COVERING:

Aylton, Little Marcle, Munsley, Pixley &

The first glimpses of normal life?

Summer June '21 - Aug '21 Issue No.91

Photo: Jo Porter Dognapping in Pixley A word from by Lesley Clothier On the evening of the 28th of March the WhatsApp the Editor by Julie Crompton Helping Hand Group received Jo Porter's front cover to get back home to their owners as soon as a devastating text one that all possible. picture perfectly sums up dog owners dread. There are though, so many feel good stories Shelagh and Andrew Wynn’s Labrador Moss my hopes for new beginnings to read in this issue, tree planting, dormice had gone missing. As everyone knows, a as the easing of restrictions in our hedgerows, young litter pickers, the Labrador’s brain circuitry is centred around continues, and the planned return of Putley open gardens, The Prancing food and Moss failed to come back in from Pony is open for business and coffee the garden at 5 pm at her usual feeding time. lifting of all covid restrictions mornings restart in Aylton. Extensive searches by Shelagh and Andrew Chihuahuas, Jack Russells, Labradors and should happen on June 21st. I'd like to thank Melissa Hawker, sadly, this that evening did not bring her safely home. Pugs. Police are advising dog owners not will be the last issue where is able to impart to leave dogs in the garden unattended. To So many things we used to take for granted However this story does have a happy to look forward to once again, even if it’s her culinary knowledge, skill and passion, look out for spray markings on the road but for all you foodie types out there, we ending. Because of the jungle drums of the and gate posts and black cable ties on fences only getting out and about again! WhatsApp Helping Hand Group, a photo have a new cooking and baking page lined- and to beware of strangers asking questions It feels especially exciting that pubs and up for the Autumn issue, so we won't go of Moss was circulated the next morning. about your dog. Some dogs are being stolen A gentleman had found Moss the previous cafés, shops and bars are able to open up hungry! It will be a change of style, but whilst the owners are walking them. Ghastly again. If you are able to, please support these there will be some great things to bake and evening wandering along the A438 near stories are being told, of microchips being and had picked her up and taken businesses. They need us, and indeed, we cook up! cut out. need them. her home for the night. He was knocking If you have anything you would like to on doors in Putney in the morning and We all know that dogs touch the hearts One thing I've felt concerned about during mention in the next issue, please get in Tracey Snowdon who is on the WhatsApp of all family members, and this shocking the pandemic has been the continued rise in touch with me. I would love to see your group put him in contact with Shelagh and and devastating crime leaving families cases of dog napping (see page 2). How has it photos, stories and articles. Details below on Andrew and thankfully they were reunited grief stricken. Currently the law treats come to this, where simply going for a walk how to get in touch. with Moss. Moss had been taken from dogs as criminal property in the same way with your dog has become so concerning? the garden but had been rejected by these as TV and mobile phones, meaning that Please keep a look out if you see any dogs Enjoy our return to freedom everyone! dognappers because she has a grey muzzle, dognappers will typically walk free from wandering about. The chances are they have Julie has been spayed and on closer inspection court. The Kennel Club say that less than been dumped by these criminals and need looks her 9 years of age. No offence 5% of cases result in a criminal conviction. Shelagh and Andrew because we all know However the government plan to table an Please support the local businesses who advertise in our magazine. Including pubs, cafés, plant Moss is gorgeous! She had been turfed out amendment to the policing Bill to make centres, garden maintenance, garages, courses, accountancy, clothing repair and even design onto the A438 and was found quite some it a separate offence following this rise in agencies. They all provide much needed services and if they aren't open currently, they will be as way from home. dognapping. Pet theft could become a crime soon as they legally can. Dog theft has risen by 250% nationwide in its own right that carries a two year jail following increase demand during the sentence. I think we would all agree that If you have any events, stories, photographs or Copy deadline for the Autumn Issue: pandemic. The most common dogs to be the government should get on with it and news, please let me know. If you don’t tell me Sunday 1st August stolen are Staffordshire Bull Terriers, frankly is 2 years long enough?! I can’t pop it in our very own little mag! [email protected] 2 3 Summer - normal service resumed? Almost midsummer. And on 21st June we all We have thwarted the pigeons and frustrated hope to be able to fling open our garden gates the squirrels but the protective cloches were to invite our friends and families to wander snaffled for another purpose. A very old round our lawns and flowers, sit on a swing- little black cat, our temporary lodger until seat and soak up the sun or partake of tea and she and her owners move house, now lives in scones while listening to the humming of the greenhouse. She was miffed because the the bees or the screaming of small children, staging in there became covered in pots and whichever you prefer. The acrid fumes of the trays of seedlings and she couldn’t sprawl on neighbour’s Bar-B-Cue will waft deliciously her usual sunbed. So she realised the plastic over us as we sip our Pimms under the tunnels were in fact little suntraps and crept in, mulberry tree and remind us of why our supper curled up on the carrots and the kohl rabi and is sitting in the bottom of the Aga. purred. I didn’t! The dry April was a challenge – a lot of D.B. is not usually allowed anything sharp in hosepipe mending involving reels of plumber’s the growing season, but he was let loose on a tape and decidedly unhorticultural language. very overgrown Japanese honeysuckle – one of Three waterbutts provide for the greenhouse those sort of sprawly hedging shrubs which was but Dearly Beloved is too creaky to get the in our wild corner, left for the birds and insects. water carrier on his head for the top of