Teme Valley Times Christmas 2022

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Combining topical humour with a story more or less based on the wellknown folk tale of Robin Hood, this year’s pantomime at the Regal in Tenbury Wells is sure to delight audiences. Pictured is ‘arch-baddie’ the Sheriff of Nottingham, unveiling his extraordinary package of taxation measures! More on page 2!

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FREE Issue No. 96 temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk Christmas 2022

It's Pantomime Time in Tenbury Wells!

Oh, yes it is! - and Tenbury's very own all-comedy pantomime returns to the Regal Theatre, this year promising to be bigger and better than ever.

This will be the Regal's 8th professional pantomime and the team are pulling out all the stops, to bring audiences, literally, an 'all singing-all dancing' comedy spectacular which hopefully the whole family will talk about for years to come!

Opening on Wednesday 14 December, Robin Hood runs until Saturday 31 December 2022. “Our amazing cast and crew have years of experience delivering jaw dropping productions on stages across Europe” says Theatre Director Andrew Macduff. “We are so excited to bring this classic panto story to Tenbury”.

The story goes that after Prince John vows to collect higher taxes from the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham has come out fighting with a package of taxation measures for the people of Nottingham. Our hero Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men are here to save the day.

The Sheriff of Nottingham has already been spotted in Tenbury, searching for Robin of Loxley in the town, stopping and questioning people on Teme Street, looking in the Library and in the town's historic round market.

He even came back into town on 19 November to help switch on the town's Christmas Lights!

In the fun retelling of this classic story there promises to be a host of hilarious ‘oh no they didn’ts’, boos and hisses and many plot twists along the way.

Can Robin Hood stop the Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John? Will he win Maid Marian’s hand in marriage? Come along to the Regal this Christmas to find out!

Some comments from audiences after the Regal's last pantomime included: "Brilliant panto! Such energy", "Fantastic performance. 26 of us went this evening and it was brilliant! The cast, the scenery, the singing, were first class.

Congratulations."

The panto's schedule includes a 'Relaxed' performance at 10am on the 20th December, designed to support those with conditions such as dementia, Asperger's and autism.

2 ADVERTORIAL
Visit regaltenbury.co.uk or call our box office at 01584 811442 to book your tickets now!

Help Your Local Theatre

Help Your Local Theatre

Volunteers are needed at The Regal in Tenbury Wells. If you have some time to spare and might like to help out as front of house, or in the Box Office, as an usher, or maybe back stage, or on the bar or even help with the costumes - there is a place for you.

To find out more contact debbie@regaltenbury.co.uk or ring

01584 819998 or visit the box office and pick up an application form - or go to www.regaltenbury.co.uk to submit a volunteer form online.

Burford Christmas Market Burford Christmas Market

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On Saturday 26th November, a Christmas Market was held in Burford village hall. Gift ideas galore could be found inside, along with tombolas, a draw and a raffle raising much needed funds for the hall’s upkeep. Santa was in his grotto for a few hours and welcomed many young visitors and Tenbury Town Band provided festive background music. Many organisers and stall holders wore magnificent festive costumes, raising many a smile, and this certainly helped get visitors into the festive frame of mind. This was a great opportunity to find some unique gifts at very pleasing prices.

As well as a knitted Rupert Bear (£10) you could also find knitted Paddington Bears for £20 - real bargains considering the work and material that goes into them

Danny Coleman has taken up felting and produces these delightful animals and figures - foxes, squirrels, donkeys, santas, angels, gnomes and hares - to name a few

TEME VALLEY TIMES 3
Steps Farm, Clifton upon Teme, Worcester, WR6 6EN Lamberts Family Grocers were there promoting their Christmas, Chocolate and Vegetable Hampers Festive Helpers on the Toy Tombola An example of an embroidered sweatshirt from Personalised Farmer Clothing

Caynham Christmas Tree Festival

It’s always nice to be able to take a bit of time out and visit a local Christmas Tree Festival. We visited Caynham on December 10th, which was their 10th Tree Festival! Held in the church, there was a lovely collection of around a dozen trees decorated on the theme of ‘A Children’s Christmas Story’. Each tree had a copy of the relevant children’s book by it and the tree’s decorations mirrored the story. ‘Peter Rabbit’s Christmas Wish’ tree by Jill Bufton had miniature beds made up under the tree containing Mopsy, Flopsy and Peter Rabbit with each of their corresponding Christmas wishes placed in a little stocking at the foot of the bed. Enchanting!

Other fundraising activities included a tombola, raffle, refreshments and Christmas goods such as cards for 20p, knitted Christmas Corgis for £4, beautifully iced and decorated Christmas cakes (large £30, small £20) and bags of homemade cheese nibbles for £2.50. A great event to begin the run-up to Christmas.

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FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS at ST. MARY'S CHURCH BURFORD

10th/11th December

10am-4pm each day

Enjoy mulled wine, tea, coffee and a mince pie as you wander through the trees & look at the Christmas displays.

TENBURY TOWN BAND WILL BE PLAYING CAROLS BETWEEN 1pm & 3pm ON THE SUNDAY

Take a look at the craft stalls!

FROM ROEBUCK SHOP AND 01584 711415

TEME VALLEY TIMES 5 Come and visit us for Christmas Gifts and Hampersto suit ALL budgets We have lots of ideas to help you create that perfect gift! HAMPER FAYRE LOCAL ARTISAN FOODS AND DRINKS Open: 10am-5pm Tues-Sat 01584 781122 07836 263760 Hamper Fayre, 59-61 Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8AE www.hamperfayre.co.uk Local cheeses, pates, artisan chocolates, fine wine Large selection of local Gins, Rums and Whiskies Last day for ordering before Christmas: 20th December Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 7am - 3pm facebook.com/tenburywellsroundmarket Christmas markets throughout December Wood Craft • Hill Top Plants and Floristry Vine Farm Chutneys, Pickles and Produce • Birchley Honey Ellens Hope - Herbalist • Polly’s Cards • Little Ducks Shoes Antiques & Collectables • Traditional Christmas wreaths made by hand Pitches Available 07486 657716 Saturday December 17th Christmas Market Cleobury Country Farmers Market St Mary’s Church 9.30am-12.30pm CHRISTMAS CONCERT LITTLE HEREFORD VOICES SAT 10th DECEMBER LITTLE HEREFORD PARISH HALL 7.30pm - £7.50 (INC. GLASS OF WINE & MINCE PIE) HAMPER RAFFLE TICKETS
‘Robin finds Christmas’ tree decorated by Jean Faulkner had lots of robin baubles and little books with text and pictures from the story ‘The Polar Express’ by Juliet Jones with silver bells, Santas, reindeer and a large steam engine on the top Part of the knitted nativity scene in the church ‘The Snowman’ tree decoration by Paula Spencer and Helen Snoopy’s Christmas Surprise tree by Ginene Bufton

This Christmas and New Year, Pantomime returns to Hereford with ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at The Courtyard

This Festive Season, audiences will have a beast of a time at The Courtyard’s 23rd pantomime performance, ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Suitable for families and children (age 4+), the stage is set for magic and monstrous fun as this famous fairy tale is brought to life. Bella (‘Beauty’) finds herself imprisoned by a mysterious beast in an enchanted castle. But unknown to Bella, the beast is secretly a handsome prince under an evil curse. Only by changing his selfish ways and finding true love can he ever hope to break the spell. Will the Beast learn his lesson before the last rose petal falls? Will ‘Beauty’ ever get back home? There’s only one way to find out.

Join The Courtyard on this magical journey filled with colourful characters, glittering costumes, magnificent musical numbers, and plenty of panto humour. Audiences can expect an abundance of familiar references and Herefordshire-based jokes!

The cast is Bella - Kate Denny; Beast - Alfie French; Dame Di Gestive - Richard Curnow; Beast’s sister - Madi Macmahon; Bella’s dad - Ellis Kerkhoven; Garry Baldy - Andrew Franklin. All supported by a talented creative team, including director Estelle van Warmelo, writer Lyndsay Maples, choreographer

Graeme Pickering, musical director Callum Clarke and set & costume designer Mark Walters.

As part of The Courtyard’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity there will be a Relaxed Performance, suitable for individuals with autism spectrum conditions, learning difficulties or sensory and communication difficulties, on Monday 2 January at 10.30am. There will also be a Dementia Friendly performance on Tuesday 3 January at 1pm (doors will open from 12pm - accompanying carers go free).

The Courtyard Audio Description Association (CADA) will be audio describing a performance on Saturday 10 December at 2pm and a British Sign Language signed performance will take place on Sunday 11 December at 6.30pm.

Adult nights, aimed at 18+, will be held on Friday 9 December, Friday 16 December and Friday 6 January at 8pm. Wheelchair spaces are available for every performance and the pantomime runs till Sat 7 Jan 2023.

Tickets are £12 - £24. Box office 01432 340555 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk

From left: Richard Curnow as Dame Di Gestive, Alfie French as the Beast, Kate Denny as Bella

6 ADVERTISING FEATURE
At the Pantomime’s launch in September

Holly and Mistletoe Sales Holly and Mistletoe Sales

Festive Coffee Morning

Held at St Mary’s church in Tenbury Wells, this offered shopping opportunities, a cuppa and a warm mince pie, chats with friends and singing from Kevin Bryant’s school choir, which opened with the traditional songs ‘On the first Day of Christmas’ and ‘Away in a Manger’. Further attractions included hampers to be won, tombolas to try, home baking (including fully-iced and decorated mini-Christmas cakes for £5), homemade preserves (including a Christmas Preserve), a book stall, a plant stall and more.

For sale: a rather delightful colouring book

Sales of Holly and Mistletoe have been held in Tenbury Wells for some 160 years. These days they are run by local auctioneer Nick Champion. In addition to holly and mistletoe, wreaths and Christmas trees are also auctioned. Buyers come from all over for the sales, held at Burford House Garden Centre on November 22nd and 29th.

A report of the first sale commented on the large entry of 690 lots. Mistletoe was too plentiful and met slow trade but berried holly and variegated holly was in very good demand and the 2325 wreaths met with a terrific trade from start to finish. At the second sale, in complete opposite to the previous week, mistletoe was in short supply and met with terrific trade while the record entry of 2898 wreaths met with firm demand.

