Ladies’ Fellowship: 2.30pm 2nd Tuesday in the month (usually) Toddler Group: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays (term time) 10.30am Martley Memorial Hall Salsacise dance/exercise: 7.15pm Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Steph 07774 533217 Volume 20 No. 6 November 2010 Wednesdays Editor: Michelle Higgins (01886888344) Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing: Editorial Team: Martley Alan Boon (01886 7pm Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Jeff & 888527), Kate King (01886 888439) Thelma 01886 821772 Wichenford Janet Andrews (01886 888303), Martley Folk Club: 1st Wednesday in Sheila Richards (01886 888378) the month at The Talbot, and Advertising: Aileen Parker. 01886 888456 Distribution: Martley George & June Lawrence 3rd Wednesday at The Admiral Rodney (01886 821064) Wichenford Karen Furber Martley WI: 2nd Wednesday in the (01886 888449) month 7.30pm Heaton House Contact The Villager: Leave articles at Martley Post Office, call Janet or Sheila Thursdays (Wichenford) or email the Editor at Wichenford Wine Club: 3rd Thursday in [email protected] the month Opinions expressed by contributors are not Martley & District Horticultural necessarily those of The Villager. The Villager Society: last Thursday in the month cannot be held responsible for any goods or 7.30pm Martley Memorial Hall services advertised in the magazine.

See Church Words p. 27 for details of services Regular events in Martley 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 a complete listing of all forthcoming events Teme Valley Farmers Market for local (that the Diary page editor knows about) produce 11am The Talbot, Knightwick See page 28 for contact details of organisations Martley Ramblers meet Church car park

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 Martley Parish Council: 1st Monday in the month 8pm Memorial Hall Records of the Parish Council meetings in Tuesdays the two parishes are not intended to be full Short Mat Bowling: 2.00pm Martley and complete minutes. Minutes of meetings can be seen by contacting the respective Memorial Hall Clerks to the Councils.

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

As part of the curriculum and eco- Martley Pre-School Snippets status, the children have also enjoyed Welcome back! harvesting most of their fruit and We would like to welcome William, vegetables this month. They grew Ella, Ellie, Tommie, Harvey, Evie, many of them from seed this spring, Amy, Chloe and Emily to our Pre- and we witnessed a great sense of school. We look forward to many fun- pride and awe in the children as they filled days with you. Our theme for dug up potatoes and carrots, picked this term is ‘Our community’. It will apples, raspberries and runner beans incorporate many etc. different aspects of Don’t Forget! We are an our local OFSTED registered setting, community, as you with over 20 years of may have seen in our history. We boast that we role play area which employ a graduate leader at the moment with Early Years focuses on the ‘Post Professional status and that Office’. The next all staff hold a current first ‘BAG2SCHOOL’ aid certificate and current clothes collection is CRB police check. We are 22 November, so open term time every day please bring in any unwanted clothing, from 8am to 6pm, with holiday clubs bedding etc. at any time before then. too. Every three year old child is Since starting these collections, we entitled to 15 hours free government have raised over £700 towards pre- funding per week , and some two year school funds. Thank you so much for olds are too! If you would like more all your support. information, please visit our website at We have recently added some willow www.martleypreschool.co.uk or tel. shelters to our Forest School area, and 01886 889127. would like to thank NPOWER for Kathryn Norgrove their grant donation towards materials. BA (Hons) FdA EYP status

10 The Villager * November 2010 [email protected] to book your place or for more information. TVCC is a Barnardo’s Children Centre. Registered Charity Nos 216250 and SCO37605

TVCC: Road Safety Week Village Hall News Teme Valley Children’s Centre has Bookings for the hall are increasing previously hosted successful Road and we've had bookings for 2011, Safety events at different Toddler which is very promising. If you're Groups and Family Funs across the thinking of holding an event, please Teme Valley area in the past. The speak with Dave Cropp as it is great events have given local children and that that hall is starting to be used their parents/carers the opportunity to more by villagers. We have an learn more about Road Safety and excellent bar facility and very willing how to avoid dangerous situations bar staff to run the bar for your party/ when walking to and from school or event. when out playing with their friends. Plans are in progress for the Christmas Road Safety week is an event which Fayre on Sunday 5 December starting Teme Valley Children’s Centre at 1.30pm - look out for the flyer but promotes and supports as on average do come along as you might be able to 55 children aged 0-11 years are killed pick up a bargain or two for Christmas on the roads in Great Britain alone, presents! and another 1,546 on average are Martley 100 Club seriously injured. With the Teme September winner: Number 31 Ro Valley being such a rural location it is Williams (don't let Tony spend it for important that children and their you) will receive £40. Please look out parents/carers know how to stay safe. for the renewal forms for 2011 and Road Safety Week runs from 22–28 return to me to ensure you keep the November 2010 and our next Family same number. Fun session will be focused around Winners for other months 2010: road safety and staying safe in the January 52 £30 Christine Grasby; rural area. February 34 £40 Mrs Elaine Pearce; Our Road Safety Family Fun session March 54 £40 Mrs Sally Swift; April 5 is on Tuesday 23 November 2010 at £40 Mr Derek Pugh; May 28 £40 The Regal Community Hall, Tenbury Mandy Gardner; June 46 £60 Simon from 1.30pm – 3pm. Come and join us Honeybourne; June 26 £30 Janet for an afternoon of fun activities and Jones; July 14 £40 Mrs Julie events for children aged 0 – 5 years. Honeybourne; August 12 £40 Mrs E Please ring the Children’s Centre on Wetherall. 01886 812982 or email sam. Annette Smith

