Memorial Hall Ladies’ Fellowship: 2.30pm 2nd Tuesday in the month (usually) Toddler Group: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays (term time) 10.30am Martley Memorial Hall

Wednesdays Volume 20 No. 8 January 2011 Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing: 7pm Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Jeff & Advertise in The Villager : Aileen Thelma 01886 821772 Parker. 01886 888456 Martley Folk Club: 1st Wednesday in Editor: Michelle Higgins (01886 888344) the month at The Talbot, and Editorial Team: Martley Alan Boon (01886 3rd Wednesday at The Admiral Rodney 888527), Kate King (01886 888439) Martley WI: 2nd Wednesday in the Wichenford Janet Andrews (01886 888303), month 7.30pm Heaton House Sheila Richards (01886 888378) Distribution : Martley George & June Lawrence Thursdays (01886 821064) Wichenford Karen Furber Wichenford Wine Club: 3rd Thursday in (01886 888449) the month Contact The Villager: Leave articles at Martley Post Office, call Janet or Sheila Martley & District Horticultural (Wichenford) or email the Editor at Society: last Thursday in the month [email protected] 7.30pm Martley Memorial Hall Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of The Villager. The Villager See Church Words p. 27 for details of services cannot be held responsible for any goods or services advertised in the magazine. See articles for details of special events AND changes of time/date/venue of regular events

Regular events in Martley and See the Diary page on www.martley.org.uk for Wichenford: a complete listing of all forthcoming events (that the Diary page editor knows about) Sundays See page 28 for contact details of organisations 2nd Sunday in the month: Teme Valley Farmers Market for local Articles to go in The Villager must produce 11am The Talbot, Knightwick be submitted by the 1st of the Martley Ramblers meet Church car park previous month 3rd Sunday in the month: Path-or-Nones meet 9.30am Martley Memorial Hall car park to help maintain the local footpaths

Mondays Rhythm Time: 9.30-11.30am Martley Memorial Hall Enq . Rachel 01886 812565 Records of the Parish Council meetings in Martley Parish Council: 1st Monday in the two parishes are not intended to be full the month 8pm Memorial Hall and complete minutes. Minutes of meetings Tuesdays can be seen by contacting the respective Short Mat Bowling: 2.00pm Martley Clerks to the Councils.

January 2011 * The Villager 9 OOOUTOUT AND ABOUT IN MARTMARTLEYLEY Visit our website—www.martley.org.uk

Also we are trying for a few new Martley Village Hall items for the play area. We have only I would like to thank the Committee recently heard about this grant, which for all the hard work they have put in has to be in sent in very soon as the over the past year. first stage of application finishes 7 Jan Neil Stammers 2011. (Chairman Village Hall) We need your opinions, hopefully positive, as we feel our playing field Martley Recreation would benefit from a multi-sport Association and facility. We also need your HELP with Parish Council the grant if we get through to the next We are applying for a lottery- funded stage of the application. If we are not grant under the Changing Spaces/ successful we will try for a different Community Spaces scheme. We grant. Martley Recreation Association thought of a big item –a MAPA- would love you to come and join us. (Multi–Activity-Play–Area) which Contact for help joining the grant would be 12mx22m, with a wooden committee and for booking the field: fence around and an ‘all weather’ [email protected] 01886 pitch to put on the playing field at 888406 right angles to the football pitch. This facility would be an asset to all ages, and lots of different sports, including, tennis, badminton/volley ball, football, netball/basketball, skateboarding, Martley WI learning to ride a bike or just for self- organised games. Young families Martley WI - Wednesday 12 would have the play area and MAPA January 7.30pm at Heaton House to play on, teenagers would have lots We are pleased that Helen Coombey- of healthy fun and a social meeting Jones has been elected President for area and older people could exercise another year and will be guiding us gently or with their grandchildren!. through 2011, our 90th birthday year,

10 The Villager * January 2011 with the very able assistance of disappointed so secretary, Mary Kipping. Marion come along and Cumella has arranged a very cheer and boo! interesting programme for 2011 and Tickets there is a wide variety of speakers and available as activities offered. Members have been usual from the out and about on County activity days, village shops organising and taking part. This month and The we may be more relaxed after some Admiral busy months helping to raise funds for Rodney. Troop Aid grab bags and for our own funds at the Christmas Fair. So we hope to sit back and watch another of our talented members, Pat Crook, demonstrate Felting. She says she would be very happy to organise classes if members would like to try it themselves. We are always pleased to Teme Valley Children’s welcome anyone who would like to Centre come for a taster of WI activities - and All New Breastfeeding Chums that does not mean just jam and cake- Group: Teme Valley Children’s making. Please come along – it is a Centre is pleased to announce the re- lovely warm and comfortable meeting launch of its Breastfeeding Chums place in the lounge at Heaton House. Group. The main aims of the group PS We will have a new logo next are to raise the awareness of the health month. benefits of breastfeeding and to Kate King provide support and encouragement for breastfeeding mums in our area. Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life and provides protection Martley Amateur Dramatics against many different infections and Martley Amateur Dramatics would diseases. It reduces a mother’s like to wish all readers a very Happy chances of getting certain diseases Christmas and hope that you will later in life and women who round off the festivities with a visit to breastfeed return to their pre- our Pantomime “Dick Whittington and pregnancy figure more quickly. Also, the Doctor” which will be performed breastfeeding allows the mother and in Martley Village Hall January 7 th th th baby to get closer, both physically and and 8 also with a matinee on the 8 . emotionally. So while the baby is We are sure that you won’t be feeding, the bond can grow stronger.

