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April 2014
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Welcome to the April issue of Traderpost - we hope you enjoy the magazine and all of its features - , and please do mention Traderpost when replying to any of our advertisers. Plus all of our regular features... Game Review Midlands Air Ambulance feature Pets Section Houses & Homes Antiques & Collectables Motoring Section Fashion
We have recently expanded the distribution of traderpost – virtually doubling the number of supermarkets where you can find it around the region – freely available on display near the entrance - plus traderpost is available from many local retailers.
Cover photograph © Taurus Crafts
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Company Reg No: 04310940 VAT No: 762776982 Tel: 01743 874098 Email: sales@traderpost.co.uk All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of printing. Traderpost does not accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies which slipped through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd 2014. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
Adam
ADAM DAVISON, Editor
Contributors this month Midlands Air Ambulance serves the largest air ambulance region in the UK. This includes the communities of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire; representing a population in excess of 6 million.
Rita Kearsey MRICS Manager Smiths Auction Rooms Newent Antiques & Collectables
Games Reviews by our in-house reviewer Felix Davison
If you need to hire a helicopter, just want to experience flying in one, or want to learn to fly, Heliflight are here to help.
Based at Gloucestershire airport, Heliflight is one of the leading Helicopter provider in the UK. With an extensive fleet of helicopters including the popular Robinson R22, R44, Schweizer 300, and Bell B206 Jet Ranger. Heliflight UK have a helicopter to meet any requirement. Our services include executive charter, self-fly hire and training.
If you want a taste of flying in a helicopter we have a range of flight experience packages. Our pleasure flights allow you to choose where you would like to fly to, perhaps see your house from the air, while our helitours take you over places of local interest. Perhaps you might want to try flying a helicopter. We can offer you a lesson, where you’ll take the controls and be guided by an instructor in our dual controlled training helicopters, you’ll soon be flying across the countryside. It’s a unique experience that some continue with to gain a Private Pilot’s Licence. Hundreds of pilots have been through our training facilities with some going on to gain commercial licences and flight instructor qualifications.
If you’re looking for a unique present our gift vouchers allow you to buy a flight and the recipient to choose when they want to fly at a later date. You can buy on-line, print the voucher yourself or we can send it for you.
Crafty Chicks courtesy of Cadbury 4
This Easter, they would like to extend special thanks to Cadbury in Leominster for generously providing Cadbury’s Creme Eggs, to help support Concern Universal’s work. The crème eggs have been crafted into a range of cracking craft gifts ready for Easter.
The charity chicks have now flown the coop and are nesting in various places around the county including; Hereford Council Office on Plough Lane, Herefordshire & Ludlow College, The Bell at Tillington and Weobley Post Office. They are also available along with a range of other crafts and gifts in the Concern Universal King Street shop. So if you see one of their crème egg chicks, don’t be cheep! Please donate to a good cause this Easter!
Concern Universal, Hereford’s international development charity, has a dedicated team of Crafty Ladies who produce and sell a wide range of craft items through local craft fairs and the Concern Universal shop on King Street.
! ! "#
Traderpost
For more information on Concern Universal or to find out how to become part of the Crafty Ladies’ team, please call 01432 355111 or call into the King Street shop (next to Connells).
Apply with your CV to adam@traderpost.co.uk Tel: 01743 874098
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to advertise throughout Herefordshire & the Forest of Dean
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Oscar needs a new home
Oscar is a 5-year-old neutered male. He was an unloved former farm cat who left home for a better life. He came to HELP FOR CATS in early January and was very timid and shy but since then he has improved greatly and is a very loving cat who craves attention. He really needs a home of his own, preferably with no other cats.
PLEASE CONTACT ‘HELP FOR CATS’ ON 01989 750500 OR 01989 565271. IF NO-ONE IS AVAILABLE TO TAKE YOUR CALL PLEASE LEAVE YOUR NAME & PHONE NUMBER AND WE WILL CONTACT YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
JUMBLE SALE
SATURDAY 26TH APRIL, 2PM AT THE LEA VILLAGE HALL ON THE A40. THE SPRING JUMBLE SALE WITH A DIFFERENCE, IN AID OF HELP FOR CATS. EXCEPTIONAL BARGAINS PLUS A MYRIAD OF QUALITY ITEMS. ALSO OUR SO-POPULAR TEAROOM REPLETE WITH HOME-MADE DELIGHTS.
Please contact Help for Cats on 01989 750500 or 01989 565271. If there is no-one in please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Molly & Lexi
These two beautiful girls are Molly and Lexi, they are around 5 - 6 years old. Although cruelly abandoned by their owner in the Forest of Dean area we do know that they have always lived together and are therefore looking for a home for them together. They are very sweet dogs, Lexi the collie is a bright active little dog whilst Molly is more laid back.
It would be wonderful if we could find a nice country home for these two, for further information please contact the kennels on 01568 760033.
If you can offer a home to a rescue dog, please phone or email us at : hwar.animalrescue@gmail.com
Details of current dogs available can be seen on our website www.hwanimalrescue.org or by visiting our facebook page hereford and worcester animal rescue.