November 2010 * The Villager 11 A Geological Society for Martley? We wish to establish a geological society that would meet locally and Martley Amateur Dramatics has been are inviting all those interested to in existence for a year now and its contact the undersigned. The intention performance “The Importance of would be 6-8 meetings a year with Being Ernest” was the best production lectures, and trips to key sites, to date. The performers have really obviously starting right here! grown in confidence and performing Surprising to many, Martley is fast skills in the past 12 months. A new becoming the place in the UK to visit, venture for MADs was an outdoor if you are at all interested in geology. matinee performance, in Sinton Green. Martley has several important sites, We were very fortunate with the none more so weather, with the sun shining and the than Martley cold wind abating at just the right Rock ,where time. A lovely time was had with six different picnics on the grass and visitors from geological Worcester and Birmingham as well. A periods are big thank you to all who joined us! exposed in a We had a good turnout for auditions small area of for our panto with children who one field. This is a very, very unusual attended Mad Kidz in the summer occurrence and in addition, there are at wanting to take part for the first time. least two other periods in other parts It should be a good production in true of the parish. The University of panto fashion. Make a note in your Worcester is now conducting serious diary, 7—8 January 2011, so you research and a scientific research don’t miss it. Also for your diaries, paper will appear some time in 2011. advance notice of a repeat A first successful geology course was performance of “Esther”. We have held mid year and another commences now had confirmation from the early October. Many visitors walk the Cathedral and will be putting on a geo park way, and course tutor, Dr “one off” performance of our new Paul Olver, brings in groups, some musical there on 26 February 2011 so from as far afield as Cambridge and all who did not see it first time round . We look forward to hearing will have the chance to see what they from you missed. This will be a very big event John Nicklin (who ain’t no geologist) for our performers, director and writer 01886 888318 [email protected] so please give us as much support as possible. Thank you. Janet Eggleton

12 The Villager * November 2010 chickens and pigs to provide food and manure as well as vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit! Aromas are desirable too, and butterflies and bees are very important. She feels this type of garden should be rampant-mix wild and cultivated plants, let things like Martley and District Horticultural opium poppies and nasturtiums seed Society anywhere, grow plants in old September’s meeting proved galvanised containers, have a picket particularly enjoyable. It began as fence with honeysuckle tumbling over usual with Chairman Mike Dunnett it! Grow salad in an old welcoming everyone including five wheelbarrow – have an old pump potential new members. The Black (working if possible!) and a rose arch. Bag appeared again – this time out Kim and husband Rob do some plant came the beautiful tall perennial breeding, an impressive red nasturtium Salvia Sabria Hadspen flowering being one they’ve produced. They August through to October. It should have had stands at the major shows survive the winter if cut right down including Chelsea, there are gold and has good drainage. Mike also medals to prove it! In 2007 the garden produced a pile of ‘Country Gardener’ was partly flooded but the silt was a magazines (free), they are full of soil tonic and everything thrives. useful tips and information. Jane Companion planting was shown on a Cropp showed members an attractive slide of the Nursery (where the Hursts small-leaved vine with unusual fruit, are now living). Kim answered Ampelopsis brevipedunculata. Dave members’ questions at the end. A Cropp’s advice – study ‘The fantastic talk! Plantfinder’ and look for AGM by Tina Steele plants’ names – this means Award of Garden Merit. Martley Ramblers Our main speaker was Kim Hurst 1pm 7 November Church car park from The Cottage Herbery near We are running – no – walking out of , her talk being time as this is the last ramble in 2010. ‘Cottage Gardens’ : a subject dear to There is a slight change to the most country people’s hearts. We all programme as Harry and Kate King soaked up the beautiful slide views of will now be leading around sections of her large garden with its somewhere in the Worcester riverside numerous colourful old-fashioned area. If you’ve not joined us this year, flowering plants, also structures. It is why not make this a surprise finish organic and peat free, and Kim said a and have a different venue to enjoy? true cottage garden should have NB, earlier start time 1pm (dark nights

