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. 14 July 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: Gail Dawson (01886 889180) 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 be produce 11am The Talbot, Knightwick 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 Martley Parish Council: 1st Monday in Records of the Parish Council meetings 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.

July 2011 * The Villager 9 OUT AND ABOUT IN MARTLEY Visit our website—www.martley.org.uk

installing it in the next few weeks. Martley Web Mesh News Please check out the Martley website Martley Web Mesh is a small, local or contact me, [email protected] organisation run entirely by for more information. If you have any volunteers, which supplies Internet experience of aerial rigging or on the broadband at a competitive rate using software side of internet provision and wireless technology. We have set up feel you would like to give something our first solar/wind powered repeater back to your local community, please station and it has two connections. do get in touch, the more ―manpower‖ This has not been without mishaps and we have, the more we can expand our it is fair to say we have learnt a lot service. both in construction and capacities required. We have applied for planning permission to put another repeater station on top of Penny Hill We are so sorry that we had to and are awaiting its outcome. If postpone our musical Sourpuss and we successful, we have a number of hope that it did not cause too much existing subscribers to switch to it, and inconvenience. The good news is that in doing so increasing their speed and the dates have been re-arranged and reducing mesh box usage, and we will the show will now take place on be able to add new subscribers. In the Saturday 16 July with a matinee and wider world also our work has evening performance. We hope you attracted interest. We have been asked will try to come as everyone has to give presentations at Pershore Civic worked very hard. We are aiming to Centre and at County Hall. This has run Mad Kidz, our summer school for resulted in a number of useful contacts performing arts, again in the summer both civilian, for mentoring, and holidays. It will run for one week from council personnel, for access to grants Monday 22 August to Friday 26 etc. We have been asked to quote for August culminating with a production broadband installation in a local for families and friends on the Friday holiday complex and hopefully will be evening. The school will run from

10 The Villager * July 2011 9am to 5pm and is open to all 7 to 14 August. The most popular at the year olds. For registration or further moment is for a visit to see the information please email Staffordshire Hoard Exhibition in [email protected] Lichfield Cathedral. Lichfield is a fascinating city so we are hoping that Martley Ramblers this can be arranged. If we hire a This months walk coach, non-members are always will take place on welcome to join us. Date will be Sunday 10 July. confirmed in a later edition of The Please meet at the Villager. This month our speaker is Church car park at Catherine Clarke, the Hat Lady. This 2pm. There is a change to the is a welcome return visit following her programme for this month as Dot and very popular previous talk and Chris Fletcher will be leading around display. It could be an opportunity to the Brockhampton area. The Hawford try on some of her gorgeous hats and canal walk will now take place in fascinators. The competition this August. Sincere apologies that the month is for a favourite hat. Those of wrong date was published for the May us with big heads may have to bring a walk. Those of us who turned up on favourite beret!, so do come and join the correct day 8 May, and joined Gill us for the evening and see what we do. Gough at Chaddesley Corbett, enjoyed You might even want to become a a lovely walk. Sorry for those who member! missed it. Perhaps we can ask Gill to Kate King repeat it. Kate King Pudford Lane Twitters Life has been quite noisy again with lambs calling for their mums who do not look right now like they have been shorn. Luckily, they soon connect up again with the correct milk-bars ! The SSSI is a mass Martley WI of yellow buttercups and although the 13 July at 7.30pm, Heaton House orchids are very visible above the We are now back indoors after our yellow rattle, they cannot compete lovely garden meeting last month, with the huge flower-heads of the hog many thanks to all those who weed. The swallows did return and contributed to the evening. The funds have nested in last year‘s nests, and raised are always so useful and helps two babies already appear to have with the funds to pay for interesting fledged. The majority of birds seem to speakers. Ideas are still needed for a have hatched plenty of babies and venue for the summer outing in