Christmas at Legges

You can now buy a selection of own-brand products from Legges. Anthony Legge and his team continue to take great pride in delivering high quality Herefordshire produce and top quality customer service. Many of their suppliers are carefully-chosen local artisan food and drink producers.

Extra Dry Gin 37.5% 50cl £29.50

A very respectable plain wholesome gin. It’s smooth and it’s a great foundation for a traditional G&T.

Poacher’s Chutney 300g £4.20

A base of apples and tomatoes plus the addition of sultanas, orange pulp, carrot and butternut squash makes this a great tangy tomatoey chutney which should go well with Cheshire cheese or smoked cheese. Excellent!

Vintage Cider 6% 500ml £2.10

The apples that go into this cider are grown, picked and pressed, and the cider packaged, within 5 miles of the Bromyard shop. A blend of Dabinett, Yarlington Mill, and Harry Masters cider apples is used. With good apple aromas and a lovely appley taste, but with the light tannins giving a pleasantly dry feel, this is a very quaffable vintage cider. Enjoy by itself or with food.

Fizz Mix Sweets 500g £8

One for the family to share. The mix is made up of Bubblegum Bottles, Strawberry Sour Pencil Bites, Apple Fizzy Belts, Watermelon Slices, Fizzy Peaches, Fizzy Snakes, BUBS Mini Foam Skulls, BUBS Cola Skulls, Fizzy Cherry and Sour Shocks.

‘The Bromyard Blend’ Whole Bean Coffee £8

This blend is made from premium coffee beans from two cooperatives - one in Costa Rica, the other in Colombia. The Costa Rican beans give a strong, smooth base of dark chocolate and caramel flavours with the Colombian beans providing a bright fruitiness to round off the blend.

Stem Ginger & Dipped Dark Chocolate Biscuits 250g £4

These seven luxurious biscuits offer a delicious balance of sweetness, ginger and chocolate. They could make a super little gift.

Jute Bag £3

This jute mini-bag (8”x7”x4”), with cotton handles, is just the job to help you create your own collection of treats for a festive present. You could call in at Legges, browse the extensive range of food and drink, and fill your bag!

www.leggesofbromyard.com

TEME VALLEY TIMES 7
Berried holly was in good demand Some of the mistletoe Buyers look over the mistletoe lots at the first sale Ex-bookshop owner Di Ryan helping out on the second hand book stall - a busman’s holiday, so to speak! The choir

LOCAL SERVICES

This section is aimed at businesses that provide a service at the customer's premises. Examples include plumbers, electricians, plasterers, washing machine repairs and lawn mowing. For more information please ring 07946 270523 or email temevalleytimes@yahoo.co.uk

C.A.STACK FLAT ROOFING

We specialise in all aspects of roofing including:

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FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE

THE LOCAL STORE THAT COMES TO YOUR DOOR - LET US TAKE THE STRAIN OUT OF YOUR WEEKLY SHOP. We carry a wide selection of goods with the emphasis on local produce where possible.

General groceries, Fruit & veg, Freshly baked bread & cakes, Frozen foods, Provisions & lots more. We aim to bring good and cheerful service to your door.

Competitive Prices & Monthly Special Offers Call 01584 819597 or 07904 906597

EARPLUGS - Free delivery!

Over 40 types in stock. Small packs or large, rubber or foam, corded or non-corded. Not sure what you want? Try one of our TestPacks: foam, or rubber, or push-in. www.earplugsbypost.com

TEME VALLEY CLEARANCES

House, garage, shed & business clearances. Removals & rubbish disposal. We also buy and sell furniture and other items.

Based in Tenbury Wells, covering Worcestershire, Shropshire & Herefordshire. Waste Carriers Licence.

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BODEN & SON DELIVERIES

Supplying Cleobury Mortimer and surrounding areas with doorstep deliveries of Mawley Milk, fresh local bread, fruit & vegetables from the market, wild bird feed and many other items. Please contact us for further information.

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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 & businesses. Please call or email us to arrange a delivery or if you require further information.

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8 TEME VALLEY TIMES

Hobsons Ultimate Christmas Beer Box £39.90

Festive cheer in Tenbury

www.hobsons-brewery.co.uk

Here is a treat for beer lovers this Christmas. Hobsons ‘Ultimate Christmas Beer Box’ bundle contains 11 x 500ml bottles of Hobsons beers plus a Hobsons reusable plastic pint cup, Hobsons socks, Hobsons bottle opener and a pack of cheekily hot Ludlow Nut Company chilli roasted peanuts. You get one bottle of each of their core range of eight beers (Town Crier, Dhustone Stout, Postman’s Knock, Old Henry, The Manor, Twisted Spire, Shropstar, Old Prickly), one bottle of seasonal Green Hop and two bottles of their seasonal festive Plum Porter (a limited Christmas porter brewed with Shropshire Prune Damsons) all packed in a sturdy decorative gift box. The beers, except Twisted Spire, are bottle conditioned so store upright at 10-12C and, once opened, pour carefully, ideally in one pour.

The festive spirit comes to Tenbury Wells with markets and Christmas-themed entertainment. The Mistletoe Festival on Saturday 3rd December included the crowning of the Mistletoe Queen, stalls, music, a mistletoe ceremony, workshops and more. On Thursday 8th December, Christmas Markets take place from 1pm to 7pm, at Tesco Market Place and at the historic Round Market. Stallholders will be selling local artisan produce, arts, crafts and Christmas gifts. There will also be latenight shopping. In addition, the Regal will be hosting Tenbury’s all-comedy pantomime ‘Robin Hood’ from 14th to 31st December.

There are two District Councillors for Tenbury Wells. Cllr Bridget Thomas said, “We are really looking forward to the Christmas

celebrations in Tenbury Wells, the market town is known as the UK’s Capital of English Mistletoe, and the festival is really popular with plenty of things to do for the whole family.”

Cllr Lesley Bruton commented, “We would encourage visitors and residents to enjoy all the festive entertainment Tenbury has to offer, it is also a wonderful opportunity to shop locally for Christmas gifts and treats.”

Visit www.visitthemalverns.org/christmascomestotown for more information.

TEME VALLEY TIMES 9 Christmas Shopping and Festive Feasting Events and Markets Free Parking* Free Family Festive Trail
Cllr Lesley Bruton and Cllr Bridget Thomas

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Little Hereford Christmas Fair

A few minutes after opening, at 10am on November 27th, this was a hive of activity. Little Hereford parish hall was packed with stalls and people as Christmas gift ideas were snapped up and people browsed books, local crafts, and the festive bakery and preserves. Others were trying their luck on the tombola or on ‘Find the Wine’, where £1 might see you take home a surprise. The refreshments were equally busy in the side hall as folk had a chat;

each table had a lovely festive centrepiece. This year the Christmas draw was better than ever, including hampers galore - the largest needing a strong person to lift it! Festive bags a-plenty, and tubs of sweets, were lined up ready for the lucky winners.

Santa, with one of his elf helpers, was in his grotto, to welcome little ones to the fair. The event raised funds for the hall and church and organisers thanked everyone who helped out, and turned out, making it a great success.

TEME VALLEY TIMES 11 N T Morgan & J M Sadler is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No.111982). Our Bespoke Home Insurance comes with up to £30,000 enhanced temporary cover for those things that make Christmas special.* For high-value Home Insurance that takes care of the details, choose NFU Mutual Bespoke. * Cover applies 1 month before and 1 month after a special event. TAILORED
INSURANCE RIGHT DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL Call NFU Mutual Ludlow on 01584 872 416 or search NFU Mutual Bespoke. L650196_BespokeChristmasAdvert_259x158_1122.indd 1 24/11/2022 09:56
HOME
Christmas!
Static and flying displays Hands on bird experiences Educational talks including inside with birds Photo shoots Hospitality days Garden parties, birthdays etc Village Fetes
Steve Woodison 07738 014 884 scw1960@hotmail.co.uk Some of the hampers and gifts to be won Santa and elf helper! One of Pat Monk’s beautiful handmade hares (£5)
12 TEME VALLEY TIMES
I T YTINUMMOCFO , MAF I L Y & FRIENDSHIP
Merry Christmas from us all THESPIR

MP at Cleobury School

Local MP Philip Dunne recently visited Cleobury Mortimer Primary School. He was introduced to the School Assembly by Year 6 teacher Mrs Nicola Mountjoy and then went on to meet the ‘School Council’. Mr Dunne said, “I was very encouraged to see Cleobury Mortimer Primary in such good shape, with some 270 children on the school roll this term. I had a very good meeting with members of the School Council who asked lots of good questions. Further to Mrs Mountjoy’s request I have agreed to see if the innovative Police Cadets initiative can resume at the school next year.” Mrs Mountjoy said “The children and staff really enjoyed hearing about Mr Dunne’s experiences of Government and life as a politician. It is so beneficial for the children to meet such an inspirational visitor and it gives them a belief of what they could achieve in the future.”

Pupils on the School Council at Cleobury Mortimer Primary School welcome Philip Dunne MP

Soap Box Derby

Richards Castle Soap Box Derby saw a record attendance this year - on the gate and on the starting line, with 38 karts racing down the hill. This year an amazing £15,000 was raised by the event. This year’s charities were invited to collect their cheques at a presentation evening and speak about how the funds would be spent. The three main charities were Ludlow Men’s Shed, Hope Centre (Bromyard) and the Ludlow Ukraine Refugee Support Group.

Other cheques were collected by Richards Castle Village Hall, Richards Castle All Saints Church, Fire Fighters Charity (represented by retained firemen from Ludlow), Police, Ludlow Air Cadets and Orleton Primary School.

Chairman Humphrey Salwey said “My very grateful thanks go to all those involved in the event especially the competitors and the hard working committee - without them we couldn’t raise this sum of money. It’s been fantastic to hear from the charities tonight and learn about the incredible work they do and how the money raised will make a real difference to our local community”.

