Mon 2 Parish Council Meeting 8pm Memorial Hall Sun 8 Teme Valley Farmers Market for local produce 11am The Talbot, Martley Ramblers to Croft Volume 13 No. 1 June 2003 Ambrey. Meet 11am Church car park Editor: Michelle Higgins (01886 888344) Martley & District Horticultural Editorial Team: Martley: Alan Boon (01886 Society to Castle Bromwich Hall 888527, Nellie Bradley (01886 888339), Kate and Gardens, leave Martley Village King (01886 888439), Beth Williams (01886 Hall at 1.15pm 888273) : Janet Andrews (01886 888303), Sheila Richards (01886 888378) Open Garden at 1 Prickley Advertising: Nigel Collett (01886 888086) Bungalows, Hockhams Lane 2- Distribution: Martley George & June 6pm in aid of the National Gardens Lawrence (01886 821064) Wichenford Bill & Scheme Jo Root (01886 888585) Contact The Villager: leave articles at Wed 11 Martley WI: Garden Meeting 7pm Martley Post Office or 1 Oxford View at the home of Joy and Reg Snow Wichenford or email the Editor at [email protected] Tue 17 Wichenford Ladies’ Fellowship Opinions expressed by contributors are not 2.30pm at Keepers Cottage, necessarily those of The Villager. The Villager Ockeridge cannot be held responsible for any goods or services advertised in the magazine Wed 18 Citizens Advice Bureau: 12-1pm Surgery and 1.30- 2.30pm Knightwick Surgery - by Diary appointment. Tel. 01584 810860 Regular events: Thu 19 Meeting of The Wine Club Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing Weds 7pm Martley Memorial Hall. Summer garden meeting Enquiries: Jeff and Thelma 01886 821772 Sat 21 Chantry High School 40th Weight Watchers 6.30-7.30pm Tuesdays Anniversary Ball Martley Memorial Hall. Enquiries: Jennie Barnes 01886 888712 Sun 22 Martley Church Tower Open

Citizens Advice Bureau Teme Valley Afternoon Evening Telephone Service Tuesdays 4.30-8pm 01584 810860 Thu 26 Martley & District Horticultural Society: to “The Bannut” meeting at Short mat Bowling Tuesdays 2.30pm Martley Memorial Hall Martley Village Hall at 6.45pm

For Church services, please see Church News Sat 28 Martley CE Primary School Summer Fayre 2pm Sun 29 Open Garden—details as 8 June Articles to go in The Villager must be with the Editor by the 1st of the previous month

The Villager * June 2003 7 Martley Parish Council APM

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on County Councillor’s Report - Mr A Davies Monday 7 April 2003 in the Memorial Mr Davies has represented Martley Parish Hall at 8.15 p.m. (For full report apply to in the Hallow division of the county for 10 Parish Clerk.) years and now serves on the Cabinet of the Chairman’s Report - Mr B Draper MBE County Council. This year the County The Chairman welcomed the 12 Council budget totals £437,823,000 split parishioners to the meeting. During the between education, social services, past year Richard Britton resigned on a environmental, corporate and financial. matter of principle and Karen Seabright These services will cost a band D resigned because she is moving away from household £822.00 per year, equating to the parish, and he thanked them both for £15.81p a week, plus £119.80 a year, their contributions to the Parish Council. equating to £2.30 per week, for the Police; Mr Draper welcomed Neil Stammers to and the District Council and Parish the Parish Council and he has already Council Precepts. Mr Davies believed that undertaken to organise the Neighbourhood the County Council rates represented good Watch Scheme. The Parish Council held value for money. He regularly attended the 12 meetings during the year, commented Martley Parish Council meetings and is on 38 Planning Applications and made happy to offer help and advice. several site visits. The Parish enjoyed a District Councillor’s Report - Mrs B very successful celebration of the Golden Williams The Housing Needs Survey for Jubilee and he thanked all who contributed affordable housing in Martley was and helped make it such a success. Mr completed. This proved that there is Tom Pearsall was appointed Parish considerable local need: the possibilities Lengthman in February and is an excellent are being considered. Since control of the choice. Mr Draper thanked, on behalf of Council changed three years ago a promise the Parish Council, all those who have was made that MHDC Council Tax would helped or contributed to the parish in rise no more than inflation. The rates this many ways. He especially thanked the year would have risen by 2.5% but despite Parish Litter Warden, Mrs Hazel Wilkins; 1.5% National Insurance increases the rise Alan Gosling for keeping the Weighbridge will be only 4%. Due to reorganisation grass cut and Mr John Nicklin and his Path Martley Ward is now made up of Martley, Or Nones for keeping the footpaths clear. Wichenford and Kenswick. Mrs Williams He expressed the appreciation of the was much looking forward to being the parish to Mr Alwyn Davies, County Martley District Councillor for the next Councillor, and Mrs B Williams, District four years. Councillor, for all their help and advice Memorial Hall Management Trust during the year. He thanked Mr David Report - Mr D Cropp The village Cropp for his help and support as Vice Memorial Hall has been regularly used by Chairman and his fellow Councillors and village organisations and societies and for Cecil Vyvyan-Robinson, the Parish Clerk, other functions. The Management who is retiring after seven years. Committee have met regularly and Mr