If you have an event you would like to put in What’s On call 01743 874098
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We supply quality affordable gifts, home ware & cards. Locally sourced Forest of Dean products including Hand Crafted Gifts, Honey & Handmade soap. We are delighted to announce that we are also an exclusive stockist of Di Paloma beauty products & fragrances.
call 01451 821255 visit cotswoldmotormuseum.co.uk
Forest Delights Kitchen & Home is now open at Unit 2 Harts Barn Craft Centre we offer a selection of kitchen and home ware products including locally crafted ceramics and childrens kitchenware.
‘A garden is a delight to the eye and a solace for the soul'
8
M i d l a n d s Ai r Am b u l a n c e T o H o s t A G l i t t e r i n g R e c o g n i t i o n Awa r d s E v e n i n g !
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, which undertakes life saving missions across Herefordshire on a daily basis, is inviting you to its much anticipated Recognition Awards and Charity Ball on Friday 20th June.
Held annually at Edgbaston Stadium, the prestigious evening is designed to celebrate the charity’s unsung heroes, including supportive fundraisers, brave airlift patients and dedicated volunteers, and is also hosted to raise vital funds for the life saving service.
The glittering evening will start with a drinks reception, complete with live music and the arrival of the service’s three famous air ambulance helicopters. Guests will be treated to a four course meal, followed by a casino, auction, prestigious raffle and live entertainment. In addition, several of the charity’s celebrity and sporting ambassadors will be joining in with the celebrations and will help to the party get started.
During the night, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity will recognise some of the very special people and organisations who have supported the charity and enabled it to become one of the best-loved in the Midlands. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Saving Lives by Saving Time
The Winners - 2013
Jason Levy, fundraising and marketing director for the charity, comments: “Our Recognition Awards and Charity Ball has always been enjoyed by everyone who attends. Not only is it a wonderful excuse for a really great night out, but it also recognises some of the incredible people who make a difference to our service; our paramedics and doctors, our fundraisers and volunteers and of course, our courageous patients. I guarantee there will be laughter and tears on the night and I do hope you can join us on this very special occasion.”
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has already had an incredible level of support, with platinum level sponsorship from jewellers TH Baker, and gold level sponsorship packages secured with security firm GMS, Ferrari and Maserati dealership Graypaul Birmingham, Silverstone Auctions and marketing company Yoghurt Top.
Tickets cost £75 or £750 for a table of ten and a limited number of sponsorship packages are still available. For further information about the Recognition Awards and Charity Ball, please contact the team on 0800 8 40 20 40 or email info@midlandsairambulance.com Alternatively visit www.midlandsairambulance.com
Saving Lives by Saving Time
Midlands Air Ambulance is the only charity responsible for funding and operating three helicopters serving the community of Herefordshire along with Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands. MAAC receives NO Government or National Lottery funding and the £6 million needed each year is funded solely by the public and local businesses.
Some facts and figures… Airlifting a casualty to hospital within one hour (the Golden Hour) greatly increases their chance of survival We can reach a Trauma Centre from anywhere in the region in less than 15 minutes We have responded to more than 38,000 incidents since 1991 and saved countless lives Four in every ten incidents responded to is funded by a ‘Gift in a Will’
We need you!
We are fully aware that without the support of volunteers and the goodwill of the public and local businesses, the service would not be here today. As well as the constant need for donations of money, we also welcome donations of your time. So why not volunteer to become our point of contact in the Herefordshire area? For more information call
0800 8 40 20 40
Find us on
Saving Lives by Saving Time
Call 0800
8 40 20 40 or visit www.midlandsairambulance.com Hawthorn House, Dudley Road, Lye, West Midlands, United Kingdom DY9 8BQ
and
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What's on
Friday 4 April - 7.30om-11pm Only Fools and Horses - Ane Evening with John Challis. Join actor and comedy legend John Challis for an evening recounting a colourful life and an endless selection of hilarious anecdotes. Journalist Andrew Richardson will be asking the question as Challis recalls tales from his rich career including appearances in The Green Green Grass, Doctor Who and of course, Only Fools and Horses. Globe at Hay 01497 821762
Saturday 5 April – 7.30pm ‘La Dolce Diva’ The Penyard Singers, with soloist Sue Black, will perform a concert of opera favourites Tickets: Under 18s free / £5 concessions / £8 adults yZone Youth and Arts Centre, Hill Street, Ross-on-Wye 01531 828057 Tuesdays throughout April 5.45pm for a 6.00pm start Walking for Health weekly walks last one hour at a pace to suit all levels of fitness around the Brockhampton Estate. 07912 748751
Tuesdays throughout April 11.00am – 4.00pm Open days - not in-steam The Waterworks Museum 01432 357236
Saturday 1 March – Sunday 30 April 11.00am – 4.00pm A display of 18th – 20th century hats and bonnets from the Charles Paget Wade collection and Hereford Museum Resource and Learning Centre Berrington Hall 01568 615721
