Mon 1 Norah Parsons Day Centre Christmas Fair 2pm Parish Council Meeting 8pm Memorial Hall Fri 5 Martley & District Horticultural Society Annual Volume 13 No. 7 December 2003 Dinner 7pm Martley Memorial Village Hall Editor: Michelle Higgins (01886 888344) Editorial Team: Martley: Alan Boon (01886 Sat 6 African Drumming with Ayo 888527, Nellie Bradley (01886 888339), Kate Scott 10-4pm and evening King (01886 888439), Beth Williams (01886 concert 7.30pm Little Witley 888273) : Janet Andrews (01886 Village Hall 888303), Sheila Richards (01886 888378) Advertising: Jim Sandison (01886 888393) Wed 10 Martley WI: Christmas Distribution: Martley George & June Meeting—open to all. 7.30pm Lawrence (01886 821064) Wichenford Bill & Martley Memorial Hall Jo Root (01886 888585) Contact The Villager: leave articles at Thu 11 Wichenford Wine Club Martley Post Office or 1 Oxford View Christmas Celebration 8pm Wichenford or email the Editor at Wichenford Memorial Hall [email protected] Opinions expressed by contributors are not Fri 12 Christmas (Partner) Whist necessarily those of The Villager. The Villager Drive with Christmas Fare prizes cannot be held responsible for any goods or 8pm Wichenford Memorial Hall services advertised in the magazine Sun 14 Teme Valley Farmers Market Diary for local produce 11am The Talbot, Regular events:

Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing Fri 19 School end of term Weds 7pm Martley Memorial Hall. Sat 20 “Music of the Night” Christmas Enquiries: Jeff and Thelma 01886 821772 Celebration 7.30pm Martley Citizens Advice Bureau Teme Valley Memorial Village Hall Telephone Service Mon & Tue 10am—3pm Thu 10am— 7.30pm 01584 810860 Wed 24 Christmas Eve &Knightwick Surgeries Weds 10am -4pm - by appointment. Tel. 01584 Thu 25 Christmas Day 810860 Wed 31 New Year’s Eve Short mat Bowling Tuesdays 2.30pm Martley Memorial Hall

Wichenford Local Heritage Group Evening Classes—Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm

For Church services, please see Church page

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

The Villager * December 2003 7 Parish Matters Martley Parish Council B4204 Worcester Road suggested footpath from Taylor’s yard and An ordinary meeting of the Martley beyond Barbers; the clerk has written Parish Council was held on Monday 6 to MHDC who confirm that the October 2003 at the Memorial Hall, records do not show any footpath. Mr. D. Cropp, Chairman District Councillor’s Report Sergeant Kent outlined the Mrs. B. Williams drew attention to a responsibilities of his team of six meeting about G.M. crops at Malvern officers at Tenbury Police Station. Theatre. Elgar Housing will give P.C. Hood is the Beat Manager at opportunities to first time buyers such Tenbury and covers some 200 square that the buyers obtain a 75% mortgage miles. Officers reiterated the numbers and Elgar fund the remaining 25% to to call, these are: 999 for all serious be paid back when the property is emergencies, 08457 444888 extn. sold; leaflets will be available later. 4544 for all other calls. Parish Footpath Officer’s Report Mr. Cropp enquired about using, and The Chairman discussed the path that funding for, proactive electronic runs near to what was Laughern information dissemination. Sergeant House. It does not appear on the Kent confirmed that Tenbury has definitive map, but has been in use for Special Constables and that a some time. There is a need to establish campaign to recruit in Martley might custom and practice. Clarification is be funded by West Mercia needed. Constabulary. An item in The Villager Planning could test the possible response. It was requested that The Clerk speak Matters Arising to the enforcement officer ref. Allotments: An item in The Villager is Highnoon Hillside a collapsing scheduled and it is hoped that a extension. Treetops Bungalow landowner will be persuaded to sell Hillside: Application for a certificate some land for this purpose. of lawfulness for continued use of site Emergency Meeting Procedure: Will without complying with condition 2 of be carried forward to the next meeting. 2143/81 (agricultural occupancy Rubble on Hillside lay-by: Letter from condition). Hillcrest 1 Collins Green- MHDC they will sweep and check for conservatory. Millennium Green potholes. Kingwood Lane: Letter from Notice Board—returned application. MHDC they will inspect and rectify Decisions by MHDC. Applications any dangerous defects. F.P. 88 Clerk granted: Gurnox Cottage Berrow has written to WCC 11 Sept. Green (Riding Manege)—Granted requesting a reply. No reply received. with conditions Clerk to follow up again.

