my roofing FREE ESTIMATES company limited & ADVICE

ALL ROOFING & GUTTERING WORK UNDERTAKEN from major re-roong to minor domestic roof repairs FLAT ROOFING         
      ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Call Evesham 01386 896789 or 07747 774296 e: roo[email protected]

 
  /2!.-#10 +2/20.0'2/20(-)+2/2*)'20#-,$2/2.-').2/21,'-,$22 /2!.-#10 +2*10,1%2210*1%2/2 ".-,(2),'.1(12/2.-'20**+22 /2.0#1*2/2!.0-,0$12/2&.2 /22
10.+2&0.0,(112/20 1,(2),2)"*1(-),

Resin Driveways / Long Lasting / Low Maintenance / Weed Free / Reduces Puddles / Can be applied over Existing Surface / Durable Material / Visually Appealing )22120&.1*+22/22#1+02 )0%22/22).'1+(1.+-.122/22 2

2 Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that the supporting the local community sooner we see the back of 2020 by providing a service that saves and this dreadful corona virus the public money. the better. That said, there All C2C employees are also some heart warming The Cloudy2Clear service only operate a strict social positives that we can take out of requires the glass to be replaced this situation. It has often been and not the whole window distancing policy. said that we can only really get once the unit has failed. Paul to know one another and realise commented “Cloudy2Clear were what is truly important in times able to assist our community of crisis. I think few would WKURXJKWKHODVWÀQDQFLDOFULVLV argue that in this case what has in 2008 due to the savings proven to be important is local that can be made in using community spirit. our service. Unfortunately we might be going through When talking to the Manager something similar again soon of Cloudy2Clear windows Paul and the public can rest assured Papandreou it became clear that that we will be there to help these values have been held dear again”. for a number of years. Since starting the business some years For a free quotation please ago Cloudy2Clear have remained call 0800 61 21 118 or visit true to their core values of cloudy2clear.co.uk. Have Your Windows Steamed Up? Replace the pane, not the frame! All glazing backed by our “I really liked the fact that they were a local community run business” We are a Which? Janet Beard Trusted Trader

Social distancing in operation Faulty locks, handles or hinges?

Priority freephone

www.cloudy2clear.co.uk Love Your Home - Protect Your Windows - Save Money

3 PRO DRIVEWAYS Professional Driveway Installations

Stonebow House is proud to provide care to elderly people within our community:             
  Tolearnmoo learn morm ree about what twe we edopleasee ddo please visit ourou website.                 WE JUST CCARE        
   ,6315//2104(6
53'2-56 ,6"32'5+4)6(54020&6 ,6 4(2.)64.5324(/6 ,6434-66(1-$64'20&6 www.stoonebowhousehousee.co.ukecou ,6 53250-5%6546 ,650-20&6643%5020&6 ,6"32'5+4)6"5/2&06 ,63556 1.4.210/6 ,6"32'5+4)6 0/.4((4.2106 GET A FREE QUOTE NOW! ## 6* *66#*#6**6*666 
6%32'5+4)/!31)411!-166,66+++!31%32'5+4)/! $6      6564%%1-$/ 631 &.106 4-$5.. 613-5/.53 613-5/.53/235 6*6          


4 Safe 67$577+(1(:<($5 Showroom Appointments :,7+$1(:.,7&+(1 & No Obligation Home Design BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW Visits

THE UK’S #1 KITCHEN MAKEOVER EXPERTS. EST. 1999

BEFORE

Up to 50% less than a new Kitchen

From simple door replacements QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS to complete fitted kitchens BY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS Fully installed by local professionals in just a few days Choose from a large selection of doors, worktops and appliances AVERAGE SCORE 9.7/10

Local family run business SEE WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY

Dream Doors Hereford & Worcester 42 The Tything, Worcester, WR1 1JT Call us now for a free estimate: www.dreamdoors.co.uk 5 01905 726166 from the editor ...

Welcome to the Early Spring edition of The that a lot of enterprising people decided to go it Grapevine, and a very Happy New Year to alone and start up their own businesses. If this is everyone! something you are now considering, Open 4 Business is a simple and easy to follow course which February of course is Valentine’s month, and as it is designed to take you from choosing the right type looks like we will still be in lockdown on Valentine’s of business through to setting up emergency Day that means no pubs or restaurants to go to. So contingency plans. Due to the current restrictions, this month’s recipe on page 30 has been specifically venue-based training is not possible. However, chosen so you can have a delicious home-cooked should these continue, online training will become Valentine’s dinner with your special person. And if available, and in the meantime, if you don’t want to you are looking for something out of the ordinary in wait you can always download the manual and get the way of drinks to go with your romantic dinner, started. More details on page 24. have a look at Trevor Langley’s suggestions on page 25. And that’s it for now. Until next time, stay happy and healthy. 2021 is going to be a challenging year for many people, many of whom lost their jobs when businesses had to close. The same thing happened Betty after the Credit Crunch in 2008. The result then was

e for 2 m m o n p t e h

e s

K

-

-

t

h

e

l

e

c n

y

p

c

l e e r

a

e s Contributors Editor If you would like to advertise in Amy Marshall Haines Watts Betty-Ann Ambury The Grapevine, please contact us on: Advertising & Editorial Newent Garden Centre Betty-Ann Ambury Pamela Green t: 01684 833715 Sandie Davis Front Cover Photography m: 07754 170286 Mike Ambury Sue Johnson e: [email protected] Trevor Langley West Mercia Police

Next Issue Copy Date 8th March 2021

DISCLAIMER. All information published is correct according to those who supplied it and no responsibility is taken if it is not. Care is taken to ensure all advertisements are truthful and no liability is accepted for errors or omissions. Artwork is accepted on the understanding that there are no copyright restrictions.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All artwork and copy appearing in this publication is copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The right to refuse advertisements is reserved. The use of this publication for canvassing, direct marketing or any other activity apart from sourcing local goods and services is strictly prohibited. © 2020

6 contents . . .

8

ARTICLES HEALTH & BEAUTY 8 Enchanting Winter Scenes 26 ALM Fitness

11 February Traditions 32 Managing Arthritis

37 Earth Heritage Trust GARDENING 40 Pick Up Your Pen! 22 Newent Plant Centre

BUSINESS ARTICLES COMMUNITY 18 Haines Watts 25 13 West Mercia Police 21 Read Easy

FOOD & DRINK 25 Some Leicestershire Spirit

30 Recipe of the Month

REGULARS 14 Clubs & Groups

35 Coffee Break

22 38 Community Contacts

7 Enchanting Winter Scenes article & photos by Pamela Green

other Nature gives us some They were originally used as changing Many beach hut owners make extra Mbeautiful sights in every rooms for Victorian beachgoers, money by hiring out their huts to season, but I think it's winter that but they have since grown in holidaymakers. You can rent daily, surprises me the most. My husband, popularity, size, and price, serving weekly or for block periods. The Michael, and I were on a trip to as more than just a glorified shed beach huts we saw were located on the north of England; we had a North Parade, Southwold, and are Most buyers purchase a beach hut as day to spare and this is usually situated very close to Southwold a long-term investment. Although when I take my most interesting Pier, within two minutes’ walk of weather dependent, owners can photographs. We decided to visit the public toilets and car park. The spend time in their beach hut all Southwold, an English resort town huts also have disabled access and year round, or until the harsh winter full of old world charm. It has a are situated in rows of six with an storms begin. Most beach huts are permanent population of 1,500 exclusive walkway. people, and like other coastal rented out daily, with prices varying towns has many holiday lets. What according to location. Some huts In fact, the day after our visit, the we thought enchanting was the can be rented long-term, but note huts were due to be lifted by crane 300 beach huts, which stretch that this does not mean people are over the wall and into the car park, along the shore like the brightly able to stay overnight. Beach huts for protection from winter storms. coloured beads of a necklace. for sale are advertised on websites, We decided that next time we are and there are companies who create staying near the seaside, we would It was a cold day and very windy, but bespoke huts, as well as replacing or like rent a beach hut for a day and we took a stroll along the pathway renovating huts almost anywhere experience a leisurely day by the in front of the beach huts as the sea in the UK. sea. crashed onto the rocks below. It was bracing to say the least and I didn't take much persuading when Michael suggested a hot lunch of fish and chips. We selected a cafe on the Pier and as we ate our delicious lunch, we were drawn to the sights of the brightly painted huts below. How charming they were, and how enticing.

