Monday in the month 10.30-12.30 Heaton House Tuesdays Short Mat Bowling: 2.00pm Memorial Hall Ladies’ Fellowship: 2.30pm 2nd Tuesday in the month (usually) Martley Mums and Tots: 9.30-11.30am Volume 19 No. 4 September 2009 Martley Memorial Hall

Editor: Michelle Higgins (01886888344) Wednesdays Editorial Team: Martley Alan Boon (01886 Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing: 888527), Nellie Bradley (01886 888339), Kate 7pm Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Jeff & King (01886 888439); Wichenford Janet Thelma 01886 821772 Andrews (01886 888303), Sheila Richards (01886 888378) Martley Folk Club: 1st Wednesday in Advertising: Aileen Parker. 01886 888456 the month at The Talbot, and Distribution: Martley George & June Lawrence 3rd Wednesday at The Admiral Rodney (01886 821064) Wichenford Karen Furber Martley WI: 2nd Wednesday in the (01886 888449) month 7.30pm Heaton House Contact The Villager: Leave articles at Martley Post Office , call Janet or Sheila (Wichenford) or Thursdays email the Editor at [email protected] Wichenford Wine Club: 3rd Thursday in Opinions expressed by contributors are not the month necessarily those of The Villager. The Villager Martley & District Horticultural cannot be held responsible for any goods or services advertised in the magazine. Society: last Thursday in the month 7.30pm Martley Memorial Hall

Regular events in Martley See articles for details of special events AND changes of time/date/venue of regular events and Wichenford: See the Diary page on www.martley.org.uk for Sundays a complete listing of all forthcoming events 2nd Sunday in the month: (that the Diary page editor knows about)

Teme Valley Farmers Market for local See page 28 for contact details of organisations produce 11am The Talbot, Knightwick Articles to go in The Villager must be Martley Ramblers meet Church car park submitted by the 1st of the 3rd Sunday in the month: previous month Path-or-Nones meet 9.30am Martley Memorial Hall car park to help maintain The cover photo shows prize-winning the local footpaths Best Dressed Bears at Martley Show on Mondays 15 August 2009 Rhythm Time: 9.30-11.30am Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Rachel 01886 812565 Records of the Parish Council meetings in Martley Parish Council: 1st Monday in the two parishes are not intended to be full the month 8pm Memorial Hall and complete minutes. Minutes of meetings Martley & Villages Carers’ Group: 1st can be seen by contacting the respective Clerks to the Councils.

September 2009 * The Villager 9 OUT AND ABOUT IN MARTLEY Visit our website—www.martley.org.uk

The Football Club News of the Village Hall The Football Club would like to thank No committee meeting in July due to Tony Eggleton for very kindly holidays but should be back to normal mowing the football pitch on Tuesday in August. 28 July 09, as our mower was out of We have now received all the new action waiting for repair and we had a smart chairs in the hall with the grand friendly match the next day. Many total of 120. The Village Hall has been thanks Tony, it was a very kind successful in obtaining another full gesture . grant (thanks to our Treasurer Dave Gordon Griffiths, Chairman Cropp) for additional floor staging needed to enable the hall to Post Office Notice offer larger performances. It is also Once again I have had to put up hoped that the redecorating in the “Parking for Post Office customers front foyer will start in September. only” signs. Unfortunately I am Please feel free to come along to the having to enforce the restrictions due Village Hall if you've not been for a to an increase in trade from the long time - see some of the villages of Clifton and Sapey. improvements made. All of these Therefore I would appreciate it if improvements would not be possible customers for Central Stores only without the support of the members of could park elsewhere as I lose trade as the Village. my customers cannot park. Posting Martley 100 Club letters and looking through the door The lucky winner in July is Richard does not constitute using the Post McHugh and he wins £35.00. Thank Office. Only customers purchasing you to all Martley 100 Club members goods may park at the Post Office. who have made this Club a success in However customers using both the it's first year - let's hope we manage to Post Office and Central Stores are entice more members in 2010. welcome to park in front of the Post Annette Smith Office. Village Hall Secretary Your co-operation in this matter

10 The Villager * September 2009 would be greatly appreciated. Archie and Charlie in attendance. A Mary deserted house was the subject of Post Office Services speculation and it has been suggested The Post Office offers bill-payment to that Mabel could be awarded this year Inland Revenue (tax) BT, NPower, all for the best ghost story based on this catalogues, though some catalogues house. incur a charge. Also it offers free See you at 2pm on 13 September, banking for: Alliance and Leicester, ready for a quick getaway to join Barclays, Co-operative, Halifax, David Wilkes to walk in the Nationwide, Lloyds TSB, and some area. Please feel free to come and join Natwest accounts, Clydesdale and the us. Yorkshire Bank. By the time you read Kate King this we will be selling the Post Office one4all electronic multi-store gift Another Award for cards, for which there is no purchase The Crown Inn fee and they can be used in over 50 Our local pub has just heard that it is stores. We can still tax cars and the winner for the East and West lorries. We are bureau-on-demand for Midlands area of the Morning the Euro, American Dollar and Advertiser Great British Pub Awards Turkish Lira and have Travellers Family Pub of the Year. Not only that, cheques for the Euro and US Dollar. but it has been short-listed for We are also on demand for the Post National winner! In early September, Office travel insurance. See our advert Caroline will be attending a “black at the back of The Villager for details tie” dinner at the Park Lane Hilton of opening times for the Post Office hotel, where the National winner will and shop. If you wish to know be announced. She commented that anything else, please ask tickets are available for the dinner, if Mary and Louise you fancy going – a snip at £210 + Mary VAT per person! Good luck, Caroline! Martley Ramblers Martley & Villages 13 September 2pm Church car park Carers’ Group Having had a couple of morning Monthly Monday meetings (usually walks, with not many takers, this 1st week) 10.30am-12.30pm. month we are back to an afternoon. Heaton House, Mortlake Drive, Perhaps the popularity of morning Martley. starts can be reviewed at the AGM. 7 September Aromatherapy, an Pauline and Richard Mills led a very introduction and demonstration. interesting walk around Clifton and Relax! Lower Sapey, with a rest stop at St 5 October Understanding Benefits – Bartholomew’s Church and with advice from an expert on what carers

