Tuesdays Short Mat Bowling: 2.00pm Memorial Hall Ladies’ Fellowship: 2.30pm 2nd Tuesday in the month (usually) Martley Mums and Tots: 9.30-11.30am Martley Memorial Hall

Volume 18 No. 10 March 2009 Wednesdays Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing: Editor: Michelle Higgins (01886888344) 7pm Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Jeff & Editorial Team: Martley Alan Boon (01886 Thelma 01886 821772 888527), Nellie Bradley (01886 888339), Kate Martley Folk Club: 1st Wednesday in King (01886 888439); Wichenford Janet the month at The Talbot, and Andrews (01886 888303), Sheila Richards 3rd Wednesday at The Admiral Rodney (01886 888378) Advertising: Aileen Parker. 01886 888456 Martley WI: 2nd Wednesday in the Distribution: Martley George & June Lawrence month 7.30pm Heaton House

(01886 821064) Wichenford Karen Furber Thursdays (01886 888449) Contact The Villager: Leave articles at Martley Wichenford Wine Club: 3rd Thursday in Post Office , call Janet or Sheila (Wichenford) or the month email the Editor at [email protected] Martley & District Horticultural Opinions expressed by contributors are not Society: last Thursday in the month necessarily those of The Villager. The Villager 7.30pm Martley Memorial Hall cannot be held responsible for any goods or services advertised in the magazine. See Church Words on page 27 for details of services

See articles inside for details of special events Regular events in Martley AND changes of time/date/venue of regular and Wichenford: events

Sundays See the Diary page on www.martley.org.uk for 2nd Sunday in the month: a complete listing of all forthcoming events (that the Diary page editor knows about) Teme Valley Farmers Market for local produce 11am The Talbot, Knightwick See page 28 for contact details of organisations

Martley Ramblers meet Church car park Articles to go in The Villager must be 3rd Sunday in the month: submitted by the 1st of the Path-or-Nones meet 9.30am Martley previous month Memorial Hall car park to help maintain 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 can be seen by contacting the respective Clerks to the Councils.

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

Wiggly Wigglers came and gave a Martley 100 Club short talk about composting with We have our first winner for Martley worms, to the school during 100 Club: January winner -number 28 Assembly. Everyone learnt how Mandy Gardner. Congratulations! important composting is for the Mandy will receive a cheque for environment, and especially how £25.00. (Note to Villagers-Remember- important worms are in processing there will be two draws in June and organic waste that would otherwise rot November. You have to be in it to win in a landfill site. There was great it!) excitement, and only a few “yuks!” when we took one kilo of Tiger worms Martley Primary School from their tub and added them to the Eco-Club News new school worm-bin. The pupils are Martley Primary School is running an collecting apple cores, banana skins Eco-Club on a Fridays after school, and orange peel from lunchboxes after from 3.15-4.15pm. Because of the breaktime, and this is taken to the high number of pupils wanting to join compost bin or wormery. Although last term, the school decided to split paper and cardboard can be composted the groups into KS1 and KS2, each or processed by the worms, these attending on a half-termly basis so all materials need to be finely shredded the children get a chance to take an first because they have a very low active part during each session. moisture content that makes them Last term it was the turn of KS2. The difficult for worms and compost first job was to plant out the Spring processes to deal with. We also bulbs that parents kindly donated. collected fallen leaves to make leaf They certainly will be a cheering sight mould, which will be used to improve to anyone visiting the school. the soil in the vegetable bed next year. Continuing the bulb-planting theme, We made fat-balls for the birds, and Autumn onion sets were also planted. installed them in the wooded areas, We installed a compost bin, and a together with seed feeders. wormery! In December, Richard from AH

10 The Villager * March 2009 The 2009 WaW conference is being held in Church Stretton in I'm delighted to say that Andrew mid-October 2009, and we hope very Bibby, Secretary of the WaW Towns much to attend and meet WaW Towns Network committee, was able to tell Network committee and other me in mid-January that they had members. agreed to award Martley “Walkers are As part of our acceptance of the WaW Welcome” status. status, we need to organise a small “Walkers are Welcome” is an committee to manage the on-going initiative that started life in Hebden facilities we offer to walkers. If you Bridge in 2006. It has strong would like to be involved, or just find connections with the Ramblers out more about welcoming walkers, Association. Richard McHugh from please contact me—and I might be Central Stores drew my attention to an contacting you! article on WaW that he had found in We are in the process of re-vamping the rambler's magazine. After a little the Martley Loop walk of the bit of effort and consistent help from Way, and I am the shops, pubs and Martley Parish currently in discussion with County Council, a bid was submitted. We Hall about organising some sort of were on to a winner. Martley has launch for its opening—it would be made walkers welcome for many sensible to be able to celebrate the two years—they bring important trade and events at the same time. Watch this enjoy our well-kept paths. Our new space for further news. accreditation is an important official John Nicklin stamp of approval, will advertise our 01886 888318 [email protected] area further afield and allow us to join with other like-minded communities. Martley Pre- Martley is now on the WaW website School Snippets (www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk), We would like to and is only the fifteenth location to welcome Charlie Cant, receive this status. There will be a Phoebe Mace and Sophie certificate on its way to us shortly. At Elliker-Cole to Pre- the time of writing (end of January), it School. March is a busy is planned to hold a launch event that month at Pre-School, will be publicised by the WaW Towns especially in our‘wellie Wednesday’ Network, who will also lend us the sessions because the children start WaW banner for the occasion. And planting (from seed) many of their window stickers are available too, for vegetables and flowers that they will offering to our local shops, pubs, plant on outside once the frosts have Church and the Library Link. ceased. These ‘wellie Wednesday’

