Tarrington Tatler

The church now has a new kitchen and WC. Here are the celebrations after the opening...

Deadline for submission for the next issue: 23 January 2015

EDITORIAL

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Tatler. Another year is soon to pass so may I take this opportunity to wish every reader a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Andy (Editor) 25 November 2014

CHRISTMAS FACTS

 The Germans made the first artificial Christmas trees using dyed goose feathers

 Norwegian scientists have hypothesised that Rudolph’s red nose is probably the result of a parasite infection of his respiratory system ;0)

 In AD350, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed 25 December as the official celebration date for the birth of Christ

 Christmas trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold

 Puritan Oliver Cromwell outlawed Christmas celebrations and carols in England from 1649 to 1660. The only celebrations allowed were ser- mons and prayers

 It is estimated that the single White Christmas by Irving Berlin is the best selling single of all time, with over 100 million sales worldwide

 The first printed reference to a Christmas tree was in 1531 in Germany

 Commissioned by Sir Henry Cole (1808 - 1883), British illustrator John Calcott Horsely invented the first Christmas card in 1843

GEOGRAPHY QUIZ Answers on Page 31

How much do you actually know about Britain? Test your geography knowledge with these quick questions...

1. Which is further west - Bristol or Edinburgh?

2. Coton in the Elms in Derbyshire is the furthest place from the coast; how far away is it? A. 50 miles B. 70 miles C. 110 miles D. 250 miles

3. How many deer live in the UK? A. About 100,000 B. About 2 million C. About 9 million D. About 13 million

4. How much of the UK is woodland? A. 1.2% B. 4.8% C. 12.7% D. 21.9%

5. Which has the largest population? A. Newcastle upon Tyne B. The London Borough of Croydon C. The Borough of Reading D. Milton Keynes

6. How many counties border Wales? A. Two B. Four C. Eight

GEOGRAPHY QUIZ Answers on Page 31

7. Which is the wettest city in the UK? A. Glasgow B. Liverpool C. Manchester D. Belfast

8. What percentage of people in the UK live in a town or city? A. 50% B. 80% C. 99%

9. Which is the longest bridge? A. The Humber Bridge B. The Tamar Bridge C. The Second Severn Crossing D. The Menai Bridge

10. Which is the longest motorway? A. M6 B. M1 C. M5

11. How many acres does Spaghetti Junction cover? A. 2 acres B. 10 acres C. 30 acres D. 60 acres

12. Which is the UK's longest river? A. River Avon B. River Severn C. River Thames D. River Clyde

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Every year at our service on Remembrance Sunday we gather around the War Memorial that was built by public subscription in 1920 or 1921. There were at least three ideas considered for a proper memorial to those who gave their lives; a plaque in the church building, the restoration of the tenor bell in the belfry but it was the suggestion of a war memorial in the churchyard that was considered the most fitting.

There can be little doubt that at home with his family in Drury Cottage, George Evesham would have been taking an interest in the proper commemoration of his six former friends and comrades. Although he had returned home after his experiences in the trenches on the western front, the effects of the gas that he had suffered left him a broken man. George never regained his health and died from his wounds only months after the memorial was completed.

For some years now, since we have known of George's story, we have been reading his name aloud along with those of his comrades and, in this centenary year, it seemed right and proper to finally add his name on the memorial to en-

sure that his name is carved in stone into Tarrington's history. We are grateful for the craftsmanship of Simon Hudson, the cathedral stone mason, for his work on the memorial that was completed in time for our service and for the additional repairs that will keep all in good order for future generations. We are also very grateful to the parish council and to the family of George Evesham for their generous contributions towards the work.

At the time of going to press and after the generous donations already received, we are left with a balance of £400 required from church funds for the work completed. If you haven't had the opportunity to donate but would like to do so, I would be delighted to hear from you. John Watkins

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS FROM:

John Watkins & Margaret Sally & Ted Willmott Mcleod Maurice Smith Margaret & Sandy Lockwood Dave & Karen Coleman John & Marianne Shipp Edwin & Sharon Turnbull Jeanette & Graham Forrester Ian & Alison Howard Vivien Kouzeleas Rebecca & Evie Matty & John Hodges Bill & Lynn Sayer Peter & Peggy Hammersley Tricia & Stuart Fryer Jan & Arthur Pierce Veronica & Robert Hodges Richard Price Jeanette Ward Margaret & Martin Townsend Margaret & Richard Brad- Liz & John Parry stock

June Andrews Beverley & Colin Brookes

Liz & John Tallis Charlotte & Oliver

These greetings are instead of actual cards and the money is donated to the Church of St. Philip & St. James, Tarrington

Flicks in the Sticks Films Lady Emily Hall

All films start at 7.30pm, with refreshments and wine available both at the begin- ning and at a half-time interval. Tickets will be £4.50 (£2.50 U-16) at the door. If you need any help getting to the films, or could offer help to set up, serve teas etc., contact John Tallis on 01432 890720.

17th January: The Grand Budapest Hotel (15)

GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a price- less Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing continent. Starring Ralph Fiennes and with a host of cam- eo appearances by well-known Hollywood names – Willem Dafoe, Jeff Gold- blum, Jude Law, Bill Murray ….

