Temespan February 2016

Teme Span

Lindridge Knighton Stockton Pensax
Eardiston Broombank Frith Common Menith Wood

Bumper Issue!!! 68 pages of interest! What’s inside
this months
magazine?

Picture left:
St Lawrence Club
see Page 23 for full story.

Androcles and the Lion!
Centre spread...

Want to be a Lengthsman?
See page 9

Teme Valley Wildlife Group
Page 53

Tote News Page 61

See Index - Page 3...

Send us your Pictures and Stories to feature in here!!!

February 2016

You are sure of a warm welcome

at The BRIDGE Hotel
Good Food,

CAMRA Ales and Ciders

Regular Events

Chip Shop Tuesday- every Tuesday
Steak-out Wednesday – every Wednesday
The Great British Sunday Roast – every Sunday
Quiz Nights – Last Wednesday of every month

Show us your team are Masterminds and win a prize!

Come and see us soon

The Bridge, Stanford Bridge, WR6 6SU

01886 812771
http://www.stanfordbridgepub.co.uk/home

Index

Page Number and Article

P5: Church Service Times P41: Vacancy for Parish

P7: A letter from Bishop John Councillor must be filled.

P9: How to be a Lengthsman! P43: Fancy a Coffee or

P11: News from Knighton Valentine Meal?

P13: Yoga and The Big Tidy! P45: A Clifton Challenge

P15: Births, Deaths and P47: Women’s World

Marriages Day of Prayer

P17: News from Lindridge P49: Keep Active at Eastham

P19: Open the Book and News of the New Filling

P21: Godly Play Station!

P23-25: St Lawrence Club P51: Here’s News of

P27: News from Pensax Bereavement Care

P29-33: News from Sockton P53: TVWG

Centre Spread: Think you P55: TV Historical Society

could be a thespian?... Then it’s P61: TV Tote News

time to try out your skills!! P63: Clows Top Gardening

P37: Menith Wood and WI Club

News P65: Clubs and Societies

P39: Volunteers Wanted and P66: Contact Details

Praises Sung!!

Would you like to be in this magazine?
Have you recently taken part in an event

that will inspire your community?
Are you doing something special soon
or do you have another story to tell?
Do you want to talk about concerns here or abroad?
Then tell me - and I will share all with your community! Editor

3

AR Lowrence Plastering

For  all  your  plastering  requirements:  
Plasterboarding  
Skimming  

All  Lath  &  Lime  Work  
Lime  Wash  Pointing  

Bricklaying  
Painting  

Quality  &  Knowledgeable  Tradesman  
Friendly  &  Reliable  

Call  Allun  for  a  first  estimate  
01584-­811917  or  07814-­963566  
e-­mail:  [email protected]  

Lazey Cottage, Cumbria

Delightful seaside cottage overlooking the
beautiful Duddon Estuary. Haverigg is on the
South West coast of Cumbria on the fringe of the
Lake District. Children & pets very welcome.

Gloria: 01229 772515 or 07811555978
www.lazeycottage.com

One-to-One Grooming Experience to Customer T V AEME ALLEY CCOUNTS
Requirements.
Cut the costs of your Bookkeeping, PAYE, VAT, Sage, Tax Returns and
Modern & Fully Equipped Salon Complete with Hydrobath. all related business accounting.
City & Guilds Qualified. Teme Valley Accounts offers your business cost-effective rates and
friendly advice locally.
Collection & Delivery Service Available. I have many years of experience and satisfied customers in the region.
Ample Parking. Member of: I will work from your premises or my own.
For a no obligation discussion or visit please call:
Claire Elliott
Tel: 01584 881708 Mobile: 07731 010099
Email: [email protected]

4

Services
 in
 Teme
 Valley
 North,
 

Shrawley,
 the
 Witleys
 and
 Abberley
 

Sunday
 7th
 February
 
 During
 February
 2016

8.00
 a.m.
  Little
 Witley*
  Holy
 Communion
 in
 traditional
 language
 

9.30
 a.m.
  Lindridge
  Holy
 Communion
 with
 Godly
 Play
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Holy
 Communion
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Shrawley
  Morning
 Worship
 

6.30
 p.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Michael
  Evening
 Prayer
 