March 2009 * The Villager 11 mornings are spent outdoors, usually thirteen years. If you need any in our garden, in all weathers, information, or would like to book a sometimes venturing off site into the place for your child please feel free to local community. Learning in the call Kath or Lucy on 01886 889127 or outdoors is highly beneficial to visit our website www. children’s physical, mental and martleypreschool.co.uk cognitive development. Research has Kathryn Smith BA (Hons) FdA EYPS shown that outdoor environments contribute to a healthy immune The Crown Inn system- especially playing with mud! Marstons Community Pub In an ever changing society, little time of the Year 2008 is allowed for children today to enjoy We are proud to have won this award, the things that we (as children) loved because when my husband, Nick, and to do. Thinking back- how many of I bought the pub in June 2006 we both your favourite memories from your felt strongly that a village pub should childhood involved time spent in the be at the centre of community life. outdoors? I had lived in since 1987 and Recycle recycle! knew the pub as it was before the A very big ‘thank you’ to everyone extension was added. I hadn’t been to who donated unwanted clothing, the pub since because I had seen the bedding and shoes, for the clothes publicity in the Worcester News recycling collection. We raised £117. announcing that the pub did “Pacific 00 and have another two collections rim food”. I didn’t actually know what planned this year in April and that was but it sounded expensive! November. Our phones and printer Nick and I were horrified to find that cartridge recycling has been running the front door had been locked and for three years and is ongoing, with realised that the pub was no longer a collection points at Pre-School and “village pub”. We bought the lease Martley Post Office. You can help the and set about making sure that environment and raise funds for Pre- everyone was welcome. We opened School, which as you may know, is a up the front door, reinstated a bar registered charity. Don’t forget! We approximately where it always had are a registered eco-setting with 20 been, re-introduced a pool table and years of history and children can start dart board. We fenced the play area, from two years old. Free government put up trellis round the outdoor eating places of 15 hours per week start from area and planted some trees. the term after your child’s third We introduced menus with pricing so birthday. that the food was affordable— Clubs somewhere you could go for a drink, a We also have breakfast and after takeaway, a traditional pub-meal or school clubs for children aged two to really good modern English food if

12 The Villager * March 2009 you wanted something special. We would like to give an idea of what we even make fresh scones daily so if you do for the community: provide meals feel like a treat, you can have a cream for local day centre at cost price; our tea. Head Chef, Scott Fuszard and his chef trains children from The Chantry assistant, Dan Wakefield, cook High School as part of their NVQ in everything from fresh ingredients. We Catering; we raise money for the Air don’t use any packet mixes or caterers Ambulance by “recycling” books and ready-meals. We grow as much of the in our first year we raised £2439; we vegetables as we can at home in raise money for Macmillan Cancer Malvern and buy the rest locally. We Support by holding annual coffee use Lamings of Bromyard for our mornings; we raise money for Martley bread and support other local Spurs F.C. by holding fund-raising businesses where we can. events like a car boot sale and race We are in the AA Pub Guide 2009 and night; we give chips to local sports we are being included again in the teams after their games; we allow the 2010 edition. We have Cask Marque free use of the barn for meetings for accreditation for our Cask Ales: an local groups; we allow free use of our independent assessor comes car park for people using the other unannounced and tests the beers for shops in the village; we have recycling temperature, taste and appearance. We facilities on the car park for bottles received approval on his first visit! and paper; we have a gallery In order to win the prestigious title of exhibiting artwork by local artists of Marstons Community Pub of the year the highest standard. 2008 we were visited by “mystery So do come and give us a try; we are shoppers” on three occasions. They open all day everyday. assessed the food, beer, wine, general Caroline Cassell cleanliness, the service and the welcome they received. The first visit by the inspectors was when I wasn’t at the pub and I was so pleased that the Martley Web Mesh Update staff had come up to Marstons Broadband arrives in Shelsley exacting standards that I entered them Beauchamp! for The Publican’s Proud of Your Martley Web Mesh (MWM) has People Award sponsored by Fairy and secured funding from Nexus, enabling they won that too! them to reach out to neighbouring The pub was also judged on its areas and has now reached the contribution to the community by John , starting from its base in and Longden, the Director of Pub is the around central Martley. Hub. We were disappointed by MWM operates a wireless broadband comments made the judges of last system. It is a community-based year’s Village of the Year award and project and a ‘not for profit’ company

