Tuesdays Short Mat Bowling: 2.00pm Memorial Hall Ladies’ Fellowship: 2.30pm 2nd Tuesday in the month (usually) Martley Mums and Tots: 9.30-11.30am Martley Memorial Hall

Volume 19 No. 12 May 2009 Wednesdays Teme Valley Shufflers Line Dancing: Editor: Michelle Higgins (01886888344) 7pm Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Jeff & Editorial Team: Martley Alan Boon (01886 Thelma 01886 821772 888527), Nellie Bradley (01886 888339), Kate Martley Folk Club: 1st Wednesday in King (01886 888439); Wichenford Janet the month at The Talbot, and Andrews (01886 888303), Sheila Richards 3rd Wednesday at The Admiral Rodney (01886 888378) Advertising: Aileen Parker. 01886 888456 Martley WI: 2nd Wednesday in the Distribution: Martley George & June Lawrence month 7.30pm Heaton House

(01886 821064) Wichenford Karen Furber Thursdays (01886 888449) Contact The Villager: Leave articles at Martley Wichenford Wine Club: 3rd Thursday in Post Office , call Janet or Sheila (Wichenford) or the month email the Editor at [email protected] Martley & District Horticultural Opinions expressed by contributors are not Society: last Thursday in the month necessarily those of The Villager. The Villager 7.30pm Martley Memorial Hall cannot be held responsible for any goods or services advertised in the magazine. See Church Words on page 27 for details of services

See articles inside for details of special events Regular events in Martley AND changes of time/date/venue of regular and Wichenford: events

Sundays See the Diary page on www.martley.org.uk for 2nd Sunday in the month: a complete listing of all forthcoming events (that the Diary page editor knows about) Teme Valley Farmers Market for local produce 11am The Talbot, Knightwick See page 28 for contact details of organisations

Martley Ramblers meet Church car park Articles to go in The Villager must be 3rd Sunday in the month: submitted by the 1st of the Path-or-Nones meet 9.30am Martley Memorial Hall car park to help maintain the local footpaths The cover picture shows the garden of Mrs E E Britten in Wichenford. Mondays Rhythm Time: 9.30-11.30am Martley Memorial Hall Enq. Rachel 01886 812565 Records of the Parish Council meetings in Martley Parish Council: 1st Monday in the two parishes are not intended to be full the month 8pm Memorial Hall and complete minutes. Minutes of meetings can be seen by contacting the respective Clerks to the Councils.

July 2009 * The Villager 9 OUT AND ABOUT IN MARTLEY Visit our website—www.martley.org.uk

Martley Pre-School Snippets News from the Village Hall Many apologies for the mistake last Committee month- as I attached June 2008’s Update on the Village Hall is that new version of pre-school snippets for the carpets have been installed in the bar editor to print! Whoops!! Sorry!. area together with "mood" lighting. A We would like to welcome Tristan, Grassroots Grant of £4,500 has been Orla, Archie and Esme to Pre-school. awarded to the Hall to assist with the We have just finished our ‘Healthy refurbishment of the toilets. After Hearts- Happy Children’ the success last year we plan to hold scheme with the Pre-School another Table Top Sale in early Learning Alliance. The October - we'll keep you posted. children loved the activities Martley 100 Club that Alan Gormley and the The May winner was number 42 - staff did with them, as well as learning Brockwell Miller who collected more about their bodies and healthy £35.00. Many thanks to all those new living. They also tried several new members who joined the 100 Club fruits and snacks on these Tuesday after the flyer in the May issue of The mornings. Rhythm Time continues on Villager - this has enabled us to Tuesday afternoons at no extra cost to increase the prize fund. parents. We would like to wish all the children Thrift Shop leaving Pre-School for ‘BIG’ school Pensax Thrift Shop's Fund Raising the very best of luck. We will miss Day is being held in aid of The you all! County Air Ambulance on Wednesday Eco-setting Status 15 July from 9 - 11 am. We will be We achieved our Bronze Eco-School accepting items for the Sale until the 8 status some time ago, and have been July. Please come and support this working towards the silver award. very worthy cause. Some of this include energy-saving activities such as learning turn off lights, taps and of course the