Tarrington Neighbourhood Development Plan Thank You for Completing Your Questionnaires!

Tarrington residents have been given the opportunity to give their views about the future development of our parish. In total, 420 questionnaires were distributed and 278 completed questionnaires and 191 prize draw forms were returned (either collected by volunteers or posted to John Tallis, chairman of the Steering Group). The prize draw was won by a resident who lives in Pound Close. The questionnaires are now being analysed by Data Orchard and the results of this analysis will help to shape the contents of the Tarrington Neighbourhood Devel- opment Plan.

Samantha Banks from Herefordshire Council attended the last Steering Group meeting to support the group. She answered questions about settlement bound- aries and the updating of an ‘S.H.L.A.’ map, which Herefordshire Council will produce to provide a new housing and land analysis of Tarrington. The minutes of Steering Group meetings are posted on the Tarrington website. The next meeting of the Steering Group will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9th Decem- ber 2014 in the Lady Emily Hall.

Please remember that Steering Group meetings are open meetings so all interested residents are welcome to attend. Maggie Daron 7

LADY EMILY HALL EVENTS (DECEMBER) Monday Parents and Tots Group Thursday LEH Committee Meeting 01 December 10.00 am 11 December 7.30 pm

Monday St Michael’s Hospice Thursday Badminton 01 December Lunch 12.00 pm 11 December 8.00 pm

Monday Bowls Club Friday Pilates Class 01 December 7.30 pm 12 December 09.30 am

Tuesday Craft Club Saturday St Michael’s Saturday Club 02 December 10.30 am 13 December 09.00 am

Wednesday Brownies Monday Parents and Tots Group 03 December 6.00 pm 15 December 10.00 am

Thursday Archery Club Monday Bowls Club 04 December 6.00 pm 15 December 7.30 pm

Thursday Badminton Tuesday Craft Club 04 December 8.00 pm 16 December 10.30 am

Friday Pilates Class Tuesday Rifle Club 05 December 09.30 am 16 December 7.00 pm

Friday Hereford Rotary Jazz Night Wednesday Brownies 05 December 7.00 pm 17 December 6.00 pm

Monday Parents and Tots Group Thursday Private Party 08 December 10.00 am 18 December

Monday Bowls Club Thursday Archery Club 08 December 7.30 pm 18 December 6.00 pm

Tuesday Craft Club Thursday Badminton 09 December 10.30 am 18 December 8.00 pm

Tuesday Rifle Club Friday Pilates Class 09 December 7.00 pm 19 December 09.30 am

Wednesday Brownies Monday Parents and Tots Group 10 December 6.00 pm 22 December 10.00 am

Thursday Archery Club Wednesday Polish AA Group 11 December 9.00 pm 31 December 6.00 pm

LADY EMILY HALL EVENTS (JANUARY) Monday Parents and Tots Group Friday Pilates Class 05 January 10.00 am 16 January 09.30 am

Monday St Michael’s Hospice Saturday Flicks Film (The Grand Buda- 05 January Lunch 12.00 pm 17 January pest Hotel) 7.30 pm

Monday Bowls Club Monday Parents and Tots Group 05 January 7.30 pm 19 January 10.00 am

Tuesday Craft Club Monday Bowls Club 06 January 10.30 am 19 January 7.30 pm

Tuesday Rifle Club Tuesday Craft Club 06 January 7.00 pm 20 January 10.30 am

Wednesday Brownies Tuesday Rifle Club 07 January 6.00 pm 20 January 7.00 pm

Thursday Archery Club Wednesday Brownies 08 January 6.00 pm 21 January 6.00 pm

Thursday LEH Committee Meeting Thursday Archery Club 08 January 7.30 pm 22 January 6.00 pm

Thursday Badminton Thursday Badminton 08 January 8.00 pm 22 January 8.00 pm

Friday Pilates Class Friday Pilates Class 09 January 09.30 am 23 January 09.30 am

Saturday Hereford Short Mat Bowls Sunday Private Party 10 January 09.00 am 25 January

Sunday Hereford Short Mat Bowls Monday Parents and Tots Group 11 January 09.00 am 26 January 10.00 am

Monday Parents and Tots Group Monday Bowls Club 12 January 10.00 am 26 January 7.30 pm

Tuesday Craft Club Tuesday Craft Club 13 January 10.30 am 27 January 10.30 am

Tuesday PCC Meeting Wednesday Brownies 13 January 7.30 pm 28 January 6.00 pm

Wednesday Brownies Thursday Archery Club 14 January 6.00 pm 29 January 6.00 pm

Thursday Archery Club Thursday Badminton 15 January 6.00 pm 29 January 8.00 pm

Thursday Badminton Friday Pilates Class 15 January 8.00 pm 30 January 09.30 am 9

LETTER FROM THE CLERGY

Dear Reader

As this centenary year draws towards its close, the extent of reflection has been remarkable as was the number of people attending Remem- brance Sunday services in our church and it seems throughout the coun- try.

Doubtless there will those who view all this with a degree of cynicism but what is undeniable is that most of us have both a capacity and a need, to peer over the edge of our daily lives and to see life and death in a new depth. I would say that it is then that we see glimpses of God.