8 The Villager * June 2003 Cropp thanked all concerned for their and they are looking for a replacement. commitment. The Hall has continued to be Penny Hill Liaison Committee Report - upgraded and refurbished, notably with the Mrs D Goodyear During the year four completion of the car park drainage, which Liaison Meetings were held. Work has was supported by ENTRUST, and a been carried out to reduce noise from the Lottery award to upgrade the stage gas booster fans to an acceptable level by lighting. Martley Parish Council, acting in installing a noise screen. Six new wells partnership, has taken the lead with have been installed to capture gas and Community First, Vital Villages and reduce smell and following drilling works, Worcester Library Service, for the gas yields have improved. As a result of installation of a library and Cyber Café in work carried out on the site there have the Committee room and storeroom area. been no reported cases of any odours and Despite increasing costs, the Management lorry movements continue to be low. No Committee will ensure that the Memorial leachate left the site. Hall continues to flourish and meet Martley Millennium Green Trust Report - parishioners’ requirements. supplied by Mr R Britton This year Martley Primary School Report - Mrs M marked the end of funding by the Wickens Mrs Wickens, who represents Countryside Agency for all Millennium Wichenford and Martley Parish Councils Greens. The financial support was on the Management Board, said there were invaluable and with this and other 132 pupils, six member of staff, three contributions, including a sum for ongoing support assistants and two assistants for maintenance from the Parish Council, we Special Needs children. They makes an now have a worthwhile bank balance. excellent team. Pupils are encouraged to During the year a Management Team was play their part in the community and have set up for the meadow. Their objective is close connections with St Peter’s Church. to put forward a Management Plan to meet It is an efficient and happy school and Mrs objectives and regular maintenance. The Wickens renewed her invitation for growth of newly planted trees will be parishioners to visit the school and see it monitored to ensure that in 20 years time for themselves. the lovely views of the Church from Hope Martley Recreation Association Report - House Lane are not impeded. Mr Britton Mr G Taylor The Playing Field has been thanked the band of volunteers who have well-used by the Cricket and Football assisted in manifold tasks, especially Clubs and the children’s Play Area Lionel Minchin who has established the remained popular. Costs are giving mown paths. The Chairman referred to concern, especially the Insurance premium letters from Mrs Tina Steele and others on the field and pavilion, which is set to expressing great concern that the recently- rise dramatically in 2003. Both Clubs were planted native trees would, on maturity, considering plans for additional spoil the view of the Church from fundraising and the Parish Council had Hopehouse Lane. This was discussed at been approached for possible assistance. length and in conclusion the Chairman, The Secretary to the Association, Pat who is also a Trustee of the Martley Owen, had resigned and thanks were Millennium Green Trust, agreed that, expressed for her efforts and assistance however well-intentioned, a mistake had

June 2003 * The Villager 9 been made. At the appropriate time of year offered to meet the petrol cost none of the these trees would therefore be moved. three drivers were prepared to submit their mileage and this was much appreciated. Sports Martley Committee Report - Mr G The Chairman thanked Mr Stammers for Taylor his efforts and confirmed the full support It has been another good year for the of the Parish Council for the Sports Hall and the new Site Manager, Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. Stacey Robinson, has brought a lot of new Parish Charities Report ideas with him. New products for the year 1. The Martley Old Grammar School were Soft Play Parties, Sports Parties, Foundation: Grants totalling Junior Football, Junior Aerobics and Play £8,240.00 were awarded to 28 Schemes for School Breaks over 5 Years. students. In addition grants were made The Sports Hall usage is very high with to the Chantry High School, the few vacant slots left and the climbing wall Martley C of E Primary School and remains very popular. Martley District pre-School, totalling Parish Footpaths Report - supplied by Mr £7,250.00. Local students that the J Nicklin charity has supported in further The Parish Council has again joined the education are achieving good results Parish Paths Partnership, but like all to a high standard. organisations the Insurance premium has 2. The Thomas Shepheard Trust. Gave increased and has now risen to a third of £35.00 to the Chantry School during the budget. During the year several large the year. fallen trees were removed, six or seven 3. Relief in Need Charity funds stand at kilometres of paths were cleared, six new £2,300.00 but no grants were made. finger posts installed, five new way mark 4. The Slade Nash Trust has a current posts erected and four stiles replaced. balance of £18,342.00 and during the Approximately 4,500 metres of way past year made a donation of marking was re-done and two bridges £2,732.00 to Martley C of E Primary were repaired. Mr Nicklin wished to thank School for computer licences. all owners for their co-operation in all Finance Report - Parish Clerk Martley aspects of the footpaths scheme. The Parish Council has, over the last few Martley Group now has its own web site, years, provided some £4,000.00 to www.thepathornones.co.uk. celebrate the Millennium and the Golden Neighbourhood Watch Report - Mr N Jubilee. All involved appeared to have Stammers enjoyed and appreciated the occasions. Considerable initial progress has been These were of course very unique events made in rejuvenating the Neighbourhood in the history of the parish. Rising costs Watch in Martley but it is an uphill battle have necessitated an increase in Precept to recruit enough Co-Ordinators. Mr for the coming year from £6,000.00 to Stammers thanked the existing Co- £7,000.00 but even so this will only cost Ordinators for their support and efforts the average householder in the parish the will continue. It was a useful meeting of price of a pint of beer a month. Co-Ordinators at on 20 March Affordable Housing - Mr A Saunders Mr but although the Parish Council had (Continued on page 23)