the But it had really impinged on the path so we garden. The warmth has ensured the vegetable started to trim it a bit. As soon as D.B. found seedlings grew rapidly under their cloches and a Definitely Dead bit there was no stopping the indestructible spinach (oh, how I would him. He climbed behind it, heaved it off the like to see the end of it) continues to look like ground and cut it off at the waist. None of an advert for a seed merchant – tall, bright the “remove third of the old stems, reduce rest green and no signs of going to seed. No danger by a third” mantra here. It was big loppers, of iron deficiency in this house. medium loppers and secateurs wielded gleefully Having planted and enjoyed all those bulbs, for a whole morning. The blackbirds were then it was the turn of the lilies and gladioli. decidedly unimpressed but it will grow back Should I put them back in the beds – from thicker and more nest-friendly than ever. whence they were only moved because other The RHS Spring Show at Malvern may have plants had overshadowed them – or in big been cancelled but the Autumn one is due pots on the terrace? How about a formal row to go ahead. So I have invited an old friend, of white lilies down the straight path with a Hampton Court Garden Guide no less, to the evenly spaced lavender and sedum? Or stay and booked us tickets for the first day – Hand crafted in Aylton for over 50 years would it be clumps of five in gaps in a border. what an extravagance. We will spend all day Gladioli, these are lime green ones, do look a tottering round with lots of sitting down and Save time, waste and money with our unique stack and slide freezer basket system bit odd in a bed, as if someone has gone to the refreshments suitable for elderly persons and Keep your pets safe in our custom made dog cages for the car and home supermarket, bought a bunch, and stuck them maybe, just maybe, I can buy all those items in the ground. And then there are the dahlias, on the “What I Need for the Garden List” still www.hamsterbaskets.co.uk - www.facebook.com/DogCages usually left in situ, but for reasons of space pinned up from last year. Not to mention the overwintered in the garage. Some went back in “Oh look, got to have one of those” as well... 01531 670 209 different places but others are hiding with the gladioli, among the cabbages, for cutting. by Rosa Mundi 4 5 A matter of taste Ready to entertain again? by Melissa Hawker to marinate it overnight, is simplicity itself When this edition of – and great for feeding lots of people. This the Cider Press hits your amount of lamb will serve 8 easily as a roast, or if you choose to serve it the traditional way doormats, fingers crossed in pitta bread with a spicy sauce it will go even further! I have simplified the recipe by using that things will have eased ready ground spices – and if you omit one or two of them it is not going to spoil the overall up a bit and the weather effect, and you can fish out the cardamom should be warmer! and star anise before you serve! But do use relatively fresh spices, the ones in little pouches Spring has been very slow to start, especially by Seasoned Pioneers that Ceci Paolo sell are compared to last year. Our asparagus which lamb in a deep roasting tin, roll up your sleeves heat them up, pile the sliced or pulled lamb great for this. bravely put up a couple of spears on then and massage the marinade well into the joint. into them and allow guests to add chopped promptly stayed put for the next 2 weeks! Cover with foil and leave for at least a couple onion, sliced cucumber and tomato – not Talking of asparagus, I am very happy just to Lamb Shawarma of hours, preferably overnight. forgetting some of the delicious sauces from the meat as well! eat it lightly boiled with lots of butter and a • Leg of lamb weighing 2.5 – 3kg Roast uncovered at 170˚C/150˚C Fan/Gas few shavings of parmesan. But roasting or • 2tspns black peppercorns 3½ for 1.5 hours to brown the meat, adding a grilling does really bring out its sweetness, • ½ tspn ground cloves cup of boiling water to the pan (not over the and if you are eating outside, barbecuing it is • 2 cardamom pods meat itself ) after 30 mins. Then cover with perfect! If not then you can grill it, griddle it foil, but continue to baste the meat every hour or put it in a hot oven with a bit of olive oil • ¼ tspn ground fenugreek or so, adding more water if needed. Leave it to and seasoning for about 8 minutes, depending • 1 tspn ground fennel rest for at least 20 minutes and up to an hour if on thickness. You want it soft and starting • 1 tbspn ground cumin well wrapped before serving. to brown. Ottolenghi has, in his latest book • 1 star anise Simple, a great idea to dress it up a bit. Melt PRODUCE STAND - PUTLEY some butter and add some flaked almonds and • 1tspn ground cinnamon Two different sauces to cook for 1 – 2 minutes until lightly browned • ½ nutmeg, grated before pouring over the asparagus. Heat some • ¼ tspn ground ginger serve with the lamb olive oil and fry some of those very small • 1 tbspn sweet paprika Delicous Fruit, capers on a high heat until they crisp up, use • 1 tbspn sumac If you are serving it as a roast, this goes really Juice and Preserves, a slotted spoon to add them to the asparagus • ¾ tbspn maldon salt well with it. Take 125g fromage frais and 125g & almonds. Sprinkle with some dill (or finely of crème fraiche. Add a teaspoon white wine direct from the Orchard chopped chives) and serve. • 25g fresh ginger, grated vinegar, a clove of garlic, grated, the zest of half Open during daylight hours • 3 garlic cloves, crushed a lemon, 10g finely chopped chives and some Simple is a great book, but I fear that Pay by Cash, Cheque or Online • 40g chopped coriander seasoning, mix well and serve. Ottolenghi’s notion of ‘simple’ is not always mine! However for those wonderful middle • 60ml lemon juice For an authentic Middle Eastern take on this, 01531 670263 eastern flavours I head for his recipes every • 120ml veg oil mix a small tin of chopped tomatoes with 20g [email protected] time. This Lamb Shawarma (from his & Sami harissa, 20g tomato puree, a tablespoon of Mix all the ingredients except the lamb Tamimi’s book Jerusalem), while it needs a lot olive oil and some seasoning. Brush the inside Connecting People, Place and together. Score the meat, to allow the of ingredients and requires you to remember of the pitta breads with this mix before you Produce for over 100 years marinade