January 2011 * The Villager 11 Our new Breastfeeding Chums Group Mike went through the year’s events – will run fortnightly at Cob House a pretty full one, with excellent talks Fisheries, Wichenford, from 10.30am and trips and everyone pulling their until 11.30am with the first group weight too; we now have 49 members! meeting on Friday 14 January 2011. All the Officers and Committee On hand at the group will be Anna remain the same with the addition of Adshead, a trained Peer Supporter and Brian Finch to the Committee. John mum of two. She will be able to give Jefferies got a special mention for help, advice and support to anyone masterminding the erection/ who needs it. For more information dismantling/packing of the marquees please contact the Children’s Centre at the show. on 01886 812982 or email kate. President Pat Finch thanked everyone [email protected] for their efforts and especially Mike for his superb chairmanship. The programme for 2011 was read out – sounds really exciting. January’s talk will be on beekeeping. Refreshments and a competition to guess names of famous gardens from photos (plus an exhibition of our own garden photos) Martley & District Horticultural made it an enjoyable evening. Society Tina Steele The Society held its AGM on 25 (Note from Editor: The Horticultural November. Mike Dunnett welcomed Society has a new logo too and it will members on this chilly night and gave appear here soon ) a demonstration of root pruning, advising on suitable plants for this and Martley Ramblers the further care of them. He also Sunday 9 Jan 1pm Church car park produced seeds of the ‘Handkerchief At the recent AGM members were Tree’ and advised on planting - a very sorry that Pam Bowers resigned after slow growing plant indeed – we shall 11 years as our very able Secretary/ need a clause put in our wills for this. Treasurer but she will still be rambling Members were offered two or three with us. Pauline Mills has offered to each to try. Hyacinth bulbs for the 31 be Secretary and Richard Mills will be March competition were given out. Treasurer, while Harry King remains Mike’s ‘Showa’ gardening gloves as chairman. (bought off the net) were admired. The programme has been arranged for RHS raffle tickets were on offer, and a 2011 and the first walk is around large pile of free gardening magazines Worcester Riverside. Car parking fees were soon snapped up! will be applicable in Worcester, so Then came the business meeting. drivers please bring some change with

12 The Villager * January 2011 you. This walk should be on the level. In Memoriam Starting times in 2011 do vary a bit, Brian Woodburn depending on the time of year and the Brian Woodburn died on Monday 29 distance to be travelled to the start, so November. He will be greatly missed please check your programme. Details by his family and friends and did so will also be on the Martley web. much for this community and as Fingers crossed for good weather. Churchwarden of the Church of St. Weren’t we lucky for the November Peter worked tirelessly. His faith was walk, the last of the season, a dry, evident for all to see and carried him sunny day with good autumnal colour? into the arms of Christ. We thank God Kate King for him and remember him with joy. Our love and prayers go out to Chris, and Nick, Karen, Abi and Esther, Stuart and Jade, and Lorna and Frankie. In Memoriam Ursula Nellist Ursula Nellist was also a dearly loved member of the church and community. Having lived in , Horsham and Wants Green, she made many friends. Pudford Tweets She worshipped at St. Peter's for 62 At the time of writing, early years latterly taking her communion at December, the Pudford Glacier is home. She did not miss a Harvest forming and who knows at this stage Festival in that time, her last service for how many weeks it will last? being 2010 Harvest Service. She Constant running water is nothing new will be remembered with love and as locals of former days always said it thanksgiving. Our love and prayers go was the wettest lane in Martley. It has out to Sons Roger and Stewart and his probably not been helped by the 2002 wife Catherine and sons Thomas and earthquake opening up the fault line Edward and sister Doreen. across Pudford Lane, running up to The Nubbins. It is called the Line of Martley Parish Council Disturbance, but this may only refer to Unapproved draft edited record of trying to keep warring residents apart, the meeting held on 7 November 2010 not that we have any Democratic Period/Public Question such problems these Time days. A discussion was held between Kate King Councillors and a representative of