November 2010 * The Villager 13 are looming) and the first Sunday, to seeds. It’s lovely to see so many avoid clashing with Remembrance around. Pity they don’t feast on the Sunday. enormous slugs in the garden. What a Helen and George Coombey-Jones size they have been this year. had a very pleasant autumn day for There has been a bumper crop of their walk starting at Eckington Wharf walnuts this year and squirrels are with the bonus of juicy blackberries to doing a shuttle service burying them pick on the way. in flowerbeds. The silly things don’t The AGM is on Monday 22 mark the burial places and promptly November. See you there with forget where most of them are. Next suggestions for walks in 2011. year there will be small walnut trees Kate King everywhere. Perhaps there could be an opportunity here for a new enterprise: seeding the trees? At least, the proceeds could help to cover the cost Martley WI of all the fatballs and sunflower seeds. Kate King

Wednesday 10 November 7.30pm Martley Parish Council Heaton House Unapproved abbreviated draft minutes Once again it is AGM time. This has of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish been a very enjoyable and busy year Council held on Monday 6 September and next year promises to be as good. 2010 at the Memorial Hall After the business meeting, Mary The Democratic Period/Public Kipping will tell of her life during her Question Time years in West Africa. Then there will Parishioners queried progress on the be time for refreshments and chatter milestone plate and detail around any and to catch up on news. There may work being undertaken by Martley be also time for an organised social Parish Council concerning local time. The competition is for a pretty development. The Clerk will speak scarf. Do come and join us. with the milestone association and to Kate King Nigel Potter, Community Housing Enabler for Community First Pudford Tweets regarding work undertaken on behalf This autumn seems to have been a of the Parish Council last year. second spring in some ways with the Minutes return of a blooming of lots of spring The minutes for the previous meeting flowers. House Martins have been were approved as a true record of the around much later than usual and the meeting with a correction to 51-10 (b). large broods of bluetits are still Should read the Clerk will ask the feasting on fatballs and sunflower lengthsman to clear the mud from

14 The Villager * November 2010 opposite the weighbridge not by the Clerk will ask the lengthsman to pick weighbridge. up the rubbish from the Hillside lay- Outstanding actions from previous by each week; look at grips opposite minutes: the saw mills and on Hollins Lane (the Graffiti on Hillside sign has still not village end); clear mud from opposite been removed – The Clerk to chase the weighbridge; ensure the signs Highways again. Highways matters – throughout Martley are readable and The Clerk is to submit a report to cut away any overgrowth and/or clean Highways to clarify exact positioning the signs; look at Hope House Lane, on the works list for the dropped between New House Farm and curbs, potholes, drains, etc that have Touchwood Cottage as the dip keeps been reported. The Clerk will write to filling with water. (c) Training. The committees with Parish Council Clerk will place one item each month representation for updates dates of on the agenda to address items raised future meetings. The Clerk will during the training. continue to investigate the District and County Councillor’s authorisation of cycle races. The Clerk reports: will again contact Worcester County County Cllr Davies reported that: the Council regarding the herbicide work on the footpath next to The sprayed around the village. Crown has been completed. Two new Progress Reports: VAS signs will be purchased by (a)The Clerk: The weighbridge County Cllr Davies solely for the use electricity has finally been resolved of the ten parishes within his area. with a three-year contract with E-On These will be in addition to the two now being arranged. A link to that are already shared across all Martley.org.uk will be put on parishes within the county. The Worcester County Councils my parish responsibility of charging batteries part of their website, which will be an and general maintenance will be with alternative route of access to Martley the Parish Council. The Chantry exam and Martley Parish Council. The Clerk results were pleasing with 71.8% of has had notification of a community pupils achieving 5 A to C GCSE’s. project grant which can be applied for There is a grant available for help with under certain criteria. The Clerk thinks the elderly, which is £100,000 in total YIMMS may be eligible and will in £5,000 allocations. County Cllr speak to representatives of YIMMS. Davies will send an information The Clerk referred to. The Clerk will booklet to the Clerk. e-mail documentation on an urgent Planning: consultation on the government’s New proposal to cap the precept and will 10/00893/FUL Land adj. Three Acres, then collate and submit the view of the Willow Road – Proposed stable block Parish Council. (b) Lengthsman. The and change of use from agricultural to

