk churns of yesteryear can be compared with the social media of today!

He tells us about his finely-honed gym etiquette of dressing down as compensation for those who arrive to exercise in newer and newer outfits; and of the out of character behaviour of “Cosmic Ken”, put down to the influence of a full moon.....

It is typical of Roger that he watches the Tour de France not just for the sport, but because he can enjoy the wonderful views of the French countryside and see what stage their crops are at! Many facts and figures about farming are gently introduced in a way that is easy to pick up as he paints a particular scene, enabling the reader, if willing, to become a sort-of virtual apprentice farmer.

His forthright views are determined by clear reasoning and his values are intermingled with a great sense of fun. You might even find yourself nodding in agreement with some of Roger’s sagacious rules for living!

Published by Merlin Unwin at £14.99 www.merlinunwin.co.uk

Six great Shropshire books for Christmas!

Shropshire’s dairy farmer

Housman’s classic with photos

Glorious photos of Shropshire

A Most Rare Vision SHROPSHIRE FROM THE AIR

It happened in

SHROPSHIRE

A Year in

S��������� Mark Sisson

Bob Burrows

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MIKE AND JOHN HAYWARD

25/2/10 14:12:36

What made us famous!

Bird’s eye views

Shropshire as you’ve never seen it

Available from Shropshire bookshops or from Merlin Unwin Books 01584 877456 w w w.merlinunwin.co.uk

Ludlow at Leisure by Derek Beattie This is an interesting and informative look at an aspect of history that many will know little about. Text and old photos come together to tell the story of Ludlow at Leisure from 1800-1950. Wide-ranging illustrations include circus elephants parading through the centre of town and 112 Corve St: “The YHA building at 112, Corve Street that opened in 1932 welcomed up to 40 walkers and cyclists to Ludlow each day”.

Event illustrations include “In 1913, Bentfield Charles Hucks brought his Bleriot monoplane to Ludford Park. Over 4,000 paying spectators watched as he performed various aerial aerobatics though no one dared take up his offer of flying with him”.

Illustrations of lost buildings include the Clifton Cinema. Opened in 1938, and demolished in 1987, Clifton Court flats now stand on the site.

Extracts from the text show how life has changed. For example, “...many working class families could not afford to buy swimming costumes for their children with the result that nude bathing or bathing in underwear was quite usual”.

The book tells us about fights outside pubs, commenting that “Crowds, sometimes totalling three figures, would pour out of the houses to watch and even to hinder the police”, adding that “Fights between women drew particularly large crowds.”

Doubtless some were pleased that “...the number of public houses still brewing their own beer had dwindled considerably and, in the late 1940s, the Wheatsheaf Inn at the top of Lower Broad Street was the last to do so”.

Published by Merlin Unwin at £14.99 www.merlinunwin.co.uk

Ludford House, Ludlow by Ralph Beardmore It is unusual to find such a substantial book looking at just one house, particularly when the house isn’t a National Trust or English Heritage property, or something of similar fame.

People who head out of Ludlow over Ludford Bridge will see Ludford House on the left, with the chimney stacks being a particular feature, but otherwise the property isn’t generally wellknown.

With 150 pages and a wealth of illustration there is plenty of coverage of the changes the house has gone through over the years. It’s interesting not just for what it tells us about Ludford House, but also for what it reveals about life over the centuries. The earliest references predate the Norman conquest and the book takes us through the centuries, even into the current century.

It also looks at the people, for example the Charltons, and at such matters as the troops that were based at Ludford in World War Two. Nicely printed, with good-quality illustrations, this softback might appeal most strongly to the aficionado, but there is certainly plenty for the more general reader. People who live in interesting old houses might find the book of real interest, not least for such insights as a guide to brick sizes over the years.

And last, but not least, those countless thousands, who have driven past Ludford House, will finally be able to find out what lies behind those imposing walls and stacks.

