Monday in the month 10.30-12.30 Heaton House. Tuesdays Short Mat Bowling: 2.00pm Memorial Hall Ladies’ Fellowship: 2.30pm 2nd Tuesday in the month (usually) Martley Toddler Group: 1st and 3rd Volume 20 No. 2 July 2010 Tuesdays (term time) 10.30am Martley Memorial Hall Editor: Michelle Higgins (01886888344) Editorial Team: Martley Alan Boon (01886 Wednesdays 888527), Kate King (01886 888439) Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing: Wichenford Janet Andrews (01886 888303), 7pm Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Jeff & Sheila Richards (01886 888378) Thelma 01886 821772 Advertising: Aileen Parker. 01886 888456 Distribution: Martley George & June Lawrence Martley Folk Club: 1st Wednesday in (01886 821064) Wichenford Karen Furber the month at The Talbot, and (01886 888449) 3rd Wednesday at The Admiral Rodney Contact The Villager: Leave articles at Martley WI: 2nd Wednesday in the Martley Post Office, call Janet or Sheila month 7.30pm Heaton House (Wichenford) or email the Editor at [email protected] Thursdays Opinions expressed by contributors are not Wichenford Wine Club: 3rd Thursday in necessarily those of The Villager. The Villager the month cannot be held responsible for any goods or services advertised in the magazine. Martley & District Horticultural Society: last Thursday in the month 7.30pm Martley Memorial Hall

Regular events in Martley See Church Words p. 27 for details of services

and Wichenford: See articles for details of special events AND

changes of time/date/venue of regular events Sundays 2nd Sunday in the month: See the Diary page on www.martley.org.uk for Teme Valley Farmers Market for local a complete listing of all forthcoming events (that the Diary page editor knows about) produce 11am The Talbot, Knightwick Martley Ramblers meet Church car park See page 28 for contact details of organisations

3rd Sunday in the month: Articles to go in The Villager must be Path-or-Nones meet 9.30am Martley submitted by the 1st of the Memorial Hall car park to help maintain previous month the local footpaths

Mondays Rhythm Time: 9.30-11.30am Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Rachel 01886 812565 Records of the Parish Council meetings in Martley Parish Council: 1st Monday in the two parishes are not intended to be full the month 8pm Memorial Hall and complete minutes. Minutes of meetings Martley & Villages Carers’ Group: 1st can be seen by contacting the respective Clerks to the Councils.

July 2010 * The Villager 9 OUT AND ABOUT IN MARTLEY Visit our website—www.martley.org.uk

shrubs, climbers and some excellent- quality rose bushes; fruit trees, tomatoes, vegetable plants and herbs too and all at sensible prices. People had been really generous this year in what they brought – thank you all! Also a big thank you to all helpers, it Martley and District was a very successful day. Perhaps the Horticultural Society date being earlier than usual worked better for everyone too. A lovely sunny day for the Plant Sale The coach trip to Wisley for members on 22 May brought a good number of and friends is on Saturday 17 July; customers and trade was brisk. On there may be some spare seats – ring offer as usual were a great number of Margaret Rushgrove on 01886-888631 plants of every description, in for details. An ‘Evening Garden particular bedding plants, perennials, Meeting’ is planned for 29 July, which hanging basket fillers, pot plants, will be at Honey Brook Cottage, (meet at the Village Hall at 6.30pm). Saturday 21 August is the Martley Annual Show. Don’t forget to get your scarecrow made in good time! Tina Steel Martley Fete It’s nearly Fete time again (21 August) so we need tombola prizes please— Pam Minchin 01886- 888521; and good clean Reg Snow, customer and plants at the Plant Sale in May

10 The Villager * July 2010 books for the Book Stall—Marg surfaced—well most of it—some Jackson 01886-888654. Don’t forget metres left untouched for some reason, to make a Scarecrow and enter your probably due to running water—but produce! otherwise a smooth tidy finish. There Pam Minchin was great activity, many lorries, vans, workmen, many newspapers read and crosswords completed over the few days. There are now double white Martley WI lines at both ends of Hillend Bridge Lane. A final touch of civilisation is the new “No Through Road” sign. As 14 July 7.30pm Heaton House this is on a post about a metre higher Our homes have been de-toxed, we than the previous one, perhaps the have had our garden meeting and now metal thieves will not be able to steal it is going to be “Food for Thought”. it. There are, however, still no road Presumably Sara Dover will be talking names identifying Hillend Bridge about food to eat and not just Lane to help the poor lorry drivers theoretical do’s and don’ts. The relying on their competition is for an item made from sat-navs. One a healthy recipe. It sounds very cannot expect to mysterious so we shall be eager to find have everything out what it is all about. The details of and we must be the summer outing in August will be thankful for discussed and suggestions for next what has been year’s programme are welcome. What done. an interesting evening we shall be Kate King having. Visitors are always welcome to join us. Village Hall News Kate King We'd like to thank everyone who came along to the Ascot evening including Pudford Lane all those hats! Special thanks go to There’s been quite a lot of “goings on” Lee Turner of Titanium Group LLP these last few weeks. No, not “those (http://www.ti-group.co.uk) our sort” for those of you with suspicious steward for the evening. Many of us minds, and the randy ram has not been went home with less money in our on the loose again. In fact, the sheep pockets but it was worth it - where have been shorn so, as the numbers were Kauto Star and Imperial have now gone from their backs, so he Commander when we need them? might not be able to recognise his Thank you to our sponsors and special girls. gamblers of course for a most The news is that the lane has been re- enjoyable and entertaining evening.