November 2010 * The Villager 15 equestrian land. patches of highways lifting throughout 10/01079/HOU Thornhill Villa, Horne Martley. Improvement works carried Lane – Proposed French doors to out through the summer were not dining room and balcony, and sufficient. It was recognised that the bedroom balcony. only solution in some areas would be Permitted to lay new pipes. The Clerk is to 10/00868/HOU Fair View, Pudford ascertain whether the Parish Council Lane – Two dormer windows to front should be consulted when a liquor and two in attic gable to rear. license is requested within their area. Finance: The Clerk will speak to the Freedom The accounts for July were approved. of Martley recipient to see if they The accounts for September were would be available on Wednesday 15 issued. There were five cheques September 2010 to receive the award. totalling £738.17 approved. Date of next meeting: Correspondence: Meetings are held on the first Mon day Included: of the month (Bank Holidays Council: Energy Efficiency in the excepted). home (Leaflets to be displayed in the Library). Festival Housing Update on Martley’s Past Strategic Plan Two contrasting reports on Mr Councillors reports and items for Michael Coleman, who retired as future agenda: Headmaster of the school in 1893, The Clerk is to speak again to after teaching the boys’ section. Worcester County Council regarding Inspectors Report, July 1866 officers on quad bikes riding on “Boys. The discipline, instruction and footpaths through the village spraying general efficiency of the school are herbicide. Councillors asked for their fairly good. Religious Knowledge and thanks to be noted to County Cllr Geography good, Reading and Writing Davies for the work recently fairly good. Spelling moderate, undertaken on the footpath in the arithmetic fair. Girls. This school has village. The Clerk is to ask for an slightly improved during the past year. update on YIMMS activities and when The Writing and Spelling are pretty the next YIMMS event is. The Clerk good. Reading fair. Arithmetic is to contact the Housing Association moderate. Religious Knowledge regarding the land affected by the pretty fair. The needlework good. The fallen tree near Heaton House to desks should be altered and converted discuss much-needed improvement into parallel rows and some more work. A Councillor referred to tractors slates should be provided. The travelling at night with white lights on mistress is deficient in energy and the back of the cabs, which blinded appears to have hardly sufficient drivers of cars behind them. There are physical strength for her work.”

16 The Villager * November 2010 Ten years later, in 1876, the inspectors Mobile Library report. Ockeridge “Boys. Mr Coleman continues to do Silver Oaks 9.45–10.05 thoroughly good and successful work, Wichenford especially in Div III. If the lower Div Malvern View 10.10–10.35 I were proportionately as proficient as Church 10.45–11.05 Kings Green Farm 11.15–11.40 Div II and III nothing would be left to Rosses Green 11.45–12.05 be desired in this well-ordered and Martley Hillside high-toned school which bears the Horn Lane Bungalows 12.10–12.25 mark of a conscientious and efficient Martley master. Passes 83 percent.” Taylors of Martley 12.30–12.45 Alan Boon LUNCH Heaton House 1.20–1.50 Church 1.55–2.15 Clifton Village Hall 2.30–3.50

Charity Event The Mobile Library will be visiting these stops on Wednesdays on the dates listed to raise funds for below in 2010: 10 November 1 December 22 December Troop Aid Any enquiries should be made to Stourport Saturday 13 November Library, Worcester Street, Stourport, Worcs DY13 8EH, tel: 01905 822722 2pm Martley stourportmobile@.gov.uk Village Hall

Tea room Raffle Crafts stall Bric-a-brac Books and magazines Martley Library Opening Times Monday 2—7 pm “As new” – garments at a Wednesday 4—6 pm fraction of the original price Thursday 10am -1 pm and more! Friday 2 - 4 pm Saturday 10am -12 noon 01886 888396 (opening hours only)

November 2010 * The Villager 17 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Janet Andrews 01886 888303 Sheila Richards 01886 888378

Only in Britain do people order double Church Flowers cheeseburgers, large fries and a diet 7 November Mrs Webb coke. 14 November Remembrance – Mrs Only in Britain can a pizza get to your Britten Long house faster than an ambulance. 21 November Remembrance – Mrs Only in Britain do we leave cars worth Britten Long thousands of pounds on the drive and 28 November Advent – No flowers lock our cheap lawn mower in the garage. Ladies Fellowship I’m proud to be British. Being British The next meeting of the Ladies is about driving in a German car to an Fellowship will be on Tuesday 16 Irish pub for a Belgian beer, then November at 2.30pm in the Memorial travelling home, grabbing an Indian Hall. curry or a Turkish kebab on the way, to sit on Swedish furniture and watch Wichenford PCC American programmes on a Japanese There will be a meeting of the PCC on TV; and the most British thing of all? Wednesday 10 November at 11am in Suspicion of anything foreign. the Memorial Hall. A Second Cuckoo in the Nest Induction When Peter Clarke of Cleveland came The induction of Rev Bruce across Michael Wetton's book about Thompson is on Saturday 13 his experiences in Wichenford as an November in Leominster Priory at evacuée "Reared in a Stranger's Nest", 7pm. he recognised immediately his own fellow evacuée, with whom he had (Musings from Janet) shared a billet at Ockeridge Cross. Only in Britain do banks leave both Both boys had come from the East doors open and chain the pens to the End of London and both were billetted counters. on the Jones family. But town boys