Tuesday 1 April – Wednesday 30 June 11.00am – 4.00pm A display of costumes and accessories from the 2008 film The Duchess. Berrington Hall 01568 615721
Saturday 4 April Lecture 11.00am, Questions & Answers 12.15pm, Lunch 12.30pm Lecture Lunch: The Craft of Dry Stone Walling with Charles Gordon Clark Adults £19, Concessions £17 Brockhampton Estate 08442 491895
Saturday 5 April 12noon – 3.00pm Farmers market Brockhampton Estate 01885 482077
Saturday 5 April Starts 1.00pm – 2.00pm, Hereford & Worcester Schools Orienteering Championship. Free event and free estate entry for non NT members taking part Brockhampton Estate stevebramwell@btinternet.com
Sunday 6 April 10.00am – 4.00pm Riverside Art Spring - Whether you are an amateur or an experienced artist, enjoy a day of drawing, sketching and painting at The Weir. Bring your preferred medium and Robin Thorndyke will show you the best spots in the garden. Free entry for artists The Weir 01981590509 Thursday 6 April, Sunday 20 April & Monday 21 April 12noon to 4.30pm Public train rides at Broomy Hill. Free entry and parking. Adults and children must buy tickets to ride on the trains. Light refreshments available in the clubhouse. Hereford Socierty of Model Engineers www.hsme.co.uk
Friday 18 and Saturday 19 April Daffodils Open Days Wilton Castle 01989 565759
Friday 18 – Monday 21 April 11.00am – 4.30pm 2014 marks the centenary anniversary of the First World War. Join the Easter Treasure hunt to commemorate the heroes Eastnor Castle 01531 633160
Friday 18 – Monday 21 April 10.00am – 4.00pm Eggsplore the world of eggs with our Easter trail. Find out about the creatures that produce them. Follow the clues and win your Cadbury chocolate Egghead. Trails £2.50 Berrington Hall 01568 615721
Sunday 20 April & Monday 21 April 1.00pm to 4.00pm The museum will be open and in-steam The Waterworks Museum 01432 357236
Monday 21 April 11.30am - 3.30pm Ledbury Waytes, Medieval Music & Dance. Meet Medieval Minstrels, listen to their Wednesday 9 April 7.30pm Bromyard and District Local History Society music, talk about their costumes and try on Talk: Historic Needlework by Sophie Holroyd. armour Brockhampton Estate 01885 482077 Embroidered rhetoric: the social, religious and political functions of elite women's needlework c1560-1630. Members free, non Tuesday 22 April 1.30pm – 4.00pm members £3.00 Family den building and survival skills in Conquest Theatre, Bromyard the woods. Bring a picnic to eat in your 01885 488755 shelter and reward yourself with roasted marshmallows on the fire. Old clothes and Wednesday 9 April waterproofs recommended. Children £3, Exhibition begins: Two gallons of your best gin - William Pulling, Cider Merchant and Gin Adults free. Brockhampton Estate 01885 482077 Distiller of Hereford Cider Museum 01432 354207
Thursday 24 April 2.00pm – 4.00pm Join our gardener to learn more about the hidden world of worms. £3 Adult, Children free The Weir 01981590509
Friday 25 April 7.00pm start The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes with Dontgointothecellar Theatre Company. See the greatest fictional sleuth of all time in this thrilling adaptation of the Conan Doyle classic set in the manor house. Limited tickets, booking essential. Adults £10, Concessions £8, Family of four or more 20% off Brockhampton Estate 08442 491895 Saturday April 26th Tintern Fair at village hall (next to playing fields next to abbey) 10am to 4 pm Colletables Bric a brac, Local crafts, vintage cloths, teas coffees and homemade cakes + much more! Free parking Admission to fair 50p- Tables £10 Ros 01594 563163 Saturday 26 April 10.00am – 11.00am Experience a beginner’s taster session of Tai Chi and Qigong in the relaxing surroundings of the garden. £3 Adult The Weir 01981590509
Sunday 27 April 1.00pm to 4.00pm Museum open and in-steam with the Hereford & District Preservation Society displaying many extra historic working engines and vintage vehicles The Waterworks Museum 01432 357236
Thursday 10 April 2.00pm – 4.00pm Join our gardener for a guided walk. Learn all about the spring bulbs at The Weir and get tips for your own garden £3 Adult The Weir 01981590509 Saturday 12 April 1.30pm & 2.30pm Hands-on stone carving workshops lasting one hour led by stone carver Simon Keely. Advice and guidance at all stages of the process. Spaces limited, £8 per session, Brockhampton Estate 08442 491895 Saturday 12 - Sunday 27 April 10.00am – 4.00pm Sponsored by Cadbury’s this fun Easter themed trail will take place in and around Lower Brockhampton. Search for hidden eggs & win a prize. £2 per trail Brockhampton Estate 01885 482077
Frame it! Half term family activity 14–25 April 2014, 10am – 5pm Follow the trail around the museum and decorate a photo frame to take home. Free with entry. Museum of Royal Worcester 01905 21247
CHARITY GOLF DAY Friday 9th May 2014
at the Herefordshire Golf Club, Wormsley. In aid of : HEREFORDSHIRE SAMARITANS Registered charity No.507570 We need sponsors for each of the 18 holes We need teams of 4, Women, Men or mixed we will make up a team or you can make up a your own team. The cost is £25 per person or £100 per team, this will include cost of entry and a 2 course meal, there will be prizes to reward winners of various competitions also an Auction and a Raffle. Suitable items for the Auction or Raffle will be much appreciated. For more information contact: Bridget Halpern tel:01432 265157 or email:bridget.halpern@btinternet.com
List your event for free - sales@traderpost.co.uk
Pengethley Manor Hotel Sometimes talking can help you put things into focus.
Whatever you’re going through we’re here to help 24 hours a day in confidence and without judging Need to talk ? We’ll listen.