Perhaps these events of remembrance take us to that edge with images of death and destruction but there are other seasons and festivals that give us different glimpses. As Christmas approaches it might be that within all that happens at this time of year, what my favourite poet called 'the fripperies', many people see glimpses of God in life within families and friends, of time spent together and in celebration.

Often the wider church can be wrong footed in all this but increasingly there is a growing recognition that we sense and engage with God in all sorts of ways and that we owe it to God and to ourselves to recognise that. So it is that sometimes we sing 'untraditional' things at funerals and weddings, use prayers that are not exactly 'Prayer Book', welcome children to the Crib service dressed as Spiderman and let God do the rest.

There are very few of us who are not stirred by something and so often is something unexpected. So go with it, peer over the edge and wonder. You might find that you are looking at the very foundations on which so much of your life might be built.

I hope that you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas.

John

A Church Fit For Purpose! After so long spent making grant applications and almost sinking under the red tape, it is wonderful to have the church now provided with a kitchen and lavatory. No more distressed guests at weddings and funerals and no more trudging back to our houses with bowls full of unwashed crockery. It seems that we have been eased into the 21st century (in some respects at least).

Whilst the principle meeting place in Tarrington is likely to remain our wonderful community Hall, the church now lends itself well to some smaller occasions that can be enhanced by its very special atmosphere. You only need to ask.

Of course easy car parking will need to go hand in hand with these devel- opments but at present we have no more grant money for that. The verge leading up to the church gates is really not suitable for winter parking and we must try to find more alternatives. Meanwhile, think cre- atively and give me a call if you would like your event in a special place where Tarrington's people have met for hundreds of years.

John Watkins

It’s Finally Happened - A Kitchen And WC In The Church!

Well, after 5 years of consultations, designs, permissions, fund-raising, re- designs and re-permissions, we were eventually able to unveil the new church ‘comfort’ facilities in the N Aisle on Sunday 21 September. This consists of a very smart kitchen (see page 11), with mobile serving units, an entrance lobby- come-Vestry and an incredibly spacious disabled WC.

The new facilities had their genesis from the 2007 Parish Plan, from which it was clear that for the church to be used by a wider section of the community for wider community purposes, a kitchen and at least one WC was essential. As mentioned, extensive consultations took place with the community, our archi- tects Hook Mason were engaged to come up with designs for us, a long (and often frustrating) campaign of fund-raising was engaged in, interminable permissions sought and (at length) obtained from various church bodies, the work put out to tender – and at last – work began in early September. Further drama ensued when we were able to book the marvellous Hereford Cathedral Choir to sing Evensong for us on 21 September to mark the opening and it was then a touch- and-go race to finish building for this! It was achieved the night before! The Evensong by the Choir was wonderful, as all who attended can attest, and the facilities were formally opened by young Oliver Brookes cutting the traditional ribbon and a very jolly drinks party ensued.

So I’d like to thank the all-too-numerous people and bodies that made this possible - Hook Mason for their creative thinking and practical good-sense for the various (changing) designs, our little funding team of Peter Fox (who sadly didn’t see the fruits of his labours), Stuart Fryer and Graeme Forrester, Wendy Coombey and Joanne Gibbons at the Diocesan Funding Office for advice and support throughout, and the Estates of Mary Barton and Canon Bill Brooke for their generous legacies which provided the core of our funding; then the funding insti- tutions - Garfield Weston, Beatrice Laing Trust, All Churches Trust, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Hereford Historic Churches Trust and The Big Lottery Fund - which provided the rest of the funding. Finally, my colleagues on the PCC for their patience and for not giving up on a project which they must have thought at various stages would never be realised!

Richard Price

CHURCH SERVICES: DECEMBER/JANUARY

TARRINGTON YARKHILL STOKE EDITH

Sunday Parish Communion Parish Communion 07 December 9.30 am 11.00 am

Sunday Evensong Carol Service 14 December 6.30 pm 3.30 pm

Sunday Parish Communion Christingle 21 December 9.30 am 4.00 pm

Wednesday Crib Service 4pm; 24 December Midnight Mass 11.30 pm (Christmas Eve)

Thursday Parish Communion Holy Communion 25 December 11.00 am 11.00 am (Christmas Day) Sunday Worship together 28 December Group Service at Stretton Grandison at 11.00 am

Sunday Parish Communion Parish Communion 04 January 9.30 am 11.00 am

Sunday Evensong 11 January 6.30 pm

Sunday Parish Communion Morning Prayer 18 January 9.30 am 11.00 am

Sunday Informal Worship Holy Communion 25 January 11.00 am 11.00 am

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Tarrington Parish Council Meeting 10th November 2014

Report from Backbury Ward Councillor John Hardwick

 Rotherwas rail link and Eastern By Pass – discussion progresses.  Mental Health Care budget increased by 6%.  University project is progressing.  Adult Social Care new assessments are likely to cost an extra £8M. 58% of adult social care is self-funded. 22% of Herefordshire population is over 65.  A reduction in the Council Tax reduction scheme was proposed. Members favoured no reduction. Outcome not yet decided.  Traffic problems in Hampton Bishop and Mordiford during maize and apple harvest. Tractors through Mordiford have been stopped.  Road closed at Holme Lacy following an accident when the school bus overturned off the road. Some children and the driver were detained in hospital.  John was sorry to report that Olwyn Barnett, the Chairman of the Council, had passed away following a long illness.