8 The Villager * December 2003 Finance to be discussed There were eight cheques totalling The next meeting is on Monday 3 £1398.24 for agreement and signature: November 2003. Correspondence Tom Pearsall Correspondence included the Parish Clerk 01886 888256 following: Crown Inn—licensing. WCALC “The Council as a Team”. Genetic Modification Public Meeting Basil Haines Memorial 8 Oct. Community Pride evening 20. Oct County Hall Quality Councils Fund Conf. 30. Oct Wolverhampton. Bank The fund was launched by an item in of Ireland- identification of The Villager of November 2002 and signatories. Parish Link Malcolm over the twelve months following, Rogers for Mr. Smith Ankers some interesting comments and Hipplecote. Clerks gathering. Pro- suggestions for the design of the forma for Website details of proposed sundial have been left with Councillors. Malvern Hills Citizens us in St Peter’s Church. These are to Advice Bureau AGM WCALC AGM be analysed and, early in 2004, the 25. Oct County Hall. WCC FP 26 PCC intend to apply for the necessary Confirmation Order. Lengthman’s faculty. The fund has reached almost mileage. £800. It might be possible to have the Councillors Reports and Future sundial made locally at far less cost Agenda Items than the original estimate. The main Mr. Nott requested a follow-up on the considerations are a high standard of sweeping of the recently surfaced materials and work, along with lanes. Mr. Stammers and Mr. accurate measurements. Coombey-Jones requested the Clerk to write to the Wichenford Clerk ref overhanging branches Ockeridge Dogs, Dogs, Dogs Lane. Mr. Coombey-Jones requested the Lengthman to inspect the dip in A reader replies Prickley Green Lane regarding I suggest that the Council does as subsidence. others—provide special bins [for the Mr. Taylor asked if the ownership of disposal of dog mess] and for their the plantation next to and to the rear of frequent emptying and proper disposal the weighbridge could be established of contents. Without them, imposition so that it could be tided up. Mr. Cropp of a fine could be successfully said that something would be put in resisted. The Villager soon ref. dog fouling. CV Wells The Lengthman’s mileage allowance

December 2003 * The Villager 9 OOUTUT AND ABOUT IN MARTLEY Visit our website—www.martley.org.uk

Village of the Year until 9 December, but of course any Martley won Village success will very much be icing-on-the of the Year for 2003-2004 and since cake - it's just a privilege to be able to then we have gone on to be judged for celebrate Martley. Long may it the Regional Finals, where we were continue! against winning villages from Dave Cropp Hereford, Gloucester, Avonside, Parish Council Chair Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. A tall order! Parish Link We had to make a two hour presentation on the life and As of the end of November there is community in Martley. The morning now a Thursday evening parish link started with BBC Hereford and service to and from Worcester, with Worcester broadcasting live from the the same timetable as Wednesday centre of the village, before the four Friday and Saturday. There will also judges, and a representative from be a Christmas Evening run, and also a Calor, arrived. But everyone did us New Year's Eve run. proud - including Jane at Martley Please use the service - remember " Primary, Rev. David plus Colin, Jim, use it or lose it" - we have had fewer Tina and Gordon bellringing at passengers recently, and we want to St.Peter's, Richard in the Millennium continue the parish link into a new Meadow, Tom hedging near the contract next year. Village Hall, Helen at Central Store, and Mary at The Post Office, and Jack and Nellie at home. Many thanks to all of you for such an enthusiastic Martley WI response and support for the qualities that make our Martley such a success. The judges seemed very impressed to Wednesday 10 December have a "natural" presentation with real Come and join us for a little pre- people; often they get sit-down hall Christmas jollification. Everyone presentations. The Calor rep said that welcome, you don’t have to be female one in the Isle of Wight lasted one- or be attached or connected to a and-three quarter hours non stop. member. We can promise warm We will not know the final outcome

10 The Villager * December 2003 punch, some seasonal nibbles and assisted by his wife. His subject was guess what? Stupendous the growing of Bonsai. “How to get entertainment. Not the Calendar Girls, started and what you can achieve.” A not even the Colander Girls, much subject that turned out to be rather more fun than that. Business meeting larger than envisaged by many people. starts at 7.30pm, fun starts at 8pm. Bonsai are looked at as being very The committee for 2004 is up and miniature trees grown in containers as running and the programme is signed shown on various trade stands at and sealed. Please join us. Why not shows. However with various ways of make it one of your New Year bark carving of larger trees there are a resolutions to join us each month? tremendous number of species that can Sadly, however, if you do decide to be trained into Bonasi. Those present join, it has to be ladies only and no found this a very interesting subject complaints, please, on grounds of and went away feeling that they could sexual discrimination. be experimenting with some of the Kate King trees growing in their gardens. The Society’s Annual Dinner will be Martley Ramblers held on Friday 5 December at 7pm for 7.30pm in Martley Memorial Village There is no ramble this month. Hall. Anyone wishing to join us Darkness descends too early and should give their names to the although we misplaced some members Society’s Secretary Mrs J O’Leary by earlier in the year, it would be too Wednesday 3 December please (Tel: careless to repeat it now. 01886-888253). Meetings will The programme of events for next continue during the winter months in year has been drawn up and members Martley Memorial Village Hall on the will be circulated. Anyone else last Thursday in the month beginning interested please watch this space or at 7.30pm, with interesting speakers. contact the Chairman on 01886- New members most welcome. 888439. Nellie Bradley Kate King Allotments Update Martley & District The Parish Council are seeking to Horticultural Society respond to the clear demand that at Despite the inclement weather that least fifteen parishioners have for severely affected the support of allotments. We hope to update you on members at the October meeting, a progress in the new most interesting talk illustrated with year. slides, was given by Mr Ian Nex,