TEME VALLEY TIMES 13 OPENING TIMES Mon: 7.30am - 1pm Tues - Fri: 7am - 4.30pm Sat: 7am - 3pm OUR NEW WEBSITE IS ON ITS WAY… | *Poultry is subject to availability and prices are also subject to change | *Poultry subject to availability FREE PARKING 01584 811196 Unit 6, Clarkes Meadow, Tenbury Business Park, Bromyard Road, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8FA #wyrepiecompany #eatgameawards #basc Wyrepies Fresh High Class 100% Natural Meat Products Supplying your Festive Fayre Supplying your Festive Fayre Hand raised pies NEWOpen-topped pies Try our Award-Winning Venison pie this Christmas We have again been nominated for the Eat Game Awards 2023! Boned and Rolled Turkey Breasts* (Plain or Bacon wrapped) and Seasonal Condiments (some Gluten Free) Christmas order forms are available nowReturn by Saturday 10th of December Bonnies Pet Supplies bonniespets@hotmail.com 39 High Street Bromyard. HR7 4AE 01885 482114 19 Teme Street Tenbury Wells. WR15 8BB 01584 811240 Don’t forget about us this Christmas!
C12 losing a wheel! Photo by Dave Daw

Christmas at Ludlow Farmshop

Ludlow Farmshop is a well-established destination if you are looking for award-winning food demonstrating good provenance. It is an integral part of the 8,000 acre Earl of Plymouth’s Oakly Park Estate. All of the shop’s beef (Hereford and Limousin), pork (Gloucester Old Spot) and lamb come from the estate and, in season, a good supply of wild game (venison, pheasant, partridge) is available.

The Farmshop’s cheese and dairy products are made with milk from the farm’s dairy herds and the milking parlour is just two miles away. Each morning, fresh milk is collected and used to produce the small hand-made batches of cheese, butter and yoghurt. The various production ‘kitchens’ also create a wide range of jams, chutneys, pickles, sauces, freshly baked biscuits and cakes, savoury pies, quiches and pasties. Consequently, shopping at Ludlow Farmshop can be a true ‘field to fork’ experience, with many products enjoying ultra-low food miles. Here we look at some of the many ideas on offer this Christmas.

Ludlow Farmshop Cheese Selection £15

This mini hamper-box contained four of their own cheeses:

Remembered Hills (125g). Voted Best Blue Cheese in Britain in 2014 at the British Cheese Awards, this is a deliciously smooth and tasty alternative to Blue Stilton. Easy to see why it was an award winner!

Cheese With No Name (200g). A best-seller, this is wonderfully creamy, no doubt due to the use of double cream in its making. As it matures the taste becomes richer and the cheese more spreadable. Oakly Park Cheddar (125g). This is a mild to medium tasting cheddar and it makes nice cheese on toast, where the heat brings out further flavour.

Lady Halton Smoked (125g). Beech smoked, this is instantly aromatic on opening its packaging. The pleasant smoky taste varies, depending on whether you try the outer edge of the slice or the centre.

Bakery Time Hamper £15

Lovely as a gift or as an addition to festive celebrations, this contained five different bakery treats, all made at the Farmshop.

Benedict Bar (70g). Delicious! A soft shortbread base covered with a layer of intensely fruity Farmshop raspberry jam, topped with a generous layer of vanilla flavour flaked almonds.

Flapjack x2 (220g). Made with Jumbo oats these are awfully good flapjacks! Firm - not chewy or soggy - and not over-sweet, they have a lovely dark molasses flavour.

Fruit Cake Slice (125g). For those who like their fruit cake dark!

Gingerbread Figures x 2 (50g). These have a lovely home-made appearance and are nicely spicy, with just the right amount of crunch.

Shrewsbury Biscuits x 8 (200g). Lightly glazed, but soft and buttery - and so moreish when you bite into them. Soft currants, flavours of lemon and mixed spice complete the munch!

Mini Tipsy Jam Gift Set 3x120g £7.49

The fun gift set contained: Damson & Port. This had a lovely tart/sweet damson flavour.

Strawberry and Champagne. Wonderfully strawberry with a hint of redcurrant. Apricot, Almond & Amaretto. Good apricot flavour with lovely Amaretto undertones and lots of almond flakes.

Mini Tipsy Marmalade Gift Set 3x120g £7.49

This fun gift set contained: Blood Orange & Gin. Made using blood oranges and ruby grapefruits which complement the juniper from the gin. Orange & Coffee Liqueur. Made with a touch of vodka cold brew coffee liqueur. Seville Orange with Whiskey. Made with Seville oranges, lemons and a touch of whiskey and black treacle. Super.

Chutney Selection 6 x 105g £13.99

Imagination and flair has obviously been in play with this well-varied (flavour and texture) collection of chutneys and relishes. This would make a lovely gift or a tantalising and enticing accompaniment to the cheeseboard. Included were Red Pepper Relish, Sweet Onion Balsamic Confit, Spiced Apple Chutney, Beetroot & Horseradish Relish, Spicy Carrot Relish and Gooseberry & Fennel Chutney

Clive Collection: Red, Rosé & White wine, £9.99/bottle

White 13%. A lovely blend of Marsanne/Rousanne with a touch of Chardonnay and Colombard. Very quaffable and goes well with blue cheese.

Rose 12.5%. Made using Syrah grapes, this was an eminently enjoyable bottle of rosé - refreshing and fairly dry, with a nice fruity balance.

Red 14%. A very nice bottle of red that might be widely enjoyed as it’s soft, with French dryness, but without challenging tannins. Merlot dominates but we guess there’s also Cabernet Sauvignon, and - perhaps - a touch of Petit Verdot.

Ludlow Farmshop Mince Pies 4-pack £3.49

Made using Farmshop mincemeat, these are not too sweet and have buttery pastry. They work well served warm with Brandy cream.

Ludlow Farmshop Small Christmas Pudding 230g £3.99

Packed with currants, sultanas, raisins, Guinness, carrots, breadcrumbs, dates and more, this is a light, crumbly Christmas Pudding. Also available in medium (450g) and large (1.3kg) sizes.

Farmshop Chilli Pickled Eggs 680g £5.49

A great addition to the Boxing Day buffet, bringing a bit of welcome heat to a December day!

Christmas Coffee, ground, 250g £7.49

This is produced on-site, in the coffee roasting department. Ludlow Farmshop has won several Great Taste awards for their roasted coffee bean blend creations.

14 TEME VALLEY TIMES ludlowfarmshop.co.uk 01584 856000 Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR

Traveltrail is looking forward to helping you plan that longed-for break away. Maybe a sun-kissed beach, safari, cruise, city break, escorted tour, searching for the Northern Lights or an Antarctica Expedition - and everything in between.

We all know how hard it can be to plan a holiday.... that’s where Traveltrail can help!

As well as overseas trips we sell holidays within the UK, from hotel breaks to selfcatering lodges and cottages, narrowboat breaks, Christmas markets, coach holidays and day trips. For those special occasions...Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Christmas. Can’t decide what to buy? Why not give a Traveltrail Gift Voucher. The voucher can be used for many things, for instance a theatre break, holiday, flight or even an airport hotel and parking.

Traveltrail opened its doors in Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, in September 1996. We are proud to be an Independent Travel Agency and pride ourselves on our hard work and individuality to get the right holiday for our clients.

We look forward to helping you plan your next trip

Please call Traveltrail on 01584 810850

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email:
www.traveltrail.co.uk We all
something to look forward to...
traveltrailtenbury@travmail.co.uk
need

Ludlow Nut Company

Mr Moyden’s Artisan Cheeses

Martin Moyden has an obvious passion for cheese. Listening to his grandmother about traditional food production where farms would produce their own butter and cheese and sell the surplus at market interested him and in 2005 he started his own cheese business. His wife, Beth, soon joined him in the business and they now have a range of cheeses made from local Shropshire milk - all named after Shropshire town’s and landmarks.

When you order online, a slice is freshly cut off a wheel on the day of despatch, and carefully wrapped in special paper. With careful handling and storage the slice should keep well beyond two weeks.

We tried a ‘5 Cheese Bundle’ - from £25 for 5x200g slices

Luxury Gift Tin £17.25

Whether you’re looking for a gift to take along to a Christmas or Boxing Day gathering, or just a festive treat for your own delight, this substantial 750g tin of top-quality milk chocolate Brazils, dark chocolate almonds and dark chocolate ginger will surely delight. The tray of contents comes shrink-wrapped to ensure perfect freshness and the re-useable tin is finished attractively with ribbon and gift tag. If it is to be a gift you can insert a personal message when ordering online.

Shrewsbury Fretta

Made with raw cow’s milk and lightly salted, this has a delightful creamy, crumbly, almost sweet, fresh taste. It could well win you over from supermarket Feta-style cheeses!

Newport/Newport 1665

Matured for 3-4 months, the Newport cheese has a unique flavour and is a pale tangerine colour. It has a mellow buttery taste and flaky texture. Creamy with a nice bite. The 1665 version is cold smoked over oak chips at the creamery giving a true smoked flavour that works well with the cheese’s mellow sweetness.

Wrekin White

Matured for a minimum of 3 months, usually longer, it is smooth and creamy and dotted with small holes. It has an initial hint of fresh Cheshire, followed by a rather agreeable nutty-flavoured finish.

Wrekin Blue

The rustic-looking natural rind on the Wrekin Blue encompasses the unctuous cheese inside. Mottled with blue, this was the favourite of the three tasters. Comments included ‘it out stiltons Stilton!’ and ‘very tasty - you don’t need a lot of it on a cracker’.

Caer Caradoc

Based on a Caerphilly style of cheese but which is matured for two to three months. A light, crumbly cheese, nutty, smooth and tasty.

For a 10% discount when buying online, use code: CHEESETREAT

Fabulously Nuts 150g £3.95

A relatively new addition to the Ludlow Nut Company’s range is their ‘Fabulously Nuts’ brand of roasted cashews. They come in a choice of three flavours - Roasted Salted, Salted Caramel and Sweet Chilli. The cashews are oven roasted, wrapped in the company’s signature ‘crunch’ mix, then infused with the various flavours. What you get are wonderfully tasty, large, whole cashews whose flavours are enhanced, rather than overpowered, by the additional infusions - the sweet chilli version being not too hot nor too mild. Free from artificial flavours and preservatives and suitable for vegans, these are a winner for festive nibbles or snacks.

www.ludlownut.co.uk

The English Soap Company

At premises in East Sussex, The English Soap Company manufactures luxury soap bars and toiletries of the highest quality at affordable prices with a strong focus on sustainability. It produces over four million bars a year and is a family business with a mission to ensure everything it does upholds the values of an English product. Everything is done in-house. An Anniversary gift box collection has been produced to celebrate 20 years of soap making in the Sussex countryside. Available in their seven most popular fragrances, we tried the Lilly of the Valley set - see below. The products are enriched with moisturising vitamin E and Aloe Vera and are free from parabens, SLS and SLES. The beautiful illustrated gift boxes - so pretty that they might not need wrapping - use sustainable packaging that is fully recyclable.