WE NEED YOUR HELP ! It costs around £50,000 a year to keep the Herefordshire Samaritans providing a 24 hours service to the community. In 2013 they received 18,835 contacts from people in distress, some feeling suicidal. NEED TO TALK? Telephone : 01432 269000 or 08457 909090 email : jo@samaritans.org You can write to us or visit us at: 44a, Berrington Street, Hereford. HR4 0BJ
Spectacular Georgian Country House in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside Perfect setting for your dream wedding
19 en-suite bedrooms with superb views
Excellent, locally sourced food served in the Hentland View Restaurant www.pengethleymanor.co.uk
Telephone: 01989 730211 reservations@pengethleymanor.co.uk
A Creative Easter at Taurus Crafts
Throughout the Easter School Holiday (5th-27th April) Taurus Crafts will be buzzing with activity as families get creative. The popular Forest of Dean visitor centre is a vibrant place to visit at the best of times which is boosted during these school holidays with the amount of hands on family activities available.
The resident craft workers on site provide have-a -go sessions in pottery, stone carving, chocolate making and knitting. These activities are complimented by visiting creatives who bring a mixture of skills to the centre including puppet making and recycled decorations. Each day there is always a choice of activity so check the website or phone ahead to find out what’s on offer.
Easter Sunday sees a new event staged at Taurus Crafts, an Antiques and Vintage fair. The day runs from 10am until 4.30pm and promises to be a fantastic opportunity to browse and buy from a selection of stalls selling an extensive selection of antiques, memorabilia, vintage and collectable items. The event is free to enter making it a keen opportunity for bargain hunters who turn up early.
Visiting Taurus Crafts couldn’t be easier; located on the A48 just outside Lydney with an easily accessible large free car park.
Taurus Crafts, Lydney, GL15 6BU www.tauruscrafts.co.uk Telephone - 01594844841
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ay ... t d ps ea ou gr gr A for t ou
Westons Visitor Centre Westons Cider has been making cider in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle, since 1880. Join a mill tour and go behind the scenes to discover how your favourite cider is produced. Sample cider and perry in the shop or enjoy homemade food in the Scrumpy House Restaurant. Call 01531 660108 or visit www www.westons-cider.co.uk .westons-cider.co.uk .westons-cider .co.uk for further information information and to arrange your visit. Westons Westons Cider, Cider, The Bounds, Much Marcle, Marcle, Ledbury, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2NQ T: T: 01531 660108 E: enquiries@westons-cider.co.uk enquiries@westons-cider.co.uk
Every day until 19th December Cider Mill Tours at Westons Cider £.800 per adult with free sampling of cider and perry (18’s and over only.) Tour Times: 11.00, 12.30, 2.30 & 3.30 Booking advisable. From 4th April – 2nd November Westons Cider Play Park Open New play equipment. Gated area. Free entry to Play Park and Free car parking. For a family day out combine with a tour of the Cider Mill (booking advisable for Tours).
Tel: 01531 660108 Website: www.westons-cider.co.uk
PARKEND, P ARKEND, NEAR N EAR LLYDNEY LYDNE YDNEY
It’s a cosy cabin, a walk in the park and a great time had by all
Enjoy a champagne dinner for two or treat your mum on Mothers day. The perfect setting for you and your loved ones to celebrate Valentines day and Mothers day.
Self-catering log cabins and apartments apartmen • Self-catering Camping & caravanning caravanning pit ches and • Camping pitches glamping pod pool Sauna, steam steam room, room, Jacuzzi, gym and pool • Sauna, Family restaurant, restaurant, bars bars,, and • Family fresco dining al fresco Indoor and outdoor outdoor play play areas areas • Indoor Activities and entertainment entertainment • Activities Beauty Salon Salon • Health and Beauty
C all 0 1594 560 400 Call 01594 V isit whit emead.co.uk Visit whitemead.co.uk
01547 540203 đ www.thelionleintwardine.co.uk
R EC I P E O F T H E M O N T H G I P S Y TA R T W I T H G U I N N ES S I C E C R E A M Originating in Kent this sweet tart, a favourite on school menus, is a lovely simple and inexpensive dessert and for this reason is fondly remembered from many a school day. We serve it in the restaurant with Guinness ice cream which beautifully counteracts the sweetness of the tart, and also some rum soaked raisins – definitely not found in school dinners!
Ingredients: Gipsy tart
250g muscovado sugar 1 tin of evaporated milk
Pastry
4 tablespoons icing sugar 300g plain flour 150g butter 1 egg yolk
Guinness ice cream 2 rgg yolks 40 ml cream 80 ml milk 30g caster sugar 1 pint Guinness 1 vanilla pod
For the ice cream
Reduce the Guinness in a pan by 4/5ths (until nearly syrupy) Whisk the egg yolk and sugar until pale in colour, heat the milk and cream to just below boiling point, add the vanilla seeds and the egg yolks and cool the mixture down. Churn the ice cream in a ice cream machine.
For the pastry tartlets
mix the flour and icing sugar together in a bowl. Add the butter and rub it in lightly with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Alternatively, do this in a food processor or a mixer and then transfer to a bowl. Mix the egg with a tablespoon of water. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the egg mix. Work the liquid into the flour to bring the pastry together. If it seems too dry, add a splash more water. When the dough begins to stick together, use your hands to gently knead it into a ball. Wrap in cling film and rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about a 3mm thickness and use it to line the tart tin/s, leaving excess pastry hanging over the edge. Keep a little uncooked pastry back in case you need to patch any cracks later. Bake with baking beans in a pre-heated oven at 200’c for about 15 minutes, remove the baking beans and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
For the filling
Put the both milk and sugar in a large bowl or the bowl of a freestanding mixer. Beat together with an electric whisk for around 10 minutes until the mixture is increased in volume, light and bubbly. Pour the mixture into the pastry case. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until just set and still a bit wobbly in the centre. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin before slicing and serving.