to seep into the flesh. Place the 6 7 thenest Groceries to Salvage Wildflowers on our verges, make space for wildlife by Kate Wollen As I write this, I am admiring some woodlands, verges and a very limited the beautiful wildflowers amount of farmland. Cutting these verges during spring and growing in the small verge summers destroys the majority of wildlife outside my house. habitat along them, leading to further The Garlic mustard and light purple/pink declines in our native wildlife. As with Cuckoo flower is showing well in some our hedges, unless there is a safety issue, places and is the foodplant of the Orange leave cutting of verges along the roads and tip butterfly caterpillar. The dainty white lanes until the end of summer, once all the Greater Stitchwort is coming out and the plants have produced their seeds and all of tall showy Cow Parsley dominates some the insects have finished their life cycles. verges. Council is working with The bright yellow Cowslips are fairly local groups such as Verging on Wild common along the main road near to and the Herefordshire Wildllife Trust to Prestons Cross. improve some of our counties verges. We as local Parishes can help too by putting These wildflowers are not just beautiful away our mowers and strimmers until but are a vital part of the natural food autumn. chain (remember that from school?!). The flowers provide much needed nectar or The UK’s native wildlife is in trouble and foodplants for insects that are then eaten we can all do our bit to help. If you would by birds and small mammals who in turn like any help or advice on how to improve nestcafe.co.uk are food for predators such as barn owls an area for wildlife please do ask a member and kestrels etc. Wildflowers once covered of Putley Wildlife Group- nestLedbury, Road, HR8 2PZ 01531 670 816 all of the UK. Now they are restricted 670834 or [email protected] nest701, Fordshill Rd, Rotherwas, Hereford HR2 6NS 07444 603 649 mainly to nature reserves, hedge bottoms, 8 9 Tree planting at Putley Court by Sue Ashe Herefordshire has one of the best populations The Black Poplar of these trees, but only 239 are currently recorded across the county. Herefordshire tree (Populus Nigra) was wardens have a project to plant more black poplars in Herefordshire to repopulate it with once a familiar sight this majestic tree which grows to 20 metres or more and has a canopy of the same size, so in English landscape Putley Court is doing its bit! Thursday Lunch-time Friday evening but is now one of our Black Poplar cuttings have been planted in Burger and a pint 2 coursesspecial for £12 Take-Away2 portions the Court field by the footpath in what has evenings become increasingly wet soil as a stream has £10 Wednesday-Saturday Fish & Chips rarest trees. decided to emerge there – as those who walk it 12pm-2pm £15 It is featured in many of Constable’s paintings, will know! where it is shown in its preferred habitat of watery ground near a stream or river. Numbers These trees are rapid growers and so, within have been declining over the last few hundred a few years, we will start seeing this ancient, years due to human land management and it native species grace our landscape once again. is now a rare species. Black poplars can still be For more information on the Black Poplar seen in Shropshire, Cheshire, Somerset, the visit the Herefordshire Wildlife website www. Vale of Evesham and East Anglia. herefordshirewt.org 10 11 The 1916 Sale of Putley The Little Marcle Estate Church LILLANDS FARM by Charles Thwaites The fourth of the seven farms to come suggesting that Mr Skittery had a particular under the hammer in the auction of the interest in cattle husbandry. Little Marcle Estate sold by Lord Somers There appears to be less than an acre of in November 1916 was the 211 acre coppice sold with the farm. However the 2 Lillands Farm, although this property was acre Patches Coppice was already in hand, also advertised as Lion’s Hall Farm. In the Birds welcomeby John Sandfield with the sporting rights being transferred to event it was purchased by its existing tenant the new landlord on sale. hospices, primary schools and, of course, -- Mr WW Skittery -- whose descendants churches. This charity also provided continue to farm at Lillands to this day. The farmhouse was described as ‘good’, boxes for the Parish Hall not so long ago. The purchase price was £3,400. containing a dining room, drawing room, breakfast room, four bedrooms and an attic Included were several different types of Just 2 acres of pasture were to be found in and boxroom. The kitchen had a pumped boxes for robins, tits and starlings, an , with the remainder being water supply with larder adjoining. There extremely grand model for a kestrel and situated within the Little Marcle parish was also an underground cellar. A covered a ‘terrace’ for sparrows which provides boundary. At the time the total area yard led to a dairy and back kitchen with a nesting sites for several families. enclosed by the latter amounted to just furnace. The farmhouse garden contained over 1200 acres. Thus Mr Slittery farmed Thanks from the PCC to the Wildlife a tennis lawn. The particulars note that at least a sixth of the parish area, with other Group members – Kate Wollen (fresh the sitting- and bedroom grates, and the of Lord Somers’s farms under auction from her TV appearance), Sally Webster, kitchen range, had been installed by the accounting for most of the rest. Mary Hastilow and Richard Ball, pictured tenant, perhaps with the implication that installing a box. An examination of the field-sizes sold in they were his to remove should his bid be this lot reveals a roughly similar mixed- unsuccessful! The church already has bats in the Since Putley Church has several nesting farming pattern to most of the other farms The lot included three fairly standard three- boxes left, these could be passed on to other in the sale: 11 acres of hops, 6 or so of belfry but, at the end of February, bedroomed cottages: two as a ‘semi’ and organisations of the types mentioned. orchard and approximately 50 down to on a particularly warm and sunny one detached. All had pigscots and wells. Please contact John Sandfield if you’re arable. Thus more than half the acreage But the most interesting cottage was the morning, members of the Wildlife interested [email protected] was devoted to pasture, with the particulars two-bedroomed dwelling situated within 07961 652357 noting that more than 30 acres