Christmas Pizza?

If you know someone with a sweet tooth, this 52g slice of chocolate pizza, from The Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Company, could make a delightful little gift. Handmade by a small team of chocolatiers based in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire, using Belgian chocolate (min 33.6% cocoa solids), the slice is festively packaged and decorated with white rice-flour snowballs and glazed red and green milk chocolate buttons. The chocolate is very smooth and creamy with nice vanilla undertones and a slice can easily be eaten in one sitting.

Christmas Pizza Slice £2.49

www.gourmetchocolatepizza.co.uk or from Ludlow Farm Shop

Anniversary Collection Lily of The Valley Hand and Body Gift Set £25.00

Contains: 1x500ml Hand & Body Wash, 1x Hand Cream 75ml, 1x Pure Vegetable Soap 190g. This luxury gift set is said to bring to mind ‘the fragrance of a forest meadow of green grass and lily of the valley flowers. With notes of honeysuckle on top, this scent leads into a core of lily of the valley, rose and ylang. A base of jasmine and magnolia rounds the fragrance.’ Even a small drop of the wash is enough to form a lather and fill the air with a beautiful lingering fragrance. Likewise the hand cream needs only to be used sparingly to moisturise the hands and produce a lovely fragrance. The soap is smooth and silky in texture and moisturises rather than dries the skin, its perfume lasting until the end of the bar. These really are quality products!

The other fragrances are: Gardeners Grapefruit, English Lavender, Indian Sandalwood, Jasmine & Wild Strawberry, Rose & Peony, Sicilian Lemon & Sweet Orange.

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www.theenglishsoapcompany.com www.moydenscheese.co.uk

Summerdown Peppermint Chocolates

When you open a box of Summerdown chocolates you can’t miss the intense wave of peppermint that greets you. And it doesn’t stop there. Bite in to any of their peppermint chocolate variations and the peppermint just inundates the taste buds - crisp, fresh, longlasting and, of course, minty. An excellent choice for the festive season! The existence of this brand is down to Sir Michael Colman (a scion of the Colman’s mustard family). In 1995 he took the decision to try growing peppermint on the family estate in Basingstoke. Today the Hampshire farm grows around 100 acres of Black Mitcham (a variety of Mentha Piperita) peppermint, re-introduced from America, which is distilled into their high quality singleestate peppermint oil. The oil is used in their chocolates, fragrances, bath oils and teas. Any of these beautifully packaged mints would make a lovely gift, or share at a festive gathering.

A firm thick dark chocolate shell encases a milk chocolate soft centrebrimming with aromatic and tasty mint. Enjoy!

The Cheshire Cheese Company

This company sells vast numbers of their wax-covered truckles in the UK and abroad. They have developed the brand around imaginative and adventurous flavour combinations. If you want to tantalise your taste buds with flavours like ‘El Gringo Chilli, Lime & Tequila Cheese’ have a look at their website. A 200g truckle is £5.50 and we tried five cheeses from their vast range.

Creamy Cheshire Traditional Cheese

This tasted like a mature Cheshirerather than a young ‘fresh’ version. A nice cheese!

Wensleydale & Cranberry

Significantly better than some Wensleydale and Cranberry combinations, which can be very sweet, with added sugar. This one is nice and tart with juicy, moist cranberries - not dry, pithy fruit.

The Ultimate Mint Chocolate Collection 170g £8.75

This is Summerdown’s after-dinner selection with, hopefully, something for everyone. Intensely peppermint Peppermint Creams, smooth dark and milk Neapolitans, and crunchy dark mint crisps. All have an excellent balance between sweetness (not too sweet) and the brand’s bright fresh signature mintiness.

www.summerdown.com

Gin & Lemon Cheshire Cheese

A great favourite with the tasters. Really tangy and lemony with a nice crunchy zest added.

Royal Blue Artisan Boxed Cheese

200g £5.95

Two of the tasters found this quite salty - but you can just use a small amount on a crackers.

Irish Whiskey & Stem Ginger Cheddar Cheese

You can really taste the stem ginger and the whiskey - lovely long-lasting flavours. This came a close second to the gin & lemon truckle.

Visit the website to sign up for a free-ofcharge Cheshire Cheese Club membership for a discount on cheese, plus a free cheese voucher on your birthday!

www.cheshirecheesecompany.co.uk

Hintons of Bewdley

It all began in 2017, when, fuelled by a passion to make a gin that was different from ‘run of the mill’ gins, Nick Hinton designed his own still, using his time-served engineering skills, and travelled up to Liverpool docks to collect the finished item. He had been creating infused gins for personal consumption for a good number of years and today, using locally sourced or foraged fruit and botanicals, he has a line-up of five bold-tasting spirits. Awards have followed quickly - 2022 saw three IWSC bronze awards (for Wyre Forest Gin, Wyre Forest Vodka and Worcestershire Pear Gin) and one IWSC silver (for 5evern Gin). A 4 x 5cl bottle gift pack of Hinton’s four gins (£22.50) would make a lovely gift for the gin-lover in your life!

Worcestershire Pear Gin 42% 70cl £37

Seasons permitting, fruit is sourced from Nick’s sister’s farm at Dumbleton, Eardiston. There are prominent aromas of pear and orange which follow through to orange and pear flavours. A warming winter tipple!

5evern Gin 57% 70cl £42

Described as a ‘100 proof’ Navy strength gin, lime and lemon on the nose give way to a fiery warming taste. Very tasty and powerful. Have as a snifter when out in the fields or a night-cap by the fireside.

Wyre Forest Gin 42% 70cl £37

Deliciously prominent raspberry aromas lead to fruity blackberry and raspberry flavours. Super, full of berriness!

Wyre Forest Vodka 42% 70cl £37

This vodka has prominent blueberry and a touch of raspberry on the nose. The fruit continues on the palate with a lovely jumble of the three main fruits - blueberry, blackberry and raspberry in equal parts. Easy to savour!

www.hintonsofbewdley.co.uk

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Velvety Chocolate Peppermint Truffles £8.25 70% Dark Chocolate Heritage Peppermint Crisp Discs 180g £7.95 For those who like a vegan-friendly dark, rich after-dinner mint that offers a sugar crystal crunch.

Festive Celebration Drinks!

Pere Ventura Cava Tresor

Gran Reserva 2018 Brut

Nature 11.5% £19

Cava

www.greatwine.co.uk

Vins de Provence Rose

Often presented in stylish bottles, Provence roses can have delicious fruit flavours and a refreshing acidity. Grapes have been grown in Provence’s unique limestone and chalk soils since Roman times. They are warmed by sunshine for over 250 days each year and cooled by the Mistral. Here we look at wines from two of the three POD’s - Côtes de Provence and Coteaux D’Aix en-Provence (Coteaux Varois en Provence being the third).

Domaine des Oullières Harmonie, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence 2021 12.5% £13.25

www.yapp.co.uk

The very light colour makes this rosé’s flavoursome nature even more of a surprise. The very fruity aroma leads into a smooth palate packed with flavours: strawberries, cherries, soft red fruit, and pears were all noted. Impeccably balanced between sweetness and dryness, this is a very elegant drinkable rose with a delightful freshness. Really lovely and liked by all the tasters.

Ribera Del Duero

Dominio de Atauta Reserva

2018 15% €24.95

www.decantalo.com (deliver to the UK, price includes UK taxes and excise duties)

Intense, complex and powerful wine, made with100% Tinto Fino, this was a great hit with the tasters. Pepper and spice on the nose, then a complex but smooth long taste with some real dark fruitiness late on.

Chateau SaintMaur, Côtes de Provence Cru Classé 2021 12.5 % £20.69 www.vinatis.co.uk

A more serious and substantial rose than many. Dry with unusual aromas and flavours. Maybe a hint of liquorice on the nose and a flavour of a firm William pear.

Made from 40% Xarel-lo, 40% Macabeo and 20% Parellada this Cava has had more than 30 months of ageing in the bottle, to be a Gran Reserva. Extra ageing brings more elegance and smoothness to the wine and enhanced aromas. Serve at 10-12C.

Rovellats Cava Premier Brut Nature 11.5% £14.60

www.vinissimus.co.uk

This non-vintage Cava is aged for a minimum of 15 months and made from Parellada (85%) and Macabeo (15%) grapes. Towards the younger fresher end of the scale, serve well chilled at 4-6C.

With more than 70% of international sales, Cava is the Spanish Designation of Origin (D.O.) that exports the most. The Cava industry has over 38,000 hectares of vineyards and more than 6,200 winegrowers. Cava is made using the traditional method for sparkling wine, with a strict commitment to origin, land and sustainability. A bit of Cava sparkle during the festivities can be enjoyed in many ways; on its own as an aperitif; as a welcome for arriving guests; add fresh orange juice to make a buck’s fizz on Christmas morning; or for the more adventurous enjoy as a cocktail - Black Velvet by adding Guinness in equal parts or a Rossini by adding blended strawberries, a bit of sugar and a squeeze of lemon.

Rovellats Cava Brut Rose Reserva 2018 Imperial 11.5%

www.cavarovellats.com

This is a lovely pink colour and is made from 100% Grenache, with a maximum ageing of 2 years. Red fruit aromas and creamy on the palate, they suggest you can try it with a bitter dark chocolate dessert.

Château Lestrille, Entre-DeuxMers 2020 13.5% £14.95 (on offer at £12.87 at the time of writing)

www.strictlywine.co.uk

A nicely full-bodied white Bordeaux that got a thumbs-up from all the tasters. The excellent blend of sauvignon blanc (fresh fruit, crisp acidity) and sauvignon gris (floral notes and lifts the wine) brought the following comments: ‘very appley, very smooth and silky, firm and lush!’, ‘sweet grass and ripe apples on the nose’, ‘super! delicious!’.

Sirius Bordeaux 2018 14% £11.99 (on offer at £8.99 at the time of writing)

www.waitrosecellar.com

60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon go into this red. Lovely generous black cherry and blackcurrant aromas.