July 2010 * The Villager 11 After several years of service for tractor. which the community as a whole has (Instead of saying "Non–Smoking reason to be grateful, John Woolley Non-Drinking Single White Male in has stood down from doing the search of Non-Smoking Non-Drinking bookings. As a short-term interim Single White Female" could you just measure, Dave Cropp is handling say "Fun Loving bookings. We intend to have a system NSNDSWMISONSNDSWF"?) that makes it as easy as possible for people to book and access the hall. We Esther-The Musical are therefore looking for someone in Having been part of the cast for Robin the village who would like to take on Hood in January and unable to be part the role of bookings officer to include of this latest production, I didn’t want taking bookings, updating the to miss the latest venture of MAD electronic calendar, keeping booking (Martley Amateur Dramatics), Esther, forms for accounting reasons, ensuring a musical based on the old-testament the hall is ready for the booking, bar story of Esther, a Hebrew woman who staffed, and work alongside the won favour and married Xerxes, king management committee. If anyone is of the Medes and Persians, later interested in finding out more about influencing him to spare her people. It this role, please chat with Dave Cropp, has been a long-term project for Ruth Richard Barlow or Annette Smith or Mace, the resident musician at St email :[email protected] Peter’s Martley. All her hard work Martley 100 Club writing Esther eventually came to Congratulations to Mandy Gardner fruition with two performances on with her lucky number 28 - winning Saturday 15 May at Martley Memorial £40 on the May drawer. Mandy was Hall, and it was a treat to see – and our very first winner back in January hear! Ruth managed to create a mix of 2009 and received £20. Well done Hebrew and Persian music and song Mandy for sticking with us. which blended and complimented A bit of a joke section: each other effectively. WANTED Louisa Wilde (Ruth’s daughter) took Village Hall seeks person with GSOH the lead role as Esther and played it and good communicator to take on the with real tenderness. Her solos (and role of managing the bookings for the there were quite a few) were all hall. Computer-literate and enthusiasm wonderful. She has a stunning voice! essential. Previous experience not All parts were brilliantly cast by Ruth. necessary. Apply: James Hyslop played the king, a really [email protected] demanding role with lots to sing, with Young farmer with 100 acres would be flair and considerable vocal ability! pleased to hear from young lady with The local clergy were well tractor. Please send photograph of represented – I counted no less than

12 The Villager * July 2010 five clergy members performing!! Rev David Sherwin and Rev Rob Barlow were both ‘baddies’ and got their comeuppance (after doing a very good job entertaining us). The children Teme Valley Views from the Teme deserve a big mention as they all put Valley Children’s Centre in a huge effort singing, dancing and Be Sun Safe learning their lines. Abigail Skin cancer is one of the most Cunningham gave a lovely rendition common cancers in the UK and the of Shining Kingdom, which for me number of people who develop it is was the most moving song of all. Ruth increasing. The majority of cases are is incredibly talented and works so caused by ultraviolet radiation from hard. I feel privileged to have been at the sun or sun beds. Young skin is the first showing of Esther. I’m sure in delicate and very easily damaged by the future it will become known far the sun. All children, no matter and wide. whether they tan easily or not, should Janet Brown be protected from the sun. Children If you missed MAD’s “Esther” than with fair or red hair, pale eyes or you missed a treat. Congratulations to freckles are at the highest risk and all Ruth and everyone. They are doing babies under six months of age should “The Importance of Being Ernest” be kept out of direct sunlight, next – try and come. especially around midday. Sunburn Pam Minchin increases the risk of skin cancer. Don’t let sunburn catch you out - whether at Martley Ramblers home or abroad, use shade, clothing 11 July Titterstone Cle and at least factor15 sunscreen applied Meet Church car park 1pm. generously and regularly to protect We start the second half of the your skin. Ten tips for protecting walking year up, over and around children in the sun Titterstone Clee. It is a most • Set good habits for the future interesting area to visit with a lot of Teaching children safe sun habits history and Jenny Underhill, who while they are young sets a good knows the area well, pattern for later life. is always an • Remember you can burn in the enthusiastic leader. UK The Great British sun is quite Please note the capable of burning your child. earlier start time. Do Take extra care at home as well as come and walk and abroad. chat. Everyone • Use shade Keep babies in welcome. complete shade: under trees, Kate King umbrellas, canopies or indoors.

