Temespan December 2015 / January 2016

Span

Lindridge Knighton Stockton Pensax
Eardiston Broombank Frith Common Menith Wood

Towering Restoration! Knighton Church
Tower Restoration
Photo courtesy of PD Morgan see pages 13 & 17
Christmas Appeal
see page 23
Lindridge School
see page 39
TV Historical Soc.
see page 55

Clubs and Societies
see page 61
Plus as always - so
much more!!

December 2015
& January 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

Article and Page Number

Church services P5 & 7 Lindridge School P39
News about Stories P41
The Archdeacon’s Teme Valley
Wildlife Group P43 & 45
Christmas message P9 Pensax Thrift Shop P45
Clows Top
Lindridge Baby and Gardening Club P47
Notice to Carers P49
Toddlers Group P11 Clifton Early
Years Centre P53
Knighton Church P13 - 17 Teme Valley
Historical Society P55 & 57
Lindridge Church P19 The Filling Station P57
Parish Council
Godly Play P20 Vacancy P59
Clubs and Societies P61
Lindridge Church & TVN
Contacts P62
Parish Hall P21

Christmas Appeal P23

Teme Valley Tote P25

Confirmation Course P25

Pensax Church P27

Amnesty Cards P29

Menith Wood

and WI P31 & 35

Stockton Church P33 & 35

Celebrations

and Coffee P37

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 over Christmas

or do you have another story to tell?
Do you want to talk about events in the world?
Then tell me - and I will share all with your community! Editor

3

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4

Services
 in
 the
 Benefices
 of
 Teme
 Valley
 North
 

and
 Shrawley,
 The
 Witleys
 and
 Abberley
 
 

During
 December
 2015
 

Sunday
 6th
 December
 
 


  8.30
 a.m.
  Great
 Witley
  Holy
 Communion
 (BCP)
 

9.30
 a.m.
  Lindridge
  Parish
 Communion
 with
 Godly
 Play
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Holy
 Communion
 (CW)
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Family
 Service
 
Sunday
 13th
 December
 


  9.30
 a.m.
  Stockton
  Morning
 Worship
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Shrawley
  Holy
 Communion
 (CW)
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Great
 Witley
 Village
 Hall
  Family
 Service
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Knighton
  Matins
 

6.30
 p.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Michael
  Readings
 and
 Carols
 
Monday
 14th
 December
 


  7.30
 p.m.
  Orchard
 Mead
  Intercessory
 Prayer
 Group*
 
Thursday
 17th
 December
 


  7.30
 p.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Carols
 
Saturday
 19th
 December
 


  3.00
 p.m.
  Shrawley
  Café
 Church
 Christmas
 Party
 
Sunday
 20th
 December
 


  9.30
 a.m.
  Pensax
  Parish
 Communion
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Great
 Witley
  Holy
 Communion
 (CW)
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Knighton
 
  Carol
 Service
 

3.00
 p.m.
  Stockton
  Nativity
 

4.30
 p.m.
  Shrawley
  Celebration
 of
 Christmas
 

6.00
 p.m.
  Lindridge
  Carol
 Service
 

6.30
 p.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Nine
 Lessons
 and
 Carols
 
Thursday
 24th
 December
 Christmas
 Eve
 


  4.00
 p.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Crib
 Service
 

5.00
 p.m.
  Pensax
  Candlelit
 Carols
 
Thursday
 24th
 December
 Christmas
 Night
 


  11.00
 p.m.
  Knighton
  Christmas
 Night
 Communion
 

11.30
 p.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Christmas
 Night
 Communion
 

11.30
 p.m.
  Shrawley
  Candlelit
 Christmas
 Night
 Communion
 
Friday
 25th
 December
 Christmas
 Day
 


  8.00
 a.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Holy
 Communion
 

10.00
 a.m.
  Great
 Witley
  Christmas
 Family
 Communion
 

10.00
 a.m.
  Lindridge
  Christmas
 Family
 Communion
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Family
 Worship
 
Sunday
 27th
 December
 


  9.30
 a.m.
 
  Knighton
 
  Parish
 Communion
 (BCP)
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Holy
 Communion
 

5.00
 p.m.
  Great
 Witley
  Evensong
 with
 Carols
 

6.00
 p.m.
  Stockton
  Celtic
 Evensong
 

*Further
 details
 from
 Vickie
 Melling
 on
 01584
 881086
 

CW:
 Common
 Worship
 –
 Holy
 Communion
 with
 hymns
 

BCP:
 Book
 of
 Common
 Prayer
 –
 Service
 in
 traditional
 language
 


 


  5

Menith Wood WI Next Meetings

It’s about life! Monday Dec. 7th 7.30pm
Christmas Party.
Bring a partner,
a plate of food,

cards for your friends,
Secret Santa Socks and

your own drink.