Monday
 8th
 February
 

7.30
 p.m.
  Tailor’s
 Peace
  Intercessory
 Prayer
 Group**
 
Wednesday
 10th
 February
 

10.00
 a.m.
  Lindridge
  Ash
 Wednesday
 Holy
 Communion
 
Sunday
 14th
 February
 

8.00
 a.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Holy
 Communion
 

9.30
 a.m.
  Stockton
  Morning
 Worship
 

9.30
 a.m.
  Great
 Witley
 Village
 Hall
  Family
 Service
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Knighton
  Holy
 Communion
 in
 traditional
 language
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Morning
 Worship
 

5.00
 p.m.
  Lindridge
  Evening
 Prayer
 

5.00
 p.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Lenten
 Evening
 Service
 
Sunday
 21st
 February
 

9.30
 a.m
  Little
 Witley*
  Holy
 Communion
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Pensax
  Holy
 Communion
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Matins
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Shrawley
  Holy
 Communion
 

5.00
 p.m.
  Stockton
  Celtic
 Evening
 Prayer
 

5.00
 p.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Lenten
 Evening
 Service
 
Sunday
 28th
 February
 

8.00
 a.m.
  Lindridge
  Holy
 Communion
 

9.30
 a.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Founder’s
 Service
 for
 Baden-­‐Powell
 Groups
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Knighton
  Matins
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Holy
 Communion
 

5.00
 p.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Lenten
 Evening
 Service
 
* Great
 Witley
 Church
 is
 closing
 for
 a
 few
 months
 for
 essential
 repairs
 to
 the
 roof.
 Services
 for
 Great
 Witley
 are
 

being temporarily
 moved
 to
 Little
 Witley
 church
 during
 this
 period.
 Please
 consult
 the
 website

www.greatwitleychurch.org.uk/calendar
 for
 the
 most
 up
 to
 date
 information.

**Further
 details
 from
 Vickie
 Melling
 on
 01584
 881086

5

Menith Wood WI Next Meetings

It’s about life! Monday 1st Feb.
Jack in the Boxes with Lynda Bush.

Monday 7th March   
Whirly Birds with Carol Dowding.

(An excellent speaker).

Monday 11th April.
A Walk Around Menith Wood Lakes

with Jackie Yapp
 

Meetings start at 7.15pm for 7.30 pm.
Speaker usually 8pm, at

Old Chapel Hall, Menith Wood.
Phone 01584 881 152 / 102 for more information.

New Members Always Welcome

Hop Pole

6

Easter comes early in 2016
but what does this mean?
An Article by Bishop John

Lent falls very early this And that
year – there were even is what I
some Easter eggs in the am doing
shops before Christmas. now, more
Sadly, the pattern of the Christian freely
year is lost on many people in and more
today’s society in a way that it fully than
wasn’t a few generations ago. It I have
struck me when re-reading some since childhood. The cancer has
of Thomas Hardy’s novels that not made life more precious –
in the mid-nineteenth century that would make it seem like
Christian festivals were part of something fragile to lock away in
the stuff of ordinary living even the cupboard. No, it has made it
among those who would not have more delicious.’
considered themselves ‘religious’. Time and again, those faced
Things have changed greatly. with the brevity of life talk of
Christmas remains very much cherishing it more as a result.
in the public consciousness - I was asked some years ago what
perhaps, because the birth of a I thought the function of the
new baby is a ‘good news’ story. Church is. I replied that it is to
Easter, however, with death at prepare people to die. That might
its centre, is not so palatable. sound strange, particularly since
So, when it is remembered in we have dedicated ourselves as a
our society it is sanitised and diocese to be a Kingdom people,
the shops stock only saccharine committed to promote love,
reminders like Easter bunnies compassion, justice and freedom
and eggs. in the here and now.