September 2009 * The Villager 11 and cared-for may be entitled to. is a lot of hard work in picking, Emma Cook. contacting and reminding speakers. 2 November Poems for pleasure. Let’s This month the talk is of the formation share some favourite poems. and work done by the British Red 14 December Christmas Lunch outing Cross. The competition is Autumn to a local restaurant. Fruits Pudding or Preserve, not the Membership and refreshments are recipe but the actual product. free. You can just turn up. Help to Hopefully we shall be tasting them. fund transport or sitters may be Yum, yum. available, phone to enquire. The Nora Kate King Parsons Day Centre, Wichenford, is open at the same time as the group and may be of help to some carers for the person they look after. MWM Update For information contact Helen Lubin We met with Matt Smith from at Association of Advantage WestMidlands, in July to Carers 01905 26500 or 0800 6523151 tell him how a group of us in Martley or e-mail Helen.Groups@carersworcs. have set up a broadband service using org.uk a Wireless Mesh system. He recommended we investigate the

possibility of grants to aid our dissemination of broadband and in particular to use sustainable power Martley WI supplies for out-of-the-way mesh boxes/ transmitters. Subsequent to Wednesday 9 September receiving our registration document, 7.30pm Heaton House the Marches Energy Agency have It has been a busy summer in spite of appointed Project Carbon to carry out no meeting in August, so now we can the energy assessment of Martley Web sit back and anticipate the coming Mesh. We already have in the network meetings, speakers and events. Not a one user who is totally reliant on lot of relaxation however, as sustainables (wind, pv and so on) and arrangements have to be made for our has no mains to his house at all. Our hosting of the Elgar Group Meeting on feeling is that with strategically-placed 23 October. Ray Sturdy had some relay stations we can reach more wonderful slides of Old Worcester and easily a wider spread of customers many interesting anecdotes when he who, in this rural location, often have came in July. Marion Cumella has no broadband service at all. We are a arranged a varied and interesting non-profit company limited by programme this year and is busy with guarantee. next year’s. Thank you Marion, there John Nicklin

12 The Villager * September 2009 Pudford Lane Apologies to Ray Ellis for getting the date wrong of his special birthday. The good wishes remain for the October date. Congratulations also to Fiona and Alan Jeffries who recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and neither of them look a day over 25. Martley and District Our SSSI was cut for hay during one Horticultural Society of the few dry spells in mid-July, with Fortunately the weather had taken a help from family and friends. It is turn for the better when twenty-two amazing how much chocolate cake members visited the home of our and food is consumed on these Chairman, Mike Dunnett, and his wife occasions. Then, of course, almost Carol. His garden has two main three weeks of rain followed, causing parts – the top one by the house, and much panic-stricken listening to the lower garden. Mike welcomed the weather forecasts. We are so grateful party, first ringing his cowbell, which to Alan who came and tossed, tedded is useful for calling his better half (or and rowed before baling and helping vice versa) from the far reaches of this to barn it before the heavens opened large, sloping and partly-wooded again. The writer was so pleased not garden. Firstly we were shown the to have to do so much tossing and beautifully-designed water feature turning this year. Hopefully the plum with its decking and surrounding pie was some little thanks to Alan for plants, shrubs and trees, also the patio his help. Natural did visit in area - there are many lovely things July and are quite happy with our here, some in containers, and all management of the flowers and carefully planted with their contrasting herbage. foliage shown off to the best Long-term residents know the dangers advantage. The view to the Cotswolds of speeding in the mainly-single-track from here is superb. lane, especially when emergency stops Everyone then proceeded past the and/or reversing is involved. Drivers caged vegetable/fruit plot, nursery part attending Advanced Driving courses and many more interesting plants and are told that British drivers to not features. Then came the sloping wild- sound their horns frequently enough as flower meadow with its scabious. a warning, and that horns should not Getting to the lower garden area there be used solely as a substitute for two- are lovely mown (weedless!) lawns fingered gesticulation. Please note and and walkways with ancient apple trees remember! (two reposing on their trunks). There Kate King are wonderful displays of perennials

