Temespan July / August 2016

meeting, Pensax Parish Council people to slow down. Police have
will support a rates relief scheme also monitored speed on the B4202
for the Bell Inn which is seen as an and found an unacceptable level of
important village asset. speeding. Your Council continues
During the year Mrs Heather to do all it can to ensure speed
Weston from Menith Wood became limits are adhered to.
a Councillor and Alistair Keron Both our Clerk and a number of
from Worles Common became a Councillors have attended various
Councillor at the start of the year. training and information sessions
The Council still has two vacancies throughout the year and where
and we would be pleased to hear appropriate have reported back to
from anyone who may be inter- the Council.
ested in filling them. It would be Broadband speed in the village
good to have a Councillor from the continues to be at unacceptably
Snead Common area of the village. slow levels for many and Councillor
Richard Whiteman has continued Toby Wise has taken every oppor-
as Lengthsman during the year tunity to do what he can to ensure
and he has done a very good job a better service.
ensuring local ditches and drains The Council has recently taken
off roads and lanes are working as a decision to publicise voluntary
well as possible. adherence to the “Countryside
Road traffic speed continues to be a Code”, particularly in respect to
particular issue within the village. “dog mess” to “scoop it and bin it”.
During the year the Road Safety I can report that the precept for
Partnership recorded speeds the current year was set at £4000
along Pensax Lane and these were and the Council has ended the year
not found to be sufficient for any with a cash balance of £6271.63.
further action to be taken. Pensax Councillors have over the last
Parish Council arranged for two years taken the view that it
“Slow Down 30” signs to be made would be prudent for the council
available for all residents who to increase its reserve funds.
have roadside access and would Finally I would like to thank my
like them. The signs are designed fellow Councillors and our Clerk
to attach to the side of rubbish for the contribution they have
wheelie bins. Please contact the made over the last year.
Parish Clerk if you would like one. R P Gready
The vehicle activated speeding sign
continues to be funded by Pensax
Parish Council and is periodically
sited along the B4202 to encourage

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PENSAX PARISH COUNCIL

The Annual Parish Meeting was to form a Committee to organise
held on Tuesday 3rd May 2016, events for the future, so far 3
below are some of the issues residents have shown an interest.
raised. Grants for hall improvements are
Litterbin – The Parish Council available. Thanks were given to
have agreed to put a litter bin the volunteers who run the Thrift
for all waste opposite the entry Shop which has raised funds
to The Coach House, Pensax. for the Hall over the last year. If
It is hoped this will help people you are interested in helping on
dispose of their dog mess rather Hall Committee please contact
than leaving it on agricultural Tim Reed on 01299 832804 - tim.
land. As the school bus stops here [email protected]
it seems a sensible place to put a Broadband improvements – Cllr
bin. Siting of the bin to be agreed Toby Wise arranged for a BT repre-
with MHDC and houses within sentative to attend the meeting
that area with one of the Broadband Team
Public Access Defibrillator from WCC. It was agreed to look
– Following a request at this into the BT ‘NEVER SAY NO’
meeting the Parish Council will scheme. Residents interested
look into buying a Machine. We would need to pay some of the
will keep you updated. costs themselves. More details
Police – They were unable to to follow. Residents should check
attend the Meeting but will be their Postcode on WCC website to
invited to the September PC establish whether they are in an
meeting. Concerns were raised area up for improved speeds.
regarding rising crime in rural If you have any matters of concern
areas and speeding on rural please do not hesitate to contact
roads. The Police will be asked to me.
monitor speed on the B4202 at Clerk - Sue Burrows, 5 Summit
Snead Common. Road, Clows Top DY14 9HN – T
Pensax Village Hall – The 01299 832722 E pensaxpc14@
Trustees are looking for residents btinternet.com

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Manager at the Centre on 01886 812380