10 The Villager * July 2009 replacement of the old boiler with an by the government, starting from the energy-efficient one. The children term after their third birthday We also have been learning to look after their provide very popular breakfast (8- environment and the wildlife that lives 9am) and after school clubs (3.15- there, how to recycle their rubbish, put 6pm) for children aged 2 to 13 years. fruit waste in the wormery and to There are many activities available compost their paper towels. indoors and outdoors, including Wellie Wednesday has become our sports, game console, art, craft, Forest School day. These sessions are cookery, ICT and much more. If you very similar to our Wellie need any information, or would like to Wednesdays, but we will be able to do book a place for your child please feel many more free to call Kath or Lucy on 01886 activities, and the 889127 or visit our website children learn from www.martleypreschool.co.uk or email small, manageable [email protected] tasks. I have been Miss Kathryn Smith completing an BA (Hons) FdA eyp status Advanced Award in Forest School Film Society Leadership and We had our second very successful Outdoor First Aid showing in May, of Kinky Boots – 77 Course. For more information on came and we had a very sociable Forest School please talk to me or go evening! Now we are looking forward to http://www.foresteducation.org/ to our next season of films. There are forest_schools.php?page=1 seven films over the autumn and Recycle your old mobile phone winter. They have been chosen based Recycle your old mobile phone and on our audience surveys. So for your printer cartridges. Collection points delight we have Slumdog Millionaire are at Martley Post Office and Central on 5 September; 24 October The Stores. Every phone and cartridge Duchess; 14 November The Station benefits the environment and Martley Agent; 16 January Notes on a Scandal; Pre-School and out-of-school clubs. 27 February 2010 The Kite Runner, 27 Last year collections raised over £200. March On the Black Hill, finishing up Thank you. with The Lemon Tree on 24 April. All Don’t forget! We are a registered eco- gems! setting with 20 years of history, where We have just heard (end of May) the children can attend pre-school from great news that our application for a two years old. They will learn through grant for new equipment has been play and fun activities and do not have successful! It is exciting news for us to be out of nappies! They are entitled and means we can purchase goodies to 15 hours per week free care funded like purpose-designed sound systems,

July 2009 * The Villager 11 Teme Valley Views from the Teme Valley Children’s Centre In 2008 the Teme Valley Children’s Centre started running Family Fun activities during the summer holidays. These sessions gave parents, carers and children the chance to participate in themed activities screen and projector. So now we shall at a time when normal activities had have even better showings! stopped for the holidays. These events Season Tickets were extremely popular, but due to Can we tempt you to join for a season limits on the number of children able and become a full member? Having a to get involved, we could not include membership base will certainly help school-age children and, therefore, us. Membership costs £30 and you get children with older siblings were one free film (7 for the price of 6), a unable to attend. We have tried to complimentary drink (wine/beer/soft address this in 2009 by working drink) and an invitation to the end-of- alongside the Borrowers Toy Library season supper party on 15 May, where Play Rangers so that a wider range of you can join in the discussion of next ages can benefit from the activities. year’s programme. Or of course you We are extremely lucky to be able to can just come along to whichever access the Play Rangers’ services as it films you choose. Either way - come allows us to provide for the whole and join us! If you would like a family. The Play Rangers’ project is membership form please contact either an open access, mobile play service, Jean Latham on 01886 888122 or Bob which is free for children and young Jose on 01886 888383. Look forward people. Attendees can choose from a to seeing you in Little Witley in range of activities and materials so September! there is always something that will Jean Latham appeal. The service has many benefits – children develop social skills and an increased sense of community through interaction with other. In addition, the range of play opportunities provided means that the child gains experiences, which can

12 The Villager * July 2009 equip them for adult life. most enjoyable evening. Saturday 15 The final programme for this year’s August the Annual Show will be held Family Fun sessions is still being on the playing field. All marrows will finalised, but themes are likely to be dope-tested and any pumpkins include: under the sea; the seaside; measured in cubic hectares (EU regs.) teddy bears’ picnic; carnivals and Tina Steele gardening. The latter celebrating national allotment week that takes Martley Ramblers place between 16-22 August. Venues 12 July 10am Church Car Park are likely to include Lower With the glorious weather we have Broadheath, Martley, Leigh and had this year, do not be tempted to , , Hallow lounge in the garden. That can be done and Clifton-upon-Teme. Please check when feeling righteous after enjoying the July/August newsletter for more this mystery walk led by Pauline and details. Richard Mills. A little bird tells me it For more information about this or is in the area around Clifton-upon- any other Teme Valley Children’s Teme. So come along and find out Centre activity please check our where exactly this mystery walk is. website (www.temevalley-cc.org.uk), This is a morning walk, start time our monthly newsletter or contact the 10am. Recent walks to and office (01886 812982). around Hallow and Broadheath have been greatly enjoyed with different aspects of familiar areas. Many thanks to Jenny Underhill and the two Paulines for planning and leading them. Kate King

Martley and District Horticultural Society Martley WI The Annual Plant Sale was held in the Village Hall on Saturday 23 May and as usual there were all sorts of 8 July 7.30pm Heaton House perennials, bedding plants, container This month we welcome back Ray plants and vegetables, all hopefully Sturdy who previously entertained us awaiting their new homes – “please with tales and slides of his charity buy me, I’ll look lovely in your fund-raising ride around the Ring of border!” Kerry. This time his subject will be On 30 July it is “Visit to Chairman’s very different –‘Worcester Garden”, and this promises to be a Remembered’. How far back will