However, to contemplate death is However, understanding and
not, in fact, macabre. As Denise accepting the finite nature of life
wrote: and its brevity is likely to make
‘Contemplating mortality is not us appreciate it more and live it
about being prepared to die, it better. It will enable us to see our
is about being prepared to live. lives in a wider and more glorious
context: the fulfilment of God’s

7

8

great plan to reconcile the whole I suggest mediating upon death
creation to himself in Jesus. I am this Lent, in order that your life
not expecting that to happen in might become more delicious –
your lifetime or mine, though I’d and godly. May you be enabled to
be delighted if it did. If it doesn’t, draw close to the crucified Lord of
we shall all have to experience Life this Lent and experience his
death as Jesus did. grace, his truth and his love.
+John

LINDRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL
REQUIRES A

PARISH LENGTHSMAN

From 1st April 2016, Lindridge Parish Council
is looking for the services of a Parish Lengthsman.

General duties to include:-
•Ensure drainage issues are
regularly checked and maintained.
•Advise landowners when ditches need cleaning.
•Vegetation clearance e.g improve visibility

at junctions or signs.
•Ensure signs are kept clean.

•Gritting/salting.

The applicant would be required to attend a training course
run by Worcestershire County Council.

The role is a Contract for Services, and the applicant
would be deemed self-employed.

For further information regarding the role of this work, please
contact Rachel Lambert, Parish Clerk at 01584 881599 or
[email protected]

9

10

St Michael and All Angels
Knighton on Teme

Readers: head-scratching and satisfaction
14th Feb Mr P Collings, with his unique range of questions.
Miss E Gittins Teams of up to six people. Bar
28th Feb Mr A Bunn, Mr K Bunn with real ale and a hot supper.
Tickets (limited to a total of 84)
Sidesmen: from David Marsh 01584 781449.
14th Feb Mr A Bunn Proceeds to the Parish Room and
28th Feb Mrs S Hardiman Christian Blind Mission.
As Christmas fades for this year
Flowers: we must remember how lovely
13th Feb Mrs J Hurds the Church looked for the festive
Cleaning: season. Our thanks for it being
February Mrs J Nesbit so go to Mary Bradley and her
Good Companions: faithful band of ‘decorators’. To
3rd Feb 2pm Parish Rooms Hazel and Alistair for the tree
Knighton Friends which looked so very pretty and
Knighton friends is a ladies all the trouble of getting it in and
afternoon club. out, quite time consuming. Also
Meetings are held on the third to the cleaners - quietly making
Wednesday of each month. We sure all looked spick and span.
go for meals, garden visits, train Thanks to Betty for taking our
rides, boat trips etc. For this Carol Service and to Gill and
month’s venue ring Sheila on Peter for our delicious cake and
01584 781190. mulled wine. And while issuing
Quiz Night
Knighton on Teme Parish Room,
5th March, 7.30pm start. David
Marsh has again agreed to treat
us to a light-hearted evening of

11

12

thanks we must not forget Peter thank you readers. And a special
and Rosemary who so regularly thank you to Liz Gittins who
supply us with coffee and very supplied us with ‘the words’. The
tempting biscuits. Nativity play is always enjoyed at
It is good to hear different voices the Carol Service. I hope I haven’t
as we do at the Carol Service - forgotten anyone.

Knighton-on-Teme Yoga:

Teme yoga meets at 7.30pm every donated to The Haven, Hereford
Tuesday (except the first in each who support sufferers and those
month) in the Parish Room, recovering from breast cancer
Knighton-on-Teme.  We have been and St Michaels hospice etc. 
meeting here for many years Both groups are quite small  but
and are delighted to report that friendly and we all have a great
several hundred pounds have deal of fun whilst enjoying the
been donated to local charities benefits of practicing yoga.    The
over this period.  Latterly £100 Knighton group can always fit
to Macmillan coffee morning, more into the nice big hall and
Brimfield, £200  to Ludlow Riding anyone interested should contact
for the Disabled and the occasional Jan Hasbury on 01584 711272
£50 to charities which  members who will be happy to hear from
have requested.  Last year we you.

The Big Tidy Up!
Knighton-on-Teme

Litter Pick Just let us know.

Sunday 13th March, 2016 Meeting at the

Meet at Parish Rooms at 10am Talbot afterwards

Bags and tabards supplied For a drink!

