Tuesdays Short Mat Bowling 2.30pm Memorial Hall (2pm winter months) Ladies’ Fellowship 2.30pm 2nd Tuesday in the month (usually)

Wednesdays Volume 16 No. February 2006 9 Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing Editor: Andrew Chilvers (01905 641986) 7pm Martley Memorial Hall. Editorial Team: Martley: Alan Boon (01886 Enquiries: Jeff and Thelma 01886 821772 888527), Nellie Bradley (01886 888339), Kate Martley Folk Club: 1st Wednesday in the King (01886 888439), Beth Williams (01886 month at The Admiral Rodney 888273) Wichenford: Janet Andrews (01886 Martley WI: 2nd Wednesday in the 888303), Sheila Richards (01886 888378) month 7.30pm Sport Martley Advertising: Neil Stammers (01886 888513)

Distribution: Martley George & June Lawrence (01886 821064) Wichenford Bill & Jo Root Thursdays (01886 888585) Wichenford Wine Club: 3rd Thursday in Contact The Villager: leave articles at Martley the month Post Office, call Janet or Sheila (Wichenford) or Martley & District Horticultural email the Editor at [email protected] Society: last Thursday in the month Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily 7.30pm Martley Memorial Hall those of The Villager. The Villager cannot be held responsible for any goods or services advertised in the magazine Other events: Citizens Advice Bureau Teme Valley Telephone Service: Mon & Tue 10am— 3pm Thu 10am— 7.30pm Regular events in Martley & Surgeries: Weds 10am - and Wichenford: 4pm - by appt. 01584 810860

Sundays See Church Words for details of services 2nd Sunday in the month: Teme Valley Farmers Market for local See articles inside for details of special produce 11am The Talbot, Knightwick events AND changes of times or dates of Martley Ramblers meet Church car park regular events 3rd Sunday in the month: Walking Not Working with the Path-or- See the Diary page on Nones. Meet 9.30am Village Hall car park www.martley.org.uk for a complete listing to help survey the footpaths of all forthcoming events (that the Diary page Editor knows about) Mondays 1st Monday in the month: Martley Parish Council 8pm Memorial Hall

Articles to go in The Villager must be with the Editor by the 1st of the previous month

TheThe Villager Villager * * February January 2006 2006 9 OUT AND ABOUT IN MARTLEY Visit our website—www.martley.org.uk

Malvern conservation Nicky Wardroper, Chris Mayes and appraisals myself around the village in February, clutching plans and taking notes. We Martley is to be the first in Malvern will be carrying out the appraisal, and Hills District Council's programme of this will hopefully be presented in conservation area appraisals for 2006, drawn-up form some time in April, which I have been asked to carry out. within the Village Hall, and also possi- So I thought I would make my first bly brought to a public meeting in the contact with those living in the conser- Village Hall. vation area via The Villager. District Council has 21 Your views conservation areas within its area, and Your input, however, is vital and a number of them have not been resur- would be welcome at any stage, and veyed, or appraised, for over 20 years. you are invited to make your views The Best Practice guidance is that they known on the appraisal. Perhaps I can really should be appraised every five just make clear, however, what the years or so, but (like virtually every appraisal involves. It's a character as- other authority in the country) this has sessment of the existing conservation rather slipped. Now, however, the bull area (you may know the boundaries has been taken by the horns and the and whether you live within them), but Development Plans and Conservation also of its landscape setting, and an section of the Council has drawn up a assessment of how it has changed programme of conservation area ap- since 1981, the last time it was ap- praisals for 2006/7. Priorities were praised. We would therefore be inter- considered but, as it happens, the first ested to know your views on the three of these appraisals will be car- Martley conservation area, its ried out in Martley, Kempsey and Hal- strengths and weaknesses and whether low, with Martley to be surveyed in it should be extended, stay the same or February 2006. possibly have tighter controls on the You will probably see my colleagues odd minor works that you may con-

10 The Villager * February 2006 sider have eroded the quality of the conservation area in the past 25 years. What an appraisal is not is a resched- uling of the Local Plan designations or a re-drawing of the Housing Settle- ment boundary of the village, both of which were considered within the re- cent Local Plan Inquiry to the emerg- ing Local Plan and which were subject to lengthy public consultation. We are also not asking for views on the development merits of particular sites within the village. This would more properly be addressed to my colleagues, the Plan- ning Officers. An appraisal would be looking at how the conservation area has changed or deteriorated and how it could be enhanced, not at where hous- ing or particular uses should be sited. If you have any views on this process Don Taylor or any good ideas as to how Martley could be enhanced, please let me know In Memoriam at the postal or e-mail addresses set out below. Many of you who read this will have known Don Taylor, some of you will David Piggott have known him better then me, and Senior Planning Officer some will not have known him at all. ext:2335 DDI:01684 862335 Those that did not know him are the [email protected] unlucky ones. To say Don Taylor was www.malvernhills.gov.uk larger than life is a bit of an under- statement. In a world where we are David Piggott told there are no characters left, he Malvern Hills District Council certainly was one. Development Plans and Conservation, Born and brought up in Martley, he The Council House, never forgot his roots, and loved the Avenue Road, place, he often complained about it, Malvern, and strived to make it better, but he Worcs was often quoted as saying: “There's WR14 3AF only one Martley in this world.”