September 2009 * The Villager 13 and shrubs in the large planted beds, The Chairman of Martley Parish all well-established. Mike adds dahlias Council presented Mr and Mrs for splashes of colour. The area is Minchin with the Freedom of Martley. sheltered by the surrounding tall trees The Clerk is to ask the lengthsman to and woodland. At the summer house clear the footpath running alongside members enjoyed a glass of wine and Larkstone Cottage. Queries were tasty eats provided by Carol. answered around the financial Wandering on we saw beautiful accounts of 2008/2009. Concerns were specimen lilies and a large pool before raised with regard to excessive wending our way back up for a speeding through Martley, with meeting in the house – and more specific mention being made to refreshments! - the Society’s part in Newtown, from Willow Road to the the St Peter’s Church Flower Festival Mason’s junction and Hope House at the end of August being an Lane. Concerns were raised with important topic – members decorating regard to heavy goods vehicles not the church porch. A most enjoyable adhering to the weight restriction at evening spent in a real ‘plantsman’s’ Ankerdine, which, is possibly also garden. A vote of thanks was given to being affected by the weight Mike and Carol. On 24 September the restriction currently on Holt Bridge. Speaker will be Julie Richie talking on The Clerk is to write to WCC ‘Late Summer Colour’. Not to be regarding speed enforcement missed! measures. The Clerk is to identify the Tina Steele hot spots and times to the police. Parishioners can advise Police of Martley Oil Syndicate persistent offenders. Concern was also Please note the following change: raised about the number of cycling I will be ordering for October on the events organised to run through 1st. of the month so please get your Martley. The Clerk is to write to orders in to me by the end of Council to September. Thanks! ascertain what prior notice has to be Tel: 01886 888575 given and to whom. Query was made E-mail: [email protected] with regard to possibility of allotments on Willow Road. The Chairman Martley Parish Council advised that Martley Parish Council Unapproved, edited draft minutes of were looking into the possibility of the meeting held on Monday 6 July allotments and were awaiting further 2009 at the Memorial Hall detail from Malvern Town Council. There were 12 members of the public Discussion had not yet been entered present. into and consultation about any The Democratic Period/Public possible sites will happen sometime in Question Time the future if Martley Parish Council

14 The Villager * September 2009 pursues the matter further. The Clerk surprise. 5. The Clerk confirmed that confirmed that permission had been Malvern Hills District Council given for the milestone to be moved Environmental Health will get and arrangements will be made to involved in disputes over high hedges move it. if the hedges are over two metres. Chairman opened the meeting at However, if hedges are a danger to 20:40pm and welcomed Cllr. Mr. N. road safety and details are provided to Stammers as our newly elected Highways at WCC they will contact Councillor. residents to request hedges are cut Minutes: back. It was resolved to accept the minutes Landowners support – ditch clearance as a true record. The Clerk is speaking to Malvern Progress reports: Hills District Council around the letter The Clerk. of permission needed for the ditch 1. The bottle banks are causing clearance. concern to parishioners, especially Lengthsman since a further bank has been added. The Clerk will ask the Lengthsman to: The Clerk is to contact Deborah cut back the verge edges from The Parker at Malvern Hills District Crown to the Pumping Station as the Council to investigate the possibility footpath is so narrow as the hedge has of moving the banks to another been allowed to overgrow the location within the village. 2. footpath; cut back the hedge at Horn Highways have reported that there is Lane; clear the signs along all of the no work on their log for 24 Hollins lanes Lane. The Clerk has asked them to Allotments check. 3. The restriction on Holt Fleet Cllr. Mr. D. Cropp read out a letter Bridge will remain in place until received from Martley Allotments essential strengthening works are Association. A small group of completed. The structure is a parishioners have expressed an complicated listed structure and the interest in having an allotment in the restriction is anticipated to remain in village of Martley. The letter detailed place for up to 18 months when a number of wants and needs they following the works the restriction would have from potential sites such will be reviewed. 4. Speed checks as water, easy access, use of toilet were carried out in Martley on 25 facilities, etc. Cllr. Mr. Nott June. Out of approximately 40 questioned Cllr. Mr. D. Cropp about vehicles, 2 were found to be speeding previous site visits. The Clerk is to and both were threatened with future gain further information from Malvern prosecution. Police will be carrying Town Council as Malvern Hills out further checks but will not confirm District Council does not have any a date as prefer the element of allotments. The Clerk is to also seek