Very smooth on the palate and packed with dark fruits, tasters comments include ‘jolly nice’, ‘very approachable’ and ‘a nice proper French wine, fruity, rich and smooth with a dry finish’. Liked by all the tasters.

Château La Rame, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont 2018 13% 50cl £14.99

www.majestic.co.uk

Sweet Bordeaux wines are not only wonderful with rich desserts and as sweet treats, they can also pair beautifully with pâtés, game and creamy blue cheeses. Serve lightly chilled (10-12C) and enjoy this opulent wine, loaded with quince, guava, lemon and creaminess - and with a lovely balance of sweetness and freshness.

We are all hopefully looking forward to some gladsome and joy-filled festivities to share this Christmas. A drink, whether alcoholic, such as a hot punch or a chilled rose, or something non-alcoholic, for example a mug of creamy hot chocolate, will be part of most people’s celebrations and relaxations over the festive period. Here we take a look at some interesting Christmas offerings from the winemakers of Cava, Bordeaux, Provence and Ribera Del Duero. Products and prices are subject

Timberlay Crémant de Bordeaux 11.5% £10 www.marksandspencer. com

Made from Merlot (62%), Semillon (33%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) this sparkling white is aged for 9 months. It is described as having ‘ zesty aromas of lemon and flavours of tart apples and brioche’. A good value sparkler - enjoy!

Bordeaux Wines

The Bordeaux Wine Council was created in 1948. It unites representatives from the two arms of the Bordeaux wine industry: winegrowers and merchants. The Bordeaux region has a great diversity of wines, from bright and bubbly crémants, crisp dry whites and flavourful sweet wines, through to reds that can be fresh and contemporary or classic and complex. Here we look at four wines that demonstrate the diversity that is Bordeaux.

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to change
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Bromyard Citizens Advice Bromyard Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice Herefordshire has launched a ‘Drop-In’ with the help of funding from Bromyard and Winslow Town Council. The ‘Drop-In’ runs in Bromyard Town Council offices (The Old Vicarage, 1 Rowberry Street, Bromyard, HR7 4DU) fortnightly on Fridays, between 10am and 12 noon, including, for example 9th December.

People needing further advice will be offered an appointment, and, where needed, access to CA’s Debt, Benefit or Housing Caseworkers.

Sonya Gregory, Advice Service Manager said “Our new Drop-In

Kirkwood Distillery

Scott Kirkwood grew up in the USA but moved to the UK in 2010. He says “Shropshire is the most beautiful and abundant place that I have ever lived”. As a fan of whiskies and gins he decided to start distilling his own spirits, tapping into that ‘local abundance’ of grains and foraged fruits and botanicals. Tucked away in the village of Stanton Lacy, Scott and Penelope (his still) spend many hours together as they gradually and meticulously turn grain into the finished spirit - a process which can last a couple of months. The results are what he calls ‘Honest Shropshire Spirits’, all of which have excellent local provenance.

Barley Vodka 46% 50cl £35

Smooth, sweet, delicious and powerfully aromatic in the mouth. A lovely engaging vodka!

Islay Cask Gin 42% 20cl £18

An interesting combination. Juniper and oaky peatiness on the nose leads to a rather mellow, almost whisky-like gin! Definitely intriguing.

Whinberry Gin Liqueur 26% 20cl £15

Liqueur means a sweeter product. There is whinberry and vanilla on the nose, carrying through to sweet flavours of the same, then a nip of juniper on the finish.

Rye Spirit 46% 50cl £45

Double distilled then aged in new American Oak, this uses malted British rye and has been “released without blending to maintain the

Eastham Fundraising Thai Curry Night

The new Events Committee of Eastham Memorial Hall organised a Fundraising Thai Curry Night on Saturday October 8. Fifty people attended and meals were cooked by Thai Chef Ann Lawson of Baan Thai. The evening raised £400 for Hall funds.

outreach service is part of our aim to make free advice services more accessible to the people of Herefordshire.” The organization has recruited a number of new volunteers this year and further recruitment, with training, will take place in December and January to start at the end of January, to meet rising demand and expansion of services.

Contact Citizens Advice Herefordshire: email advice@citaherefordshire.org.uk or call 0344 826 9685, or text on 07860 077311.

‘Land of Milk and (no) Money’

We have been reviewing Roger Evans’ books for a number of years and with the passing years each review becomes more and more akin to settling in to a comfy old armchair and putting one’s feet up to catch up on the happenings on Roger’s farm and to discover what observations and gems he might have for us.

In his latest book he reflects on Covid-lockdown, vegetarians who move out into the countryside, middleaged bikers, bureaucracy, how Gomer his dog can eat a mince pie and there is not a crumb to be seen (unlike Roger’s efforts), the feral goats of Llandudno, the occasion of Roger’s unintended ‘streak’ for passengers seated on the top deck of a London Bus, the pet spider who lived behind the glass of the wing mirror of a van he used to own, and a memorable weekend trip to Ireland to watch Wales play rugby. It’s not uncommon for his comments to be prefaced by the words ‘I’ll probably get into trouble for saying this...’ but there is always a gracious benevolence to his words and they clearly contain a good measure of what used to be called common sense.

www.kirkwooddistillery.co.uk

integrity of the cask influence”. Very warming as it goes down, it has long and complex flavours. Ideally, just take a very small sip and hold in the mouth to let the numerous flavours develop: honey, oak, burnt vanilla, black pepper and tart cherry were picked out by one taster. Another found that a butterscotch flavour emerges if you add a splash of water or maybe an ice cube. There are only a limited number of bottles from this first release so if you want to experience it, buy now before they are gone!

He invents his own, very suitable, collective noun for a group of sparrows and he explains how ‘land’ becomes part of your life, and is philosophical that sometimes the improvements made to the land during a tenancy will benefit those who come after. Full of lucid anecdotes, dry wit and wisdom, ‘Land of Milk and (no) Money’ book can enthral, raise a smile, and enlighten, all at the same time.

Published by Merlin Unwin at £14.99.

www.merlinunwin.co.uk

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Organisers Lucy & Jenna Arnold with (centre) Ann Lawson

Christmas at the Co-op

This year the Co-op made the decision not to run a Christmas ad campaign choosing instead to shine a light on the need to support community causes throughout the coming year. Ad campaign cash will go towards expanding and supporting the network of ‘Your Local Pantry’ shops which are membership-based food scheme and community hubs where people can pick up foods at a discount. Through the new partnership the Co-op will be funding 150 new pantries - aiming to support over 32,000 households over the next three years. With this in mind here are a few ‘sharing’ ideas for the festive period.

Irresistible Mushroom Wellington Parcels £4 for a two-pack

Puff pastry parcels filled with mini portobello and chestnut mushrooms, onion and spinach and a hint of truffle flavour. These were very easy to cook producing lovely crisp parcels with a very tasty filling. Sustaining and a great vegan alternative for Christmas.

Irresistible Luxury Mince Pie 6 pack £2.25

All-butter pastry filled with rich fruit mincemeat (sultanas, raisins, Bramley apple puree, currants) with a dash of brandy and port. Best enjoyed hot from the oven.

Irresistible Golden Chocolate & Hazelnut Tartlets 4 pack £2.50

Chocolate pastry tarts with a smooth Belgian chocolate & hazelnut filling topped with crunchy hazelnut nibs and a festive gold dusting. An interesting alternative to mince pies.

Co-op Irresistible Pineapple Rum Spirit

Drink 40% 70cl £20

Made with Dominican Rum and eight year aged Barbados rum, this is an easy drinking rum with distinct pineapple flavours - very tropical!

Co-op Munch Mix 200g £2

An unusual and imaginative mix of yogurt-flavoured coated raisins, toffeeflavoured popcorn, salted caramelised peanuts, mini pretzel sticks and blanched peanuts - which work rather well together. Buy as a great addition to festive nibbles or as a little gift.

Irresistible Speculoos Flavoured Fudge Bar 100g £2

New for this year are two hand-crafted fudge bars - great for gifts. This one, spiced caramel topped with caramel sugar sprinkles, really does taste just like caramelised biscuits. Scrum!

Irresistible Hot Chocolate Flavoured Fudge Bar 100g £2

A hot chocolate flavoured fudge bar with a minimarshmallows swirl to give you that ‘Hot Chocolate’ moment without having to switch the kettle on!

Irresistible Baked Camembert & Cranberry Crisps 150g £1.70

Another new addition, these hand-cooked crisps have a tangy sweet cranberry and blueberry edge mixed with an oak-smoked creamy cheese flavour. They are highly crunchy - just like a good crisp should be.

Co-op Old Vine

Garnacha 2020 14% £5.75

Liked by all three tasters this wine is an amazing buy. Aromas of spice and oak, then smooth and nicely balanced on the palate, with just a hint of dark fruit before the nice dry finish. An absolute winner!

Tilting Tree: Sauvignon Blanc 2021 12%, Merlot 2020 13%, £6 each

The Co-op has added these two Moldovan wines to its range from Asconi, a family-owned winery in Puhoi village, Laloveni. This year the winery opened its doors to Ukrainian refugees fleeing from the Russian invasion and housing, gratis, many families in its 20 guesthouse rooms.

Co-op Spiced Star Mini Biscuits 75g £1

Fun star-shape all-butter biscuits made with a blend of festive spices. Reminiscent of a cross between a ginger nut and a shortbread biscuit, with ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Crunchy/firm and great for dunking!

Co-op Irresistible Non-Alcoholic Spirit

0% 50cl £10

Aromatically fruity this botanical drink has light flavours of pink grapefruit, fresh pears, rosemary and pepper. Serve with fresh tonic for a sparkling nonalcoholic festive alternative.

www.coop.co.uk

Les Pionniers NV Champagne 12% £19.50

Consistently great champagne from the Coop. Elegant and refreshing, made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Pop the cork and celebrate!

South Breakwater Sauvignon Blanc 2021

12.5% £6.50

From the Casablanca Valley, a relatively new wine-growing region of Chile (one of the four Aconcagua minor wine regions). This is a fresh, crisp, sharp sauvignon blanc with delicate aromas of star fruit and physalis. Goes well with salmon or a strong cheese such as mature gouda or goat.