January 2011 * The Villager 13 Martley Recreation Association. A the milage to be displayed. The Clerk separate meeting will be called will contact MHDC Tree Officer between Martley Recreation regarding the land outside Heaton Association and Martley Parish House. Lengthsman: will look at Council. In the meantime Martley Hollins Lane, clear the lay-by each PC’s Clerk and Martley Recreation month, repair the grip by the sawmill Association’s Secretary will meet to and improve the area opposite Rogers discuss the community spaces. coaches. Training: the Clerk has Minutes : amended the standing orders to show The minutes for the previous Parish delegated power for urgent decisions Council meeting were approved with and planning to be addressed by full one correction. council. Outstanding actions from previous District and County Councillor’s minutes : reports: The Clerk will continue to investigate: County Cllr Davies reported that: the authorisation of cycle races and County Council have the herbicide spraying; and will requested information on maintenance discuss the Local Youth Forum with requirements on the rights of way. the Police. WCC needs to save £66 million over Progress Reports: four years in compliance the The Clerk: clear sites will be marked Comprehensive Spending Review; on a map to be displayed on the WCC are considering the possibility village board as a temporary measure. of aligning with Cheltenham, Highways report - submitted. Outdoor Gloucester or Birmingham; MHDC Smart Water pack - ordered. SPORT are also considering alignment. Martley had left a message with a Meeting dates for 2011: future date for a meeting. District Dates were agreed and will be Councillor Williams passed the published and nearer the time. The appropriate contact details to Annual Parish Meeting will be Councillor Metcalfe to contact highlighted in The Villager and on the SPORT Martley. YIMMS - update village notice boards. and a new contact name given. Planning : Freedom of Martley boards - Mr New Cropp has been thanked and now the 10/01360/HOU Shelton House, boards need updating for the 2010 Newtown – Extensions and recipients. Litter Warden - bank modifications to existing residential payment to be set up. 2009/2010 dwelling. annual return - update at the next 10/01135/FUL Tomkins Farm, Hope meeting. Milestone - will be cast at House Lane – Residential conversion Bliss Hill Foundry at Iron Bridge; of attached barn and upgrading of Councillor Fearnehough to confirm house.

14 The Villager * January 2011 Pending Meeting met on that date in the Board 10/01172/HOU White Cottage, Room of the Union Workhouse. Col A Kingswood – Erection of extensions D Currie (of Laugherne House) was and swimming pool. elected unopposed as chairman of the 10/01125/HOU Penny Patch, meeting. Sixteen nominations for nine Hillside – Two storey extension to seats as councillors were handed in; rear and side. one in favour of Col Curie, who then 10/00627/HOU 3 Masons View, withdrew his candidature. After a few Laugherne Park – Conservatory to questions from electors, they then rear, ensuite extension and erection of voted by a show of hands, and Mr J G shed within domestic curtilage. Rogers, Mr Wm A Rogers, Mr J Refused Rowley, Mr R Threlful, Mr J Davis, 10/01074/HOU White Cottage, Mr R S Nash, Mr J Dovey, Mr W Kingswood – Erection of replacement Caswell and Mr R Dowding were garage and store. elected. So Col Currie was not an Finance : elected councillor. The first meeting There were five cheques totalling of the elected Parish Council was on £664.15 approved. The precept will be 17 December 1894. Apart from voting considered by the Finance Working down (5-4) that the public should be Group. admitted to meetings, but agreeing to Councillors reports and items for reporters being present, and attending future agenda: to procedural matters, the meeting The Clerk is to write to a) Highways closed. regarding the potential danger of the The second meeting on 17 January metal railings sticking out at 1895 set up procedures and a Kenswick Manor at the junction of committee to look into the provision Willow Road and the B4204. of allotments. 26 November 2010, at Councillors asked that the Parish the time of writing, Martley still has Council information on the website be no allotments! updated; b) to the footballers Alan Boon following concerns raised by parishioners regarding parking on the road and the use of foul language. Martley Library Opening Times Date of next meeting: Monday 2—7 pm Meetings are held on the first Monday Wednesday 4—6 pm of the month (public holidays Thursday 10am -1 pm excepts). Friday 2 - 4 pm Saturday 10am -12 noon Martley’s Past 01886 888396 (opening hours only) Parish Councils came into being on 4 December 1894, and the first Parish