Pound Lane, Clifton-Upon-Teme,
Worcestershire. WR6 6DE

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56

Teme Valley Wildlife

July sees the opening of the largest by Stephanie Mocroft
flowers in the British flora. Reaching have to contend with the difficulties
20 cm in diameter and made up of of flotation and oxygen delivery
20-25 white petals surrounded by to their roots. The plants are well
4 green sepals, the flowers belong adapted, the leaves are spongy,
to the native white water-lily, containing air-filled spaces to make
Nymphaea alba. This beautiful the plant buoyant. The stems are
plant, found in lakes and ponds, puts typically 2 metres in length, allowing
on a tremendous for the depth of the water where
show, its leaves
and flowers they are growing
seeming to cover to be gauged
great tracts of reasonably
water. Whilst accurately at just
the flowers and over 6 feet deep.
saucer-like leaves Sometimes they
float and shimmer grow in deeper
on the water water, up to 10
surface, long stems rise from the feet deep, but
roots anchoring the plants into the the other native
mud below. The elegant flower has water-lily, the yellow water-lily
attracted local names, in Cheshire always grows in much deeper water,
it is known as “the lady of the lake” thriving in depths of up to 5 metres.
and in Dorset as “the swan among
flowers”. The habit of the lily’s The large floating lily pads act as
flower to rise out of the water and lake look-out posts for frogs, landing
to open its petals at around seven platforms for damselflies and other
in the morning and to close in the insects and as nurseries for pond
afternoon inspired this verse. snails. If you turn over a leaf you
“Now folds the lily all her sweetness may see jelly-like deposits attached
up, to the underside which are the
And slips into the bosom of the lake” eggs of the great pond snail. The
Plants that grow in water take water-lily leaf beetle has evolved
advantage of shelter and easy seed to live alongside the plant, a leaf
dispersal never fearing drought, but beetle thankfully less destructive
than the lily leaf-beetle, the bane of
gardeners, and the Colorado beetle,
a leaf beetle much feared by farmers.

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Water-lilies are mostly noted for The next meeting of the Teme Valley
their beauty. The lotus flower was Wildlife Group is on Thursday 14h
revered in ancient times and the July, when we welcome John Tilt
ancient Egyptians loved their white who will be talking on the butter-
and blue water-lilies so much that flies of the West Midlands. The
they frequently represented them meeting is at Rochford Village Hall
in their art. They viewed them as at 7:30pm and as always it is just
almost synonymous with life itself. £2 on the door where everybody is
The ancient Egyptians were not most welcome.
the only people fascinated by the For up-to-date information on what
water-lily. Of the many myths and wildlife is being seen in the area, or
legends surrounding them, I’ll to give us your sightings, visit us
finish with this one. The morning at www.temevalleywildlife.com. or
and evening stars were fighting visit our Facebook page. The group
over an arrow shot into the air by normally holds a meeting on the
an Indian chief. So fiercely did they second Thursday of the month. All
fight that sparks flew, and as they are very welcome. Tel. 01584 881397
fell down to the waters on earth or email [email protected]
below, the sparks were transformed
into water-lilies.

Teme Valley Tote

June’s Prize Draw of the Tote Hankin of Stanford (Draw no 521)
(the third draw in this series)was It is still possible to join this new
decided when Rev’d Robert Barlow series – if you wish to do this, please
rolled the dice on 1st June to select contact your local Co-ordinator
the set of random numbers and or Robin Dean on 01886 853295
the starting point. As a result, the or by email robin.c.dean@gmail.
prize winners are as follows: com. New subscribers are always
The £50 winner is Miss S Bragger welcome. There is no limit on the
of Knighton (Draw no 626) number of draw tickets which you
The £30 winner is Mr N Savery of can purchase.
Stanford (Draw no 569)
The £20 winner is Mrs Barbara

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child’s education?