18 The Villager * November 2010 are not country boys and an incident 50 Years of Marriage involving matches and a hayrick The family of Frank and Muriel Wall which burnt down, resulted in them would like to congratulate them on 50 being soundly thrashed, ticked off by years of marriage. They were the local Bobbie and sent to new married on 19 November 1960 separate 'homes'. Peter was lodged in Wichenford church. We are with the Grosvenors at Wedlands very proud to be part of the Bank and has many fond celebrations and wish them lots memories of the subsequent five of love. years he spent with the family. He From their four daughters, son-in- recalls vividly the tales told by Granny laws and six grandchildren. Grosvenor, including an intriguing reference to four dead heathen knights Wichenford 100 Club refused burial in the churchyard and 100 club September winners: 1st Sue who were buried 'under the moat' of Palmer and returned subscriptions to Wichenford Court! Mark Andrews and Mike Tingey, Peter is anxious to find out if any of drawn by Matthew Corbett. his old school fellows from Congratulations to our September Wichenford Primary School or in winners. particular any members of the Subscriptions were due at the Grovesnor family still remember him. beginning of October for the 12 He names Denville, Billy, Bunty and months October 2010 to September Mary Grosvenor, the Rice family and 2011. It costs just £1 a month to take also the Bullock family from part and members should have Monkwood Green. I have already put received reminders before the end of him in touch with Elizabeth Rice's September. If you have not yet son, Will Pearce and am hoping that renewed your subscription OR if you this article might jog more memories would like to join the Club, please and lead to more contacts. His address contact the Secretary at The is 8 Croxton Close, Fairfield, Schoolhouse, Wichenford. Stockton-on-Tees TS19 7SW Our grateful thanks as ever go to all Cleveland and he would be delighted those Club members who continue to to hear from anyone who can recall support us. Remember the amount of schooldays during the War at prize money depends on the number Wichenford Primary and in particular of members who renew each year, so a little five-year-old London boy who it is in everybody's interest to: spent the next five most formative a) renew promptly and b) encourage years of his life here in Wichenford. friends and family to take out a new Heather Rendall subscription. New members pay an Chair Wichenford Local Heritage initial £1 life membership of the Club. Group Clair Corbett

November 2010 * The Villager 19 David Mills 1938 - 2010 over to see them. Many will remember David was born in Boraston, Tenbury his sense of humour and lots of people Wells, one of 8 children. He moved would join him for a cup of tea and a with his parents, Jim and May, to good laugh in the garden. He will be Rosses Lane, Wichenford in the late so sadly missed by his family and his 50s. He was working on a farm at many friends. at the time and was travelling home for Sunday lunch on Nora Parsons his motorbike, when he had an Day Centre accident in which he tragically lost his Part of the London leg; he was just 19 years old. He did 2012 celebrations!! not let it get him down and, with help We were invited to from family and friends and a steady take part in a five- determination, he got on with life. week trial for a new Soon after, he met and married Val project. The sessions are a great and they lived at Rosses Lane for opportunity to have fun and get fit at many years, where they had their two the same time. Two members of the lovely daughters, Dawn and Sheryl, Dancefest team come along to the and sadly lost a son, Dean James, who centre and run a chair-based musical was born prematurely. exercise class, helping to keep our David tried several jobs on local members fit and mobile. This is the farms, especially for a time at Aldens, first year of the “12 Moves” until he went to train as a general programme, which is a two-and-a-half builder for a company in Worcester, year programme of classes, projects which he really enjoyed. Later the and performances on offer throughout company folded, so David became Worcestershire and commissioned self-employed and he never looked through the People Dancing project. back. He worked on many homes in People Dancing is a three year this area. David also did maintenance programme, part of the work on churches in the Tenbury Culture Programme for London 2012, Wells area. Val remembers being which is funded by Legacy Trust UK, worried about him clambering over Arts Council West Midlands church roofs, but nothing fazed him. and Advantage West Midlands. It is David was very much a family man aimed at encouraging mass and an extremely good gardener, as participation in dance and dance- many will know through the 'Open related activity across the West Gardens Weekend', when David and Midlands. Whoever thought that Val, along with others in the village, attending Nora Parsons Day Centre opened their beautiful garden to was boring – think again! Come along visitors. David's speciality was and join us and have some fun. fuchsias and people came from all Janet Dale, Secretary