With the UK’s exit from the European Union, more and more holidaymakers are opting for a ‘staycation’, as opposed to travelling abroad. Nothing is as quintessentially British as spending your holiday renting a candy-striped beach hut lined along one of the UK’s famous coastlines. 8 She makes me feel like a VIP

΄ʼnÎƞĎĀijƂĈ΄åƂĎ ŜƂāĎƊƖĎƂ΄π΄ÎƼāĮåƵŜœ ΄ ΄åʼnʼn΄ŜƞƂ΄ĦƂijĎœĈʼnƼ΄ƖĎåő΄ƖŜĈåƼ΄ƖŜ΄ Ɗ΄ĎĎ΄ĮŜƶ΄ƶĎ΄āåœ΄ƖåijʼnŜƂ΄å΄āåƂĎ΄ ſ΄åāņåħĎ΄ĦŜƂ΄ƼŜƞ͟΄ ̅΄̆̈̍̋΄̌̋̉̍̈̅

ƶœŜο΄ƂāĎƊƖĎƂåœĈƶƼāĮåƵŜ ĀʼnƞĎĀijƂĈāåƂĎ͟āŜ͟ƞņ ĀĎʼn͟ņƞĎĀijƂĈāåƂ āͥƶŜ͟ƞ ŜƂāĎƊƖĎƂͲƶƼāĮåƵŜœ ΄

9 Pinvin, Pershore

)$%8/2866(/(&7,212))227:($5 )5207+(/($',1*%5$1'6 )25$//7+()$0,/< MOST STYLES IN FULL AND HALF SIZES ~ SIZE 3 - 8 LADIES & SIZE 6 - 12 MENS &KLOGUHQV PDLQ¿WWLQJFHQWUHLQWKHDUHDIRUERWK&/$5.6 67$575,7(DW5HGGLWFK 2XU$OFHVWHUVKRSDOVRKDVDODUJHVHOHFWLRQ OUR STOW SHOP SPECIALISES IN LADIES & MENS FOOTWEAR 2ZQHGDQGUXQE\DORFDOIDPLO\ BRANDS INCLUDE: CLARKS, ECCO, RIEKER, HOTTER, LOTUS, LELLI KELLY, ROHDE, GABOR, ANATOMIC, LOAKE, BARKER, START-RITE, GEOX, MERRELL, SKECHERS, SEBAGO, VAN-DAL, EQUITY, TAMARIS, TIMBERLAND ~ HANDBAGS BY RADLEY & TULA

.,1*),6+(5&(175(5('',7&+5('',7&+7HO +,*+675((7$/&(67(5 3$5.675((7672:217+(:2/'

10 February Traditions

st February is the Celtic it was a time when cakes were 1feast of Imbolc. Imbolc is offered to the gods. the second of the four great fire Candlemas on 2nd February was festivals. The others are Beltane a time when the candles to be (May Eve) on 1st May, Lughnasa used in church during the coming (Lammas) on 1st August and year were blessed. Some people Samhain (Hallowe’en) on 31st believed that candles gave October. protection against plague, illness At Imbolc, Brighid the daughter and famine. It reinforced the of Daga is said to be pregnant message of Jesus being the light with the seed of the sun. She is of the world. ripe with the promise of new life A weather rhyme states: as the seeds in the earth begin to “If Candlemas be fair and bright awaken. The name ‘Imbolc’ means Other dates to celebrate in Winter will have another flight. ‘in milk’ and traditionally marks February are Shrove Tuesday But if it be dark with clouds and rain the lactation period of ewes and when various events traditionally Winter is gone and will not come cows after they’ve had their young. take place involving pancakes. again.” Milk or cream was poured onto Ash Wednesday (the day after the earth as an offering to the gods. Snowdrops appear in February and Shrove Tuesday) marks the are a symbol of hope. According beginning of Lent and the For the Romans and Celts, to legend, when Adam and Eve journey towards Easter for February was the start of spring. were expelled from the Garden of Christians. January and February were added Eden, Eve had given up hope that Many people eagerly look to the Roman calendar by Numa the cold winter would end. An forward to Valentine’s Day on Pompilius, who succeeded angel appeared and transformed 14th February as a way of Romulus as king of Rome in 715 BC. some snowflakes into snowdrop sending a loving message to February comes from the word flowers. someone they are attracted to. It ‘februa’ which means cleansing Snowdrops are also known as is a day when many people and purification. Candlemas bells. The Latin name receive marriage proposals. It is The Anglo Saxons called February for snowdrop is ‘Galanthus’ which said to be lucky if you are awoken ‘sol-monath’ (cake month) because means ‘milk flower.’ by a kiss on that day.

Sue Johnson Poet & Novelist Creative Writing Workshops Critique Service & Talks

Tel: 01386 446477 • www.writers-toolkit.co.uk

11 Mission Impossible ... !! A man on his Harley was riding along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, God said, "Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will Yew Tree Cottage, Box Trees Road, grant you one wish." Hockley Heath, Dorridge B94 6EB The biker pulled over and said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want." God replied, " Your request is materialistic; think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help mankind." New Spring Bargains The biker thought about it for a long time. Finally, he said, "God, I wish that I, and all men, could Why not invest in a new understand women. I want to know how she feels driveway or patio to enhance inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means the appearance and add when she says nothing's wrong, why she snaps and value to your property? complains when I try to help. I want to know how I can make a woman truly happy." We pride ourselves on our high God replied: " You want two lanes or four on that standards of workmanship. bridge . . . ?" We will beat any like for like genuine * * * * * * * written quote Super what ...?? Block Paving • Tarmacing (red or black) Patios • Resin Drives • Concrete Mahatma Ghandi walked barefoot everywhere, to Recoloured Brickwork • Slabbing the point that his feet became quite thick and hard. Gravel • Landscaping • Fencing He was also a very spiritual person. Property & Roof Repairs And even when he was not on a hunger strike, he Driveway Maintenance did not eat much and become quite thin and frail. (Pressure cleaning & sealing - weed free) Furthermore, due to his diet, he had bad breath. For more info, please contact: T: 0121 690 2271 T: 01926 940 854 He became know as a super calloused fragile mystic plagued with halitosis. T: 01564 791 228 M: 07875 086 397 E: [email protected] * * * * * * * Peek-a-boo ...!! A young and foolish hotshot pilot wanted to sound cool and show who was boss on the aviation radio frequencies. This was his first time approaching an airfield at night. Instead of making an official landing request to the tower, he said “Guess who?” Visit our website to view our current ranges and photos of work carried out in your local area The tower controller switched off the runway lights www.dimensiondrivewaysltd.co.uk and replied, “Guess where?”

12 PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT SECURITY MEASURES

EQUIPMENT & TOOL SECURITY location, additional security t
install CCTV cameras to watch Equipment and tool security can measures may be beneficial over the most vulnerable areas be a particular issue for rural of the property To protect your rural home or businesses and farms. business: t
install a monitored intruder To keep your belongings safe: t
keep the boundaries of your alarm system lock equipment away in a land and property well- t
t
install an entry control system secure building or part of a maintained and secure infrared, intercom or keypad building when not in use keep all doors and windows t
t
establish a single gated t
invest in a secure storage shut and locked when not in entrance and exit, removing all toolbox use private access points that are t
install a burglar alarm on t
install a visible burglar alarm not in use buildings where equipment is t
make sure windows and door kept BOUNDARIES frames are secure and in good Take a good look around your always lock vehicles when left repair t
property boundary for any outside and keep the keys in t
fit strong locks to sheds, potential places where it could be your possession garages and outbuildings made more secure. t
keep expensive items and t
fit good quality window locks Consider: vehicles out of sight when not planting thorny hedging to act in use t
consider security bars and t
grilles for vulnerable windows as a natural barrier consider using hitch locks, t
and openings wheel clamps or ground t
digging deep ditches to anchors t
make sure gates cannot be control and deter unwanted lifted off or have their fixing vehicle access mark your tools and t
bolts removed equipment and register them t
if possible, having a single- t
check security equipment gated access point to the keep a record of all valuable t
regularly to ensure it works property items properly t
using locking posts or t
consider fitting outside t
use locking posts or temporary temporary obstructions to security lights obstructions to control wide control large openings access points to yards ESTATE & BUILDING SECURITY t
invert and cap gate hinges Farmhouses and other rural For additional security you could t
making sure fixing bolts are properties are the same as any also: secure and use covered other home, so general home t
install automatic security lights padlocks security advice still applies. that come on at dusk and turn However, because of the remote off at dawn t
installing warning signs