March 2009 * The Villager 13 limited by guarantee (Company Number 5451060). Operating for several years, now (January 09) it has approaching 40 members with even Teme Valley Views from the Teme more connected computers. Free- Valley Children’s Centre access computers are available in the Get involved in the management of Library Link and MWM is currently the Children’s Centre. Voluntary getting Martley Memorial Village Hall Management Committees are the online! There are many “self-help” backbone of many organisations in the internet access projects operating all area and the Teme Valley Children’s over the world, as well as this country, Centre (TVCC) is no exception. serving regions with poor or non- Although the day-to-day running of existent broadband access. Even the Centre is down to Hilary Higton, though we are in a “developed” the Centre Coordinator, behind the country, our area, like many, has an scenes decisions about staffing, aging telephone “landline” strategy, finance and reporting are infrastructure and no access to fibre- made by a team of volunteers. optic cable services, which limits The majority of the current team of people’s choice of commercially- Trustees live in the Teme Valley, provided broadband internet access. come from various walks of life and MWM is operated by very have a wide range of experience and experienced wireless and IT engineers, skills that allow them to contribute who install, commission and maintain actively to the running of the TVCC. the network. Meeting every 2–3 months they If you are keen to be connected, or receive an update of services provided wish to find out more, please don’t by Hilary before discussing any hesitate to contact any of the relevant issues. Most recently, the following, (all on 01886): John group worked together to generate a 888460; Richard 821237; Tom successful tender document resulting 888256; John 888318. They will only in Worcester County Council granting be too willing to answer your the Committee a contract to run the questions. TVCC for a further three years. Since the beginning, the group has Thank You recognised the importance of having from Ted & Wendy representatives from across the ever- Ted and Wendy Davis would like to increasing geographical area on the thank everyone for the many cards, committee. Consequently, now that letters and messages of support during the TVCC covers the additional areas Ted’s recent illness. They have been of Hallow, Holt, Lower Broadheath very much appreciated. and Astley, new Trustees are being recruited. We also require

14 The Villager * March 2009 representatives from the Suckley/ Martley & District and /Clows Top Horticultural Society areas. If you are enthusiastic and have At the January meeting, Chairman experience in management, business, Mike Dunnett had brought some health, education or parenting we sprays of lovely winter flowering would love to hear from. For more shrubs; he gave advice on their information about how you could cultivation, also gave tips on February contribute to the management of the jobs—forcing rhubarb and dealing TVCC please contact the office on the early with hosta-gobbling slugs! telephone number shown below. Douglas Whitaker then gave a Date for your diary fascinating talk entitled ’40 years The next Nearly New Sale of clothes behind the microphone’ - his working for babies and children up to the age life as a sound engineer for the BBC. of 11, maternity clothes, baby He began in ‘two channel’ times at the equipment and toys will take place on Corporation’s original HQ at Saturday 28 March at Woodmanton, Evesham (previously Village Hall, 11am – 1pm. To register owned by the Duke D’Orleans). He as a seller, volunteer to help on the showed slides and mentioned various day, or just for more information, programmes. Compact was his first please contact the TVCC on 01886 job, and The Forsyte Saga was 812982. another—when Kenneth Moore Congratulations! provided a party at Christmas. No Congratulations to women in the ‘workings’ of the BBC Natalie Sherwin, who then, and the men all wore collars and announced her ties! Douglas did many outside engagement to Kristopher broadcasts - even Wimbledon. He got Wilkes on Christmas to know Percy Thrower (live shows at Day. Clack’s Farm), he covered the Chelsea and Shrewsbury Flower Shows, was Post Office Notice involved with Little lord Fauntleroy at Due to both Clifton and Upper Sapey Eastnor Castle (later scrapped by the Post Offices going to an outreach BBC); By the Sword Divided at service (this mean reduced hours), I Rockingham Castle (being senior expect Martley Post Office trade to sound man) and many others including increase, so I am therefore asking ladies mud wrestling! He went to people who do not need the services of Jamaica, the USSR (he managed to either the Post Office or the shop to enjoy a dry martini on a Russian park elsewhere. Your co-operation troop-carrying plane!), No. 10 would be appreciated. Thank you. Downing Street – he met most of the Mary Prime Ministers - Royal Weddings and funerals, usually stuck in a control