July 2009 * The Villager 13 these memories go? Come along and For more information or to offer your find out. Visitors are always welcome. services, contact John Nicklin on The competition is for an old postcard. 01886 888318 or [email protected] Next month there is no meeting as we or see thepathornones.co.uk shall go out for our summer outing, GeoPark Way Earth Heritage this year to Blackmore Gardens on Trust Saturday 8 August. There is plenty of Opened right at the end of May, the time to put your names down and GeoPark Way runs for 109 miles from Sheila Craker will have all the details Bridgnorth to Gloucester, passing and will be taking your entrance through Martley Parish on existing money. Please remember we shall be rights of way. The Earth Heritage needing cakes for Trust (earthheritagetrust.org/blog/ the WI stall at the AbouttheTrust), based at University of Horticultural Show Worcester, has produced a superb on Saturday 15 guide to the many interesting and August. We hope to varied geological features along the sponsor two route, and is installing information kneelers for the boards too. Martley is right in the church, so money needs to be raised centre of this long but rather narrow for that. Also perhaps a member or area of land, the 17th of 25 GeoParks members would be interested in to be declared in Europe. Funding stitching a kneeler. permitting, there may well be an Kate King additional geo walk through Martley and we are assisting with it’s The Path-or-Nones development. The Path-or-Nones have Martley footpath maintenance volunteered to receive training from volunteers We recently tested walk-behind strimmers and found them very productive, so we intend to purchase one or two to ease the work of strimming the 10 miles of paths that need clearing up to twice a year. Numbers meeting each week average 6-8 mark—we need more of you please, it’s only a couple of hours a month, and reasonably entertaining and we don’t only strim. We are at times bridge-builders, fencing contractors, tree-removers and hole- diggers. Oh yes. Footpath 75—Horsham

14 The Villager * July 2009 the geology department of the Parish Council on future development University so that we can guide plans for Martley Show. Tina Willer, a visitors to the best rock shows. local resident and tennis coach, spoke John Nicklin to the Parish Council about funding to use for training days for local schools, Heritage Weekend such as The Chantry, Martley Pre- 12-13 September 2009 School and Martley Primary School. St Peter’s, Martley To be discussed in more detail at the We are preparing an exhibition to next meting. Councillor Rothwell will illustrate the changes in the parish support Tina’s grant applications. during the last century. If you have Chairman opened the meeting at any old photographs that you think 20:20pm. would be of interest, please contact Election of Chairman: Eve Fraser on 01886 888283 by 12 Cllr Mr. D. Cropp was elected as July. Chairman and Cllr Mrs. D. Goodyear Details of the Heritage Weekend and was elected as Vice Chairman. events linked to the forthcoming Declarations of office were signed by church celebrations will be appearing both Councillors. on the Church page of Martley.org.uk Standing Orders: during July and August. Standing orders will be reviewed at the next meeting. Wedding Congratulations Code of Conduct: Congratulations on the The Code of Conduct was wedding of Adam Surtees noted by Councillors and the of Martley and Emma Clerk advised that copies of Webster of on the Code of Conduct were the 25 April 2009 in available. Broadway. Love and best Minutes of the meeting held wishes from both families on Monday 6 April 2009: and friends. It was resolved to accept the minutes as a true record with an Martley Parish Council amendment made to a spelling error. Unapproved draft record of the Progress reports: meeting held on Monday 11 May The Clerk: The election to fill the 2009 at the Memorial Hall vacancy on Martley Parish Council The Democratic Period/Public will take place on June 4 2009. All Question Time nomination papers should have been Chairman confirmed that he is to returned to speak with specific parishioners by the Council by 7 May. A copy letter has end of May regarding Neighbourhood been sent to The Crown re: bottle Watch. Mr Lewington briefed the banks. The Clerk is to speak to The

July 2009 * The Villager 15 Crown and the company responsible established following the June for the bottle banks to find out about election. the previous agreement that was made. Annual Report: To be discussed at the next meeting. Cllr Mr. D. Cropp presented his The Clerk is waiting to hear from annual report (Addendum 1). Worcester County Council and District Councillor’s report: District Malvern Hills District Council in Cllr. Mrs. B. Williams presented her relation to the bins at Ankerdine Hill. annual report together with her Waiting for the go ahead to put up the monthly report (Addendum 2). It Smartwater signs on the approaches to included the information that we could Martley. Tom Pearsall is chasing up a check out the Worcester PCT’s meeting with the tip. The Clerk is website: http://www.worcspct.nhs.uk waiting to hear from Malvern Hills as they have a special page on Swine Environmental Health in relation to Flu which is regularly updated. the crows. It was confirmed that Holt County Councillor’s report: County Bridge may still be closed on the 22 Cllr. Mr. A. Davies presented his June 2009 for 10 weeks. Awaiting annual report (Addendum 3). further information as the meeting Youth Development: planned to take place at The Chantry Cllr. Mrs. E. Rothwell reported that on 12 May has been cancelled. The there was a successful meeting at The Clerk is to contact Balfour Beatty to Chantry last Friday. There are also make traffic management suggestions new members who want to help and that may help alleviate the difficulties drive things forward. PC Hood is in consultation with Councillors. working on the Top Barn Farm Ditch clearance: The Clerk will ask Project. Buses from The Chantry will the Lengthsman to open up the grips be used to provide transport to the on Willow Road and from the centre Farm and can be used in the school of Martley to Ham Bridge. The Clerk holidays as two people have kindly will also ask the Lengthsman to notify volunteered. Summer activities can go the Parish Council of any hedgerows ahead as transport is available. The that need cutting back. Chantry building work has started. Meeting with John Wallace: The Chantry are keen to integrate with Councillors will meet with John Martley and help the village, for Wallace at Martley Memorial Hall on example, by offering conference Wednesday 13 May 2009 at 7pm to facilities. The Police surgeries are visit Prickley Green and Pudford likely to move to The Chantry in the Lane. near future. They are currently Election of Councillors to other considering offering training to young offices: people undertaking their provisional This item will be discussed in the July motorcycle license and offering meeting once a full Parish Council is cycling proficiency courses at Martley