July 2010 * The Villager 13 Provide shade for prams and and, if they can't apply sunscreen buggies. at school, cover their exposed skin • Cover them up When outdoors, before they go. protect a baby’s skin with loose- For more information about staying fitting clothes, and a wide- safe in the sun please ring the brimmed hat that shades their face, Children’s Centre on 01886 812982 or neck and ears. see www.sunsmart.org.uk. • Wear sunglasses Buy good quality, wraparound sunglasses for Martley’s Past children, as soon as they can wear “Ancient History”, taken from Worcs. them. Sunglasses don't have to be Villages, by ‘Stroller’ (1933). expensive brands. Martley, at Domesday, was not • Find hats they like. Encourage included in the Survey of Worcs; but children to wear hats with brims, in that of the ‘Kings Lands’ in especially if they are not wearing ; and although the manor sunglasses. The wider the brim, comprised three houses in Worcester the more skin will be shaded from City, it was then “on the laps of the the sun. Gods” to which County it would • Use sunscreen wisely Use at least belong. In the days of the Confessor, a factor 15 sunscreen and choose a Martley, like Stamford, had been part ‘broad-spectrum’ brand that has a of the appenage of Queen Edith; and four or five-star rating. Apply to at the Conquest it had been obtained areas that cannot be protected by by the powerful William Fitz-Osbern, clothing, such as the face, ears, and annexed to his Earldom of feet and backs of hands. Choose Hereford; although for purposes of sunscreens that are formulated for local civil govt. left in the Worcs. children and babies' skin. These Hundred of . products are less likely to contain In 1074, on the failure of Fitz- alcohol or fragrances that might Osbern’s son’s revolt against the irritate the skin and cause allergic Conqueror, the manor had been reactions. forfeited to the Crown; and perhaps • Apply sunscreen generously and because it had been a royal property regularly. Put some on before before the Conquest, was at children go outdoors. Sunscreen Domesday still retained by the King in can easily be washed, rubbed or demesne. It so remained for a century sweated off – so reapply often and a quarter; though it never, like its throughout the day. dependant manor of Areley, acquired • Don't forget school times the title “Regis”. Remember play times and lunch Domesday, however, found parts of breaks on summer school days the manor still left in the possession of too. Give children a hat to wear Fitz-Osbern’s undertenants, including

14 The Villager * July 2010 Ralph de Bernac, Roger de Lacy and our old acquaintance Drew Fitz Pouz; who between them employed four “radmen”, or mounted bailiffs. Socialism in the 12th Cent. Under King Richard of the Lion Heart, an experiment was made in Socialism; the manor being granted by the Crown direct to the “men of the vil”, to farm on communal lines; but the result Summertime Concert proved unsatisfactory. In 1196 the with Raffle villagers had fallen into arrear; and the King found it necessary to resume to be presented by the possession and re-let to a capitalist. A lapse to the Crown, in the reign of Ferndale Singers Henry III, was followed by a re-grant to a cadet of the Despencer family, Saturday 3 July 2010 with whose coming we get in touch with History on the national scale. at 7.30pm in Note (‘appenage’ – to add as a supplement. ‘demesne’ – a territory ruled by a sovereign. ‘vil’ – Martley Village Hall abbreviation for village.) Alan Boon Tickets £5 (to include wine and light refreshments) Call 01886 888246, 01886 821127 or 01905 339067 Martley Parish Council

The record of the May meeting was unavailable at the time of going to press. Please see www.martley.org or the Parish Clerk if you wish to read a draught record. Martley Library Opening Times Monday 2—7 pm Wednesday 4—6 pm Thursday 10am -1 pm Friday 2 - 4 pm Saturday 10am -12 noon 01886 888396 (opening hours only)

July 2010 * The Villager 15 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Janet Andrews 01886 888303 Sheila Richards 01886 888378

and we do thank them all for coming Church Flowers and for their support each month. The 4 July Mrs Andrews money raised goes to the Memorial 11 July Mrs S Richards Hall and again this year over £700 has 18 July Mrs A Banks been made. 25 July Mrs J Root Our very grateful thanks go to Marion and Derrick Jinks for preparing the Wichenford Fete hall for us and special thanks to Joy The Fete will be on Saturday 24 July, Perkins, Grace Lane and Kate Leach at 2.00pm at Wichenford Memorial for organising several of the drives Hall. and to John Manton for acting as MC in April. What would we do without Ladies Fellowship all this wonderful support. Thank you There will be no meetings of the so much. Ladies Fellowship during July and August. The next meeting will be on Thank you Wednesday 22 September at 2.30pm Dixon Stinton and Margaret Fisher in the Memorial Hall. Please note the have now retired from the Wichenford day. Memorial Hall Management Committee. We would like to thank all Wichenford PCC friends and relatives in the The next meeting of the PCC will be surrounding villages and beyond, for on Wednesday 30 June at 7.45pm in supporting us for the past several the Memorial Hall. years in helping to raise funds to improve the hall to bring it up to the Wichenford Whist Drives standard of today. The task still Another successful year for the continues but a great deal has been Wichenford Whist series. This is a achieved. very social occasion for whist players We must give a special mention to