13 Clubs & Groups

Air Gun League 01386 45086 Evesham Men in Sheds 01386 870420 Air Training Corps 01386 553964 Evesham Motorcycle Club 01905 345395 Arden Sailing Club 01386 554109 Evesham Photography Club 01386 556746 Badsey Archery Club 01386 830867 Evesham Probus Club 01386 333233 Badsey Recreation Club 01386 830867 Evesham Ramblers Association 01386 446407 Badsey Royal British Legion 01386 830200 Evesham Rambling Club 01386 443234 Badsey Women’s Institute 01386 831233 Evesham Rotary Club 01789 778836 Beckfort Social Club 01386 881405 Evesham Rowing Club 01386 446131 Bengeworth Club 01386 442317 Evesham Rugby Club 01386 446469 Bidford on Avon & District Evesham Running Club 01386 429141 Gardening Society 01789 268794 Evesham Sea Cadets 01386 833383 Eckington Bridge Club 01386 634718 Evesham Senior Citizens’ Club 01386 761195 Evesham Angling Association 01386 422689 Evesham Skittle League 01386 552856 Evesham Archery Club 01386 831509 Evesham Sub-Aqua 07880 732881 Evesham Art Society 01386 833277 Evesham Tennis Club 01386 446131 Evesham Autograss Club 01386 49464 Evesham Volunteers Centre 01386 45035 Evesham Bereavement Group 01386 49616 Inkberrow Bowls Club 01386 792822 Evesham Bowling Club 01386 831709 Juniors’ Angling Club 01386 45880 Evesham Bridge Club 01386 41107 Kick Boxing – Evesham 01386 48452 Evesham Canine Society 01684 541874 Lenches Club 01386 870221 Evesham Cricket Club 07747 831100 Pershore & Evesham Evesham & District Philatelic Mothers’ Union 01386 556629 & Postcard Society 01386 421549 Pershore Bell Ringing Evesham & District U3A 07827 637923 Association 01386 553919 Evesham Garage Art Group 01386 423245 Pershore Bowling Club 01386 554212 Evesham Girl Guides 01386 830638 Pershore Duplicate Bridge Club 01386 861787 Evesham Golf Club 01386 860395 Pershore Canoeing Club 01386 554130 Evesham History Society 01386 761522 Pershore Community Choir 01905 620827 Evesham Hospital Radio 07858 694572 Pershore Cricket Club 01386 552856 Evesham Ladies Darts League 01386 832906 Pershore Dog Training 01386 555812 Evesham Ladies Netball Club 01386 424462 Pershore Embroiderers & Evesham Men’s Darts League 01386 40827 Textile Artists 01386 554709 Evesham Men’s Hockey Club 01386 832607 Pershore Flower Club 01386 553116

To list your club or group, email [email protected] To advertise your event or list your club or group,14 email [email protected] Andrew Cooper    
 

Pershore Heritage & History All aspects of Society 01386 552305 Painting & Decorating covered Pershore Jazz Wallpapering Specialist (meets at Pershore Town FC) 01386 554235 Interior and Exterior decorating Pershore Ladies Guild 01386 550177 Professional & Reliable Pershore Operatic Society 01386 552504 Pershore Rotary 07850 996732 Tel: 01905 841434 Pershore Rotary Business Club 07726 685583 Pershore Rubber Bridge 01386 642635 Mob: 07845 182619 Pershore Rugby Club 07791 045017 [email protected] Pershore Scottish Country Dance Society 01386 552992 95 Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton, WR10 2AP Pershore Scrabble Club 01386 552379 Pershore Skittles Club 01386 552856 Pershore Squash Club 01386 552856 Pershore Swimming Club for The Disabled 01386 555713 Pershore Tennis Centre 01386 556677 Pershore Town Choir 01386 555231 Pershore Vale Walkers 01386 554235/07879 280171 Pershore Volunteer Centre 01386 554299 Bespoke curtains and blinds from design to installation Pershore Women’s Institute 01386 554212 Scouts & Cubs 01386 442923 Extensive range of fabrics, poles and all accessories South Worcestershire Archaelogical Group 07738 995825 Roller, Vertical & Venetian blinds St Andrew’s Fellowship (meets at Hampton Club) 01386 553392 Complete fitting service Vale Craft Guild 01386 832364 Vale Harmony Barbershop Chorus 07766 524833 The Old Smithy, Worcester Road Vale of Evesham Civic Society 07801 846049 Grafton Flyford, Worcs, WR7 4PW Vale Lace Makers 01386 41330 Vocal High - singing group 01386 641476 [email protected] Wheelers Cycling Club 01386 830868 T: 01905 381 811 M: 07976 640 307 www.sunflower-softfurnishings.co.uk

15 Carpentry & Interiors

• Kitchens • Wardrobes • Studies • AV media storage s we continue to battle through the grip of walls & cable tidy/ Athe Coronavirus pandemic, many directors management will inevitably still be concerned about cashflow. • Refurbishment The Government schemes that help so many restoration & repairs businesses only go so far, so it’s reasonable for • Suspended ceilings companies to ask where their cash is going to • Shop fitting come from. • Garden rooms • Locks & security At the basic level, they need sales to generate income, as it is not practical to think that the Government can support businesses indefinitely. Marc Bradley Many companies are finding that they are able to Design & Build Specialist trade, albeit sometimes at reduced levels and with restricted access to markets, and this is 07759 461406 having a knock-on effect on funds.

 01789 762450      LOCKSMITHS and    SAFE ENGINEERS

‡/RFNsales,fitting&RSHQLQJ         ‡6DIHsales,fitting&RSHQLQJ
         ‡.H\FXWWLQJ                                  ‡(OHFWURQLFORFNLQJVROXWLRQV         !" "             #

‡)XOOPRELOHVHUYLFH $ %"  & '  
      ‡&DUNH\VSHFLDOLVWV

Unit 12, 34 Tything Road, Alcester B49 6ES Phone: 01789 762450 Fax: 01789 400799   www.alcesterlocks.co.uk

16 Is Your Company Feeling the Pinch? R&D Tax Credits Could Help

Could you benefit from R&D Tax Credits? For companies that have been working to develop Making a Research & Development tax claim can new products or processes; or appreciably improve help to boost companies’ cashflow during this existing ones, an R&D claim could generate many difficult time. The SME scheme generates tax saving thousands of pounds. A well-earned cash injection at just under 25% of qualifying expenditure, for for work you’ve already done! profitable companies; and cash repayments at 19% – 33% for loss making companies. So, if your company doesn’t currently make R&D relief claims, call us to see if you have qualifying The statics from the latest government report for projects. R&D relief in the UK shows that 60% of all relief was claimed by companies based in London and the Please contact Jamie McLellan Tax Project South East for 2018 – 2019. Given that the Midlands Manager at our Hereford office today to see is a centre of manufacturing, there must be a wealth how R&D relief can help your company. of untapped potential for more companies to claim. It looks like there are companies out there, which [email protected] should be making R&D claims, but aren’t. tel: 01432 273189

So how can Haines Watts help? In the year to 31 March 2020, Haines Watts Worcester generated over £43m of tax savings, at an average tel: 01905 612347 of better than £53,000 per claim. This kind of cash email: [email protected] boost can make all the difference at a time like this.

Neil Clifton of Cube Precision Engineering, based in Evesham Rowley Regis, explains how our service helped his tel: 01386 579999 company during this uncertain time: email [email protected] “We have used Haines Watts R&D team over the last three years. Their tax specialists were extremely proactive providing interim work on our claim prior to Tewkesbury our year-end, to speed up the process and secure the tel: 01684 290123 cash earlier than anticipated, before the impact of the email: [email protected] global pandemic kicked in. Given the current climate, the cash injection was a welcome boost and has enabled us to concentrate on delivering aerospace and Hereford automotive projects that qualify for an R&D rebate as tel: 01432 273189 we look to continue our growth.” email: [email protected]

www.hwca.com/accountants-worcester

17 18 Garden Machinery Mobile Service & Repair for an estimate call Marc Taylor Will White Wood Farm, Peopleton, Worcestershire, WR10 2DZ t: 01386 860918 01905-841394 m: 07716 404489 07421-263689 www.mexmotors.co.uk [email protected] Specialists in vehicle repairs and restorations

7KHRQO\WKLQJZHFDQ·W JXDUDQWHHLVWKHZHDWKHU :LWK0DOYHUQ*ODVV\RX·UHJXDUDQWHHGTXDOLW\ZRUNPDQVKLSDQG SHDFHRIPLQGZLWKHYHU\ZLQGRZGRRUDQGFRQVHUYDWRU\LQVWDOODWLRQ $OORIIHUHGZLWKRXUXQLTXH\HDULQVXUDQFHEDFNHGJXDUDQWHH 7UXVWHGIRURYHU\HDUV

LQIRUPHGUHOLDEOH KRQHVW IULHQGO\ SURIHVVLRQDO

6KRZURRPRSHQDW6SULQJ/DQH1RUWK0DOYHUQ  0RQ)ULDPSP_6DWDPQRRQ )5((QRREOLJDWLRQTXRWDWLRQV 0DOYHUQ*ODVVLVD1HWZRUN9(.$ :LQGRZV PHPEHUVR\RXFDQEHDVVXUHGRIWKH 9 KLJKHVWTXDOLW\SURGXFWVDQGVHUYLFH *HWDQLQVWDQWJXLGHSULFHRQOLQHDW 9'RRUV ZZZPDOYHUQJODVVFRXN 9&RQVHUYDWRULHV