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Kinlet Hall • Shropshire • DY12 3AY

60

CLOWS TOP & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

The garden should now be looking atmosphere, everyone is welcome.
its best. The borders are full of Don’t be afraid to come along, we
colour and scent such as roses are a garden club not a horticulture
and sweet peas fill the air and the society, the membership is only £10
vegetable garden producing fine pa. However, Non-members are
crops. Long summer evenings can welcome to any monthly meeting.
be enjoyed to the full, relaxing and Our next meeting will be on
entertaining friends. Wednesday 27th July and the
However, there’s always something speaker for the evening will be ‘Paul
to be done. Make sure you keep Benson’ with a talk entitled ‘Burford
feeding hanging baskets. Dead Angels’.
head Roses, Sweet Peas, Bedding Diary Dates
Plants and perennials to keep them Saturday 20 August, Clows Top
blooming. Summer Show
Take cuttings from your favourite Wednesday 24 August, Hedgerow &
tender plants for over wintering Garden Medicine, Rowan McOnegal
indoors. Cuttings can also still be Wednesday 28 September, Autumn
taken from shrubs and herbaceous Show, An Evening with Paul Cook
perennials. Wednesday 26 October, New
At the May meeting Bill White, from Zealand, Ray Sturdy
Bill White Nursery, Far Forest, gave Wednesday 23 November, AGM &
an interesting demonstration and Members Social Evening
informative talk on propagation. Clows Top and District Gardening
This is a huge subject, however, Club meet the 4th Wednesday in the
seeds and cuttings were covered in calendar month
this hour. Lots of hints and tips, the at Clows Top Victory Hall; Doors
evening was a great success with open 7.30pm, for the speaker at 8
everyone enjoying the talk. o’clock.
If you’re not a member then come Admission Fee: Members £2 or
along and join us at one of our Non-Members £4. Free Refresh-
monthly meetings. It’s a great ments.
opportunity for you to share your Further Details Telephone Marion
thoughts, ideas and advice with Wilson 01299 270475.
other members. We have a great Or email: clowstopdistrictgarden-
programme of speakers as well as [email protected].
Evening visits to local gardens. Our
Garden Club has a very friendly

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Domestic

Cleaning

Service

Spring Clean
Builders Clean
Weekly or fortnightly
Telephone

Spit & Polish

tel. 01584 781719

Lynne Evans

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CLOWS TOP SUMMER GARDEN Clows Top Shop, Colliers Farm Shop
SHOW and Forest Stores.
The Show opens at 2.00pm with an
Saturday 20th August is the date for admission fee of £1.00.
this year’s annual Summer Show at There will be Horticultural exhibits,
Clows Top. refreshments, tombola, plant stall &
This show is open to anyone who likes other side shows.
to grow their own vegetable and/or Stall holders welcome pre-book with
flowers, making your own jams, cakes, Marion for availability. A raffle will be
biscuits, or handicraft and floral held on the day.
art skills. There’s even a children’s The cups will be presented at 4.00pm
section so there’s something for all followed by the raffle.
the family. The show is in Clows Top All enquires to Marion Wilson 01299
Victory Hall with plenty of parking at 270475.
the rear. Schedules are available from

Closing date for articles
is the 6th of the month unless agreed in advance.

Closing Dates for Ads
is the 8th of the month
Please send your contributions to [email protected]

63

RICHARD WILKS

Established since 1972

We have been serving the Teme Valley and surrounding
areas for over 40 years

Landscaping Materials; Peat-free and Peat based compost;
Topsoil; Mushroom Compost and Farmyard Manure;
Mulching and Playground Bark and Woodchips; Sand
Gravel Cement Roadstone; Decorative Gravels; Large
stocks of Slate Chippings; Rockery and Walling Stone;
Animal Bedding and Forage Supplies; Winter supplies of
de-icer Rock Salt; Firewood Coal and Calor Gas Agents
Open 7 days per week 9.00 - 5.00 Mon-Sat 10.00 - 2.00 Sun