Resignation from Tarrington Parish Council: John Hodges has re- signed and moved out of the area. Councillors thanked him for his service and wished him well in his new home.

Jubilee Green – Tarrington Village Green: Councillors agreed that the Clerk would write to the group of parishioners who had expressed an interest in purchasing the Village Green informing them that the Green would continue to be maintained by the Parish Council for the foreseea- ble future.

Notice Board: The notice board at Barrs Orchard would be renovated by Parish Councillors.

Red Phone Box Opposite Tarrington Arms: Following a survey by BT which showed that the telephone box had not been used during the past 12 months, it was agreed that BT could remove it.

Contd…

Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP)

 420 copies of the questionnaire were distributed and 270 returned, i.e. 64%. Responses will be analysed and reported.  191 responded to the prize draw and this had been drawn. The winner of the £50 prize has been informed.  Grant funding of £4,846 was received and will be spent mainly on con- sultancy fees for the questionnaire analysis and report, and for writing the NDP policy document. All efforts would be made to ensure that the work was done and paid for before the 31st December deadline.

Highways

 Aldersend Road is being resurfaced.  White lines at the junction of A438 and School Lane will be reinstated.  Vegetation along bank by Little Tarrington bridge had been cut back.  Salt bins would be moved, replaced and refilled as necessary.  Footpath from Aldersend Road through to Tarrington Common Road via Tarrington Court drive was overgrown with brambles. Cllr Grey would report this to the gardeners.  Clerk will follow up our request to the Council for sand to fill sandbags.

War Memorial Repair and New Inscription: It was agreed that the Par- ish Council would donate £500 towards the cost.

Date of Next Meeting: Monday 12th January 2015 at 7.30 pm at the La- dy Emily Hall.

All welcome.

Christmas Greetings

I would like to thank everyone who contributed towards the Christmas Greeting in the Tatler (see page 6). Donations to the Church have so far amounted to £410.00. This is a good boost to Church funds.

Martin Townsend

TARRINGTON 80 CLUB DRAW

SEPTEMBER 2014 1st G. Hodges £20 (No. 14) 2nd K.J. Townsend £15 (No. 50) 3rd G. Forester £10 (No. 88)

OCTOBER 2014 1st D. Coleman £20 (No. 65) 2nd G. Garman £15 (No. 33) 3rd L. Bullivant £10 (No. 7)

STOKE EDITH & TARRINGTON W.I.

The Annual General Meeting was held on 10th November when the offic- ers were all re-elected. The Treasurer reported that we were very slightly better off than last year but we must keep an eye on our spending. The President thanked Gwyneth Williams for her hard work in keeping us in the black.

The President thanked Judy Davies for all the work she does in organis- ing the programme and generally looking after our interests. We would like a few more members so if anything interests you, please come and visit; Judy has again made an interesting and varied programme. The evening ended with a ‘Bring & Buy Stall’ to help with the funds and a general chat with coffee, tea and nibbles that members had brought. Our De- cember meeting is our Christmas Party at the Royal Oak at Much Marcle. There is no meeting in January. Margaret Townsend

Mystery Objects! The Townsends had a mystery walking stick left in their porch with a cou- ple of foil dishes on Sunday 16th November. It would seem somebody got the wrong house! To reclaim these objects, please call Martin on 890221 or visit him at Framfield in Church Lane.

TARRINGTON FRIENDSHIP CLUB

We had a quiz in October organised by Diana Williams, and our Novem- ber meeting was spent at a day out on the coach to Webbs of Wychbold. Those who went had a lovely day, spending all their pennies, if some- what tiring! Some of our members who are not well enough for a full day out, were collected and went to The Three Shires for a lovely luncheon and a stroll around the garden centre.

Our Christmas meal will be at the Royal Oak in Much Marcle - a repeat of last year’s venue, by the request of our members! This is the time of year that we will be planning our programme for 2015. Our committee of volunteers will be getting together soon to prepare a draft for our members to approve.

No meeting in January (as the weather usually keeps members warm in their own homes) and a bring and buy will begin next year. If there is anyone from local villages who would care to join us on the first Wednesday of the month, please contact me.

Eileen Whiting, Chairperson

Please contact John Tallis for more information

Lady Emily Hall AGM Report 2013-2014

Introduction The AGM was held on November 13th and we welcomed several members to new roles on the committee (full list on the next page). However, there remains a strong need to bring on board several new active committee members to take on other tasks and spread the load; if anybody is willing to help, but does not want the commitment of attending committee meetings, please contact me or one of the other members. This is especially true if you have practical skills which could be employed!

Do come and join us – we meet on the 2nd Thursday evening of each month at 7:30pm in the committee room at the Hall – and we need your help!