Bring a pair of strong gloves “Lets Tidy Up Our Village”

Everyone Welcome Contact Clerk To Parish Council

If you cannot make it on the day, Karen Yates – 01584 810817

it can be done before or after. [email protected]

13

PHIL and SUE

Professional Funeral Directors
15 Market Street,
PAINTERS and DECORATORS Tenbury Wells, Worc. WR15 8BH
Tel. 01584 810281
Over 50 years of experience between us Fax. 01584 811420

INTERIOR and EXTERIOR A Family Run Burials
Business Cremations
Free advice on decorating problems Established 1919 Chapel of rest
No obligation quotes
Competitive Rates

Sue is registered with Age Concern

Please phone Phil or Sue on 01562 747313 or

Sue Mobile 0785 320 6032 Coveringal areasandofferingapersonal,caring24hourservice
Phil Mobile 0775 340 8578

14

Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

If you are interested in being If you are interested in being
Baptised, or having your child Married in one of our churches,
Baptised, come along to St Mary’s contact Louise Hutton by email:
Church, Abberley at 10am on one [email protected], or
of the following Saturdays in 2016 by phone: 01299 896 126 between
to meet Rev’d Ted Whittaker: 9am and 8pm Monday to Friday.

* 16th January * For Funeral enquiries, please
* 6th February * contact Rev’d Ted Whittaker on
* 5th March * 01299 890 100 or 07791 484 774.
* 2nd April *
* 30th April * Rev’d Ted Whittaker is Priest
* 21st May * in Charge of the churches in
* 11th June * Shrawley, Great & Little Witley,
* 9th July * Abberley, Knighton-on-Teme,
* 6th August * Lindridge, Pensax and Stock-
* 3rd September * ton-on-Teme.
* 1st October *
* 5th November *
* 26th November *
* 17th December *

15

16

St Lawrence
Lindridge

NEWS FROM LINDRIDGE ST
LAWRENCE

Services in February Annual Christmas Crafts and
St Lawrence’s services can be Christingle Service
found on page 5. Not included On Saturday 28th November
in the list of services is Mon 1st many children, parents, carers
February 9.15am: School and volunteer helpers gathered at
Candlemas Service (Christ’s St Lawrence Lindridge Primary
Presentation in the Temple) School for this joyous occasion.
Please note the changes in the It was a great social event with
worship rota which begin this community coming together as
month, especially the move to we began our preparations for
the second Sunday for Evening Christmas at the start of Advent.
Prayer at 5pm, and the added Whilst preparing the Chris-
early morning Holy Communion tingles we talked about the
at 8am on the fourth Sunday. symbolic meaning, the orange
representing the world, the red
Women’s World band stretching around the world
Day of Prayer symbolising Christ’s love for us
The Women’s World Day of throughout the four seasons,
Prayer service in the benefice represented by the four sticks on
on Friday 4 March will be at St which we place the fruits of the
Lawrence’s Lindridge at 10.30am earth. The candle of Christingle,
(see Press Release on page 47...) reminding us that Christ is the
A warm welcome to everyone at world’s true light.
this service. As well as preparing Christingles,
many crafts were on offer for
both children and adults to try,

17

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 66 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

18

including decorating wreaths, of Christ on to our neighbours
Christmas story wheels to colour, and friends and were reminded
table decorations, snowflakes, of those less fortunate than
Santa and snowman windmill ourselves.
kits, Nativity lanterns, painting Pictures on pages 24/25
with stencils, Nativity masks, and Thank you for all the kind
Christmas cards. The children donations received, which are
enjoyed seasonal face painting. handed on to the Children’s
There were lots of mince pies and Society to further their work with
biscuits to enjoy, as well as teas underprivileged children.
and coffee which were served Thank you also to all those
throughout the afternoon. involved helping in so many ways
After a busy session of crafts we during the day, making this event
processed to St Lawrence Church so successful.
for our Christingle Service, led Liz Whitehead
by Reverend Ted Whittaker. We Children’s Worker
lit the candles, passing the light

Open The Book

Have you heard about it? Have of the children and the staff
your children or Grandchildren we act out the stories and help
come home from school and the children to understand the
talked about it? It is a country meaning of the story. We have a
wide scheme to introduce stories lot of enjoyment doing this and
from the Bible to the children. the children love to help us. It
Locally it is happening at Great takes about 3/4 hour for each
Witley, Abberley and Lindridge C session with a small amount of
of E primary schools. preparation making simple props
A small group of people who have at home. Would you be interested
a belief in the Bible and who in helping at one of the schools?
would like to introduce the Bible Reading, acting or just making
stories and their relevance in props. You do not have to be a
today’s life to the children, take regular church goer, just have a
part in the school assembly once belief. If so please contact Sallie
a fortnight. With the involvement Butcher 01299896837.