10 The Villager * June 2003 OOUTUT AND ABOUT IN MARTMARTLEYLEY www.martley.org.uk

Martley WI Hillfort and we are hoping for good 11 June, Garden meeting at Stoneybridge weather to take advantage of the views House 7pm and perhaps hear some larks ascending. Once again we have been invited by Joy The summer barbecue will be at the and Reg Snow to join them at their lovely Crown Martley in July, date to be home for the garden meeting. The fun confirmed. Please book your place with starts at 7pm, so don’t be late. Bring along the secretary, present and former members items both usual, unwanted and/or unusual are all welcome. There could be a penalty for the fun auction. Bring cash as well as for late booking. this is our main fund raising event of the Kate King year. No four-poster beds or large items, please, as transport could be difficult. Martley CE Primary School Although, presumably, Taylors of Martley might oblige for a small fee. Bring friends The School Summer Fayre will be held on and relatives as well. 28th June from 2pm. Many thanks to Margaret Lloyd-James for Sharon Baker arranging the enjoyable visits to Hampton Court gardens and to the Swan to see and Martley Cricket Club hear The Pirates of Penzance. Where are we going next? The New Season Kate King After one of the warmest and driest springs in modern memory the cricket Martley Ramblers season started for Martley….on a cold, dull day at Stone. The Sunday friendly 8 June 11am Church car park game ended in defeat but it was very Well, we have done it again – got lost. pleasing to see two of the Club’s younger This time it was the whole Rambling players starring: James Ganderton taking 5 Group who were lost in the Wyre Forest. wickets and John Greaves hitting a half- The walk turned into 7.5 miles instead of 5 century. We hope this is the shape of but we all eventually returned safely to things to come. Several youngsters base. One member was last seen at a experienced playing in ‘grown up’ cricket roundabout on the Bewdley by pass but (whatever that is!) and we look forward to there have not been any enquiries from the more of the Juniors coming in both police re her whereabouts. League and Friendly games. This month bring a picnic lunch and be Fixture Secretary Andy Pethybridge has ready to leave the church car park at 11am worked to produce another fine list of for Croft Ambrey and Croft Castle. Pam games. Although we have no choice over Southall will be leading around this old who we play in the League, Andy has

June 2003 * The Villager 11 managed to get a good Friendly list out lunch for our sponsors and guests, with a this year, and the fixtures will be listed barbecue after the game, and the bar will each month in the Villager. be open all afternoon. The County League Our Cricket Correspondent programme has yet to get under-way, but there’ll be a lot of travelling for the Fixtures for June: Martley players in the Third Division of the County League, and hopes are high for Sun 1 Ombersley Friendly A

a much better season in 2003. st The Tour Sat 7 1 Xl v. Birling- WCL A ham Two games have been arranged for the 2nd Xl v. Birling- WCL H Tour in 2003—this year based in the New ham Forest. It’s hoped a third fixture can be Sun 8 Kinver Friendly A organised. The ‘party of fine athletes’ leave on Monday 30 June, returning on Sat 14 1st Xl v. Rushwick WCL H

Friday 4 July. nd 2 Xl v. Rushwick WCL A Nets Outdoor nets will have started by the time Sun 15 Old Georgian Friendly H

you read this, and anyone interested st should come along to the Jewry Field on Sat 21 1 Xl v. Dominees WCL A and Guild Friday evenings. 2nd Xl v. Dominees WCL H The Big Game and Guild Elsewhere in the Villager there should be Sat 28 1st Xl v. Alveley WCL A details of the David Leatherdale Benefit nd Match. At the time of writing we don’t 2 Xl v. Alveley WCL H know who’ll be in the ‘County’ team but Sun 29 Old Vigornians Friendly A I’m sure a lot of the stars of Worcestershire will be turning out (remember the day Glen McGrath played Sun 22 June The Mike Ganderton Me- FOR Martley?) morial Match For David Leatherdale’s There does seem to be some confusion Benefit Martley CC v. A Worcestershire over what it costs to come along and see Xl Sponsored by Taylors of Martley. the game, well it costs NOTHING. It’s free to get in, and also free parking on the day, but if you are coming please don’t park on The Royal British Legion the Village Hall Car Park on that day, the gate at the top of the field will be open for “They shall grow not old, as we that are parking. left grow old, Come along and enjoy the day, bring your Age shall not weary them, nor the years folding chairs and picnic blankets, it’s condemn, another great sporting day for Martley , At the going down of the sun and in the and we want everyone to come along and morning have a good time. We will remember them” Tea and cakes will be on sale, there’ll be These well-known words are spoken at the

12 The Villager * June 2003 beginning of our meetings. At this time but we understand the broken wrist of one there is sadness as we see our servicemen of the boarders arose from falling off a killed and injured in Iraq. Our thoughts swing. Another request: does anyone and prayers are with all serving in Iraq and know of a musician willing to act as the their families. Pied Piper of Pudford? Rats are breeding The April meeting was well-attended. fast. Maybe Mr H Potter and Hedwig of Social Secretary, Thelma Taber, has Hogwarts should be contacted. arranged a skittles evening at the Admiral Kate King Rodney on Weds. 4 June at 7pm, skittles and supper £6.50 per head. Members will Martley & District be sent details. Even if your do not wish to play, come and enjoy the company and Horticultural Society supper! We welcomed Mr Alan Craske to our As people move away etc, Mike Peters, April meeting. For many years Alan has Poppy Appeal Organiser, needs more been involved in restoring the maze at the collectors for and Knightwick. 10 acre walled garden at Castle Bromwich Can you help? The Gulf war means extra Hall near Birmingham. The garden had pressure on The Royal British Legion to been neglected for many, many years and support those needing assistance. Please the holly trees that formed the only holly ring Mike on 01886-821504 for details. maze in the country had grown. This Thank you, in anticipation. The next meant they had to be chopped down nearly meeting is on 2 June at the Talbot Hotel, to the ground to start new growth that Knightwick. could be trained to form hedges. This took Joyce Tyler, Hon. Secretary. many years, but the maze has now returned to its former glory and is a great Pudford Place attraction. On Thursday 26 June there will be an The on-going story of Lane folk continues evening visit to the garden at “The Welcome back to Simon Jeffries after his Bannut” meeting at Martley Village Hall half Gap Year in Canada. Welcome to at 6.45pm. The twenty-seventh Annual more new inhabitants of the lane, Show this year is on Saturday 16 August including the Guinea Fowl who prefer the at 2pm. More details in the next issue of freedom and dangers of the lane to the The Villager. safety of their pen. The lambs are growing Nellie Bradley and so are the potholes. The yellow lines painted by the Highways Authority are fading fast, along with the Martley Weight Watchers apple blossom. Tom Lengthman is doing a Nobody is a failure at the Martley Weight wonderful job but even he can’t get them Watchers class as long as they learn from filled in. Please, Parish Council, we know experience. Each week we have a 30- you are tired of hearing about potholes, minute discussion focusing on members but please can you try again? achieving their goals. We learn from one The condition of the surface of the Lane another. could have upset skateboarding activities, If a member has a particular challenge you