had been Group joined PCC members to the acute angle formed where Aylton Court laid down by the tenant himself. A high install new nesting boxes for birds in If you fancy tracking down the boxes, Road meets the A4172. In 1916 this was proportion of farmland meadow was not there’s a simple map in the church porch ‘occupied as a post office’. Only later one the beautiful churchyard trees. unusual in those days, when one bears in which will enable you to do so. assumes this local service was relocated mind that almost all agriculture in 1916 The extremely attractive and robust and further south to the corner of Little Marcle still relied on horses as the main motive boxes, marketed by the RSPB, were kindly If you would like to help your PCC to Lane, before being finally closed within power. Yet looking at the descriptions donated by ‘Welcome to our Future’, a continue in their efforts to restore and recent memory. small charity based in Pershore that secures maintain the churchyard monuments (and of outbuildings in the sales particulars, it grants to pay for nesting boxes in various church), please make a donation by BACS to would seem that the number of cow sheds types of organisations such as care homes, Putley Church, account no 07708157; sort and stalls was higher than other local farms, code 53-61-47, with reference History 12 13 Doctors are warning us about the over by Lesley Clothier prescribing of antibiotics that will at some BIRCHER MUESLI with apple Health & Wellbeing MCSP. Lic/Ac. CST. point lead to the devastating effect of Serves 2 resistant strains of infection as will the • 1 eating apple - coarsely grated Foods good for gut health. overuse of antibiotics in farming. • 50g Organic Jumbo oats Here are a few examples of foods rich in • 25g Mixed Seeds eg Sunflower, Gut Feelings fibre: Raspberries, Apples, Artichokes, Research into the effectiveness of probiotics Pumpkin Sesame, Linseed Part 3 The Microbiome Green Peas, Broccoli, Chickpeas, Lentils, seem to indicate that they are useful when • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon Beans, Whole Grains, Nuts. you are sick but do not significantly alter the • 100g Full Fat live natural Yoghurt Microbiome part 3 Lots of fibre and non digestible carbs are not composition of the microbiata in healthy • 25g Chopped Mixed Nuts What should we do to help our microbiata? absorbed in the small intestine but broken people. Better to eat prebiotic foods: • 100ml Cold Water Our microbes are threatened by a number down in the large intestine forming good Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Asparagus, Bananas. • Chopped Dates or dried fruit of choice of things but two factors are apparent. microbes Bifidobacteria, Lactobaccilli and (for some sweetness optional.) The lack of fibre in our diets and the use of Bacteroidetes. We all would benefit from a breakfast that has a low glycemic index( GI ) which means Place all the ingredients in a bowl and antibiotics. Eating fermented foods involves bacteria a slow and steady release of glucose which mix well. Place in the fridge overnight converting sugars in foods to organic acids When it comes to dietary advice we are minimises glucose spikes in the blood after and serve in the morning topped with besieged by fads and controversy. However and yeasts. Examples are: Live Organic fruit of your choice, banana, raspberries, Yogurt, Kefir, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Miso. ( meals. Breakfast cereals eg. cornflakes, what is clear is that consuming large amount blueberries. Will keep you and the kids avoid vinegar in bought fermented foods. puffed rice and bran flakes tend to have a of juices, sweetened beverages, white going through till lunchtime. Lovely Look for spring water.) high GI and have a high sugar content. Here bread, artificial sweeteners, refined grains is tasty easy and quick to prepare recipe for a alternative to porridge and great to eat as and processed meats are associated with Eating foods rich in polyphenols lowers healthy breakfast packed with fibre and one a “summer” breakfast. microbes linked to metabolic disorders, triglycerides and therefore inflammation. that has a low GI. obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Examples are: Cocoa, Dark Chocolate, A good message would be, “ Eat more Red Wine, Green Tea, Onions, Blueberries, Plants, Eat more Fibre.” A plant-rich Broccoli. diet seems to make for a “lean” set of gut Blending and juicing can reduce the fibre microbes. Dietary fibre when broken down, content and increase access to calories and form compounds called short chain fatty absorption in the small intestine. Partially acids ( SCFA’s) These compounds help calm digested fibre needs to make its way to the the immune system, reduce inflammation large intestine for all those beneficial effects and help to release leptin, the satiety of enhancing entire populations of the hormone that makes you feel full. One healthiest strains of microbes. SCFA is called butyrate. This compound helps plug the gaps in the gut wall preventing leaky gut syndrome ( as discussed ANTIBIOTICS in the last article.) Always use common sense because Choosing to increase your fibre content by antibiotics are sometimes essential but ask eating more vegetables, pulses and legumes your doctor these questions: is best done slowly to allow your microbiata 1. How sure are you that my infection is time to adapt otherwise at first some bacterial and not viral. undesirable effects can be produced! If you suffer with gastrointestinal problems do seek 2. What are the risks of not taking advise from your doctor before changing antibiotics and allowing my immune your diet. system to fight infection itself. 14 15 AYLTON NEWS