February 2006 * The Villager 11 Don will be remembered by many for Margaret were proud of their lads and his passion for sport; cricket and rugby their families and grandchildren. He remained his great interests in later was also a very astute businessman. life. He was often to be seen at Six- Anyone who can help take a one-lorry ways and at New Road, and he loved company to the heights that Taylors of the company of sporting people. Martley has achieved, with more than 200 trucks on the road, knows what President’s Eleven he's doing. He was a good cricketer, playing for He had some great phrases that he Wichenford, Clifton and latterly for lived by: “Good old son” when you'd Martley, and always enjoyed getting done well; “One job at a time” and his President’s Eleven out to play the when it was completed: “Job’s done.” locals, and you were never sure who There are some, including me, who would turn up, a Test player alongside felt Donald's other side as well: “What someone who turned out once a year. do you mean son you've crashed the But it was always a highlight of the tractor?” And when his head started to sporting summer, and there was al- wobble, stand by! He liked people to ways a crate of ale in the back of the be upfront with him, and he could of- ‘dilley’. ten be blunt, but he always meant well He was a personal friend to many a and could be a very forgiving man. top sportsman. When the Chantry These few words are just a scratch at opened new cricket nets he asked Ian the surface of the man who was Don Botham to come and do it, Gareth Ed- Taylor; to put it all down on paper wards; Basil D'Oliveora and the like would require a book, or two. Like were all his mates. many others, I am proud to say that I He was as happy in the local pubs; knew him and will miss him. whether it was at the Long Room at Dave Bradley Lords or the back bar of the Lion at Clifton, Donald would be happy and would find someone to laugh and joke THANK YOU with. And what a loud and infectious laugh. Margaret, Stephen, Grahame, Robert He also loved his shooting, and was at Taylor and their families would like his happiest in the Teme valley, on to thank everyone for their wonderful Berrow Farm at the shoot he ran, and support, love and friendship during was always off somewhere in the sea- such a difficult time. It was so over- son with his gun, getting back to open whelming to see so many at Don’s the bar in the Village Hall for the Air- funeral; it was a wonderful tribute to gun team. his life. Don was a great family man, he and

12 The Villager * February 2006 Martley Ramblers Martley Ramblers – 12 Feb- Programme for 2006 ruary 2pm Church car park Eileen and Neil Stammers are suggest- 8 January at 1pm – area Worcester, the ing we “follow their lead” this month. leader, Gill Strudwick (01562-742820) The big question is “Where will they 12 February at 2pm – ‘Follow my lead us”? Probably locally and not Lead’, the leader, Neil & Eileen Stam- astray, we hope. Come along and find mers (10886-888513) out. The date and venue for the annual 12 March at 2pm – ‘Where ‘ere I wan- dinner is presently being decided, so der’, the leader, George & Helen watch this space. Coombey-Jones (01886-888294) 9 April at 2pm – Area Malvern on the Spring Flower Show level, the leader, Pam Southall (01684- 567556) On Saturday 25 March at 2pm in 9 May at 2pm – Brockhampton & Martley Village Hall, there will be a Bromyard Down, leaders, the two Pau- Spring Flower Show. Details in the lines (01886-888874 & 01886- March issue of The Villager. 888480) Nellie Bradley 11 June at 2pm – Follow the Rea, the leader, Jenny Underhill (01886- Martley Spurs 888306) December was a 21 June at 7pm – Meet at the Fox & lean month for most Hounds, for Ravenswood, the footballers what leader, Alex Walker (01886-888063) with frozen grounds 9 July at 10am – Hanbury, the leader and long holiday Irene Walker (01886-888063) periods. The Saturday Premier side 13 August at 10.30am – Waterfall started the month with a 3-1 win over Walk, the leader, Colin Hill (01886- in their first round match of 833209) the quarter-finals of the Bayliss Cup, a 10 September at 2pm – Upper Arley & game in which Steve Prickett scored Trimpley, the leader, Pam Bowers twice. The next morning the Sunday (01562-66835) Premier 11 beat 4-2, 8 October at 2pm – Park, the Chris Collins getting a brace to his leader, Kate King (01886-888439) name in this game. On the same morn- 5 November at 1pm – Stone, the ing the Reserves lost badly to Powick. leader, Gill Strudwick (01562-742820) On the 10th the Saturday boys 20 November at 8pm – Annual Gen- thrashed Lamb and Flag 6-0, Chris eral Meeting at Hillend Cottage, Pud- Collins netted a hat-trick while Steve ford Lane, Martley Prickett got another couple to his