Published by Logaston Books at £10 - www.logastonpress.co.uk

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Market in Eardiston Lindridge Parish Hall’s Saturday Market has had a very ‘start/stop’ year. During the first lockdown many people said how much they were missing this monthly market, so it was lovely to see it reopen in September, though in a reduced capacity. A lot of changes were made to make sure the hall was Covid prepared so people could visit safely. The reopening went well and gave the organisers confidence to introduce a takeaway breakfast at the October market.

Although numbers were restricted, a wide range of crafts, cards, plants and produce were available. The second lockdown was announced three days after the October market, so the next market couldn’t be held until December. This had a real Christmas feel, and Christmas tunes could be heard playing before reaching the hall entrance!

The organisers had put excellent Covid precautions in place. Before you were allowed in the hall your temperature was taken with a non-contact thermometer, and you were asked to use the hand sanitiser station on the way in.

Inside, stalls were filled with lots of ideas for gifts and treats and festive purchases so the photos can only show a very small selection of what was on offer.

Festive patterned face masks were just £2, sizeable bags of kindling £1.50, jars of lemon marmalade £1.80 and dog-biscuit “wreaths” £4.

Marion Wilson had brought along a selection of beautiful hand-crafted wreaths, from £6, as well as baskets and pots planted with bulbs. Some stalls were raising money for charities, including one for the hall itself. You could even take away a free knitted mouse!

Breakfast baps, prepared by chef of the day Julia Cooper, could be enjoyed on outside seating in the December sunshine, or could be takeaway.

Leominster Co-op & Heartstart Herefordshire Heartstart has been chosen to benefit as a Co-op Local Community Fund. This funding is specifically linked to the Co-op businesses in Leominster. As it has become more difficult for community groups and charitable organisations to access funding, Herefordshire Heartstart is very grateful for this opportunity to make a real difference in Leominster.

Herefordshire Heartstart are raising funds to update volunteer skills with new CPR guidance, provide additional cleaning and hand sanitising products to enable the provision of safe, essential life-saving skill training for free. They are well-known throughout Herefordshire for their delivery of friendly, supportive and informative emergency life support skill courses.

Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic Herefordshire Heartstart have continued to provide advice to local communities on basic life support skills.

As they again begin to deliver face-to-face courses in the community, funding from the Co-op local community fund will be used to ensure that all practical measures are taken to ensure their instructors and participants remain safe.

To help Herefordshire Heartstart raise vital funds, they will be relying on Co-op Members. When a member buys selected branded products and services, the Co-op will give a helping hand to local causes such as this.

Co-op members can select Herefordshire Heartstart as their local cause by visiting https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/54926 and the page includes a link for local people to become members of the Co-op, if they aren’t already, which will further support Herefordshire Heartstart.

If you would like to organise a course for your workplace, club, community organisation or family support bubble, you can contact the Herefordshire Heartstart coordinator by emailing info@herefordshireheartstart.org

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17

Agricultural Transition Plan

Sewage in the River Teme

River Teme at Burford/Tenbury

Ludlow’s MP Philip Dunne told us that last year sewage entered the Teme at Ludlow on 181 occasions, for a total of 1,768 hours, and at Burford, on 150 occasions, for a total of 1,886 hours. If you averaged it out over the year, that would mean an average discharge of five hours a day at each location. Mr Dunne has introduced a Private Member’s Bill to place a duty on water companies to ensure that untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers and other inland waters.

River Teme at Ludlow

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South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne has welcomed publication of the longawaited Agricultural Transition Plan, to prepare farmers for moving away from the Common Agricultural Policy. As the UK leaves the EU transition period, each nation of the UK is able to take a unique approach.

In England, the government will support farmers to improve the environment, improve animal health and welfare and reduce carbon emissions. The Plan includes incentives for environmentally sustainable farming, local nature recovery, and recovery of landscape and ecosystems.