19

20

Lindridge Godly Play

At St Lawrence Church, Lindridge on the first Sunday of each month. We
meet in church at 9.30am then
go to School House for our story
and creative activities.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Godly Play making use of very special visual
A time to wonder........... resources.
At our Godly Play sessions we explore After the presentation of each
many stories together, including story, there is a time to wonder
the Old Testament, Advent and and reflect together. This is extended
Christmas, Epiphany which includes into a time for personal response,
Parables, Lent, Easter, and The when we are invited to work with
Season after Pentecost. The stories the story, or be creative with arts
are presented in a unique way, and crafts by making something
that shows us how we feel about the
story (or parable) which has unfolded
before us.

Lindridge Baby and Toddler Group

This group meets at the Lindridge messy play games using cornflour
Parish Hall on a Thursday morning and water. 
from 9.30am to 11am each week Please note there is no meeting
during term time. If you have on the 18th February as it is half
children between 0 and 5 years, term.
please do come and join us for fun There is a charge of £1.50 for each
activities and to make some new family for each session attended.
friends.  If you have any questions, please
Activities for February include contact Vickie at  lindridgetod-
crafts for Valentine’s Day and [email protected] or 01584 881086.

21

22

St Lawrence Club, autumn term 2015

This weekly lunchtime club is soldiers from all wars, their
held at St Lawrence Lindridge families, friends and all those
C of E Primary School. effected by war, and wrote our
We’ve had a busy, fun term, own prayers.
celebrating many festivals with As we approached the season
song, dance, creative prayer, of Diwali, the Hindu Festival
craft activities and games. of Lights, we had fun making
As part of harvest prepara- Mosaic Rangoli Patterns.
tions we explored our senses, At the end of the church year,
talking about our favourite before the start of Advent,
sights, sounds, smells, tastes, we focussed on Christ the
thinking of all the things we King season, and the children
love, and what we would like to enjoyed making their own
give thanks for. The children crowns to decorate with Jewels
made lovely ‘plates of thanks’. as we remembered Jesus, a
We enjoyed planting our own different kind of King.
crop of cress and mustard to Christmas celebrations got
watch grow from tiny seeds. under way with Christingle,
Thanks once again to Betty we talked about the symbolic
Andersson who joined us meaning of each part of the
to prepare our traditional Christingle, and lit the candle
harvest loaf, complete with a as we enjoyed festive song,
few harvest mice and cats! Christmas crafts and games.
We celebrated the feast of All We look forward to meeting
Saints, remembering those again in the spring term.
outstanding Christians who
have led heroic lives and set Liz Whitehead
an example for all Christians, Children’s Worker
focusing on the life of St
Lawrence. There are photos from these
For Remembrance the children events on the following pages...
made wonderful Poppy
Wreaths and Poppy Crosses,
as we thought about all the

23

24

25

26

St James the Great
Pensax

First of all a very Happy New was Mrs. Margaret Bourne. Thank
Year to all of you from the you to her and to all, who support this
Pensax Church Committee. We fundraising for the churchyard mainte-
would like to wish you and your nance.
families health and happiness in Bingo
2016. The special December Bingo was a
Candlelit Carol Service great success, with over 30 people
We had a wonderful service on there. There were some really great
Christmas Eve at Pensax church. prizes and everyone had a good time.
Over 100 people attended and Carol Portman and all her wonderful
heard the Christmas story, told helpers worked hard to make it an
in readings and carols, once more. enjoyable event. Money raised goes
The church looked lovely, with Meryl towards the upkeep of the church.
Roberts’ flowers and a tree, donated The next Bingo evening will not be
by the Randalls and erected by the until March 18th. Please mark the date
Rudd family. After the service, we all in your diary.
enjoyed wine and mince pies. Thank
you to all, who donated or helped in Closing date for articles for
any way. We all love this traditional 2016
start to our Christmas celebrations.
At the rear of the church, the is the 6th of the month.
congregation will have noticed an Please send your contributions
impressive nativity set, which was to [email protected]
set out for the first time. The Roberts
family retrieved it from a church,
which was closing, also dedicated to St.
James. It was much admired and we
thank them for this, and for the statue
of St. James, which has also found a
new home with us.
Bonus Ball
The winner of the £50 in December