December 2003 * The Villager 11 Pudford Lane and The Nora Parsons Day Centre). We would welcome views on this Life proceeds fairly quietly in the from any parishioner - please write to: wilds of Pudford. The lane surface is The Clerk to the Parish Council, 6 holding up well to tractors, general Vernon Close WR6 6QX by 31 traffic and all the debris deposited by December 2003. various animals. It is sad to see the last of the gloriously coloured leaves The Grub Club dropping. Barbara Williams has returned safely after her triumphant Unfortunately not enough diners were run in the London to Pamplona Classic around in October, but by the time of Car Rally with Wiz Clift. Where are going to press we hope the Monsoon you going to keep all those trophies, will have been graced by our presence Barbara? at the end of November. No meeting Readers may be interested to hear of December. January to be announced - recent finds in the lay-by (which is not possibly a wine-and-cheese evening; officially a lay-by but is a council not yer ordinary cheese either! facility). 2 spam and pickle rolls, 1 For Sale notice advertising Kenswick Martley Spurs Manor, various bottles and cans, 1 shoe (the one-legged man must be Following the awful start to the new around again), one bicycle, three season, October saw the Spurs doing Vauxhall wheel trims and a pheasant quite a bit better although no positive in a birch tree. results were notched up on either the Kate King fourth or fifth of the month. Improvement came the following weekend when the Saturday Premier The Parish Council Division eleven beat Henwick and Charities Academicals 3 - 1 in their away-game Every year the Parish Council is and the Reserves overcame Worcester approached by local and national Juniors 2 -1, however the Sunday charities asking for support. Clearly Premier side lost 2 -1 to Nelson. we cannot respond to all of them, and The rot set in again over the following at the same time we would be giving weekend, both Premier teams lost but taxpayers' money raised by precept. In this was compensated by a truly great the past we have given either to win for the Reserves when Steve support local charities, and/or those Smith and Pat Jinks both scored a pair that might well be used by us in less to help beat Oakapple 5 - 0. The final fortunate times (such as Macmillan Saturday of the month saw the Nurses, Saturday Premier eleven draw three all with Upton Town, Scott Morris

12 The Villager * December 2003 bagging a couple of the goals. The been chosen as the most suitable site Sunday Premier side did the same the for the main repeater link for the next day by netting three to AFC parish. It is planed to start installing Barbourne’s three, a hat trick by Broadband equipment there around Michael Fellows produced this result. December. Their aim is to have The Spurs are sorry to announce that broadband available to everyone in the their annual Christmas Bingo will not village and surrounding area. Where be held this year owing to the difficulties occur they can piggyback renovation work being carried out on from one subscriber up to three others. Heaton House. However, their annual Plans are also going ahead to provide Grand Draw will take place at the similar facilities in Hallow, which Crown Inn on Wednesday December could cover Lower Broadheath and the 17th. Tickets are available from all Club members. The Spurs wish every Costs are comparable with BT (£19.99 one of you a very happy Christmas. per month) except for the initial Beth Williams equipment, which for a private individual, is £200. For business Trefoil guild purposes costs can be claimed back via a government initiative. For more Arrangements were made at our information, see www.martley.org.uk. October meeting to attend the County service at Pershore Abbey on the 30 Wool required November to celebrate the Trefoil Guilds Golden Jubilee. I am knitting for a children’s charity We look forward to welcoming organisation and I would be very Heather Hill from Malvern who will grateful if there is anyone who could talk to us about her "life in spare their odd balls of wool no matter employment" with Baden Powell, this how small, as they will always be of will be an open meeting at Clifton-on- some use. Please contact Mrs H Teme Scout & Guide hut on 25 Wilkins, 47 St Peters Drive, Martley November. (01886-888529). Thank you. We shall celebrate Christmas at the Royal Oak, , maybe Father Christmas will call ! Answers to November crossword: Sue Ganderton. ACROSS: 1.MIRACLE 5.RISEN 8.RITES 9.SABBATH 10.LEAKAGE 11.ISLAM 12.LITANY Broadband in Martley 14.ASTHMA 17.TOPIC 19.PRELATE 22.RESPECT 23.EPHOD 24.YEARN 25.SPANNER Following a visit from Charles Wood DOWN: 1.MORAL 2.RETRACT 3.COSTA 4.EASTER of Serv-iT in Worcester about Air- 5.RABBITS 6.STALL 7.NEHEMIA 12.LITURGY 13.NUCLEON 15.HEATHEN 16.SPITES 18.PASTA Band in Martley, Hopehouse Farm has 20.ENEMA 21.ELDER