September 2009 * The Villager 15 advice about grants. Cllr. Mr. M. Nott fund the concreted posts. WCC are is to approach farmers within Martley due to undertake a speed review in regarding any available land for lease Martley in 2010. County Cllr. Davies for the use of allotments. has £3500 to allocate to activities for Village Hall 8-19 year-olds in his area. The Clerk Martley Parish Council agreed to is to liaise with Emma Rothwell with allocate £200 as a reserve to Martley regard to submitting an application for Memorial Hall which can be used to funding for YIMMS. County Cllr. support grant applications. The £200 Davies also has been asked to must not be used without the nominate the five worst footpaths permission of Martley Parish Council. needing repair in his area, which he Police will confirm with The Clerk. A police representative confirmed that Planning: they had been carrying out a survey New around Martley last week and the two 09/00837/FUL Adj Three Acres, main concerns of parishioners were Willow Road – Proposed 2 no 4 speeding and youths on mopeds, bedroom detached dwellings. especially around the Church. Police 09/00789/HOU Old House Farm, have asked that you make contact if Horsham – Proposed first floor roof you see the youths misbehaving. The light to courtyard elevation. 09/00752/ Police are to move their surgeries OUT Horsham Court, Horsham – from the weighbridge to the library at Erection of dwelling. 09/00751/FUL The Chantry High School. Top Barn & 09/00750/LBC Stables at Horsham Farm programme is proving to be Court – Conversion to create new successful. Some youngsters will be dwelling with new garages. 09/00749/ involved with the police in a project at FUL The Old Court, Horsham – The Chantry High School in the Refurb. Of derelict former house with summer holidays digging out a small 2 storey extn. & new garage. pond. 09/00748/FUL The Old Smithy, District and County Councillors’ Hillside – Change of use of land to reports: domestic cartilage and erection of District Cllr. Mrs. Williams report is building for storage. 09/00662/FUL & under Addendum 1. 09/00663/LBC Rodge Hill Farm, County Cllr. Mr. Davies reported that Hillside – Conversion of barns to form both County and District were looking staff and guest accommodation at properties affected by the 2007 Pending floods. Highways are to make two No pending applications road signs available to parishes on Permitted loan for a month at a time, County 09/00514/HOU Rose Cottage, Berrow Cllr. Davies is to express Martley’s Green – Single storey rear extn. interest in using the signs. WCC will (21/05/09). 09/00515/FUL Berrow

16 The Villager * September 2009 Farm, Road – Fry pools The Clerk referred to training sessions (28/05/09). 09/00369/HOU The Old organised by Clifton Parish Council Barn, Hillside – Garden Room and an invitation received from them (4/05/09). 09/00370/LBC The Old to Martley Parish Council to join in Barn, Hillside – Retention of two roof with this training fro Councillors and lights (4/05/09). 09/00673/HOU the Clerk. The Clerk is to contact Penny Patch, Hillside – Minor Clifton Parish Council for further amendment to 08/00226/FUL, rear detail. bay under balcony and front porch Freedom of Martley: (10/06/09) Cllr. Mr. T. Gale confirmed a quote Refused from a local contractor of £80.00 per No refusals board - a total of £160.00 + VAT. Appealing to Secretary of State Martley Parish Council agreed this 08/01169/FUL Treetops Bungalow, amount. This item to be discussed Hillside – Replacement of existing under Finance at the next meeting. dwelling (on-going). 08/01498/FUL Speed signs: Longside, Hipplecote – Replacement The Clerk has had responses from dwelling (on-going) Stoke and Cookhill parishes Councillor Protocol: confirming they have recently Cllr. Mr. D. Cropp referred to the 10 purchased speed signs. The Clerk is to general principles of public life. Cllr. contact both councils for further Mr. D. Cropp re-affirmed to details and agenda this item for the Councillors that conversation could next meeting, where Parish Council not take place around individuals who will also discuss possibilities of grant were not present at the meeting. Cllr. funding for speed signs. Mr. D. Cropp as Chairman ruled that a Highways: councillor was not following standing Cllr. Mr. D. Cropp confirmed that orders. The Chairman was asked if he CALC are to meet with Highways should have declared interest at the next week to discuss the poor previous meeting when the renewal of workmanship and response. The Clerk CALC subscription was raised, Cllr. will also look at the current position Mr. D. Cropp advised that he had no around outstanding reported issues. pecuniary interest in CALC and Litter bin outside Central Garage: therefore did not need to declare The Clerk referred to an e-mail from a interest. A copy of The Code of parishioner regarding the poor state of Conduct was given to each Councillor. the bin in the centre of the village. Democratic process: It was Martley Parish Council agreed that acknowledged that in future when new bins need to be purchased and taking votes a show of hands must be installed within the village. The Clerk made. is to gather some information around Councillor Training: costs and agenda for the next meeting.

September 2009 * The Villager 17 Precept: time. Cllr. Mrs. D. Goodyear reported It was agreed that the village needs to that there had been a meeting at the tip see some improvement as a result of where there were no issues to report, the increase in precept. the generator is running at 220kw Martley Recreation Association: (standard output). It is expected to The Clerk advised Martley Parish generate electricity for a further two Council that Len Hoskins is to have a years but will review again in meeting with Martley Recreation September 2009. Association next week to advise that Date of next meeting: he wishes to stand down. Len Hoskins The next meeting will be held on will contact the Clerk with contact Monday 3 August 2009. details of the new representative for S. Williams, Clerk to the Council Martley Recreation Association. The For Addendum 1, please refer to Clerk and Councillors will obtain as the Clerk or see the Parish Council much information as possible page of the Martley website. concerning the deeds and lease of the (Readers are asked to note that if playing field. this record of the Parish Council Finance: a. There were 4 cheques totalling Meeting was reproduced in The £1508.26 approved. b. The Clerk has Villager exactly as presented to the contacted Bank of Ireland only to be Editor, it would have occupied 13 told the contact she was dealing with pages. Some changes in layout and has now left and the signatories form editing of the text are therefore will need to be completed again. The required in order to leave room for Clerk advised the Parish Council that other items of news. The Editor the service was poor. The Parish wishes to state that every care is Council gave the Clerk permission to taken not to alter the meaning of approach CALC for advice around the text. Please contact the parish other providers. Cllr. Mr. D. Cropp Clerk to see a full version of the will contact Bank of Ireland on behalf of Martley Parish Council. The Clerk minues.) will agenda this item for the next Martley’s Past meeting. c. It was agreed and accepted The Rambler in Worcs. (Part 4 and to pay for the maintenance of the last) church clock. d. It was agreed and ‘New and most commodious schools accepted to renew Community First were erected hard by within the last 2 membership. e. The Annual Return or 3 years (1846), for which Lord was approved. Ward gave the land and £300. The Councillors reports and items for Rev J Hastings, incumbent, also gave future agendas: £300, being the profit arising from his Deferred to the next meeting due to publication of Sermons. Dr Nash gave