July 2011 * The Villager 11 families of eight or nine tits and pairs correctly at the proper time. of woodpeckers are feeding well. The Alan Boon continuous calls of ‗kedgeree, kedgeree‘ from the breakfast thrushes Roll up Roll up can get rather boring at times, so we have suggested they call ‗ratatouille‘ Come And Join The Circus for a change, but no luck so far !! The Summer Reading Kate King Challenge at Martley Library and Stourport Martley’s Past Mobile Library is Mr Michael was a very successful Circus Showtime!!!! headmaster of the boys‘ school for 30 It keeps children of all years, January 1863 to 1893. Here are ages reading right the a few entries from his log-book for his way through the summer, this in itself first month in post. 13 January 1863, improves life skills vital for their the Rector brought log-book at futures. Each child must read six 9.50am. Commenced morning duty at books over the summer, this is done in 9am, dismissed at 12.15pm. Suspected 3 parts, practice, rehearsal and two boys playing truant so sent a Showtime. Enrol and you get a free scholar to inform parents of their three dimensional stage, each time you absence. Afternoon duty 1.30pm to read two books you get a wrist band or 4.10pm. 14 January, punished five a chatterbox, to name but a few. In the boys who drew upon their slates finale children will receive a laughable figures during repetition of certificate and a presentation whereby tables. 16 January, very dark morning the children are invited to the library only eight boys present at 9am. to receive their medals. For the first Examined first and second class time ever, the libraries will run an together in simple addition, by Adult version in which the same rules dictation. Result 55 percent on apply. Adults need to read six books fourteen boys, time 32 minutes. and will then be entered into a local Afternoon examined same boys, same prize draw, and if successful could way in addition and subtraction. win a signed copy of a popular book. Result 64.3 percent, time 50 minutes. Children who complete will also get 20 January, A boy returned to school entered into a County Council draw that had played truant for some days; and the whole family could win a punished him in presence of whole ticket to the West Midland Safari school. 19 January, duty from 1.30pm Park. It doesn't stop there, the adults to 4.30pm as the first class were who complete can also win a free retained for twenty minutes after the adult learning course of their choice. others, to write out correctly, a verse Come and join at Martley Library on which they had learnt and not written Saturday 2 July or Stourport Mobile

12 The Villager * July 2011 Library on 29 June. To view Team Players Player went to Adam timetables and dates of the mobile Harris, Managers Player went to library visits to Martley visit please Richard Taylor and Young Player of check out their website at the Year went to Dave Perkins. www..gov.uk/libraries Martley Spurs Reserves, Players Player went to Alex Dobbins, Managers Player went to Danny Martley Spurs FC Mayfield, Jack Millward Cup, Young End of Season 2010-2011 Update Player of the Year went to Alex The end of another Spencer. Three special awards were successful season for presented to Nigel Halion, Manager M a r t l e y S p u r s Martley Spurs, The Nora Holiday culminated in our first Trophy, Simon Rawle, Manager team winning the Martley Spurs Reserves, The Eastman Nursing Junior Cup after Cup and Andy Bradley, The Darren a hard fought final battle Herbert Memorial Trophy. A lovely away, against Ledbury bouquet of flowers was presented to T o w n i n M a y . the secretary as a token of thanks. We The first team were finalists in both are always looking for new players, the Katherine Rayer and the County th please contact Simon Rawle on 07971 Cup and ended up a respectable 5 in 264107 for more details. the Sunday Premier League, only M Gardner, Secretary losing 6 of their 18 matches. The Reserves came 10th in the Sunday 1st Martley and District Division winning 9 and drawing 5 of Horticultural Society their 24 matches for the season. We Our members had a very enjoyable would like this opportunity to thank, day out on 10 May when, in shared once again, The Midland Auto Club cars, we visited The Laskett, Sir Roy for their generous sponsorship. Our Strong‘s garden at Much Birch, presentation evening was held on Herefordshire. This is a high Saturday 4 June at the Bell in maintenance but very beautiful and Broadheath and we extend our thanks elegant garden with many ‗rooms‘, to the landlord, Ian, for the lovely lots of topiary work and many popular buffet he provided. The chairman old-fashioned flowers, shrubs and Gordon Griffiths thanked the two trees. Armed with our splendid maps Managers, Nigel Halion and Simon we wandered here at will, also taking Rawle, the treasurer Lil Morris and the in the many sculptures and cat new secretary Mandy Gardner for all memorials! We ate our picnics on the of their hard work during the season. seats and then went onto a Garden Nine awards were then presented by Centre which was further down the Gordon Griffiths. Martley Spurs First A49, before heading on to Weston July 2011 * The Villager 13 House, Weston-under-Penyard, the (no groups) should write to Sally home of the Aldwych-Blakes. Williams, the Parish Clerk at 8, The Members were made most welcome Beeches, , Worcestershire and we were told lots of information DY14 9PD. Sally will keep all about the lovely garden. It is a lovely applications on file and if a sufficient ‗olde worlde‘ place and well worth the number is received, the Parish Council trip. They had immaculate lawns, may consider the provision of majestic trees, gorgeous herbaceous allotments. If you are keen to rent an borders and many interesting features allotment, sooner rather than later, including a fountain and the lake is please contact Jill on 01886 884221. especially beautiful. Many thanks to An example price would be £2 per Judith O‘Leary for organising the day. week for 60ft x 20ft. Allotments are The Plant Sale on 21 May had a currently available at Knightwick and record attendance and was probably , but please be quick, as Jill our best yet. This is excellent, as the tells me that people are coming from Society donates to Village causes, one as far afield (‘scuse the pun) as of which has been a new outside light Malvern. There is water on the sites at the village hall, and any leftover and free well rotted manure is plants are taken to be sold at available. Wichenford Open Gardens and our MSH Schools also benefit in various ways. Initially as the doors opened for Thrift Shop business it was manic, thank goodness Pensax Thrift Shop will be holding a for all our wonderful helpers! A big Charity Sale in aid of Help for Heroes thank you to everybody concerned, on Wednesday 20 July between 9am especially those who donated plants. and 11 am. Please come along and Our next trip is on the 9 July to give your support for a wonderful Rosemoor Gardens, Devon. We will cause. be leaving Martley at 8am, for tickets Nerys Didlick please telephone Margaret Rushgrove on 01886 888631. Then on 28 July we Teme Valley Geological plan a Garden Visit to Feckenham, Update leaving at 6.20pm from Martley Dr John Payne was our first guest Village Hall speaker and spoke on "The geology Tina Steele and scenery of south -w e s t Worcestershire", not only from the Allotments current day, but from 700 million If you would like to years ago and a place in a very, very s e e a l l o t m e n t s different environment and continent becoming available in well to the south of the equator, via a Martley, individuals circuitous drift northwards to our