February 2006 * The Villager 13 name. Sunday morning saw the Pre- ary at 7.30pm in Martley Village Hall mier side lose to Trinity Lakes while the guest speaker will be Stan Yapp, the Reserves beat The Bridge 2-0. The his subject “Mistletoe”. wintery weekend of the 17th saw the Premier side lose to Powick, the Sun- Martley WI – 8 February day Premier match postponed due to a 7.30pm Heaton House frozen pitch, while the Reserves drew two all with Kays. Of course, no fea- Please note the meeting place will tures were fixed over Christmas and again be at Heaton House, where we the New Year. At that time, the league are being welcomed whilst temporar- tables showed the Saturday Premier 11 ily displaced from Sport Martley. The in second place, the Sunday Premier speaker this month is Mrs Noble tell- side half-way up their league table ing us some of the secrets of Royalty while the Reserves stood well towards “Kings, Queens and Mistresses”. Past the bottom, but had played far fewer history we hope and not present day matches than the league leaders. royalty. The competition is for a piece Beth Williams of commemorative china. We finished 2005 on a high with WWII reminis- Martley & District cences and mementoes on show. Many Horticultural Society thanks to Mr and Mrs Hancox for bringing along some of their fascinat- The last event for Society members in ing collection and to those members 2005 was the Annual Dinner held in who brought along their treasures. We the Village Hall Clubroom. About 40 had a “where is it” quiz and a pass the people enjoyed an excellent meal pre- parcel “12 Days of Christmas” forfeits pared and served by Society members. parcel. Members did somehow man- During the evening Barbara Kirby, the age to dispose of the parcel very chairman of the Society, presented gift quickly when it looked like landing in tokens to Nellie Bradley, Pam their lap. Perhaps the hot Christmas Minchin, Margaret Jackson and Rena punch helped. It is planned to have a Davidson in appreciation for their help lending table for CDs, DVDs and vid- during the past year. The retiring eos for members to borrow, so bring Show secretary, Sylvia Jeffries, was along any that can be spared or are presented with a token and a basket of unwanted. flowers to thank her for all her help to Members’ tip of the month the Society during her term of office Don’t get left with a pantry full of out- over many years. To end a most enjoy- of-date groceries and tins. Mark them able evening, there was just time for in large writing with a permanent everyone to join in singing carols led marker on returning from shopping, by Rev David Sherwin. before putting away into the store cup- At the meeting on Thursday 23 Febru- board. Then check monthly and bring

14 The Villager * February 2006 forward for use anything expiring that on the 1840 Tithe Map. A committee month. This system does work and was formed to take the measurements. saves a lot of wastage. What follows is the exact report of that Kate King committee on 7 February 1919. “This committee consisting of Messrs Pudford Lane Hastings, Hewlett and Humpherson inspected the said piece of land and, Although we have had mini-glaciers according to their measurement, it was this winter, spring is on the way and 27 perch belonging to Martley and 16 early primroses are beginning to show perch to Parish. It was some life on the roadside banks. Pud- proposed by the Chairman, seconded ford Poultry Enterprises appear to be by the vice-chairman that the Clerk be in business again after the winter and instructed to write to the Overseers of the rat infestation seems to be under Doddenham asking them to hand over control. One inhabitant insists he shot (!!) the piece of land and cottage now 15 and a half rats. What? Does one tenanted by Miss Berry to this Parish have a rat which is half dead or should as shown by the Martley Tithe we put it down to too many tots over Map.” (They didn’t add ‘or else!’) the festive season? Your correspon- ALB dent has just been reliably informed that the total is now 18 and a half rats Martley National School - plus the original half or two whole and two halves plus the original half to Admissions Register make the total sum of 18 and a half? Does anyone have any knowledge of Forget it, it is too difficult without a the whereabouts of the Martley Na- flow chart and a calculator. The lay-by tional School Admissions Register for clearance operative has had to be re- the turn of the 19th/20th Centuries? instated as the litter is increasing CRO has advised that again, mainly consisting of drinks cans although it holds some records for and half eaten picnics. This month’s Martley School, admissions registers brain teaser for you: which colour bag have not been deposited and, if extant, should be used to recycle a car wheel? may still be held at the school. Answers on a post card please. My interest stems from family history Kate King research into a Deane gamekeeper and what appears to be a possible family Martley’s past crisis resulting in dispersal of his chil- At the Parish council meeting on 27 dren for a spell during 1905. Daughter August 1918, the Rev J F Hastings Dorothy was admitted initially to raised a question regarding the Parish School in May 1904, but is Boundary with Doddenham as shown recorded re-admitted to Broadwas

February 2006 * The Villager 15 from 'Martley N.' in April 1905. I also remember a picture, or more Any assistance will be much appreci- likely a photograph of a parade of ated. Please email me or leave a note members with a huge banner. The sort for the editor at Martley Post Office. of banner held on two poles with guy Dorothy Jones ropes. [email protected] I imagine that a branch of the Order which was strong enough to have a Foresters brass band large banner could well have attracted a band. Remember, Martley was the With reference to the enquiry from centre of a Rural District Council, of Barbara Campbell about the Martley which Jim Heaton was chairman for Foresters Brass Band, I do not know some years. I am sure that based on anything about the band, but I do these sketchy facts, a few enquiries know that there was a branch of the from older members of the village, Ancient Order of Foresters that used to like Jack Bradley, Beth Williams or meet at the Crown. Alan Boon might elicit more informa- As far as I know they had stopped tion. meeting by the time I came to the vil- Michael Kipping lage in 1976, but G Howard Heaton (known as Jim), who lived at the Tee, and after whom Heaton House was named, told me that he was or had Out of school clubs been a member. Martley & District Pre-School opened I know about the branch because the their Out of School Care on Monday Royal British Legion, which used to 9th January, offering care for children meet at the Admiral Rodney moved to aged 2 – 13 years. This includes: the Crown. This was before the first of • Breakfast Club 8.00 – 9.00 am. the two revisions to the layout. At that Cost £1.75 per 30 minutes, in- time, one could enter through the front cluding breakfast. door, or through the side door to the left. • After School Club 3.15 – 6.00 Inside on the left, behind the left hand pm. Cost £1.75 per 30 minutes, bay window, was a small room where including snack. we met, and from the boards on the • Activities are structured and wall I am sure the Foresters met there non-structured indoors and out. also. The boards had names of promi- nent members, and one board was a Please book early to avoid disap- memorial to those members who pointment, call Kath or Chris on served or died in the First World 01886 889127/888761 War. I do not recall any of the details.