16 The Villager * July 2010 Derrick and Marion Jinks and Debbie Wichenford 100 Club Morriss, our caretakers and booking May winners No 187 David Richards clerks and cleaner. They all do an £75.00. Returned subscriptions to No. excellent job in keeping the hall 50 Mr P Mountjoy No. 153 S Hill. beautifully clean and polished and Drawn by H Rendall. Congratulations they are always there when needed. to our winners. Once again David We certainly couldn’t have managed Richards’s number has cropped up in without them. Many thanks to this year’s draws. Could he make it a everyone for your support. third time this year? A big thank you Dixon and Margaret to Heather Rendall our ‘Drawer’ this month and for all that she has done in Nora Parsons Day Centre the running of the 100 Club over the A date for your past few years. diary - Thursday Clair Corbett 15 July - come along to the Day St. Richard's Hospice Centre between Fund-Raiser 10.30am and 12 We would like to thank everyone who noon and join us supported our coffee morning, plant for a coffee/tea and cake sale in aid of St. Richard's and a slice of Hospice at Wichenford Memorial Hall homemade cake. on Monday 17 May. Many thanks to Hopefully our new furniture will have Three Way Nurseries, Barbers Lane, been delivered by then so the Centre Martley for donating the majority of should look even more welcoming. the plants which we had on sale. Our patron, Cath Mackie, will be Thank-you also to Ted and Wendy joining us so please come along and Davies and to Kate King for their have a chat with Cath. donations of plants and cakes, to all Thanks to everyone who supported the the mums at Martley school who Day Centre by attending the “Meet the kindly baked lots of lovely cakes for Mackies” evening last month. The us. We would especially like to thank Mackies were very interesting as well The Dewdrop Inn, Lower Broadheath, as humorous, thanks to the ladies who The Elms Hotel, , The served such a lovely supper and Admiral Rodney Inn, , thanks, again, to Deborah Hodgson Manor Farm, Worcester, Midland who sang so beautifully for the second Commercials, Rob Collins of Boss half of the evening (www. Consumables, Moorlands Nurseries of debhodgson.com if you would like to Hallow, and The Body Shop, see where she is performing next). Worcester for donating the raffle Janet Dale, Secretary prizes. Finally we would like to thank everyone who helped us on the

July 2010 * The Villager 17 morning and all the generous people proposed that Cllr Britten-Long and of Wichenford and the surrounding Cllr Stinton should be re-elected. villages who came along and enabled Environmental Pollution Officer: Cllr us to raise over £460 for this Andrews was happy to continue in this worthwhile local cause. post. Parish Path Warden: Cllr Rendall is happy to continue as the PPW and Kenswick and Wichenford will be helped by J Wells whenever Parish Council possible. Tree Warden: Councillor Unapproved abbreviated draft minutes Rendall was happy to remain in this of the Annual Meeting of the Parish post. Snow and flood warden: Council held on Monday 17 May 2010 Councillor Oldfield was in this post in the Memorial Hall Wichenford. but has now resigned. Democratic half hour/public CALC representative: Councillor question time Panton was re-elected to this post. PC Hood introduced himself to the Proposed by councillor Rendall and council. This is the first time he has seconded by Councillor Randall. attended a meeting of our parish. He is District and County Councillors Martley-based and has 17 parishes Report covering130 sq miles. New There was no report from the District Neighbourhood Watch signs are to Councillor. Councillor Davies said come out. The Smartwater has proved that 10,500 potholes have been to be very effective, and valuable repaired and £6.5 million has been items are now being identified. He spent doing them. A lot of surface would like to set up a workshop in dressing is being done. Worcester Wichenford and asked the council for transport strategy has been approved the best location. Crime in and is moving forward. An application Wichenford is minimal. is on its way for £46million. The new Election of chairman water main at Holt has now been The clerk asked for nominations for completed without too much upheaval. chairman. No nominations were A letter is to be sent out to all clerks received and Georgina Britten-Long from WCC informing them of a agreed to stand for another year. The meeting regarding Holt Fleet Bridge motion was carried unanimously that refurbishment. The objection report on Mrs Britten-Long continues for Rosses and Guises Lane has been another year. Councillor Randall was received by both the District and elected as vice chairman. County Council for consideration. Election of representatives to: Progress Reports Memorial Hall Committee: There are The clerk was asked to check if the currently three representatives from Nnrthern end of Rosses Lane has been the parish council. It was agreed that resurfaced as the highways department two would be enough and it was are in the area.

