Tuesdays Short Mat Bowling 2.30pm Memorial Hall (2pm winter months) Ladies’ Fellowship 2.30pm 2nd Tuesday in the month (usually)

Wednesdays Volume 17 No. 11 May 2006 Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing Editor: Andrew Chilvers (01905 641986) 7pm Martley Memorial Hall. Editorial Team: Martley: Alan Boon (01886 Enquiries: Jeff and Thelma 01886 821772 888527), Nellie Bradley (01886 888339), Kate Martley Folk Club: 1st Wednesday in the King (01886 888439), Beth Williams (01886 month at The Admiral Rodney 888273) Wichenford: Janet Andrews (01886 Martley WI: 2nd Wednesday in the 888303), Sheila Richards (01886 888378) month 7.30pm at Heaton House. Advertising: Neil Stammers (01886 888513)

Distribution: Martley George & June Lawrence (01886 821064) Wichenford Bill & Jo Root Thursdays (01886 888585) Wichenford Wine Club: 3rd Thursday in Contact The Villager: leave articles at Martley the month Post Office, call Janet or Sheila (Wichenford) or Martley & District Horticultural email the Editor at [email protected] Society: last Thursday in the month Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily 7.30pm Martley Memorial Hall those of The Villager. The Villager cannot be held responsible for any goods or services advertised in the magazine Other events: Citizens Advice Bureau Teme Valley Telephone Service: Mon & Tue 10am— 3pm Thu 10am— 7.30pm Regular events in Martley & Surgeries: Weds 10am - and Wichenford: 4pm - by appt. 01584 810860

Sundays See Church Words for details of services 2nd Sunday in the month: Teme Valley Farmers Market for local See articles inside for details of special produce 11am The Talbot, Knightwick events AND changes of times or dates of Martley Ramblers meet Church car park regular events 3rd Sunday in the month: Walking Not Working with the Path-or- See the Diary page on Nones. Meet 9.30am Village Hall car park www.martley.org.uk for a complete listing to help survey the footpaths of all forthcoming events (that the Diary page Editor knows about) Mondays 1st Monday in the month: Martley Parish Council 8pm Memorial Hall

Articles to go in The Villager must be with the Editor by the 1st of the previous month

TheThe Villager Villager * *January May 2006 2006 9 OUT AND ABOUT IN MARTLEY Visit our website—www.martley.org.uk

And in the good old days? May Day celebrations have their ori- gins in the Roman festival of Flora, goddess of fruit and flowers, which marked the beginning of summer. Peo- ple would decorate their houses and villages with fresh-cut foliage and flowers gathered at dawn in the belief that the vegetation spirits would bring good fortune.

Mischief night Historically, May Eve was known as Games for May Mischief Night in some parts of Brit- ain and all sorts of practical jokes were The first day of the month is tradition- played and a general nuisance made. ally known as May Day. It is the time May Day was an important day in the of year when warmer weather begins Middle Ages and was a favourite holi- and flowers and trees start to blossom. day of many English villages. People It’s also a time when people celebrate used to cut down young trees and stick the coming of summer with lots of them in the ground in the village to different customs that are expressions mark the arrival of summer. This is the of joy and hope after a long winter. origin of the maypole. People danced around them in celebration of the end May Day Bank Holiday of winter and the start of the fine May has many traditions and celebra- weather that would allow planting to tions. For the public, many May Day begin. activities have now been moved to the In the early morning, young girls went May Day holiday, on the first Monday into the fields and washed their faces of the month. with dew. They believed this made

10 The Villager * May 2006 them beautiful for the following year. May Day was also the day when the young men of each village tried to win prizes with their bows and arrows. In the North of , the first of May was a kind of late April Fooling, when all sorts of pranks would take place and “May Gosling” was the shout if you managed to trick some- one. The response would be: “May Goslings past and gone. You're the fool for making me one!” May Day Celebrations today In some places May Day celebrations begin at sunset on 30 April. They in- clude lots of floral decorations and processions through towns and vil- lages. Many English villages still have a maypole, and on May 1 many villagers Maypole dancing still dance around it. Maypoles were once common all over Odd fact England and were kept from one year to the next. These were usually tree Although May Day is now the first trunks or long branches and did not day of the month of May, before 1752, always resemble the maypoles of mod- when the calendar was changed, it was ern times. The tallest maypole is said 11 days earlier. to have been erected in London on the Strand in 1661; it stood over 143 feet Martley WI – 10 May 7.30pm high. It was felled in 1717, when it at Heaton House was used by Isaac Newton to support Huygen's new reflecting telescope. The WI and Elgar Housing Associa- May is the month for traditional danc- tion have agreed on the terms for ing round the maypole. Schools would meeting at Heaton House for the com- practise skipping round the pole for ing months, but please will members weeks before the final show on the not park in the residents’ allocated village greens. The end results would places. There is a car park at the rear be either a beautiful plaited pattern of of the building with a pathway leading ribbons round the pole or a tangled to the front. cat's cradle, depending on how much Discussion of the resolutions for the rehearsing had been done. annual meeting, this year in Cardiff,