March 2009 * The Villager 15 room with hundreds of cables waterlogged and muddy countryside, Douglas also worked on The Sky at the leaders for this month have Night with Patrick Moore and gave changed the venue slightly from some wonderful descriptions here “Canals”. It could now be entitled (especially of Mr Moore’s attire!) Woods and Worcester Only Slightly Although he visited islands, countries Known, (some different aspects of the and continents, he will always City). To avoid misrepresentation remember the fields of sprouts by under the Trades Description Act, Woodmanton! Such an interesting and there will be a small amount of canal- educational talk. side walking. Cars leave the car park On 26 March Duncan Straw talks on 2pm promptly for the start at ‘Perennials for Awkward Places’; the Worcester Countryside Centre. Gill Spring Show is on 28 March. On Gough led us on a very pleasant walk Wednesday 22 April a Three Way around some parts of Worcester in Quiz at Hartlebury. Ideas for garden January. Thank you Gill. We shall not visits, talks etc would be most be covering the same ground. welcome, and we do need more Kate King members! Lastly it is planned to have a Flower Festival at St Peter’s church, the weekend of August Bank Holiday – 100 years since the Church Martley WI Restoration in 1909. Tina Steele Wednesday 11 March Thank You 7.30pm Heaton House from Bill and Mike Intriguingly, the title of this month’s Brian Wickens, who was 70 on 30 talk by Janice Waldron is “Pearls”. January, and Mike Nott who was 60 Will this be “pearls of wisdom” or on 5 February, celebrated their pearls as used in jewellery? A clue birthdays together at Sapey Golf Club. may lie in the competition for “A Over £800 was raised in aid of the brooch”. Come along and find out. County Air Ambulance when the Congratulations to Marion Cumella on friends asked for donations instead of being elected to the Worcestershire presents. Brian and Mike would like to Federation Executive. Now that we thank everyone so much for giving so have three members serving at high generously. level, we shall have to mind our “Ps and Qs”. We have been asked to help Martley Ramblers with stewarding at the Three Counties Sunday 8 March 2pm Church Show at Malvern in June, so put the carpark dates in your diaries and think about In view of the continual rain and it. Your correspondent has helped at

16 The Villager * March 2009 previous shows at both Malvern and It was resolved to accept the minutes the Royal Show at Stoneleigh. It was as a true record. hard work but good fun with good Progress reports: company. Come on, give it a try. The Clerk confirmed that: a reply Kate King from Lee Robson, Head of Community and Economic Pudford Lane Development at MHDC (Malvern The on-going story of Lane folk Hills District Council) is still awaited The Big Garden Bird Watch has come from the 13November 2008. Lower and gone again for another year. How Broadheath Parish Council have do the visiting garden birds know thanked the Parish Council for their about it and absent themselves? In support regarding the construction of spite of trying the count at various the Worcester Ring Road. During the times, numbers were well down on the last month the Clerk has contacted daily numbers guzzling at the feeders, Worcester County Council (WCC) similar to last year. and Severn Trent with regard to two Agreed the usual possible sewage leeks, one by The sparrowhawk was Crown and one at Prickley Green. diving for its bluetit Both WCC and MHDC have been meal, but it does not informed of the fly tipping on the lay- usually cause too by on the bend by Ham Bridge on the much disruption. Oh well, there will B4202 (plastic and polystyrene). be another count next year. Councillors confirmed that the waste Please continue to be wary and report was still there. The Clerk will chase strange vehicles in suspicious or them up. Duncan Rudge from MHDC doubtful circumstances. In recent has asked Vicky Bilton (Area burglaries at and Shelsley Planning Officer for the Northern part Beauchamp, jewellery, mobile phones of the District) and Peter Newman and other valuables were stolen. (Rural Housing Enabler) to contact Kate King Martley Parish Council to arrange a meeting with Councillors to discuss Martley Parish Council future development in Martley. Record of the general meeting of the Duncan Rudge had written to ask the Martley Parish Council held on Parish Council if there were any sites Monday 5 January 2009 at the in Martley that they would like Memorial Hall included in the MHDC Development No members of the public were Quality Tour, where MHDC present. The Chairman welcomed committee visits sites to look at works everyone to the meeting. undertaken, consider previous plans Minutes of the meeting held on and decide if, in hindsight, they would Monday 1 December, 2008: have done anything differently.

March 2009 * The Villager 17 Martley was not successful in its bid to the agenda for the next meeting. for funding from WCC for the works District and County Councillor’s needed on the footpath by The Crown. report: Councillor. Mrs. B. Williams Risk assessment will be deferred to had nothing to report and County the next meeting. Smart water signs Councillor Mr. A. Davies was on have been made available for the holiday. approaches to Martley. The Clerk is to Planning: submit the form requesting New: No new applications received. authorisation to erect the signs. Pending: 08/01169/FUL Treetops, Highways standard of workmanship: Hillside – Replacement of dwelling. discussion was held about meeting Permitted: 08/01615/FUL Hawkenest between Councillors Mr. D. Cropp, Barn Farm – Equestrian manege. Mrs. D. Goodyear and Mr. T. Gale Withdrawn: 08/01544/LBC & and John Wallace. They visited a few 08/01543/FUL – Old Barn, Hillside – sites but felt they needed to visit more. Garden room extn. The Clerk is to find out when John Councillor Training 2009: Wallace is availability and will inform Councillor Mr. D. Cropp advised that Councillors so all have the opportunity Worcestershire CALC will soon be to attend the next meeting. offering a course lasting 3-4 days to Pre-School: nothing to report as update Parish Councils about current Councillor Mr. N. Hall was unable to legislation. This will be of benefit to attend the meeting. all but especially the new Councillors. Landowners support–Ditch clearance: The courses will be held with other Councillor Mr. T. Gale will collate a local Parish Councils, which will also list of ditches needing urgent be a valuable opportunity to network. attention. Councillor Gale will use the Risk Assessment: marked maps prepared recently for The Clerk asked that this item be MHDC showing areas prone to deferred until the next Parish Council flooding. The Clerk/Chairman to send meeting. maps to Councillor Mr. T. Gale. Finance: Laugherne Brook: Councillor Mr. D. There were 7 cheques totalling Cropp had inspected the current £2,386.73, 5 for agreement and position at Laugherne Brook and signature. It was resolved to adopt the reported his concerns. The Path-or- accounts. A precept of £18,000.00 was Nones will clear the stream of trees at agreed. The Clerk will submit this to Laugherne Brook on the 17 January MHDC. The Clerk will add Donations 2009. Councillors need to identify to the agenda for the next meeting. other parts of the stream that could be The SLCC membership was agreed potential flooding risks. This can be and authorised. Electricity quarterly done from the maps marked for ditch payment was agreed and authorised. clearance. The Clerk is to ad this item Correspondence:

18 The Villager * March 2009 Items for discussion: Councillor Hall – the past carried out any repairs on this Resignation; WCC – Budget road. The members, however, were information meeting invitation; John not satisfied with the reply and Mr E Hicks – Play area inspection; Taylor stated that there were no tithe Councillor Forrest – Evening transport marks from Martley to the S-bend, but grant; MHCPMG–Public meeting from the S-bend to Kingswood there invitation. Items for information: were. He also complained that due to included-MHDC–Revocation of tree the condition of the road dust carts did preservation orders; Com. & Local not collect refuse regularly. The clerk Gov.–Consultation on local authority was instructed to write a further letter publicity; Green Leaf–Funding for asking for confirmation that reduction in plastic bags. maintenance of this road is the Councillors reports and items for responsibility of the owners of the future agendas: land on either side of the lane. The Clerk is to write to WCC and Next Meeting 23.9.1968. Min 6. A Severn Trent regarding a water leak letter was received from the clerk of which resulted in a big patch of ice the County Council, Mr Scurfield, and a blocked drain on Hopehouse confirming that maintenance of Lane. Councillor Mrs. D. Goodyear Kingswood Lane, except for the advised that there are six Smart water section from Road to packs remaining, at a cost of £20.00. the S-bend, was the responsibility of If anybody would like one please the owners of the land on either side contact her. The Clerk is to write to of the lane. A public footpath runs WCC and Severn Trent regarding the over, along and within that section of running sewage at 3 Hollins Lane. The the lane and its continuation eastwards Clerk is to write again to WCC and the County Council is responsible regarding the water running across for this section up to public footpath Prickley Green. status only. Date of next meeting: (Minute in June meeting–A complaint The next meeting will be held on was received about the old cottage in Monday 2 February 2009. Jury Lane which has been empty for some years. It was reported that the Martley’s Past door is left open and the children from Parish Council, 17.6.1968. Min 7. The the village play in it. This is a clerk has written to the County nuisance to Miss Rowley who lives in Council asking its advice on the the house opposite and the clerk was ownership of Kingswood Lane. The instructed to report the matter to the reply stated that according to the CC’s District Council. (The January records Kingswood Lane is an un- meeting next year reported that the adopted road and as far as the County door had been locked!!)) Surveyor can trace, the CC has not in A L Boon

March 2009 * The Villager 19

Martley and District Mobile Library Horticultural Society Ockeridge Silver Oaks 9.45–10.05 Spring Show Wichenford Malvern View 10.10–10.35 Saturday 28 March 2pm Church 10.45–11.05 Kings Green Farm 11.15–11.40 Spring plants Rosses Green 11.45–12.05 cakes and preserves for sale Martley Hillside children’s Horn Lane Bungalows 12.10–12.25 exhibitions and, of Martley Taylors of Martley 12.30–12.45 course, our own.

LUNCH Entry forms from Heaton House 1.20–1.50 Church. 1.55–2.15 Martley Post Office Clifton and Central Stores. Village Hall 2.30–3.50

The Mobile Library will be visiting these stops on Wednesdays on the dates listed below: 11 March 2009 5 August 2009 Easter Lilies 1 April 2009 26 August 2009 22 April 2009 16 Sept 2009 If you would like to contribute 13 May 2009 7 Oct 2009 towards the cost of lilies in church at 3 June 2009 28 October 2009 Easter, in memory of a loved one, 24 June 2009 18 Nov 2009 donations may be given to Jenny 15 July 2009 9 Dec 2009 Underhill or Catrine Ball, or left at 30 Dec 2009 Central Stores, Martley. Any enquiries should be made to Stourport Jenny Underhill (01886) 888306 Library, Worcester Street, Stourport, Catrine Ball (01584) 881079 Worcs DY13 8EH, tel: 01299-822866, [email protected]

20 The Villager * March 2009 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Janet Andrews 01886 888303 Sheila Richards 01886 888378