18 The Villager * September 2009 a donation of £50, and others some parts, particularly at the north subscribed liberally. I walked through and south ends of the oval. It is this school, and was much pleased supposed to be as large as anything of with its arrangements. There are 64 the kind in the Kingdom, and it is boys and 34 girls, who are all taught therefore strange that the camp has not on what is called the National System. been noticed by Nash or any other Whether this has risen out of the ashes historian.’ of the grammar school, and is in part Written by John Noake. supported by its funds, I could not Alan Boon ascertain; but with regard to Thomas Sheppard’s legacy of £170, that is invested in land at £25 per year, and goes to the support of the mistress of the present school. At the last commutation the value of the living was £835, from which the Martley Harvest incumbent pays a curate, the Rev E Celebration 2009 Acton, and assistant curate, the Rev J N Townsend. The patron and rector of Saturday 3 October the living is the Rev James Hastings. 7.00 pm Mr J Merrick is clerk. Mr WH

Pennington, schoolmaster; (he was last head of the grammar school). Mrs At Martley Village Hall Merrick, schoolmistress. Population 1,354. Tickets: Adult £7.50 In this parish is a noble conical Primary-Age Child £5.00 elevation called the Berrow Hill, and the name implies either that it was a place fenced and fortified or that it was an ancient place of sepulture. It is of a fine oval form, and although a natural hill, its sides were evidently pared down by the aborigines of our island to its present shape. There are two lines of entrenchment round the Martley Library Opening Times brow of the hill, which show it to be Monday 2—7 pm the site of an ancient camp. Mr Jabez Wednesday 4—6 pm Allies, of this city, a few years ago, Thursday 10am -1 pm measured the camp, and judged it to Friday 2 - 4 pm be about 400 yards long and 190 yards Saturday 10am -12 noon wide. The trenches were still perfect in 01886 888396 (opening hours only)

September 2009 * The Villager 19 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Janet Andrews 01886 888303 Sheila Richards 01886 888378

per annum. This entitles individuals to Flower Rota the Christmas Carol Concert and the 6 September Wedding Tim Bridges Church Tour. Individual 13 September Wedding meetings cost £6.00. Subscription for 20 September Mrs Smith the whole series of seven lectures only 27 September Mrs Smith costs £35.00. This subscription also includes optional monthly Wichenford PCC palaeography classes under the The September meeting of the PCC is instruction of Kevin Down. on Monday 28th at 7.45pm in the 23 Sept ember Memorial Hall Registration. Robin Whittaker 7.00- 8.00. 8.00-8.45 Conserving our Sympathy Records: John Moulding's Notebook We are so very sorry to hear of the & Maps. 8.45-9.00 refreshments. 9.00- tragic death of Karen Challis at the 9.30 Report on the Graveyard project: age of 42 years. We extend our 2009 update. heartfelt sympathy to her parents Mr 21 October & Mrs Arthur Challis and to her Mike Field Two films. i.) The Dansy brothers Bernard and David. Tribute Green Windmill removal to to follow. Avoncroft; ii.) Chainmaking 18th November The Wichenford Local Colin Jones The Defence of Heritage Group Worcestershire in World War 2 Thw LHG will reconvene on 23 16 December September 2009. Registration for the Worcester Male Voice Choir Autumn /Winter lecture series will Christmas Concert in St Laurence's take place from 7.00 p.m. in Church Wichenford Memorial Hall. The first 20 January 2010 lecture will start at 8.00 p.m. Malcolm Atkin The Home Guard Membership of the group costs £5.00

20 The Villager * September 2009 WW2. 17 February D Rouse, H Whitefoot, R Sproate Harvest Supper Oliver's Mound, - a report The Wichenford Harvest on the findings. Supper is on Saturday 10 17 March October, 7.30 for 8pm in the Derek Hurst The Cotswold Wool Memorial Hall. Trade. 21 April Adam Mindykowski WLHG 7.30-8.45 Medieval landscape development. Kenswick and Wichenford 9.00-9.30 AGM. Parish Council 10 July Unapproved abbreviated draft minutes Tim Bridges Local church tour : of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish churches tba Council held on Monday 29 June 2009 Research areas now include: Crown in the Memorial Hall Wichenford. East, Lower Broadheath, Hallow, Councillor Britten-Long chaired the Grimley & . New meeting. (Chairman). The meeting members from these areas will be was attended by Vicky Bilton and particularly welcome. Simon Rowles from Malvern Hills Heather Rendall, Secretary planning department. Democratic half hour/public Ladies Fellowship question time. The next meeting of the Ladies The chairman invited all present to ask Fellowship is on 15 September at questions or make statements about 2.30pm. The venue to be decided. parish business. The planning officers P Webb were invited by the parish council to discuss local issues in our parish. They Macmillan Coffee Morning explained how the system works and Please come to the coffee morning in the process they go through to arrive aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on at the final decision. Friday 25 September 10am-12 noon, District and County Councillors in Wichenford memorial Hall. More Report details on 888232. This event is part The District Councillor reported that it of the World’s Biggest Coffee is the new civic year and Phil Grove Morning. from Tenbury is the new leader with Reg Farmer elected as the new DC chairman. Cllr Williams is chairman of the planning committee. County Cllr. Davies is the new chairman for Worcester City planning. He referred

