Worcestershire MARCH 2020 ECHO “Worcestershire In A Positive Light”

INSIDE YOUR MARCH ISSUE • Mothers Day Ideas • Local Theatres • Local History • Local Sports • Local Events

Taking the greatest care A. V. BAND FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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3 MOTHERS DAY - SUNDAY 22nd MARCH

TREAT YOUR MUM WITH SOME OF THESE GREAT GIFT IDEAS

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Large Range of personalised Valentines gifts and cards Get that perfect gift for your loved one this Valentines day Create a personalised gift with love at St Johns Post Office

St Johns Post Office, King Charles Place Opening Hours: St Johns, Worcester, WR2 5AJ Mon - Fri 8:30am-5:30pm Tel: 01905 427386 Saturday 9am - 4pm 4 MOTHERS DAY - SUNDAY 22nd MARCH

There are some dates you do not want to forget and Mother’s Day is definitely one of the big ones. Your wedding anniversary is one but making sure you celebrate your mum is equally important, so if you are in the UK, US or much of Europe, take note of when it falls in 2020. When is Mother’s Day 2020? In the UK the wonderful event is celebrated on Sunday 22nd March 2020 In the United States and many destinations around the globe, Mother’s Day 2020 is being celebrated on Sunday, May 12. The special day is a chance for families to show their appreciation for their mothers. Mothering Sunday in the UK was originally a day for servants to go to their hometown and worship in their local church, with their families. What is Mothering Sunday?

Mothering Sunday is a celebration held to honour mums and maternal figures. The day has evolved into an occasion for kids to honour and give presents to their hardworking mums. In the UK, it was originally linked to religion but has since lost a lot of its connections to the church and is mainly a family day. Why does the UK have a different Mother’s Day to the US? In the UK, the original event had nothing to do with mothers at all and it was a day for Christians to visit their “mother” church. On their way home, these youths would pick wild flowers to place in the church - or give to their mums. The US event was launched separately and was not linked to religion but was dedicated entirely to mothers. It has since evolved into a day for kids to honour their mums - giving flowers and presents Why does the date of Mother’s Day change each year? Mothering Sunday in the US is an annual holiday held on the second Sunday in May, so the date slightly varies each year. In the UK, the date is linked to Easter, which is different each year as it is determined by the lunar calendar. The UK’s Mother’s Day always falls on the fourth Sunday during the period of Lent, when people typically give up things like certain foods or bad habits for the days leading up to Easter.

D & R WORCESTER Specialists in block paving, slab laying, fencing, garden walls, artificial grass & turfing Swan Theatre • 11th & 12th March • 7.30pm

ABBA Forever is one of the UK’s leading International tribute shows and theatre audiences from across Great Britain and Sweden have long enjoyed this superb recreation of possibly the world‘s greatest pop band. The unique ABBA sound is replicated with an incredible attention to detail, using a six-piece band featuring electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and piano, drums and bass guitar. Two outstanding ABBA girls complete the line-up, adding the essential glitz and glamour to a well-polished and gently humorous show.

The wonderful lyrics penned by Benny and Bjorn are sung in won- derful harmony by all six performers on stage. Dynamic non-stop choreography, stunning visuals, top class musicianship and an all live performance ensures that the ABBA Forever Show captivates audiences from the opening refrain to the final sing-along chorus of this two-hour spectacular.

For More Information & To Book Tickets Visit www.worcesterlive.co.uk

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On the 13th May 1985 Dire Straits released what would become one of the best-selling albums of all time; delivering a stream of classic songs and propelling the band into global superstar status. To celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the release of Brothers in Arms, Dire Streets – Europe’s most critically acclaimed Dire Straits tribute act – will be playing the album live in its entirety. Dire Streets are six of the UK’s top tribute musicians, recreating the distinctive style of Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits with an attention to detail no other tribute can match. The 2020 Brothers in Arms Anniversary Tour delivers a two-hour show including a live performance of the album from start to finish, as well as all the classic hits from the band’s other studio albums and legendary live performances. From the classic rock riffs of Money for Nothing, the smooth jazz-tinged flavours of Latest Trick, and foot-tapping classics like Walk of Life to the epic guitar anthem title track, Brothers in Arms is a true classic album. Join Dire Streets as they celebrate one of the greatest British rock albums of all time.

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Following their ongoing success within the Worcestershire area, the Sterling Network Group are proud to announce the launch of their new and vibrant networking group on the 6th February 2020, set in the heart of Malvern. Located at the Mount Pleasant Hotel and run by group leader Jason French, their experienced team of professionals will be offering a relaxed and flexible structure to networking, including their coveted Engine Room technique, to help facilitate strong, long-lasting connections and friendships. Created by Neil and Tracey Davis, the Sterling Network Group offers a fresh take on networking within the local business arena. Providing a dynamic twist to cultivating new relationships across the industries, their unique structure, paired with a one-seat policy allows attendees to gain maximum exposure for themselves, as well as their businesses. Neil said: “No matter how many groups we open, we are always passionate about every single group we have, and even more excited and proud every single time we open a new group, adding new members to the Sterling family.” Following the launch, the Malvern Breakfast Group will meet every other Thursday from 6.45am to 8.30am at the Mount Pleasant Hotel, 50 Bellevue Terrace, Malvern, WR14 4PZ. Sterling Networks currently has over 250 members, with numbers ever-increasing, alongside numerous networking groups across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire, as their national presence within the county continues to grow. For further information, and to book your space for the Malvern launch, please call 01905 947150 or visit the Sterling Network website at sterlingnetworks.co.uk/malvern-breakfast.