Products and prices are subject to change and availability

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West Mercia Community Surgeries

Martley and Tenbury Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) held two community surgeries on Wednesday 2nd November: Great Witley Village Hall car park in the morning and Tenbury Wells Tesco foyer in the afternoon. The team is made up of police officers and PCSO’s based in the local area. The photo shows SNT member PCSO Debra Abbott 40528 chatting to a member of the public in Tenbury Wells.

St Michaels Art Group Exhibition

On November12th, St Michael’s Art Group members exhibited a selection of work in St Michael’s village hall for all to enjoy. Free refreshments made for a very sociable event along with the opportunity to buy a piece of art as a gift or for yourself. In the afternoon, the number of red ‘sold’ stickers suggested that many had done just that!

Shropshire Lass update!

Jean Hollis (neé Farmer), now in her nineties, wrote about her life in rural Shropshire in a book fittingly titled ‘A Shropshire Lass’. This chronicled life on the family farm, growing up with many siblings, and the ups and downs of running the shop and Post Office in Knowbury. Proceeds from sales were in aid of Brain Tumour Research. Jean told us that £1,500 was raised and thanked everyone who had helped in reaching this marvellous total.

TEME VALLEY TIMES 21 TALTREES CENTRE, WORCESTER ROAD, TENBURY WELLS, WR15 8JA 01584 781361 taltreesstoves.com MONDAY - FRIDAY 9am - 5pm. SATURDAY 9am - 4.30pm CLOSED SUNDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS
The book Karen Lee with one of her creatively imagined ‘house’ commissions Ann Carmichael, who sometimes teaches an art group class, brought along a selection of her work The grandchildren by Di Gough ‘My Friend’ by Ros Plested

Christmas at Tesco

Each year supermarkets work hard in the run up to Christmas and new ideas and old favourites continually fill the displays before Christmas Day. In many ways we are spoilt for choice and there is usually something festive that we can try, on almost any budget.

Tesco say they aim to help us ‘celebrate big and spend less’, so here are a few ideas!

Tesco Finest: 12 Cheddar

Cheese & Onion Souflettes

300g £4.50

Made with mature and extra mature cheddar, with cream, and topped with Red Leicester cheese these were, not surprisingly, really cheesy! Another great party food.

Tesco: 8 Chocolate Swirl

Bites 150g £1.25

Firm chocolate sponge topped with a generous amount of chocolate buttercream, all coated in a thick layer of milk chocolate. Splendid!

Casa Maña Moscatel de Valencia 2021 15% £5.35

A very pleasant sweet white wine and great value. Fresh, with hints of lemon curd at the finish.

Constitution Road Shiraz 2020 14% £16

All three tasters were surprised that this was South African and all three gave it top marks. A most serious, velvety, rich, dark-fruited, well-rounded red wine. Deeply satisfying. Wow!

Tesco Low Alcohol Sparkling Wine <0.5% £3

A bubbly for those who like to enjoy a toast during the festive season while keeping the alcohol intake down to a very low level.

Tesco Finest: 10 King

Prawn Gyozas 250g £5.50

Super meaty king prawns wrapped in a lightly seared and steamed pastry with an aromatic onion, chive and shallot infusion. Great party food.

Tesco Finest: Porcini

Mushroom & Sausage Meat

Stuffing 400g £2.50

Light, fluffy and very moreish.

Tesco Finest: 8 Whipped

Feta Samosas 264g £5.50

Easy to cook, these were another success! Light crispy pastry dotted with poppy seeds surrounded the light, creamy, minted, soft cheese centre. Delicious.

Acre Lane: Christmas 3 Bird Roast with stuffing

1.2kg £11

Brown Brothers Orange Muscat and Flora 9.5% 37.5cl £8.50

This blend of late-harvested Orange Muscat and relatively rare Flora grapes produces a wine that is sweet, smooth, complex and rich, with a fine acidity. From the Victoria region of Australia, this is one to savour. Some might feel it tastes like sunshine in a bottle!

Tesco Finest Rioja Gran Reserva 2015 13.5% £12

Made by Baron de Ley this wine is barrel-aged in oak for 2 years before maturing further in the bottle. If you like Rioja you should love this smokey oaky versionnicely dry, with not a lot of fruit.

Tesco Finest Vintage Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2015 12.5% £28 (£25 Clubcard)

Made from just Chardonnay grapes (hence, blanc de blancs) and produced only in the best years, this Champagne has ‘a delicate mousse and ripe citrus flavours’. It is produced for Tesco in partnership with Union Champagne - a union of 15 cooperatives which together cover over 90% of the Champagne area classified as Premier and Grand Cru. Due to the number of cooperatives, each of whom carries out their own vinification, Union has an exceptional palate of flavours available during any blending operation.

Caparelli Italian Blush 2021 12% £4.29

Dry, light and sharply fresh - this is a rosé to have with food.

For

Expertly rolled, this joint is made of duck, chicken and turkey, with a sage and onion stuffing. It comes with a sachet of cranberry and port sauce. Very tasty, with little or no waste, it is about 78% meat and could provide 4 hearty servings this Christmas! Excellent.

Des Tourelles Claret Bordeaux 2020 13% £5

Made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes this is a pleasant Bordeaux red. It’s softer than many Clarets, which may broaden its appeal. Good value.

Altano Rewilding Edition

Douro 2020 14% £10

Delightfully smooth with vanilla and black cherry flavours, this red is a blend of Touriga Franca, Tempranillo, Tinta Barroca from the Symington Family Estate. Well liked.

22 TEME VALLEY TIMES
Products and prices are subject to change and availability
more ideas go tesco.comto

ACE ATV offer a wide range of new Machines

When Murray Boss started ACE ATV over 20 years ago, he did so with a simple mission; to help farmers, rural businesses and the rural community keep doing what they do best, no matter the conditions. With 45 years’ experience as an Agricultural Engineer Murray has an intimate knowledge of the challenges of the industry. To help meet these challenges ACE ATV offer a wide range of machines from world leading brands Yamaha, Kawasaki, Corvus and UBCO, along with Logic equipment and CLH trailers.

Murray says “My accountant has always told me I keep too much stock, to which I’ve always replied ‘you can’t sell a pound’” So call Murray and his team as they’ll probably say “Yes we’ve got one”. Ace ATV has two ATV specialists, Jordan Pope and Albert Wall who pride themselves on ensuring you get the best machine, offering unbiased advice and support. They are both enthusiastic and experienced, providing sound knowledge to all customers about their capital purchases, with the most economical solutions always offered as the first choice. They are happy to consider partexchanges as well as assist with various finance options, one of the reasons so many customers come back time and time again. The team will happily come to you to give advice and demo a machine to you, allowing you to do a deal on your premises. The great service doesn’t end with new or used machine salestheir vast stock of spare parts for repairs and servicing by the after sales team is a component of their success. Further to this they offer a ‘try before you buy’ policy with expert installations and guidance, along with full product training and 24/7 helpline. “We go out of our way to help our customers and offer them an outstanding range of options. We supply both new and used ATV’s, UTV’s and the ancillary equipment to compliment them, such as Logic sprayers. For those customers who are too busy to come to us, our mobile service engineers will service and repair machines on site. Alternatively, we offer a ‘collect & return’ option, with weekly collection points tied into local markets – we will collect your machine, service/repair it and return it to you”.

With unrivalled coverage across the West Midlands to the Welsh borders ACE ATV are here to help with your next ATV or UTV upgrade.

Contact Jordon 07507 601749 (Severn East area Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Cotswolds, Staffs) or Albert 07507 267858 (Severn West area Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Border Counties) to discuss your requirements.

TEME VALLEY TIMES 23 CODER TYRES LIMITED AUTO SERVICE CENTRE Mon-Fri 8.30 - 17.30 Sat 8.30 - 12.30 UNIT O CODER ROAD, LUDLOW BUSINESS PARK, LUDLOW SY8 1XE 4 Tyres 4 Batteries 4 Exhausts 4 Suspension 4 Punctures 4 Pre-MOT work 4 Welding 4 Locking Wheel Nut Removal 4 Servicing 4 Wheel Balancing 4 Agricultural on site work 4 Agent for Car & 4x4 4 Diagnostic work 4 TPM Sensors 4 4-Wheel Laser Adjustment www.ludlowtyres.co.uk 01584 879200 www.nomark.co.uk Burford l Tenbury Wells Worcs l WR15 8HS T: 01584 811831 info@nomark.co.uk www.nomark.co.uk As Winter approaches don’t forget we do snow ploughs and salt spreaders!! l Sales of quality used ATVs l Excellent parts back-up for all Yamaha ATVs and for most other makes l Comprehensive range of attachments to make your quad bike a real workhorse l Full workshop service and repair facilities All sizes of Quad tyres at competitive prices!!! Make feeding Sheep and Cattle easier with the Logic Feeder Ask about a demo of this machine and see the advantages over a wheel-driven feeder!! Keep warm on your quad this winter with Handlebar Muffs and Heated Grips!... They make great Christmas presents Sales of quality used ATVs Including Kodiak 450, Kodiak 450 EPS Kodiak 700, Kodiak 700 SE Grizzly 700 Ace ATV Ltd Woodgate Farm, Woodgate Rd Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4HB Head Office: 01527 578668 | Mobile: 07971 578668 | www.aceatv.co.uk Finance offer on New Yamaha ATVs: ATV’s come with a FREE Scorpion Tracker with Engine Immobiliser 0% Finance available on your new Yamaha ATV with: 2 Years Finance 2 Years Warranty 10 Years Drive Belt Warranty See our website for full Terms and Conditions Offer closes 31/01/2023 Paul Harding Tree Services Firewood Firewood Seasoned logs Barn dried Ready to burn Free local delivery 01584 890993 07970 878224 Tel: 01584 711713/711466 Fax 01584 711493 mobile 07831 311544 All Agricultural Services Undertaken Ploughing - Planting - Combining - Silaging - Fencing Suppliers of pipes for Drainage • Water Supply Ducting • Irrigation • Ditches & Culverts Septic/Storage Tanks • Drinking Troughs • Pumps FARM SUPPLIES AND CONTRACTING
SAVE THE DATE Tel: 01584 810818 With Squibb Freestyle Stunt Team plus much, much more All enquiries: www.tenburyshow.co.uk SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST 2023
Albert Wall - ACE ATV vehicle specialist

NERVOUS ABOUT GOING TO THE DENTIST? DON’T

Cleobury Dental Practice is proud to help anxious patients with their dental care by using the latest techniques, including sedation during dental treatments. Your dental health is best managed with regular check-ups so that any problems may be spotted before they cause you any symptoms. This way, there is a much better chance of keeping your teeth for longer! Why not book a dental health check with our team of dentists and keep your smile for many years to come!