January 2011 * The Villager 15 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Janet Andrews 01886 888303 Sheila Richards 01886 888378

boarder. He was very musical and Church Flowers learned to play the piano and this 2 January Mrs Webb became a lifelong pleasure. He had 9 January Mrs S Richards many interests; a love of horses and a 16 January Mrs S Richards keen interest in horse racing. He also 23 January Mrs Andrews enjoyed motorbike scrambling. He 30 January Benefice Service at was a great animal and bird lover, Martley always concerned for their welfare. Ken had driven coaches for many Ladies Fellowship years, including the school buses and The next meeting of the Ladies was a very popular driver. Fellowship will be on 18 January, We send our deepest sympathy to weather permitting. Venue to be Dorothy and to all the family. Ken decided. will be sadly missed by us all. Thank you—From Frank Gardens Wanted and Mu Wichenford Open Gardens weekend Frank and Mu would like to thank will take place on 25 and 26 June their lovely family, friends and 2011. This has become a major neighbours for all the cards and best fundraising event benefiting both wishes on the occasion of their Golden village organisations and St Richard’s Wedding and for helping to make it an Hospice, Worcester. Each time we extra special day. Thank you all. open we become more well-known, attract more visitors and raise more Kenneth Gerald Grosvenor money. In 2009 we were able to give Ken had lived in Wichenford all his away close to £8,500, and obviously life; the Grosvenor family have lived we should like to improve on this in the village for many decades. Ken result in June 2011. attended Wichenford School and then However, to achieve this we need went on to the Bluecoat School as a more people willing to open their

16 The Villager * January 2011 Nora Parsons Day Centre We have had a busy few months at Day Centre since I last did a report. Volunteers have been working hard fund raising – something that needs to be a continuous process in order for us to continue to flourish. We had a most successful auction which raised just under £1,600. Thanks to all who gardens to our visitors (they like to see donated items or promises and ‘new’ gardens as well as ones which particular thanks to Dave Bradley for they have visited previously), and we being such a fantastic auctioneer. He like to have a variety of gardens to extracted money from people and they ‘show off’! So, hopefully, we’re still enjoyed themselves! appealing to everyone living in We changed our Christmas Fayre from Wichenford and its surrounding midweek to Saturday - unfortunately a areas – please consider opening your bitterly cold day - but we still raised garden – we’re after gardens of all around £500. Again, thanks to types and sizes – large and glamorous everyone who helped and supported is fine, but small and interesting is us. When you read this we will have equally as valuable, and odd and had our Christmas Lunch on 16 querky is a bonus! December with our annual visit from If you feel that you would like to take Santa, had our winter break and be part, or help in any way at all, please ready for re-opening on 3 January. contact one of the following – you will Once again – can I appeal for any be welcomed in spades, (as well as volunteers to either drive or help at the forks and trowels)! Alan Green 01886- Centre? Drivers can do as little as one 888158 Mary Hyland 01886-888431 journey per month and an allowance Sheila Richards 01886-888378 Judith of .40p per mile can be paid. O’Leary 01886-888253. Janet Dale Wichenford 100 Club Secretary Congratulations to our November Thank You—From Shirley, winners of the Wichenford 100 Club 1st prize to Sue Vale and returned Melvin and Tom subsciptions to A Smith and Mr Shirley, Melvyn and Tom would like Catmur. Drawn by Jank Spiers to thank their wonderful family; Clair Corbett friends and neighbours for the kind

January 2011 * The Villager 17 messages; support and offers of help the hedge the Footpath Wardens can over the last few weeks. It has been a report the item as simply having been very emotional time and it is damaged and a repair can be carried comforting to know that we are out at no cost to the parish. So please, surrounded by such genuine people in when an accident does occur, and Wichenford. The village really knows several fingerposts have recently gone how to pull together in a time of crisis missing in Wichenford; do leave the and it makes you realise how lucky we remains where they can be found and are to live here. I would like to thank recovered. Replacements can then be the very kind lady who held requested from the County Council. Christopher’s hand and man who Finally, if you do not cut hedges contacted us and the emergency mechanically yourself, but employ a services. You know who you are and contractor, please advise them of the we are eternally grateful to you. situation before they begin work. I am pleased to report that Chris is Thank you. now home, being waited on hand and Heather Rendall foot. He is not very mobile but is progressing slowly. Thank you all What’s Happening at once again. Cob House? Yummy Mummy Mondays – 9.45 to Notice Regarding 10.45 - Join us for just a coffee and a Hedgecutting chat or join in with the Fundamental The Environmental Services Movement group – great fun for the Department of the Worcestershire young ones. County Council have informed Parish Tuesday – Senior Citizens Special – Footpath Wardens that, if a footpath small carvery and dessert with tea or signpost or fingerpost is accidentally filter coffee, for £5.99 cut down during hedgecutting and the Mobile Library – this will be visiting pieces are removed from the site, then us every 3 rd Thursday 1.30-2.12pm. the Footpath Warden has to report the Fishing – Coarse Fish for £6 (up to post as having been removed and 31st Dec) £6.20 (from 1st January), effectively “stolen”. In turn, the Trout fishing also County Council will record the post as available. Wednesday affordable open “stolen” and this ends up on the Police match £10 all in, Saturday open match List of Stolen Items which is referred £15 all in. to by insurance companies when Usborne Books – 2nd Saturday of assessing parish insurance premiums, every month. hence any increase in removals or Breast Feeding Chums Group – 10.30 deemed “thefts” may unfortunately to 11.30 – Every other Friday starting increase annual premiums. However, on the 14th January. Contact Kate if the damaged pieces are left by or in Alty, Teme Valley Children’s Centre