16 The Villager * July 2009 Primary School and The Chantry High 09/00369/FUL & 09/00370/LBC The School; also liaising with Cobhouse Old Barn, Hillside – Garden Room. Fisheries to arrange fishing days for Permitted. 09/00227/FUL Scar troublesome youths. The next meeting Cottage, Martley – Replacement will look at activities for all age garage, store and workshop. groups but will be concentrate on how Appealing to Secretary of State. to reward those youths with good 08/01169/FUL Treetops Bungalow, behaviour. The next YIMMS event is Hillside – Replacement of existing provisionally 10 April 2010 following dwelling (on-going). completion of the building work. The Correspondence for information: Chairman referred to a recent visit to Items for decision included - the church by more than 30 pupils MHDC – Facilities within your aged 14 from The Chantry where they village. Equality and Human Rights tried bell ringing. The Police are Commission – Public Sector Duties. aware of a particular group of youths Finance: causing concern to Parishioners but There were 11 cheques totalling are keen to point out that it is a known £1462.23 approved. The Clerk is to group and not all youths that have contact Bank of Ireland to ascertain motorcycles who are causing what level of access is linked to the concerns. account. To be discussed at the next Allianz Insurance Renewal: meeting. The Clerk is to contact Parish Paths Warden’s Report: CALC to obtain prices from other Mr John Nicklin’s report was read insurance companies for comparison. (Addendum 4). This will be addressed at the next Councillor’s reports and items for meeting. future agenda: Freedom of Martley: A Parishioner had contacted Cllr. Mrs. Cllr. Mr. D. Cropp and Cllr. Mr. T. E. Rothwell with regard to the Gale will co-ordinate with the supplier children’s playground. The Clerk is to of the board. To be discussed at the speak to Martley Recreation next meeting. The Clerk will contact Association. Concern was raised the Freedom of Martley nominees for regarding the overgrown hedges on 2009 to arrange for them to receive Collins Green now causing damage to their certificates. passing vehicles. Speed signs will be Planning: discussed at the next meeting – Clerk New. 09/00423/FUL Bramblewood, to establish probable costs. Cllr. Mr. Hipplecote – Replacement dwelling. D. Cropp confirmed that a speed bump 09/00514/HOU Rose Cottage, Berrow is to be installed in Jury Lane to help Green – Single storey rear extn. alleviate the drainage issues. 09/00515/FUL Berrow Farm, Berrow Date of next meeting: Green Road – Fry pools. Pending. The next meeting will be held on

July 2009 * The Villager 17 Saturday 16 May 2009 at 6.30pm and appears to be no necessity; but that at is the Annual Meeting of the Parish. the west end would not I suppose, be The next full Parish Council meeting readily given up by the choristers. I will be held on Monday 1 June 2009. saw no font, but there is a wooden S. Williams pedestal in front of the clerk’s desk, Clerk to the Parish Council and I suppose they make this available 01299 832949 to put a basin on. In the south side of For Addenda, please apply to the the chancel is a recumbent alabaster Clerk to the Parish Council or see the effigy, said to be intended for Sir Parish Council page of Martley.org.uk Hugh Mortimer, Lord of Martley For the minutes of the Annual Parish (temp. Henry VI) from whom Martley Meeting held on 16 May 2009, please descended to the ancient Barons de la apply as above. Ware, the families of Mucklowe, Slaney, Foley and the present Lord Martley’s Past Ward. The figure of the knight is all From “The Rambler” (1850), Part 2 armed except his head, under which At the close of the services I stayed lies his helmet, his hands joined in behind to inspect the old church: it prayer, out of his wreath a plume of consists of a chancel, nave, and a feathers (the crest of Mortimer); from western tower, containing a peal of six a collar about his neck hangs a fleece musical bells. A portion of the walls as an order of knighthood, and at his and the south doorway (now in a great feet a lion. On the north side of the measure hid by a wooden porch, with chancel is the tomb part of an ancient a room over) are Norman and the rest monument but no figure or inscription of the building is made up of repairs remains. (Final part next month) and improvements of the 14th and Alan Boon 15th centuries. There are traces of a stoup at this entrance, and at the south of the altar is a piscine surmounted by a hood moulding, enriched by the ball flower; the moulding (which is broken off by the sill of the window above) being supported at the ends by corbel heads. The ceiling is semi-circular, and the walls are connected by rude tie-beams, but the whole interior is so plastered, whitewashed, and withal so dusty, that many points of interest are hid from the sight. There is a large Running Stag/‘Stoning & Roses’ pattern, Martley, Worcestershire (‡Worcester) Mid C.14 gallery in the chancel, for which there From http://www.paintedchurch.org/martley.htm