September 2009 * The Villager 21 to money available for health proposal but would question if there is improvement and is progressing with enough headroom in the roof without The NPDC and hopes to make a raising the roof profile. formal grant. There is also funding Applications Approved/Refused/ available for Positive Activity Money Withdrawn. 09/00255/FUL Erection for Children and Young People, of stables and barn at Wants Green whereby the parish council can apply (Approved). 09/00536/HOU Rear to Grant Funding 2009 on the web extension at The Tallett, Cockshoot site. Alwyn agreed to speak to Alan Farm (Refused). 08/01819/FUL Moore regarding Rosses/Guises Lane Erection of agricultural building at as the temporary TRO ends in August. Crabtree Orchard (Refused). Minutes 09/00251/FUL Proposed construction The minutes of the meeting held on 18 of a building to provide angling May 2009 were accepted and signed facilities with ancillary car park and a as a true record. new building for archery training for Progress Reports Cob House Fisheries (Approved). Allsetts Farm Motor Cross.The Applications to be considered. chairman and clerk met with Chris 09/00723/HOU Two-storey rear Bocock at Malvern Hills on 1 June extension for Arundle Farm. The and have heard nothing since. The parish council agreed to visit the site next motorcross meeting is scheduled on 3 July at 0am. for 12 July and we are expecting the Finance district council to be present with The balance for the 29th May stands at sound monitoring equipment. Cllr £17,273.52. WCC BACS payment of Rendall explained that the Kings £720 has been received. There was Green hasn’t been cut for the open one cheque totalling £600.01 for gardens due to the wildlife that it now agreement and signature. The attracts and has spoken to the residents acceptance of the finances was concerned. resolved. Planning Annual Return Applications considered since the last The Annual Return was completed meeting. 09/00646/FUL Coronation and certified by the chairman and Cottage, . Change of use clerk to the council for submission to from private equestrian use and the external auditor together with a construction of stables. The parish copy of the bank reconciliation; asset council have no objection to this register and a report on the major proposal although would question if a variances between 2008/2009. simple soak away is sufficient for four Risk Assessment horses. 09/00680/HOU Meadow The Annual Risk assessment was Cottage, Wichenford. The parish discussed. The clerk was asked to council has no objection to this include the trees on Elm Green Kings

22 The Villager * September 2009 Green and Laughern Trianglle. The For decision by the parish council. clerk has asked the lengthsman to cut (information only) Cllr. Rendall the grass around the bus shelter. informed the parish council that a Rosses/Guises Lane. Waymarking Day had been held in the Worcestershire County Council is parish. Cllr. Panton agreed to respond seeking a proposed permanent Traffic to the WMRSS. Emails regarding Regulation Order and we are waiting NPDC; Letter regarding Countryside for the publication date. Area Access Officer. Policing Matters; Insurance Review Involve Newsletter; Lengthsman The parish council is now insured by Scheme; Email Re: Cob House Came & Co which is part of Norwich Fisheries; Calc mail (emailed) 9-13; 9- Union. (Aviva). We have been able to 15; 9-16; 9-17; 9-18; 9-19. Fieldwork insure the Millennium Green under the Magazine; CPRE Newsletter; same policy and are now covered for Worcestershire Warden. Email:-Big £10million with the same cover for Lottery Funding; Community First E both, saving about £150.00 Bulletin; Water Mains replacement – NPDC Ombersley; Stray Dog Service. Nearly everything on the dilapidations Date and Venue of Next Meeting list has been done and once we have Next meeting will be 17 August 2009. received notification relinquishing the Meetings were arranged for 28 parish council of all its responsibilities September; 9 November and 14 we will hand over the money we are December 2009. Please check dates holding. and bring your diaries. All will be in Councillors Training the Memorial Hall Wichenford at Cllr Rendall has attended a meeting on 7.30pm. noxious plants. To Report Any Urgent Decisions Since the Last Meeting The lengthsman contacted the clerk and chairman regarding the ditching Enjoy films? that need to be done in particular Then sign up for the Little along Venn Lane. It was agreed by the Witley Film Society SEASON parish council to hire a contractor for TICKET for only £30.00! two days to do as much as possible Benefits include: along Venn Lane then we will review 1 FREE show the situation and possibly hire him to End of Season party! do other areas in the parish that are Help plan programmes prone to flooding. The clerk is to ask Contact: Jean Latham on the lengthsman to clear the signs at 01886 888122 Kings Green and PoplarRoad. or Bob Jose on 01886 888383. Correspondence