18 The Villager * July 2010 Planning part by the local tax payers so do not Applications considered since the last want to make a contribution, but 25% meeting relief may be awarded. 10/00346/HED. Hedgerow removal at Parish Council Insurance. The Bush Farm. insurance is not due until June so the The parish council has no objections parish council will pay it then. to this proposal. Parish Council Vacancies Applications approved, refused, Mr Oldfield and Mr Latham have withdrawn handed in their resignation from the 10/00323/HOU. Kenswick Manor parish council. The council now need Lodge. one for Kenswick and one for Two-storey side extension. Wichenford. The clerk will inform the (Approved) monitoring officer at MHDC and Applications to be considered advertise the vacancies. 10/00539/FUL. Crabtree Orchard, Councillor’s Reports And Items For Proposed stables, tack room, hay and Future Agendas implement store. The parish council’s A volunteer footpath group have been only concern regarding this to Laughern Hill. The footpath has application is the drainage. been cut back and woodland has been 10/00383/HOU to erect a side/ rear found. The footpath warden has asked single storey extension and porch to if it could be opened up but the parish front. Convert garage to utility room at council fear that due to the location it 8 Malvern View Wichenford. would attract fly tipping. The parish council have concerns Date And Venue Of Next Meeting regarding this application; the plans Meetings were arranged for 12 July; are inadequate and difficult to 23 August; 11 October and 22 understand. November 2010. Footpath 508 diversion. The parish council have no objection The Big Lunch although they would prefer the Sit down and have lunch with your diversion to go around the outside of neighbours on Sunday 18 July (or a the field rather than through the date to suit you) and make a donation middle. to St Richard’s. Last year and there Finance were over 8,000 lunches across the Rural Rate Relief. An application for UK. in the biggest set of street parties Discretionary Rural Rate relief has since the Golden Jubilee. To find out been received asking for a more and to get your information contribution of £150.95. It was agreed pack, contact the Fundraising Office at by the parish council that it is not St Richard’s Hospice on 01905 reasonable to grant the relief in view 763933 or email appeals@strichards. of the fact that this will be funded in org.uk

July 2010 * The Villager 19 News from Knightwick Christian Aid appeal for Surgery people of Zimbabwe Dr Anne Lewis retired on 30 June I would like to thank everyone who after 23 years in harness. Dr Elizabeth gave to my appeal. I raised £7400 in Hinton joins us as our new partner on the end from family friends and 1 August. Further details of Dr colleagues near and far. I have Lewis’s retirement are available at endeavoured to thank everyone who Knightwick Surgery. gave large or small amounts but Drs Lewis, Bywater and Salter. inevitably I don't know everyone personally who sent me a cheque for Craft Fair Christian Aid. So if I didn't thank you A Craft Fair is to be held at Clifton- personally please accept this as my upon-Teme Village Hall on Saturday 2 thanks. The money has all been sent October from 10.30am to 4pm. If you now to Christian Aid and I am would like an opportunity to display confident that they will use the money and sell your crafts a table costs £15. wisely to alleviate poverty in To book or for more information ring Zimbabwe. I am still having treatment Lyn Emery on 01886 812582 for a damaged tendon as a result of all the training for the marathon and I'm Suitable For Beginners hoping that this will heal up in time. Your Editor has just heard about an Revd Bruce Thomson opportunity for a fun way to do the e- word (exercise!), so I thought I’d pass Thrift Shop the information on. Steph says: I'm This year’s fund raising project is starting salsacise classes in Martley. Help for Heroes. A sale and large The weekly 45 minute class will take raffle will be held at the Village Hall place at Martley Village Hall at (on the B4202) from 9am till 11am on 7.15pm and the start date is Tuesday Wednesday 14 July. Items to be 13 July. It's £5 per person. The class is donated for the sale are now being set to salsa music and teaches you the accepted on any Wednesday morning basic steps of salsa while also being a during Thrift Shop. For further details great workout in a fun and energizing please phone Nerys on 01299832388. way. No partner is required and it's There is still time to donate items for suitable for beginners. It's on a pay-as- the sale. Please come along and you-go basis and you simply turn up support this really worthwhile cause. and join in. We recommend people On the 22nd September a Coffee arrive 10 minutes early to allow us to Morning will be held during Thrift start on time. For further info, contact Shop in aid Macmillan.Cancer Supprt. Steph on 07774533217 or at Put this date in your diary! [email protected]

20 The Villager * July 2010 Neighbourhood Watch and Rural Watch

hat are Neighbourhood Watch the group) and member households W and Rural Watch? (usually about 10-15 households in an Neighbourhood Watch (NW) brings urban setting, often fewer in a rural together responsible members of local setting). If a notable incident occurs, I communities in partnership with the inform the scheme co-ordinators in police and other agencies, to reduce that area (either by telephone or and deter crime. Our society cannot email). The co-ordinator informs the afford to have a police officer other members of their scheme about stationed on every street corner 24 the incident, with a view to reporting hours a day, consequently, much of any potentially useful information to the work done by police has to be the Police. responsive – that is, they are not As well as sending out messages about usually called until after the event. specific incidents, sometimes more This is where NW comes in. NW general “seasonal” messages are members are usually in a better circulated. For example, reminding position than police to notice unusual people not to leave Christmas activity. Even the Local Police Officer shopping (or presents) on view in cars is unlikely to spot the stranger in the during the Christmas period, or street, but local people will, especially reminding people about the in one of the more active and importance of shed security in the established NW areas. Increasingly, spring, when there is generally a rise NW is engaging in crime reduction in shed break-ins. measures, such as property-marking The bottom line is that NW works! and offering crime-reduction advice, There have been many occasions so hopefully averting crimes before where useful information has been they happen and greatly adding to the provided to Police, and on several effectiveness of NW as a movement. occasions has led directly to arrests. Rural Watch is an amalgamation of There is also evidence to suggest that “Farm Watch” and “Horse Watch”. It areas displaying Neighbourhood is similar to Neighbourhood Watch Watch signs suffer from less crime. but focuses on rural crime, especially Rural Watch farm and equine crime. Rural Watch differs from What is a Neighbourhood Watch Neighbourhood Watch in that it scheme? involves individuals taking messages A NW scheme consists of a “scheme (again, either by telephone or email) co-ordinator” (a member of the public relating specifically to farm and who agrees to act as the focal point of equine crime, and does not involve a