Working Photo: Ian Jones Since we can now meet up in person it has been suggested that we hold a monthly Dates for your diary: for the coffee morning in lieu of the Aylton Saturday 31st July Zoom Coffee mornings. Please let Selina ‘Opera Anywhere’ are performing HMS know if this is something you would be Pinafore at Court Farm Barn 'Common' interested in. [email protected] Easter Church Services 2nd to the 12th Sept H.Art featuring Philly Hunt and Veronica good! With lockdown beginning to lift we held Lavey with funds raised for the Cart Shed. our first service since Christmas in March During the exhibition there will be a village Two boys from Putley Common have shown and more than 20 attended. Both Good run pop-up tea shop with proceeds going how much they care about our beautiful Friday and Easter Day services were led to Herefordshire Mind, in Philly Hunt’s surroundings. The Rolinson brothers Charlie, by William Simmonds and finally it feels memory. There will also be an exhibition of 10 and nine year old Frankie were inspired like we are getting back to normal. What Selene Obolensky’s painting in the tea shop. to carry out a litter pick. They’re learning all an opportunity to celebrate! We are now about the environment at Primary able to offer a short family service on On a lighter note Selina's School. In just one afternoon they filled three the 1st Sunday of the month and Holy next door neighbour, Elijah, has released bin bags with rubbish. What role models they Communion on the 3rd Sunday both at his tadpoles Into her pond.... They love are for all of us! 11am. All welcome. cucumber and lightly steamed spinach !! 16 17 by Kate Wollen Putley Wildlife Group We are fortunate enough to have even been seen feeding on a garden bird feeder near to Putley Village Hall some years AdorableIt is illegal to handle Dormice DormiceDormice in the hedgerows and ago ! This winter 3 hibernating dormice without a license. woods throughout our Parishes, were found huddled together in the base of This photograph was taken during we must look after them. a stone wall around a garden in Aylton. a licensed survey. Hazel Dormice are a very rare, declining and To prevent us losing our dormice from this incredibly cute small mammal. However area we must look after them and that means they are in trouble and are now extinct considering dormice before undertaking any from some counties in the UK. They also work to our hedges or trees. have the highest level of legal protection, Dormice generally only come to ground making it an offence to disturb them or their to hibernate and do not like to cross open habitat, although that is not halting the ground. So if you remove even a small piece destruction of their homes. of hedgerow, then you could be preventing a Dormice normally live in woodlands that dormouse from being able to travel around have a good range of trees and shrubs in its home range. which to make their homes and feed. In If you cut hedges in spring, summer or the spring, summer and early autumn they autumn then you could be destroying a are arboreal (live in the trees) and only nest and killing the dormice inside. Cutting come to ground to hibernate during the hedges in spring and summer will also winter usually between November and disturb nesting birds, so unless there is a March. To make a nest they weave grasses safety reason, leave your hedge cutting until or honeysuckle or sedges into a tight ball November. either in holes in trees or shrubs or in dense Annual cutting of hedges removes much vegetation such as bramble. These nests can of the new growth that would produce be used for breeding or just by an individual flowers and fruit the following year. Flowers to shelter in. In the absence of woods they and fruits are vital to much of our native have been known to use hedges. As nests are wildlife to nectar and feed on, so leaving usually quite high up in a hedge they are at some hedges uncut each year will benefit our great risk of being disturbed or even killed dormice and other wildlife. when hedges are cut during spring, summer or autumn. If you find a dormouse or a nest in the area, please do let one of the members of Putley Luckily in this area we do still have Wildlife Group know. And if you need any dormice living in our hedgerows and nearby advice on how to look after the dormice woodlands. Over the last 10 years or so around your property please do contact me we have found them in virtually all of the on 670834 or [email protected] hedges, copses and woodlands across Putley and into Aylton and . They have Thankyou for caring! Kate 18 19 PUTLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Dermot and Louise Daly from Brainge have kindly donated a 'Happy Pigs' worth of Pork Loin and Sausages to help to raise funds for Putley Church.

Putley Parish Council is delighted regular cuts throughout the growing season. The consensus seems to be, however, that we to introduce our new councillor for should support and enhance wildflowers and the Parish Council, Julie Taylor. pollinators within the Parish next year by opting for a late summer verge cut only where Julie has lived in the village for five years and is a it is feasible and where there is a desire to professor at both the University of Birmingham encourage greater biodiversity in the verge. and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s If you'd like to take part in our tasty fundraiser, please email your order to: Hospital, working across a whole range of Whilst Putley Green has benefitted from fibre [email protected] who will advise about payment professional disciplines, including charities and broadband for some time now, Putley Common government departments. Julie’s specific focus is has missed out. Local broadband provider, on child protection and so we are confident that Airband, in association with Herefordshire her skills will make a significant contribution Council’s Fastershire scheme is now working in not just to the Parish Council but to the whole the Putley Common area splicing and testing community of Putley. the infrastructure. As soon as this is completed they will be in touch with all residents to In a neat segue, the Parish Council is currently arrange specific site visits where requested. If engaging with Platform Housing to discuss anyone wishes to contact Airband, the area the way forward for the children’s playground reference is HB9. located at Putley Green. Most of you will be all too well aware that it has lost a lot of its utility Update to the last edition of the Cider and attraction over the years and so we are Press: We are delighted to announce that looking for ideas for how to use this space more Jackie Denman managed to track down the effectively. If anyone has any thoughts and ideas ‘mysterious missing map of Putley in a metal on this then do please let us know. tube’. Thank you to all who helped. Another initiative that is currently under FINALLY: The annual Putley v Aylton cricket consideration is the idea of limiting the match is scheduled to go ahead at Canon Frome number of cuts to the roadside verges of Putley Cricket ground on Sunday 25th July. Please to encourage wildflowers and support key support both communities by