14
RE VIE
W
aside, it greatly adds to the experience as a party game, and allows for many more interesting sessions.
Back-And-Forth Battle: 9/10 The game is fought until there is a winner. There are no time limits by default (though they can be added); as such, until someone reaches the Nidhogg, it’s not over. This encourages intense competition - the only downside is that some areas can be almost impossible to win, leading to near-stalemates.
Nidhogg
Nidhogg is a fast-paced party game for one to eight players, available on Steam. The game’s objective is simple: Defeat your 8-bit opponent in a swordfight. Repeatedly. Kill your opponent and you move forwards; die and they do. Reach the end of a section and enter the next until eventually one player reaches the end of the map and is swallowed by the titular Nidhogg (and this, for some reason, makes them the winner). Special Features: Duel-based combat, Tournament Multiplayer, Back-And-Forth Battle, Campaign, Online Play
Duel-based Combat: 10/10 Each game is one-vs-one, on a 2D map. This, coupled with the fact that a player needs a kill to advance, makes it intensive and addictive from the very start. The controls are simple: Left, right, up and down to move, with a jump button and a lunge button. It is only once these are put together that it becomes impressive: A jump and a lunge for a dive-kick; a crouch down and a lunge to trip; the possibilities are plentiful. Tournament Multiplayer: 9/10 The ability of the game to include more than two players in this way was a masterstroke. It allows everyone to feel involved and play, while making sure it is just as intensely one-on-one in each battle; the only issue is a slightly unclear setup. That
Campaign: 8/10 The campaign is, simply put, a race against time. The player fights a number of computer-controlled opponents, one after the other, in a series of matches; the aim is to complete them all in the lowest amount of time. While this is great fun, the value is limited by the lack of variation or even different difficulties; that said, it is challenging and rewarding in and of itself. Online Play: 9/10 Online matches are found through Steam, and easy to find - though only against those on your friends list. This means that, while you can easily have some fun with friends, the scope is limited especially if none of them own the game. Despite this it is, as I can attest, hours of fun and more convenient in many cases than a local session.
Value: 10/10 The game’s price (under £10 at the time of writing) is easily justified. It’s a wonderful experience and with the low cost one I can thoroughly recommend. Overall Rating: 91% MUST-BUY
A GUIDE TO THE AWARDS 60% - BRONZE 70% - SILVER 80% - GOLD 90% - MUST-BUY 95% - ESSENTIAL
Why 10,000 shoes have hot-footed it across the shop floor. To make your visit to Labels Outlet Shopping more enjoyable we’re improving the way we look, which is why we’ve moved our shoe shop – the region’s biggest – but only by a few feet! Come and see how we’re looking for yourself.
CONTACT E: shop@labelsoutletshopping.co.uk T: 01989 769000 W: labelsoutletshopping.co.uk SHOP Monday - Saturday 9.45am - 6pm Thursday late until 8pm Sunday 10.45am - 5pm (browsing only Sunday 10.45 am - 11am)
Closed Easter Sunday LOCATION Ross on Wye / M50 J4 Sat Nav: HR9 7QQ
labels THE DIFFERENCE IS OUR PEOPLE
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Simply Stunning Furniture
“My home is filled with your furniture - and I love it” was the response when I was introduced to someone at a business seminar I recently attended. Martin Pearson is managing director of Simply Stunning Furniture and he is proud of his teams efforts in establishing one of the region’s most impressive home interiors stores.
A visit to his superstore at Wormelow will show that he has good reason to be proud of his efforts. Located in beautiful rural countryside next to the crumbling remains of the old Park Hall Ballroom, once you walk through the doors you enter a truly amazing world of home interiors. The showroom is vast, offering stunning furniture for every room of the home - there are dozens of dining tables, beautiful comfy sofas and corner units, home office furnishings and extensive bedroom furnishings.
They have a Flooring Department offering a comprehensive and impressive range from leading suppliers such as Karndean and Amtico and an extensive range of carpets from sumptuous wools to easy clean domestics. They even have an extensive Fabric
Department with hundreds of roll-end fabrics and books with all the leading manufacturers. And a look at the price tickets on their products certainly won’t shock - in fact their prices are surprisingly competitive.
The business has rapidly evolved since its concept in 200, Martin tells us that “our ethos and success has been based on price and quality. I have sourced products which are durable and fashionable at prices which our competitors struggle to match. And since we hold substantial stock most of our products can be delivered within days”.
The store even has a cosy coffee shop with log burner and beautiful leather sofas where customers can sit and relax with freshly ground coffee and home made cake. And if you aren’t looking for a dining set you can browse an extensive range of gifts and home accessories.
Gardens in the Spring 18
Howle Hill Nursery Garden at Malvern Spring Show 2013 -
Awarded Gold and Best in Show
Spring is finally with us and the garden is now brimming with new life and energy.
Plan ahead and commit to this year being the Year of the Garden! It’s a great time to review the layout. Simple changes to border shapes can make a huge difference and with a little thought, areas can be transformed.