14 The Villager * July 2011 current position. In that time we were grant funding to tackle a geological submerged for hundreds of millions of survey of the parish and the years, bumped and jostled by development of at least one of our continental drift and latterly scraped sites, with associated documentation, and shaped by the irresistible forces of educational packs, training and more glacial ice. Thank you Dr Payne for a courses. This ‗expression of interest‘ wonderful and informative talk. Eve as it is called, was submitted at the end Miles from The Earth Heritage Trust of April and hopefully we will be based at University of Worcester, also asked to submit a full application, with spoke and enthused us with news an award possibly in June. about her ‗Champions Project‘ and Membership to join TVGS has been how Scar Cottage (home of Pam set at £5 per member for the first year. Spokes and Ian Pennell) has been Please contact John Nicklin on 01886 chosen as one of the sites. Helpers are 888318 for more information. needed, training will be given, all in aid of maintaining and developing Local Geology Trails Scar Cottage and our other local Natalie has been very hard at work, geological sites. Eve distributed and has produced three local geology pamphlets and these are available in trails, with first class leaflets available the Central Stores, so register your at no charge. Each leaflet is not only a interest by contacting Eve direct on route guide but also contains superb 01905 855184 or email pictures, graphics, maps and a [email protected]. Thanks too must go complete explanation of why the to tireless Natalie Watkins who is scenes you observe look as they do. familiar to many of us in Martley and The Martley Trail is available in our the person responsible for surveying, village shops. signing and then writing the guide to the Geopark way that comes through Geo-Fest Martley on its way from Bridgenorth They never stop at The and to Gloucester. Natalie brought along Malvern Hills Geopark Partnership, a sacks of rocks for those with a bit of really high octane group, in my confidence to try to identify during the opinion. This year‘s Geofest, runs tea break. David Cropp who is our from June 1 to August 31. There are acting chair explained that for our first events galore with plenty to interest year an interim committee has been everyone. Enjoy! For details please set up with the AGM to be held in log on to www.earthheritagetrust.org approximately 10 months time, when John Nicklin, Acting Secretary TVGS elections for committee positions will 01886 888318 be held. We needed an immediate committee and a bank account set up Martley Parish Council so that we are eligible to apply for Edited draft unapproved minutes of

July 2011 * The Villager 15 the Parish Council meeting of signs would be of use at Ankerdine Martley Parish Council held on and concerns will be raised to the Monday 16th May 2011 at the Highways department regarding the Memorial Hall current position of these signs. British The Democratic Period/Public Gas are still investigating Clerk‘s Question Time response to their request for a further A recent meeting had taken place £300 for electricity supplied at the between Highways Officers and a Weighbridge. The invoice has been parishioner regarding the 30mph at returned for the church clock as the Berrow Green. It was agreed to place church will need to meet the costs of an additional sign to remind drivers of the additional work as the Parish the speed limit. The sign stating Hope Council met the costs of the annual House Lane where Church Lane meets service. A litter scheme has been run Worcester Road is incorrect, this will by Wychavon Council and enquiries be re-sited at the junction of Church will be made to Malvern Hills as to Lane with the main road to Hollins whether or not they run a similar Lane. The 30mph sign at the bottom scheme, this could be of benefit for of the bank at Berrow Green is also in Martley‘s litter blitz. Gerry Brienza is the wrong place, this will be re-sited the new Senior Highways Liaison to outside Firs Cottage, Berrow Green. Officer covering Martley. Gerry Outstanding actions from previous confirmed his availability for the next minutes few weeks and Councillors will be There are three outstanding actions meeting with him next week to look at which are the flowers for the Litter possible speed sign locations. Warden, setting up of the parish Neighbourhood Watch bulletins will council website via WCC homepage be circulated by the Clerk as required. and to correspond/meet with last An on-going police investigation is year‘s internal auditor. continuing regarding incidents in Nash Progress reports Close. The costs of dropping the curbs The Clerk at Hollins Lane are under dispute, Progress has been made in relation to commitments have been made the weight limit on Ankerdine Hill and previously to meet these costs, the companies who have breached this enquiries are continuing. A meeting restriction are now being written to. has been organised in relation to Paul Lambon will be taking up his Malvern Art Products arranging the post as the Local Policing Officer for Freedom of Martley lettering. The Martley is currently in discussions plate for the milestone is to be cast with Mike Digger the Traffic this Wednesday at The Foundry and Management Officer regarding the will be installed soon. The Recreation weight restriction at Ankerdine. CSO Association has secured a £10,000 Cooper had questioned whether more grant for play area equipment.