27

The Manor Arms

ABBERLEY

Burns Night Evening

Saturday 16th January

4 Course meal

£35 per head

Celebrate Burns Night with the traditional ‘pipe in the Haggis’

Book NOW. Only a few tables remaining

Valentine’s Day

Sunday 14th February

£60 per couple

Treat a loved one on this special day, three course meal

Mother’s Day

Sunday 6th March
£29 per head

________________________________________________________________
Never forget Mum! Traditional three course Sunday lunch for the whole family

The Manor Arms          The  Village      Abberley      Worcestershire  WR6  6BN  

01299  890300          [email protected] www.themanorarms.co.uk

28

St Andrew’s
Stockton

Services- see listing under 20th December. What was most
calendar striking about it was its simplicity.
Flowers & Cleaning – Kate Readings alternated with the
Fitzpatrick traditional much loved carols.
Happy New Year and ……Thanks! Children played their part (it
Many thanks to Brian and Liz for isn’t a Christmas service without
delivering Teme Span and to all the contribution of children!) and
those of you who have accepted the Pepperell young ones read
my invitation (arm-twisting?!) to us along with the adults. We
to help keep the church and had delightful poems as well as
churchyard looking good over passages from the bible and the
the coming year. I’ve still to proceedings ended with glorious
finalise the flower and grass- candlelight from all the candles
cutting rotas but I’ll send it out we were handed as we arrived
to you all as soon as I have filled -so atmospheric. Sally and Bill
the remaining slots. assembled a group of musicians
to lead the singing and after-
Stockton Carol Service wards we all enjoyed mulled wine
Christmas 2015 and mince pies.
Once again Kate Fitzpatrick put Whenever we are gathered in our
together a lovely carol service little church I always think of the
for us here in Stockton on the countless generations who have
met and worshipped there before
us. There wouldn’t have been a
carol service, which is a compar-
atively recent occurrence.
“Recent” of course is a figurative
term since the church dates back
1000 years or so and the Christian
faith arrived here centuries
before that. So let’s for a moment

29

Mill Farm, Stanford Bridge, Worcester, WR6 6SP

The Den: 01886 853 800 l The Larder: 01886 853 596

30

imagine a Christmas mass, for their lives, he would always be
mass it would have been back there in the darkest of hours to
then before the Reformation, in love and comfort them in their
say the late thirteenth century. tribulations. To that end he sent
It would have been very cold in his beloved son, born that very
the church. There would have day, to show mankind that in the
been no pews and the light would end, love and forgiveness is all.
have been provided by rushes. In that dark, cold little church,
Candles were a luxury probably his was the light which fights
unavailable to a tiny country the darkness of the winter days
church. The local people would and the darkness of the soul.
have gathered to hear the priest Trust me, look to my light, for it
tell the story of the Christ child’s and I will guide you home to the
birth. Few could read then and warmth of my love.
the people of the village would That’s the message in the
have relied on the priest totally Christmas story and despite our
to interpret the word of God. We increasingly secular society, it’s
don’t even know if there was a the warmth of God’s love and not
bible here then but if there was, just the chance to sing Victorian
no one but the priest would have carols, which draws us to the
had access to it since such a thing church at this time of year. Just
was a very expensive luxury. like those villagers from so long
The point is that people gathered ago, we gather to hear the story
together on the day that the again, to stamp our feet in the
Gregorian calendar decreed was cold, to complain about our taxes,
the birthday of the son of God. and to hear that for all our faults,
They came to hear the timeless God is watching and loves us still.
story, to meet with their neigh- We may not revere the word quite
bours, to stamp their feet with so absolutely, we may no longer
the numbing cold, to complain need the only literate man in the
about the harvest and taxes, and village to tell us what was written
to hear from their priest that in the gospels, we may only visit
God was with them in that little his church a few times a year and
church. That he knew of all their we may no longer worry about the
fears and worries. That he loved harvest. But make no mistake,
them. That no matter how hard it is the simple faith in the word