The system will change between 2021 and 2024, with a phased reduction in direct support, affecting larger farmers the quickest, but it is intended to give farmers time to adapt. The government will also help farmers prepare for the new Environmental Land Management Scheme, due from 2024, but with pilots for up to 5,500 farmers being trialled earlier. The transition will include extensions to Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship, for those who already have an agreement, new Countryside Stewardship agreements, for those who want to undertake a wider range of more ambitious environmental activities, and core elements of the Sustainable Farming Incentive will be available to all farmers from 2022 onwards.

Direct payments will be phased out from 2021, with the last Direct Payments being made in 2027.

Mr Dunne, who has responsibility for his family farm, said “There is much to

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welcome in the Agricultural Transition Plan, including a move towards sustainable farming practices and effective lasting stewardship of the countryside, as we move away from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy with all its idiosyncrasies.” He added “I also expressed my concern that farming should remain viable in disadvantaged areas.”

Mr Dunne also welcomed a separate development this week to strengthen oversight of new trade deals. The new Trade & Agriculture Commission (TAC) will have greater ability to ensure future Free Trade Agreements do not undermine animal welfare and environmental standards in food production.

Mr Dunne commented “I abstained on some well-intentioned though impractical amendments to the Agriculture Bill, and called on Ministers to provide greater oversight of standards for new free trade deals. So I am pleased the government has listened to these concerns.”

The amendments brought forward by the Government to the Trade Bill place a duty on the Secretary of State to request, and lay before Parliament, advice from the TAC on the extent to which new Free Trade Agreement measures applicable to trade in agricultural products are consistent with the maintenance of domestic levels of statutory protection for animal or plant life or health; animal welfare; or the environment. This will allow MPs and Peers access to independent and expert advice when reviewing the impact of free trade agreements.

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149mph Peugeot Hybrid!

Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) are increasingly popular. They range from relatively modest options through to more upmarket, more powerful, and more expensive models. One example of the latter is Peugeot's 3008 Hybrid, which is available in two versions: two-wheel-drive (2WD) with 225PS and four-wheel-drive (4WD) with 300PS.

Today's 3008 is a good-looking car and the 4WD GT model I drove was particularly wellequipped, as you would expect, given its £46,750 list price. There is also a GT Line version, at £42,700 on-the-road. The 2WD version is significantly cheaper, with the GT at £40,980, the GT Line at £37,730 and also with an 'Allure' version at £35,830, the latter not being available with 4WD. The 3008 PHEV is only available with automatic transmission - an eight-speed unit which does its job well. The 4WD GT has four selectable drive modes: 4WD (up to 84mph), Sport, Hybrid and Electric. These options allow the driver to select whichever is best suited to the conditions. There is also a 'hill descent' control button, which can be used to help control the car when descending hills slowly, on slippery surfaces.

The 4WD's extra power comes from two sources. It has two electric motors rather than just one, and the turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine gives 20PS more than it does in the 2WD model. The extra 75PS certainly gives the 4WD more go, and the 0-62mph times underline the difference: 6.2 seconds (4WD), or 8.6 seconds (2WD). Yet despite the power difference, the two models can return much the same fuel economy.

This is a heavy car, the 4WD model having a kerb weight of 1840kg, but despite this there's no arguing with its straight-line performance. Not only does it offer impressive acceleration on paper, it also delivers willing overtaking on the road. And it does this in a refined manner, without feeling particularly strained. However, the weight means it can't offer the feel of a sports car on twisty B-roads. Perhaps surprisingly, the steering was very light particularly handy during town driving.

This car incorporates a lot of technology. Not just the hybrid system but also Automatic Emergency Braking, Distance Alert, Active Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Speed Limit Recognition and Satellite Navigation and a reversing camera.

The GT also has an electric tailgate, full LED headlights and a panoramic glass roof.

The 3008 has an electric range of around 30 to 40 miles, depending on circumstances and driving technique. A full charge, using the standard Mode 3 Type 2 cable, takes 3 hours 45 minutes from flat. In terms of petrolpowered economy, once the battery was flat the 300PS model I drove averaged around 40mpg - commendable for a petrol engined car of this weight and performance.