December 2003 * The Villager 13 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford

WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Janet Andrews From our very own 01886 888303 Octogenarian Sheila Richards 01886 888378 What a wonderful party – big family get-together – lovely Phone your Wichenford news to Janet or atmosphere, also many old friends Sheila or leave articles at Martley Post and the weather was perfect. I Office or 1 Oxford View Wichenford would like to thank all the people who gave contributions to the Acorns brandy and honey so kindly given by Children’s Hospice Trust, which Mrs S Britten and Mervyn Mitchard. raised a grand total of £250. Also I Also our thanks go to the kind donor would like to thank The Villager for of a weekend in Blackpool. The Raffle the beautiful flowers and gift. and the auction raised £500 towards Bill Root the new audio-system for the Church. The bar, run by Mark Andrews and Wichenford Harvest Supper Heidi, made £96 for Hall funds. The Harvest Supper was a great success, the hall was filled to capacity Wichenford Ladies and everyone enjoyed a very happy Fellowship evening. The delicious meal was prepared by Rosemary Clark and her Our October meeting saw us enjoy helpers, we thank them all, and also all Sister Desi Green’s fund-raising walk those who made the super apple tarts. on the Great Wall of China. Desi’s Thanks to Jill Bedworth who arranged vivid description and wonderful colour the entertainment, a conjurer who was slides transported us from a village amusing as well as skilful. Mrs Millie hall on an autumn day to the truly Pargeter, in her usual efficient way spectacular Great Wall of China. arranged the raffle prizes and Margaret Make no mistake, it’s a very Fisher sold the tickets – our thanks to demanding challenge and needs them. Grateful thanks to William intensive training beforehand, to cope Banks who auctioned the cherry with the demands this makes physically and mentally. Our local

14 The Villager * December 2003 ladies who walked the wall for the Get Well Wishes Birmingham Cancer Research Campaign were Sister Desi Green, Our very best wishes to Isabel Field – Mrs Barbara Williams and Mrs Sue we hope that she will soon be fully Hoskins who showed great courage recovered from her hip operation and and determination. Desi also visited back again with us in Wichenford. the site of the terracotta army at Xiang and brought along some beautiful Wichenford Church News mementoes of an unforgettable adventure. Church Altar Flowers Sister Green was warmly thanked by 7 December Advent – no flowers Mrs Elsie Whitehead and the 14 December Advent – no flowers Fellowship gave a donation to the 21 December Christmas decorations Cancer Research Campaign in 28 December Christmas decorations appreciation of a fascinating talk. Prayers were led at this meeting by Christmas Services at St Laurence’s Mrs Brenda Hadfield and Mrs Pam Church, Wichenford Webb was the Tea Hostess. Final Sunday 14 December 10am All Age plans were made for the Fellowship Christingle Service Whist Drive on 7 November in aid of Sunday 21 December 4 pm Carol the audio-system for Wichenford Service Church. Our December meeting will Christmas Eve 10pm Christmas be held in the Memorial Hall at the Communion with Carols slightly earlier time of 2pm and will be Sunday 28 December 10.30am our Christmas gathering with hymns Benefice Holy Communion with and readings – and a nice Christmas Baptism tea! We do welcome visitors and new Our Christmas cards will give you all members – how about it? a reminder of the Service dates. As always, everyone is welcome to join in one or all the Services. The Church Christmas Whist Drive will be decorated with flowers, Don’t miss the Christmas Whist candles and a Christmas tree, so we do Drive! This special Christmas Whist hope you will come and take away a Drive, with its super Christmas Fare message of hope to think about over prizes, will be held on Friday 12 the Christmas season. We look December at 8pm in the Memorial forward to seeing you. Hall, Wichenford. It will be a Partner Mrs Pam Webb and Mrs Carma Whist Drive and all are welcome. Weatherall, Churchwardens.