16 The Villager * July 2011 Lengthsman noise, taking up of spaces on the car In excess of 14 grips have been park of The Admiral Rodney without cleared along Hillside. The prior permission, inconsiderate Lengthsman is to take on the duties of parking on the roadside and riding 5 the Litter Warden and the Clerk will abreast along narrow country lanes. advise of bin locations in the Village. The Clerk is to write to the Secretary District and County Councillors’ of the cycle club and West Mercia reports Police. Both District Councillor Williams and Finance County Councillor Alwyn Davies There were 10 cheques totalling provided annual reports. Full copies of £1,749.53 approved. these can be obtained from the Urgent decisions since the last Malvern Hills website. meeting Planning No urgent decisions had been made. New Councillor’s reports and items for 11/00582/FUL Adjacent Three Acres, future agenda Willow Road, An agricultural building There has been a road traffic collision and drive. involving 2 cars near The Noak Farm 11/00243/FUL Penny Hill Quarry, recently, this has been noted. A further Pudford Lane, To erect a static wind collision occurred about a week ago charger. near Stoneybridge. This had not been Approved noted but investigations are continuing 11/00407/CLE Callow Farm, Hillside, to ascertain details about the collision. Siting of one residential mobile home. The hanging tree in Newtown is still 11/00389/HOU Hollings End, not resolved, this will be reported Newtown, Single storey extension. again. The Clerk is to ask the 11/00294/HOU Primrose Bank, Lengthsman to dig out ditches at Newtown, Two storey and single Penny Hill Cottage, Pudford Lane storey extension. (close to Quarry Road), and outside 11/00204/HOU Fairview, Pudford The Villa. Investigations will be made Lane, Proposed rear attic conversion as to whether the no through road sign with new velux roof lights. could be improved on Jury Lane. Withdrawn by applicant Highways have advised that the pot 11/00325/LBC Tee Farm, Martley, hole at Brook Court will be repaired in Replacement of all windows to the next ten days and the pothole at dwelling. New House Farm, Hope House Lane Cycle Races is to be reported again. Concerns had been raised regarding the recent cycle race that took place on Date of next meeting 1 May 2011 in terms of blocking the The next meeting will be held on road with the use of red flags, general Monday 6th June 2011.

July 2011 * The Villager 17 World Class Is Our Harry was buried at Martley on 19 May. Local lad Harry Sarkar has been Laid to rest selected for the World Martial Kombat Jonathon Beale who died on 9 Federation English Team to fight in November 2009, the burial of his The World Championships in Italy, in ashes took place at Martley on 15 November 2011. Harry who is 10 May. years old, lives in Martley and attends Margaret Roberts who died on 11 Martley Primary School and has been February 2011, the burial of her ashes a dedicated student at The Lighthouse took place at Martley on the 18 May. Kick Boxing School for several years. A member of the Kick Boxing Mobile Library 2011 tournament team, The Bomb Squad, Ockeridge Harry‘s determination and dedication Silver Oaks 9.45–10.05 has certainly paid off with this Wichenford fantastic achievement representing his Malvern View 10.10–10.35 Church 10.45–11.05 country. Harry would be grateful for Kings Green Farm 11.15–11.40 any sponsorship/donations from Rosses Green 11.45–12.05 individuals/companies towards the Martley Hillside cost of the trip, if you are interested in Horn Lane Bungalows 12.10–12.25 helping Harry, please contact Martley [email protected]. Any Taylors of Martley 12.30–12.45 donations will be very gratefully LUNCH received and can be left at the Post Heaton House 1.20–1.50 Office with Mary, who has kindly Church 1.55–2.15 agreed to be a central collection point Clifton Village Hall 2.30–3.50 for all sponsorship – thanks Mary! Good Luck Harry from everyone. The Mobile Library will be visiting these Sharon Sarkar stops on Wednesdays on the dates listed below in 2011: Announcements 12 January 21 February 23 February Recent Marriages 16 March 6 April 27 April 18 May 8 June 29 June Gary Varndell and Alison Mansell on 20 July 10 August 31 August 23 April, St Peters, Martley. 21 September 12 October 2 November Louis Lallia and Georgina Banks on 23 November 14 December