18 The Villager * July 2009 Over the Garden Wall in Wichenford WICHENFORD NEEDS YOUR NEWS

Janet Andrews 01886 888303 Sheila Richards 01886 888378

who were present at the 70th birthday Church flowers party of Margaret. Both parties were 5 July Janet Andrews held at Wichenford Memorial Hall 12 July Sheila Richards and it was requested that there should 19 July Anne Banks be no presents but instead donations 26 July Jo Root to the County Air Ambulance. A total of £600 was raised for each party making a grand total of £1,200. We thank everyone for their generosity and for making both parties such a success. Thank you again, with regards. Dixon Stinton and Margaret Fisher Chocolate Quiz A big ‘thank-you’ to everyone who PCC participated in the Chocolate Quiz and The next meeting of the PCC is on 21 to those who helped to distribute the July in the Village Hall at 7.45pm. quiz. It was good to hear how so many people had enjoyed the Ladies Fellowship challenge and helped to raise £628 for There will be no Ladies Fellowship the Nora Parsons’ Day Centre. Well meeting in July or August. done! Six boxes of chocolates, kindly donated by Sainsbury, Tesco and Birthday Thank you Waitrose were won by: Trish Young, A big thank-you to all relatives and th Sally Jones, Susan O’Brian, Martin friends who were present at the 80 O’Brian, Tracey Garside, Rachel and birthday party of Dixon. A big thank- Sarah Dunn. you also to all relatives and friends Barbara Whyatt

July 2009 * The Villager 19 Wichenford 100 Club Councillor Rendall was re-elected to May winners: No 52 M Harris this post. Proposed by Cllr Britten- £75.00. And returned subscriptions to Long and seconded by Cllr Andrews. No. 23 Linda Richardson ; No. 156 Jo Snow and Flood Warden. Cllr Root. rawn by J Field Oldfield was re-elected to this post. Proposed by Cllr Britton- Long and Motocross at Alsetts seconded by Cllr Rendall. As far as I know, the dates are: 12 Worcestershire Calc Representative. July, 30 August and 4 October. Cllr Panton was re-elected to this post. GBL Proposed by Cllr Britton-Long and seconded by Cllr Rendall. Kenswick and Wichenford District and County Councillors Parish Council Report Unapproved abbreviated draft minutes The District Councillor reported that the Annual Meeting of the Parish all councillors have discussed how to Council held on Monday 18 May 2009 improve the web site. They want to in the Memorial Hall Wichenford. encourage the public to be more Councillor Britten-Long chaired the interactive. Swine flu will probably meeting. (Chairman). return in the autumn and everyone is Election of chairman encouraged to ring their doctors or the The clerk asked for nominations for NHS Direct. Cllr Williams chairman. No nominations were commented on the weight limit of 7.5 received and Georgina Britten-Long tonnes that has been placed at Holt agreed to stand for another year. The Bridge which will affect a lot of motion was carried unanimously that businesses in our area. The road Georgina Britten-long continues as closure is being reviewed and no date chairman. is set as to when it will go ahead. Election of representatives to: There was no report from the County Memorial Hall Committee. It was Councillor. proposed by Cllr Randell to elect Cllr Minutes Stinton; Cllr Andrews and Cllr The clerk was asked to change the Britten-Long. This was seconded by name of item 09/30 from J Andrews to Cllr Rendall. Environmental Pollution M Andrews. The minutes of the Officer. Cllr Andrews was happy to be meeting held on 20 April 2009 were re-elected to this post. Proposed by accepted and signed as a true record. Cllr Britton-Long and seconded by Proposed by Cllr Rendall and Cllr Latham. Parish Path Wardens. seconded by Cllr Stinton. Cllr Rendall is happy to continue as Progress Reports the PPW along with Mr J Wells. Mistletoe Lakes. Correspondence Proposed by Cllr Stinton and seconded from the owner of the property was by Cllr Latham. Tree Warden read out. Permission went through on