May 2006 * The Villager 11 always brings forward some interest- Egyptian foot soak ing, if not provocative, points of view. “Fancy, I have known her for years Mix together 0.25 litres lemon juice, ½ and never knew she felt that way about teaspoon cinnamon, 1-2 tablespoons that!” Usually a decision is made for olive oil and 0.10 litres milk. Add guidance for the delegate. After that, enough warm water to make a soak to cheese and wine will be offered as a cover your feet and soak for about 10 relaxation. The competition is a mem- minutes. Wash with soap (if needed) ber’s tale, not necessarily true, in un- and dry thoroughly. Use once a week. der 200 words, of an interesting day. Farah, NFWI staff member These will be read out later. A flyer giving details of our meetings Answers on a postcard went out with the April Villager. Whatever is a broadband: Is it some- Please do give us a try if anyone is thing I can wear? interested. The possibility of offering A belt perhaps for waists like mine or baby-sitting to local families was dis- something for my hair? cussed at the last meeting. Please get Where should I put an iPod? Has it in touch with members for further de- come from outer space? tails. Many thanks to Sheila Craker for Should I keep it in my deepfreeze or arranging the annual dinner at the Ad- find another space? miral Rodney and to the staff for their I just can’t think where eBay is – it has friendly and efficient service. Conver- a foreign sound, sation did not lag and the jokes told I seem to think that someone sold it were not too risqué, so we hope we for several hundred pounds. can return next year. And what’s a maxi-pixel? Kate King Might I have one in my pond – a rather dumpy garden gnome whose shape has gone all wrong. Explain to me “down-loading”, think I Martley Library might be pleased with those, if they put away my shopping whilst I Martley Village Hall, have a little doze. Road, Martley, WR66PQ.

Tel: 01886 888396 If you have any answers, write them Opening hours on a postcard, Mon 2.00-7.00 Please don’t phone, then drop them in Wed 4.00-7.30 the digibox Thurs 10.00-1.00 That I planted near my home. Fri 2.00-4.00

Sat 10.00-12 noon Margaret Waddingham

12 The Villager * May 2006 Pudford Lane head, While lay-by diners keep wildlife fed. The flowers have come, so have the The plastic wraps from thrown-out rains. food “Thanks” to the Lengthman who has Kill more wildlife than cars on the cleared the drains. road. Vauxhall hub-caps are here again, On the ridge young buzzards cry They’ve moved to Hillend Bridge and For food from parents circling by. Lane. Bluebells and orchids line the Lane - Frisbee-like from wheels they fly - “Hurrah” for Spring is here again. Bad luck to any passers by. Kate King Tornadoes and Harriers scream over-

For all you sweet tooths – we will be Pre-school snippets holding a cake sale in the Primary School hall on Friday 28th May at 2.3opm. Any helpers and cake dona- tions gratefully welcomed. Don’t for- get to send your children along with an extra few pence on the day! There will also be a sponsored walk in May. Keep a look out for details. A huge thank you to Helen Taylor who, due to family commitments, is stepping down as chairperson of the committee this month. Helen has done The theme at Pre-School for May is a wonderful job for us including host- ‘Where I live.” The children will be ing fundraising dinners, creating our looking at the environment and the new website and much, much more. local community. We are becoming We are looking for a Pre-School and an eco-nursery: exploring recycling an After-School Club assistant. Train- and raising the environmental aware- ing is preferred but not essential, as ness of the children. We also have an this will be provided. Hours are nego- exciting trip on the Severn Valley tiable. Railway to look forward to in early June. We are delighted that building work Phone or drop in for a chat and an has commenced on the new kitchen, application form. 01886 toilets and cloakroom area. We apolo- 889127/888761. We are still looking gise for any inconvenience to parents for volunteers for gardening. and neighbours.

May 2006 * The Villager 13 Martley Spurs tings and the various ways that the plant can be trained into shapes from March started off standards to topiary. This is a popular with all three teams’ hanging basket plant where the right games ending in a species must be used. The talk was as- draw. The next sisted with slides showing the plant off weekend saw a bet- to its full potential on the ‘Show ter time for the Saturday Premier side Bench’. There were about 20 entries in when they beat Hallow 5-1, Chris the Hyacinth Bulb Competition, the Collins netting four times, but the Sun- result being first Jack Bradley, second day Premier eleven lost 4-3 to Perry- Tina Steele and third Pauline Ellis. wood. The 18th produced one loss, one It’s not long now before the Society’s win and one draw, while the next Annual Plant Sale and Car Boot Sale. It weekend saw disaster when the Satur- will be held in the Village Hall and on day Premier side lost to , and the Playing Field on Saturday 27 May Excel Metro truly thrashed the Sunday at 2pm. If you have any surplus flower Premier boys, and the reserves suc- or vegetable plants would you like to cumbed to Barbourne. The league ta- donate them to the Society? Please bles at the end of the month showed the bring them to the hall on the morning Saturday Premier side in third place, of the sale. while both the Sunday Premier eleven If you have any ideas for speakers or and the Reserves were both in mid ta- gardens to visit in 2007, the pro- ble. gramme secretary, Margaret Jackson, Beth Williams would like to have them. Nellie Bradley Martley & District Horticul- tural Society Martley Ramblers – 14 May, The Spring Show was unfortunately 2pm Church Car Park cancelled due to the inclement weather We have had a very wet ramble and a during the greater part of March. The cancellation due to snow already this Spring flowers were too reluctant to year, but we should be fine in May bloom in time for the show. The shouldn’t we? Keep fingers crossed. speaker for the evening of the March This month is planned to be around meeting was Geoff Oke, from Eve- Bromyard Downs and Brockhampton sham, his subject, “Fuchsias are Fun”. with the two Paulines as leaders. They There are a vast number of named spe- always plan something a little out of cies of this plant, some very well the ordinary for us, so do come along known, others unique to this country. to see what’s happening this time. It Geoff explained the secrets of propa- was a shame that Helen and George’s gating this plant, with the taking of cut- walk had to be cancelled due to the