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19

Vauxhall CORSA- e

Charging at Leominster's OK Diner

The Corsa has been a big seller in Britain for years, so much so that in some months it has claimed the top spot. When cars such as this are available in a fully electric version you know that EVs (electric vehicles) are on their way to becoming mainstream.

The Corsa-e is a good-looking car that feels pleasantly well-built, with doors which shut with a satisfying 'thunk' - a cut above many.

If you think 'electric', thoughts that come to mind might include "green" and "quiet" and "cheap to run". Look at a Corsa-e though and you could just as well think "quick". It may seem unlikely that this would be case but the facts speak for themselves: the electric model can sprint from rest to 60mph in 7.6 seconds, while the fastest petrol Corsa takes 8.2 seconds.

The electric car also has an on-the-road advantage because performance is immediately available. There's no waiting to change down (or waiting for an automatic to select the right gear) - you simply hit the accelerator and the car is off.

This is especially useful for overtaking, when the Corsa-e zips past with an ease that suggests

more than its 136PS. It's particularly impressive when you consider the car's weight - at around 1500kg it's about half a ton heavier than the lightest petrol-engined Corsa.

However, the extra weight can sometimes be felt when driving.

After deducting the £3,000 electric car grant, the Corsa-e starts at £26,640 on the road for an SE Nav Premium. For an extra £1,250, the SRi Nav Premium adds sports-style front seats and brake/accelerator pedals, while the top specification Elite adds a further £2,155. This has a range of upmarket touches, including keyless entry, heated front seats, electric folding mirrors, a leather-covered steering wheel and adjustable seat height for the front seat passenger (driver's seat height adjustment is standard throughout the range).

Vauxhall say a full charge (from 0% to 100%) on a home wallbox or 7kW public charger takes 7 hours 30 minutes, while charging on a 22kW unit would take five hours, from 15 to 80%. On a

Under the bonnet 50kW charger that same 15 to 80% charge should only take 45 minutes.

The Corsa-e has a potential range of around 200 miles on a full charge but in practice the actual range is often less, particularly in winter, when heating, lights and windscreen wipers are likely to be used.

A Drive Mode Selector allows a driver to select 'Sport' (for a "dynamic" drive with a responsive throttle and the highest top speed and torque), or 'Normal' (for a "balanced" drive that offers a compromise between performance and energy efficiency), or 'ECO' (this deactivates "unnecessary" energy-consuming features and reduces top speed, torque and overall performance, to maximise range and energy efficiency).

The cost of charging varies greatly. The 7kW point at the Co-op in Cleobury Mortimer was free of charge, with simple plug-in charging for up to 15 minutes. At the other end of the scale, the 50kW charger at Leominster's OK Diner was 35p/unit - roughly twice the cost of home electricity. This might sound expensive, but it charged very quickly and was completely fussfree - plug the car in, flash your contactless card, and charging begins. By contrast, many charging points - including the Co-op's if you want more than 15 minutes - require you to register and log in.

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The 0% APR Hire Purchase Finance plan requires minimum 20% deposit and is over 36 months. Only available through Shogun Finance Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH and is subject to status to UK resident customers aged 18 and over.

Free Servicing is a Mitsubishi Service Plan and covers the first three scheduled services. For Mitsubishi Service Plan terms and conditions visit www.mitsubishi-motors.co.uk/msp. Offer is only applicable in the UK (excludes Northern Ireland dealers), subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Retail sales only. Offer not available in conjunction with any other offer and is available between 29th September and 29th December 2020. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to Shogun Finance Ltd. Field's of Bromsgrove trades as FIELDS MITSUBISHI. These figures were obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO₂ and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including, accessories fitted (postregistration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

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Skoda Scala Sports seats in Monte Carlo