20 The Villager * November 2010 Kenswick and Wichenford and will notify the landowners of the Parish Council remaining trees and ask if they could get the necessary work needed done. Unapproved abbreviated draft minutes Planning of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish The clerk gave out the number for any Council held on Monday 23 August out of hours planning emergencies. 2010 in the Memorial Hall 08450 568035. Wichenford. The meeting was opened Applications considered since the last by Cllr Randall. meeting Democratic half hour/public 10/00700/HOU Boxley Farm Cottage. question time The parish council have reservations PC Hood reported that crime in about the proposal and thinks this Wichenford is minimal and they are property should be listed. Since the unable to find out who smashed the parish council’s comments there have window in the village hall. been some amendments which have District and County Councillors taken into account our comments and Report the proposal is now more in keeping Cllr. Williams reported on the with the existing property. consultations with stake holders in the Applications approved, refused, Community Health Service in withdrawn Worcester. Events are being held in 10/00586/HOU. Oak View Barn, Malvern and Tenbury. Cllr. Williams Wichenford. Single Storey lean-to side encouraged everyone to sign up to extension to provide home office http://www.1010uk.org to help solve space & alteration to existing climate change and cut carbon walkway. (Approved) omissions by 10% in 2010. The Finance Regional Spatial Strategy has been The balance for the 30 July 2010 scrapped and the local plan is being stands at £11,775.71. There were three considered. cheques totalling £948.88 for Minutes agreement and signature, these The minutes were signed as a true included; clement keys; Lengthsman record. fees and it was agreed to pay £50 to Progress Reports GS Computing. The completed annual Sign at Castle Hill: a letter has been return for year ending 31 March 2010 written regarding the Halls sign at has been returned and will be Castle Hill and it has now been advertised shortly. The acceptance of removed. Quotes for Tree Works: a the finances was resolved. list of trees that need work doing in Parish council co-option the parish was produced for the parish Three applications for co-option have council to consider. The parish council been received. As only two are needed agreed to have the trees trimmed on the parish council took a vote and Mr Kings Green and on the village green

November 2010 * The Villager 21 Wells of Wichenford and Mr Barrow A Concert of Christmas Music of Kenswick were duly elected. The with Raffle clerk will write to all three candidates. to be presented by the Rosses/Guises Lane New signs have been placed either end Ferndale Singers of Rosses Lane informing people of Saturday 11 Dec. 2010 that they are closed to traffic. There at 7.30pm in are three days left to appeal – not on the decision but on how the decision Martley Village Hall was arrived at. Any appeal has to be discussed at the High Court. Admission £5 (to include wine and light refreshments) Correspondence For decision by the parish council Tickets: 01886 888246, 01886 (Information only). Comments for 821127 or 01905 339067

Boxley Cottage, Laughern Proceeds of raffle to be Brook House and The Firs. donated to charity Letter re sign at Castle Hill and trees on Kings green; Councillor’s Reports and Items For Future Agendas The clerk was asked to find out and Volunteers Wanted! write to the owner of the overgrown “So many people from all over the hedge on the C2238 off Willow Road world come and visit – I thoroughly Date and Venue of Next Meeting enjoy being there”. Volunteer from Meetings were arranged for 11 Claines, Worcester October and 22 November 2010. All Could you spare a morning or after- will be in the Memorial Hall noon? You will be playing a pivotal Wichenford at 7.30pm. part in keeping an important heritage attraction open to the public. The Elgar Birthplace Museum relies on volunteers and we would like to add to our great team. The Museum is ’s October film in a wonderful location in Lower Broadheath, with displays and exhibi- Little Witley’s November film is “Julie and Julia” and will be tions dedicated to exploring the life showing on Saturday 27 November. and music of Sir Edward Elgar. We See details of the Little Witley Film would like to invite anyone interested Society on the Leisure page of www. in joining us as a volunteer to come martley.org.uk or phone Jean for an informal chat with Cathy Latham on 01886 888888122 or Bob Sloan, Museum Director. Please call Jose on 01886 888383. 01905 333224.