June 2003 * The Villager 13 can bet that someone else has faced it and things together with the giant tombola will has words of advice to give. The result is a be there and the Appalachian dancers will successful, positive meeting which sets the be present to entertain us. So please make scene for the member to concentrate on a note in your diary today!!! and .... don't what they want and how to achieve it. The forget the photo competition. result is a great weight loss in Martley. One popular member of our class is Mr. Classic Car Rally For Local Will Power. Will Power is non-fee paying and attends every week and goes home Scanner Appeal with the person who needs him most. Most Since losing my brother Andrew to cancer people who take home Will Power come in July 2000 my sister-in-law Barbara has back the next week smiling!!! All are raised £50.000 for Cancer Research. welcome to join us, male and female, at However, this year her fund raising efforts 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the will be directed elsewhere. Dr Bywater, Martley Memorial Hall. from the Knightwick surgery expressed a Jennie Barnes wish for a portable ultra-sound scanner to be shared in partnership with the Great Martley Spurs Witley surgery. This scanner can detect, among other conditions, pregnancy, What with holidays, injuries and away arterial problems, deep vein thrombosis, jobs many of our best players have been testicular, ovarian, uterine, kidney and off the Martley pitch this month. This of liver problems. Very few surgeries in the course has meant us losing games we country have one, there are none in should have won and even having some Hereford or Worcestershire, even though postponed and then finding ourselves not some of the vets have them!! The scanner standing out in the league tables. The first will cost in the region of £15,000, no weekend saw a postponed game and a 4-1 central funding is available, so Barbara win for the Reserves when Adam Baldwin has offered her fund raising skills to help netted all four. The following weekend finance it. ended with two lost games even with Among her programme of events is to take plenty of balls smashed into the nets. The part in a classic car rally from London to 19th saw our boys lose the semi-final of Pamploma in Spain driving Andrew's old the Martley Cup and the last weekend of Rover. Barbara together with Wizz Clift April brought no extra points. The league from the Talbot in Knightwick will be positions at the end of the month offered one, if not the only lady team entering and no satisfaction with all three sides lying in should, therefore, get a bit of media the lower half of the tables. publicity but will, of course, need more Beth Williams sponsorship. Sponsorship forms will be circulated Martley Show And Fete locally and anyone willing to help her raise enough for the scanner can pick one The annual Show and Fete will be held in up or get in touch with Barbara directly on its usual venue on Saturday August 16th. 018886 888120. All cheques should be All the usual stalls, boot sale, rides and made out to the registered charity: "The

14 The Villager * June 2003 Martley Equipment Fund". Even the Church notices smallest donation will be gratefully received. Sunday 29 June: Ordination of our Beth Williams Curate Jennifer Whittaker at Worcester Cathedral 10.30am followed by a Benefice Lunch and get together with Martley Millennium Green Jennifer and her family and friends at Spring on the Green continues apace and Chantry High School at 1.30pm finishing the growth is beginning to get going after with a service at St. Peter’s Martley at the end of the dry period in April. 4.00pm. A programme of spraying was carried out The Benefice group of churches has been during April to start to control the nettles given 50 tickets to join Jennifer and others which infest a large part of the area. for their ordination. If you would like the Pockets have been left around the margin opportunity of attending please let David of the field to encourage butterflies. know. Following this, a control programme will If you would like to join us for start on the creeping thistles. refreshments it would also be helpful if The trees planted in the late Winter, you could let us know. proposed to general acceptance at the Anyone is of course welcome to join us annual general meeting held in January, for the service at 4.00pm at St. Peter’s will frame the vistas across the Green and Martley. soften the straight edges formed by the Jennifer will then not be around until 30 boundary. It is our intention to manage August as she has to finish her training at this planting by coppicing, so restricting a summer school, but we eagerly await her the eventual height of the trees, joining us when she has finished. Further particularly on the Southern boundary. information from Revd. David Sherwin, This will ensure that views of the Church 01886 888664 from Hope House Lane will not be Our thanks go to Brian Lea who has obstructed. The resulting mixed flora of been organist at St. Peter’s Martley for meadow and wood margin will prove of about 18 years and also led the Ferdale great benefit to wildlife diversity. singers during that time. He retired from Ian Pennell, Mike Dunnett, this position at Easter when we were able Millennium Green management to present him with a gift as a token of our committee appreciation. We wish Brian, Judith and Jenny all the best, as they begin new chapters in their lives. God Bless you, with all our love from everyone at St. Peters’, the Village of Martley and the Ferndale singers.