18 The Villager * January 2011 01886 812982 (also see article on meet Minty and Molly the Kune Kune p.11) Pigs, Jabba and Kwai the Alpacas, Breakfast and Coarse Fishing – Prancer and Dancer the Reindeer - not Monday to Friday take advantage of a to mention the Chickens, Ducks, full English Breakfast for just £3.75 Rabbit and Guinea Pig – Entry to the with complimentary toast and filter animals FOC coffee/tea included and if you would Spy School – 21-23 Feb 2011 and 31 like, enjoy a days coarse fishing for May to the 2 June 2011 just £4 CSI Experience – 11-15April 2011 Fish Movements – with the movement Adventure Experience – 8-12 August season well into swing, if you know 2011 someone with a garden pond or Archery Range – Coming Spring 2011 fishery that would like to top up their Help for Hero’s Charity Day - 2 May stocks, let us know. 2011 – watch out for further details Angling Academy – if you are doing a Snowman Competition – providing bit of online shopping please help us you can leave home safely and we raise money for the angling academy, have snow (!), pop along and create just go to www.buy.at/CHAA where your masterpiece, judging will take you will find hundreds of retailers place daily. waiting to give us some money! Check website for up to date events Come and see the animals – come and www.cobhouse.org Kenswick and Wichenford Parish Council Unapproved abbreviated draft minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 22 November 2010 in the Memorial Hall Wichenford. Democratic half hour/public question time. PC Hood reported on the emails received regarding the trai- rider bikes through Rosses Lane. It seems this is now happening on a Saturday. The signs have also been turned round. Both of these are prosecutable offences so must be reported. District and County Councillors Report Reindeer at Cob House District Cllr Williams reported on the

January 2011 * The Villager 19 RSS which the coalition government route follow the headlands. Work on revoked. This has implications for Holt Bridge will begin in January for work on the South Worcestershire 15months; the bridge will remain open Joint Core Strategy (SWJCS ) which but will operate on a traffic light has been based on housing figures system. Worcestershire Hub are from the RSS (Regional Spatical concerned that the elderly in rural Strategies). The South Worcestershire areas are not getting what they are authorities welcomed this move as entitled to. Broadheath are very now the three councils can create a concerned about the growth of new plan on local housing aspirations. Worcester. A planning application is The work carried out under the now at Malvern Hills for 3,200 houses SWJCS must not be lost. So the South and a decision is being made on it in Worcestershire development plan will December. The gritting routes have be launched. now been decided. There were 800 Council has joined forces with four locations suggested for salt boxes but other councils in Worcestershire to only 200 boxes are available. The combine purchasing power and get parish clerk will be contacted with the better value for money for residents. It locations. is anticipated that the new Minutes arrangement will deliver between 5- The minutes were signed as a true 10% in savings. This will be achieved record. by jointly seeking contracts for goods Progress Reports and services which ensure stronger Overgrown hedge at Willow Road: influencing powers and sharing There has been no response to the expertise across all the local letter and the hedge has still not been authorities. Cllr Williams asked the cut. The clerk is to write to the parish council to explain the diversion landowner again. Parking on B4204: for footpath KS507 as she has been This seems to have now stopped and is asked for her comments. no longer an issue. The white posts at County Councillor Davies believes the Kenswick were done and a letter was proposed diversion of footpath KS507 received within 10 days from the CC is crazy. The original route has been to say they must be removed as they abandoned and a new route has been would be liable if someone hurt proposed by the applicant as it was felt themselves. New posts have now been by various parties that the suggested erected by WCC. diversion was less convenient to Planning walkers as it was longer. The parish Applications considered since the last council will write again to WCC and meeting. reiterate their comments in the first 10/01169/CPU Heatherlea, response given and ask that common Wichenford. sense prevail and have the preferred The parish council had no objections