16 The Villager * February 2006 Horsing around in Martley

Expert map bers to send to the relevant bodies! readers PLEASE do try.

wanted Some food for thought I was wondering It takes two to pull. if there is any- When riding, find the lightest aid you body in Martley can use, then work on making it even who is proficient lighter! in reading old maps. We are trying to When you want to go slower try slow- find bridle paths that have fallen into ing your own breathing down. Here’s disuse. We have no alternative but to to 2006, regards Kate. ride on the road and we don’t like it 01886 822166 any more than the drivers who have to slow down to pass. Indeed, as some Martley oil syndicate don’t it makes riding even more dan- Please note there will be no syndicate gerous than it is! The map I have is oil order in March 2006. I will do the dated 1904 and is very interesting; it normal February order and normal shows a sanatorium on the right side service will be resumed in April. of Ankerdine Hill as you go down. If any member needs heating oil ur- This must have had access, as would gently during March then you will the old court house; suitable for horse have to order independently. Alan drawn vehicles, it would not have been Colburn: 01886 888575 or e-mail: possible for horses to have pulled up Alan [email protected] the existing Ankerdine road. It looks to me as if going down the Horsham road would have been the obvious route and would indeed marry up with the bridle path/road. Barn dance As I am sure you are aware the traffic Back by popular demand. both in volume and size has increased Saturday, March 18, Martley Village dramatically over the last couple years Hall, 7.30pm. on our roads, so any help enabling all Tickets on sale from Eileen & Neil of us to ride off them would be appre- 01886-888513 ciated. It would help if people who Price £6.00 to include supper. were to use a way (if one were found) All proceeds to Village Hall. could contact me so that I had num-

February 2006 * The Villager 17 moval of the white lines; the Chairman Martley Parish Council explained how perceptions of danger change when clear markings are re- Monday January 9, 2006 at the memo- moved. rial hall A question was asked about the latest Present: Cllr. Mr. D. Cropp position on the renumbering of St. Pe- (Chairman, Cllr. Mr. G. Taylor (Vice ters Drive, because incidents are still Chairman), Cllr. Mrs. D. Goodyear, occurring causing problems for Cllr. Mr. R., McHugh, Cllr. Mr. J. neighbours. The Clerk to follow up Slough, Cllr Mr. G. Coombey-Jones, with MHDC. Cllr. Mr. M. Nott, Cllr. Mr. N. Stam- A question was asked about the provi- mers. sion of affordable housing in Martley. In attendance: Mr. T. Pearsall (Clerk The Chairman identified the various to The Parish Council), 10 members of difficulties with land provision, but the public. confirmed that this council remains The Chairman asked all present to committed to early provision in this stand and spend a few moments in parish. The committee producing the silence as a mark of respect for Mr. Local Plan will be seeking to include Don Taylor who died on 26 Decem- affordable housing. ber, 2005. Mr. Taylor was a former The Parish Council Meeting was vice chairman of this council and had opened by the Chairman at 8:28 pm. recently been presented with The Free- The Chairman explained that item six dom of Martley. on the agenda (land acquisition) would The Democratic Period/Public be held at the end of the meeting, in Question Time camera, due to the sensitivity of the The Chairman invited all present to issue. ask questions or make statements Apologies:. Apologies were received about Parish business, the following from Cllr. Mrs. M. Randall; these were points were raised: accepted. Apologies were also re- A question was asked why the weight ceived from County Cllr. A. Davies. limit proposed for Ankerdine Hill had Declarations of Personal or Prejudi- been delayed. District Cllr. B. Wil- cial Interests: The Clerk reminded liams explained the background and everyone of the need to declare inter- referred to correspondence with WCC ests and to keep their list up to date. Highways. The Clerk agreed to send a Minutes of the last meeting held on copy of the letter from Mr. M. Davies 5th. December 2005: It was re- (WCC Highways Partnership Man- solved to accept the minutes as a true ager) to Mrs. Martin. record. A further question was asked about the Parking on the Playing Field: The reasoning behind the proposed re- Chairman explained the need for extra