Activity Review Hall usage has again gone up slightly. The regular users are the Craft Club, Tots group, Badminton, Bowls, Brownies, Archery Club, joined by the Pilates sessions, with between 30 and 40 sessions each.

We have had a wide range of parish social events and family gatherings marking all stages of life, entertainment in the form of concerts, films and all the regular activities of parish life, such as Parish Council meetings and the regular sporting sessions.

The Hall remains the venue of choice for a number of non-village organi- sations, which come regularly to the Hall for music and social events. These include the local Ploughing Societies, various Brownie Packs for pack holidays and local Bridge clubs.

Flicks in the Sticks attendances are very variable and a fair proportion are from outside the village. Overall, it has made a small profit for the Hall.

Investment in Equipment / Maintenance Activities Little has been done this year. In January, a group of us reviewed the state of the outside of the Hall and identified a range of problems, from slipped slates to missing chimney pointing around the roof. Although indi- vidually these were not deemed large tasks, the number of them and the fact that many were at roof level, meant that we decided this was a job for professionals. Contd

3 quotations were obtained and we were rather shocked at the size of the quotations – all initially in excess of £25,000. Since then, we have spent some time looking at priorities and how we could separate out tasks which could be done without scaffolding, by volunteers. We have whittled down the high priority tasks at roof level to a sum of approximately £15,000.

There are possibilities for some grant funding, which need to be applied for, and the Parish Council has generously offered to raid their reserves to support the work. The Hall will also use some of its reserves. We will continue to review improvements to the Hall. Examples include replacement windows at the front of the Hall and a replacement cooker.

Finance The Treasurer gave a full account of the financial position, which showed a £1,785 increase in funds over the year (to Sept 30th 2014). Most of this increase resulted from the net proceeds of the Old Time Music Hall Con- cert in October 2013 (£1533). Other income and expenditure items were broadly in line with previous years.

New Committee (Representing, Committee Role) Vikki Avery (Church) Andy Somerville (Stoke Edith Parish) [ vacancy ] (Tarrington PC) Andrew Wathen (Elected,Treasurer) Robert Hodges (Bowls Club) John Tallis (Elected,Chairman) John Lane (Elected, Maintenance Co-ordination), Janet Pierce (Friendship Club) Hannah West (Tots Group, Bookings?) Cheryl Shearer (Dormington PC, Secretary) Steve Smith (Elected) Gwyneth Williams (WI)

Acknowledgements and Thanks The committee thanks the Parish Council for the support that they have provided through the past year. Also our thanks to Martin Townsend, who is reviewing the accounts.

Finally, I would again like to express my thanks to the members of the committee, who have continued their efforts this year, helping organise events and taking part in various maintenance efforts.

John Tallis Chairman of Trustees

Keep Warm this Winter with the Help of Keep Here- fordshire Warm Herefordshire Council and Marches Energy Agency are pleased to an- nounce the return of the popular Keep Herefordshire Warm (KHW) Scheme, which aims to provide advice and support to residents in order to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and at the same time re- duce their energy bills. This scheme includes advice on energy supplier/ tariff switching as well as access to a free loft and cavity wall insulation offer, subject to survey, via the Government’s Energy Company Obliga- tion (ECO) scheme. For further information or to register your interest please call Keep Herefordshire Warm on 0800 677 1432, text 07583 740914 or email [email protected]. Two of your Parish Councillors (John Tallis and Maggie Daron) attended a presentation about this scheme and would be willing to explain more, or act as a contact point if you would prefer to talk to somebody locally.

A move…

Stuart and Tricia Fryer have moved from The Gables to Croft Barn in Little Tarrington. We wish them both well.

WELCOME TO TARRINGTON!

A warm welcome to the village to Greg, Emma, Henry and Summer at 11 Pound Close, and to Fiona, Richie, Megan, Charlotte, Lucy and Connor at The Gables, Little Tarrington.

Community Action Ledbury operate a Ring and Ride Scheme in the Ledbury District area, and we currently need drivers in the Tarrington area

What is Ring and Ride for? Ring and Ride is provided for medical appointments, as well as for shopping, hairdresser appointments and other social needs for people who are either unable to use conventional public services or for whom no such services are available.

Area covered We offer the service to anyone permanently or temporarily residing in Ledbury and District Parishes. However, while pick ups will be inside this area, you may well be asked to drive outside it, to Here- ford or Malvern for instance.

Flexibility You decide how much time you wish to commit to driving. We will ask which day(s) and times you would be willing to drive. We would then phone you to find out your availability for requested drives.

Mileage reimbursement Drivers are reimbursed for miles they drive for Ring and Ride. For further details, contact Sue on 01531 635339 or [email protected]

NEWS FROM ST MICHAEL’S HOSPICE

St Michael's Hospice Christmas Festival

Saturday 13th December 2pm - 5pm The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School Hampton Dene, Hereford HR1 1UU

5K Santa Run - 3K Reindeer Walk - Santa Meet & Greet - Stalls & Activities

Get into the Christmas spirit and support your local Hospice

With stalls selling gifts, decorations, Christmas cakes, hot chocolate, mince pies and more, you will have a perfect opportunity to finish your Christmas shopping and stock up on festive treats. Don’t forget, the little ones can meet Santa. It’s all part of the Christmas Festival fun.