20 The Villager * July 2009 42 acres. The second application the precept of £3,350.00 has been determined that an agricultural received. There were 5 cheques building was necessary but only for totalling £845.44 for agreement and storage. Motor Cross. A letter from R signature. The parish council have Jennings the enforcement officer at another £1000.00 from the Bluebell Malvern Hills was read out. The ride held on account for the Day County Councillor, District Centre making the total amount Councillor; Chairman and clerk will £2,247.00. It was proposed by Cllr be meeting the Chief Executive of Rendall that the money for the paint MHDC on 1 June. totalling £508.70 should be paid by Planning the parish council from our funds and Vicky Bilton, the Development not from the money that we are Control Manager of Planning holding on account. This was Services, has agreed to attend our seconded by Cllr Britten-Long. meeting on 29 June. Applications Rosses/Guises Lane. considered since the last meeting. Worcestershire County Council is 08/01818/FUL. Crabtree Orchard. seeking a proposed permanent Traffic Reopening of gateway onto Willow Regulation Order and we are waiting Road and the erection of an for the publication date. agricultural building. The parish Insurance Review council has various concerns The parish council agreed to wait to regarding this application. 09/00251/ pay the insurance and look into FUL. Cob House Fisheries. The parish another policy. council have already commented on NPDC this application. Applications This item has already been discussed Approved/Refused/Withdrawn. under finance. 08/01799/FUL. The Masons Arms. Councillors’ Training Proposed extension. (Refused) Councillors are send details of all 09/00326/HOU. Mallenders. training events in the CALC mail and Replacement porch. (Approved) should be able to see in advance the Applications to be considered. times and dates of forthcoming 09/00536/Ful. Single storey side sessions. Cllr Rendall will be extension at the Tallet, Cockshoot attending a Biodiversity event. Farm. The parish council support this Correspondence application. The For decision by the parish council. Planning Aid Annual Meeting is at ( information only) - Councillor Birmingham on 24 June. Rendall asked the parish council if Finance they had seen in the CALC mail the The Internal Auditor has done the grant promoting sustainable accounts. The balance for the 30 April development. Cllr Latham has been stands at £16,379.82. The first half of asked if Kings Green could be cut for

July 2009 * The Villager 21 the open gardens. Cllr Rendall agreed Baldwin, Conservative Parliamentary to write to those concerned. Candidate for West Worcestershire Date and Venue of Next Meeting and Alwyn Davies, Chairman of Next meeting will be 29 June 2009. Worcester County Council also added Meetings were arranged for 17 August words of encouragement. and 28 September 2009. Please check The meeting closed with Revd dates and bring your diaries. All will Sherwin being presented with another be in the Memorial Hall Wichenford puppet to add to his collection which at 7.30pm. had been named by the members. Spring Outing Nora Parsons Day Centre On Monday 18 May the members and AGM helpers went on a lovely drive round The AGM was held on 20 May 2009. the Worcestershire countryside with The most serious item on the agenda David Rogers and then were served for the evening was that of finance. with a beautiful meal at Badgers Walk The valuable and shared asset that is Country Hotel in Clows Top – the day the Day Centre is now financially was enjoyed by all. vulnerable because of the necessity to effect reparations to the building in Friends of 2008/9 amounting to £19,000. As a Nora Parsons Day Centre consequence virtually all the reserves Anyone who is concerned to see that have been used resulting in an even that the Nora Parsons Day Centre greater need to raise funds. continues with its valuable work is As part of the strategy to generate invited to become a FRIEND. In income the Committee launched a return for a number of benefits a Donor Friends Scheme. Anyone who FRIEND undertakes to make a small is concerned to see that the Day annual contribution of £5 – or more if Centre continues with its valuable you can afford it. work is invited to become a Donor If you would like to become a Friend. In return for a number of FRIEND of the Centre at Wichenford benefits a FRIEND undertakes to please contact Bob Whyatt on 01886 make a small annual contribution of 822298 or Dag Smith on 01905 £5 -or more it can be afforded. While 641071 and request a DONOR the Centre receives donations from the FRIEND form. County and Parish Councils within the Many thanks in anticipation. catchment area, without raising Janet Dale, Secretary additional funds it would be difficult to survive. David Cropp of WCALC gave a presentation on how the Day Centre may access grant funding. Harriet

22 The Villager * July 2009 Things to do in July In and around Martley and Wichenford

up the Clock Tower (and abseiling Blues at the Fold, Bransford back down if desired), Silent Auction Saturday 4 July 2009 2-11pm and The Midland Balloon Club will be Blues at the Fold will be an landing (weather permitting) in the opportunity to listen to some of the grounds and at 6pm several balloons best blues music around. Tickets for will be taking off for a race. I do hope the whole day are £10 for adults and you can find space to give us a £3 for children under 12 and are mention. The proceeds will be split limited. Tickets and information are between the charities ‘Ewe & You’, available from the website. www. ‘Megan Baker House’ and the bluesatthefold.co.uk or by calling Foundation. 01886-812888. The programme includes short performances from St Richard’s Hospice Night Dave Reeves a performer poet and on the Town midnight walk free reed player. For more information Girls are being urged to grab their contact Oliver Carpenter, Blues at the trainers, dress up and head for the Fold, 01886-812888 or email second Midnight Walk through the [email protected] streets of Worcester on Saturday 18 July, to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice in their silver anniversary year. Starting at midnight from County Hall in Spetchley, walkers will stride out along a ten mile circular route under a moonlit sky. St Richard’s Hospice Fundraising Manager Tricia Cavell said of the first time it was staged, last year, “It was Oliver in action on vocals a ... great girls’ night out. The atmosphere was incredible.” She added that men were invited to get Abberley Hall involved too, helping as marshals or Five-Yearly Fete with registration. The event is being Abberley Hall are holding their five- sponsored by Hewett Recruitment of yearly fete on Sunday 5 July, starting Worcester and Kidderminster. at 2pm. All the usual stalls plus trips Walkers can treat themselves to breakfast at the Orchard café at the