31

32

of God reaching out to us in a With song and verse, we
straight line from the people celebrated the birth of the
who lived here so long ago, which saviour, we met and exchanged
brings us to church at Christmas. news and we shared food and
Even if we don’t believe - we want wine. Well done Kate. Well done
to. We want to be bathed in the readers and musicians. And God
light of God’s love just as they bless us all - every one!!
did. And we do it by gathering in Lesley Beesley
the same place just as they did to
hear the story of the babe whose
birth redeemed us all.

33

34

35

36

Menith Wood News

OLD CHAPEL HALL (OCH) Good Luck.  You have more chance
Christmas Crackers went off of winning than the Lottery!
well as usual. Father Christmas
attended and distributed presents MENITH WOOD WI
to everyone. Thank you Father Lots of fun was had at the party
Christmas and your busy elf. A and plenty of delicious food was
tribute to Dave Allen by Tony eaten by members and guests.
Lowe was very well received.  An The Secret Santa Socks caused
enjoyable evening was had by all much amusement and raised
and a veritable feast was partaken money for ACWW, Associated
by all present.  Thanks to all who Country Women of the World. The
made  it possible. money goes to start up businesses
Carols Round the Village raised or provide training for women in
£130 for Acorns Hospice.   Thank Third World Countries.
you to all who contributed and to Next Meetings
the stalwart singers who sang so Sat 9th Jan. 11.30 a.m. OCH.  
beautifully.   Business and Social Lunch.  Bring
a Plate of Food to share and catch
100 CLUB up with all the news.
Oct 1st Andrea Chumbly Ray’s Mon. 1st Feb. 7.15 for 7.30.  OCH.
Farm voucher. 2nd   Steve Joyce, Jack in the Boxes with Lynda
wine Bush.
Nov. 1st H Weston £20 voucher,   M  o  n .   7  t h    M  a rch 7.15 for
2nd Sue Lee,  wine 7.30.   OCH.     Whirly Birds with
Dec. 1st   Necia   Hall, Christmas Carol Dowding. ( An excellent
Basket of Goodies. speaker).
The next year’s draws will start Mon. 11th April. A Walk Around
in March. To renew your Subs or Menith Wood Lakes with Jackie
take out new or more numbers Yapp
put your £10 for each Ticket in an
envelope with your name, address Meetings usually start at 7.30
and phone number and put it with speakers at 8pm unless
through Janet Farmer’s   letter otherwise stated. All are
box before the end of the month.   welcome to attend the talks. 

37

38

Volunteers Wanted and Praise Given!

Berrington Hall to suit you and we know you
Volunteering at Berrington will enjoy yourself. What have
Hall National Trust is not what you got to lose?
you might think. It’s flexible Join the volunteering team
for a start; you can undertake to help bring our wonderful
any role we have, any time you stories alive for visitors
want and how often you want. across the house, garden and
You don’t need to be an expert parkland.
either; training is provided, To find out more call Berrington
all you need is a willingness to Hall on 01568 615721 or you
participate and enthusiasm. can email Berrington@nation-
So talk to us; we’ll have a role altrust.org.uk (see page 44)

Greatful Thanks... appreciated, Edna”
Edna from Frith Common has Well done to all of you for the
written in and would like to pass community spirit and kindness
on her greatful thanks - she writes which you have shown this lady.
... “Many thanks to everyone Please send in more letters and
who sent get well cards, written examples like this - our community
messages and visits [were] much needs you! Editor

Kathy Buckly would like to family behind had to contend
thank Clows Top... with our inquisitive toddler,
She writes, “Our family went to who sometimes blocked their
the panto at Clows Top at the end view. The family in front gave
of November - our two-year old’s her a santa hat to wear, and the
first panto. We had a fantastic prompting woman was happy
experience. to chat to her, despite being on
Everybody that we dealt with duty. Our daughter loved joining
was so friendly and welcoming in the clapping and stamping
to us. From the person we spoke and watching the events unfold.
to on the phone in advance, the What a lovely first panto she
people selling tickets on the door, had, and what a lovely positive
to the people selling drinks. The environment to bring a child to.
Thanks Clows Top!”