Prunus Cerasifera Pissardii Nigra
When we are designing gardens we always seek to maintain the long vista and not break it … this maximises the feeling of size within the garden. The end of the vista could be a far reaching view, a beautiful tree, or something a little more practical such as a bench nestled into a scented border.
April is also a great time to plant as we have warmer soil conditions and generally a natural supply of soft rain. It is also the last opportunity to move existing small evergreens and perennials. If you are moving larger perennial clumps, take an opportunity now to divide the plants. The outer growing section is the more vigourous and it is this part of the plant that will provide you with lots of summer colour.
Our Show teams are currently preparing for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. This will include the VIP area, the central festival site and the main bar. All of which will be transformed into a musically themed Jazz Jungle including a piano, compete with water shoot and a vibrant, contemporary art installation by Lauren Delaney our in-house artist.
Artwork in progress, for the Jazz lounge garden at Cheltenham Jazz festival.
The newly re-branded RHS Malvern Spring Festival will have the Howle Hill magic present in a series of adventurous plant displays throughout the showground including the edible and herb based theatre stage for celebrity chefs James Martin and Rachel Allen, together with local Asparagus champions at Cobrey Farms.
Other feature displays will be a ‘Jungle’ in the Food Hall, Village Green, Italianete water feature and a nostalgic entrance statement using a 3-wheeler vintage Morgan car from Morgan at Malvern.
Visit the nursery and view some of the beautiful stock before it arrives at Cheltenham and Malvern.
Peter Dowle is a Garden Designer & Plantsman, and offers planting advice, garden design and consultancy from the nursery and offices at Howle Hill.
Cheltenham Jazz: www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/ RHS Malvern Spring Festival: www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/rhs-malvern-springfestival/2014
If you are planning a larger planting project, it is always best to seek advice before embarking on the journey as this will often save you money in the long run.
April is a very busy period for the team at Howle Hill Nursery. We now have a large range of fresh spring stock available throughout the nursery, including beautiful standard Wisterias, a large range of striking topiary pieces as well as our eclectic mix of unusual show plants, together with the largest range of specimen Japanese Maples you’ll find anywhere!
Acer palmatum Shindeshojo
The Poppies featured in our L'Occitane Immortelle Garden - Awarded a Gold Medal at Chelsea in 2012
HOWLE HILL NURSERY !
GARDEN DESIGN - CONSTRUCTION - PLANTING - MAINTENANCE & SPECIALIST PLANT NURSERY
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It’s official we are now in Spring with March 20th being the first day of spring. With the clock going forward on Mothering Sunday it means that we will have more daylight in the evenings to get on with jobs in the garden. Vegetables such as peas and broad beans should now be available to plant directly into prepared beds. Salad vegetables like tomatoes are ready to plant under protection (ideally in a greenhouse but a growhouse will also be suitable). Lettuce can be sown directly into fine soil under a tunnel/cloche to protect the fine seedlings from excessive rain and wind. Soon to follow outside are the cabbages, cauliflowers, runner beans and French beans. The full range of summer and autumn vegetables should be available for transplanting by Easter weekend. New strawberry plants are also available in individual pots or packs of 6. Broad Bean Plants
Now is the time to plan your summer containers and baskets. Sweet peas are a versatile way to add scent, colour and height in borders or on patios when grown in wicker wigwam planters. The latter are available in a selection of sizes to suit every size of space and make a colourful addition to Wicker Wigwam Planter your front door. We have seven different varieties of sweet peas as well as mixed colour pots ready for planting out. Remember when transplanting your sweet peas (also applies to edible peas and beans) NOT to disturb the root system as this could prevent good growth and development. They also benefit from pinching at the top to make them bushy and more productive.
Surfinia
In addition individual summer basket plants should be available from mid April including geraniums (pelargoniums), fuchsias, verbenas, Surfinias, diaschias, helichrysums and bacopa to name but a few. More tender varieties like lobelia and begonia will also be available but will require some protection against unwelcome late frosts. Packs of summer bedding plants like petunias, begonias, alyssum, lobelia, salvias and anthirinums should be ready for planting by the second half of this month in weed free prepared borders.
In full bloom are the early species clematis such as alpinas and macropetala with colours ranging from pure white (C. a. albiflora) to maroon/purple (C. a. Tage Lundell). Also some of the early flowering hybrid clematis should be providing some signs of budding especially varieties like ‘Beauty of Worcester’ (double blue flower) or ‘Mrs George Jackman’ (single white flower) not forgetting ‘Nelly Moser’ and ‘Vyvyan Pennell’. If you are looking for a more distinctive clematis why not try the varieties bred by Raymond Evison (specialist clematis breeder). His plants are well suited for container growing and even hanging baskets (Abilene and Picardy).
Clematis Picardy
Nothing says summer like the scent of lavender. Best suited to our climate are the English lavenders (lavandula angustifolia), they tolerate rain on their foliage and keep their flower stalks upright even in the strongest winds. More importantly they provide the strongest scented oils in the lavender world and are the ones cultivated in the south of France for the luxury perfume industry. Well known varieties include Hidcote, Munstead and Vera with flower colours ranging from Lavandula Havana dark purple to light lilac. Less common are Loddon Pink with pale pink flowers and Arctic Snow with pure white scented flowers. A new introduction this year, said to rival Hidcote, is Havana. It is a compact plant with deep purple flowers and will be perfect as a hedge plant. Thinking ahead but staying with scented foliage why not try Rosemary ‘Barbecue’ which has straight stems that, once the foliage has been stripped and used to flavour your cooking, can be used as skewers! This is a new variety to our range of rosemary bushes that includes ‘Miss Jessop’s Upright’, ‘Blue Lagoon’ and ‘Green Ginger’ (with an added ginger tang).