July 2010 * The Villager 21 co-ordinator passing messages on to members. Most members are farmers or horse owners. Mobile Library How can I get involved? Ockeridge There are already over 2000 Watch Silver Oaks 9.45–10.05 schemes in South Worcestershire, but Wichenford we are keen to start more. If you Malvern View 10.10–10.35 would like to know more, please Church 10.45–11.05 contact me, Adrian Symonds, on Kings Green Farm 11.15–11.40 01905 331046 (or email adrian. Rosses Green 11.45–12.05 [email protected]). Martley Hillside Neighbourhood Watch in Martley Horn Lane Bungalows 12.10–12.25 At present, John Layton is on my Martley Taylors of Martley 12.30–12.45 message system, and he uploads LUNCH messages to the Martley website Heaton House 1.20–1.50 (www.martley.org.uk). Martley Parish Church 1.55–2.15 Council is actively seeking to increase Clifton NW schemes in their area. In the mean Village Hall 2.30–3.50 time, there is still some coverage in The Mobile Library will be visiting these Martley, approx 6 or 7 NW schemes stops on Wednesdays on the dates listed (usually only 10-15 houses per scheme below in 2010: to give you an idea) and one Rural 7 July 28 July 18 August Watch member. 8 September 29 September Adrian Symonds 20 October 10 November (South Worcestershire Neighbourhood 1 December 22 December

Watch Administrator) Any enquiries should be made to Stourport Library, Worcester Street, Stourport, Worcs DY13 8EH, tel: 01905 822722 [email protected]

Blues at The Fold 2010 Festival Blues at The Fold, the Festival of Blues with a large splash of Green held at The Fold, just outside Worcester, is on Saturday 3 July. Featuring nationally- acclaimed musicians throughout including The Trevor Burton Band, The Big Blues Tribe, The Dirty Robbers, The Cohen Brothers, Mumbo-Jumbo and more. Doors open at 1pm and the music runs from 2-11pm. More details are available on www.bluesatthefold.co.uk

22 The Villager * July 2010

News for Carers Help For Heroes Are you a carer or do you know someone who is? There are people to Sponsored Fishing Contest care for you as well! St Richard’s Hospice Carer’s Day Sunday 25 July 2010

St Richard’s Hospice held a Carers At Brockamin and Evesbatch Day 14 June. The event focused on fishing pools why supporting carers is critical; how carers miss out on things others take For more information please for granted and what needs to be contact: changed. Our aim is to provide a venue for Alan's Fishing Tackle Shop carers of people with life-limiting 26 Malvern Road, Worcester illness to met and share experiences. 01905 422107 Additionally we provide opportunities for education, recreation, interaction/ support and care for carers of patients in need of or receiving palliative care Summer Enchantment at on a regular basis. The group meets on Historic Court the second Monday of every month at Guests are being offered the chance to 1.30pm - 3.30pm at St Richard's enjoy an afternoon of ‘Posh pork and Hospice where an informal lunch is Pimms’ and a special antiques provided. Transport and sitters can be valuation at the stunning Medieval arranged and all our services are moated country manor house, completely free of charge. Court, near Malvern, this summer. The event, on Sunday 11 Martley & July from 12pm to 4pm, will raise money for St Richard’s Hospice. Villages Guests can bring along their antiques Carers’ Group for valuers to view, including experts Henry Sandon, MBE china/porcelain; Part of the Worcestershire Association John Harvey, paintings and furniture; of Carers (WAC), this group meets on Julian Llewellyn, oriental artefacts the first Monday of the month 10.30- and Savannah Edwards, Victorian 12.30 at Heaton House, Mortlake jewellery. Tickets are £20 each to Drive, Martley. WAC holds regular include valuation, glass of Pimms and classes where you can learn skills such Pork Bap, children under 16 free. as “Handle with Care” or be briefed There will be a bar and teas and a on “Dementia Awareness”. Or just silent auction. For tickets contact come along to a meeting for a chat! Marilyn Peachey: 01905 763963 or [email protected]