01905 01905 352777 Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU www.dixyworcester.com

8 Formed in 1911, The Worcester and Mid Worcestershire Branch is a separate charity in its own right. Covering Worcester, Malvern, Droitwich, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Rubery, Alcester, Henley-in-Arden, Pershore and surrounding districts. It’s main aim is to re-home animals within this area. Our Branch is an independent charity relying primarily on public donations. It is run by volunteers ensuring all money donated goes directly for the benefit of the hundreds of animals that come into our care each year, many of which have been abandoned, abused, neglected, injured or unwanted, as well as those whose owners have died or whose circumstances have changed.

CAN YOU GIVE THE BEAUTIFUL SPARTA & ALBERT A FOREVER HOME?

Sparta is our lovely shy girl who was brought to the centre when found in a skip at a business estate. A kind man there fed her for a while till they trapped her and brought her to the RSPCA. At first, we felt that Sparta might be somewhat Feral - not fully, but was definitely not used to the domestic lifestyle, a cat that we felt would be best suited to a more outdoor lifestyle, that was until the lead up to Christmas, when she met Albert, a lovely cat with the heart condition cardiomyo- pathy, and now the two are inseparable and would like to be rehomed together!

Albert is an extremely affectionate cat who has never failed to greet you at the door with some headbutts and a purr and he will even roll over for you to tickle his belly! The Holdings Holdings Lane, Kempsey. WR5 3FP Or CAll 01905 822799 www. rspca-worcester.org E B Memorials Jimhilly Local Family Business Caring for your grief.

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42 Premier League Fixtures March

SUNDAY 1ST MARCH Everton 14:00 Manchester United Manchester City 14:00 Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur 14:00 Wolves SATURDAY 7TH MARCH Arsenal 15:00 West Ham United Burnley 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea 15:00 Everton Crystal Palace 15:00 Watford Leicester City 15:00 Aston Villa Liverpool 15:00 AFC Bournemouth Manchester United 15:00 Manchester City Sheffield United 15:00 Norwich City Southampton 15:00 Newcastle United Wolverhampton Wanderer 15:00 Brighton SATURDAY 14TH MARCH Aston Villa 15:00 Chelsea AFC Bournemouth 15:00 Crystal Palace Brighton & Hove Albion 15:00 Arsenal Everton 15:00 Liverpool Manchester City 15:00 Burnley Newcastle United 15:00 Sheffield United Norwich City 15:00 Southampton Tottenham Hotspur 15:00 Manchester United Watford 15:00 Leicester City West Ham United 15:00 Wolves SATURDAY 21ST MARCH Burnley 15:00 Watford Chelsea 15:00 Manchester City Leicester City 15:00 Brighton & Hove Albion Liverpool 15:00 Crystal Palace Manchester United 15:00 Sheffield United Newcastle United 15:00 Aston Villa

To keep up to date with all the latest news, tables and results please visit www.premierleague.com

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43 44 Domestic Cleaning Services Based In Worcester Providing cleaning services in Worcester & the surrounding areas, Stuart Callister, Eve Winkler & team are on hand in West Midlands to make sure that your home is looked after to your exact requirements. Bright & Beautiful Worcester is part of an award-winning concept in domestic homecare, providing eco-friendly cleaning, tidying, laundry and ironing; with carefully selected fully employed cleaners working to the highest standards of security and service.

Regular Housekeeping For Busy Professionals Specialising in regular housekeeping services, we ensure your home is beautifully clean and tidy and can also take care of the laundry and ironing; leaving you free to enjoy your hard-earned free time. We provide a range of professional domestic services that can be tailored to your specific needs on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

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01905 358222 only£20.95 FREE Delivery (min.order £8) ST PATRICKS DAY 2020 - MARCH 17TH ST PATRICKS DAY FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