Wichenford Church Audio-System Thank you to all those very kind

December 2003 * The Villager 15 people who donated prizes for the Millennium Green recent raffle at the Harvest Supper. Grateful thanks also go to Mrs Britten, Tidying and Inspection Rota Mrs Fryar and Mr Mitchard who December: Eric Delahay. donated items for auction. In all a grand total of £500 was raised which Wichenford Local Heritage will go towards the church audio- Group system to be installed next year. Millie Pargeter Finds - Identification of ‘finds’. Most of the ‘finds’ have now been identified Nora Parsons Day Centre by Victoria and we have some Roman and some Medieval pottery but less There is to be a Christmas Fair on than expected. However, another flint Monday 1 December. The doors open artifact was identified as part of a at 2pm, when there will be groceries, Neolithic hand axe; we are sending cakes, home-made produce, Christmas this for further expert examination. wrapping paper for sale, and a raffle. Dendro dating - Nigel Nayling. We Thank you to all who supported our have now received a 23-page draft bingo; we made £302 profit. report. Several of the timber cores taken have been dated but others Wichenford Wine Club cannot be dated probably because the timber came from pollarded trees and Wichenford Wine Club will hold its these cannot be dated at the present annual Christmas Celebration meeting time. Cores taken from beams at on the earlier-than-usual date of Woodend and Woodhall Farms have Thursday 11 December. Hosted by been dated to the early 16th C. The Bill and Barbara Mason, there will be trees for both buildings were felled a variety of surprises and tastings as around the same time in 1514. well as snacks and goodies for Timbers in some of the other buildings everyone. All members welcome for have also been dated. the usual monthly fee of £5. Exhibition: Meetings start at 8.00.p.m. in the The exhibition in September turned Village Hall. Watch this space for our out to be a great success and more exciting 2004 programme. than 200 people visited the hall to see the exhibits. We must record our Wichenford 100 Club thanks to Mary Hylan for all the work October winning number was 113. L she put into organizing this event. Peplow won £110. Maps - We have not made further progress yet with the tithe map project but understand that the Worcester

16 The Villager * December 2003 Records Office is developing a new Kenswick and Wichenford procedure for making copies of very large old documents. Parish Council Geophysical Survey - The An Ordinary Meeting of the parish geophysical survey of the ‘Roman’ council held on Monday 6 October sites were carried out at Cockshoot on 2003 at 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall 21 - 22 August. A preliminary report Wichenford. has been received but the results are REPORTS disappointing. The site is very ‘ferric’ The meeting was attended by 10 and this interferes with the sensitivity parishioners, the majority of whom of the magnetic detectors used to carry wanted an update from the council out the survey. There appear to be iron regarding the use of our ‘unclassified deposits on the site. We are now roads’ by 4x4 vehicles. Councillor discussing with the archaeologists the Rendall explained that on 7 October possibility of digging a small trench several councillors will attend a early in the New Year to further meeting at County Hall to see what the explore the existence of a Roman site. County Council intend to do, and a Evening Classes: Traffic Regulation Order will be The evening classes are turning out to discussed. Kevin Oliver has taken over be a great success and attendance has from David Goode and will be dealing been at least 30 people for each with Rosses Lane and Guises Lane. lecture. The workshop on Sat 25 Oct They have set procedures to follow, was also well attended. We also think but whatever happens, the Parish that the two lecturers were impressed Council will be going ahead with a with the number of people attending Traffic Regulation Order to stop any and the informed level of the traffic as a temporary measure while it discussion. is being investigated. Community Pride – Earlier this year Meadow view- several parishioners we entered the Community Pride spoke to the parish council about the Competition organized each year by latest planning application for this site. the Worcestershire County Council. The parish council explained that they

On 20 October several members of the will be making arrangements for a site committee attended a ceremony at visit. County Hall where we were surprised County Councillor-B. Hickling to learn that we had been short-listed. reported that a system has been found There had been 24 entries and there for turning waste into recyclable fibre. were nine finalists. We were pleased A leaflet was given to the council to rd to be awarded 3 place and were given read. a cheque for £200. Pot-Holes- The county council have Mervyn Mitchard purchased a ‘jet-Patcher’ at a reduced

December 2003 * The Villager 17 price from Hampshire Council. This granted. (b) Proposed extensions and will enable highways to fill potholes alterations at The New House, Kings more quickly and with a much better Green - passed. (c) Conversion of finish. garage to study and new garage at District Councillor Report. Councillor Court Barn Kenswick - granted. (d) Williams reported that an open Demolition of existing WC block and meeting is being held at Malvern on coal shed. Single storey extension to 15 October to discuss GM crops and rear, dining area extension to front. advised people, especially farmers, to Interior alterations. Alterations to front attend. garden for the Masons Arms - passed. Elgar housing are helping first-time (e) Conversion of implement store to buyers by paying 25% of the mortgage form playroom and study at Midwest while the purchaser pays 75%. An House Wichenford - granted. (f) affordable housing workshop is being Demolition of single storey flat roof held on the 7 November. Mr .A. extension and two storey extensions, Saunders, the Housing Enabler for for Cob Orchard ,Wichenford - Worcestershire and employed by granted. (g) Detached garage/storage Community First, spoke about a building. Orchard Barn Wichenford - housing needs survey for the parish. A passed. (h) Amendment to existing “section 106” is put on the property approval to provide a total of 3 which allows only part-buy and part- residential units for Allsett Farm, rent—the purchaser can buy up to 80% Broadwas - approved. of property and when it is sold, it has Applications received for comment. to be sold to a local person. Free-standing portal building for Occupation can be restricted to local Ridgend Farm - fully endorsed. Allsett people and restrictions can cover the Farm has put in an application to whole parish. The most difficult thing demolish the existing farmhouse and is finding a site. Planning applications construct a replacement dwelling and will need proof of a survey. garage. The parish council are not in MATTERS ARISING. favour of this application. The district Refuse Lorries. The clerk has written councillor told the parish council that to Paul Bryon and has not had a reply. application 03/01080/ful for the The clerk was asked to write to the extension of residential curtilage; district councillor and ask that this be demolition of double garage and dealt with as quickly as possible. replacement with triple garage at PLANNING Mallenders Cottage has been passed. Decisions made by MHDC. (a) Re- FINANCE building part of existing barn with new The clerk was authorised to pay the roof and brick skin & converting to sum of £141.00. form gymnasium at Colketts Farm - Parish Council vacancy. A vacancy