5K Santa Run Get into the festive mood and join hundreds of other participants in our fantastic Santa Run! Exercise your charitable giving muscles on a 5K course. The well- signed and marshaled route is perfect for families and runners over the age of 11 and will take you along the quiet roads of Hampton Dene in Hereford. Santa Run registration will open at 1.30pm and the race will start at 2.15pm. The cost of the Santa Run is £10 per person aged 18 or older and £7 per person aged 11 to 17. Entry fee includes your Santa Suit (available in adult or child sizes), bottle of water and certificate at the finish.

3K Reindeer Walk Create magical memories this Christmas with our truly special 3K Reindeer Walk. Each child that enters will receive a pair of reindeer antlers and a flashing red nose. There will be an opportunity to have a family photo taken with Oscar and Daisy, two very special reindeer who will be joining us on the day. We can even guarantee snow!

No matter what the weather, our snow cannons will be at the ready to ensure you have a white Christmas. Carol singers will also join you on the guided walk that finishes at a winter wonderland where you can enjoy a free glass of mulled wine. It promises to be a magical experience! Reindeer Walk registration will open at 3.00pm and will set off at 3.30pm.

The cost of the Reindeer Walk is £4 per adult and £2 per child aged 16 and under. Entry fee includes a pair of reindeer antlers and a flashing red nose for all children.

Can you help St Michael's Hospice make 2015 our best Open Gardens summer to date?

In 2014, gardeners from Herefordshire and beyond used their horticultural creativity to support St Michael’s Hospice by opening their gardens. Visitors enjoyed the delights of 32 unique gardens, including private gardens not normally open to the public, such as the New- port House estate. Stoke Prior and Wellington Heath also held village-wide Open Garden events. In total, an astonishing £24,000 was raised by our green-fingered supporters. Opening your garden for St Michael’s Hospice can be a very rewarding experience, for you and the people who visit. If you have a garden that delights people, please think about opening it for St Michael’s Hospice. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; as long as your garden is interesting and has character, we would love to hear from you. We will give you all the help and guidance needed to offer visitors the chance to share and enjoy your love of gardening.

It’s up to you when you would like to open your garden. Perhaps you’d like to join with neighbors and hold a village Open Garden day? The choice is yours. If you are interested in finding out more, please call the Community Fundraising Team at St Michael’s Hospice on 01432 851000. Please support St Michael’s Hospice and help make 2015 a summer of gardening delights.

Candlelit Carol Service at St Edith

There is a candlelit carol service at St Mary the Virgin, Stoke Edith on Sunday 14 December at 3.30pm, with the St Edith Singers and organist Colin Myles. Everyone is once again invited to join us for this traditional service of carols, hymns and readings by candlelight, followed by mulled wine and seasonal refreshments.

This year the choir will be singing from the west gallery, which is one of the main features of St Marys, and dates from the rebuilding of the nave in 1740-42. To- gether with the wonderful atmosphere of St Marys by candlelight, the gallery choir will help create a very special start to the Christmas season.

Christmas Day: 11.00am Holy Communion (BCP), with hymns and carols. Please note that there is no service at St Marys on Sunday 21 December. There will be one service at St Marys during January and this will be Holy Communion on 25 January at 11.00am.

NEW Disability Equipment Service Hereford- shire (DESH)

Do you want to sell or give away disability equipment that you no longer use?

Are you looking for an item of equipment for yourself, a friend or relative?

Disability Equipment Service Herefordshire (DESH) is a new local website which lists second-hand disability equipment no longer required which is being sold or given away by individuals who live locally. The site is administered and maintained by Herefordshire Carers Support.

It is FREE to advertise and simple to use.

If you prefer you can call us 01432 356068 and we will list the equipment for you. We can also search for what you are looking for.

All the items advertised are in Herefordshire (or the surrounding areas) so you needn’t travel far for the equipment you need!

Advertise your unwanted items with us for FREE. Visit www.herefordshirecarerssupport.org/desh

The Value of Friendship

ACSYL (A Circle Supporting You for Life) is finding that circles of support bring all sorts of benefits. The Com- munity Connectors work closely with clients and their families. In addition to this, the management team makes a point of lis- tening to the families and learning as much from them as possible. This is especially important when a client's parents are elderly. No one lives for- ever, and if your only surviving parent is over 70, who will have their depth of insight and knowledge about you when they are no longer here?

After a recent circle meeting, ACSYL received a grateful e-mail from the focus person's mother. “We feel we've made good progress,” she said. This circle of support has been meeting 3 or 4 times a year, and over that time relationships have strengthened within the family. The benefits are clearly extending far beyond the person at the centre.

In the words of Baltasar Gracian, “Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil.” Social isolation can be a heavy burden, bringing with it a host of other problems – health and otherwise. ACSYL's vision is of an inclusive world in which everyone's unique talents are valued and celebrated, and no one needs to be lonely. The organisation is here for anyone who would like to feel more connected with their local community. Each circle that ACSYL builds is unique, offering friendship, advocacy and support in ways that are designed to suit the central person's particu- lar talents, aspirations, wishes and needs – and to adapt as these change over time. Circle membership is by invitation only, from the person at the centre.