June 2003 * The Villager 15 Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664

Last month saw the you and I. All we have to do is be open to release of the him and he will come and transform our blockbuster movie, X Men 2, based on the lives. God Bless. comic book superhero’s about a group of Rev David Sherwin mutants with superhuman powers. We know only too well people are fascinated 1 June Ascension 1 by the prospect of being, superhuman and Wichenford 9.30am Holy Communion possessing powers to wield at will. The Martley 11am Family Service problem is, as the movie explores, how would we use them? For good or ill? 11am Matins We are approaching the festival of Knightwick 8am Holy Communion Pentecost (Whit Sunday), which is a Jewish festival of the first fruits of harvest. 8 June Pentecost It was during this festival that the Holy Wichenford 10.0am All Age Service Spirit came upon the disciples and the Martley 11am Holy Communion early church was born. The coming of the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples from Broadwas 11am Morning Worship fearful men and women in hiding and 15 June Trinity Sunday lacking confidence into a group of people who changed the world. Wichenford 6.30pm Evensong How could this be so? The Holy Spirit Martley 11am Morning Worship empowered the disciples with gifts they used to demonstrate God’s power at work Broadwas 11am Holy Communion in the world through them. The Acts of the Knightwick 3pm Evening Worship Apostles tells us they healed the sick, 22 June performed miracles, spoke in tongues (languages they had never learned) Wichenford 11am Holy Communion prophesied, were filled with knowledge Martley 9.30am Holy Communion; and wisdom, challenged evil, exhibited 6.30pm Evening Worship great faith, even raising the dead we are Broadwas 8am Holy Communion; 11am told! It seems they behaved a little like All-Age Worship ‘superhero’s’. However unlike our comic book hero’s these men and women were 29 June real and they used gifts they had been Worcester 10.30am Ordination of Curate given for good. They pointed away from Cathedral themselves to the giver of the power, God. The Holy Spirit is still alive and well and Martley 4pm Service empowering people to do God’s will, even

16 The Villager * June 2003 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Janet Andrews 01886 888303 Flower Rota Sheila Richards 01886 888378 1 June Miss M Fisher 8 June Mrs M Pargeter Phone your Wichenford 15 June Mrs G Britten-Long news to Janet or Sheila or leave articles at 22 June Mrs Barber Martley Post Office or 1 Oxford View 29 June No Service Wichenford Evensong faith and greatly valued by all concerned. 15 June at 6.30pm, Trinity Sunday. Churchwardens re-elected were Mrs Pam We hope to open the church over the Open Webb and Mrs Carma Wetherall. Gardens weekend, 5 & 6 July, but need some offers of assistants to sit in the Wichenford Ladies church and welcome visitors, preferably in pairs. Would you please let one of the Fellowship churchwardens know if you can help. In April we met at the home of Mrs Thank you. Brenda Hadfield. Members were welcomed and Mrs Molly Wall led the One-Sentence Sermons prayers, and on this occasion we turned our thoughts to the war in Iraq and its Pray is a four-letter word that you can say aftermath. Business followed and final anywhere. arrangements were made for the Wisdom has two parts, (1) having a lot to Fellowship outing to the Bodenham say, (2) not saying it. Arboretum at Wolverley in May, when we Wichenford Parochial Church Council hope to see the laburnum in bloom. Mrs Annual General Meeting Isabel Field suggested the Fellowship At the meeting the Rector thanked organise a Partner Whist Drive at everybody who had helped in any way Wichenford in the autumn for church with the care and preservation of the funds. This met with general approval. church, its contents and the churchyard, Ideas were then discussed for a guest and especially those who, month by speaker at our October meeting, to month, help to keep the services going. complete our programme for 2003. Next, Sharing responsibility is a great act of we travelled to Gibraltar, via video, and

June 2003 * The Villager 17 enjoyed a tour and commentary of this weather to match last year's summer historic place that Britain has been meeting! This will be a 7pm. start to take involved with for centuries. Could our advantage of the light. next outing be to Gibralter?! We rounded There are still a few places available for off an enjoyable meeting with a delicious the July visit to Halfpenny Green tea provided by Mrs Hadfield, and we Vineyard - come along to the June thank her for her hospitality. The next meeting and book for July's trip. meeting will be held on 17 June at 2.30pm Mike O'Leary at Keepers Cottage, Ockeridge. Memorial Hall Whist Drives Congratulations A splendid series of Whist Drives was Many congratulations to Malcolm Perkins, held during the winter months. Not only who won the cup for the best pen of lambs do they raise money for the Memorial at the Easter Show and Sale at Worcester Hall, but are also a most enjoyable social Market. Malcolm was also awarded the event. We are very grateful to Hazel Richard Evans Memorial Plaque for the Nicholls who organises the Whist Drives, overall championship in the whole of the our thanks also go to Marion Jinks and lamb section. Elsie Whitehead who manage the refreshments, to John Richards who acts Wedding News as MC and to Derek Jinks who prepares the hall for the evening. Congratulations to Richard Palmer and Angela Charles who were married on 26 April. We wish them every happiness in Wichenford Open Gardens their future life. Weekend 5-6 July Make a note in your diary for the weekend Golden Wedding of 5 and 6 July. Light lunches will be available and teas will be served. There Congratulations to Les and Jean Wall who will be several stalls selling plants, celebrated their Golden Wedding produce, books etc. Anniversary on Friday 18 April 2003. The We should be grateful for gifts of cakes evening was spent with their family at the for the teas, produce and any small Chateau Impney, Droitwich. We wish Les saleable item, or if you can spare an hour and Jean many more happy years together. or two to help. Please ring 01886-888431 or 01886-888158. Wichenford Wine Club Wichenford Wine Club will meet on Welcome Thursday 19 June. This is our summer We are pleased to welcome Darren and garden meeting and will take place at the Pauline Powell who have come to live in home of Mervyn and Margaret Mitchard the village. We hope that they will be very who will also choose the wines for tasting happy in Wichenford. during the evening. Here's hoping for good