14 The Villager * May 2006 weather, but we are assured it is on file and we shall be doing it at a later date. Kate King

Hear books here Great news for those with sight prob- lems (or those who just like listening while doing the ironing). Martley Li- brary now has a stock of audio books, both on tape and CD, to go with their supply of books in large print. Any title can be ordered from a wide selec- tion available. Just call in for more addressed by the Rector who also dis- details, library opening times are regu- tributed a present to each child. There larly printed in the Villager. were also present the Rev JF and Mrs Hastings, Miss Hastings, Miss Nash Martley’s past (Worcester), Mr J, Mrs and the Misses On 8 May 1871, Teacher Harriet Shaw Rogers (Barbers), Mrs J Davis, Mrs wrote: “The attendance this week has Badger, Mrs C Holliday, Mr J been very poor owing to so many of Holliday and Mr Hall.” the children (NB girls and infants) be- ALB ing obliged to stay away for the pur- pose of gathering cowslips.” She con- Knightwick and district tinued: “The Rector has been in sev- trefoil guild eral times this week either to give Scripture or to notice how the children We met at the home of Pat Bradley in are progressing with their lessons. Clifton-on-Teme, because of the Miss Hastings has also been in twice, lighter nights we were able to enjoy once to examine the needlework and the magnificent views she has across hear the children sing and once to re- the valley to Worcester and the Mal- prove the choir for their inattention verns. over the singing in church.” There were 11 members present, and On 18 May 1896, schoolmaster Mr we welcomed Mrs. Pat Lewis who Humpherson recorded: “24 March was gave a talk on dowsing for food aller- the Golden Jubilee of laying the foun- gies, and also Bach flower remedies, dation stone of these schools (NB at there was a lot of interest in what she head of churchyard). In commemora- had to tell us, and it triggered off a tion of the event, a tea was given to lively discussion on health issues. the children this afternoon. They were Plans were made for some of the members to attend the County A.G.M.

May 2006 * The Villager 15 which is to be held in Bromsgrove on 2. The question of Ducton Cop- April 29th. pice, Withy Beds and Millennium Geraldine Cooper. Green being considered for including in the conservation area was dis- Martley Parish Council cussed. Ducton Coppice is already carefully managed and may not benefit Meeting held April 3, 2006 at the Me- from inclusion. The clerk to contact morial Hall The Millennium Green Committee to Present: Cllr. Mrs. D. Goodyear ; Cllr. enquire about safety of the unfenced Mr. M. Nott; Cllr. Mr. R. McHugh; pools with reference to small children Cllr. Mrs. M. Randall; Cllr Mr. G. and the trees along the south eastern Coombey-Jones; Cllr. Mr. N. Stam- boundary (if they become subject to mers. conservation orders they may not be In Attendance: Mr. T. Pearsall (clerk able to be pollarded, thus spoiling the to The Parish Council), seven mem- only clear views of the church). Can- bers of the public. ada geese are also becoming a prob- In the absence of a chairman and vice lem at the pool (these can be con- chairman, the clerk invited the coun- trolled humanely). cillors to elect a chairman; Cllr. Mr. G. 3. The potential loss of The Re- Coombey-Jones was duly elected. source Centre was raised; the council will consider using the weighbridge. The democratic period/public ques- 4. The date for reopening Anker- tion time dine Hill was queried. The clerk had The chairman invited all present to ask spoken with WCC Highways who said questions or make statements about it was on target for the end of March; parish business, the following points this had now passed. The clerk had were raised: also received information from C. Cllr. 1. A question was asked what the Mr. A. Davies who had information Parish Council could do about the that it will open this week. damage being caused to the lanes and The Parish Council meeting was verges around Easinghope Lane and opened by the chairman at 8:25 pm. near Hawkesnest Farm by the large Apologies: Apologies were received lorries moving spoil. The clerk ex- from Cllr. Mr. D. Cropp, and Cllr. Mr. plained that he had already received G. Taylor, these were accepted. Cllr. several complaints and had taken the Mr. J. Slough was also absent. matter up with WCC Highways. Ap- parently, there is no weight limit on 236-06 Declarations of personal those lanes and the landowner is enti- or prejudicial interests: The clerk tled to use large vehicles to access his reminded everyone of the need to de- property. The clerk passed contact de- clare interests and to keep their list up tails of the CPRE to the questioner.