If you know someone who might benefit from such a circle and would like more information, ring 01989 555 006, visit www.acsyl.co.uk or e-mail [email protected]

New Look Tarrington Website Point your browser to the new look Tarrington website at:

www.tarrington.org.uk.

Here you will find a wealth of information about the village, including an up-to-date ‘what’s on’ guide. Details of services and events at Hereford Cathedral over the festive period can also be found on the site.

Bringing together public health, adult social care and housing The council aims to help residents live safe, healthy and independent lives, and to make sure that the resources we have are used well to meet the needs of those who have eligible needs.

This means helping people avoid regular hospital admissions or going into residential care. It also means preventing falls, living well and having the help and support they need to enable them to carry on living inde- pendently at home.

We have brought together public health, housing and adult social care so that we can work more closely to achieve this.

To reflect this change we have changed the name of our e-newsletter and the content will cover a broader range of themes concerned with keeping residents safe, healthy and happy.

We will be producing this e-newsletter every two months; the next edition will be published on 15 December 2014.

Helen Coombes Director for adults and wellbeing

Sign up to Spotlight You can sign up to receive an email alert every time we issue a new edition of Spotlight on adults and wellbeing. All you have to do is subscribe for updates at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/subscribe and tick the box that says Spotlight on Adult Social Care.

GREENSHIRES MAINTENANCE TARRINGTON

WE ARE A LOCAL GROWING BUSINESS WHO ARE PROUD TO OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES

HEDGE MAINTENANCE BRAMBLE AND SCRUB REMOVAL STRIMMING, BRUSH AND GRASS CUTTING

We can also: Clean paths and patios, unblock and clean gut- ters, repair fences and build sheds

And we also catch moles!

If you require any further information, please contact Julian

Tel: 07411 404340 or 01432 890623 Email: [email protected]

Ledbury Food Bank Fownhope Medical Centre

Please consider donating tinned or dry Contact Details goods, home essentials or money to the Surgery: 01432 860235 Ledbury Food Bank. The demand is Dispensary: 01432 860241 much higher than originally anticipated Web: www.fownhopesurgery.co.uk and all are desperately needed. Dona- tions can be left in St Michael’s Church, Surgery Hours Ledbury, the Council Offices in Church Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm Lane, or at the Master’s House. Reception staff are available on the tele-

phone from 8am until 6pm each day Volunteers are also needed to serve in the Food Bank, sort gifts and control Making an appointment stock, amongst other things. If you can help, please telephone 01531 633357 The number to call is 01432 860235. or 01531 633643. Please advise the surgery as soon as possible if you are unable to attend an

appointment If you are in need yourself, please contact a health professional, police, CAB, Out of Hours Age UK or other voluntary organisation, Should you need a doctor between the or state welfare. Otherwise contact your hours of 6pm and 8am Monday to Friday local Vicar who will also be able to refer and 6pm Friday to 8am Monday, please you to the Food Bank. You will be treat- telephone Primecare on 0330 123 9309 ed with total confidentiality.

Comedy Corner

A duck walks into the local chemist and asks the shop assistant if they have any lipstick. When told that they do, it says ‘put it on my bill’.

Q: How do we know that carrots are good for your eyesight? A: Have you ever seen a rabbit with glasses?

Q: Why did the pig leave the fancy dress party? A: Because everyone thought he was a boar.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS 476 BUS TIMES

Tarrington Tarrington To To EMERGENCY Hereford Ledbury Police/Fire/Ambulance………. 999 (Mon - Sat) (Mon - Sat) Police (non-emergency)...…… 101

Gas…………………………….. 0800 111 999 0704 Mon - Fri 0750 Mon - Fri Welsh Water………………….. 0800 281 432 0800 Mon - Sat 0855 Severn Trent Water………….. 0800 783 4444 0834 Mon - Fri 0940 Electricity……………………… 0800 328 1111 0954 1040

1024 1140 HEALTH & MEDICAL 1124 1240 Hereford County Hospital …… 01432 355444 1224 1340 Fownhope Surgery …………... 01432 860235 1324 1440 NHS 111……………………….. 111 1424 1540 1519 1640 LOCAL SERVICES 1724 1740 Mon - Fri Citizens Advice Bureau……… 01684 563611 1854 1805 Age Concern………………….. 01531 631280 2024 1935 Samaritans……………………. 01432 269000 2254 Fri & Sat 2135 2335 Fri & Sat LOCAL CLERGY John Watkins…………………. 01432 890595 Nicky Seabright………………. 01531 640252

ANSWERS TO THE GEOGRAPHY QUIZ

1. Edinburgh - despite it being on the east coast of Scotland, it is more westerly than Bristol, 2. It's 70 miles away 3. About 2 million, according to the RSPCA 4. It's 12.7% 5. The London Borough of Croydon is the largest, with a population of 364,800 6. Four - Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire 7. Glasgow is the wettest city on average, according to the Met Office 8. It's 80% 9. The Second Severn Crossing is the longest bridge. The Humber is the longest suspension bridge 10. The M6, at 225 miles long 11. It's 30 acres 12. River Severn is the longest at 220 miles. The River Thames is slightly shorter at 215 miles 31