September 2009 * The Villager 23 cuttings of Pelargoniums, they often In the Garden do better grown from new cuttings than the overwintered mature plant. September is the best month for planting Spring-flowering bulbs (except tulips). When you are planting, incorporate some compost In the Garden In September and grit to help drainage, most bulbs Late summer-early autumn weather don't like sitting in soggy soil. If your can be great, making September a soil is clay you will probably do better good month for planting. Trees, planting in compost in containers. shrubs, climbers, herbaceous In the vegetable garden, Spring perennials and biennials can all be cabbages can be planted out, but don't planted now and have time to get forget to protect them with netting or established before the colder, wetter you will just be feeding the pigeons. weather arrives. It is a good idea to put Keep picking beans, and please in plenty of compost and some remember, fellas, big beans are only fertiliser as you are planting to get good for show, not for eating! Outdoor your plants off to a good start, it is tomatoes need to be picked by the end better to make an effort to improve the of the month and if necessary they can soil before planting shrubs and be ripened indoors. Carrots and perennials simply because it is so beetroot can be lifted and stored but much more difficult to do it parsnips are best left a little longer. afterwards. You might like to try sowing a green Large clumps of hardy perennials such manure, such as mustard, on empty as Crocosmia and Hemerocallis (Day ground, which should prevent autumn Lilies) will benefit from weeds establishing and being split up now, as can be dug in next spring soon as the leaves start to to improve the soil. yellow. Towards the end This is a key month for of the month bring tender those of you who are lawn perennials such as carers. Basic Autumn Fuchsias inside and think lawn care involves about lifting Dahlias and 1,'Scarifying '- raking out Cannas. Finding frost-free the dead grass and moss, storage space can be a 2,'Aerating'- making holes challenge but remember in the compacted ground that we had some very to allow oxygen from the sharp frosts last winter and air to reach the grass you may lose tender roots, and 3,Feeding with plants left outside. Take Crocosmia specially-formulated

24 The Villager * September 2009 autumn lawn feed. While you are in and non-returnable egg boxes. (The the swing of it, this is also the time to high quality paper gets recycled into reseed the bare patches. more paper). Gardens to Visit Most people think of mulching as a September brings the end of the drought-prevention measure, but it is visiting season for most gardens. also a great way to prevent water- Shuttlefield Cottage at Storridge, logging, as compost and other organic Malvern is open for the National mulches absorb excess moisture in the Gardens Scheme on 19, 26 & 27 soil. Mulching not only prevents heavy September (afternoons). Malvern rain from damaging the soil surface, it Show is with us again on 26-27 also encourages worms to pull it into September. The theme this time is 'A the soil. The worm tunnels become Celebration of Nature's Harvest'. perfect mini land drains! Everything JC benefits, from soil that is aerated and rich in beneficial microbes and humus, Composting Musings to healthy plants. Compost locks up Maybe by the time you read this we’ll carbon, so you’re doing your bit for be in the midst of an Indian Summer! the planet too! As I write (in August), it is pouring Don’t let extreme weather put you off again, the trees blowing violently in composting. Your garden will reward the wild winds that seem to have you for all your efforts! plagued our summer this year. My AH runner beans are now leaning drunkenly, the vines on the windward Martley Allotment side having acquired a “parting” from Association the prevailing south-westerlies. We are nearly up-and-running, and by Composting is always high on the the time you read this, we might have agenda. The wet season has resulted in some land! a mass of very lush growth, and If you are interested in having an consequently the compost bins are allotment in Martley, or want to find filling up faster than usual. This makes out more, contact Angie Hill on 01886 me very happy. There’s never enough 888762 or [email protected] compost. But, the downside is finding enough carbon-rich material to mix with all this green stuff. Up to now I had a good supply of shredded prunings to use, but this is nearly exhausted, and I am now reduced to scavenging corrugated cardboard from supermarkets to balance the mix, along with scrunched up low-grade paper,

September 2009 * The Villager 25

Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664

September already and it’s the time we At the end of the month there is the start to wind up again from a ‘quieter’ national ‘Back to Church Sunday’ (27 holiday period. It really is ‘back to school’ September) happening across our family now the holidays are over. I don’t know if of churches. Maybe we have memories of you noticed the signs that were up as soon church that go back some time maybe we as the school holidays arrived, ‘Back to don’t but it is a chance to come along and school’ was featured in many a shop. A worship. You may have told yourself, “I little sad when you are only just beginning must go to a service sometime this year”, your holiday, it is but don’t know when something that has to start. For others it happened for years even may be a whole new when I was a youngster Sat 26 September concept to go to so it must have been Heritage Weekend church. Whoever we happening a while! I Performances of are there is a welcome remember the mixed for each and every emotions of returning to Twelfth Night one. Like that first school, of an eager 2pm and 7.30pm at Martley day back at school we expectation of new Memorial Hall may be anxious, things, new classmates, excited even new lessons, a new teacher. I particularly expectant, when we get there things may remembered starting secondary school have changed, or may not, whatever why when we had to get so many new items of not come along and see for yourself and clothing and equipment. There were the join in with the worship that happens uniform, the sports gear, the books and week by week within our Churches. God more. I remember my first day at Bless you all secondary school carrying a satchel full of Rev David Sherwin stuff that I could hardly carry. Everything Thank You Martley was so different. Thank you to everyone who helped make I mention this because this month there the flower festival a success, for all the are events that focus on the past and on hard work put in by everyone. Thanks are returning somewhere. The ‘Heritage due also for those involved with making weekend’ (11-13 September) will be a the fete and special summer events like time to remember the past and its the Holiday Club possible. At the end of influence upon us now. There are talks July we enjoyed a wonderful time with and displays planned at Martley and the Masanori Takashi and his friends from sponsored cycle ride that some of you are Milan his singing was a delight and taking part in will bring you to many a inspiration. place with which you may have memories.