18 The Villager * February 2006 parking at the Memorial Hall and con- 6. WCC: B4197 Ankerdine Hill, firmed that no grants are available for notification of delay in obtaining traf- this. It was agreed that the provision of fic order. notices would be explored (to remind 7. WCC: Recycling posters. car drivers that it is illegal to park on 8. MHDC: Exec. Committee (20th. the pathways). In addition, the Playing Dec). Field Association would be encour- 9. WCC: Rosses Lane & Guises aged to write to visiting teams explain- Lane Wichenford, proposed prohibi- ing that parking is limited and that tion of all motor vehicles (reply by some vehicles may be parked using 13th. Jan). the top gate. 10. MHDC: Parish Council speak- Parking in the centre of the village: ing at Development Control Commit- No simple solution is possible, there- tee; proposed to make it three mins fore no action can be taken at this from Jan 06. time; it will be kept under review. 11. : Consulta- District Councillor’s Report: District tion, Meeting 17th. Jan 7:00 pm Councillor Mrs. B. Williams an- Hindlip Hall. nounced that the “top slicing” of fund- 12. WCC: Lengthman Scheme, ing for the Development Control dept. minutes of review meeting and notes had now ceased and full funding will for risk assessment. be available. 13. Community First: Parish Plans The “speaking time” for Parish and information. Town Councils at planning meetings 14. WCC Transportation and Devel- will now be three minutes. opment Control: CD version of con- County Councillor’s Report: County sultation draft—comments by 27th. Councillor Mr. A. Davies was unable Jan. to attend thus no report was given 15. WCC Highways Partnership: Correspondence: Transfer of calls to Worcestershire 1. WCC: Budget consultation Hub. Plus list of direct numbers. meeting Jan 19th. 16. WCC: Reply ref. Mr. Sanders 2. MHDC: Local Transport; offer FP 37. to attend meetings 17. ODPM: Standards of Conduct 3. WCC: Worcestershire tree war- in English Local Government: The den scheme; volunteer needed. (E-mail Future: discussion paper. to Andy Palmer 12Dec) 18. Martley Recreation Association: 4. Community First: Newsline Letter thanking for grant to insurance. 5. CPRE: News letter and 19. WCC: Submission Statement of opportunity to join “300 Club”. News Community Involvement (SCI), reply letter refers to development around required by 17th. Feb. Malvern and area. 20. MHDC: Guidance note on Pre-

February 2006 * The Villager 19 Application Planning Advice. It was reported the Mrs. Molly Ward, 21. MPC: Letters ref. Fireworks secretary of The Old Grammar School sent to Memorial Hall & Playing Foundation, had passed away and will Fields be sorely missed. The Clerk will ac- Planning: cept all invoices from students on the 05/01792/LBC & 05/01790/FUL Re- scheme. siting Horsham Old Court and adding A planning meeting was held on 31st. extn. Cllr. G. Taylor (Supported with Dec 05 to discuss application conditions; MPC planning meeting 31- 05/01792/LBC Horsham Old Court. 12-05) Councillors reports and items for 05/01835/FUL Lower Hollins Fm. future agendas: Conversion of barn to domestic use; 1. Large pot hole appeared at Ber- Cllr. R Mchugh. row Green, the Clerk to report to 05/01857/FUL Unit 4a Hope House Highways. Farm Barns; change of use from B1 2. Agenda item for charitable do- (office) to D1 (Osteopathic clinic); nation in memoriam for Mr. Don Tay- Cllr. R. McHugh lor. Applications Approved/Refused/ 3. Parking at The White House Withdrawn: Ankerdine; the clerk to investigate. None 4. Easinghope Lane; a lorry has Other items: None damaged the hedge, exposing a steep Finance: drop into the field; the Clerk to inves- There were 10 cheques totalling tigate and report to Highways. £1,754.01 for agreement and signature 5. Agenda item to consider fund- Income October 05: ing for village signs and flower boxes. Total £0.00 6. Agenda item to consider fund- Current Bank Balance Lloyds TSB ing for replacement Parish Council 29th. Dec 05 , £8313.24 notice board. Actual position 9th. Jan 06, £6356.22 7. Hollins Lane is still flooding Deposit Acc , £7308.60 both upper and lower; the Clerk to It was resolved to accept the finances. investigate further. Waste Bins: It was agreed that the 8. Pear Tree Cottage Witton Hill; type of bins acquired by Wichenford the parking of a car is causing passing PC would not be suitable for Martley vehicles to damage the opposite verge. and that funds would be sought for At this point the Chairman requested complete replacement. the public to withdraw to enable dis- Parish Paths Warden Report: cussion of agenda item 6. The minutes The Clerk read out the report, which is of this part of the meeting will be con- reproduced as addendum 1. fidential and held separately in the Urgent Decisions since last meeting: minute book.

20 The Villager * February 2006 Date and Time of Next Meeting: the time to repair the work of petty The next meeting is on Monday 6th. vandalism. Interference with any sign, February 2006 at 8 p.m. whether on the M5 or a local footpath Meeting closed at 22.47 hrs. is a criminal offence with a potential Addendum fine of £1,000. To replace these four Parish Paths Warden’s Report signs will take almost a full session for January 2006 the group, delaying other important The most anticipated meet of the year work that we have scheduled. usually resulting in a full turnout of In December, I received a call out of members. In the event, being so close the blue from a Mr Ted Clarke, editor to Christmas, several of us were busy of a quarterly magazine named Words’ and so those on show were able to in- Worth, dedicated to the intricacies and dulge to the full in the delights pro- irregularities of the English language. vided by Audrey Trumper. Marvellous Mr Clarke has spent several years of mince pies and a warming drink of his life trying to solve a 10 by 10 word coffee. One problem; at this time of square, and did so by including the year Audrey digs out a bottle of milk words NonesEvent as the last 10 let- she must keep under the sink or in the ters. He called me to say that there was shed. At any rate, the ‘milk’ is so old, muttering amongst the expert chatter- it seems to have fermented and gives ing classes in these matters as to to the coffee a rather unusual taint. whether NonesEvent was valid. Still, you can get used to anything! Slightly tongue in cheek I stated that Work completed on 18th December in fact we were holding a NonesEvent included a new bridge with handrail that night at The Admiral Rodney— on FP70 below Woodside Cottage in our annual skittles evening. He appar- Newtown, where the ditch underneath ently wrote this down and is now quot- had been excavated so deep you can’t ing me. see the bottom. Also replacement of missing signposts in the Newtown area. Martley Library You might recall that in November we Martley Village Hall, replaced a signpost on B4204 pointing Road, Martley, WR66PQ. towards the Tee. Two weeks after, the Tel: 01886 888396 post had been removed and now is Opening hours hidden behind the hedge. In Hollins Mon 2.00-7.00 Lane, three posts have been removed Wed 4.00-7.30 and lie, neatly stacked, by the side of Thurs 10.00-1.00 the lane. Fri 2.00-4.00 The Path-or-Nones is a volunteer Sat 10.00-12 noon group, whose members do not have