20 The Villager * January 2011 to this proposal. the list of routes. There have been 800 Applications approved, refused, requests for salt boxes but only 200 withdrawn . will be available. None. Vehicle Activated Signs Applications to be considered. The clerk was asked to establish the None. cost of the vehicle activated signs with Finance the possibility of owning our own. The The balance for the 29 October 2010 signs must be used on poles that are stands at £13,143.00. There were three already in existence and will be in cheques totalling £1,070.12 for each parish for a maximum of two agreement and signature. These months. The pc agreed to sign the included the clerk’s salary and contract as the scheme will start in expenses and rent for the memorial January. hall. Wichenford Churchyard Grant: Councillors’ Training The parish council unanimously Councillor Panton has attended agreed to give a donation of £400. meeting on the Regional Spatial NPDC: The parish council agreed to Strategy. pay for the work on the oak tree at the Councillor’s Reports and Items For day centre. It was agreed that cllr Future Agendas Rendall should be reimbursed for the The parish council were asked if they grass cutting on Kingsgreen. would agree to the lay-by on the Budget B4204 at the bottom of Castle Hill to The budget for 2011/2012 was be cleared as it is full of brambles accepted and the precept request for which are overhanging the verge. It £7,000 will remain the same. was suggested that the footpath Rosses and Guises Lanes. wardens contact the Countryside This has been discussed with PC Centre and ask if they could qualify Hood. Several emails have been for the Payback scheme. The council written to Mr Oliver at the CC and also had no objections to bird and bat there will be a meeting with the parish boxes being erected on the footpath. council; contractors and the Highways The parish council agreed to approach Department before any work landowners about the mud on the road. commences. The parish council would Landowners should make sure that an prefer that nothing is done as it seems agreement is made between them and a waste of money during a very their contractors about the difficult financial time. Cyclist and responsibility before work horse riders have managed for many commences . years and it seems ludicrous that Date and Venue of Next Meetings widening is needed. Meetings were arranged for 17 Jan, 28 Gritting Routes Feb and 11 April 2011 Venn Lane and Horn Lane are now on

January 2011 * The Villager 21 A Wing and a Prayer (A true story) The Villager would like to He lay by the fastened window wish all its readers a very Eyes closed beak open. Motionless. How many days trapped and happy 2011 helpless? Gently she picked him up and felt a faint tremor. A little soul departing? Mobile Library 2011 Ockeridge Silver Oaks 9.45–10.05 She ran to the tap and with a small Wichenford teaspoon Malvern View 10.10–10.35 Fed him droplets. Church 10.45–11.05 Nothing. Nothing. Nothing and Kings Green Farm 11.15–11.40 then a slight flutter. Rosses Green 11.45–12.05 And he drank and drank and drank Martley Hillside The life giving water. Horn Lane Bungalows 12.10–12.25 Martley His eyes opened he stretched his Taylors of Martley 12.30–12.45 wings and LUNCH Heaton House 1.20–1.50 Unsteadily miraculously he flew up Church 1.55–2.15 to Clifton His prison door. Village Hall 2.30–3.50 She opened the window and the little Lazarus soared The Mobile Library will be visiting these And she soared too. stops on Wednesdays on the dates listed below in 2011: 12 January 21 February 23 February This morning a blue tit tapped at her 16 March 6 April 27 April window. 18 May 8 June 29 June Was it he? 20 July 10 August 31 August Of course not. 21 September 12 October 2 November But secretly she knew. 23 November 14 December HH

The Mobile Library will also be visiting Cob House Fisheries every 3rd Thursday 1.30-2.15pm

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

22 The Villager * January 2011 Burns Supper with Scottish Country Dancing The Villager needs an Editor—could that be YOU? Friday 28 January 2011 Out current editor is giving up, so

Martley Village Hall if the magazine is to continue, a new editor is needed. 7.00pm for 7.30pm prompt start You will be a good team-worker A fun evening to and good communicator, and be celebrate the life and works of Robert computer-literate. Familiarity Burns, Scotland’s finest poet with word-processing and page- layout software would be very We will start with the meal: useful too. Cock– a– Leekie Soup To find out more about what is Haggis (or vegetarian haggis), Neeps, required, contact Tony on 01886 and Tatties, with vegetables 888500 [email protected] or Or Vegetarian mushroom stroganoff and Michelle on 01886 888344 wild rice [email protected]. Tipsy Laird ( sherry and whisky trifle) Coffee and Mints (Catering by Cobwebs restaurant Evesham)

Entertainment will follow the meal including readings and poems of Robert Burns

ALL WELCOME. Tickets £20.00 per head. Cash bar. A Plea to all Cat Owners

This popular event was a sell-out last As I write this, snow is covering the year so please book early to avoid ground and temperatures are missing out. plummeting to a record low, and Please wear some tartan on the night or according to the Met Office, worse is to come. Refilling the garden bird- dress to kill! feeders and thawing their water has Tickets can be obtained from: become a twice-daily routine. I love Sheila Richards 01886 888378; birds. I worry about them. I want them Gill Richardson 01905 425652 to flourish. They are as important to James Hyslop: 01886 888359: my wellbeing as the food in the Yvonne Pearce 01886 821959 feeders is to them. I could not imagine Organised by the local Church of churches a world without them. Now here’s the for the community and sponsored by New Alphabet Group. Profit will go to local charities. rub. I share my house and garden with four cats. Today, they lie snuggled in