SKODA Panoramic sunroof is standard on the Monte Carlo

SKODA KAMIQ 20 70 KAMIQ 1.0 TSi SEL, met blue, 350 miles . . £22,450

SKODA YETI 17 17 YETI 1.2 TSi SEL Drive DSG Auto, silver, 18,000 miles . . . £15,750 17 67 YETI 2.0 TDi SE Drive, black, 25,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15,450 16 16 YETI 2.0 TDi 150 L&K Auto, muscovado, 35,000 miles . . £15,450 17 17 YETI 1.2 TSi SEL DSG Auto, grey, 8,400 miles . . . . . . . . . . . £15,250 17 17 YETI 2.0 TDi SEL, beige, 25,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14,995 16 66 YETI 2.0 TDi 150 SEL 4x4 Auto, grey, 42,000 miles . . . . . £14,995 16 66 YETI 2.0 TDi SEL, grey, 38,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £13,495 14 64 YETI 2.0 TDi L&K 4x4, Auto, silver, 68,000 miles . . . . . . . . £12,495

SKODA FABIA 16 16 FABIA 1.2 TSi SEL Estate, white, 30,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8,995 15 65 FABIA 1.2 TSi SEL, black, 50,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7,995 14 14 FABIA 1.2 SE, blue, 56,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,450 14 14 FABIA 1.2 SE, blue, 71,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,895 10 10 FABIA 1.2 TSi SE, beige, 42,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,450 13 13 FABIA 1.2 SE, silver, 73,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £3,995 09 59 FABIA 1.2 S, blue, 80,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £2,995

SKODA CITIGO 18 18 CITIGO 1.0 SE, blue, 14,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8,250 18 18 CITIGO 1.0 SE, red, 16,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £8,250 16 66 CITIGO 1.0 SE, silver, 19,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £6,450 15 65 CITIGO 1.0 SE, red, 14,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £5,995 14 14 CITIGO 1.0 SE, silver, 70,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,250 13 13 CITIGO 1.0 S, red, 60,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £4,250

SKODA OCTAV IA 19 68 OCTAVIA 1.6 TDi SEL Estate, quartz, 39,000 miles . . . . . . £12,250 16 16 OCTAVIA 1.6 TDi SEL Estate, beige, 76,000 miles . . . . . . . . £8,650 15 15 OCTAVIA 1.6 TDi SE Auto, silver, 69,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . £8,250 15 15 OCTAVIA 1.6 TDi SE, silver, 70,000 miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £7,450

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

The Scala is a relatively recent addition to Skoda's range, having joined the UK line-up last year. It's big enough for family transport, but it's small enough to fit readily into a supermarket parking space. It's a convenient and popular size, so inevitably the Scala has a lot of competitors.

People buying this type of car commonly have affordability and practicality at the top of their wish list. The Scala delivers both. The range starts at over £3,000 less than an entry-level Golf, a big difference in this competitive sector. And despite the relatively modest price tag, the Scala offers stylish looks. For some the looks may simply be a bonus, but for others they will give the Scala the winning edge over many of the alternatives.

No diesel engine is offered but there is a choice of petrol engines. The four-cylinder 1.5-litre, with a book top speed of 137mph and the ability to cover the 0-60 sprint in about 8 seconds, offers more performance, and easier overtaking, than you might expect from a car of this type.

It's pleasingly economical too, and during ordinary 'A' and 'B' road driving I easily averaged 50mpg.

If you go for the three-cylinder one-litre engine, you can opt for the 95PS version (except in the Monte Carlo) - or for an extra £800, the 110PS model (except in the 'S'). The one litre engine offers significantly less performance than the 1.5, but it returns slightly better fuel

economy as well as giving a small reduction in emissions.

The base version, the 'S', is only available with the 95PS motor, which comes with a five-speed manual gearbox. The 110PS and 150PS engines are available in higherspecification models and these come with a choice of transmission: six-speed manual or seven speed DSG automatic. The 150PS engine costs £1,400 more than the 110PS model, but enthusiastic drivers would probably consider this a worthwhile upgrade.

Where specification is concerned, even the entry level 'S' comes with electric windows all round, a height-adjustable driver's seat, two USB-C ports and lane assist. Additions for the 'SE' include an alarm, front fog lights, cruise control, a height-adjustable front passenger seat,

and lumbar support on both front seats.