14 May, St Peters, Martley. The Mobile Library will also be visiting Cob House Fisheries every 3rd Thursday 1.30-2.15pm In Memorium Percy Gegg who died on 4 May and Any enquiries should be made to Stourport was buried on 17 May in Martley. Library, Worcester Street, Stourport, Roger Mace who died on 14 May and Worcs DY13 8EH, tel: 01905 822722 [email protected]

18 The Villager * July 2011 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Janet Andrews 01886 888303 Sheila Richards 01886 888378

Children‘s Centre on (01886) 812982 or email Sam Billingham at [email protected] *There may be a small charge for the crèche. Teme Valley Childrens Church Thanksgiving Centre Service Adult and Community Learning A Thanksgiving Service will be held Courses, Planning For Fun in the Church on 3 July and a film will Libraries and Learning will be be shown. This service will replace the working in association with the Teme usual Holy Communion. Valley Children‘s Centre to offer a free* 10 week course in Tenbury Nora Parsons Day Centre Wells. It will be designed to help you May has been a very busy month. A plan for a trip out with your children coffee morning was held which was near to Christmas. Some of the topics very well attended. Our patron, Cath that will be covered are, Brush up on Mackie, kindly joined us for the IT Skills, to help in searching for ideas morning and we officially opened our of what to do or where to go, Develop new garden area, which has been built budgeting skills for saving towards as a result of a grant from Worcester special plans, Practice comparing County Council. Our members have costs to find the best value for money already been taking salad items home and learn some new quick recipes for for their tea!! During the morning packing up healthy picnics and lunch Cath kindly made a presentation on boxes. This is an accredited course behalf of the Committee to Bill and Jo where participants achieve a Root. They have been volunteer recognised certificate on completion. drivers for over 30 years and have If you would like to book onto the finally decided that they needed to course or would just like some more hang up their car keys! On behalf of information, then please contact the everyone they have chauffeured

July 2011 * The Villager 19 around over the years, a very big new, so many thanks to her for her thank you to you both. We also had time and efforts. Ideally we would like the first of our outings of the summer, some younger volunteers too, or if you unfortunately the weather on the day are newly retired and are wondering was not summery but that did not what to do with your spare time then dampen our spirits. We took a coach please contact me on (01886) 888472. to Stourport on Severn where we Janet Dale, Secretary embarked on a steamer for a trip on Nora Parsons Day Centre the river, then once back onto the quay we had fish and chips on the boat Announcements followed by strawberries and cream Baptisms and a lovely scenic drive back to the Centre. At the end of the month we Oliver Cleall on 10 April at St held a prize bingo at Laurence‘s, Wichenford which raised £350 towards our running costs. Thanks to everyone who helped from the Centre and In memoriam particularly to Mrs Di Owen and the Beryl Sanders who sadly ladies from the bingo who supplied passed away on 27 April prizes, set up the room, sold tickets and was buried at and generally ensured the evening was Wichenford Church on such a success. We have already 11 May arranged another session around next Easter so watch for the date nearer the time. Amongst Friends Kenswick and Wichenford Among Friends Wichenford organised Parish Council by Friends of the Elderly started Edited draft unapproved record of operating their specialist dementia the Annual meeting of Kenswick centre on each Wednesday at the and Wichenford Parish Council Centre. If anyone feels, or knows Minutes held on Monday 9 May someone, who could use this specialist 2011 in the Memorial Hall service please do not hesitate to Wichenford. contact Shirley Bradley on 07825 805 Election of Chairman 708. Nominations for Chairman were Volunteers Urgently Needed requested, as no nominations were We are really in need for some received Georgina Britten-Long additional volunteers to help at the agreed to continue as Chairman. The Day Centre, either driving or helping motion was carried unanimously that out on Mondays or Thursdays. Gwen Mrs Britten–Long continues in this Burnett has now left us for pastures role for another year. The new

20 The Villager * July 2011 councillor Mr A Cox was welcomed Ideas have been requested to suggest a to the meeting. use for the phone box. The lights are Election of Vice Chairman still on and it was questioned who Mr K Randall was proposed and pays this energy. Ideas for its use agreed to stand for another year. included a library exchange, fill it with District and County Councillors flowers for the open gardens, an Report advertising box for the village, and Councillor Williams reported that she paint it different colours every now will remain our district Councillor for and then. The Chairman will contact the 17th year. the high school to see if they want to Progress Report undertake a project. Damaged Railings Finance Still outstanding, no progress. These The balance from 1 March to 28 April were first reported in October 2010 to 2011 stands at £17,314.84. The first The Worcestershire Hub. We also half of the precept of £3,500 has been have a similar situation at Laughern received. There was one cheque Corner. The Chairman spoke to the totalling £214.02 for agreement and County Councillor regarding this and signature. The sum of £750 has been will follow up. received from other Parish Councils Village Green Sign wishing to contribute towards the cost No correspondence has been received of the dish washer for the day centre. regarding this item. The signs have Memorial Hall Grant been ordered by and Councillor The grant has been approved and Barrow will chase them up and report should be received by the 6 June. back to the clerk. Work on the kitchen should Royal wedding mugs commence shortly. It was reported that 68 mugs were Parish Council Insurance given out on the day. It has proved The insurance document was very difficult to find out the actual discussed and includes the Millennium number of under 18‘s that reside in the Green. parish. Rural Rate Relief Planning An application for Discretionary Rural Applications considered since the Rate Relief has been received last meeting. requesting a contribution of £50.97. It Nothing to consider. was agreed that it is not reasonable to Applications approved, refused, grant the relief in view of the fact that withdrawn. this will be part funded by local None. taxpayers and they feel that the Applications to be considered. business is not considered to be of None. benefit to the local community. The BT Phone Box acceptance of the financial statements