Whartons Park, Bewdley, DY12 2QJ

Call to discuss your requirements with us

01299 402992 or 07813093803

Email:[email protected]
www.richardwilks.com

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THE FILLING STATION

The next meeting of the above to say to us at our usual time of
event will be held on Thursday 7.30pm at Penlu Sports Club,
21st July when Rev Mike Harris Tenbury Wells, and look forward
from Halesowen will be coming to to sharing with you in a time of
speak to us. fellowship, worship, teaching and
There is no Filling Station event refreshments.
in August but on Thursday 22nd For further information ring
September Rev Nick Crawley, Sue Stokes (after 6pm) on 01584
Regional Area Director of the 781384 or email Kate Harley on
organisation will be with us. [email protected]
We welcome all to join us to
hear what Mike and Nick have

News from Lindridge Parish Hall

The Autumn Show Please put your names, addresses
3rd September. and age on the back of your
pictures.
This year there will also be an Anyone interested in exhibiting
Art exhibition for adults and a in the Art Exhibition please bring
competition for children. your pictures along to the Hall
The Children’s competition will between 9.00 and 10.30 am on the
be in three classes , under 5s, 6/10 day of the show.
years, & over 11s. Lindridge Parish Hall Committee
The theme is ‘a magic garden’ or
‘Garden friends’.

How to advertise in this magazine...

If you would like to advertise in the Temespan, you will find the contact details of
the Editor and Advertising Manager on page 70 of this magazine.
Deadline for ads 8th of the month

Got an interesting article?

Send up to 350 words (and photos if you have them) about something
happening in your community and I will do the rest! Thank you - Ed

65

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Please contact Kate Shrubb on 01886 888 455 for more details
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66

TEME VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

On 31st May 24 members attended was heavily taxed! (nothing is new)
an entertaining and amusing talk and surprise, surprise it attracted
supplemented by photographs the criminal fraternity who began
and a set Edwardian tea table by to smuggle it in. Eventually the
Eileen Dilley on “Social History of government relented in 1784 when
Afternoon Tea”. William Pitt (Prime Minister)
We heard that the story of tea goes reduced the tax from 119% to 12%
back to 2737BC when the Chinese (some rip off that was!).
emperor Shen Nung was sitting In 1851 virtually all of the tea came
beneath a tree whilst his servant from China but then tea began to
boiled drinking water and some be cultivated in India and Ceylon
leaves from the tree blew into the so that by 1901 they supplied most
water. He drank the liquid which of the tea here which was being
was what we now call tea. Is this consumed in large quantities.
legend or the truth? We certainly Afternoon tea as a custom was
know that tea containers have introduced by Anna Maria 7th
been found in tombs from the Han Duchess of Bedford in 1840. It was
dynasty 206BC -220AD. the custom to have the evening
The Dutch shipped tea on a meal at 8pm which was a long
commercial basis to the West in time after lunch, and by 4pm she
the late 16th century. The first was hungry so she took to having
advert for tea in the UK is dated tea with thin slices of bread and
September 1658 in the paper butter and cake. This became
Mercurius Politicus saying tea was very fashionable to the extent that
for sale at Sweeting’s Rents in the long gowns would be worn and Mrs
city of London. Dilley presented one for us to see.

However it was the marriage This is the end of our current talks
of Charles II to Catherine of and there will now be a summer
Braganza that gave tea a high break resuming on Tuesday
profile in this country. She was 27th September when Richard
from Portugal and a tea addict, Churchley will give a talk on
therefore tea quickly became “Worcestershire Carriers before
established at court and then the Railways”.
amongst the wealthy families.
The masses could not afford it as it Mike Harley