CRAIG MERCHANT ELECTRICAL SERVICES WĂƌƚƉΖŽŵĞƐƟĐ/ŶƐƚĂůůĞƌZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ Call for a FREE ͻEĞǁƵŝůĚƐΘdžƚĞŶƐŝŽŶ Inspection / Quotation ͻ&ƵůůͬWĂƌƚ,ŽƵƐĞZĞǁŝƌĞƐ ͻKƵƚĚŽŽƌ^ĞĐƵƌŝƚLJ>ŝŐŚƟŶŐ t: 01905 841018 ͻDĂŝŶƐ^ŵŽŬĞĞƚĞĐƚŽƌƐ ͻdžƚƌĂ^ŽĐŬĞƚƐΘ>ŝŐŚƚƐ or ͻEŝŐŚƚ^ƚŽƌĂŐĞ,ĞĂƚĞƌƐ ͻ&ƵƐĞďŽĂƌĚŚĂŶŐĞƐ m: 07899 964866

19 ScotiaCare 3 Great Products Homeplan HomeplanEstablished 1979 for the price of a

A fast, reliable service from A fast, reliable service from Boiler Service! an expert local provider an expert local provider

The ScotiaCare Homeplan offers complete peace of mind for all your boiler, heating, hot water, plumbing and electrics £7.99 for only £7.99 per month. per month A fast, reliable service from an expert local provider A fixed low cost of just £7.99 per month for the first 12 months. A fixed ongoing price at £16.99 What's included.. per month for a further 2 years. • Boiler Breakdown YES • Heating System & Controls YES Boiler Cover - YES • Hot Water Systems YES • Internal Plumbing YES including repairs and annual boiler service • Home Electrics YES • Radiators YES Plumbing and Heating -YES Plus.. Electrical - YES • NO EXCESS • FREE annual service • FREE parts • FREE labour Sign up now to claim • FREE callout your FREE £10 • Emergency Costa Coffee gift card helpline

Established 1979

01684 773747 www.johnstonscotia.com 20 NEWS FROM READ EASY EVESHAM AND PERSHORE January 2021

COVID hasn't deterred us, says local Read Easy Group

he Local group Read Easy TEvesham and Pershore has made real progress in the past three months despite the ever- growing problems of COVID. The Group is affiliated to the national charity, Read Easy UK, and it aims to help adults in our area who want to learn to read or improve their reading skills.

The Group was set up in February 2020 and has now recruited and trained twelve Reading Coaches. Working remotely and using Zoom for meetings online has made it possible to continue read at all or struggle with this financed by donations and fund- building the team. most basic requirement for every- raising. day life. Poor reading ability has a Contact Sue Oxley on 07799 Sue Oxley, the Group's acting huge impact on what people can Team Leader says “COVID hasn't 053831 or email: epliteracy@ do in life and the opportunities deterred us from building the group. readeasy.org.uk if you feel you can open to them. It affects every We are now fully ready to take on help the group or to discuss how aspect of their life, socially as well adults who want to develop their the group can help individuals. as in terms of employment, and reading skills. Our reading And have a look at our Facebook far too often means they never coaching is on a confidential, page: www.facebook.com/read achieve their potential. It can one-to-one, basis, so we will pair easyeveshamandpershore to see mean people becoming socially each individual with one of our what we're up to! isolated, never able to take a full Reading Coaches. Of course, part in their community.” The national Read Easy website, while COVID continues we will be www.readeasy.org.uk has much doing this remotely and online.” The Group is appealing to individuals more information, including Sue added “It's easy to assume that and local organisations for help videos of people telling how all adults are able to read but in identifying adults that may want Read Easy has helped them England alone there are around help with their reading. There is develop their reading skills and 2.4 million adults who either can’t no charge for the service, which is the effect it has had on their lives. 21 Herefordshire’s Most Inspirational Plant Centre

s the day length shortens others with top petals in different Roots will appear from the bulbs in Aand the summer bedding colours to the lower ones. On a about 3 weeks, followed by the plants begin to fade, it’s time to sunny still day you will often be shoots. Then the flower stems will plan the winter colour for patio able to appreciate the delicate emerge – using a tall vase stops the containers. scent they have too. flowers falling over. The highly fragrant flowers will open about Obviously there are so many plants Back in the 1980’s the “Universal ten weeks after you planted them – you can choose to add colour to Pansy” strain hit the market – it was the cooler you keep them the your containers for the winter: the first range of Winter Flowering longer they will last. Pansies – a breakthrough to add a evergeen grasses, small evergreen great range of colour to the garden shrubs, heathers, herbs, Heucheras, Hyacinths of course are the most through those long winter months and so many more! popular bulb for growing indoors, and everyone challenges themselves I always advise adding some spring The strain of the winter pansy has to try and have them flowering in flowering bulbs as these are a great been developed further over the time for Christmas – but relax and surprise when they pop up in the years and there is now an enormous don’t give yourself this pressure; I spring – it’s a sign the weather is range of colours to choose from. prefer to have mine flowering in warming up and spring is on the way. They flower from September right January once all the myriad of the through to the end of June most Indoor Bulbs for winter colour bright festivities are over. years. They do need a bright sunlit If you don’t have a garden or just The method for growing Hyacinths spot though – winter pansies are want to keep some lovely colour indoors is easy too, although there “light sensitive” – so if we have a inside during those darker months, are a couple of “old myths” to avoid. cold winter with those bright sunny then now is the time to plant bulbs. days there will be lots of flowers. You must use “prepared” Hyacinths “Paperwhite Narcissus” are one of However, when we have mild – these have been specially heat the easiest to grow. winters, these are generally very treated, making them think winter wet and so rather dark – hence Take a tall glass vase and put about has passed and spring is right now there will be fewer blooms. 8 cms (3 inches) of grit into the base. so they want to grow. No chemicals Customers often remark that their Then take about three Paperwhite are used for this but the surface of pansies do better when it’s snowy Narcissus bulbs and firmly push the bulb produces an irritant, so you and frosty – and that’s why – they them into the grit – not too far – should use gloves when touching are dependent on bright light and just enough to hold them up them and wash your hands are not affected by the cold. afterwards (more hand washing!) Add some water to the vase, just The slightly smaller flowered enough to get the grit wet, but it’s Hyacinths can be grown in all types Winter Violas are currently proving important not to let the base of the of containers: teacups, vases, low to be more popular than pansies. bulbs sit in the water. Keep the vase bowls, wooden boxes or just ordinary There is a vast array of colours, in a well lit but cool room, adding a pots. If there are no drainage holes even some with pretty faces and little water from time to time in the container you must use Bulb

Throughout the year Mark will be sharing his ideas for each month, and tips for your garden. If there are any gardening related questions you would like answered, please drop him an email: [email protected]

22 Planting Fibre – this contains charcoal to stop Quickthe compost jobs from to doQuick this jobsSeptember to do this smelling when it’s wet. October Pop the bulbs into the compost with the _tips Plant just upshowing fresh Hanging – Baskets with Winter Pansies and Violas there is no need to bury them. Then put them– add somewhere a few dwarf spring flowering_ Clean bulbs the toobird feeders before “COLD” – not in the airing cupboard as many of us used to be _ Continue to dead-head faded flowersthe long on Dahliaswinter tofeeding encourage told. You are trying to mimic winter first, so the bulbs need to be more blooms season cold to produce their roots first. So put them outside behind a shed, or in a cold garage. Ideally they also_ want Relax to and be inenjoy the the garden on a dry sunny day . . . before the dark. weather turns! _ Trim Roses back by about a third as they finish flowering They need about eight to ten weeks to root, then the shoots will begin to appear. Once this happens you can bring them inside _ Move patio containers so into the light, but start off in a cool room. The flower buds will they can be viewed from soon emerge and you can move them somewhere warmer to appreciate that wonderful spring scent – a true winter indoor indoors easily classic – the Hyacinth.

Herefordshire’sHerefordshire’s Most Inspirational Most Inspirational Plant Centre Plant Centre

,ĞƌĞĨŽƌĚƐŚŝƌĞ͛ƐDŽƐƚ/ŶƐƉŝƌĂƟŽŶĂůWůĂŶƚĞŶƚƌĞ

Annual Heuchera Festival Saturday_ Ornamental 19th & Sunday Trees 20th - we September have fresh stocks2020 including Sorbus, Betula, Acers, Malus Heucheras come in a wide range _ Free talk "Success with Heucheras" at >KD/E^dZ of stunningMother’s leaf colours _ Fruit Trees - all theDay usual: Apples, Pears, Plums 11am and 2pm each day. Booking Verzons Hotel etc., plus Mulberry, Walnut, Apricot, Damson etc. A417 essential as numbers limited due to social _ ,Z&KZ A438 LEDBURY Sunday 22nd distancingFruit Bushes March measures. - Blackcurrants, Gooseberries, s t Blueberries, Raspberries and unusual varieties EĞǁĞŶƚWůĂŶƚ ĞŶƚƌĞΛdŚĞEĞƐƚ _ Hundredslike Kiwi Fruit, of Heucheras Honeyberry, available Boysenberry NOW with Trumpet Great gifts for gardeners Inn Find us just 3 miles _ manySpring New Flowering Varieties Bulbs ready -from Crocus, September Hyacinths, west of Ledbury on the A438 - look - Planted arrangementsAlliums, for Tulips,indoors Narcissus or outside. and many many more for the sign for Apple Scrumptious ... _ "Trailing" Heucherellas for Hanging Baskets A4172 ΗdŚĞEĞƐƚΗ _ Winter Flowering Pansies and Violas - dozens and it is exactlyHundreds that! of pretty plants zDK<ΘEtEd _ Plantingof different ideas colours using Spring Flowering Bulbs,Friendly advice always available - including Primroses, Hydrangeas, Roses Friendly advice always available "Collectors Corner" of rare, _ evergreenOur Heucheras Shrubs too and - seasonalfabulous colour evergreen Friendlyfromfrom Mark advice Mark and alwaysandhis team his availableteam unusual and new plants foliage all year and great in pots too from Mark and his team We sell and accept 01531 670121 • Open 7 Days a week tĞƐĞůůĂŶĚĂĐĐĞƉƚ @ The01531 Nest, Little 670121 Verzons, á HerefordOpen 7 Road, Days Ledbury a week HR8 2PZ [email protected]@ The Nest, Little Verzons, Hereford • www.newentplantcentre.co.uk Road, Ledbury HR8 2PZ HQTXLU\#QHZHQWSODQWFHQWUHFRXN‡ZZZQHZHQWSODQWFHQWUHFRXN RHS Gold Medalists Follow us on Facebook & Twitter RHS Gold Medalists Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