26 The Villager * September 2009 Church Services for September

Tue 1 Sept 10am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 2 Sept 10.15am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Thu 3 Sept 9am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford SUN 6 SEPT 8.00am Holy Communion, Knightwick Chapel 10.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30am Family Worship, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Morning Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 6.30pm Evensong, St Leonard, Mon 7 Sept 9am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford Tue 8 Sept 10.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 9 Sept 10.15am Holy Communion, Heaton House Thu 10 Sept 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford Sat 12 Sept (Heritage Weekend) 7pm Cheese and wine evening, St Peter’s, Martley SUN 13 SEPT (Heritage Weekend) 8.00am Holy Communion, St Leonard, Cotheridge 10.30am Family Worship, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 6.00pm Songs of Praise, St Laurence, Wichenford Mon 14 Sept 8.30am Prayer Breakfast Tue 15 Sept 10.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 16 Sept 10.15 Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Thu 17 Sept 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford SUN 20 SEPT 8.00am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 9.00am Matins, St Leonard, Cotheridge 10.30am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 10.30am Morning Worship, St Peter, Martley 3.00pm Evening Worship, Knightwick Chapel 6.00pm Evening Worship, St Laurence, Wichenford Mon 21 Sept 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Tue 22 Sept 10.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 23 Sept 10.15am Holy Communion, Heaton House Thu 24 Sept 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford SUN 27 SEPT National back to church Sun 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 9.30am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Family Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 10.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 6.30pm Evening Worship, St Peter, Martley Mon 28 Sept 9am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Tue 29 Sept1 0.00 Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 30 Sept 10.15am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley

September 2009 * The Villager 27 Village Contacts

Editor of The Villager Michelle Higgins [email protected] or 01886 888344 or leave articles at Martley Post Office Advertise in The Villager Aileen Parker—01886 888456 Church Rector: Revd David Sherwin—01886 888664 or (Worcestershire West [email protected] Rural Team) Curate: Revd Bruce Thomson—01886 888098 Assistant Priest: Revd Jennifer Whittaker—01886 833897 Martley Parish Council Chair: Dave Cropp—01886 888398; Clerk: Sally Williams—01299 832949 Martley WI President: Helen CoombeyJones—01886 888294 Martley & District Pam Minchin—01886 888521 or Margaret Jackson— Horticultural Society 01886 888654 Royal British Legion Joyce Tyler—01886 821551 Martley Ramblers Harry King—01886 888439 Martley Young Farmers Lou Wickens—01886-812754 or Caroline Bullock— 01905-333617 Path-or-Nones John Nicklin—01886 888318 [email protected] Resource Centre Alan Boon—01886 888527 Police “Surgery” CSO Matt Smith 7184—Martley Local Policing Team Police Station extn. 3581 Martley Website [email protected] Martley Web Mesh Richard Jackman—01886 821237 [email protected] John Layton—01886888460 [email protected] Tom Pearsall—01886 888256 [email protected] Martley Pre-School Kath/Lucy—01886 889127 www.martleypreschool.co.uk Wichenford contacts for Janet Andrews—01886 888303 or Sheila Richards—01886 The Villager 888378 Kenswick & Wichenford Clerk—Shirley Sanders 01886 888302 Parish Council Wichenford Wine Club Chairman—Bill Hylan 01886 888431 Wichenford Local Heather Rendall—01886 888239 Heritage Group

To have your organisation and its contact details appear on this list, or to change the details shown here, email [email protected] or leave a note for the editor at Martley Post Office.

28 The Villager * September 2009 Broadcasting booboos Beg, Borrow or Steal (BBC2): Jamie Theakston: Where do you think Cambridge University is? Contestant: Geography isn’t my strong point. Theakston: There’s a clue in the title. Contestant: Leicester?

Mobile Library Ockeridge Silver Oaks 9.45–10.05 Wichenford Malvern View 10.10–10.35 Church 10.45–11.05 Kings Green Farm 11.15–11.40 Rosses Green 11.45–12.05 Martley Hillside Horn Lane Bungalows 12.10–12.25 Martley Taylors of Martley 12.30–12.45 LUNCH Heaton House 1.20–1.50 Church. 1.55–2.15 Clifton Village Hall 2.30–3.50

The Mobile Library will be visiting these stops on Wednesdays on the dates listed below: 16 Sept 2009 7 October 2009 28 Oct 2009 18 Nov 2009 9 Dec 2009 30 Dec 2009 Any enquiries should be made to Stourport Library, Worcester Street, Stourport, Worcs DY13 8EH, tel: 01299-822866, [email protected]

September 2009 * The Villager 29