July 2010 * The Villager 23 Do you believe in angels? A Short History of Saint Swithin any religions have stories that feature angels. Quite often the St Swithin's day if thou dost rain Mangels bring messages from God. For forty days it will remain These days there are many, many St Swithin's day if thou be fair books about angels: how their For forty days 'twill rain na mair intervention has changed people’s Traditional rhyme lives, how they can help us on a daily basis, how to contact you guardian Saint Swithin was a Saxon bishop in angel, their roles and responsibilities the 7th Century. Born in the kingdom and so on. Perhaps you have read the of Wessex and educated in its capital, world-renowned book “Angels in my Winchester, he became bishop of Hair” by Lorna Byrne? Lorna has Winchester in 852. Swithin is been able, all her life, to see angels considered the patron of Winchester and other things that most of us cannot Cathedral. He was famous for see. Diana Cooper and Doreen Virtue charitable gifts and building churches. have also written extensively about the His feast day is 15 July. angelic realms, and you may have Swithin died on 2 July 862. His grave heard of these writers or seen their was just outside the west door of the books. You can go to talks about the Old Minster, so that people would experiences people have had or go on walk across it and rain fall on it in a course to learn how to contact your accordance with Swithin's wishes. On guardian angel and other angels. There 15 July 971, though, Swithin's remains are angel cards that give you guidance were dug up and moved to a shrine in for the day or for a particular situation: the cathedral by Bishop Ethelwold. think about Miraculous cures were associated with your question, the event, but the removal was open your accompanied by ferocious and violent mind and pick rain storms that lasted 40 days and 40 a card – nights and are said to indicate the whatever is saint's displeasure at being moved. drawn or This is probably the origin of the written on it legend that if it rains on Saint will have some Swithin's feast day, the rain will meaning for continue for 40 more days. you about your Swithin's feast day is the date of the situation. removal of his remains, not his death There is no day. doubt about it: M Higgins angels are

24 The Villager * July 2010 everywhere. Lorna Byrne can literally see that they are everywhere around us, all the time. But also they appear amongst us in books, cards, training courses and even photographs. Have any of you seen photographs of angel orbs? The orbs are a kind of travelling version of the energy of an angelic life form. Some angels are vast and, as they are non-physical in the way we So – do you believe in angels? Well, perceive physicality, they can be in the standard answer to this question is many places at once. Angel orbs have that it doesn’t matter, because they even been photographed in Martley. believe in you – but remember to ask All the writers have one message in them for help when you need it! common, and that is that angels are M Higgins here around us all the time, and we each have a guardian angel who is with us for our lifetime. Angels can Glossary—Some medical help humans with situations of terms explained? conflict, fear or indecision – but only if we ask for help. On this planet we Benign What you be, after you be have free will, and that means we can eight make decisions that might have a good Artery The study of paintings outcome for us in the short-term, but in Bacteria Back door to cafeteria the long term definitely are not in our Barium What doctors do when best interests – for example: cut down patients die trees in rain forest today because it is Caesarean section A neighbourhood profitable for the country’s economy, in Rome but in the long term the effect is loss of Catscan Searching for Kitty part of the “lungs” of the planet (as Cauterize Made eye contact with her trees produce oxygen), loss of habitat Colic A sheep dog for plants and animals, loss of Coma A punctuation mark biodiversity and perhaps even Dilate To live long rendering the environment devoid of Enema Not a friend the means of supporting a population Fester Quicker than someone else for many years. Or how about getting Fibula A small lie drunk after a bad day? You feel Impotent Distinguished, well known wonderful for a few hours, but is it worth the pain on the following day? Thank you, Mrs King (I think) - Ed. What about the long-term effects on your liver if you do it regularly?

July 2010 * The Villager 25 and need a tidy up and thorough In the Garden watering to encourage new leaves. Look out for autumn-flowering bulbs such as autumn crocus, colchicums and nerines, to plant now. These need a sunny spot with well drained soil, try putting a handful of grit in the planting In the Garden in July hole with them. July weather can be warm and dry, so Two local gardens open for charity one of the main jobs this month is this month are The Bannut, Bringsty likely to be watering. Plants in (1/2 mile from Lower Brockhampton) containers need much more regular Sunday 11 July; and Orleton House, and heavy watering than plants Stamford Bridge 24-25 July. growing in open ground, so try grouping pots together to keep them cool and make it easier to water. Transition News Covering the compost surface with a Here is a book you might like to try mulch such as vermiculite, perlite, or for a bit of “alternative” and thought- fine gravel, will help retain moisture. provoking summer reading: “The Pruning is another important task this Moneyless Man” by Mark Boyle. In it month. Conifer hedges need to be he writes: “Money no longer works pruned now to keep growth dense and for us. We work for it. Money has leafy, laurels and broad-leaved taken over the world. As a society, we evergreens should be trimmed using worship and venerate a commodity secateurs. Towards the end of July the that has no intrinsic value, to the long, whippy growths on Wisteria expense of all else. What’s more, our need trimming off to 5 or 6 buds from entire notion of money is built on a the base and summer-fruiting system which promotes inequality, raspberries, red and white currants and environmental destruction and gooseberries are also all due for disrespect for humanity.” pruning. David Boyle, a writer and critic, Throughout July, regular deadheading describes Mark as “... one of the of bedding plants, perennials and roses prophets of the transition movement, will give you a much longer display of and what he writes is important - but flowers. It's just one of those jobs [his] book is also a wonderful, funny, which tends to be rather low on the 'to and thoughtful glimpse into the do' list, so, pick a fine evening and future.” resolve to try a relaxing hour of Any ideas you have for Transition 'snipping'. Trim flowers from herbs as Martley, contact Michelle on well to keep them bushy. Strawberries [email protected] or Angie on will be looking quite messy by now [email protected].