18 The Villager * June 2003 Sponsored swim from the Record Office talked about researching house history. A large group Dale-Jaim`e Matthews is again doing her turned out and enjoyed a very interesting third sponsored swim to raise money for evening. We have finalised arrangements the Nora Parsons Day Centre in for the visit planned for Saturday 31 May. Wichenford. Dale is hoping to swim one We are now going to visit the ancient mile (plus) at Lower Wick swimming pool monument site at Avebury and already in the summer holidays. Dale hopes that more than 35 people have signed up to go. people will sponsor her so that the elderly The trip is subsidised and will only cost and disabled will enjoy their days at the £5. There are a few seats left so if anyone Nora Parson Day Centre. Thank you else is interested, they should contact me Dale-Jaim`e Matthews on 519 or Mary Hylan on 431. Mervyn Mitchard Thank you We would like to thank everyone who Wichenford Millennium supported the Nora Parsons Day Centre’s Green Easter raffle. We raised £95.70. Tidying & Inspection: June: Bill Hylan. Wichenford 100 Club: April winning no. Wichenford Local Heritage 111. Congratulations to Mike Baldwin. Group Vicki Roberts Dendrochronology – Nigel Nayling was unable to come back to Wichenford during Wedding Congratulations: the week beginning 24 March. We are Walker & Townsend trying to arrange a new date for later in May. Laura and Mark are getting married at St. Parish bounds – Having been encouraged Peters Church, Martley, on Saturday 21st by our walk at the southern end of the June at 2pm. Friends and neighbours are parish, we went on a second walk at the all welcome at the Church service. northern boundary. A group met at Irene Walker Woodhouse Farm on Sunday morning, 6 April and John Day took us east to the Walking/Cycling Group boundary where we turned north following the boundary until it met the Sinton I am thinking of getting together a small Green / Ockeridge road. After lunch the group of 3-8 people (couple of car loads boundary was followed west across the max.) who are interested in challenging Ockeridge crossroads. We were again but fun walks/rides perhaps on a impressed with the abundance of pollard fortnightly basis but NOT weekends. oaks, of ancient small-leafed limes and of These would probably involve a Pub! I wild service trees. have no set ideas other than exercise, fresh Field walk – We are still waiting for a date air and a map. Interested? Give me a ring for the geophysics survey. on 01886 888777. Meetings – On 2 April Elizabeth Howard Vicki Roberts

June 2003 * The Villager 19 Kenswick and Wichenford Parish Council

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on for Blue Peter’s Bring and Buy and Monday 14 April 2003 in the Memorial £391.68 for Barnardos. The school Hall, Wichenford with 12 people present. maintains its strong links with the church. The Annual report was adopted with the The school has excellent facilities for Financial Statement. The Parish Council disabled children, with ramps in place and has £3,110.79 in the bank and an excess of classroom doors being widened. The P.T. income over expenditure of £540.00. The F.A give help and support, and most of the Precept has been increased to £6,000.00 to money raised this year will go to the pay for the forthcoming elections. Because Grounds Development Project, as will of a lack of candidates there will be no money from the Old Grammar School election. Apologies were received from M Foundation. The school is working hard Mitchard, P Andrews, M Andrews, J Root, for Green Flag Status for their ECO Area. and Rev Sherwin. PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL – P. Reports were given by the following Webb. The church is enjoying a lot of village societies: support and enthusiasm from the Rev. WICHENFORD WI – J.Root. Over the Sherwin resulting in greater attendance at past year members enjoyed a programme the All Age Service and Special Services. of excellent talks and demonstrations. We The New Common Worship forms of have been to the theatre, a pantomime and Holy Communion have been introduced. had a Christmas meal. In spite of efforts to Several groups of young people meet in increase members, our numbers had fallen Martley to study the Alpha Course, and to nine, with speaker’s fees and learn to play musical instruments. Here in subscriptions rising it became necessary to Wichenford numbers of regular members suspended our WI for three years, after of the congregation have fallen. In order to which time it will be officially closed. appeal to more people this summer we Members voted to use our remaining funds shall be having Sunday Evensong once a to provide something for the village, so a month from May to September. toddler swing has been bought for the In September the church will be open over Millennium Green. the weekend of 12/13 September for a MARTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL – B. heritage weekend, when visitors will be Wickens. The school has 132 pupils on able to see the restored Washbourne roll. Numbers will increase from the new Tombs. The local Heritage Group will put housing developments at Kinloss and on a display in the Memorial Hall. Our Kenswick. The 15 governors and 1 clerk new Curate Mrs Jennifer Whittaker will meet at least twice a term plus meetings of soon be joining the benefice. In autumn Sub Committees. The staff consists of: six 2004 we will comply with part 3 of the Teaching staff, two Teaching Assistants Disability Discrimination Act and fit a for special needs, three Teaching assistants Public Address and Loop System into the for classrooms, School Administrator, church. Dinner Ladies and Cleaners. We have MEMORIAL HALL COMMITTEE – D. supported Comic Relief. Raised £141.92 Stinton Three fundraising events were