Church Flowers think, so, Bill and Jo – THANK No flowers throughout March – Lent YOU – enjoy your well-earned rest! The Villager would like to offer Karen Ladies Fellowship a warm welcome to the team. The Ladies Fellowship members are to Michelle Higgins, Editor meet on Tuesday 17 March at 2.30pm. Retirement Wichenford Church AGM As I was writing my notes for The The Annual General Meeting of Villager, the February issues were Wichenford Church is on Monday 23 delivered and with them a note to say March in the church starting at that Bill and Jo Root were retiring 7.30pm..This meeting is open to all. from the job of circulating The Villager, after many years of Thank you delivering the piles of magazines to to Bill and Jo us, who then delivered them in our The Villager would like to send a BIG locality. They had to put in the, thank you to Bill and Jo Root for their sometimes many, fliers and then cover very valuable contributions to The the whole Parish with the bundles. Villager. Bill and Jo have headed the There was never a hitch whatever the distribution team in Wichenford for weather, even planning their holidays many years and are now handing over around the end of the month, delivery to Karen Furber. There are many time. It was purely voluntary, at their people involved with The Villager, own cost, as is so much work that is most of whom carry on from month to done in our village. So a very big month, reliably working “behind the thank you, Bill and Jo, we are all very scenes”, anonymously. Making sure grateful to you. We are extremely The Villager arrives at your door each lucky to welcome Karen Furber, who month involves more than you might has volunteered to take on the main distribution around the Parish. Thank

March 2009 * The Villager 21 you Karen and well done Jo and Bill. questions had a theme that made the Enjoy your well-earned retirement. quiz more exciting, and every table of Pam Webb four chose their own title for the evening. We had a super evening with Wichenford 100 Club everyone enjoying themselves and we January winners No 017 Brad Wood very much look forward to the next £75 and returned subscriptions to 136 quiz night. Mike and Judith, thank you L Watson and 126 Mr Sanders. Drawn very much once again. by Shirley Sanders. The Annual General Meeting is on 16 Please believe us! This was not March at 7.30pm Please come and rigged! I caught Shirley as she was support your hall. putting up notices on the Village Silent Auction Postponed Board and asked her to draw three The Silent Auction has been balls. No 17 came out by itself and postponed. Please don’t contact then the next two came together. The Margaret Fisher about it because there routine is to write the numbers down is not another meeting of the in order and then refer to the Big organising committee planned until Orange Book to see whose name is later in March, so she doesn’t know against the number. Imagine our anything either! surprise (shock?) to find she had Margaret H Fisher Scretary pulled out her father-in-law's number! There is, it seems, no end to the Evelyn Shachell coincidences to do with these draws. We are so sorry that Evelyn has died Is there a scientific explanation? and send our deepest sympathy to her family. Evelyn was born in 1920 at A Date for Your Diary Northwick, Worcester. In 1940 she The Wichenford Blues Festival 2009 married Don and moved to Bolton is moving four miles down the road to where they had two sons. When they The Fold at and will be on 4 retired they came to Wichenford July. Hope to see you there! where they lived for 25 years. Oliver Evelyn loved her garden where she spent many happy hours; she was a Wichenford Memorial Hall great reader and enjoyed listening to I write on behalf of the Management the radio. She will be sadly missed. Committee to thank Mike and Judith O’Leary very much indeed for their support and expertise when they produced and chaired an excellent Quiz Night. A buffet supper was provided and around £390 was raised for our Restoration Fund. Each set of

22 The Villager * March 2009 Not Simply a Number – Part 2

o continue with the story of and breeders in Martley and the some of Martley’s Shire neighbouring parishes. J A Davies (a T horses, the offspring of John life member elected 1905) of Davis’s mare Bounce and the stallion Bransford Court kept Shires at The King of The Vale, was a roan named Lingens Farm in Barbers Lane. Just Queen of The Vale and her imagine his stallions being led out descendants were given “Martley” as a from the yard there to walk their pre- prefix. The other mare, Flower, also arranged routes around the district and produced a daughter and so the line to be introduced to their ‘ladies’, went on–British Queen, Flower, sometimes being put up at a distant Princess II, Countess, Lady, Baroness, inn, and to drink at the lane-side pond Belle, Victress, Forest Lady, Forest on their return. Exton Conqueror, Princess, Empress, Lady Elizabeth, Dunchurch Forester, Long Lawford Vicountess, Beauty, Duchess, Chancellor, Beaumont Tartar, Orfold Elegance and lastly Stylish Lass (born Friar (shown at the London Show in in 1926)-not to mention the ‘boys’. 1938 with a new owner) … what a To go back to A1 (1) (the stallion list sight. D’Arcy Star (bought from an begins with six A1’s!) this particular MP in Wales) had won top prizes in horse was bred by R Watts and later the show ring–no doubt she was a sold to William Wynn. It was grey and ‘good worker in all gears’, pulling the foaled in 1864, its sire wagons kept in the cart being Great Britain shed opposite the farm. 970 (vol 1) and dam Cyril M Woodyatt had Darling who was by the short-lived Mr Gunthorpe’s Hipplecote Stud (also Brown Stout (no known as the Horsham) number). Great Britain in the early 1920’s. W was owned by T Coles Betteridge bred a filly (bought from breeder foal in 1917, his Mr Hart) and foaled in Shire horses address is given as 1854, colour grey – Lower Hollins Farm. sire Mr Bense’s Swindon, dam’s name Horace and Reginald Pullen kept a missing but she was known to be by retired Shire at Martley Court in the Mr Archer’s Lion, said to be a late 1950’s, it was last used to take grandson of Mr Breakspeare’s cart loads of manure to the hopyards. Dumpling, but there again we can go To be concluded next month when we back no further. move out of Martley and visit East There were of course other owners Anglia. Tina Steele