attending and pollinators. Safety is, of course, of paramount bringing a picnic. Both villages need people to importance so locations on A and B class roads step up and play – no experience necessary – cannot be considered and visibility splays contact: and junctions would also continue to receive Andy Booth (Putley) [email protected] Ian Jones (Aylton) [email protected] 20 21 Pixley and District Parish Council Dear friends, we are still awaiting Transport. John Harrington is committed news on the A4172 - a meeting has to representing the views of parishioners and he understands our concerns. He has been been proposed but we do not yet to the Parish to see the problems first hand have a date though some time in and has toured up and down the roman May is thought likely. road. In essence, he agrees with us. One of the most potent arguments he can bring to Just to remind you – the Parish Council bear is our strength of feelings and anxiety has been battling away for some time about about this. The Parish Council has worked the speed and standard of driving on this tirelessly to represent this but, as we have major route that runs through our parish. It reflected before in this column, individual was a feature of the work we did to gather communications from parishioners count opinions to help create the Neighbourhood for a lot. So, we are appealing once again. Development Plan that many of you felt the IF you feel that the A4172, the roman road was a source of danger and concern to road, is dangerous and that either or both residents. We have had numerous meetings of a change in speed limit or road calming and talks with the Council, and indeed a measures would be helpful in making life public meeting was held some time ago at safer for us all then which feelings ran very high. Throughout this we have consistently proposed that the PLEASE do drop Councillor Harrington a speed limit on the roman road be reduced line yourself at: to 50mph. This would bring the road into [email protected] line with speed restrictions that are in place or write him a letter at: on either side, namely from the Trumpet Cllr J Harrington, Dept. of Infrastructure towards Ashperton and from Preston Cross and Transport, Hereford Council, toward Dymock. Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE. We cannot understand it but this idea is Your letter or email can be as simple as you opposed by both the County and the Police. like but in the words of a common phrase – West Mercia Police have gone as far as to every little helps. state that they would refuse to prosecute On a lighter note – do you know of any offenders if Herefordshire were to introduce ditches or footpaths that need maintenance? a 50mph speed limit. The Council If so please drop the Clerk a line at clerk@ themselves have told us on at least one pixleyanddistrictpc.org.uk and we will try to occasion that they would not be prepared get it fixed. to act until there was a fatal accident. Perhaps you can see why the Parish Council Finally, have a look at our website feels somewhat frustrated over this issue. (pixleyanddistrictpc.org.uk) It has been However, after the last County elections updated and invigorated recently. Enjoy the and the creation of the coalition group spring – apparently April 2021 has been the in Hereford Council we do have an ally frostiest on record, unless you can remember – this is Councillor John Harrington, the a frostier one! cabinet member for Infrastructure and 22 23 by Josephine Felton The Trustees are meeting back in the Office room has been tidied up and paving hall and on 21st June we hope to be slabs laid in front of the notice board. Minor repairs, safety checks, window cleaning, grass fully open for everyone, perhaps with cutting etc. have been carried out so that when just a few rules to follow. you come back you will see a lovely venue in which to meet your friends, enjoy an activity We are already taking bookings and it is or celebrate your special occasion. exciting to feel that some of the gatherings we so enjoy are able to return. In order to re-coup the missing year of income during the pandemic we need you to come and But while the hall has been closed the Trustees use the hall as much as you can – in previous have been beavering away to make even years there has been yoga and belly-dancing, more improvements. The floor stripping, Knit and Natter and Bingo, plays, bands, sanding and sealing and is now finished and illustrated talks and choirs, bread and soup is a dazzling light pine. The old iron/timber/ Putley WI - Keep safe & stay in touch lunches, full dinners and dancing. If you want barbed wire Cats Cradle of a fence between to organise any of these or something else do When we able to do so, and you are looking for fun, friendship and inspiration, join Putley WI! We usually meet at Putley hall and field is being replaced with a spanking Parish Hall at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month. If you need more information just give Anne a call. new black metal estate fence, complete with get in touch with the Secretary, Josephine on: Anne Phillips on: 01531 671176 or email: [email protected] pedestrian gate for Big Apple cider enthusiasts. 01531 670425 The scruffy outside corner in front of the Post email: [email protected] 24 25 Prancing Pony Sunday 25th July 2021 - ALL WELCOME at Putley Parish Hall by Mary Fielding

Prancing Pony at Court Farm 2019

WeWe're have now held the first Prancing Pony Ifback! all restrictions are abandoned, then let’s since the Prancing Sleigh at Christmas. PAAARRRTTYY!!! Amazingly, we didn't forget how it all We also have an invitation from Rebecca works! and Ian Jones to return to Court Farm The country is on schedule to be back to Barn so watch out for news about that too. ‘normal’ on June 21st so fingers crossed PP Members will get an email, but we will that the June PP will be ‘business as usual’, also put notices up around the area, so inside the Parish Hall on Friday 25th June. keep your eyes peeled. If not inside, then at least in carefully See you Soon! spaced groups outside once again. PLAYERS REQUIRED: The Prancing Pony Committee PUTLEY Aylton Residents who wish to take part Residents who wish to take part Pub nights take place from 7.00-10.30 on the last Friday of the month. The Pub is run in the match should contact Andy Booth: in the match should contact Ian Jones: entirely by volunteers from among the membership. All are welcome, and membership is just £5 per year. One-off visitors are asked to make a donation of £2. [email protected] [email protected] 26 Please contact ASAP! 27 by Sally Smart Leadon Valley Parkrun Accountancy Ltd Providing a tailored approach to all your accounting and taxation requirements: & covid-19 • Bookkeeping YOUR Parkrun is a free, weekly, this year Professor Clive Beggs at Queen • Payroll Mary University of London revealed community 5km walk or run that Parkrun events are likely to be very • VAT LOCAL which takes place all around safe. He went on to say that with the • Management Accounts vaccine and decreased number of cases, • Budgeting and Forecasting OPTICIAN the World on a Saturday parkrun is getting safer every day. This is • Financial Accounts morning. indeed a reassuring step forward in our • Personal and Business Tax understanding of outdoor transmission It was started in 2004 by Paul Sinton- of Covid -19, we can be confident that Ledbury Business Centre Hewitt, who recently said it has been walking, running, jogging or volunteering 136 Bridge Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AS 34-36 High Street, Bromyard, Herefordshire humbling to hear parkrun referred to at parkrun is likely to be very safe. 01531 631095 as ‘one of the greatest public health [email protected] 01885 488259 initiatives in the history of the United On June 5th parkrun will return and as www.lvaccountancy.co.uk Kingdom’ in the corridors of Public one of the greatest public health initiatives Health and elsewhere. we must welcome this return and support it! Now more than ever we need parkrun In March 2020 parkrun was suspended to improve our nation’s public health and just before our national lockdown. happiness. However, in September, in a survey, almost 80% of parkrunners said they If you don’t fancy joining parkrun would look forward to returning to you can of course join our monthly parkrun in October. At that time the fitness walk or our weekly cider feeling was that the physical & mental running group. benefits of the 5km outdoor events far outweighed the risks. Sadly, Covid The Putley Fitness Walk dates: restrictions in increased and (Monday) 7th June, 5th July, 2nd parkrun decided it would be insensitive August, 6th Sept. Fish & Chip Wednesday Open 7 days a week to push forward with reopening. Our Meet at the Parish Hall to set off £16 Our wonderful, friendly team can serve local parkrun at Newent has been a virtual at 10am. Followed by drinks (when 2 x Fish & Chips event during the pandemic. you great tasty food, excellent ales, wines, restrictions allow). whiskys and a full selection of soft drinks. On the 23rd of April 2021 an We walk between 2.5 and 3 miles. Friday is independent report commissioned by Dogs always welcome in the bar. Parkrun was published which estimates Cider runners meet at 9am every the risk of transmission of Covid-19 Saturday for a 30 minute social run. Pie Night! at parkrun events. Using data from the For further information ring Sally To Book a Table call: o1531 67o277 Office for National Statistics from March on 07468 793405 email: [email protected] www.TrumpetInnLedbury.co.uk 28 29 Some Putley and Aylton residents will and have inherited a litter picker and it has remember that for many years I organised PPC on it it maybe one of ours! a Parish litter pick and that we were gifted If you have one of these litter pickers, a number litter pickers from Herefordshire whether you use it or not still, could Council. These were given out to our you please contact me on 670834 or wonderful volunteer litter pickers who did [email protected] . such a great job in helping to keep our lanes and verges free from litter. I would like to If you are no longer using it I can relocate it track down these litter pickers as some may or if you are still using it, it would be useful not be used anymore. to know which parts of our Parishes are still Putley Open Gardens being litter -picked. 2021 Some people who had them have now moved, so if you have moved into the area Many thanks, Kate Pretty in Pink will have to be refashioned Your help will be much appreciated, to describe the beauty of Putley gardens at either opening a garden, being part of the start of Autumn. Having missed out the team serving tea and cake (no baking last year and again this May, we will be up or washing up), providing plants for and running in September sale or donating to the tombola. Please get in touch as below. servers If you are POG YEAR SIX able in any way able to help (the biggest th contributor to the funds is the catering Saturday September 25 in the Parish Hall (no baking or washing It will be good to welcome “foreigners”, as up) – the gardens are the temptation) we hope a good number of visitors will be open a garden, have plants for sale, donate combining their visit to Putley with their tombola prizes, please let us know. visit to the Malvern Autumn Show. TEAS: Josephine Felton 670425 • MOT Testing • 4 x Wheel Laser Tracking The money from entry fees, plant sales, [email protected] • Servicing • Tyres, Batteries & Exhausts teas and tombola provide income to • Mechanical Repairs • Hybrid/Ev Vehicle Servicing support our two charities, the Parish Hall GARDENS AND PLANT SALES: and our Church. Tim Beaumont 670801 • A/C Re-Gas and Repairs • Engine Diagnostics • Auto Gearbox Flushing • Trailer Servicing As is usually the case with the Open [email protected] Gardens, not all the gardeners know, yet, that they are going to open. But when TOMBOLA: Jake Herbst 670315 they do ... [email protected] Call us now on: 670278 TRUMPET • LEDBURY • HEREFORDSHIRE • HR8 2RA 30 31 What JOY to be able We are all being ‘called’ to our individual ‘Resurrection’, and that of our communities HEREFORDSHIRE to celebrate Easter in too. our Cider Churches Signs of this are evident in that the Cider this year. Churches ‘season’ of Weddings in 2021 Even if we were socially has now commenced. Couples are feeling Home And Garden distanced, wearing confident to go ahead with plans for Marriages face coverings, and were not permitted as from Spring to Autumn. For some these a congregation to sing inside our beautiful, are long planned, for others more recent or CARE AND REPAIR historic and sacred spaces as our Parishioners spontaneous. There may be smaller guest have for centuries before us. Small lists than were originally intended, but the deprivations perhaps, when we think back to challenges of this past extraordinary year, the equivalent time last year, when