Every March 17, countries around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in observance of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland credited for bringing Christianity to the country. Initially a religious feast day in the 17th century, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a day of celebrating Irish culture with parades, music, dancing, special foods, and of course, a lot of green. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here are a few interesting St. Patrick’s Day facts! • Saint Patrick didn’t wear green. His color was “Saint Patrick’s blue.” The color green became associated with St. Patrick’s Day after it was linked to the Irish independence movement in the late 18th century. • Despite his Irish notoriety, Saint Patrick was British. He was born to Roman parents in Scotland or Wales in the late fourth century. • According to Irish legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he was first introducing Christianity to Ireland. •Saint Patrick is credited for driving the snakes out of Ireland, but according to the fossil record, Ireland has never been home to snakes as it was too cold to host reptiles during the Ice Age. The surrounding seas have kept snakes out since. • There isn’t any corn in the traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal of corned beef and cabbage. The name is a reference to the large grains of salt historically used to cure meats, which were also known as “corns.” • Saint Patrick was born “Maewyn Succat” but changed his name to “Patricius” after becoming a priest. • Irish immigrants began observing St. Patrick’s Day in Boston in 1737 and the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in America was held in New York City in 1766. • In Chicago, the Plumbers Local 110 union dyes the river Kelly green. The dye lasts for around five hours. • On or around St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish taoiseach, or prime minister, presents the U.S. president with a crystal bowl of live shamrocks as a symbol of the close ties between the two countries.

UPCOMING FIXTURES FOR FULL SEASONS FIXTURE VISIT WWW.WARRIORS.CO.UK

15th February 15.00 Worcester Warriors v Bath 23rd February 13.00 Bristol v Worcester Warriors 29th February 15.00 Leicester v Worcester Warriors 6th March 19.45 Worcester Warriors v Northampton 21st March 15.00 Worcester Warriors v Gloucester 28th Match 15.00 Wasps v Worcester Warriors

FOR FULL SEASONS FIXTURE VISIT WWW.WORCESTERWOLVES.ORG

Friday 7 February 7:30pm CH (A) Friday 14 February 7:30pm CH (H) Friday 28 February 7:30pm CH (H) Friday 6 March 7:30pm CH (A) Sunday 8 March 7:30pm CH (A) Friday 13 March 7:30pm CH (H) Sheffield Sharks Sunday 22 March 5:30pm CH (A) Friday 27 March 7:30pm CH (H) London City Royals

46 Worcester Directory - Useful Numbers

EMERGENCY SERVICES RECORD OFFICES Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark 01905 855154 AMBULANCE Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service 01905 822866 West Midlands Ambulance Service 01384 215555 POLICE MAIN, SORTING AND SUB POST OFFICES West Mercia Constabulary 0300 3333000 Droitwich 01905 772292 ELECTRICITY Post Offi ce Counters Ltd 08457 223344 Western Power Distribution 0845 7240240 Royal Mail Delivery Sorting Offi ce Worcester 01905 752222 Npower 01905 340521 Warndon Villages Post Offi ce 01905 729863 WATER Ombersley Road Post Offi ce 01905 453050 Severn Trent Water Authority 0800 7834444 Newtown Road Post Offi ce 01905 355217 FIRE Fernhill Heath Post Offi ce 01905 452352 Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service 0345 122 454 St Johns Post Offi ce 01905 427386 GAS Cherry Orchard Post Offi ce 01905 353537 National Grid West Midlands 08709 039999 Dines Green Post Offi ce 01905 421729 Non-Dometic 01709 845342 REGISTRAR USEFUL INFORMATION Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages 08456 032859 POLICE AND COURTS Police and Courts 01905 723975 HEALTH Crown and County Court 01905 730807 West Mercia Police 0300 333 3000 HOSPITALS Worester Probation Trust 01905 723591 Worcestershire Primary Care Trust 01905 760000 Worcester Magistrates 01905 743200 Urgent Primary Care 0845 6090669 Spire South Bank Hospital 01905 350003 TRANSPORT Pathological Dept 01905 763333 National Rail 08457 484950 HEALTH CENTRES FIRE SERVICES Malvern 01684 584050 Malvern: 01684 572948 Worcester 01905 681681 Worcester: 01905 725030 Pershore 0844 4770555 Hereford & Worcester HQ: 08451 224454 Worcester Walk in and Health Centre 01905 879100 Henwick Holt Medical Centre 01905 422883 LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS Th orneloe Lodge House Surgeryery 01905 224450 Th e Commandery 01905 361820 Lypard Grange Medical Centre 01905 616977 Droitwich Spa Library 01905 722822 St John’s Library 01905 420400 DENTISTS Elgar Birthplace Musuem 01905 333224 Worcestershire Dental Helpline 01905 760111 Warndon Library 01905 822722 Dental Access Centre Malvern 01684 612754 Th e Hive 01905 822866 Dental Access Centre Worcester 01905 724633 Worcester City Musuem and Art Gallery 01905 765312 Oasis Dental Care 01905 221800 Museum 01905 212470 Smile Dental Practice 01905 422530 Northwick Dental Practice 01905 757400 CAREER AND JOB CENTRES Wharf Dental Practice 01905 616000 Chamber of Commerce H & W 08456 411641 Post 16 Engagement Team 01905 738900 HOSPICES Job Centre Plus 0345 6088545 St Richards Hospice 01905 763963 Malvern Job Centre 01684 612500 Acorns Childrens Hospice 01905 767676 Wychavon 01386 712101 St Micheals Hospice 01584 819898 Malvern 01684 563611 Kemp Hospice 01562 756000 Worcester 01905 611371 Primrose Hospice 01527 871051

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