20 The Villager * June 2003 organised and raised £839.00. Hall lettings NORA PARSONS DAY CENTRE MGT and hire were down, but we received an CTTEE - D.Stinton. The management increased amount from the whist Drives committee meets twice a year and is totalling £486.00, thanks to Hazel responsible for the fabric of the building. Nicholls. A very generous donation of No major expenditure has been incurred £1050 was received from the fete and the only problem reported was mould committee, £500 from the parish council and damp in the passage. This was found and £69 from the Harvest Supper. The to be caused by condensation through lack double-glazing in the hall and porch is of ventilation. complete, costing £4546. A new electric WICHENFORD FETE COMMITTEE – J. cooker costing £180 was purchased, and Andrews. The fete raised a record sum of repairs have been done costing £354. £3,000. The money was distributed as WICHENFORD CHARITIES – M.Fisher. follows: - Wichenford Church £1,050, The Wichenford Charities was registered Wichenford Memorial Hall £1,050, with the Charity Commission on 17 April Millennium Green £300, Wichenford 1923. They were originally administered Nursing Association £150, Martley Pre and managed to benefit the poor and School £150, Worc Society for Deaf needy of the parish. Income generated in Children £100, Villager Magazine £50, 2002 amounted to £178.65 and no benefits Day Centre £50, Ladies Fellowship £50. were paid. As stated in the constitution of The sum of £25 was sent to Allsorts Dog the charity, recipients of the income have Training Group, as they did not charge for to be in need of such things as perhaps a attending the fete. bag of coal, or a pair of boots to receive Some money was retained for expenses benefit. The trustees are very much aware towards the next fete. Some members of that this does not seem to be in keeping the committee took unsold items to the with modern day needs so decided to Martley Car boot sale and raised a further approach another charity in Wichenford, £130. whose constitution relates to modern day WICHENFORD NURSING needs and can distribute benefits to all ASSOCIATION – G. Britten-Long. The villagers depending on circumstances. Hon Mrs Britten set up the Wichenford The Wichenford Nursing Association Nursing Association in 1940, to assist the known as The Britten Charity was work of the district nurse during the war. approached and the trustees of both The association is still run by the Britten charities agreed that amalgamation of both family, with Pam Webb and Janet charities would benefit the villagers. Andrews. We are trying to link up with the FRIENDS OF ST LAURENCE’S Wichenford Charities. CHURCH – B.Whyatt. Donations came About 30/40 Christmas gifts have been from people who don’t attend church. distributed to people in the parish this According to the quinquennial review any year, who have been unwell, undergone repairs should be met out of church funds. major operations or suffered personal loss. Blocks need replacing costing £50.000, so We have a reclining chair which has been we need to persuade those who don’t in much use this year and a Tens machine attend church to contribute to Friends of St at the Knightwick surgery. There is Laurence. currently £3,000 in the bank.

June 2003 * The Villager 21 FOOTPATH OFFICER – J. Richards the County Botanist, who has reviewed the The footpaths in the parish have been well evidence from Saxon Charter bounds and used, and no complaints regarding has identified features still evident along obstruction or vandalism have been the parish boundary, which were used by received. Walking the footpaths can be a King Offa to define a grant of land given great pleasure but don’t forget the to Bishop Mildred in 757. The series of downside is it also gives access to the ten evening classes were a great success. minority whose intentions are not entirely We are hoping to arrange more classes for honourable. next autumn. A site visit to the ancient site VILLAGER REPORT – S.Richards of Avebury is planned for the 31 May. The It has been another successful year for The group has contributed to the County tithe Villager magazine. There is still a waiting map project. We are planning to make a list for people wishing to advertise. The full size copy of the Parish tithe map, adverts not only provide a good source of which is dated 1838. income to offset printing costs, but also is COUNTY COUNCIL REPORT – Mrs. B. a valuable asset for people moving into the Hickling Malvern Hills Highways area. We are grateful for any news Partnership has been busy upgrading and contributions, whether news items, family resurfacing roads and footpaths, filling events, gardening tips, or recipes. Much of potholes etc. Traffic calming is high on the the news is sent to the editor by email. agenda. You have all been monitored in MILLENNIUM GREEN – G.Britten-Long villages by flashing signs recording your A new climbing frame has been purchased speed at 8 o’clock in the morning. Many and the insurance is in place. Several villages are now recorded on a Computer parishioners have pledged trees. The large Data Base dealing with Historic Building oak tree that blew down in the storms had sites and Monuments overlaid onto to be urgently dealt with, as it was a Ordinance Survey maps, which are danger. There is now a rota for cleaning available for public research. the green, which is published in The Worcestershire Library and History Centre Villager. The committee has been in the city is the first record office in the disbanded down to 4/5 trustees. U.K to become a Microfilm Library with WICHENFORD HERITAGE access to a huge network of genealogical COMMITTEE – M. Hylan The Heritage records. The Newlands Waste site closed group enjoys a great deal of support from in January for 20 weeks to enable the community and County improvements. A Drainage/Handyman Archaeological Service. We are now pilot scheme has been in operation in aware of the evidence for a Roman Martley this year. If successful this will be settlement at Cockshoot. We are hoping to available, at County expense, in all carry out a geophysical survey of the site parishes. “FIRST” Bus Company in August/September. A number of discontinued many services running at a heritage experts have given lectures to the loss in villages. The county has replaced group in the village hall. The group has most of these. We have also been granted received a grant from the County Council a million pounds to provide flexi transport under the Discovering Worcestershire in the parishes of Malvern Hills. Planning scheme, to enable work to go ahead with permission was granted in February for a

22 The Villager * June 2003 new Christopher Whitehead School to be play a musical instrument and carry a built on the Worcester City boundary at knife to protect the lady. The kitchen Earls Court Farm. The County boundaries would be in a basket which was placed on are being reviewed. There will be public a folded cloth wrapped as a ring and consultation before final decisions are placed on the head, it would include the made. This will happen in 2005. A ceremonial axe, a selection of arrows (to Malvern Service Station will be opening in kill vermin etc) rock salt, spoons, ladle July, which will combine all District and and a sieve. The sieve gave the appearance County services under one roof at the of a long vase but made of mesh material. Malvern Library. You will be able to pay We all had a very interesting evening. all your taxes/rent etc at the same place. For our June meeting we have been DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT – Mr. G. invited to join the Malvern Trefoil Guild Jordan The Department of Transport has for a "Cook-out" which is to be held on given an award for £992,000 to improve Thursday 26 June at 7.30pm. local transport in the Malvern Hills Sue Ganderton District. The award will develop a network of high quality shuttle services, demand responsive services and tourist services (Continued from page 10) that will benefit passengers with a greater Saunders explained that he had been choice of travel options to local looking for possible sites since his last visit businesses, leisure facilities and shops. and the demand from Martley for Worcester Police Basic Command Unit affordable dwellings has now risen to 35. will be responsible as from 3 April for the As a possible site for 10 dwellings he whole of the area. circulated a map showing a strip of land in The police station at Tenbury will remain the field to the East of the Rogers’ Coach open with a complement of one Sergeant Station. This was discussed but all agreed and six Constables. With effect from April that it was not a good position, for the 2003 men will be eligible for access points onto the B4204 were very concessionary travel fares at the age of 60 near the bad corner where children would rather than having to wait until they are be walking to school. Mr Saunders asked 65. for assistance in finding further sites and it Shirley Sanders. Clerk to the Council. was agreed that he would contact Mr B Draper in the near future to take the matter further. The Chairman thanked Mr Saunders for coming and all appreciated Knightwick & District Trefoil the importance and urgency in finding an Guild alternative site. Parish Matters A most interesting talk was given to the No further matters were raised and the Knightwick and District Trefoil Guild by a Chairman thanked all those present for missionary who went to Africa for 24 their attendance and reports. years. She recalled good times and bad C C Vyvyan-Robinson times whilst she was teaching. We were Parish Clerk (821 623) shown the "African kitchen" which the lady would carry whilst the man would