• Sedation available for your dental care

• Spread the cost of your dental treatment with a range of payment options* (T’s & C’s apply)

• Evening appointments available

• Free car parking available

• Book a FREE VIRTUAL CONSULTATION with our co-ordinators to answer any questions about our practice and services, all from the comfort of your own home!

Dental Implants

Cleobury Dental Practice has an experienced team who are able to provide a fixed, stable alternative to loose and uncomfortable dentures. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth, allowing you to chew, eat and smile more confidently.

• Experienced team providing dental implants

• Implants can replace a single missing tooth through to full arches of missing teeth

• Sedation available to help anxious patients

• Spread the cost with a range of payment options* (T’s & C’s apply)

24 TEME VALLEY TIMES *Where required by law, loans will be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Consumer Credit Act. Credit is provided by Wesleyan Bank Limited who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Wesleyan Bank Ltd (Registered in England and Wales No 2839202) Registered Office: PO Box 3420, Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6AE. Tel: 0800 358 1122. www.wesleyanbank.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. Written quotations are available on request from Wesleyan Bank Limited. Credit facilities are subject to status and affordability checks and only available to UK residents over the age of 18. Wesleyan Bank Limited reserves the right to decline any application. APR and repayment details are correct at time of print. Telephone calls may be recorded for monitoring and training purposes. Kunal Raj Sirpal trading as Cleobury Dental Practice is a credit broker, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. SCAN THE QR CODE TO CONTACT US TODAY! CONTACT US TODAY: Web: www.cleoburydental.co.uk Tel: 01299 271 747 Email: hello@cleoburydental.co.uk Opening hours: Monday 9am-5pm Tuesday 9am-6pm Wednesday 9am-5pm Thursday 9am-7pm Friday 9am-5pm Saturday by appointment only
PROVIDER
BE!

Tenbury Applefest

An excellent mix, with a mighty apple and pear displayover 300 varieties of fruit, courtesy of local grower Frank P Matthews - food and drink, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, and community group stalls saw Tenbury’s Applefest go down a treat. The new organising team must have been well-pleased as Tenbury’s big October event flourished with so many people coming to the Burgage. If you missed it this year, the date for next year’s festival is Saturday October 7th!

The Applefest shop window-dressing competition was won by Garlands Flowers, with Marilyn’s second and Harlequin Gift Shop third.

Ports, Liqueurs and Sherry from Tanners

As winter deepens, it’s agreeable to have something a little warming in the cupboard. Here we look at six ideas from Tanners Wines. Tanners have long associations with our local area, one such being Billy Tanner, who was one of the Clungunford/Ludlow branch of the family. At one time he owned the Feathers Hotel in Ludlow, supplying it with fresh produce from his farm at Bromfield.

Noval 10yr Old Tawny Port 19.5% £19.50 (reduced from £26.50)

Absolutely delicious and liked by all the tasters. Raisin aromas, warming, sweet, and a bit of fire to begin with - then smooth with a dark walnut finish.

Tanners Patrono Fine Ruby Port 20% £12.50

A very grown-up ruby port - not as youthful and fruity as some. Sweet and tangy, with a distant hint of ripe raspberries, and very warming. Tanners say it is a blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Nacional. A good accompaniment to a cheese board.

Croft Quinta da Roeda Vintage Port 2004 20.5% £24

Not as sweet as some ports, and with aromas of spice and raisins, and strong notes of chocolate, this is full of flavour and interest. This might well be enjoyed with cheese, mince pies or pudding.

Frangelico Liqueur 20% 70cl £18.50

This classic Italian liqueur could be a ‘marmite’ moment for some! You’ll probably love it if you like roast hazelnut and vanilla aromas, the flavour of hazelnuts, and the pleasant sweetness of marzipan along with coffee and vanilla. Maybe chill it and enjoy it as a shot? Comes in a fun monk-shaped bottle complete with cincture!

Tanners Cream Sherry 17% £13.50

Less sweet than many cream sherries, and with robust raisin flavours, this might be a particularly delightful choice for those who feel that most cream sherries are too sweet.

Crème Banane Giffard 25% 50cl £11.80

With a strong aroma of ‘bananas and custard’ and a refreshing sweet banana taste, this could be enjoyed over crushed ice, or maybe even added to sparkling wine, where it would add a certain ‘je ne sais quois’? www.tanners-wines.co.uk

TEME VALLEY TIMES 25
Some of the apples and pears The Alpacas were popular Commonwood Farm’s stall - apple juice, pear spirit and ‘Pear Fizz’
Hoskins Family Funeral Services Bromfield Road, Ludlow, SY8 1DW 01584 872048 24 Hours Sympathy, Dignity, & Respect, Always. It costs nothing to talk Call Stephen at any time.
Marcher Apple Network volunteers were on hand to help identify apples

Book Launch

Local author Maggie Kingston launched her second book, ‘History of Stoke Bliss & Kyre Parva, Manors and Church’ at Stoke Bliss and Kyre Village Hall on November 12th.

Parishioners, friends and history

enthusiasts formed a jovial queue to purchase their ‘hot off the press’ copy, signed by the author herself if required. This book is packed with information which would reward careful study; it also has interesting illustrations. This book has been a labour of love and sale proceeds are for Stoke Bliss Church. For more information or to buy a copy (£14.50 paperback, £24 hardback) email Maggiemdk46@phonecoop.coop - or ring 01885 410431.

ALDI ‘Making Christmas amazing for everyone’

Many think of ALDI as a ‘go to’ choice for everyday shopping, but there’s a lot more to ALDI than just the basics. Here we look at a selection of wines, spirits and liqueurs which might be enjoyed, particularly at this time of year.

Floral Art Demonstration

Tenbury Wells Floral Art Club held their Christmas Demonstration at the Regal in November. National Demonstrator Mr Ian Buxton, from the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, travelled from Nottingham to give

a demonstration entitled “The Atmosphere of Christmas”. It was mesmerising to listen to Ian’s chat whilst he, seemingly effortlessly, arranged vast amounts of foliage and flower blooms to great effect during the course of the evening.

Ballycastle Espresso Martini

Liqueur 12% 70cl £7.49

With just a distant hint of coffee flavour, this is sweet and nicely creamy, but not cloying.

Veuve Monsigny Vintage Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2015 12.5% £21.99

Many white Champagnes are made from a blend of red and white grapes but “Blanc de Blancs” denotes a white Champagne that is made using only white grapes - generally Chardonnay. This elegant example is from Champagne house Philizot et Fils. Light gold with fine bubbles and a generous mousse, and with flavours of brioche to almond pastry. A refreshing Champagne which should go down well, particularly during Christmas and New Year.

Winemaster’s Lot Pouilly Fumé 2021 12.5% £12.49

Another great wine, liked by all the tasters. Welldeveloped fruity aromas of ripe pears, pineapple and a hint of green grassiness. Tastes lovely: light, fresh and elegant. All in all a very nice classy white.

Saverani Amarone Della Valpolicella 2018 14.5% £15.49

A keenly-priced Amarone, this is a delicious and classy red. It’s rich, complex, smooth, refined and very quaffable. Sweetness, darkness and a dry finish meld together wonderfully - a big thumbs up!

Haysmith’s Hand Steeped Sloe Gin 29% 70cl £13.99

An excellent Sloe Gin. Wild sloes are steeped in London Dry gin and left to mature, creating a very agreeable and warming fruit-packed gin. Nice balance between sweet and tart.

Ballycastle White Chocolate

Liqueur 12% 70cl £7.49

Rather like ‘Milky Bar’ in a bottlewith alcohol! This might go nicely as a liqueur with after-dinner coffee.

Specially Selected Freeman’s Bay Marlborough

Sauvignon Blanc 2021 13% £7.49

This is an excellent Sauvignon Blanc being full-flavoured, with good body, a green grassy crunch, and pineapple notes. Terrific - an absolute winner, loved by all the tasters.

Specially Selected Fleurie 2021 12.5% £7.99

This bottle of Fleurie, by Chassaux et Fils, delivered redcurrant and blackberry aromas with red fruit flavours. A great value bottle for Fleurie fans.

Specially Selected Côtes De Provence Rosé 2020 12.5% £7.99

The red fruit bouquet - strawberries, red apples and raspberries - leads to flavours of wild strawberry, melon and pear on the palate. A clean and dry rosé and very good value at this price.

Haysmith’s Spiced Plum and Clementine Gin 40% 70cl £14.99

Prominent aromas of clementine, with a taste of clementine and mixed spice - just what it says on the label!

26 TEME VALLEY TIMES
Products and prices are subject to change and availability www.aldi.co.uk
Maggie Kingston at the launch Ian Buxton on stage with his inspiring creations

Therewasatimewhenestatecarstooka largeshareofthemarket.Then,withtherise ofthe‘peoplecarrier’,fashiontookbuyersin otherdirections.Morerecently,buyershave beenincreasinglyattractedtothe‘SUV’ approach-sometimesthoughtofasa‘4x4’, eventhoughmanycarsthatlooklikean ‘SUV’don’thavefourwheeldrive. However,theriseoftheseotheroptionsdidn’t leadtotheestate’sdemise,thoughitmay haveencouragednewnomenclature,suchas ‘Touring’or‘Sportswagon’.

Still,what’sinaname?Whatmattersisthat yougetmoreluggagecapacitythana hatchback,whileretainingprettymuchthe samedynamics.

TheKiaCeedSportswagonisagoodexample ofthecontemporaryapproachtoestatesasit retainsstrikingstylingwhileproviding,by comparisonwithitshatchbacksibling,a usefulincreaseinloadvolume.Thisapproach combinesvisualappealandpracticality,which surelyhastobeagoodthing.

IdroveaSportswagon3.Thisisahigherspecificationmodelwithafeatureslistthat includesdualzoneautomaticairconditioning, privacyglass,rain-sensingwipers,andanautodimmingrearviewmirror.Thestartingprice forthe“3”is£25,645.