January 2011 * The Villager 23 the house, in hibernation mode, not really wanting to go out. But The Educational increasing numbers of neighbourhood Supplement cats are lurking outside, waiting to Medieval Journeys pounce on any hapless bird. It is, of Dr Katherine Lack will trace some course, what cats are programmed to medieval journeys across Europe. do. By feeding our garden birds and An Icelandic bishop travels to providing a suitable habitat, we help Rome, the route of the first many more to survive and breed the Crusade, for example will be following year. But feeding stations in highlighted and brought to life by a the garden also attracts cats. The geographer who turned to remedy? Responsible Cat Ownership. agricultural biology before the Please don’t get me wrong. I love cats, medieval era entranced her. and have been privileged to share my Currently researching eighteenth house with many over the years. But I century travels in Herefordshire Dr have trained them not to stalk and kill Katherine’s depth of academic birds. A carefully-aimed squirt of background promises a series of water from a washing up liquid bottle unusual sidelights on a fascinating has always done the trick. (Do keep age. out of sight or they might think you The talks will be held at Shelsley are trying to drive them away from Village Hall (starting at 7.30pm) on you, which is not the plan)! And 18 January, 1 and 15 February and during those times when birds are at 1 March 2011. The cost, which their most vulnerable, I keep them includes a mid-lecture drink, is £26 inside. (This is not always 100% for the series or £8 per night. foolproof-the odd cat has been known Proceeds to church funds. to sneak out at night when I wasn’t Contact: Johnny Crabbe at looking)! But I try. Yes, I hear you Fetterlocks, say, but birds of prey also kill and eat WR6 6QS, 01886 812 373, or birds don’t they? But small birds are johnjean.crabbe @virgin .net the only source of food for birds of prey, and they need to eat to survive. We feed our cats, so they don’t need to catch small birds to survive. But in the end, some of you may have read the RSPB statement; “Despite the large numbers of birds killed, there is no scientific evidence that predation by cats in gardens is having any impact on bird populations UK-wide. AH

24 The Villager * January 2011 force rhubarb and also strawberries. In the Garden Bring on a few strawberry plants under cover to give you an early treat. Winter pruning of fruit trees and bushes, and grape vines, needs to be completed soon. Follow with an application of organic or slow-release fertiliser, In the garden January which feeds the plant but avoids too January and February are our coldest much growth early in the season when months: the lowest-ever temperature it may be damaged by a cold spell. recorded in England was -26 in Janu- Many ornamental climbers need prun- ary 1982 in a Shropshire valley. You ing at this time of year. This includes need to watch the weather forecasts so wisteria, vines, ivies, Virginia creeper, that you can protect your vulnerable Boston Ivy and climbing hydrangeas. plants from frost and protect young By cutting sideshooots back close to evergreens from cold winds that can the main stems you will prevent them scorch the foliage. Cold air is denser invading your window frames and gut- than warm, so it rolls downwards and ters later in the year. If you have over- collects at the lowest points. Look out wintering fuchsias they should be for these 'frost pockets' in your garden pruned hard and repotted now, when and avoid them when you are planting they start into growth move them to a tender plants or fruit trees. light position and water more often. It is not too early to start thinking of Shrubs to look out for in January: for sowing seeds if you have a frost-free colour, gold,orange or red stems of greenhouse, conservatory, or even a dogwoods and willows. For scent, the spare bedroom window-sill. Summer winter-flowering shrubs such as plants which need a long growing sea- Daphne, Viburnum, Witch hazel, son, such as pelargoniums, begonias, Sarcococca and Wintersweet. lobelias and snapdragons, can be On Twelfth Night,-6 January, is the started off towards the end of the Wassail in Herefordshire. This is the month, also sweetpeas. Vegetables blessing of the apple orchards to en- such as aubergines, peppers and onions sure a good crop of cider apples in the also need an early following autumn. In start but for most the Leominster area others it is proba- there is a torchlit pro- bly best to wait cession and a blessing until late February ceremony followed by when better light- a Mummers play. For levels produce details see www. stronger growth. leominstermorris.co.uk. Now is the time to JC

January 2011 * The Villager 25

Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664

Another new year arrives with all its our minds as we look towards the hopes and dreams, with the positive things that lie ahead for us. It anticipation of all that lies before us. also means that we do not go alone We know only too well there will be into the future, but with others by our joys and sorrows, fears and happiness: side, and it is helpful to know that God all these emotions confront us is with us also. But what about the throughout the coming year. If we difficult times? I am reminded of what knew what was ahead of us we would was said of Jesus by the writer of probably find it difficult to cope. For Hebrews, who said, “Looking to Jesus some of you, you know what lies the pioneer and perfector of our faith, ahead is the happiness of a wedding or who for the sake of the joy that was a birth or another celebration. For set before him endured the cross. others there is the fear of illness, the (Hebrews 12:2). There is some loneliness of grief and other mystery in this verse that beyond adjustments to life that need to be suffering there is joy that only God made. We may reflect can bring and the joy that back over the past year awaits us in eternity. God is with the regrets of with us in our suffering in the mistakes made, with the here and now and goes with us joy of things we have done whatever we face. We can be and achieved, perhaps you assured that he himself endured passed an exam or suffering for us and that within celebrated some other the suffering we face it is achievement. We are often comforting to know he going to be affected by the understands. May we in this past as we look to the year ahead commit ourselves future, yet there is some afresh to him and walk in his good advice from St Paul way and press on for that goal who said, “Forgetting what lies behind which Paul spoke of: the upward call and straining forward to what lies in Christ Jesus and look unto him for ahead, I press on towards the goal for our help. May God be with you the prize of the heavenly call of God throughout this year. God Bless in Christ Jesus.” (Phillipians 3:13-14). David Sherwin This is a good principle to hold within