February 2006 * The Villager 21 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford

WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS Janet Andrews Quiz Night 01886 888303 A quiz night is to be held on Sat- Sheila Richards urday, 25 February, 7.30pm at 01886 888378 Wichenford Memorial Hall; ta- bles of four only at £3.50 per head. There will be a raffle and a block- Ladies Fellowship buster, as well as light refreshments. The next meeting of the Ladies Fel- Mr John Harwood will be the quiz- lowship is on 21 February at 2.30pm, master, so please come to join us for venue to be arranged. an enjoyable evening to raise funds for the Memorial Hall. To book tables PCC Meeting please telephone 01886-888214 or 01886-888368, payment will also be The next meeting of the Wichenford accepted on the door. PCC is on 13 February at 7.45pm in D E Stinton the Memorial Hall.

Flower Rota Congratulations 5 February Mrs J Andrews Congratulations to Michael Harrison 12 February Mrs A Smith of Rosses Lane on attaining his Mas- 19 February Mrs A Smith ters’ Degree in Mechanical Engineer- 26 February Mrs M Randall ing at Leeds University. Well done Michael. Thank You Wichenford 100 Club Many thanks to everyone involved in the Christmas Prize Bingo on Friday 2 December winner: Mike Harris. No December, which raised £788. This 52. £108. includes people who gave prizes, all We are looking for a small group of the helpers and those who came to the villagers to take over the running of Bingo. We hope you had a lovely eve- the 100 Club. This would be a good ning. way to contribute to village life, which

22 The Villager * February 2006 is not too onerous but an extremely partment with regard to the missing effective way of raising funds for local sign at Dirty Lane. needs. Please contact Bill Hylan on 01886-888431....Your Village Needs Guises Lane and Rosses Lane YOU. Yes - YOU!!! Wichenford. The first draft report on the status of Millennnium green tidying Rosses Lane and Guises Lane were and inspection rota discussed. The clerk was asked to send a letter to February: G Britten-Long the legal department and the environ- mental department with the additional A very happy New Year to our Editor evidence that has been found, and fur- from Wichenford (thanks, ed). ther correction that needs re- examination. Kenswick and Wichenford The parish council have written to the Parish Council highways department fully supporting the proposed prohibition of all motor Minutes held on Tuesday 10th Janu- vehicles on Rosses Lane and Guises ary, 2006 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Lane. The parish council along with Hall Wichenford. villagers and parishioners support the Cllr Britten - Long chaired the meet- closure recommended taken as a result ing. of the archaeological and ecological Present, Cllr D. Stinton, Cllr J. Wells, report, and wish to see permanent clo- Cllr M. Andrews, Cllr H. Rendall, Cllr sure notices to motor vehicles on both K.Randall (vice chairman), Cllr A Rosses Lane and Guises Lane. Chilvers. In Attendance: Mrs S Sanders (Clerk B4204. to the Parish Council) 2 parishioners The proposed traffic safety measures County Cllr Mr A Davies. District Cllr on the B4204 were discussed. Al- B Williams. though the highways department want Apologies and approval of absence, to put advisory speed limit signs and Cllr N Oldfield (accepted). alternative traffic management meas- ures to highlight the specific hazards Declaration of interest. along the route, the parish council feel None. that statutory speed signs would be Highways more effective. This agenda item was brought forward The measures proposed are: at the request of the parishioners in Bend warning signs on yellow back- democratic half hour. The clerk was grounds with advisory maximum asked to chase-up the highways de- speed plates.