we were all has highlighted for many, that it is the living under the severest restrictions, at Easter quality of their relationship, and making 2020. A time when the doors of our Churches their commitment before family that is really were locked, Communion was unable to be important. That they choose to mark and celebrated, and we were all learning to adapt to celebrate the occasion by making their vows the changed and disorientating circumstancess and declarations before God in their local of social isolation that we had unexpectedly Church as so many generations have done found ourselves in. before them, gives me great joy too.! Likewise To further enhance the sense of Joy and Christening enquiries are now being regularly Resurrection at our Easter Sunday gatherings received, as families look towards the weeks came news in the preceeding days, that ahead for an opportunity to gather for a congregations would be permitted to sing time of celebration together, and to witness a OUTSIDE their Churches as part of the significant moment in their history, of a new service. So at 9.15am on Easter Sunday I was life becomng part of the community of faith. amongst those joining their voices with the As we look to these joyful events approaching, birds of the air in the stunning location of we do not forget that ‘Remembrance and Putley Church in glorious sunshine. It was as Thanksgiving’ are an important part of our if the season we were celebrating and Creation community life too. Those who have been itself, had truly come together and were alive bereaved during this past year, and especially and embodied in our midst…. those from a year ago, carried the pain of The physical reawakening of Creation each separation when Funeral services were only Spring is endlessly fascinating. It is a great permitted outsde, and with just a handful of source of inspiration for our lives in any year as mourners present. Services of Thanksgiving it unfolds, but especially so in this one. From give opportunity to gather, to share memories the depths of Winter we witness the new life and honour those we have loved in this life, of Spring. It is a time of ‘Resurrection’, of and to remember them within the Christian ‘Re-creation’. It shares with us a patient hope Hope of the Resurrection and its promises. If that is like Jesus’ empty tomb, a sign pointing you would like to discuss the possibility of a beyond itself to the promise of what is still to Service of Thanksgiving, or any other. Please be revealed. As we witness the ‘roll out ‘of the ask. ALL ARE WELCOME. roadmap around us, and cautiously take steps towards the ‘everyday’ freedoms, we once so enjoyed, but had previously taken for granted. Best wishes Va l Rev. Val Tait - email: [email protected] Tel: 01531 634035 32 33 March Results: AYLTON CONTACTS First prize no 27 Second prize no 33 Church Selina Marcon - [email protected] 01531 670900 Parish Council Allen Mawby - [email protected] 01531 670185 April Results: LITTLE MARCLE First prize no 39 Second prize no 3 Church Jim Glanville - [email protected] 07800 714011 May Results: Parish Council [email protected] 01684 311309 First prize no 3 Second prize no 42 MUNSLEY Parish Council [email protected] 01684 311309 PIXLEY Church Beata Davison - [email protected] 07989 108237 Putley Parish Hall Parish Council Steve Swaithes - [email protected] 01531 670433 PUTLEY Open on Mondays 9.30am - 11.30am Church Eric Porter - [email protected] 07527 444949 (except bank holidays) Parish Council Norman Stanier - [email protected] 01531 670263 Cash Withdrawals Mobile Phone top ups Chrissie Daniels - [email protected] 07484 055877 Cash & Cheque Deposits Gas and Electricity top ups PCC Tim Beaumont - [email protected] 01531 670801 Parcel Returns Bill Payments Vicar Val Tait - [email protected] 01531 634035 WI Anne Phillips - [email protected] 01531 671176 Prancing Pony Mary Fielding - [email protected] 01531 670389 HOUSE FULL? Parish Hall Josephine Felton - [email protected] 01531 670425 Wildlife Group Kate Wollen - [email protected] 01531 670834 Tree Warden Sally Webster - [email protected] 07836 389369 Cider Press Editorial Julie Crompton - [email protected] 01531 670340 Advertising Aylton Sally Smart - [email protected] 07468 793405 Little Marcle Jim Glanville - [email protected] 07800 714011 If you have a houseful of visitors on the way, Pixley Lesley Clothier - [email protected] 07957 435276 LIFESTYLE why not put them up just around the corner in one Putley John Sandfield - [email protected] 07961 652357 FASHION & HOME of our five charming cottages? Perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. Trumpet Corner - Trumpet 07731 311419 @piglet_lifestyle Piglet lifestyle Aylton - 01531 670349 [email protected] pigletlifestyle.co.uk www.whitehousecottages.co.uk Call: 01531 670340 [email protected] www.monster-creative.com 34 35 CHURCH THE CIDER GROUP SERVICES Putley Little Aylton Much Wellington Yatton Marcle Marcle Heath 6th June 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am 13th June 11.00am 9.30am 20th June 11.00am 9.30am 27th June 11.00am 9.30am 4th July 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am 11th July 11.00am 9.30am 18th July 11.00am 9.30am 25th July 11.00am 9.30am 1st Aug 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am 8th Aug 11.00am 9.30am 15th Aug 11.00am 9.30am 22nd Aug 11.00am 9.30am 29th Aug Services to be confirmed

The current ‘core’ pattern of services in the your relevant Churchwarden for the most Cider Churches is above. We hope and aim up to date information re services and the to add in extra services as restrictions are requirements for attendance. Meanwhile eased and time progresses. Please contact remember Hands, Face, Space

Please contact your Churchwardens or those who assist them (details below) to receive the weekly readings/notices/links to Sunday services/Church Opening - e.g. CHURCHWARDEN CONTACT DETAILS Aylton - Anne Blandford 670274 Putley - Elaine Spalding 670554 Selina Marcon 670900 Sue Ashe 07759 546487 Little Marcle - Jim Glanville 670125 Wellington Heath - Derek Barnes 248472 Much Marcle - Richard Brooks 660241 Amanda Wright 633325 John Chapman 660664 Yatton - John Reed 01989 780439 Pixley - Edward Thompson 670228 Chris Oulton 01531 660317 Thinking of A Wedding? A Christening? Celebration of a loved one’s life? A chat? Please get in touch Revd Val Tait Rector 01531 634035 / Email [email protected]

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