ThereisalsoaSportswagon2.Startingat £23,245,thisstillhasagoodspecification, includingAppleCarPlayandAndroidAuto,a reversingcamera,cruisecontrolandLane KeepingAssist.Anotherdifferenceisthatthe “2”has16-inchalloyswhereasthe“3”has17inch.

The“2”andthe“3”usethesameengine,a1.5litrefour-cylinderpetrolunit.Thissuitsthecar verywellandit’ssmoothandflexible,witha lovelyrushofpowerfrom3,000to4,500rpm. With158bhpitalsoprovidesample performance.Thisisdemonstratedbythetop speedofaround130mph,andaclaimedtime ofabout8secondsforthestandingstartto 60mphsprint,sothisSportswagonisabitofa wolfinsheep’sclothing.

Despitethepotentialperformance,thisKia alsohadthepotentialtodeliverover50mpg. Asapracticalexample,atripbackfrom Aberystwyth,including60mphcruising,saw thejourneyendwiththecar’scomputer displayinganaverageconsumptionof55mpg. Thisisonaparwithmanydiesel-enginedcars ofthissize,showingtheprogressthatpetrolenginedcarshavemadeinrecentyears.

At4.6metres,theSportswagonisquitealong car,soitdoesneedagood-sizeparkingspace. However,thereversingcamera workswellandtheturningcircleis pleasantlycompact,soIfoundit easiertoparkthansomecarsofa similarsize.

Thisisagood-lookingbutpractical caranditspricingisvery competitiveintoday’smarketplace, particularlybearinginmindthat buyersaregettingawell-equipped vehiclethatalsobenefitsfromKia’s usualsevenyearwarranty.

TEMEVALLEYTIMES 27
Tyres Servicing Repairs
Will’sAutoRepairsLtd
01584811849

The‘Utility’designationmighteasily conjureupvisionsofavehiclewithavery basiclevelofequipment.Delightfully, Isuzuhavenotgonedownthisroutewith theD-MaxUtility,sotheDoubleCab modelIdrovewasalongwayfrombeing trimmeddowntotheminimum.

Itis,perhaps,unsurprisingthatithadthe D-Max’susualselectable2WD(high),4WD (high)and4WD(low)drivechoices,butit alsoofferedfeaturessuchasair conditioning(controlledbynicesimple knobs),cruisecontrol,hilldescentcontrol, automaticwipersandautomatic headlampdip,allofwhichworkedwell.It evenhadstop-start,afull-sizesparewheel, anddampeddropforthetailgate!

Lookinsidethecabandyouwouldfind somenice-lookingclothseatswith integratedheadrestraints.Vinylfloor coveringratherthancarpets,andsteel wheelsratherthanalloy,arethethings thatfurtherseparatea‘Utility’fromtherest oftheD-Maxrange.Buteventhen,the

vinyllooksgoodquality,ratherthanbeing cheap-lookingorinsubstantial.

ThemodelIdrovehadamanualgearbox.

Thegearswerespacedout,sofirstgear wasgreatforlowspeeduse,butyoualso getahightopgear,whichhelpsgivethe D-Maxarelaxedfeel,evenatmainroad cruisingspeeds.Anditoffersthesame poweroutput-164PS-asitsmore expensivesiblings,whichensuresthatthe engineprovidesampleurge.

Threecabstylesareavailable.TheDouble Cabhasa‘fullsize’secondrowofseats, withgenerouslegroomandafeelingof spaceintheback.Ifyouneedalonger loadbed,youcouldgofortheExtended Cabmodelasthishasan1805mmbed;in thistherearseatingareaismorecompact andhasfoldingseats.

TheotherlayoutistheSingleCabmodel. Thishasthelongestbedofthemall,at 2315mm,butobviouslyyouonlygettwo seats.It’salsotheonlymodeltohavethe optionoftwowheeldrive;another

differenceisthattheSingleCabhas16 inchwheels,whereastheDoubleand ExtendedCabmodelsbothcomewith18 inchers.

TheD-Maxcantowupto3.5tonnesand carryoveronetonneontheloadbed, makingitanexcellentworkhorse.Tolook atcosts,theUtilityrangestartsat£23,149 ‘CVOTR’,whichworksouttoan‘onthe road’priceof£27,709.80includingVAT. Nextupisthe4x4SingleCabat £30,109.80,thenthe4x4ExtendedCabat £31,009.80andthenthe4x4DoubleCab at£31,909.80.

Adifferentiallockcanbeaddedtothe4x4 modelsforanextra£600,andautomatic transmissionisoptionalonExtendedand DoubleCabmodels,adding£1,200.These pricesallincludeVAT.Wherefuel consumptionisconcerned,thecomputer showedanaverageof38.3mpgover397 miles,butthisincludedquitealotofshort distancework,soitshouldn’tbehardto betterthisonalongrun.

… £9,995 1313YETI2.0TDiS,beige,70,000 miles ……………………… £9,995 S KO D A FA B I A 1919FABIA1.0TSiSELDSG AUTO,red,14,000miles………£16,495 1868FABIA1.0TSiSELESTATE,grey,24,000miles…………£12,450 1919FABIA1.0SE,silver,35,000miles……………………£10,995 1717FABIA1.4TDiSESTATE,silver,31,000miles…………£10,495 1515FABIA1.4TDiSEDSGAUTO,black,48,000miles……£8,995 1565FABIA1.2TSiSE,grey,48,000miles………………….…£8,495 1363FABIA1.2TSiSEEstate,silver,75,000miles…………£5,750 1161FABIA1.2TSiElegance,silver,96,000miles……………£4,995 1010FABIA1.6TDiS,white,100,000miles…………………£4,995 1262FABIA1.6TDiSE,grey,100,000miles…………………£4,995

S KO D A R O O M ST E R

1313ROOMSTER1.6TDiSE,blue,90,000miles ……………£5,995

S KO D A C I T I G O

1919CITIGO1.0SEL,red,17,000miles………… ………£10,995

S KO D A O CTAV I A

1818OCTAVIA2.0TDiSETechnologyESTATE,silver,74,000m … £15,995 1515OCTAVIA2.0TDiEleganceESTATE,grey,90,000m ………… £9,995 1414OCTAVIA1.6TDiElegance,silver,79,000miles £8,995

TEMEVALLEYTIMES 28
O VE R TO N SER VI C E STAT I ON H ERE F O RDROAD,L U D LO W Tel.01584 872584 S KO D A K A R O Q 1919KAROQ1.0TSiSE,grey,20,000miles………………£19,995 S KO D A Y E T I 1767YETI2.0TDiSEDrive,white,16,000miles £17,495 1717YETI2.0TDiSEDrive,green,51,000miles £16,995 1666YETI2.0TDiSEBusiness,grey,62,000miles £15,495 1666YETI2.0TDiL&K4x4DSGAUTO,green,59,000miles £15,495 1616YETI2.0TDiSE,grey,64,000miles £12,995 1464YETI2.0TDiSEL,4x4DSGAUTO,grey,60,000miles £12,995 1464YETI1.2TSiSE,green,54,000miles £12,250 1414YETI2.0TDiSE,white,56,000miles £11,395 1363YETI2.0TDi140Adventure4x4,silver,80,000miles
TEME VALLEY TIMES 29

- GUIDE PRICE: £450,000

ROMERS COMMON, BOCKLETON, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £450,000

ROMERS COMMON,

A modern single storey attached farm building conversion on a generous plot in a lovely rural setting with views across farmland.

A modern single storey attached farm building conversion on a generous plot in a lovely rural setting with views across farmland.

Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Room, Spacious Sitting Room, Master Bedroom and Wet Room, Two Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Utility Room, Detached Timber Garage, Ample Driveway Parking, Large Level Gardens, EPC Rating C.

Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Room, Spacious Sitting Room, Master Bedroom and Wet Room, Two Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Utility Room, Detached Timber Garage, Ample Driveway Parking, Large Level Gardens, EPC Rating C.

Nick Champion offer independent and professional advice on residential and rural property sales, auctions, lettings, acquisitions and valuations.

Champion offer independent and professional advice on residential and rural property sales, auctions, lettings, acquisitions and valuations.

Champion and his Team are grateful to all of their Clients for their continued support.

Nick Champion and his Team are grateful to all of their Clients for their continued support.

would like to take this opportunity to wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

WOODSTON, TENBURY WELLS, WORCESTERSHIRE - GUIDE PRICE: £525,000

A superb oast house conversion in an exclusive development with fine views across the Teme Valley.

TENBURY WELLS, WORCESTERSHIRE superb oast house conversion in an with fine views across the Kitchen/Family Room, Spacious Sitting Room, Master Bedroom with Ensuite, Two Further Shower Room, Large Single Allocated Parking Spaces, Attractive Level

Kitchen/Family Room, Spacious Sitting Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Master Bedroom with Ensuite, Two Further Double Bedrooms, Shower Room, Large Single Garage, Allocated Parking Spaces, Attractive Level Gardens, EPC Rating D.

FIND US AT: www.nickchampion.co.uk
NEW
WELLS
www.nickchampion.co.uk

COMMON, BOCKLETON, TENBURY

TENBURY WELLS, WORCESTERSHIRE - GUIDE PRICE: £375,000

A spacious detached bungalow on a generous corner plot enjoying rural views and within walking distance of the town centre. Kitchen, Spacious Sitting Room, Dining Room/Fourth Bedroom, Three Double Bedrooms, Wet Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Garden Room, Attractive Gardens, Garage, Carport and Parking, EPC Rating D.

TEME STREET, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £125,000

A detached cottage for improvement in a town centre location. Galley Kitchen, Living Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Conservatory, Bedroom, Dressing Room/Bedroom, Shower Room, Boiler Room, Gardens, Parking, EPC Rating E.

ORCHARD COURT, TENBURY WELLS - GUIDE PRICE: £90,000

A first floor flat 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, Double Bedroom, Shower Room, EPC Rating C.

FIND US AT: www.nickchampion.co.uk

TEME STREET, TENBURY WELLS - OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £60,000

A spacious first floor flat for complete renovation in a period property in a town centre location. Open Plan Kitchen/Living Room, Double Bedroom, Shower Room, EPC Rating E.

WORCESTERSHIRE - GUIDE PRICE: £525,000 an exclusive development the Teme Valley. Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Further Double Bedrooms, Single Garage, Level Gardens, EPC Rating D.

NEWPRICE NEW NEW

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