July 2011 * The Villager 21 was approved. John Moulding esq, (Cockshut), Risk Assessment William Vaston, (Bury End Town The annual risk assessment is now Farm) complete. Councillors Report and Items for Future Agendas Step out on Waterways Walk Ideas were discussed for the Golden challenge Jubilee and Olympic Games next year. Seventy keen walkers have already The Council would like to hold events signed up to take part in the second 21 on the Millennium Green and combine miles circular the two events together. The clerk will Waterways Walk in contact the Inspired Grant Scheme to Worcestershire this see what it involves and if it would be summer. The walk, on of benefit to our community. Sunday 14 August, is in Date and Venue of Next Meeting aid of St Richard‘s Meetings were arranged for 27 June; 5 Hospice. Last year more August and 26 September, 2011, and than 300 walkers took part and raised will be held in the Memorial Hall at over £35,000 for the hospice through Wichenford at 7.30pm. sponsorship and donations. Event organizers hope the walk will prove Wichenford History just as popular this year. The flat route Extract from the Parish Registers starts at Droitwich Rugby Club and 1735. Modern day house/farm in takes walkers through the beautiful brackets, property listed in square scenery and open countryside of brackets indicates that the house is no Worcestershire, passing 41 locks longer standing. along the canal. The walk meanders A list of the Freeholders, Copy and along the recently renovated Leaseholders put up on the Church Droitwich canal to the River Severn door that day by J.P. and back along the Worcester- Plukenett Woodroffe esq, Birmingham Canal. St Richard‘s (Wichenford Court), Henry Gyles Hospice Community Fundraiser gent, (Woodend), Jon Baxter gent, Phillippa Jones has organised the (Woodhouse), The Revd Henry Bunn event with support from British Vernon, clerk, (Kings Green Farm), Waterways. She said, ―This walk is a William Walker, gent, [Little fantastic way to discover the Birchend], Widow Twitty, (Arundels), wonderful river and canal landscapes Swift Albert, (Witton Hill), George on our doorsteps. It‘s also flat which Francombe, gent, (Little Acre), makes it easier for walkers to William Munn, [High Elms, Elm complete the 21 miles.‖ Last year was Corner], Henry Herbert, gent, (Cob a huge success with many walkers House), Thomas Snelson, (Boxleys), vowing they would come back and do

22 The Villager * July 2011 the challenge again this year.‖ Take a When I took over the editorship for look at last year‘s event with the short this magazine, I had no idea that I film on the hospice‘s YouTube would be able to get my hands on the c h a n n e l www.youtube.com/ complete archive of The Villager hospicesrh. Phillippa said walkers editions, right back to Volume 1, Issue need to be relatively fit to complete 1 in June 1992!. I thought it would be the walk, which she estimates will an idea to share with you and to take at least 6 hours of walking, publish articles ‗back in the day‘ when excluding lunch and rest stops. it all began. Reading through them is Registration is free and walkers are delightful, and to see such familiar e n c o u r a g e d t o r a i s e names who were involved then and sponsorship. Registrations close on still are today is great. It really shows Friday, 5 August. Dogs are very what a committed and enthusiastic welcome on this walk. The event is team we really are and that our two supported by Droitwich Spa Marina, lovely villages are still thriving and Worcestershire County Council, and contributions are still coming! British Waterways. For more Articles from Martley information call the Fundraising Dept Young Artists on 01905 763963 or go A competition was held to create the www.strichards.org.uk/ very first cover picture for The waterwayswalk Villager. Pupils from Martley C E Phillippa Jones Primary School submitted some delightful drawings and the winner Blues at The Fold was Vanessa Coombs. Well done Don't forget that Saturday 2nd July Vanessa and Vanessa's lovely picture 2011 is the date for your diaries. The featured on the very first edition. annual local blues festival will be held Dean Comes to Martley at The Fold, Worcester WR6 5JB. The Dean of Worcester was the Great music, combined with the The Preacher at the Holy Communion Fold's fabulous setting, great local service on June 21st 1992 at St Peters, beer, cider and perry and fabulous Martley. The Dean and Chapter of food, it'll be a bostin' day (and with Worcester Cathedral hold the camping available too you can really Patronage of this United Benefice. A make the most of it). For more lovely service was followed by a glass information and tickets please visit of wine. www.bluesatthefold.co.uk Articles from Wichenford The Wichenford Festival of Flowers The Villager 1992 and Crafts was held on the 2 to 4 May 1992 in the Church. The Bishop of First Edition, Volume 1 Worcester and the Bishop of Alaska Number 1 also attended. The festival raised over