18 The Villager * December 2003 has occurred due to the resignation of council has left it to the clerk to councillor Mitchard. The clerk was choose a replacement litter bin. The asked to advertise the vacancy ready parish council will fit it. for co-option at the next parish council Laugherne Valley Travel. Councillor meeting. Panton attended the meeting of 28 Nora Parsons Day centre. The August and reported that things are secretary of the Day Centre committee going extremely well. She has filled contacted the clerk to ask if the bottom out the form for her books of tickets branches of the oak tree at the entrance and now has some to sell for £5.00 for could be trimmed as they are 10 tickets but it seems passengers obstructing the driveway. prefer to pay the driver at £1.00 a Councillor Panton has been journey. The project is so successful approached by residents from the cul- that a Thursday evening service is de-sac by the day centre who are being considered and a grant is being unhappy about work that has been sought from the community council. done in the gardens by people doing The next meeting is 16 October at community service. They would like Broadheath. to have been informed. DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT Highways. The parish footpath officer MEETINGS is asking for volunteers for Kenswick 17 November 2003 and Wichenford Parish Pathfinders. If 5 January 2004 anyone is interested and would like to 16 February 2004 help maintain the footpaths please 29 March 2004 contact J.Wells on 01886 888459. The 10 May 2004. Annual Parish map is being downloaded to a Meeting of the Parish Council. workable size. Councillor Wells has All in the Memorial Hall Wichenford. listed the tools needed and was given Shirley Sanders the go ahead to apply for a ‘start-up’ Clerk to the Council (01886 888302) grant from the County Council. The clerk will write to the County Council highways and ask for the ‘SLOW’ to be removed and placed on Pub News the correct road. She will also request We are delighted to announce that due the pot-holes and poor road surface at to the support and encouragement of Kings Green are done. The County local people, The Admiral Rodney has Council may not be able to find the qualified to be in the 2004 Good Beer budget to do the access across the Guide and Good Pub Guide. green before the winter. Gillian and Keith CORRESPONDENCE Replacement Litter Bin. The parish

December 2003 * The Villager 19 Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664 even insignificant in the scheme of things. Yet just as Christ came to ‘And you Martley in the land of Bethlehem and gave it importance and Worcester significance. In the same way the King Are by no means least among the of Kings chooses to come to us, and Villages of Worcestershire’ when he does, we find our true significance and importance in him. his little saying is certainly true A Happy Christmas and a Peaceful T of the village of Martley this new year to you all year, being given the honour of village Revd. David Sherwin of the year. It’s probable that many people have not heard of the village, or if they have their knowledge of it is limited, perhaps a lorry on the Confirmation motorway saying ‘Taylor’s of If anyone is interested in confirmation Martley’ is all they know. But for the or wishes to know what it involves area and us it is wonderful news. please speak to Rev. David Sherwin This was true of another little village 01886 888664 2000 years ago, Bethlehem. A village, that then, no one really knew much about, except those who lived or came from there like Mary and Joseph. Yet amongst all the villages in Israel and Judah at the time of Christ’s birth, it was Bethlehem that was chosen by God to be the place where the King of Kings would be born. ‘And you Bethlehem in the land of Judah Are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, For from you shall come a ruler Who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ Matthew 2:6 You may feel small and unimportant,