The latest addition to the Scala range is the SE Technology model. Based on the SE, for an extra £400 this comes with a range of upgrades. The 'SE L' I drove featured 17 inch wheels rather than 16 inch, privacy glass, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry. Another highspec model is the Monte Carlo, with its sports front seats, panoramic glass roof, and black rear spoiler.

The Scala comes with Skoda's usual warranty: two years' unlimited mileage, with a third year up to 60,000 miles. The warranty can be extended to five years (100,000 miles) for £515. In addition, there is a 12 year body protection warranty.

Prices range from £17,035 for the entrylevel S, and run up to £25,450 for a Monte Carlo with automatic transmission.

Scala in police livery

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BERRINGTON ROAD, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £400,000

A quirky and characterful detached cottage in a fantastic rural location.

Kitchen/Diner, Sitting Room with Woodburner, Garden Room, Home Office, Three Bedrooms, Shower Room, Utility Room with WC, Attractive Cottage Gardens, Detached Workshop, Carport and Driveway Parking. EPC Rating D.

A splendid Edwardian semi-detached house in the highly sought after Conservation Area and within level walking distance of the town centre.

Kitchen and Breakfast Room, Three Reception Rooms, Garden Room, Four Bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower Room, Cloakroom, Attractive Gardens, Summerhouse, Greenhouse, Driveway Parking. EPC Rating E.

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STOKE BLISS, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £425,000

FRITH COMMON, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £360,000

UPPER ROCHFORD, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £350,000

An appealing and well-appointed semi-detached cottage in a popular village setting in the heart of the Teme Valley.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Two Reception Rooms, Three Bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower Room, Attractive Garden, Driveway Parking. EPC Rating E.

A spacious detached family house in a village setting overlooking rolling farmland.

Kitchen, Two Reception Rooms, Study, Utility Room, Master Bedroom with Ensuite, Three Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Cloakroom, Generous Gardens, Double Garage, Ample Driveway Parking. EPC Rating F.

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TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £350,000

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A spacious detached bungalow in an exclusive development within level walking distance of the town centre.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Sitting Room, Master Bedroom with Ensuite, Two Further Bedrooms, Bathroom, Attractive Gardens, Double Garage, Driveway Parking, EPC Rating D.

TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £185,000 HANLEY BROADHEATH, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £260,000 An appealing semi-detached country cottage for improvement set in about 1.5 acres (TBV).

Kitchen/Diner, Sitting Room, Utility Room, Three Bedrooms, Bathroom, Large Garden, Double Garage, Driveway Parking, Paddock/Orchard, EPC Rating E.

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A Victorian detached house for upgrading close to the town centre.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Living Room, Three Bedrooms, Bathroom, Washroom, Gardens, Attached Garage, Parking, EPC Rating E.

COLLEGE GARDENS, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £157,500

ORCHARD COURT, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £155,000

A semi-detached bungalow on a popular small development conveniently situated within level walking distance of the town centre.

Kitchen, Living Room, Two Bedrooms, Wet Room, Communal Gardens, Parking Space, EPC Rating C.

A retirement bungalow in a prime position on a popular development which benefits from a warden service, resident facilities and an alarm system conveniently situated within level walking distance of the town centre.

Kitchen, Spacious Living Room, Two Bedrooms, Shower Room, Attached Garage, Easy Care Garden, EPC Rating D.

ORCHARD COURT, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £149,750

TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £125,000

A retirement bungalow in a prime position on a popular development which benefits from a warden service, resident facilities and an alarm system conveniently situated within level walking distance of the town centre.

Kitchen, Spacious Living Room, Two Bedrooms, Shower Room, Easy Care Garden, EPC Rating C.

A mid-terraced character cottage with garden in the town centre.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Living Room, Two Double Bedrooms, Shower Room, Cloakroom, Cottage Garden, EPC Rating F.