July 2011 * The Villager 23 £2,000 for Church funds. it is established spraying is useless. Cross Country Ride Infected plants can look unsightly but The cross county ride on Sunday 26 usually survive. Prune the early- April 1992 was a great success with summer flowering shrubs such as over 125 riders taking part. The total Philadelphus and Weigelas, also prune sum of £725 raised was divided your conifer hedges. At the end of the between the Church of St Lawrence month is the time to take off the long and the Memorial Hall. whips on Wisteria. Also whilst you Editors Note: I am more than happy to have the secateurs in hand why not try provide you with a copy of the full taking cuttings of Clemetis, article(s) featured above from the Hydrangeas and Fuchsias, or pinks 1992 edition. Please contact me for and carnations. Keep an eye open at more details. the Garden Centres for autumn- Gail flowering bulbs which usually come in at the end of the month. In the In the Garden vegetable garden it is not too late to sow autumn and winter salad crops, peas and spring cabbage. Tomatoes July and August are usually the hottest need a lot of attention this month, months of the year. July can also be watering every day if possible, dry, and the odd sharp shower or remember to keep removing side thunderstorm won't do much to shoots and also remove yellowing increase the moisture level of the soil, leaves from the bottom of the plants. but we still all need to use water As your strawberry plants finish their wisely. Don't waste water on fruiting, cut off all the old leaves to established lawns, the grass will go prevent disease and if you water well slightly brown but it will soon recover. the plants will soon produce healthy Keep dead heading annuals and new growth. perennials as the flowers fade. Disbud Gardens Open dahlias if you aim to produce large In this area gardens that are open for size blooms rather than lots of smaller charity include, Spetchley Park on ones. To prolong your display of July 3, Hanbury Hall on July 16, roses, instead of just taking off the Wolferlow House near Upper Sapey dead flower head, cut the flowering on July 2 and Moors stem back to a lower bud and feed the Meadow Gardens and plant with a rose or high potash Nursery at Collington fertiliser and you should get new July 11. For more shoots which will flower later in the information on these year. Spray against rose black spot as gardens and others soon as you notice it and keep please see their website repeating the treatment, because once www.ngs.org.uk

24 The Villager * July 2011 Broad Bean, Lemon and Thyme Seasonal recipes Risotto Serves 2 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes Ingredients Baked Raspberry Cheesecake 1 onion, finely chopped Serves 8, Preparation time, 20 minutes good knob of butter Cook time, 40 minutes, Ready in 1 2 garlic cloves, crushed hour around 750ml (1½pts) vegetable stock Ingredients 150g (5oz) risotto rice 8 digestive biscuits 125ml (4½fl oz) dry white wine 50g butter , melted 600g cream cheese 250g (9oz) broad beans, blanched and 2 tbsp plain flour podded 175g caster sugar grated zest of 2 lemons and juice of 1 vanilla extract 2tbsp thyme leaves 2 eggs, plus 1 yolk 2tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley 142ml pot soured cream 300g raspberries 75g (3oz) fresh Parmesan, grated icing sugar Method Method Gently fry the onion in a little butter Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. until soft but not browned. Add the Crush the biscuits in a food processor garlic and cook for a minute. Bring the (or put in a plastic bag and bash with a stock to the boil in a separate pan, then rolling pin). Mix with the butter. Press leave on a gentle simmer. into a 20cm spring form tin and bake Add the rice to the onion with a pinch for 5 minutes, then cool. of salt, stir well then add the white Beat the cream cheese with the flour, wine. Bring to the boil, simmer, then sugar, a few drops of vanilla, eggs, the slowly add the hot stock, a ladleful at a yolk and soured cream until light and time, adding more once the first batch fluffy. Stir in half the raspberries and has been absorbed. You must keep pour into the tin. Bake for 40 minutes stirring with a wooden spoon, as the and then check, it should be set but stirring action releases the starch from slightly wobbly in the centre. Leave in the rice and gives that wonderful the tin to cool. creaminess to a good risotto. It will Keep a few raspberries for the top and take around 20 minutes. You want the put the rest in a pan with 1 tbsp icing rice to retain a bit of bite to it. Now sugar. Heat until juicy and then squash add the broad beans, lemon zest and with a fork. Push through a sieve. juice, thyme and parsley. Stir well. Serve the cheesecake with the rasp- Leave the rice to stand for 2 to 3 min- berry sauce and raspberries. utes with a knob of butter. Finally, add the Parmesan and serve