26 The Villager * January 2011 Church Services for January

SUN 2 JAN 8.00am Holy Communion, Knightwick Chapel 10.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30am Family Worship, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Morning Worship, St Mary Magdalene, 6.30pm Evensong, St Leonard, Mon 3 Jan 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford Tue 4 Jan 10am Holy Communion – St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas SUN 9 JAN 8.00am Holy Communion, St Leonard, Cotheridge 10.30am Family Worship, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Mon 10 Jan 8.30am Prayer Breakfast at Jennifer’s. Tue 11 Jan 10.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 12 Jan 10:15am Holy Communion, Heaton House SUN 16 JAN 8.00am Holy Communion, St Peter Martley 9.00am Matins, St Leonard, Cotheridge 10.30am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 10.30am Morning Worship, St Peter Martley 3.00pm Evening Worship, Knightwick Chapel 4.00pm Evening Worship, St Laurence Wichenford Mon 17 Jan 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Tue 18 Jan 10.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas SUN 23 JAN 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 9.30am Holy Communion, St Peter Martley 10.30am Family Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 10.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 6.30pm Evening Worship, St Peter Martley Mon 24 Jan 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Tue 25 Jan 10.00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wed 26 Jan 10:15am Holy Communion, Heaton House Fri 28 Jan 7.30pm Burns Night Supper – Martley Village Memorial Hall SUN 30 JAN 11.00am WWRT Holy Communion at St Edburga’s Church, Leigh, with The Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Rev David Walker

January 2011 * The Villager 27 Village Contacts

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

Church Rector: Revd David Sherwin—01886 888664 or (Worcestershire West Rural [email protected] Team) Assistant Priest : Revd Jennifer Whittaker—01886 833897 Martley Parish Council Chair : Cllr. D Goodyear—01886 888423; Clerk : Sally Williams—01299 832949 Martley WI President : Helen CoombeyJones—01886 888294 Martley & District Horticultural Pam Minchin—01886 888521 or Margaret Jackson—01886 888654 Society Royal British Legion Joyce Tyler—01886 821551 Martley Toddler Group Will—01886 888340 or Jane—01886 888852

Martley Ramblers Harry King—01886 888439

Martley Young Farmers Lou Wickens—01886-812754 or Caroline Bullock—01905-333617 Path-or-Nones John Nicklin—01886 888318 [email protected] Resource Centre Alan Boon—01886 888527

Police “Surgery” CSO Matt Smith 7184—Martley Local Policing Team Police Station extn. 3581 Martley Website [email protected] Martley Web Mesh Richard Jackman—01886 821237 [email protected] John Layton—01886888460 [email protected] Tom Pearsall—01886 888256 [email protected] Martley Pre-School Kath/Lucy—01886 889127 www.martleypreschool.co.uk

Martley Recreation Association Bookings —Pat Owen 01886 888406 [email protected] (playing fields) Martley Memorial Village Hall Chair —Neil Stammers 01886-888513 [email protected] Committee Secretary —Annette Smith 01886-821895 [email protected] or Lyn Wheeler 01886-889240 [email protected] Wichenford contacts for The Janet Andrews—01886 888303 or Sheila Richards—01886 888378 Villager Kenswick & Wichenford Parish Clerk—Shirley Sanders 01886 888302 Council Wichenford Wine Club Chairman—Bill Hylan 01886 888431 Wichenford Local Heritage Heather Rendall—01886 888239 Group

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

28 The Villager * January 2011 Oh look! No cracker jokes! Thank goodness!

Little Witley’s January film ’s January film is Brideshead Revisited and is showing on Saturday 22 January 2011. This latest adaptation (2008) of the novel by Evelyn Waugh centres around the memoirs of Captain Charles Ryder who is stationed at Brideshead Castle during WW2 and remembers his involvement with the owners. Excellent re make. See details of the Little Witley Film Society on the Leisure page of www.martley. org.uk or phone Jean Latham on 01886 888888122 or Bob Jose on 01886 888383 .

January 2011 * The Villager 29