23 HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOUR JOB? Are you thinking of starting your own business? Would you like help getting started? Recently started a business and need help to get going? THEN OPEN 4 BUSINESS IS THE IDEAL COURSE FOR YOU! Open 4 Business is a step-by step training course that will teach you everything you need to know to get your business up and running. Book a 1-day venue-based workshop or download the e-manual from: www.open4business.tech Workshops held in small informal groups Fee includes all course material and refreshments

For more information please call

0845 224 7068 or email: [email protected] 
Bring Out Some Leicestershire Spirit

he county of Leicestershire spirits and fruit flavours again has a great combination Thas a lot going for it. combining, producing liqueurs of alcoholic content and, with Amongst the many attractions to an exceptional standard. A the wild damsons infused, that residents, locals and large amount of the fruit is makes for a splendid liqueur. visitors enjoy, are numerous picked by hand. These are just a selection from wonderful delights of cuisines the full range of liqueurs and beverages. The county is offered by Sloeberry Spirits Ltd. renowned for producing food The liqueurs are available to and drinks, a good number of order online and can also be which are award-winning. For located at numerous events, this quest I searched for a well- attended by the company, established company that throughout the year. The produces alcoholic beverages, website has all details, plus covering a good range of stockists, etc. Additionally, flavours, with outstanding worthwhile noting, are the qualities, including aromas, current offers, such as free tastes and presentations. delivery on qualifying Sloeberry Spirits Ltd produces purchases. Orders are very impressive liqueurs. processed and dispatched Bordering Leicestershire and quickly and efficiently. Gift sets Rutland, Sloeberry Spirits Ltd are also available. utilises the finest spirits to great SLOE GIN (25% vol) is superb, Sloeberry Spirits Ltd advantage and, together with with excellent flavour. If GIN & Tel: 01664 738 088 the additions of various fruits, RASPBERRY (25% vol) is a Northfield Farm creates finished products that favourite, then the production E-mail: are most excellent, having by Sloeberry Spirits Ltd will [email protected] many ‘devotees’ to their brand. certainly not disappoint; again, Whissendine Lane Following several months of a good alcoholic content and www.sloeberryspirits.co.uk natural infusion, this traditional with the flavour of raspberries Cold Overton method of production has the coming through perfectly. If Leicestershire vodka is preferred, then VODKA LE15 7QF & BLACKBERRY (25% vol) has that ‘dark fruit effect’, which is As always, most pleasing, from first sight, Enjoy! through mouthfeel and palate 
sensation, to the finish. Other vodka presentations include   VODKA & STRAWBERRY and VODKA & BLACKCURRANT. WHISKY & WILD DAMSON (25% vol) is, in my opinion, another superb production. Very popular with whisky lovers, this 25 Be Kind . . . To Yourself! together whilst you’re slowly falling apart and trying to get through each day as it comes.

Remember: what people post on social media is usually a HIGHLIGHT of their day.

DO NOT compare yourself to others. Comparison is the thief of joy!

But we can flip our mindset from feeling sorry for ourselves and how hard done by we are to a more positive one. I know that’s easier said than done. he first month of 2021 is Any goals we had set quickly Tover … not quite the New went out the window. But it’s not all doom and Year we all had in mind and gloom. LOTS of people on social media let’s be honest, the last ten decided to put an end to their There’s light at the end of the months haven’t been what ‘Dry January’. tunnel this time … we expected either. People filled with dread and Yes we are having to adapt and We’ve all had to adapt, be fear of another UK lockdown change but we’ve been doing challenged in ways that we for at least six weeks, which that for the past ten months, never imagined. will probably be more like we can continue to do so. twelve weeks. The New Year gave us hope, Your goals might have gone ‘Let’s put 2020 behind us and We can all live in self-pity, out of the window when lock- focus on a positive 2021’… to thinking the world is against down was announced and you immediately get slapped down us and seeing everyone else may only now be settling into on day four of the New Year. out there keeping themselves some form of routine (again). 26 But that doesn’t mean it’s going to stay this way Exercise & Mental Health: forever. Getting outdoors for exercise can be difficult in ‘Nothing changes if Nothing changes’ – read winter, but pretty much all experts agree that it's a that again! great way to boost your mood.

We can all bury our heads in the sand and "Our minds and bodies are completely inseparable", refuse to make any positive changes to our says Dr Brendon Stubbs, of King's College London. lifestyle; feel sorry for ourselves and have a glass Exercise triggers the release of endorphins into the half empty attitude rather than a glass half full. bloodstream, relieving pain and producing a But it’s about your ACTIONS which will take you feeling of well-being. to where you want to be. Research by Dr Stubbs has also shown that Those goals you set yourself before lockdown exercise also increases electrical activity in the was announced – you CAN STILL achieve them. emotional processing areas of the brain, particularly the hippocampus and the pre-frontal They might take a little longer than planned, cortex. but that’s okay. "It's vital to keep active to improve your mental As long as you’re making positive steps in the health and stimulate your brain including those right direction then that’s the main focus right areas", he says. "If you don't exercise, the activity now. drops."

It doesn’t need to be difficult or overly That's one of the reasons why a lack of exercise complicated. increases your risk of anxiety and depression.

But most importantly, BE KIND to yourself. Exercise can also boost the production of a protein, BDNF, or Brain Derived Neurotrophic Put YOUR health and well-being first! Factor, which is crucial for brain health.

Make YOU a priority! "You can think of it as a kind of brain fertiliser - it This will help you handle whatever stress and helps parts of your brain regenerate," says Dr challenges are thrown your way! Stubbs.

Whatever you focus on, keep it simple. Even short periods of exercise - just ten minutes - can help. And of course, reach out for support if you need "Anything that leaves you slightly out of breath, it. like a brisk walk, or something like gardening, or a This was taken from the BBC Website about cycle ride, will do."

For more information on the services we provide, or if you’d like to take part in our next 6 week Fundamentals programme, then please take a look at our website www.almtransformation.com

or email [email protected] and I’ll be more than happy to help.

27 28 Barbara’s House Clearance Service Full or partial house clearance Sheds, Loft and Garages cleared *All Interior & Exterior Work Undertaken *Domestic & Commercial *Paper Hanging *Insurance Work *Airless Spraying *Plastering *Wall & Floor Tiling Free Fully Itemised Quotations Sympathetic lady owner, very experienced in For a professional and reliable service please call: dealing with family bereavement and moving into Nursing Home situations CHRIS BOTTRELL Over 10 years experience in donating Tel: 01905 700142 recycled goods to Local Charities Mob: 07867 813616 www.aztecdecorating.com Tel: 01386 553700 • [email protected] Fully Insured member of the Painting & Decorating Association

he's watching... digitaltvsystems are you? AAERIAL.SATELLITE.CCTV.NETWORKING Specialists in fixing reception problems www.d-tv.co.uk CAI Benchmarked Aerials for Digital TV [email protected] Trustmark, CAI and CEDIA members FREEVIEW and FREESAT approved company @dtvsystems SKY for new and existing customers /digitaltvsystems Fixed and Motorised Satellite Systems CCTV Security Systems New house installations Satellite Broadband installation Extra TV & Satellite Points High Definition HDMI Distribution Flat Screen wall Mounting Wired and Wireless Data Networks Hidden & Buried Cable Routing Commercial Installations (SMATV/IRS) Home Cinema Installations Radio Aerial installation Multiroom Audio Systems ( etc) TV supply and installation 3/860HPEHU Storm damage and insurance work Set ups and retunes &

*t&c No Call-out Charge and Free on-site Quotations apply Evesham and Pershore 01386 770029

3&,'66&203/,$17 7UDGH3DUWQHU 6$7(//,7(%52$'%$1',167$//(5 Reg No: 18265341 )RU1HZ ([LVWLQJ&XVWRPHUV

29 Duck with Sweet Potato Ginger Mash

30 Dd,K

1. Cut 4 thin slices of the ginger and shred, then finely grate the remainder.

2. Rub ¼ tsp each of grated ginger and orange zest into the duck breasts, then grind over plenty of black pepper and set aside.