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Clubs and Societies

T: Telephone - I: Information - E: Email - W: Web

Abberley Angling Club Coarse Lindridge, 7.30-8.30pm, singing
fishing club with own pool in at Parish communion on the first
Abberley. Sunday of the month, plus other
I: Tony Steward T: 01299 896 456 special services. We are a friendly
Clows Top Garden Club meet on group, no prior experience is
the 4th Wednesday of each month at required, so if you love singing why
the Victory Hall, Clows Top. not come and join us?
I: Marion Wilson T: 01299 270 475 I: Andrew Barker
E:clowstopdistrictgardeningclub@ E: [email protected]
hotmail.co.uk Teme Valley Childrens Centre run
Eastham Garden Club this has a number of relevant events for
been recently set up with occasional children and parents.
meetings at Eastham Village Hall T: 01905 622 354
I: Diana Clarke, Secretary E: [email protected]
T: 01584 781 505 Teme Valley Geological Society
E: [email protected] meet monthly at the
Lindridge Art Group Art for Martley Memorial Hall
everyone - meetings at Lindridge I: John Nicklin T:01886 888 318
Parish Hall every Tuesday at 3.00pm. E: [email protected]
We have an excellent tutor and your blog: www.geo-village.eu
first lesson is free. Teme Valley Historical Society
E: [email protected] meet monthly on the last Tuesday in
Knighton Friends meet 3rd the month at Abberley Village Hall
Wednesday of each month at the I:Mike Harley T: 01584 881 194
Parish Room. Teme Valley Wildlife Group
I: Sheila Bragger T: 01584 781 190 meet 2rd Thursday each month at
Menith Wood WI meet generally on Rochford Village Hall
the first Monday in the month at the I: Danny Arnold T: 01584 781 500
Old Chapel Hall T: 01584 881 102 E: [email protected]
Rock Bridge Club We meet every W: www.temevalleywildlife.com
Sunday at Rock Village Hall at 7.00 Tenbury Rambling Club
pm. New members welcome whether I: Ian T: 01584 876 698.
on own or with partner. The meetings Tenbury Town Band meet for
are very sociable and relaxed. We do rehearsals at Penlu Sports Club on
not play Duplicate Bridge. Sundays (Apprentices 4 – 4:30 and
I: Luke Grant T: 07854 951 330 full band 4:30 – 7:00)
St Lawrence’s Church Choir meet I: Steve & Mel Parker
for rehearsals the last Wednesday of T: 01584 881 683.
the month at St Lawrence’s church, W: www.tenburytownband.co.uk

69

The Parish of Teme Valley North

Priest in Charge of the churches of Knighton, Lindridge, Pensax, Stockton,
Abberley, Great and Little Witley, Shrawley

Reverend Ted Whittaker

The Rectory, 1 Chiltern Close, Great Witley, Worcester. WR6 6HL
Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01299 890100 or 07791 484774
Reader
Marjorie Workman 01584 781094 [email protected]

Church Wardens Knighton St Michael and All Angels
Gill Morgan 01584 781412 [email protected]
Vacant

Church Wardens Lindridge St Lawrence
Vickie Melling 01584 881086 [email protected]
Dianne Smith 01584 881893 [email protected]

Church Wardens Pensax St James the Great
Vacant
Vacant

Church Wardens Stockton St Andrew
Vacant
Vacant

PCC Details above Chair
Revd Ted Whittaker 01584 881086 [email protected] Lay Chair
Vickie Melling 01584 881086 [email protected] Secretary
Chris Melling 01584 881274 [email protected] Treasurer
Bill Andrews

Baptisms Weddings and Funerals
See page 15

Children’s Worker
Elizabeth Whitehead 01584 781651 [email protected]

Parish Administrator
Tracy Barnes 01584 781220 [email protected]

Temespan 01584 881174 [email protected] Editor
Pete Thorp 01584 781442 [email protected] Advertising
Barbara Selkirk 01584 881086 [email protected] Knighton Church
Sheila Hardiman 01299 832622 [email protected] Lindridge Church
Vickie Melling 01584 881563 [email protected] Pensax Church
Edward Lupton Stockton Church
Sally Webb

Parish Website - www.temevalleynorthparish.co.uk
Chris Melling 01584 881086 [email protected] Webmaster

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