February 2006 * The Villager 23 Slow carriageway markings at strate- Applications considered since the gic locations to emphasise the impor- last meeting. tance of the warning signs. 05/01761/Ful. Change of use of land Central hatched markings to give a for 10 touring vans using existing ac- narrowing effect at key locations. cess, Masons Arms Wichenford. It The parish council have requested a was brought to the parish council’s meeting with the highways department attention that this application has now to discuss the signage improvements. been withdrawn. (Clerk to check) They would like the central markings Decisions made by MHDC to be solid white lines as they feel 05/01419/Ful. Unit 3 Rimmers Farm. these will be more effective. Approved Residents at Kenswick Manor have 05/01443/Ful. Masons Arms Wichen- concerns about the road as 7% of users ford. Refused. exceed the 60mph limit. It was sug- Finance gested that we contact the police and The income/expenditure account was ask for a speed camera at peak hours. discussed and accepted. The current It was also suggested that the speeding bank balance up to 30th December problem at Castle Hill could be con- 2005 stands at £8,472.05. sidered in conjunction with the Ma- There were 4 cheques totalling sons Arms planning proposals. £185.34. For agreement and signature. Minutes Lengthsman already paid for Novem- The minutes of the meeting held on ber/December. 22nd November 2005 were accepted The acceptance of the finances was and signed as a true record. resolved. Progress report Parish Council computer Colketts Farm. The clerk asked the council to con- The property of Colketts Farm has sider the possibility of purchasing their been visited by Malvern Hills and the own computer as it is becoming in- porch is permitted development and creasingly difficult to have access to does not require planning permission. her home computer. The parish coun- Planning cil agreed in principle and asked the Mallenders Cottage. clerk to look for prices. The owner of Mallenders Cottage has Mason’s Arms landscaping agreed to put up a boundary fence to A letter has been written to the land- define the agricultural area, but this scaping officer at Malvern Hills re- would be on a voluntary basis. garding the planting of 3 oak trees at The District Council has revised the the front. It has been reported to the arrangements for public speaking at council that the landscape officer is area Development Control Commit- reluctant to allow any kind of fruit tees. trees at the front of the pub due to the

24 The Villager * February 2006 blossom and bees!! munity First Parish Plan. Community The owner of the pub has assured the First Parish Plan, Guidance Note on parish council that he will not be re- pre-application Planning Advice (clerk moving the hedgerow, and will try to asked to include this in the correspon- incorporate the planting of black pears dence folder for next meeting) ODPM on his land. Standards of Conduct in English Local Councillors’ training Government. (Taken by Cllr Rendall) The clerk reported that she will be at- Councillor’s report tending the meeting at County Hall on The motion was raised as to whether 30th January. No one is able to attend some kind of fence/bollards could be the SLCC conference on Tuesday 28th erected on the corner of Kingsgreen to Feb or any of the other forthcoming prevent the further loss of verge. Cllr training events. Rendall will contact parishioners Lengthsman scheme questionnaire around the green for their opinion. The The clerk was asked to complete the clerk will contact the highways depart- questionnaire and suggest at the next ment to see what can be done and re- lengthman steering group they discuss port to the next meeting. an increase in funding to parish coun- Overhanging trees have been reported cils to enable the lengthsman to carry at Peg House Wood. out more minor works and increase in The large hole that was repaired at hours. Queensway has appeared again and Correspondence included: will remain until the water board can Newsline Magazine,Worcestershire repair the burst pipe. Telecare Annual Report, Local Trans- Date and venue of next meeting port Services &Information, Worc 20th February 2006 at 7.30pm in the Calc training events, Parish Paths Part- Memorial Hall Wichenford. nership Scheme Meeting. The Coun- It was resolved to change the Annual cils Charter Terms of Reference. Parish meeting from the 17th April to Worcestershire Tree Warden Scheme, the 18th as it falls on a bank holiday. Winter Gritting Routes, Highways Meeting closed at 9.40pm. News, CPRE Worcestershire Newslet- District Councillor’s report ter. CPRE Fieldwork Magazine. Worc The District Council has been given Calc Awards For All and Grants, De- extra money by the government as a fra ‘Community Halls For Rural Peo- reward for the planning department, ple,’ Worcestershire Transport and but the money has been going into the Development Control Guide. West main coffers at Malvern Hills. The Mercia Police Authority Consultation, question was raised why this has been Lengthsman Scheme Questionaire. happening when the planning services Sandy Lane . Rosses Lane/ need the money. Now £100,000 will Guises Lane Correspondence. Com- be going to planning services.

February 2006 * The Villager 25 Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664

love before their family and friends. Why not come along to the service on When was the last time you the 12th February, 4.00pm at St. Pe- received a Valentine card? ter’s Martley when we can give thanks to God for those we love. Was it at school, or was it last year. Why hold such a service? Well if God Do you ever send them? Perhaps we is love, I think he has something to feel that when we are married or in a teach us about love, for now and the steady relationship we don’t need to years to come. Ever read the ‘Song of try as hard. What’s the point, they Solomon’? It’s worth a read. It leaves know we love them don’t they? us in no doubt that God approves of For all its commercialism, it does give our love for each other and our desire us the opportunity to tell someone we to be together. May the God of Love, love them, someone we cherish and who showed how much he loved us in are in love with. Husband, wife, boy- Christ, pour his love upon you all; friend, girlfriend, I am sure if they re- married or single, divorced or wid- ceive a card they will be well pleased. owed, may he be with you, and may Keeping the romance alive in a rela- you be strengthened as you know his tionship is so important whether it is a love day by day. recent one or one where we have been together for years; romance is a vital part of life. Telling your husband or St Valentine’s day wife of 30 years that you love them is something to be encouraged. Later this Many legends and myths surround the month, we will be holding a service celebration of this day. Most agree for anyone who wants to celebrate that it is named after St Valentine who marriage, and for those who are not to contrary to all decrees forbidding mar- show support for them. Since arriving riage, carried out secret weddings for in the Benefice, I have officiated at young lovers. many weddings, even celebrated my He was put to death and became a own 25th wedding anniversary. I have martyr for refusing to stop marrying also performed some anniversary couples, and the day he died, 14th thanksgiving services from 10 to 50 February 269 AD, became a day for years of marriage, people still very remembering him. And so he became much in love and want to affirm that the patron saint of lovers.