June 2003 * The Villager 23 Coach Trip to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Sunday 8th June 2003 Martley & District Horticultural Society are organising an outing to Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens near Birmingham. The Coach will leave Martley Village Hall at 1.15pm. returning to Martley at approximately 6.30pm. Cost is £8.50 per person and numbers are limited. Please ring Judith on 888253 to book your seat.

For Sale and Wanted in Wichenford The Friends of The Chantry High School Adjustamatic bed with headboard and side rails for sale. Invite you to celebrate the Also Riser Recliner Chair in pale schools 40th anniversary brown tweed. Both in excellent At their Anniversary Ball condition. Tel: 01886 888375 At the Chantry High School, Handyman wanted in Martley Wichenford twice a week by On Saturday 21 June 2003 arrangement to do errands and Dress Code: Smart some gardening. Tel: 01886888678 Tickets will include: A champagne reception: 7:30 Wichenford Kneelers. Would pm (in the school hall) anyone who can do petit-point and A buffet dinner & music with find tapestry like to undertake to The Worcester Jazz Band do one or two beautiful kneelers (ending: 12:00 pm) for the Church. The designs have been painstakingly painted onto The tickets £17.50 & £15 the canvas. Wools are provided in Phone Gina on 01886 821998 the kit. Please ring Mrs. Britten on 01886 888375

24 The Villager * June 2003 Nature Ramblings

the image with the “aaaaah” factor. I know this area is very keen on growing and the Horticultural tent is always a treat to visit This month Ramblings invites you to so let’s get your favourite blossom on pa- get out your camera … per – I’d like to see colours and form that will make the viewer stop and look again. The Advanced group we’ll leave the same as last year as an Open category – we did Fotos at the Fete have a beautiful range of subject matter and I would be delighted to see more of Yes! I do know how to spell the same. “photography” but I just liked the look of If I can twist a few arms and get some free it!! (It’s alliteration – Ed.) film, I may well give out a few rolls as a Last years collection of photographs reward and encouragement but it won’t be seemed to be well accepted but I’m sure for 1st, 2nd or even 43rd. !! there is more talent out there waiting to be I also hope to organise a small competition discovered so this year we’ll have a modi- to run alongside the exhibition – I shall fication. I wondered if we would have roam around the locality and take some more entries if the element of competition snaps to put on display – all you have to was removed? Perhaps folk are a little dif- do is tell me where they are! Simple!! fident in submitting work if it will be I look forward to getting your entries in judged on a First, Second, Third, Also Ran due course – there will be further details in and “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” basis. the next issue of The Villager. As always, So let’s try it this year and see what hap- if you want to comment, criticise or moan pens – we’ll have the two groups as last you can contact me on 01886 888575 or year for Advanced and Family and the [email protected] choices for the family section will be: Happy Snapping!

1. My Dad 2. My Pet 3. My Flower Alan Colburn

For all the budding David Baileys out there this is the opportunity to snap your Dad at his best – or worst if you can get away with it! Obviously, I’m hoping to see pictures over a wide age range and anything from fairly formal to really re- laxed. Most families have a pet and some fami- lies have really surprising ones! So exer- cise your skills and patience and capture

June 2003 * The Villager 25 One of the most reliable of winter crops, Brussels Sprouts will be growing well. In the Garden The plants may need some support. The soil around the base of the plants needs to be firm, if too loose, the sprouts may pro- duce open sprouts with lush growth. Cel- ery is not an easy crop to grow. For best results plant self-blanching varieties in blocks, placing the plants 6” to 8” apart. Garden Tips for June The denser the crop the better the blanch, as the foliage shuts out the light. This crop June is a difficult month for gardening. needs feeding. Runner beans will be growing well. Look Crops that can still be sown in the garden out for blackfly on these and broad beans. in early June are French and runner beans, The tender tops of broad beans should be cabbage, beetroot, lettuce, peas (early vari- removed to help combat this pest. Plant ety), swede and turnip. Particular attention out marrows and courgettes. Potatoes will will be required for the moisture content need soil drawn up around the stems to of the soil as it can dry out quickly this encourage roots to develop. This will pro- month. Many vegetables are now grown in duce a larger crop. Leeks will need plant- cell packs and planted out when large ing out, an easy and worthwhile crop to enough. grow. Half-hardy summer bedding plants may still need some protection from the cold at night in the early part of this month. Sow wallflower seed during the month. Now is the time to prune spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia, philadelphus, pieris and weigela. To keep roses and other shrubs from greenfly, spray at regular intervals with a suitable insecticide. Jack Bradley NEW QUARTER-PAGE ADVERT

The Editor apologises for the reduced size of the type in this issue of The Villager—this is due to two long reports from our parish councils this month. needing a lot of space.

26 The Villager * June 2003