July 2009 * The Villager 23 countryside centre at the end of the old sweet jar. walk. One lady, born in 1919, told me how For a registration form please call the as a young girl she used to ride to Fundraising Dept on 01905 763963 or Worcester to collect cows or horses download the leaflet from the events from the train, and then herd or lead section of www.strichards.org.uk/ them back to the farm through the city midnightwalk. Registration costs £10 streets and country lanes. Another, or £15 to include breakfast and born the same year, remembers participants are encouraged to get finishing her day’s work in the fields sponsorship. pulling beet and then cycling 10 miles – two to a bike - to dances in the nearest village hall. Harvesting the Past Bert Bradley, currently Chairman of If you haven’t yet heard about Clifton’s Parish Council, recalled his ‘Harvesting the Past’, then read on. In school days in Martley. The class May we launched this unique room had high windows so you recording project at the Chantry High couldn’t see who was coming into the School. Our aim is to record the village, but you could tell who it was memories of lots of older people in the by the sound of their vehicle. The community, especially their most welcoming sound was that of the experiences of growing up and Eldorado man. farming in the 30s, 40s and 50s. These “He came from Worcester with the recordings will be saved for posterity icecream box on his bike, and he at the Worcestershire Record Office. would try to get to Martley at lunch But they will also be used by a local time or when you were coming out of playwright, John Townsend, to create school. I think he had a uniform and a a community play which will be peak cap. To keep the ice cream staged at the Chantry next April. cool ... he had a block of solid ice with We are now well into the recording something in there. You could put a phase of the project, and over the past little bit of this stuff on your hand but few weeks, I have had the privilege of if you left it, it would burn, not like a meeting some extraordinary people burn mark but like a nicotine mark – from Martley, Clifton and the Teme the stuff that they used to keep the Valley, many of them in their 90s but thing cold.” Bert also remembers the with clear and vivid memories. circus coming to Martley and rushing Amongst many other things I have to the field by the Crown to get first learnt how to make ‘proper’ hay ricks, glimpse of the animals. The elephants, how to find a curlew’s nest, how to he recalls, gorged themselves on hunt for eels, pick hops, balance at the apples from the surrounding orchards. top of a 30 foot ladder, harness a cart These few examples are just the tip of horse, salt a pig, and make butter in an (Continued on page 27)

24 The Villager * July 2009 applied regularly, not just once. The In the Garden fungus gets back into the soil from the fallen leaves so you are unlikely to get rid of it permanently. Prune summer fruiting raspberries as soon as they finish cropping by cutting the canes which have fruited back to In the garden in July ground level. Red and white currants July weather is, generally, warm and and gooseberries are due for pruning at dry, so it is important to keep up with the end of the month. Remove old, the watering. If you are going away, discoloured leaves from strawberries remember to ask a friend and water the plants well. or neighbour to keep an Healthy new leaves will soon eye on your plants. grow. If you want more Now is the time to prune plants next year, peg down a conifer hedges; regular few runners, no more than trimming produces three per plant. Vegetables dense growth. Large- need to be kept well-watered. leaved evergreens like Those particularly likely to laurel should be pruned suffer in a drought are using secateurs to avoid lettuce, runner beans and brassicas. cutting through the leaves. This makes Top tips for containers pruning a long job so you probably Big containers will dry out less need to tackle it in stages. Remove the quickly. Line the pots with bubble long whippy growths on wisteria at the wrap plastic to insulate them and to end of the month; cut them to within 5 reduce water loss from clay pots. or 6 buds of the main stem to Include slow-release fertiliser pellets encourage plenty of flower buds to and water-retaining granules in the form. compost. Group pots together and keep Deadheading plants helps flowering to them well-watered. continue. Keep picking sweet peas and Gardens open for charity in July dahlias and trim herbs to remove July 12 Worlds End Nurseries, flower heads and produce dense, bushy Hallow. July 12 Wick Village nr. plants. Cut flowers for drying. Remove Pershore, a group of ten gardens. July faded blooms from roses and pick up 25,26, Orleton House,Stanford Bridge. any fallen leaves infected with Another great visit in July is Snowshill blackspot, my nominated 'problem of lavender fields. Mid-late July is the month'. Rose blackspot is a fungal usually the peak of flowering, and the infection which affects only roses; it harvest generally starts in the last week weakens, but rarely kills, the plant. of the month. Fungicides are effective but need to be JC