16 The Villager * May 2006 to date. There were no declarations of 10. HM Revenue & Customs: interest. Clerk’s gratuity reply. 237-06 Minutes of the last 11. MHDC: CEO reply to our meeting held on 6th. March 2006: It letter of 8th March was resolved to accept the minutes as (acknowledgement). a true record. 12. Rogers Coaches: Wo r c e s t e r 238-06 Village signs and flower service terminating on Friday 7th. beds: The clerk to arrange for a com- April. mittee to meet to determine designs 13. MHDC: Standards committee and budget. agenda. 239-06 District Councillor’s 14. CALC: Review of quality report: District Cllr. Mrs. B. Wil- status. liams had previously sent in her apolo- 15. MHDC: From Mr. C. Bo- gies, thus no report was given. cock CEO ref. Numbering on St. Pe- 240-06 County Councillor’s ters Drive. report: County Councillor Mr. A. 16. Community First: “Newsline”. Davies had previously sent in his 17. DEFRA: Clean Neighbour- apologies, thus no report was given hoods and Environment Act 2005- “a 241-06 Correspondence: parish guide”. Correspondence for 3rd. April 2006. 18. Cllr. D. Cropp: Copies of 1. CPRE: Countryside Voice, correspondence with Ms. Thompson magazine. Peartree Cottage. Witton Hill. 2. RAWM: News letter 19. WCC: Reply to Clerk’s letter 3. Bus bulletin requesting funding for electronic of- 4. CPRE: Invitation to meet- fice equipment. ing Sunday 6th. May Cold Comfort 20. MHDC: Reply to Clerk’s Farm letter requesting funding for electronic 5. West Mercia Constabulary: office equipment. Neighbourhood crime alert. 21. WCC: (Experimental pro- (Contact PC Dave Glass 01905 hibition of heavy goods vehicles over 331089). 18 tonnes) order. 6. MPC: Copy letter to Highways 22. WCC: Concessionary ref. seat adjacent to Weighbridge. fares scheme introduction 1st. April 7. MPC: Letter to Playing Fields 2006 Association ref. use of field. 242-06 Planning: applications re- 8. MHDC: Exec committee ceived: agenda 21st. March 06. 1. . 05/01835/FUL Lower 9. Mr. N. Bruen: Copies of letters Hollins Cottage; proposed conversion sent to MHDC Planning ref. of adjoining barn to domestic use. Hawksnest Farm Easinghope. Cllr. R. McHugh.

May 2006 * The Villager 17 . 06/00394/FUL Land adj. to would be taken together with the pro- Hollins Cottage: Change of use of ag- posed resiting of the Resource Centre. ricultural land for 2 no. 2 bed mobile 246-06 Urgent decisions since last home for agricultural workers; Cllr. R. meeting: McHugh. None Applications approved/refused/ 247-06 Councillors reports and withdrawn: items for future agendas: 1. Pasmead St. Peters Drive: The clerk to enquire from The Parish refused. Link if a small change of route can be 2. Tomkins Fm.(agri building): made to include parishioners along Planning permission is required. The Hillside. 3. Unit 4A Hope Hse. Fm. Change An agenda item is required to discuss of use: approved why there are so many empty flats at 4. Fair View Willow Rd. replt. Heaton House. Dwelling: approved The Clerk to enquire why spray patch- Other items: planning commit- ing was carried out in Horn Lane two tee agenda 4th. April 2006. weeks prior to the closure for major 243-06 Finance: repairs. There were 7 cheques totalling The Clerk to request the Tree Warden £1677.11 for agreement and signature to inspect a large beech near the bridge Income February 05: 0.00 in Barbers Lane (it may be dangerous). Current Bank Balance Lloyds TSB An agenda item is required to amend 15 March 06 £4028.60 the finance committee composition. Actual position 3rd.. April 06 The clerk reminded councillors that £2232.49 the deadline for agenda items is the Deposit Acc 19th. of the previous month. £7308.60 248-06 Date and time of next meet- It was resolved to accept the finances. ing: . It was resolved to pay a terminal The next meeting is on Monday 8th. gratuity in accordance with the clerk’s May 2006 at 8 p.m. (Finance commit- contract of employment and limited by tee at 7:30 p.m.). This meeting will be regulation 41 of the local government the Annual meeting of The Parish (Discretionary Payments) Regulations Council and will include election of 1996. officers. 244-06 Parish paths war- Meeting closed at 22.00 hrs. den report: The clerk read out the report which is Addendum 1 reproduced as addendum 1. Parish paths warden’s report 245-06 Weighbridge Electricity For March 2006 Supply: It was agreed that this matter March 19th saw us at last tackle a little