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22
More Collectables from the back of the drawer !
Continuing my theme of ‘everyday collectables which can make surprising prices’ I must report that our February Antiques sale saw record prices for such items with online bidding stronger than ever. It seems collectors from around the world are really waking up to the idea that they can search and buy directly from salesrooms and seek out the items of their hearts desire - however obscure.
For example a small Fry’s Chocolate shop display cabinet in poor condition containing a small collection of antique packaging items made an astounding £330. This was after a substantial amount of interest from a number of collectors requiring condition reports and additional photographs. The cabinet had been languishing in the depths of a large house in Longhope with little thought of it’s potential value.
Amber beads are also an item which are suddenly selling incredibly well to the Chinese - the amber has to be ‘butterscotch’ yellow in colour (not the clear amber popular in the west). Amber is made from fossilised tree resin and should feel quite lightweight and warm to the touch. This broken necklace sold to a Chinese bidder for £1600 in Smiths February sale - so it is definitely time to have a look through any costume jewellery boxes to see if there is any old amber lurking there.
Other Chinese items also continue to sell well and this austere looking 18th century Chinese bronze censer (incense burner) attracted huge pre-sale interest. It could be the sort of non-descript item that ‘Grandma kept her pot plant in for years’ but this one sold at Smiths for £1,250. Often sought after Chinese antiques made for the home market tended to be very plain and simple, with concentration on simple lines and superb craftsmanship – this can make them easy to overlook to the novice.
This group of antique lace makers bobbins again might well be lurking at the back of a dusty old drawer but specialist collectors pay good money for genuine old bobbins of turned wood and ivory. This collection sold for £150 – once again on the internet. There is also a strong market for antique sewing collectables such as treen bodkin cases, interesting thimbles, needle cases etc.
Textiles and costume items are selling well at present and this box of antique lace pieces made £200 whilst a beautiful Victorian fine lace christening gown made £300. Smiths sale on the 4th April has a large selection of textiles and costume including a stunning 1920’s blue beaded flapper dress estimated at £100/£150 and a selection of 1930’s black lace evening wear all in quite wearable sizes for a change !!
Smiths next sale on the 9th May is hosting the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip with Margie Cooper and Paul Laidlew as the guest experts. The sale has a special section for silver and jewellery and entries are invited from the 7th April – please telephone for details or see our website. Rita Kearsey MRICS, Manager Smiths Auction Rooms, Newent
See our advert on page 24 for details of the next auction
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24
William Sidney Cooper – oil Est £800/£1000
18th century farmhouse table Est £700/£900
Friday 4th April at 10am
Penyard Kitchens
including Postcards, Stamps, Textiles & Costume, Country Furniture, Ceramics, Pictures, Jewellery, Silver and Collectables
Viewing 3rd April 10am-7pm
Next Sale 9th May - with Special Silver & Jewellery Section Entries Invited From 7th April also featuring BBC’s Antiques Road Trip
Hand Crafted Luxury Kitchens at affordable prices www.penyardkitchens.co.uk 01989 564284 Mens advice line ........................................................ Victim Support ............................................................ Childline ..................................................................... National Domestic Violence Helpline ......................... National Drugs Helpline .............................................. National Neighbourhood Watch Association .............. Herefordshire Road Safety Hotline ............................ West Mercia Police (non emergency) ........................ rossonwyerural.lpt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk Samaritans ............................................................
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Gas Emergency ......................................................... Central Networks Electricity .................................... NSPCC Child protection helpline ............................... RSPCA Animal protection 24hr cruelty line ............... Emergency Ambulance, Fire, Police, CaveMountain Rescue ....................................................... EU wide emergency number .................................... Crimestoppers ........................................................... Police Non emergency .............................................. Ross Community and other Herefordshire Hospitals Minor injuries ...................... Hereford County Hospital .......................................... Ledbury community hospital ..................................... NHS Direct .................................................................
Herefordshire Council ................................................
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www.communigate.co.uk/here/hfdsneiwatch.
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At Pallisers we can service all your petrol & diesel garden Machinery, $OVR $79 879·V 6R GRQ·W GHOD\ FDOO WRGD\
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The Yard has become one of Monmouthshire’s hidden gems and talking points with its wide range of stock
from cheap house clearance items to the unique one off items, with stock that changes weekly and an enthusiasm to get better stock weekly. Brenden Oliver 01600 719605 / 01600 714415 M: 07515 155546 Unit 1, Wyeside Commercial Centre, Hadnock Road, Monmouth. NP25 3QG BUYER AND SELLERS OF • ARCHITECTURE ANTIQUES
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• COLLECTABLES PAST AND PRESENT
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ROSES COUNTRY FAYRE Garden Centre... Growing since 1978 Spring into 2014 with us
We have an unrivalled selection of plants for your garden, from familiar old favourites to exciting newcomers and a lot more besides! Visit us and see!
01432 260000 or email
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Sudoku
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Springing off the shelves !