39

40

The Parish Council of Lindridge has a vacancy for a
Councillor to be filled by co-option.

Those who are interested in serving the community in this way
and want to become a candidate for co-option should obtain an
application form from the Clerk.

Completed forms should be returned to the Clerk by
Monday 29 February 2016

Any applicant should be over 18, a British subject or citizen of the
Republic of Ireland, and either: -
(1) A local government elector of the parish, or
(2) Has during the previous 12 months occupied as owner or
tenant any land or premises in the parish, or
(3) His/Her principal or only place of work during that 12
months has been in that area, or
(4) Has during the whole of those 12 months resided in the
area, or within 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) of it.

Full information on eligibility, the role of the Parish Council and
its schedule of meetings may be obtained from the Clerk and/or
the Chairman.

Clerk: Telephone: 01584 881599
Miss R S Lambert
Whiteleys
Frith Common
Tenbury Wells
Worcs.
WR15 8JX.

Chairman: Telephone 01584 881333
Mrs T Lowe
Elsewhere
Upper Claywood
Menith Wood
Worcester
WR6 6UB

41

42

43

44

The Clifton-Upon-Teme Early Years Centre

Fancy
A
New
Challenge?

The trustees of the Early the under 5’s and helping
Years Centre in Clifton parents balance busy work
upon Teme are appealing and family lives.
to members of the local
community to join their Perhaps you have a passion
merry band of trustees for the community and want
and help with the strategic to give something back? If
management of the nursery. so, we would absolutely love

to hear from you. Please
The Early Years Centre contact trustees@cliftoneyc.
launched in 2002 and is an co.uk / 01886 812 380 and we
invaluable asset to the local would be delighted to give
community, providing early you more information about
care and development for what’s involved.

45

SOLO GENERAL BUILDER

BRICKWORK, BLOCKWORK AND
EXTENSIONS

POINTING, RENDERING, SLAB WORK AND
PATIOS

FENCING AND GARDEN WALLS
FOR FREE ESTIMATES

CALL CHRIS ON 01584 881524

46

47

48

Keep Active in Eastham!

The Hall has some funding to run There is some floor work, but you can
exercise classes and several people work on a chair instead.
have expressed an interest. There The classes will be on Thursday
will be two classes on a Thursday mornings, Strength and Balance
morning starting in the New Year. 10am-11am, and Over 50’s Stay Fit
They are aimed at everyone over 50 11.30-12.30. There is a nominal charge
who are really encouraged to do an of £2.00 per class. You are welcome
hour’s exercise each week. to have coffee and tea from 11am to
Strength & Balance Class 11.30am, between the classes.
This session is mostly chair based. It The trainer, Kim Bayliss, has eleven
is designed to build both confidence years experience specialising in over
and muscles to help your general 50’s fitness. She is Level 4 specialised
movements. If you have had a fall, or in falls prevention and keeping
an illness and need a bit of help to get people mobile.
moving again, this is for you. Interested? Give me a ring on 01584
Over 50’s Stay Fit 781255 or email easthammemori-
This class is for people who are a bit [email protected]. If you think of
more active and want to stay that anyone who would benefit, please
way! This class includes stretching pass the details along to them. Don’t
and using resistance bands to help forget that we can provide transport
build up muscles and keep you active. to and from the hall.

THE FILLING STATION
Our next meeting of the above is in Zimbabwe for six years and
on Thursday 18th February 2016 at is now licensed by the Bishop of
Penlu Sports Club, Tenbury Wells Bristol to lead Crossnet, an Anglican
at 7.30pm when Rev Nick Crawley, Community for discipleship and
Regional Area Director of The mission. He is a former member of
Filling Station organisation will be Holy Trinity Brompton Church in
speaking to us. London and often leads seminars at
Do come along and enjoy a time of the New Wine festival.
fellowship, worship, teaching, and Look forward to seeing you.
also delicious refreshments at this For further information ring Sue
informal gathering held on the third Stokes (after 6pm) on 01584 781384
Thursday of each month.
or email Kate Harley on kate.
Rev Nick Crawley led a large church [email protected]

49

50