18 The Villager * May 2006 known route that leaves the private approves the installation of suitable road from Horsham to The Talbot, and ‘dog-stiles’. climbs through woodland up hill to I have contacted the manufacturer, Sunningdale, and through Sunningdale Centrewire (01953 602085), which is to Ankerdine summit. phasing them out, but has perhaps 5 or Although this route crosses into 6 @ £31 in stock. However they will Knightwick/ area we had continue to supply the brackets @ volunteered to assist the local paths approx. £4 per set. warden to open it. Thanks to Mrs I am afraid that the Path-or-Nones Mary Walker and Mr Tatlow for ac- would not be able to manufacture and cess to the roads, we were able to take install these gates; we are far too busy the trailer close to where we needed to attending to other work. So, come on work. The route had been marked for you dog owners, band together and us by the Rights of Way at County. make some of them. We will help as In all, we cleared several hundred me- much as we can when they are ready tres of light woodland, installed 3 to be installed, in terms of advice, waymark posts and one stile along the tools and securing the agreement of private road. There is still a flight of the land owner. perhaps 15 or 20 steps from Sunning- Isn’t it time to put a stop to the petty dale to the B4197 for next month’s vandalism of cutting sheep fencing? working party. One interesting aside is that the mother of John Corbett, one JSN 3rd April 2006 of the group, used to live in the Old Court House and walk to school along The Parish of Teme the very path that we cleared. Valley North Over the last few years there have been many instances of sheep fencing We invite you to The Five Church adjacent to stiles being cut, one can Festival, celebrating the church in the only assume, by dog owners, to allow Community. their dogs easy access beyond the stile. Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May Unconsidered perhaps by them, but 2006. land owners take a very dim view of Come and enjoy our local musical tal- this practice for obvious reasons, and ent: leave yours truly very clear on their • Classical guitar feelings about it. The County Council • Baroque and Bach recorder mu- too, used not to recommend easing the sic passage of dogs on to farm land— • Saxophone quintet more dogs, more problems with ani- mals and so on. • All-age workshop and concert Time has moved on, and the CC now of world music

May 2006 * The Villager 19 • Organ recital What else is happening • Hymns that have local connec- in May? tions All of these events will be performed 1-31 May in the setting of our country churches Shindig Events - High-quality live arts filled with the fragrance and beauty of for rural and community venues in flowers. - see their web site. Along with the entertainment there www.shindig.org.uk/ will be refreshments, worship, church history and story telling. 7 May 2006 St Michael's Knighton-on-Teme, St Antiques Fair - James' , St Lawrence's Lin- Venue: Three Counties Showground dridge, St Mary's Stanford Bridge. E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: 01636 702326 For further details, travel directions, www.dmgantiquefairs.com etc, please phone:the Revd Louise Grace 01584 881331 10 May 2006 or Pauline Briggs 01584 881216 NT Event Croome Park - Bat Walk in www.temevalleynorth.co.uk the evening. St Andrew's Stockton-on-Teme. Venue: Croome Park Phone: 01905 371006 tinyurl.co.uk/pci0

Film Processing: Photos from your Services at Martley memory cards, CDs, 35mm and APS Post Office films all processed within 24 hours and brought to you in partnership with Banking Services: On-line banking for Bromyard Post Office. the following banks; Alliance and Advertising in the shop window for a Leicester, Barclays, Lloyds TSB, Co- small charge. operative Bank and UK Smile. For Items for purchase: Tobacco, wine, each of these banks you can pay beer, a selection of spirits, soft drinks, money in, pay cheques in and with- sweets, crisps, ice cream, 35mm and draw money all free of charge. For all APS films, disposable cameras, batter- other banks, the use of a cashpoint is ies, torches, lottery, scratch cards, available for a small charge of £1.75. greetings cards, postcards, gifts by sil- ver scenes. Shop facilities Also available: glass hire and sale or return on alcohol (glasses come free on Services: Photo copying, faxing, lami- all purchases over £50). nating and DVD hire.

20 The Villager * May 2006 11-14 May 2006 21 May 2006 Spring Gardening Show - 4 days long Charity Event - Malvern Hills Lions for the first time - 11 May is preview/ Sponsored Walk press day, 12-14 May public days Venue: Three Counties Showground Venue: Three Counties Showground Phone: 01684 833379 Phone: 01684 584900 www.threecounties.co.uk www.threecounties.co.uk 27 May 2006 12 May 2006 Spring Walking Festival - A week of Concert - James Galway & London 30 short, medium and long walks Mozart Players through town, hill & Elgar country Venue: Malvern Theatres Venue: Phone: 01684 892277 Phone: 01684 892289 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 28 May 2006 13-14 May 2006 Eastnor: Steam & Woodland Fair - Hill Climb - Aldon Venue: Eastnor Castle, Ledbury HSA & Invited Championships (13th); E-Mail: [email protected] Midland Speed & Invited Champion- Phone: 01531 633160 ships (14th) www.eastnorcastle.com Venue: Shelsley Walsh Phone: 01886 812211 29 May 2006 www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk/2006.htm Tenbury Carnival - Venue: 13-14 May 2006 Phone: 01684 892289 Tenbury Walking Festival - Website: Venue: Tenbury Wells Phone: 01584 810136 31 May- 3 June, 2006 Elgar Festival 2006 - Wed 31 May - 20 May 2006 Malvern: Enigma Variations etc. Thur Charity Event - St Richard's Hospice: 1 June - Malvern: Pomp & Circum- 22nd annual walks on the Malvern stance etc. Fri 2 June - Malvern: Vio- Hilss. 2 mile – Mini Malverns; 5 mile lin Concerto in B minor etc. Sat 3 June – Midi Malverns (a medium trek for - Worcester: The Kingdom all the family – a circular route); 11 Venue: Malvern Theatres & Worcester mile – Major Cathedral Malverns Phone: 01684 560696 Venue: Malvern Hills www.eso.co.uk Phone: 01905 763963