March 2009 * The Villager 23 Your Credit Union A Community Solution to Personal Financial Issues

Debt comes in all sorts of forms, like Compensation Scheme (unlike many negative equity or over-spending on savings and Christmas schemes) credit cards, but in Worcestershire it is savings are completely secure, and estimated that 35%¹ of families are in members get free life assurance. Any debt through low income—a problem profit made is returned to members as that applies equally to rural and urban an annual dividend. For borrowers, areas. With around 11%² of Black Pear loans are almost all made households not having a bank account at 12.7% (1% a month) for loans as and 17%³ officially living below the small as £50, with no early redemption poverty line, access to financial fee or hidden charges, and the interest institutions is limited for people in paid goes back into developing difficult circumstances. So who can services for the organisation. they turn to for a small, short-term Black Pear also offers a free loan? Doorstep lenders, loan sharks DebtBuster service for people whose and the local credit union. debt is mounting, lenders may be Reputable doorstep lenders advertise giving a hard time to and who feel their lending rates at around 187% they are in a spiral of debt they can’t APR, and loan sharks charge all sorts escape. Recent months have brought of outrageous rates of interest while record numbers of new members, both Black Pear Savings & Loans, a not- those who are looking for an ethical for-profit organisation widely saving option that helps the local supported by Councils and Housing community, and those looking for Associations across County, charges excellent value loans. With branches 12.7% (or in exceptional high-risk in Worcester and MoneyPoints across circumstances 25.4%APR). the county, the credit union is So what is Black Pear Savings & increasing its accessibility. As an Loans? almost-entirely volunteer organisation As part of the worldwide credit union from the Board to the cashiers, the movement, where communities come credit union is also always looking for together to save and borrow money at people able to offer time and affordable rates, Black Pear is owned expertise. To contact Black Pear and run for the benefit of its members, Savings & Loans–The Worcestershire (now over 2000 people). It offers Credit Union—call 01905-612197 or members somewhere to make secure, drop into our branch at 15 ethical savings, which are then used to Lowesmoor, Worcester. fund loans to other members, keeping ¹ 2007 figures www.worcestershire.gov.uk money within the local economy. ² www.poverty.org.uk ³ www.nationmaster.com Protected by the FSA’s Financial

24 The Villager * March 2009 keep to the single-flowered varieties. In the Garden Prune shrub and bush roses, buddleia and summer-flowering clematis now if you didn't get round to it in the au- tumn, also prune dogwood and col- oured willows to encourage new growth which will give the coloured In the Garden in March stems next winter. 21 March is the official start of spring; At the end of the month, summer- the soil starts to warm up and the flowering bulbs should be available in weeds start to grow. However there is garden centres. Anemones and lilies no guarantee that winter conditions are can make stunning displays in pots, behind us - remember the late snows? with the added advantage that you can Be prepared to protect any precious deal more easily with any pests. New early-flowering plants, especially fruit spring growth will bring out the slugs blossom. and snails so be prepared with your In the flower garden, pick off fading favourite control method. flowers on daffodils and other spring- Try to start mowing the lawn now, flowering bulbs, but leave the foliage with the blades set high, as this will to build up the bulb for next year. Sow produce denser growth, which means hardy annuals directly into the garden fewer weeds and a better end result. where you want them to flower; Those of us who grow vegetables need choose a sunny spot and to get into gear this month. don't forget to mark it! Good Early potatoes planted in do-ers include Love-in-a- the open now should crop in Mist, cornflowers, nastur- July. If you can, plant a few tiums, poppies, sunflowers in containers in a warm spot and sweet peas. Perhaps we for an earlier treat. Onion should all consider planting sets can be planted, also let- at least one native British tuce, peas and beetroot. You flower this year. As well as can still sow seeds of cauli- enjoying them for the flower flower, tomatoes, peppers display we will be providing food and and aubergines in your greenhouse, but habitats for our native insects. Some to if you only want a few plants and are consider for shady spots are bugle, not too concerned about the variety: it wood anemone, lily of the valley, is easier to buy young plants from a sweet violet, primroses and cowslips, garden centre, or, for best value for while in sunnier areas columbine, money, visit Martley Horticultural So- scabious, mallow and wild thyme will ciety Spring Show, Saturday 28 March do well. Modern cultivars of these in the village Hall. plants will work equally well if you JC