22 The Villager * November 2010 Generations Together at New Local Support For The Chantry Rural Voluntary Groups Teenagers and octogenarians continue We are delighted to announce the to meet, talk, tell stories, laugh, record launch of Worcestershire Rural and rehearse each week for our Outreach Project that could benefit ‘Generating Life-Stories’ members of your community. We are performances next term. Through film funded by the BIG lottery for five and drama, we will be presenting years (December 2009 until the end of some of the similarities and 2014) Chris Brewster is the differences between the generations in Development Worker and Terra rural Worcestershire. We hope you Newman (myself) is the Project will be able to join us for ‘An Evening Administrator. of Two Halves’ in the Chantry’s This project will provide support for Drama Studio in February – for part of small rural voluntary and community Worcestershire County Council’s organisations across Worcestershire. ‘Generations Together’ project. More We can offer regular newsletters, details next year! information fact sheets, tips on John Townsend (writer/director) recruiting volunteers, help to find out about grants available and how to navigate your way through the funding A Quiet Day application process, and help will be Worcester West Rural Team Ministry made available in the local area where are arranging a Quiet Day to take possible, at times convenient to the place on Saturday 20 November at group, and can be tailored to their Holland House Cropthorne. The day needs. Maybe you need fundraising will be led by Revd Adrian Graesser. and publicity ideas and perhaps would This is a opportunity to experience a like the opportunity to meet other day of restful thought and similar/local groups? contemplation away from the hustle of If you are involved with, or thinking our everyday lives in the wonderful of setting up, a group which you think setting of Holland House. could benefit from this free support Further details from Patricia Snelling service, give us a call on 01905 01886 812 443, or Adrian 01886 888 779115 or 07791 858868 or email 628 [email protected]. Terra Newman, Project Administrator Animals and Fireworks Worcs. Rural Outreach Project Most animals hate fireworks. Please The Old Library Centre make sure your pets are indoors 65 Ombersley Street East and safe before fireworks start, and Droitwich Spa, Worcs WR9 8QS take extra care if you live near farm animals.

November 2010 * The Villager 23 A Poem for Remembrance Day In the Garden

They Gave Their All When at last the carnage ceased And left that desecrated land in peace, It came too late for those who died, In the garden in November Now, amid the poppies side by side November can be a damp, cold month They lie together beneath the grass, and there can be some frosts. Many of Where at their head there stands a cross us lost plants last winter, so get tender Bearing the name and service number plants under cover ASAP, insulate Of those left there in peace to slumber. pots that are too large to take inside, So many years now have passed and pile up a thick mulch of dry Since making their ultimate sacrifice That few are left who shared the years, compost or bark to protect the roots of With those who lie in Flanders Fields. any precious plants. Check that climbers and wall shrubs are tied up to They died believing when the battles prevent them being blown about. It is ceased worth looking around to see which There then forever would be a world at plants give some interest at this time peace. of year; look out for evergreens, Too quickly their beliefs became undone grasses, plants with berries or trees When warring forces powerful and strong with decorative bark. Don't forget to Invaded neighbouring lands, thus once more cut berried holly for Christmas before Implicating peaceful nations into a second the end of the month. Last year the war. fieldfares stripped our tree at the start Now, as survivors pay homage at of the last week in November. Tulips cenotaphs can be planted now. They flower In remembrance of their comrades lost, better in a sunny position and you Their children are dying in far off lands, should put a layer of coarse grit under Spilling their blood into foreign sands. the bulbs to prevent them rotting. We at home anxiously await the time Ideally keep off your lawn during wet When we no longer have to stand in line weather, but find a dry day to rake off To witness our valiant fallen carried home, the leaves. If you feel super-efficient To have their names you can send the lawn mower for engraved on memorial servicing! stones. In the kitchen garden, make sure that you net brassicas. As the weather gets Derrick Jinks colder the pigeons get hungrier. Start winter pruning of fruit trees, currant bushes and indoor grape vines.(Try planting some of your prunings-they

24 The Villager * November 2010 are hardwood cuttings). If you have the garden, or a simple container, such been browsing the seed catalogues, as a black plastic bag to stop the leaves don't delay ordering new or special blowing away. When it is full of varieties, I found that some were sold leaves, make a few holes in the bag out by the end of September. You with a fork and tie the top loosely. don't have to send off Buy, or make, a simple container made for catalogues—you from plastic or wire netting with a few can get them all supporting stakes. Adjust the size to online, plus specialist suit your requirements. Non-returnable growers you wouldn't builders bulk bags make excellent normally look at. leafmould containers. Free Internet access, Five Easy Steps to Making and help, is available Leafmould in Martley Library. 1. Collect autumn leaves. All types JC can be mixed together 2. Pack leaves into a suitable Make Your Own Leafmould container Part 2 3. Water them to help them rot Collecting the Leaves Up 4. Ignore them for a year or two Gather leaves using a lawn rake or 5. Use the leafmould as a mulch, soil besom. For larger quantities, leaf improver, or basis for potting hoovers are available, some of which compost. will also shred the leaves, speeding up Leaves and Wildlife decay. Mowing the leaves together Don't disturb drifts of autumn leaves with the grass makes excellent under hedges and other out-of-the-way compost. areas. They may be used as Compost or Leafmould? hibernating sites by hedgehogs and Small amounts of autumn leaves can other creatures. be added to your compost bin. They Never take leaves from woodland. make a good balance for wet and With thanks to Garden Organic, Ryton, nr soggy materials like grass mowings Coventry. and kitchen waste. Simply save autumn leaves in a bag for use next season. Autumn leaves are rotted down by the slow, cool action of fungi rather than the quicker-acting bacteria that are responsible for composting. This is why autumn leaves in quantity are best composted separately. Containers All you need is a secluded corner of