There is a dedicated Here2Help website where you can offer support, ask for non urgent help or read some useful hints and tips to get you through self isolation: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help

Message from Dr. Kathryn Cobain, Worcestershire County Council’s Director of Public Health

If you can’t access the internet, we have a helpline to call where someone will be there to help you to complete the forms.

Call us on 01905 768053

TIER 2

HIGH ALERT

FROM 2 DEC

MEETING FRIENDS AND FAMILY

BARS, PUBS AND RESTAURANTS

RETAIL

WORK AND BUSINESS

No mixing of households indoors, apart from support bubbles.

Maximum of six outdoors.

Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Venues must stop taking orders at 10pm and must close by 11pm.

Open.

Everyone who can work from home should do so.

EDUCATION

INDOOR LEISURE

ACCOMMODATION

PERSONAL CARE

Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children, and childcare bubbles permitted.

Open.

Open.

Open.

• you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.

OVERNIGHT STAYS

WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS

ENTERTAINMENT

PLACES OF WORSHIP

• you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.

Permitted with household or support bubble.

15 guests for weddings, civil partnerships, wedding receptions and wakes; 30 for funerals.

Open.

Open, but cannot interact with anyone outside household or support bubble.

• businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs.

TRAVELLING

EXERCISE

RESIDENTIAL CARE

LARGE EVENTS

Reduce the number of journeys you make and walk or cycle if possible. Avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble. Avoid entering a Tier 3 area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Further exemptions apply.

Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but cannot take place indoors if there is any interaction between people from different households. Organised activities for elite athletes, under18s and disabled people can continue.

COVID-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods, and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact).

Sport, live performances and business meetings limited to 50% capacity or 2000 people outdoors (whichever is lower) and 50% capacity or 1000 people indoors (whichever is lower)

Worcestershire is now in Tier Two in relation to national Covid restrictions following the end of lockdown on December 2.

This means additional measures have been brought in, because the number of infections in the county is still too high. Although we have seen some progress, we need to continue to follow these rules and bring the number of Covid-19 cases down.

Everyone in Worcestershire now needs to observe the Tier Two restrictions. These are:

• pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals.

These restrictions are considered necessary because the infection rates remain too high across the county. The virus doesn’t stay in a single area but spreads where people are mixing.

It is very important that we all now follow these new rules, to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases and stop the virus spreading further.

During the November lockdown we started to make a real difference. The number of cases stabilised and are now starting to fall.

Our tier will be reviewed every two weeks, with every possibility of entering into a lower tier.

Now is not the time to ease off. We need to keep following the rules, build on what we have achieved and continue to get the numbers down.

By doing this we have a real chance of finding ourselves in a lower tier in time for Christmas.

The full list of restrictions are available on the Government’s website: www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tierswhat-you-need-to-know#high-alert For the latest information on the restrictions and what you can do over the Christmas period visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Support for businesses during Covid-19 continues There is more support than ever for businesses in Worcestershire as the country comes out of lockdown and goes into local restrictions again.

Businesses, shops and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid-secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs.

Since July, the programme has received 350 enquiries, with 30 brand new graduate positions in the pipeline.

support and expert advice to the first cohort of 10 local businesses, with more spaces now available.

As part of this support, businesses can also benefit from a series of free flexible support packages including webinars, online workshops, advice and consultancy.

Worcestershire County Council is working closely with Worcestershire Business Central (WBC), to create a central point of contact for all local businesses, making it simple and accessible for businesses to find the help they need.

Throughout the pandemic, Worcestershire County Council has worked alongside district councils and partners to support local businesses during difficult circumstances.

For start-ups and entrepreneurs, Enterprising Worcestershire is offering support to new and early stage businesses in the region including match-funded grants of between £1,000- £15,000.

Launched in response to COVID-19, the Here2Help Business programme offers support and match-funded grants to help local businesses recover, adapt and develop.

As businesses have continued to innovate during lockdown, WINN (Worcestershire Innovation) has launched the Innovation Launchpad, offering 12 hours of free business

If you’re a business and you need some support go to: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ here2helpbusiness