3. Put both types of potato into a steamer and cook for 15 minutes until tender.

4. Transfer to a bowl and add the remaining grated ginger, then blitz with a hand blender until smooth. Cover and keep warm.

5. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the onion, garlic and shredded DINNER FOR TWO ... ginger and fry for 5 minutes until softened and A delicious and easy dinner for two, ideal for a special starting to turn golden. celebration, like Valentine's Day. Seared duck breasts 6. Push the onions to one side, add the duck with ginger mash, served with brocolli and sprouts. breasts and cook for 10 minutes, turning frequently and stirring the onions occasionally. Serves 2 Preparation time: 10 minutes 7. Lift the duck out of the pan and put on a plate Cooking time: 25 minutes to rest.

Ingredients 8. Put the broccoli and sprouts into the steamer and cook for 8 minutes until tender. t
25g fresh ginger , peeled 9. While the vegetable are cooking, make the t
small orange , zested and the juice of half sauce. t
340g duck breasts, skin removed 10. Add 150ml water, ½ tsp orange zest and the t
160g sweet potatoes , peeled and thickly sliced stock cubs to the onion mixture and bubble to a t
125g potatoes , peeled and cut into chunks sauce, then remove from the heat and add the t
2 tsp rapeseed oil orange juice. t
1 onion , halved and thinly sliced 11. Slice the duck breasts and place on a warmed t
2 garlic cloves , thinly sliced serving dish, add the mash. t
160g broccoli florets 12. Spoon the onions over the duck and drizzle t
160g Brussels sprouts , peeled over the sauce. Garnish with the parsley and serve with the broccoli and sprouts. t
1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder t
fresh parsley to garnish

31 Sandie Davis MCSP, AACP, HCPC Reg, Chartered Physiotherapist Baker’s Arcade, Pershore, WR10 1DP www.sandiedavisphysiotherapy.co.uk 01386 304653 | 07930 162546

Managing Arthritis

here are many different joint thickens and produces more Ttypes of arthritis, and over fluid making it appear enlarged high impact sport, persistent 17 million of us are thought to or swollen, and muscles and awkward loading of the joints suffer with it. Some conditions ligaments around the joint may (poor postural habit), or a are aggressive and contract or stretch, causing previous significant joint injury. inflammatory, but the most instability or contracture. common is osteoarthritis, the However, the single biggest wear and tear degenerative Multiple factors contribute to the factor is weight gain. Arthritis is arthritis. rate of development of arthritis. most commonly seen in the load- From the age of 40, the body’s bearing joints, particularly the Our joint surfaces are covered production of hyaluronic acid knees, hips, feet and spine. with articular cartilage, a thin slows, leading to a reduction in Research shows that a gain of just layer of super smooth and the synovial fluid which bathes 1lb in body weight puts an extra slippery tissue that enables the and nourishes cartilage. Tissue 4lbs of pressure on the knees. bones to move smoothly over repair slows down and muscle each other. The term arthritis is mass decreases. Fortunately, although arthritic used when this cartilage starts to changes cannot be reversed, thin and wear. It may blister, and Just as you need to have the there is plenty you can do to then erode, leaving rough wheels balanced on your car to manage and control your patches which can impede prevent the tyres wearing symptoms. movement and lead to painful excessively, uneven joint loading inflammation. and muscle imbalances are Weight control is obviously the important influences on the most important factor to address, Over time, changes to the joint forces acting through joints. and should be combined with structure take place. Extra bone, Congenital conditions such as movement and exercise. called osteophytes, can develop “clicky” hip, or minor postural Targeted exercises provided by a at the joint margins, restricting discrepancies such as “knock Chartered Physiotherapist will movement and causing pain by knees” or leg length difference, address muscle weakness and rubbing on sensitive structures. can accelerate arthritic change. imbalances to minimise uneven You often see these on the finger Other contributing factors loading on the joints and give joints. The membrane lining the include heavy repetitive work, them support. General exercise

32 such as walking, cycling and swimming is very CREATIVE PRUNING & TOPIARY beneficial. Try walking with poles. You should SOUTH- HEREFORDSHIRE BASED continue for at least 15 minutes; after 10 minutes it PROFESSIONAL PRUNER gets easier as circulation increases, the joints start to GARDEN DESIGNER & PLANTING SPECIALIST lubricate themselves and the body releases feel- good endorphins. cloud pruning climbing plants J topiary GF roses IG JQ IU  garden schemes tree & soft fruits UJ GC Simple analgesia such as paracetamol can offer TU ornamental trees planting design short-term relief, but be aware of gastric side effects and shrubs RTWPKPICTV consultancy from anti-inflammatories. Local anti-inflammatory and cooling gels can be effective, massaged in as FABIO NALIN 07472 383412 required. Heat is comfortable for stiff tight joints [email protected] http://pruning.art whilst ice is useful if there is active inflammation.

Many people find supplements helpful, but they have to be taken long term. The most effective are Computer those that contain hyaluronic acid and omega 3, such as green-lip mussel extract. Problems? Whatever you do, don’t give up! - PC repairs and upgrades It takes commitment, and maybe life-style changes, - Spyware and virus removal but you most definitely can improve your quality of - Health checks and PC servicing life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. - Website design and site marketing - PC’s and media centres built to order - General troubleshooting & support - Configuring wireless networks - Email and Internet problems - Advice and ongoing help - Apple Mac and Windows

p: 01386 550191      
 m: 07435 964579 e: [email protected] Sandie Davis w: www.pendas.co.uk CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST Onsite support for all your PC issues, MEMBER OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL for both the home and business user ACUPUNCTURE ASSOCIATION OF CHARTERED Pendas Computer Services Ltd PHYSIOTHERAPISTS - Pershore -

Telephone No: 01386 304653 Mobile No: 07930 162546 Baker’s Arcade, Pershore, WR10 1DP www.sandiedavisphysiotherap\.co.uk Electrician Early assessmentassessment andand treatmenttreatment cancan All types of domestic, retail and commercial electrical work leadlead toto aa quickquick recovery!recovery! Fully Qualified, Design, Testing and Inspection, Replacement Consumer Units Installation and Maintenance. All work fully Certified and Insured 4XDOLW\$VVXUHG3UDFWLWLRQHU Recognised by most main insurance providers. Tel:- 01386 870931 Mob:- 07771 616189 Recognised by most main insurance providers Marchwood Maintenance Company 2 Walnut Close, Harvington, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8LS [email protected]

33 Luke’s Fencing Little Pink Cleaning Services Services Household chores Ironing • Deep Clean All types of new fencing including: End of Tenancy Clean • Close Board Fencing • For a FREE quote call: • Panel Fencing • 07593 457325 • Picket Fencing • Stock Fencing • or • Hit & Miss Fencing • 01386 442329 … and many more Call now for a free quote on your choice of fencing style and design We also provide repairs and maintenance service Te l : 01386 244680 S C Find us on Mobile: 07892447450 H S or email [email protected] SIMON HAINES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES LTD ƔGeneral Building ƔConversions & Extensions Luke's Garden ƔProperty Maintenance Ɣ Maintenance Groundworks Over 25 years experience Any gardening job quoted for, including: Pershore based y &ĞŶĐŝŶŐ y ,ĞĚŐĞĐƵƚƚŝŶŐ y y WĂƚŝŽƐůĂŝĚ y ĞĐŬŝŶŐĂƌĞĂƐ y Mobile: 07971 002637 y WĂƚŝŽĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ y Email: [email protected] y DŽǁŝŶŐ y dƌĞĞǁŽƌŬ y y &ĞŶĐĞĂŶĚƐŚĞĚƉĂŝŶƚŝŶŐ y www.shcsgroup.co.uk y 'ƵƚƚĞƌŝŶŐĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ y and more... (+LOO 6RQ call now for a FREE, no obligation quote )XQHUDO'LUHFWRUV Local ~ Professional ~ Reliable   Tel: 01386 244680 6HUYLQJWKH&RPPXQLW\6LQFH Find us on Find us on 6HUYLFH*XDUDQWHHGE\5HSXWDWLRQ Mobile: 07892447450  )DLUILHOG+RXVH or email [email protected] 'HIIRUG5RDG3HUVKRUH:5+= ZZZHKLOODQGVRQFRXN  3ULYDWHO\2ZQHGE\ %HYHUOH\)XQHUDOV/LPLWHG

34 (answers on page 42)

CROSSWORD

12345

67

SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that each line, each row 89 and each 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repetition.