20 The Villager * December 2003 Services for December In the Kitchen 7 December

Wichenford 9.30am Holy Communion Martley 11am Christingle Service Broadwas 11am Morning Worship A dessert we had at a Trefoil Guild supper was very popular, so I want to Knightwick 8am Holy Communion share it with you. Geraldine Cooper. 6.30pm Evensong Red Fruit Compote 14 December 250g (8oz) sugar 300 ml (½ pint) water Wichenford 10.0am Christingle Service 500g (1lb) blackcurrants Martley 11am Holy Communion Grated rind and juice of ½ orange 125g (4oz) strawberries Broadwas 6.30pm Carol Service 125g (4oz) blackberries Cotheridge 8am Holy Communion 250g (8oz) raspberries 21 December 1 tablespoon arrowroot 2 tablespoons port Wichenford 4pm Carol Service Place the sugar and water in a pan and Martley 8am Holy Communion heat gently, stirring until dissolved. 6.30pm Carol Service Boil for a few minutes then add the Broadwas 11am Holy Communion blackcurrants and orange rind. Cotheridge 9am Matins Simmer gently for 15 minutes until soft. Strain the fruit, reserving the Knightwick 4pm Christingle Service syrup. Place stewed and raw fruit in a 24 December Christmas Eve serving dish. Return the syrup to the Wichenford 10pm Holy Communion pan and bring to the boil. Mix the arrowroot with the orange juice and Martley 11.30pm Holy Communion stir into the boiling syrup. Cook, Broadwas 5pm Crib Service stirring, until thickened and clear. Add 11.30pm Holy Communion the port and pour the sauce over the fruit. Cool and serve with the cremets. 25 December Christmas Day Cremets Martley 11am Family Worship 175g (6oz) curd cheese, 1 tablespoon caster sugar, 170 ml (6oz) double Cotheridge 9am Holy Communion cream. Mix the cheese with the sugar, 28 December then gradually beat in the cream. Pile into a serving dish and chill. Serve Wichenford 10.30am Benefice Holy with the fruit. Communion

December 2003 * The Villager 21 Christmas—four pages of activities, celebrations and how to survive

Christmas is coming until you feel comfortable with it. Learn how to say no. If what is being Christmas: that time of year that some asked of you is too much, tell the of us love and others hate. Often it is a family. They are not mind-readers and time when we have to associate with may appreciate you opening up to people that we don’t really like and them. Just remember to talk in a calm, the “festive season” can end up as a assertive, but not confrontational or time of arguments, dissatisfaction and blaming, manner. falling-out. Here are some ways of Remember that you can’t rely on dealing with this: get your anyone else changing their mind-set right from the behaviour but you can very beginning. Look at change how their behaviour the Christmas period as a affects you. If you know that challenge to your self- somebody always makes you development and work out get angry or upset, change strategies to ensure that at this emotion inside you— the end of it you have done perhaps you could feel pity or your best to behave in a curiosity at their behaviour. manner you are proud of. You have it in your power to How good will you feel at control how you behave and the end if you have achieved this feel. goal? Christmases often follow the If the going is getting really tough, same old routine. If you know that this walk away from the situation. Go to creates problems and stresses, change another room and do some deep the routine—routines are not cast in breathing or go for a brisk walk. You stone. Change the venue, change the will come back refreshed and find it timings, change the things you do. easier to cope. If all else fails and Visualise difficult situations and think Christmas is a disaster learn from it. through your behaviour and actions There is no disgrace in failure if you BEFORE the event. Think of the learn from the experience and ensure different scenarios that are likely to that it doesn’t happen again. Let me happen and, down to the last detail, know how you have got on. E:mail plan how you will handle it in a calm, [email protected] assertive manner. Repeat this Jennie Barnes, Life Coach. visualisation exercise many times

22 The Villager * December 2003 It's Panto Time Again "The Monday Night Group" with Wichenford's resident dame and producer will be performing Humpty Dumpty at the Civic Centre Theatre, Stourport from 23- 31 January 2004. A group from Wichenford ("the Monday Night Fan Club") is planning to go along on Friday 30 January. If you would like to join in (Oh yes you would!) and enjoy a fun-filled adventure in Pantoland, meeting Humpty and all his friends, please call Judy or Mike on 01886-888253. Tickets for our party will cost £6.50 adults, £5 for children and senior citizens.

Music of the Night Christmas Celebration This is one for all of you, Saturday 20 December 7.30pm in the Village Hall - an evening of Christmas music, carols and songs, mulled wine and mince pies with "Music of the Night" who gave us a stunning show "From Broadway to The West End" last year. Ask anyone who has heard them - they are amazing and talented, and give out a really wonderful atmosphere as professional singers who just love entertaining their audience. Tickets: £6.00 (£5.00 OAPs/children) from Dave Cropp or the Village Shops

Lights of Love 2003 St Richard’s Hospice, are launching the Lights of Love appeal for 2003. For a donation, a light will shine on the Christmas Tree in St Andrews Spire, Deansway, Worcester during November and December. The light may be to celebrate to give thanks. The beautiful Church spire, which cradles the tree and will be floodlit at night, provides a lovely place to sit and reflect and the names of your loved one will be placed on the boards surrounding the tree. and in a book of thanksgiving in the Cathedral. We are also holding a Service of Light this year. Peter Hopper, one of our volunteer Chaplains, has worked with Paul Swann the vicar at All Saints Church, Deansway to include a service at the church prior to the switching-on ceremony. The service will provide an opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one, to rejoice in a birth or to light a life of those absent at Christmas. Those attending the service will then walk by candle light to the tree for the switch-on. Afterwards, refreshments will be served in Spires Restaurant at Worcester College of Technology, courtesy of their catering team. Christmas