Best-selling books come in all shapes and sizes. Yes, there are bodice-rippers and Scandinavian detective stories aplenty, but there are also thoughtful literary works, comedy, TV tie-ins, thrillers, family sagas and much more besides. This month we have a selection of fiction from some best-selling authors. Perhaps you already know them. If not, why not try something new !
A cross-over from the Young Adult market, John Green’s novel “The Fault in Our Stars” is a moving and very human book. Teenager Hazel meets Augustus at a cancer support group and, despite Hazel having a terminal diagnosis, they can’t stop themselves from falling in love. Don’t be put off by the fact that the main characters suffer (or have suffered) from cancer; Green shows us the easily-overlooked truth that they are people first, not to be defined by their medical condition. Brilliantly observed and with welldrawn and likeable characters this book is primarily a story about love, and with ultra-witty dialogue ! Look out for the film version due for UK release in June.
You can put your hankies away for “Watch Your Back”, the concluding entry in Karen Rose’s set of four Baltimore thrillers. This is a blend of police procedural drama… and romance!
The action focuses on cop Stevie Mazzetti, and starts with a flashback to the brutal murder of her husband seven years previously. Back in the present day Stevie’s own life is menaced and she must struggle to peel back layers of conspiracy to uncover her longtime enemy, while simultaneously fighting her attraction to security expert Clay Maynard who is determined to protect Stevie, and her daughter Cordie, whether they like it or not. There’s plenty of action, twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and the pages turning.
In a completely different vein, Rachel Joyce’s novel “Perfect” is like a cut diamond or a raindrop on a flower petal – beautifully realized, poised and providing a reflection of a particular time and place – well, actually, two times ! Chapters alternate between the 1970’s, when twelve-year old Byron and his best
friend James do their best to protect Byron’s immaculate but brittle mother from the consequences of an incident she doesn’t even seem to remember, and the present day, when troubled Jim struggles to hold down a job in a café and make sense of life following repeated treatments for psychological problems. With pitch-perfect depictions of the thoughts and motivations of her characters, and a growing sense of impending disaster, Joyce’s book will engage then surprise you.
Going back up a gear, you may already have met DCI Carol Jordan, or profiler Tony Hill, on the pages of earlier Val McDermid novels. Or perhaps you know them from the TV series Wire in the Blood ? At the start of the gripping novel “Cross and Burn” they are on the side-lines while Paula McIntyre, their old colleague from the Major Incident Team, uses the old team’s techniques to tackle the mystery of murdered and disappearing women who all look disturbingly like Carol. All this without alienating new boss DCI Alex Fielding, whose animosity to the old team’s methods goes far enough to consider Tony a suspect. The old colleagues must work together to get inside the mind of a chilling and obsessive killer if his next victim is to be saved.
With all this variety and entertainment on offer among the best-sellers, there’s sure to be something to keep you busy during the Easter break.
Traderpost
read throughout Herefordshire & the Forest of Dean
30
The new Toyota RAV4 - 2014
It’s 20 years since Toyota RAV4 created a whole new motoring market with the launch of RAV4, the original compact recreational SUV. While other manufacturers have been keen to follow Toyota’s lead, RAV4 continues to develop and deliver performance, specification and choice that keep pace with changing customer demand. That’s the inspiration for the 2014 RAV4, building on the model’s inherent strengths with a new powertrain and even higher equipment specifications. New 2.0 D-4D with all-wheel drive
Customers choosing Toyota’s efficient 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine for their RAV4 have, until now, only had the option of two-wheel drive. For 2014 this popular unit has been made available with all-wheel drive, increasing access to 4×4 motoring with the kind of low emissions and strong fuel economy that help keep running costs down.
The new RAV4 2.0 D-4D AWD is available in Icon and Invincible grades. The 122bhp (91kW) engine generates 310Nm for the kind of flexible driving performance that makes the car as easy to manage around town or out on the open road. Coupled to a six-speed manual transmission it returns official combined cycle figures of 137g/km (Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty) and 53.3mpg. Toyota Touch 2
All versions of RAV4 bar the entry level Active model are equipped as standard with the Toyota Touch 2, the latest evolution of Toyota’s touchscreen-operated multimedia system.
It comes with a new high-resolution screen that uses four times as many pixels as the original system, for bright, sharp images.
The package includes Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and sending and receipt of text messages; a rearview camera; vehicle information, including trip data, climate control profile; and management of settings for door locking and lighting.
It also enables simple connection of iPods and MP3 players via USB or Bluetooth, and, where available, will display album, artist and track information. Audio system options, such as the radio and CD player, can also be controlled using the screen. New equipment features
Both Icon and Invincible versions of the 2014 RAV4 benefit from a few extra equipment and styling features.
Icon models adopt keyless entry and easy push-button start as standard, together with new two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels – fitted to the two-wheel as well as all-wheel drive cars. This builds on an equipment list that also includes dual-zone climate control automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, DAB digital tuner, heated retractable door mirrors and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Where Invincible grade models are concerned, customers can now choose between black or a new beige leather seat upholstery. All round protection has been made standard, thanks to front parking sensors being provided in addition to those at the rear. RAV4 prices, VED and insurance
The 2014 RAV4 is on sale now, with first customer deliveries this week. Toyota has made the range even more accessible by reducing the entry price point by £400, offering the 2.0-litre D-4D 2WD Active model for £22,195 on-the-road.
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