10 11 12 12 14 847 15 91784 16 17 18 19 895 86 20 21 432 958 22 74

ACROSS 416 2 Alternative strategy in case the fi rst one fails (4,1) 59326 6 Meat-substitute bean (4) 7 Aristocratic title (4) 428 8 Dinner jacket (6) 9 Skinny, like a skeleton (4) TRIVIA 10 Surname of Loose Women regular Colleen (5) 12 Posed a questions (5) 1. On what day of the year is St George’s day held? 16 Dishonest scheme (4) 2. What colour is the bullseye on a standard 18 Of a thickset muscular build (6) dartboard? 20 Tiny jumping insect (4) 21 Silly escapade (4) 3. What is the name of Postman Pat`s pet cat? 22 Bill _____, Love Actually actor (5) 4. Which breed of dog has breeds called Welsh, DOWN Scottish and Irish? 1 Protein-rich vegetarian foodstuff (4) 5. What numeric term describes perfect eyesight 2 Samuel Richardson novel (6) and a form of cricket? 3 Permit, let (5) 4 Splotch of colour (4) 6. Who was known as the Maid of Orleans? 5 Third-placed competitior's medal (6) 8 Six plus four (3) 7. How many boxes are used in the UK version of 11 Ready to work at short notice (2,4) Deal Or No Deal? 13 At a snail's pace (6) 8. Which soccer club`s supporters are known as the 14 Home improvements (inits) (3) Toon Army? 15 Employing (5) 17 Complain (4) 9. What was Mohammad Ali`s birth name? 19 Edge of a pavement (4) 10. What is Doctor Who`s time box called?

35 with

Let everyone know you are open for Business!

8th March is the copy Why advertise with us: deadline for our Late Spring t
• AffordableUnrivalledAffordable distribution Advertising Advertising & forreadership for ALL ALL business in our editions sizesdeliverybusiness area sizes t
• 12,000Great10,000 value copies copies for handmoney hand delivered delivered door-to- door- • doorPeopleto-door to readhomes to homes our in magazines Pershore, in Caterham, from Evesham cover andto nearbycoverKenley, towns Purley and and villages. nearby areas. • Our magazines are trusted, comprehensive THE GRAPEVINE t
LocallocalLocal businessmagazines magazines directories are are RECEIVED, RECEIVED, READ & RETAINEDREAD & RETAINED for longer for longer bringing Local Buyers and • The Grapevine magazines are kept for at t
GreatleastGreat two value value months for for money money Local Businesses together t
• AllHandAll issues issues delivered available available by usonline online to all - -areasprint print and and • digitalInterstingdigital go go articles,hand hand in in featureshand. hand. and local Ask about our block booking t
ReachcommunityReach OFF-LINE OFF-LINE news CUSTOMERS CUSTOMERS discounts & special offers t
• FREEFreeFREE in in-house in-house house advert advert advert design design design

01684 833715 [email protected] • www.grapevinepublications.co.uk 36 Wonderful Walks in Worcestershire

ith the current emphasis on Worcestershire has a wealth Wkeeping mentally and of beautiful places to walk physically active throughout and these trails span the lockdown due to the COVID whole county with some in virus, there are some fantastic the towns and some further places to walk to stay fit and into the countryside but all healthy on your own doorstep with a unique flavour of the with step by step Explore guides place you are walking, taking to help you. between one and three hours to complete. Twenty six of these Explore guides are available in total, of which There are two trails which take you Geopark Way which is split in to fifteen are in and around Worcester- across the Malvern Hills and two seventeen sections. Each of these shire so you can stay close to home. lead you around the sites of can easily be walked in a day. In Each trail guide will enhance the interest in the town itself with the Worcestershire, these cover seven interest of a good walk, stimulate Great Malvern and Malvern Spouts stretches from Kinlet to Bewdley, your brain and invigorate you by and Stones guides. The Bewdley Bewdley to Larford Lake, Larford being out in the open air, seeing Town Centre, Worcester City Centre, Lake to Abberley, Abberley to things afresh, somewhere near you. Worcester Cathedral and Broadway Martley, Martley to Alfrick, Alfrick guides take you around the local to North Malvern and North Herefordshire and Worcestershire buildings and explain the history of Malvern to Colwall Stone. The Earth Heritage Trust have produced the stones. The Bromsgrove guide whole extent of the Geopark Way these easy to follow, laminated trail takes you around the town and out makes it a permanent, long distance guides which you can use again into the nearby country-side giving walking trail running from and again. Each one shows you the excellent views. The more rural Bridgnorth in the north and ends, route with a sketch map of the area walks take you around the Lickey 109 miles away, at Gloucester and things to look out for along the Hills, Clent Hills, Bredon Hill and Cathedral. way, looking at the landscape and also Wyche and Purlieu. Two buildings around you, influenced Abberley guides offer you a choice In addition to the Geopark Way by the history and geology under of Abberley Village Churches or a itself, there are three circular walk your feet. The guides tell you about walk up onto the hills. guides which you can download the history and industry of the area for free: Mathon and the Malvern and explain what you see with The Abberley Hills also join up with Hills, Alfrick and the Suckley Hills clear diagrams and photographs. a fabulous walking trail called the and one around Martley.

To get a copy of any of these exciting trail guides, go to www.earthheritagetrust.org/shop/ or for more information about the good works of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust, visit www.earthheritagetrust.org.

37 &20081,7< &217$&76

EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES HOSPITALS

POLICE FIRE AMBULANCE AGE UK EVESHAM COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Emergency: 999 Evesham & Pershore Tel: 01386 502432 South Wychavon CRIMESTOPPERS Tel: 01386 422700 PERSHORE HOSPITAL Tel: 0800 555 111 Tel: 01386 502070 AGE UK FIRE BRIGADE Upton-Upon-Severn ANIMAL CARE Worcester Road, Malvern 15 High Street RSPCA Tel: 01684 572948 Tel: 01684 593633 Tel: 0300 123 4999 Minge Lane, Upton upon Severn Tel: 01684 771780 CHILDLINE AVON CATS RESCUE 'HɛRUG5RDG3HUVKRUH Tel: 0800 1111 Tel: 01789 750235 Tel: 01905 24454 CHILD PROTECTION HELPLINE CATS PROTECTION EVESHAM Merstow Green, Evesham Tel: 0800 800 500 Tel: 01386 833343 Tel: 01386 466388 CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH RSPB WEST MERCIA POLICE WORCESTERSHIRE Tel: 01767 693690 Victoria Road, Malvern Malvern Station Lane, Upton Evesham POST OFFICES Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore Droitwich Abbey Road, Evesham Tel: 0808 278 7891 BISHAMPTON Tel. 0300-333 3000 Tel: 01386 462873 OURSIDE YOUTH CENTRE AMBULANCE SERVICE EVESHAM Tel: 01386 424171 Victoria Road, Malvern Tel: 01386 423344 Tel: 01684 561556 PERSHORE VOLUNTEER CENTRE INKBERROW Spetchley Road, Worcester Tel: 01386 554299 Tel: 01386 792201 Tel: 01905 764226 WORCESTERSHIRE RAPE & LOWER MOOR GAS SEXUAL ABUSE SUPPORT CENTRE Tel: 01386 861705 Tel: 0800 111 999 Tel: 01905 611 655 PERSHORE WATER SAMARITANS Tel: 01386 552608 Tel: 0800 783 4444 Tel: 01432 269 000 PEOPLETON ELECTRICITY Tel: 01905 840471 Tel: 0800 328 1111 CHEMISTS

EVESHAM UPTON SNODSBURY TRAVEL Tel: 01905 381511 Evesham Parmacy EVESHAM RAILWAY STATION Te: 01386 48899 TOURIST INFORMATION Tel: 0845 700 0125 Morrisons Pharmacy Tel: 01385 40610 BROADWAY PERSHORE RAILWAY STATION Tel: 01386 852937 Tel: 0845 700 0125 PERSHORE www.beautifulbroadway.com Boots The Chemist NATIONAL RAIL Tel: 01386 556860 EVESHAM Tel: 0845 748 4950 Tel: 01386 442348 UPTON-UPON-SEVERN NATIONAL TRAVEL LINE (Buses) Talbot Cooper Chemists PERSHORE Tel: 0871 200 2233 Tel: 01684 592637 Tel: 01905 843896

38 39 Three Wishes by Cat Williams

One is enough thank you, Wish Fairy. I don't need three Pick Up different ones, just to repeat the same plea thrice is all I ask. I wish, wish, wish this vile, vindictive, vicious virus would go Your Pen! away for ever. I wish, wish, wish this vile, vindictive, vicious virus would go away for ever. I wish, wish, wish this vile, vindictive, vicious virus would go away for ever. id you ever receive a marriage Dproposal on Valentine’s Day? If What DOES this interloper think it is doing assuming so, what happened? superiority in this way? I suppose, coward that it is, it's sitting complacently in hiding just watching the majority of humans Did you ever send a Valentine card creep about in fear and dread and laughing uncontrollably at to someone who did not return unhappy, be-masked countenances. Insidious beast! How your feelings? DARE it, by stealth and anonymity, seek to obliterate the human race? Did you ever go on a blind date? We are told it has a thin skin but I think its exterior must be as Create a story in 300 words and send thick, thick, thick as two thick planks otherwise it would have it to me at: sue.r.johnson@outlook. faded ignominiously away being so loathed, despised and com by Tuesday 2nd March. I will hated by all. award a small prize to the winner. Maybe it emanated in space and is planning to eradicate every sort of life form and take over the whole universe? For what, I Sue Johnson ask? What would it DO with such a gargantuan expanse? www.writers-toolkit.co.uk How could ANYTHING wish to cause such suffering, misery, disruption. heartache? How many words ARE there to describe the upheaval this 'thing' has wreaked? I don't feel any terrorist, anarchist, dictator or tyrant could Our winner this month is Cat surpass its achievements. I don't normally wish anyone or Williams. Congratulations also to anything any harm, but in THIS case, I find myself not caring Pauline Wright and Gill Smith who HOW it is eradicated so long as it IS; VERY, VERY soon. were shortlisted. PLEASE, PLEASE - dear Wish Fairy - do your utmost to grant my threefold wish. In so doing, you could be saving life as we know it - and do NOT know it, of course.