26 The Villager * February 2006

Church Diary for February Saturday 4th Feb 9-10.30 Benefice Prayer Group at St Peter’s Martley Sunday 5th Feb 8.00am Holy Communion, Knightwick Chapel 9.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 11.00am Family Worship, St Peter Martley 11.00am Morning Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 6.30pm Evensong, St Leonard, Monday 6th Feb 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, 7.30pm Martley PCC Tuesday 7th Feb 10.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wednesday 8th Feb 10.15am Holy Communion, Heaton House Thursday 9th Feb 2.00pm Little Minnows at St Peter’s Martley Sunday 12th Feb 8.00am Holy Communion, St Leonard, Cotheridge 10.00am Family Worship, St Laurence, Wichenford 11.00am Holy Communion, St Peter Martley 11.00am Morning Worship St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 4.00pm Celebration of Marriage Service, St Peter Martley Monday 13th Feb 8.30am Prayer Breakfast at George Lawrence’s 7.45pm Wichenford PCC Sunday 19th Feb 8.00am Holy Communion, St Peter Martley 9.00am Matins, St Leonard, Cotheridge 11.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 11.00am Morning Worship, St Peter Martley 11.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford 3.00pm Evening Worship, Knightwick Chapel Monday 20th Feb 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Peter Martley 7.30pm Martley PCC at the Rectory Tuesday 21st Feb 10.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 7.30pm LTV PCC at Knightwick Village Hall Wednesday 22nd Feb 10.30am Holy Communion, Heaton House Saturday 25th Feb 1.30-4.00pm Go West Workshop at St Mary Magdalene, Sunday 26th Feb 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 9.30am Holy Communion, St Peter Martley 11.00am Family Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 11.00am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 6.30pm Evening Worship, St Peter Martley Monday 27th Feb 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Tuesday 28th Feb 4.30pm Evening Prayer at St Johns Parish Church, Shrove Tuesday Benefice Evening Social.

February 2006 * The Villager 27 people have to skip at once! At St. Columb Major in Cornwall, rival vil- In the Kitchen lages play Hurling the Silver Ball, us- ing a ball of applewood covered in silver. Meanwhile, pancake races take place in Winster (Derbyshire), Bodiam (East Sussex), and Olney (Buckinghamshire). Pancake day Pancake races Pancake Day Pancakes are eaten and pancake races is the Tues- are held in villages and towns. The day before object of the race is to get to the fin- the begin- ishing line first, carrying a frying pan ning of Lent. with a cooked pancake in it whilst flip- Originally a religious festival, it's now ping the pancake a pre-decided num- also an excuse to get out the frying ber of times. The skill lies not so much pan and cook up a feast. in the running of the race but in flip- How did it start? ping and catching the pancake, which Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash must be intact when the finishing line Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Tra- is reached. ditionally, families would use up their luxury foods like milk, sugar, eggs and How to make pancakes butter, before the 40 days of fasting Ingredients: plain white flour: 8 oz, began. unsalted butter: 1 oz, milk: 1 pint, Why shrove Tuesday? small pinch of salt, 2 medium eggs The word shrove comes from the ritual Method: Mix the ingredients together of shriving. People would go to church to make a smooth batter and cook the and confess their sins to a priest, who pancakes in a hot frying pan until would grant them absolution. The golden brown on both sides. shriven individual would then be in a Good things to put on pancakes pure state, ready for the Lenten period Traditionalists favour lemon juice and of fasting and abstinence. sugar, but you could also try golden Skipping and flipping syrup, cinnamon, maple syrup, jam, On Shrove Tuesday in Scarborough, fruit, yoghurt or even Marmite! Alter- locals enjoy the customs of Ringing natively, why not adopt a continental the Pancake Bell and Shrovetide Skip- approach and go for cheese, ham and ping. Long skipping ropes are set up mushroom or cream cheese and spin- across the promenade and up to 10 ach.

28 The Villager * February 2006 Village Contacts

Editor of The Andrew Chilvers Villager [email protected] or 01905 641986 or leave articles at the Martley Post Office Advertise in The Neil Stammers Villager [email protected] om or 01886 888513 Church Rector: Revd David Sherwin—01886 888664 Curate: Revd Jennifer Whittaker—01886 833897 Martley Website [email protected]

Martley Parish Chair: Dave Cropp—01886 Council 888398; Clerk: Tom Pearsall—01886 888256 Martley WI Gwynn Darby—01886 888490 Martley & Dist Pam Minchin—01886 Hort. Soc. 888521 or Margaret Jackson—01886 888654 Royal British Joyce Tyler—01886 Legion 821551

Martley Harry King—01886 888439 Ramblers

Wichenford Janet Andrews—01886 contacts for The 888303, Sheila Richards— Villager 01886 888378

Resource Centre Alan Boon—01886 888527

Kenswick & Clerk—Shirley Sanders Wichenford 01886 888302 Parish Counl.

Wichenford Secretary—Mike Holmes Wine Club 01905 641739

Trefoil Guild geraldine.cooper@btopenw orld.com

February 2006 * The Villager 29