March 2009 * The Villager 25

Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664

sn’t it good when a plan comes 31:14-16). He is with us in our together? So the saying goes! happiness and our sadness, with us IHave you made any plans this always (Matthew 28:20). As you year, perhaps a wedding or a holiday? journey through Lent, may God go The church year is a plan we work with you, always and all ways. with from Advent to Trinity. It covers God Bless. the different aspects of our faith and Rev David Sherwin the life of Christ. The year begins at Changes to the structure of the the end of November with Advent, the church in our area coming of Christ, and follows with From 1 January this year the Benefice Christmas, his incarnation; Epiphany, of churches called Martley, the revelation of the divinity of Christ; Wichenford and the Lower Teme Lent, a life of devotion and disciple Valley became linked with the life; Easter the Resurrection; Benefice of Leigh, , Suckley Ascension, his ascent back to heaven; and Bransford and also the Benefice then Pentecost, the coming of the Holy of Clifton and the Shelsleys and Spirit and Trinity, One God but three . The team is now called persons, Father Son and Holy Spirit. the Worcestershire West Rural Team, March finds us in the season of Lent, a of which Rev David Sherwin is now time of devotion, reflection and Team Rector, Rev Andrew Bullock discipline. A discipline that is led by (of Leigh) is Team Vicar assisted by our devotion to the God we love. It House For Duty Assistant Priest, Rev may be to many, a time of giving John Sumner (of Clifton). We also still something up, rather let think of have the help of Rev Jennifer taking something up and set our minds Whittaker as Assistant Priest and Rev upon its completion with the help of Bruce Thomson as Curate, ably God. assisted across the area by some very Jesus going through the desert and committed readers and lay folk. The fasting for forty days and nights was new team is only in its infancy and part of God’s plan. It is good for us to there are many issues yet to be worked ponder the plans of God for they guide out, but together we will continue to us in our own lives. It is good to know enable the church to function and that God has our times in his hands, minister across this area in the year to ‘My times are in your hands;’ (Psalm come.

26 The Villager * March 2009 This month The Villager has chosen to that suffers”. Not only are families print a report from our Link separated and displaced from their Missionaries in place of the listing of homes, but the environmentally- church services. Their story is a friendly style of farming is also sobering one, yet full of hope. disrupted. Land degradation is a sad Please refer to the Village Contacts spin-off of this war. list on the next page for details of who Caring for Trees to contact concerning church matters. In our work in Sudan, we encourage the planting and nurture of trees. News from Sudan Where charcoal and wood are the only From David and Heather Sharland, energy source used for daily cooking, Benfice Link Missionaries we seek to encourage sustainable ways Sudan is desperately trying to of harvesting wood without destroying scramble out of the huge hole of 45 the environment. The planting of trees years of civil war, when the Northern has a high priority, to hold back the Arab and Muslim peoples sought to desert and increase rainfall in a subjugate the African and Christian scorched land. Southern peoples, and they in turn Restoration in the Kitchen resisted. The peaceful way of life of We seek to show a better way of life both was destroyed by a long and by incarnational living. Our home. in bloody conflict that was only partially Southern Sudan is always open, and resolved by the signing of the Peace we encourage folk to call in. Anyone Protocols in January, 2005. The aerial who is around in the morning is bombing has ceased, but fear and welcome to join us for a short Bible suspicion remain. reading, discussion and time of prayer For many years, Southern Sudan has for the day. At 11 am anyone who is seen Uganda as its friend. In its time around can share our coffee and of need, Sudan offered refuge for biscuits. Lunch too usually sees 7 or 8 many Ugandans. Now, many being fed! Our kitchen is open and Sudanese find a garden of peace in many see the raised, charcoal-efficient Uganda. But a snake lurks in the clay stove on which everything is shadows! A rebel movement intent on cooked and our water is all boiled. destabilising Uganda is now active in Pray with us, as we return to Africa, the villages and roads of Sudan, hopefully to Sudan, but for the time bringing fear, death and destabilisation being, to Northern Uganda. We fly to this land that is so from Exeter to Amsterdam on 17 desperate for peace. February and then on to Entebbe, There is an old Uganda on 18th. We hope to be in African saying that Arua by 21 February. We are your co- “as the elephants gardeners in God’s garden, fight, it is the grass David and Heather Sharland.

March 2009 * The Villager 27 Village Contacts

Editor of The Villager Michelle Higgins [email protected] or 01886 888344 or leave articles at Martley Post Office Advertise in The Villager Aileen Parker.—01886 888456

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

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

28 The Villager * March 2009

As Beth Williams is sadly no longer with us, I would like to offer this piece in her memory, as this is the sort of thing she would have loved. Tina Jaray. How old is Grandpa? One evening a boy was talking to his grandfather and asked him what he thought about the shootings in schools, the computer age, and just things in general. The grandfather replied, “Well, let me think, I was born before television, penicillin, frozen foods, photocopies, contact lenses, Frisbees and The Pill. There were no credit cards or ball-point pens. We hadn’t invented air conditioning, dishwashers, tumble dryers and no-one had walked on the moon. Your grandmother and I got married, and only then lived together. Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, 'Sir'. We were before gay- rights, computer-dating, dual careers and daycare-centers. Our lives were governed by good judgment and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to take responsibility for our actions. We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends. We never heard of CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings. Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of. In my day, 'grass' was mowed, 'coke' was a drink, 'pot' was something your mother cooked in 'Aids' were helpers in the Principal's office, 'chip' meant a piece of wood, 'hardware' was found in a hardware store and 'software' wasn't even a word. And how old do you think I am?” I bet you have this old man in mind. You are in for a shock! Are you ready? This man would be only 59.

March 2009 * The Villager 29