www.strichards.org.uk

May 2006 * The Villager 21 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Church Flower Rota Janet Andrews 01886 888303 7 May Mrs Root Sheila Richards 14 May Mrs Whyatt 01886 888378 21 May Rogation Sunday, Ser- ing around shrubs, bushes and roses, vice at Bush Farm and is especially useful as a mulch 28 May Mrs Weatherall should this summer be dry again. It is suitable for containers mixed with Ladies Fellowship other compost as well. Help will be Ladies Fellowship meets at 2.30pm on available with delivery locally for the 16 May – venue to be arranged. The elderly. The object of the exercise is to speaker will be the Rev Jennifer help towards costs of stonework repairs Whittaker. On 17 May the fellowship to our church tower. Do come and sup- will join other groups at the Annual port us. Diocesan gathering in Wychbold Pam & George Webb Church. Quiz night Wichenford PCC Wichenford Memorial Hall Manage- The Wichenford PCC will be holding ment Committee would like to thank their meeting at 7.45pm on Monday 14 everyone who supported our fund rais- May in the Memorial Hall. ing event quiz night on Saturday 25 February. We all had a good time and Compost for sale we raised £150.80. This money will be put to good use as we are about to em- On Saturday 6 May compost will be on bark on some urgently needed refur- sale for only £2.50 a 40-litre bag out- bishment of the interior of the building. side the Millennium Green gates from Thanks must go to all members of the 9am to 12 noon. This is reclaimed committee and their families who do- council soil conditioner, which can be nated all prizes, raffle prizes and food. used with very good effect to break Special thanks to Mr Bill Root who down clay soil. It is ideal for top dress- cooked and donated some food, to Mrs

22 The Villager * May 2006 Sheila Richards who organised the tion was a tribute to the affection and food so efficiently on the night and to respect in which Patrick was held. Mr Peter Andrews who kindly took charge of all liquid refreshments. Edward “Ted” Lewis Grateful thanks to Mr John Harwood who presented us with an excellent We are so sorry that Ted Lewis has quiz and who always supports us with died and send our deepest sympathy to our fund raising night. Many thanks his widow Sarah and to their relatives. once again to everyone who helped in A lovely funeral was held for Ted at any way possible because without you Stone Church attended by many rela- all the evening would not have been a tives and friends. Ted loved his garden success. and enjoyed his aviary, displaying his fondness for birds. He will be sadly Margaret H Fisher, Secretary missed by all who knew him. Wichenford Memorial Hall Manage- ment Committee Wichenford 100 CLUB February winner: Adam Hylan. Ticket Congratulations no.1. £108 The Elgar and Festival Housing Asso- March winner: George Webb. Ticket ciation organised a competition to find no 61. £108. a “Community Star”. The competition is for young people up to the age of 16 Important announcement years and is awarded to those who The annual general meeting of the give the most help to the community. Wichenford Millennium Green Trust We are delighted that Dale Jaime Mat- will take place on Monday 22nd May, thews of Queensway has been de- 2006 in the Wichenford Memorial clared joint winner of the award for Hall at 7.30 p.m.. All parishioners of her help at The Nora Parsons Day Wichenford are cordially invited to Centre and for her charity swimming. attend. Dale will receive £250 to “Make a The election of trustee wish”. Well done Dale! The election of a general Trustee will take place at this meeting. After 10 Patrick Ailwyn Jinks years as secretary Mrs H Rendall will We extend to Derrick and Marion be stepping down and so the Trust is Jinks and their family our heartfelt looking to appoint a new Trustee who sympathy in the loss of their son Pat- will take over the secretary’s rôle. rick, who sadly died at the age of 51 The trustees appointed by the PCC and years. The funeral was held at Broad- the PC are also to be confirmed at the heath Church and the huge congrega- AGM.