July 2009 * The Villager 25

Church Words The Rectory 01886 888664

and instruction in high esteem, and in particular the teaching from God that eading through the old we find in scripture. “Keep my church magazine of 1909 it commands, guard my teachings, bind toldR of an Infant School pupil teacher, them to you, write them on your Dorothy Young, having passed her heart”. (Proverbs 7). Whatever you examination in the 4th year and having achieve in the academic world, I pray gained the status of being we all may graduate in that university “provisionally certificated”. It goes on of life as God guides and directs our to say that she deserves our best ways. Jesus himself, we are told, grew congratulations on having persevered in stature and learned much that and succeeded without the people held him in high esteem, advantages of classes and yet he passed on this wisdom with competition that they have in all humility. (Luke 2) more populous places. I wish you well in your exam Many of those at high school, results and whatever you may college or university will have hope to do in the future may you just completed many exams. reach your goals. All will be hoping they have God bless passed and we do wish them Rev David Sherwin well in their efforts and hope that their hopes will be realised. When Historic Churches Annual we leave school we may hope that Cycle Ride there will be no more exams and tests, This is a rallying call to all cyclists in yet it seems there are always more to the Benefice! Please volunteer to be gained. We are always learning. I participate in the annual sponsored recently met with a group of people cycle ride, which generates precious who were studying for MA’s and funds for the Worcestershire and some of them were nearing if not Dudley Historic Churches Trust. The already retired, the desire to learn had Trust plays a vital role in the life of not diminished. May we always be the church by awarding grants for the ready to learn from the lessons of life, preservation, repair, maintenance and whatever our age. improvement of any Christian church The Book of Proverbs holds teaching in the Worcestershire Diocese.

26 The Villager * July 2009 Please could those who will be willing (Continued from page 24) to ride on Saturday 12 September the iceberg. I have recorded about 20 telephone me as soon as possible and I hours of material so far, and am still will arrange to issue them with the looking for more. If you know of sponsorship papers when these are anyone who really ought to be available. In addition, I would be most recorded, or you yourself have grateful if someone in each parish memories stretching back to the 30s, could offer to take care of the pre- and 40s or 50s, then please get in touch. post-event paperwork, including the We would particularly like to hear collation and despatch of monies from anyone who was a midwife or raised. district nurse in the area, anyone who As many will know, the late Hugh sang or played in a band touring the Popplewell gave unstinting support to village halls, anyone who was a this charity, pedalling countless miles prisoner of war and stayed on, or and raising significant amounts. anyone who worked for an Thanks to the generosity of our agricultural committee during the sponsors and Hugh's drive, we have war. been able to send substantial cheques Help in Other Areas each year. As a tribute to him, can we We also need help in other areas. make sure that we achieve a big Firstly, transcribing some of the turnout this year and in future years? interviews. This requires good typing Please telephone Rev David Sherwin and listening skills but is very 01886 888664 for info; Brian rewarding. Secondly, is there Woodburn 01886 888796 for Martley someone out there who could give and Wichenford cyclists and for LTV some time and expertise to help cyclists Chris Baker 01905 333225. design a web page for the project? We have been very lucky to receive funding from Worcestershire County Council to carry out ‘Harvesting the Past’. I hope we can provide a real insight into rural life in this area half a century ago, and inspire today’s youngsters to understand, value and relish these stories from the past. Julia Letts, Oral History Producer

Church services for July—the list Please get in touch by emailing of services is not available to The [email protected] or calling the Villager at the time of writing, so project researcher, Sue Broome, on please contact the clergy or church- 01299 251512. wardens for information.

July 2009 * The Villager 27 Village Contacts

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

Church Rector: Revd David Sherwin—01886 888664 or (Worcestershire West [email protected] Rural Team) Curate: Revd Bruce Thomson—01886 888098 Assistant Priest: Revd Jennifer Whittaker—01886 833897 Martley Parish Council Chair: Dave Cropp—01886 888398; Clerk: Sally Williams—01299 832949 Martley WI President: Helen CoombeyJones—01886 888294 Martley & District Pam Minchin—01886 888521 or Margaret Jackson— Horticultural Society 01886 888654 Royal British Legion Joyce Tyler—01886 821551 Martley Ramblers Harry King—01886 888439 Martley Young Farmers Lou Wickens—01886-812754 or Caroline Bullock— 01905-333617 Path-or-Nones John Nicklin—01886 888318 [email protected] Resource Centre Alan Boon—01886 888527 Police “Surgery” CSO Matt Smith 7184—Martley Local Policing Team Tenbury Wells 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 Wichenford contacts for Janet Andrews—01886 888303 or Sheila Richards—01886 The Villager 888378 Kenswick & Wichenford Clerk—Shirley Sanders 01886 888302 Parish Council Wichenford Wine Club Chairman—Bill Hylan 01886 888431

To have your organisation and its contact details appear 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 2009

Enjoy films? Then sign up for the Little Witley Film Society SEASON TICKET for only £30.00! Benefits include: 1 FREE show End of Season party! Help plan programmes Contact: Jean Latham on 01886 888122 or Bob Jose on 01886 888383.

Mobile Library Ockeridge Silver Oaks 9.45–10.05 Wichenford Malvern View 10.10–10.35 Church 10.45–11.05 Kings Green Farm 11.15–11.40 Rosses Green 11.45–12.05 Martley Hillside Horn Lane Bungalows 12.10–12.25 Martley Taylors of Martley 12.30–12.45 LUNCH Heaton House 1.20–1.50 Church. 1.55–2.15 Clifton Village Hall 2.30–3.50

The Mobile Library will be visiting these stops on Wednesdays on the dates listed below: 7 & 28 Oct 2009 18 Nov 2009 9 & 30 Dec 2009 Any enquiries should be made to Stourport Library, Worcester Street, Stourport, Worcs DY13 8EH, tel: 01299-822866, [email protected]

July 2009 * The Villager 29