July 2011 * The Villager 25

Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664

Last month we celebrated the renam- quiet and prayerful recollection and ing of The Chapel of St Mary and St retreats. In this busy world in which Andrew at Knightwick, but this month we live retreats have become ever I would like to bring to your attention more important, as has been seen on not a Chapel but an Abbey, Mucknell recent television programmes about a Abbey, a monastery under the rule of convent and a monastery. The bible St Benedict. Why is this? Two rea- tells us that if we draw near to God he sons, the first is that the 11 July is the will draw near to us, James 4:8. As we day we commemorate the life of St do that, may we find strength for the Benedict of Nursia who was born in lives we live, for the joys and difficul- about the year 480 and is responsible ties we face and for the tasks we un- for establishing monasteries across dertake. Benedict wrote his Rule to Italy and most famously the monastery enable those who followed it to ulti- of Monte Cassino. He has left a lasting mately follow Jesus. May God enable legacy as during the latter part of his us to do so whether we live in a mo- life he wrote his ‗Rule‘, the Rule of St nastic community, within our family Benedict is still being followed widely units, or even alone. across the world. He never intended to Prayer of St Benedict found an ‗Order‘ but the Benedictine Gracious and holy Father, grant us Order has been an inspiration for the intellect to understand you, reason many in finding a discipline and com- to discern you, diligence to seek you, munity within their Christian life. wisdom to find you, a spirit to know Mucknell Abbey, itself Benedictine, you, a heart to meditate upon you. has nuns and monks living under this May our ears hear you, may our eyes Rule as well as a Methodist Presbyter behold you, and may our tongues pro- as a novice in the community. The claim you. Give us grace that our way Abbey was a derelict farm and has of life may be pleasing to you, that we been built according to ecological may have the patience to wait for you principles with many sustainable fea- and the perseverance to look for you. tures. The monastery moved from Grant us a perfect end – your holy Burford to the Diocese of Worcester presence, a blessed resurrection and in November 2010 and since the 1 life everlasting. We ask this through April this year they have opened their Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. doors to those wishing to share in David

26 The Villager * July 2011 Sunday 3 JULY 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary & St Andrew, Knightwick 10.30am Songs of Praise, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30am Family Worship, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Morning Worship, St Mary Magdalene, 6.30pm Evensong, St Leonard, Monday 4 July 9.00am Morning Prayer, St Laurence, Wichenford Tuesday 5 July 10:00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Sunday 10 JULY 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 Monday 11 July 8.30am Prayer Breakfast at Jennifer‘s Tuesday 12 July 10:00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wednesday 13 July10:15 Holy Communion, Heaton House Sunday 17 JULY 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, St Mary & St Andrew, Knightwick 6:00pm Holy Communion, St Laurence Wichenford Monday 18 July 9:00am Morning Prayer, St Peter, Martley Tuesday 19 July 10:00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Sunday 24 JULY 8:00am Holy Communion, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 9.30am Holy Communion, St Peter, Martley 10.30am Holy Communion, St Laurence, Wichenford 10.30am Family Worship, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas 6:30pm Songs of Praise, St Peter Martley Monday 25 July 9:00am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Tuesday 26 July 10am Morning Prayer, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas Wednesday 27 July10.15am Holy Communion, Heaton House Sunday 31 JULY 10.30am Benefice Service, St Mary Magdalene, Broadwas

Bible Study Group Every Tuesday evening during July at 7.30pm at the home of Chris Woodburn, Berrow View, Hollins Lane, Martley

Ladies Prayer Breakfast Club 8.00am Ladies Prayer Breakfast at the Cob House. To book contact Trish Collett on 812204 or [email protected]

July 2011 * The Villager 27 Village Contacts

Editor of The Villager Gail Dawson [email protected] or 01886 889180 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 Dave Cropp—01886-888398

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 Martley Village Hall Bookings Please contact Lucy Horn, 0772064394 or 01886 889148, email [email protected]

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 * July 2011 Sorry Apologies for the front cover wording error in the June edition of The Villager. The front cover incorrectly stated that British Summer Time begins on Tuesday 21 June 2011. The wording should have read British Solstice not British Summer Time. Thanks to those keen Villager readers for highlighting this. Gail, Editor Great Witley Surgery News From 1 July 2011 the surgery will no longer be able to accept cheques in payment for prescriptions. Prescription charges are currently charged at £7.40 per item. Enquires relating to this article should be directed to the surgery on 01299 896370.

School Holidays Friday 22 July our local schools will close for the Summer Holidays.

Martley Library

Martley Library Opening Times Monday 2—7 pm Wednesday 4—6 pm Thursday 10am -1 pm Friday 2 - 4 pm Saturday 10am -12 noon 01886 888396 (opening hours only)

July 2011 * The Villager 29