26 The Villager * July 2010 Church Services for July Thu 1 July 9:00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford Sun 4 July 8.00am Holy Communion, Knightwick Chapel 10.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30am Family Worship, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Morning Worship, St Mary Magdalene, 6.30pm Evensong, St Leonard, Mon 5 July 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford Tue 6 July 10:00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 7 July 10:15am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Thu 8 July 9:00am Morning Prayer. St Laurence, Wichenford Sun 11 July 8:00am Holy Communion, St Leonard, Cotheridge 10:30am Family Worship, St Laurence, Wichenford 10:30am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 10:30am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Mon 12 July 8.30am Prayer Breakfast with Jill and Stuart Smith. Tue 13 July 10:00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 14 July 10:15 Holy Communion, Heaton House Thu 15 July 9:00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford Sun 18 July 8:00am Holy Communion, St Peter Martley 9:00am Matins, St Leonard, Cotheridge 10:30am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 10:30am Morning Worship, St Peter Martley 3:00pm Evening Worship, Knightwick Chapel 6:00pm Evening Worship, St Laurence Wichenford Mon 19 July 9:00am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Tue 20 July 10:00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 21 July 10:15am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Thu 22 July 9:00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford Sun 25 July 8:00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 9.30am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30am Family Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 6:30pm Songs of Praise, St Peter Martley Mon 26 July 9:00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Tue 27 July 10am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 28 July 10.15am Holy Communion, Heaton House Thu 29 July 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford

“Church Words” were not available to The Villager this month, but hopefully will be back as normal for August.

July 2010 * The Villager 27 Village Contacts Editor of The Villager Michelle Higgins [email protected] or 01886 888344 or leave articles at Martley Post Office Advertise in The Villager Aileen Parker—01886 888456 Church Rector: Revd David Sherwin—01886 888664 or (Worcestershire West [email protected] Rural Team) Curate: Revd Bruce Thomson—01886 888098 Assistant Priest: Revd Jennifer Whittaker—01886 833897 Martley Parish Council Chair: Cllr. D Goodyear—01886 888423; Clerk: Sally Williams—01299 832949 Martley WI President: Helen CoombeyJones—01886 888294 Martley & District Pam Minchin—01886 888521 or Margaret Jackson— Horticultural Society 01886 888654 Royal British Legion Joyce Tyler—01886 821551 Martley Toddler Group Will—01886 888340 or Jane—01886 888852 Martley Ramblers Harry King—01886 888439 Martley Young Farmers Lou Wickens—01886-812754 or Caroline Bullock— 01905-333617 Path-or-Nones John Nicklin—01886 888318 [email protected] Resource Centre Alan Boon—01886 888527 Police “Surgery” CSO Matt Smith 7184—Martley Local Policing Team Police Station extn. 3581 Martley Website [email protected] Martley Web Mesh Richard Jackman—01886 821237 [email protected] John Layton—01886888460 [email protected] Tom Pearsall—01886 888256 [email protected] Martley Pre-School Kath/Lucy—01886 889127 www.martleypreschool.co.uk Martley Recreation Bookings—Pat Owen 1886 888406 Association (playing fields) [email protected] Wichenford contacts for Janet Andrews—01886 888303 or Sheila Richards—01886 The Villager 888378 Kenswick & Wichenford Clerk—Shirley Sanders 01886 888302 Parish Council Wichenford Wine Club Chairman—Bill Hylan 01886 888431 Wichenford Local Heather Rendall—01886 888239 Heritage Group To put organisation and its contact details on this list, or to change the details shown here, email [email protected] or leave a note for the editor at Martley Post Office.

28 The Villager * July 2010

Time for a laugh ...

Q. What did Mahatma Gandhi and Genghis Khan have in common? A. Unusual names

Q. Name one of the Early Romans greatest achievements. A. Learning to speak Latin.

Q. Where was the American Declaration of Independence signed? A. At the bottom.

Q. Give a reason why people would want to live near power lines. A. They get their electricity faster.

Q. What is a nitrate? A. Cheaper than a day rate.

Two blondes walked into a building. You would think at least one of them would have seen it.

I tried to buy some camouflage trousers the other day, but I could not see any.

July 2010 * The Villager 29