May 2006 * The Villager 23 Nominations should be sent before the that the nature of the interest be re- AGM to the Hon Sec. at The New corded in the minutes, and state what House, Kings Green or by e-mail to the personal interest is. The clerk will [email protected] issue all councillors the latest calc BPG on interests. Offer Councillor Rendall declared a personal interest in Kings Green. We have been asked to mention that a Minutes well-respected Martley village lady is The minutes of the meeting held on willing to warm cold hands of gentle- 20th February 2006 were accepted and men at the Norah Parsons Day Centre. signed as a true record. There is no charge. Progress reports Milestone Plate. Kensick and Wichenford The clerk explained that the Milestone Parish plate has been ordered and she will speak to the milestone society for an Meeting of the Parish Council held on update. Tuesday 10th April 2006 at 7.30pm in Litter collection the Memorial Hall Wichenford. After numerous conversations with Cllr G. Britten-Long chaired the meet- MHDC, the litter on the lay-by on the ing. (Chairman) B4204 and the broken bottles along Present Venn Lane has still not been cleared. Cllr D. Stinton; Cllr J .Panton; Cllr J. It was agreed that this is unacceptable Wells; Cllr A.Chilvers; Cllr H. Ren- after three months and the chairman dall; Cllr M. Andrews; Cllr K. Randall will contact the authorities. (vice chair) Guises Lane/Rosses Lane In Attendance: Mrs S Sanders (clerk to Both these lanes have Temporary Clo- the Parish Council) sure Orders in place until 16th August District Cllr B Williams. 2006. The County Council has been Democratic half hour/public ques- contacted and we were informed that tion time. things are progressing at a speed to be The chairman invited all present to ask anticipated. There is no date as yet for questions or make statements about the final status report and 1 objection parish business. has been received. Apologies:Cllr N. Oldfield (accepted) Wichenford Memorial Hall County Cllr A. Davies. It has been confirmed that the Parish Declaration of interest Council can spend money on the Me- Cllrs D. Stinton and K. Randall de- morial Hall as it is a war memorial, clared a personal interest in Wichen- and we can also reclaim the VAT. ford Memorial Hall. It was requested Parish computer.

24 The Villager * May 2006 The clerk has purchased a parish coun- The clerk was asked if the finances cil laptop and would like to minute could be done Net of VAT, and to thanks to the parish council as it has look at changing accounts as the inter- made things a lot easier at home. est rates are so poor. (clerk and cllr Planning Randall) The Planning Enforcement Policy The parish council would like to see Document has been returned to the the consols certificate to see if it clerk with the parish councils com- would be worth cashing them in. ments for inclusion. The acceptance of the finances was Masons Arms planning appeal resolved. This application has not yet been de- VAT reclaimed of £508.81. Council- cided. lors were reminded that £305.72 of Applications considered since the last this belongs to the Parish Path War- meeting. dens, for 05/06 06/00315/Ful. Proposed external porch Insurance review. and rebuilding of retaining wall, for The clerk asked if the council would the Masons Arms Public House. like to add the parish computer to the The Parish Council has no objections policy. It was agreed that this was not to this application but is not in favour necessary as it has its own 3 year war- of retrospective planning. ranty, but it should be included on the Decisions made by MHDC asset register. It was resolved to re- 06/00091/FUL – LBC Stable Court, view the policy at the Annual Meeting. The Kedges, Wichenford. Approved. Risk assessment 05/01761/FUL Masons Arms, Castle The clerk explained that the parish Hill.Withdrawn notice boards were in need of an over- 05/01195/FUL – LBC Wichenford haul. It was agreed that the clerk order Court, Wichenford. Approved. some catalogues to assess the cost of Finance replacing them. The end of year account was discussed It was resolved to complete the risk and accepted. Proposed by Cllr Ren- assessment at the Annual Meeting, dall seconded by Cllr Wells. along with the clerks salary review. The current bank balance up to 31st Lengthsman March 2006 stands at £7,064.38. A report was read out from the There were 5 cheques totalling lengthsman who has now been doing £828.32 for agreement and signature. the job for a year. The biggest problem It was resolved to hold off the pay- he has encountered is that of litter. ment for calc until contacted about the Date and venue of next meeting newly worded invoice as it was diffi- To confirm the date of the next meet- cult to understand and to cancel the ing arranged for 15th May (AM of the invoice for additional mail. PC) at 7.30pm.

May 2006 * The Villager 25 Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664

The way we celebrate Ro- Rogationtide gation may have changed This was traditionally a time when somewhat Christians prayed for God’s blessings since then but on their crops and other aspects of we still hold their work on the land. A service was dear the prin- followed by a visit to various places in ciples for the neighbourhood. Often this was which it combined with ‘The Beating of the stood. Bounds’, a very old custom from a The churches of Martley, Wichenford, time when it was important to know , Knightwick and Cotherdge the boundaries of the parish. In many are holding a Rogation Sunday service cases, food and drink were supplied by on Sunday 21st May at Bush Farm, the church or people within the vil- Wichenford, at the home of the Par- lage. geter family. George Herbert, the poet and country By happy coincidence Rogation Sun- parson who lived in the seventeenth day coincides with the 50th anniver- century, called this tradition sary of the Pargeter family living at ‘Procession’ and described it in the Bush Farm and they extend a warm following terms: invitation to everyone to stay on after • first, a blessing of God for the the service and enjoy a pig roast and a fruits of the field; glass of wine. Two walks are also • second, justice in the preserva- planned; one will take in Monkwood tion of bounds; and be no longer than 2 miles. The • third, charity in loving walking other will be a short walk to the wood and neighbourly accompanying of Bush Farm. one another, with reconciling The service is particularly relevant to differences at that time, if there those involved in agriculture, but be any; would be of interest to anybody, all • fourth, mercy in relieving the are welcome. poor by a liberal distribution of Further info from Revd David Sherwin alms.