Nicky Shechter MICHT,IIHHT,VTCT

Remedial/Sports Massage Therapist & Pilates Instructor

Tel: 07813 780234

“Enabling your body to function at its best”

Massage Clinics

Kyrle House, Kyrle Street, Hereford. Tel: 01432 273234

Beacon Clinic, Portland Rd, Great Malvern

Pilates Classes

Friday 10.30am: Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington

Wednesday 8pm: Canon Frome Court, Canon Frome

For all enquiries please contact Nicky on 07813 780234 or email: in- [email protected]; website: www.shechtertherapies.co.uk

Herefordshire and Marches Association

A talk by Ruth Richardson Blanche Parry, Gentlewoman to Queen Elizabeth I on Saturday 24th January 2015 at 2.30pm

Meetings are held in Gardner Hall R.N.C. Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DT

Admission £2 includes tea or coffee

Further details from Sheila Taylor - 01432 268243

THE MARKET THEATRE, LEDBURY Online address: www.themarkettheatre.com Box Office: 01432 383663 Out of Hours: 07967 517125

DECEMBER JANUARY

LIVE SHOWS January 22nd - 31st January 2015 Thursday 11th December at 8.00 pm Evenings at 7.30 pm (not 25th 26th 27th ) Worcester Rep Saturday & Sunday Matinees at 2.30 pm JESUS MY BOY LADS fantastic Christmas Pantomime Extremely humorous, incredibly mov- BABES IN THE WOOD ing. A new slant on the Christmas Story. Buy your tickets now to avoid disap- Tickets: £11/£10 pointment Tickets: £10.00 Children/Students £5.00 Saturday 13th December at 8.00 pm THE NEW BUDAPEST CAFÉ OR- Online: @themarkettheatre.com CHESTRA In person at the Council Offices, Mas- They’re back – not to be missed, will ter’s House leave you with a grin on your face and Phone: 07967 517125 rhythm in your feet. Tickets: £14

LIVE SCREENINGS Tuesday 9th December at 7.00 pm National Theatre JOHN Tickets : £15/£12.50 LADS INFORMATION FILMS Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society Wednesday 10th December at 10.30 am (LADS) was founded in 1938 and now FUNNY FACE has over 90 members. The Market Thea- Tickets: £5.00 tre is staffed entirely by LADS volunteers, who work front of house as well as Friday 12th December at 8.00 pm behind the scenes. THE GREAT BEAUTY 2014 – BAFTA & Golden Globe Award LADS General Meetings usually take Best Foreign Film place in the Theatre on the first Wednes- day of the month. All meetings start at 8pm. To join LADS, please visit: http:// themarkettheatre.com/join-lads/ and download the application form.

SIMON CONRAD [email protected] Professional, Reliable and 07875 847925 Friendly Service ‘Burford’ Hereford Road, Ledbury Dean Nicholas HR8 2PX Forge Cottage Tarrington HR1 4HX GARDENING Work includes:

Tel: 01432 890616 Garden advice Mobile: 07796 146949 Beds & borders work

Email: [email protected] Planting up gardens Grow your own Nursery Direct

Plants direct from the grower Specialists in bare root trees & hedging Shrubs, herbaceous, fruit trees & much, much more... Friendly advice - our prices won’t be beaten Open Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm. Sat 9am – 1pm Just off the Kings Acre Rd, Hereford, HR4 7AY

Contact Wmffre (Humphrey) Dafis: 07764 931177

The Tatler Team

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Distribution If you run a small business or or- Kath Lane, ganisation then NOW is the perfect Website Management time to enjoy the many benefits of The Tarrington homepage at having a website. www.tarrington.org.uk is managed FREE advice and proposals by Vikki Avery FREE site mock-ups Fast personal service Small websites from £250 No computer skills required Herefordshire based Request an information pack

Tel: 0770 987 9206 Email: [email protected] www.martbarrett.co.uk

LUKE SMITH TREE SURGEON

NPTC Certified

Fair Trade Goods-Natural Products-Ethical Choices

Come and find us down Tilleys Alley!

Gifts * Jewellery * Knitwear Homeware * Rugs * Lamps Accessories * and more! Tree pruning & thinning Open 10.00 am – 5.15 pm Tree-felling Monday to Saturday Closed Sunday General tree maintenance Hedge trimming & reducing Tudor House Fully insured 17c High Street Ledbury

Herefordshire Phone: 07770 942649 HR8 1DS

Email: [email protected] Tel. 01531 634636

WOODEND FARM B & B near Little Tarrington

Visits Welcome!

Julian and Miranda Slater Phone: 01432 850317 Worcester Road * 4 rooms ensuite Whitestone * 4 star Tourist Board rating Hereford HR1 3SG * Free Wi-Fi * Guest lounge Caring owners * Diets catered for * Full breakfast using local produce Heated kennels * 6 paddocks * Online booking available

Book your pet’s holiday Web: www.woodendfarmhouse.co.uk when you book yours! or please phone Sandra or David on www.larkholme.co.uk 01432 890227 for full details