Sue Johnson Poet & Novelist Creative Writing Workshops Critique Service & Talks

Tel: 01386 446477 • www.writers-toolkit.co.uk

40 Index

Accountants Electricians Kitchens Haines Watts 16 Craig Merchant Electrical 19 Dream Doors 5 Marchwood Maintenance 33 Aerials & TV Services Locksmiths Digital TV Systems 29 Fencing Alcester Locks 16 Luke's Fencing Services 34 Boiler Services Painters & Decorators Johnston Scotia 20 Food & Drink A Job 4 John 10 Some Leicestershire Spirit 25 Andrew Cooper Painting & Building & Construction Decorating 15 Simon Haines Construction 34 Funeral Directors Aztec Painting & Decorating 29 E Hill & Son 34 Carpenter Clive Campion & Son Ltd 10 Marc the Carpenter 17 Garage Doors Garolla Roller Doors 4 Pershore Retail Market Cleaning Services Index of Businesses 43 Little Pink Cleaning Services 34 Garages & MOT Pereshore Pet & Tack Shop 44 Mex Motors 19 The Spice Trader 44 Community Services Blue Bird Care 9 Gardening & Landscaping Plumbing & Heating Briarlea Care House 39 Dimension Landscape 12 Johnston Scotia 20 Cedar Lodge Care Home 18 Garden Machinery Mobile Stonebow House 4 Service & Repair 19 Residential Care Home Luke's Garden Maintenance 34 Briarlea Care House 39 Computing & IT Services Luke's Fencing Services 34 Cedar Lodge Care Home 18 Pendas CS Ltd 33 Newent Plant Centre 22 Stonebow House 4 Pruning Art 33 Conservatories, Windows & Doors Recipe of the Month Handyman Cloudy2Clear Windows 3 Duck with Sweet Potato Mash 30 A Job 4 John 10 Malvern Glass 19 Roofing Health & Beauty Decorators & Painters My Roofing Company 2 ALM Fitness 26 A Job 4 John 10 Sandie Davis Physiotherapy 32 Andrew Cooper Painting & Shoes Decorating 15 Heating Plumbing Humphries 10 Aztec Painting & Decorating 29 Johnston Scotia 20 Clive Campion & Son Ltd 10 Solicitors Thomson & Bancks 28 Driveways & Paving House Clearance Tarmac & Paving Specialist 2Barbara's House Clearance 29 Windows, Doors & Education & Courses Interior Design & Conservatories Open 4 Business 24 Soft Furnishings Cloudy2Clear Windows 3 Writer's Toolkit 11 & 40 Sunflower Soft Furnishings 15 Malvern Glass 19

41 Terminator who ...?? A director is screen-testing Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger for a new film about classic Solutions composers. Not having figured out who to give which part to, he ask Sly who he would like to be. 1. 23rd April 2. Red Stallone says, “I like Mozart. I want to be Mozart.” 3. Jess So the director says, “Very well, you can be Mozart.” 4. Terrier Then he turns to Arnie and says, “Arnie, who would 5. 20/20 you like to play?” 6. Joan of Arc 7. 22 And Arnie says, “Ah’ll be Bach!” 8. Newcastle United * * * * * * * 9. Cassius Clay 10. The Tardis Next patient please! 258641739 During a visit to my doctor, I asked him, "How do you determine whether or not an older person 916273584 should be put in an old age home?"

743895612 "Well," he said, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a 18935426 teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the person and them to empty the bathtub." 432167958 "Oh, I understand," I said. "A normal person would 675982143 use the bucket because it is bigger than the spoon or the teacup." 827416395 "No" he said. "A normal person would pull out the 591738426 plug. Do you want a bed near the window?" 364529871 * * * * * * * TPLANBB SOYA L LORD Dinner for one ...?? FMLOO Two elderly ladies meet at the launderette after not TUXEDO BONY seeing one another for some time. After inquiring about each other's health, one asked how the ELWZ other's husband was doing. NOL AN AS K ED "Oh! Ted died last week. He went out to the garden NULIto dig up a cabbage for dinner, had a heart attack SCAM STOCKY and dropped down dead right there in the middle AO IWE of the vegetable patch!" FLEA N LARK "Oh dear! I'm very sorry," replied her friend, "What LNIGHYB did you do?" "Opened a can of peas instead."

42 Cherry Orchard, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1EY 01386 553232 www.pershoremarket.com

Bella Fashion Mobility Centre Smart Cards Scarves, tights, fashion Used mobility scooters Greetings cards, gift wrap, jewellery, socks, etc. 07393 488044 balloons and banners 07912 537441 Bob's Curry Hut Orchard Frames Gluten-free & vegan Indian Bespoke framing, picture Sweet Traditions food, snacks & curries frames, photo frames, (formerly Candy Box) 07811 757220 clean/repair/recycle Wessex flour, cake boards, 07393 979847 sugar paste and all your baking and decorating needs Bubblicious Pershore Engraving Vaping, e-cigs, artisan soaps, Trophies, keys cut, gifts, 07584 025157 bathbombs and gifts new and used mobility aids The Book Shop 07743 400620 07784 750710 Paper backs. kids' books, Carole Ann Pershore Footwear adult colouring, Ladies' Fashion skirts, Wide fittings, shoes, bags atlases, CDs and DVDs trousers and jackets for ladies and gents 01386 553412 01386 552782 The Hideaway Sheepskin and cow hide

Custom Graphix

erlocks.co.uk

DOLVWV

UYLFH

NLQJVROXWLRQV

ng&RSHQLQJ

ting&RSHQLQJ

ENGINEERS

SMITHS and 762450 9 Pershore Pet & Tack Shop rugs; fitted carpets Custom printing, mugs, signs, Food, toys and bedding 07748 236410 banners and copying 01386 561635 07800 861800 The Market Cafe Pershore Rugs Hot & Cold food all day E.D. Furniture Ltd Hug rugs, doormats and take out service Quality new furniture, and kitchen mats 01386 561695 beds and mattresses 01386 565588 07341 443323 The Sewing Lady Poppy's Alterations and repairs to Ken & Jen Mason Stationery, packing & postal, curtains and clothing knitting service and Daughters 07412 873359 Fresh fruit, veg and flowers 01905 820914 The Tool Den 01386 555805 Sally's Bargains Toasters, kettles, fryers, Garden and general tools, LDA Meats steamers, cookware tool repair and sharpening Fine quality Butcher & Deli 07966 287828 07711 868367 01386 554010 Shabby Vintage TJM Outfitters Little Gems Shabby Chic furniture, gifts Complete range of Pre-loved clothes, jewellery and vintage items menswear since 1978 and bric-a-brac 07961 805395 01386 550344 Stalls now available - New ventures welcomed Call Mark on 01386 553232 for more details

Open 9am to 4.30pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday Situated behind ASDA with 43ample parking front and rear Cherry Orchard, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1EY 01386 553232 www.pershoremarket.co.uk Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 4.30pm

The Spice Trader

Offering a wide selection of dried herbs, spices, sauces, jams and more

Tel: 07599 055745

Pershore Pet & Tack Shop

/DUJHUDQJHRISHWSRXOWU\ OLYHVWRFNDQGHTXLQHVXSSOLHV IRRGEHGGLQJWUHDWVWR\VHWF

Tel: 01386 561635

The following shops are also open in the market: %RE V&XUU\+XW_.HQ -HQ0DVRQ 'DXJKWHUV 7KH7RRO'HQ_3HUVKRUH0RELOLW\&HQWUH_/'$%XWFKHUV 'UDSHUV%DNHU\_6ZHHW7UHDWV 7KH0RRULQJV&DIp &DIpRQ7KH&RUQHU RSHQIRUWDNHDZD\VRQO\

Social distancing and all COVID-19 safety precautions

are being44 observed