26 The Villager * May 2006

Church diary for May Monday 1st May Bank Holiday Tuesday 2nd May 10.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Thursday 4th May 1.30-3.00pm Pastoral Care Meeting at the home of Janet An- drews Saturday 6th May 9-10.30am Benefice Prayer Group, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Sunday 7th May 8.00am Holy Communion, Knightwick Chapel 9.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 11.00am Family Worship, St Peter, Martley 11.00am Morning Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 6.30pm Evensong, St Leonard, 6.30pm Youth Service, St Peter, Martley Monday 8th May 8.30am Prayer Breakfast at The White House Tuesday 9th May 7.30pm LTV PCC at Knightwick Village Hall Wednesday 10th May 10.15am Holy Communion, Heaton House Thursday 11th May Bishop David in Parish all day Timetable: 9.45am Morning Prayer at St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30am Visit to Nora Parsons Day Centre 12.30am ? Admiral Rodney lunch + local dignitaries 2.00pm Little Minnows, St Peter, Martley 3.30pm Afternoon Tea + Pastoral Team at Broadwas Village Hall 4.30pm Evening Prayer at St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 7.00pm “Meet the Bishop” at St Peter, Martley Saturday 13th May 2.00pm Martley Spring Fair Sunday 14th May 8.00am Holy Communion, St Leonard, Cotheridge Christian Aid Week 10.00am Family Worship, St Laurence, Wichenford 11.00am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 11.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 3.30pm Pet Thanksgiving Service, St Peter, Martley Monday 15th May 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley 7.45pm Wichenford PCC at the Village Hall Tuesday 16th May 10.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Saturday 20th May 9.30-11.00am Preaching Training Session at St Mary Magda- lene, Broadwas Sunday 21st May Benefice Service 10.30am Rogation Service at Bush Farm, Wichenford Monday 22nd May 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas

May 2006 * The Villager 27 and pinks and loosen the ground round them. Make sure they are free from In the Garden weeds. Sweet peas will need supporting and tying up. Put corks on short canes to protect people from injury. Check the support for other climbing plants and look at plants that need staking and pegging down. Final selections for planting should be made this month. Start hoeing to re- Seeds to sow move the weeds that are now beginning Look through the seed packs that you to show themselves and finish off the have bought to see what has to be digging and rotovating to prepare the sown. There is still time to buy those beds for planting. In dry weather some that have been overlooked whilst mak- watering should be undertaken, but ing lists by the winter fire. Some seeds sparingly to conserve water from now to be sown are asters, hardy annuals and throughout the summer. Consider and night-scented stocks. installing a water butt under the house rainwater downpipe. Keep an eye open Plant for pests and diseases. Plant antirrhinums, begonias, Calceo- larias, dahlias in pots and half-hardy Flowers bedding plants. Divide Spring flower- Hardy annuals raised under glass ing plants, such as primroses, for next should be planted out. Bulbs want tidy- season. Plant out the late flowering an- ing after the foliage has died down. nuals. Thin out and transplant where Remove old leaves from Carnations necessary.

Church diary for May (cont) Tuesday 23rd May 4.30pm Evening Prayer at St Johns Parish Church Wednesday 24th May 10.15am, Holy Communion, Heaton House Thursday 25th May 12.30am Ascension Day Holy Commun- ion + Mothers Union at St Peters Martley Sunday 28th May 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 9.30am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 11.00am Family Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 11.00am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 6.30pm Evening Worship, St Peter, Martley Monday 29th May Bank Holiday

28 The Villager * May 2006 Village Contacts

Editor of The Andrew Chilvers Villager [email protected] or 01905 641986 or leave articles at the Martley Post Office Advertise in The Neil Stammers Villager [email protected] om or 01886 888513 Church Rector: Revd David Sherwin—01886 888664 Curate: Revd Jennifer Whittaker—01886 833897 Martley Website [email protected]

Martley Parish Chair: Dave Cropp—01886 Council 888398; Clerk: Tom Pearsall—01886 888256 Martley WI Gwynn Darby—01886 888490 Martley & Dist Pam Minchin—01886 Hort. Soc. 888521 or Margaret Jackson—01886 888654 Royal British Joyce Tyler—01886 Legion 821551

Martley Harry King—01886 888439 Ramblers

Wichenford Janet Andrews—01886 contacts for The 888303, Sheila Richards— Villager 01886 888378

Resource Centre Alan Boon—01886 888527

Kenswick & Clerk—Shirley Sanders Wichenford 01886 888302 Parish Counl.

Wichenford Secretary—Mike Holmes Wine Club 01905 641739

Trefoil Guild geraldine.cooper@btopenw orld.com

May 2006 * The Villager 29