November 2010 * The Villager 25

Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664

This month it is the turn of Rev Bruce with some of the friends we have Thomson our Curate to bring you his made in this area. own words of farewell. We have really My licensing service, to which all are enjoyed having Bruce with us and welcome, will take place at the priory wish him and Margaret God's blessing church of St Peter and St Paul on for his future ministry in Leominster. Tuesday 30 November at 7pm. There After three happy years of training for will be refreshments afterwards. It ministry in this area I have accepted would be a great encouragement to us the post of team vicar in the Leomin- to see some of you at this service. If ster team ministry. The Leominster for any reason you do not receive an team ministry is responsible for 21 invitation from the churchwardens and churches around Leominster in the would like to come to the service to Hereford diocese. I will have particu- support Margaret and me as we begin lar responsibility within the team for our new ministry please let me know the oversight of 12 churches (10 par- and I’ll make sure you receive an invi- ishes) east of Leominster and also re- tation! sponsibility across the team for lay I would like to thank everyone who training and communication. The post has made us welcome here during my is predominantly an oversight role so training as a Church of England minis- my previous experience in business ter. I have enjoyed developing my and overseas aid and development to- gifts as a priest amongst you in this gether with my theological training benefice. It has been special also to should all come in handy. have two quite different opportunities Margaret will continue her work in the for placements in Hallow, Grimley Education team in the Worcester dio- and Holt and more recently in Leigh cese so we will be able to keep a foot and . I in both camps of Hereford and would especially like to thank Revd Worcester dioceses. This will mean a David Sherwin for his help and guid- longer commute for Margaret so those ance during this time of training. of you who regularly pray for us David has made the journey easy and please pray for safe driving for Marga- enjoyable and along with many others ret especially through the winter pe- has given me confidence for what lies riod. The big bonus for us is that ahead. Leominster is only 20 miles or so from Revd Bruce Thomson here so we are hoping to keep in touch

26 The Villager * November 2010 Church Services for November

Mon 1 Nov. 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford 5.30pm Evening Prayer Worcs. Cathedral for Martley, W’ford and LTV Tue 2 Nov. 10.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, 5.30pm Evening Prayer at Worcester Cathedral for Martley and W’ford Wed 3 Nov. 10.15am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley 5.30pm Evening Prayer at Worcester Cathedral for LTV Thu 4 Nov. 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford SUN 7 NOV .8.00am Holy Communion, Knightwick Chapel 10.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30 am Family Worship, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Morning Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 3.00pm Rev Rob Barlow’s Induction at Teme Valley South 6.30pm Evensong, St Leonard, Tue 9 Nov. 10.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 10 Nov. 10.15am Holy Communion, Heaton House Thu 11 Nov. 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford SUN 14 NOV. 10.45am Remembrance Day, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.45am Remembrance Day, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 10.45am Remembrance Day, St Peter, Martley 4.00pm Family Worship, St Laurence, Wichenford Mon 15 Nov. 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Tue 16 Nov. 10.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 17 Nov. 10.15am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Thu 18 Nov. 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford SUN 21 NOV. 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 4.00pm Evening Worship, St Laurence, Wichenford Mon 22 Nov. 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Tue 23 Nov. 10.00 Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 24 Nov. 10.15am Holy Communion, Heaton House Thu 25 Nov. 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford SUN 28 NOV. 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 9.30am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 4.00pm Christingle, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 6.30pm Evening Worship, St Peter, Martley Mon 29 Nov. 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Leonard, Cotheridge Tue 30 Nov. 10.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas

The full Church events list can be viewed via the Church page of www.martley.org.uk

November 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) 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 Tenbury Wells 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 01886 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 * November 2010 RoSPA Firework Top Ten Safety Code for Adults Young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance and follow the safety rules for using sparklers. Only adults should deal with firework displays and the lighting of fireworks. They should also take care of the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used. 1. Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable. 2. Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. 3. Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary. 4. Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back. 5. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks. 6. Never return to a firework once it has been lit. 7. Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them. 8. Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators. 9. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire. 10. Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving

November 2010 * The Villager 29