(Continued on page 25)

December 2003 * The Villager 23

Politically Correct 12 Days of Christmas

On the 12th day of the Eurocentrically-imposed midwinter festival, My Significant Other in a consenting adult, monogamous relationship gave to me: TWELVE males reclaiming their inner warrior through ritual drumming ELEVEN pipers piping (plus the 18-member pit orchestra made up of members in good standing of the Musicians Equity Union as called for in their union contract even though they will not be asked to play a note), TEN melanin-deprived testosterone-poisoned scions of the patriarchal ruling class system leaping, NINE persons of the female gender engaged in rhythmic self-expression, EIGHT economically disadvantaged female persons stealing milk- products from enslaved Bovine creatures, SEVEN endangered swans swimming on government protected wetlands, SIX enslaved fowl producing stolen non-human animal products, FIVE golden symbols of culturally sanctioned enforced domestic incarceration, (NOTE: after members of the Animal Liberation Front threatened to throw red paint at my computer, the calling birds, French hens and partridge have been reintroduced to their native habitat. To avoid further Animal enslavement, the remaining gift package has been revised.) FOUR hours of recorded whale songs, THREE deconstructionist poets, TWO Sierra Club calendars printed on recycled processed tree carcasses and... ONE Spotted Owl activist chained to an old-growth pear tree. Author unknown

24 The Villager * December 2003 (Continued from page 23) An eco-friendly alternative holds many memories for us, this is a lovely way to remember special to Christmas Cards friends whilst helping those who are Do you work in an office or belong to presently living with life threatening a community group? Why not use a illnesses. Christmas card poster instead of If you wish to sponsor a light please sending a card to each other this year? call Tricia or Charlotte, Fundraising For a donation you can write a Team, St Richards Hospice (01905 message to your friends and 763963) for further information. colleagues. Save paper, save time and the money you save on many Norah Parsons Day Centre individual cards can be donated to St Christmas Fair Richard’s! For a poster or further Mon 1 December 2pm information about this scheme call Groceries, cakes, home-made Tricia or Charlotte in produce, Christmas wrapping the appeals team on paper for sale, and a raffle. 01905 763963

A day of African drumming with Ayodele Scott Barn Dance

here in the wilds of West Saturday 31 January Worcestershire! Music by 'Wuster Waites' with Eve Evans Little Witley Village Hall Tickets - £6.00 Saturday 6 December to include supper

10am-4pm £25 for the day Bar and raffle

All profits from the evening will go Also an evening concert to Martley Village Hall 7.30-11.30pm with Ayo and Tickets from Central Stores and workshop participants and one Martley Post Office or two guest performers. from 1 December This promises to be an exciting or from : Neil & Eileen Stammers and memorable event. 01886 888513 or [email protected] For more information, contact George and Helen Coombey-Jones Angie on 01886 888762 or 01886 888294 [email protected]

December 2003 * The Villager 25 the leaves have been destroyed. And yet I have heard gardeners say that In the Garden they have had a good season! Potatoes would appear to have done well. It has been a good harvest for onions, parsnips, carrots and red beet. Tomatoes have continued to ripen as we go into November, despite the frost Garden tips for December that affected some areas. As the year 2003 draws to a close, we This can be the odd-job month. Get look back at a summer to remember, the lawn mower serviced. Repair the with very hot days and precious little gate and fences. Put a protective cover rain for many months. Some gardeners over the spring cabbage, broccoli, have experienced problems, sprouts etc. to prevent the pigeons particularly with cabbage white devouring them. Check apples, butterfly caterpillar, black fly, white potatoes and other vegetables that you fly, flea beetle and other insects that have in store for mice and rat damage. have multiplied in the heat of the Sow onion seed in trays in the summer sunshine and destroyed many greenhouse, if you want to grow large plants. Brassica leaves have been left onions. Check the geranium plants that looking like lace, as all but the veins in were lifted and stored—they may need a fungi spray to prevent botrytis destroying them. The tubers of dahlias should be inspected for rot etc. Container grown roses, conifers and hedging plants can be planted this month. Rhubarb will need a covering of suitable material. Get plenty of manure incorporated into QUARTER-PAGE the soil. ADVERT Jack Bradley

For information about advertising or inserting flyers in The Villager, contact the Advertising Manager on 01886 888393 (Jim Sandison is currently in this role as a temporary measure). To advertise on ww.martley.org.uk, email [email protected].

26 The Villager * December 2003