Saturday Jan. 9th 11.30am
New Year’s Lunch Get Together

Bring a plate of food to share.

Monday Feb. 1st
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

Services
 in
 the
 Benefices
 of
 Teme
 Valley
 North
 
 

and
 Shrawley,
 The
 Witleys
 and
 Abberley
 

Sunday
 3rd
 January
 
 During
 January
 2016
 


  8.30
 a.m.
  Great
 Witley*
  Holy
 Communion
 (BCP)
 

9.30
 a.m.
  Lindridge
  Parish
 Communion
 with
 Godly
 Play
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Holy
 Communion
 (CW)
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Family
 Service
 
Sunday
 10th
 January
 


  9.30
 a.m.
  Stockton
  Morning
 Worship
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Shrawley
  Holy
 Communion
 (CW)
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Great
 Witley
 Village
 Hall
  Family
 Service
 

11.00
 a.m.
  Knighton
  Matins
 

6.30
 p.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Michael
  Evensong
 (BCP)
 
 
Monday
 11th
 January
 


  7.00
 p.m.
  Deepcroft
 Farm
 House
  Intercessory
 Prayer
 Group**
 
Sunday
 17th
 January
 


  9.30
 a.m.
  Pensax
  Parish
 Communion
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Great
 Witley*
  Holy
 Communion
 (CW)
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Mary
  Christingle
 Service
 

6.00
 p.m.
  Lindridge
  Evensong
 (BCP)
 

6.30
 p.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Michael
  Evensong
 (BCP)
 
Sunday
 24th
 January
 


  9.30
 a.m.
  Knighton
  Parish
 Communion
 (BCP)
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Little
 Witley
  Holy
 Communion
 (CW)
 

10.30
 a.m.
  Shrawley
  Family
 Service
 

5.00
 p.m.
  Great
 Witley*
  Evensong
 (BCP)
 

6.00
 p.m.
  Stockton
  Celtic
 Evensong
 

6.30
 p.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Michael
  Simple
 Communion
 
Sunday
 31st
 January
 


  8.00
 a.m.
  Abberley
 Village
 Hall
  Holy
 Communion
 

10.00
 a.m.
  Abberley
 Village
 Hall
  Celebration
 of
 Ministry
 

5.00
 p.m.
  Abberley
 St
 Michael
  Deanery
 Healing
 Service
 

*
 Great
 Witley
 Church
 is
 having
 to
 close
 for
 a
 few
 months
 for
 repairs
 to
 the
 roof
 from
 sometime
 in
 January.
 The
 

services
 will
 need
 to
 be
 moved
 to
 another
 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
 

CW:
 Common
 Worship
 –
 Holy
 Communion
 with
 hymns
 
BCP:
 Book
 of
 Common
 Prayer
 –
 Service
 in
 traditional
 language
 

FERN COTTAGE HOME COMMUNION & COFFEE
Do join us for Communion and coffee at Fern Cottage, Knighton, on
Wednesday 27 January 2016 at 10.00 am. Everyone welcome. More
d
e  tails from Marjorie 781094.

7

8

Who is Welcome this Christmas?
BY NIKKI GROARKE
Archdeacon

There was no-room the opportunity to
for the refugee family. welcome him into their
Everywhere was full homes, their lives,
to overflowing. The because they did not
last inn they tried was grasp who he was.
packed, so they had to We easily sanitise our
make do with a shed, recounting of the birth
camping out, making a of Jesus as we celebrate
home as best they could, Christmas. The stable
finding somewhere dry becomes a homely scene, softly
at least, so the baby could be born lit, populated with wise men,
under the shelter of a barn roof. shepherds and cute donkeys. We
No room for the refugees. It’s been forget it was a last resort: a dirty
an ongoing theme of our news cycle shed occupied because young
this year as the plight of families refugee parents were shut out of all
fleeing Syria has worsened. We the more suitable accommodation.
have witnessed millions of people Let’s allow ourselves to engage
fleeing war and violence in what with this part of the story differ-
has become one of the largest ently this time, perhaps allowing
refugee crises ever recorded. ourselves to consider whether we
And it has been the pictures of would have welcomed a refuge
child refugees which have most family into our homes then, and
impacted us. whether we would now.

Jesus, as a child, was a refugee, Let’s also reflect this Christmas
unwelcome and homeless. No on whether we are really ready to
wonder then that as he grew up welcome Jesus into our homes,
and began his earthly ministry, our lives, not just at Christmas,
he called outcasts friends, invited as a baby, but the rest of the year,
those on the edges to come as our Lord and Saviour, and one
closer. Many of those who were who invites us to love and welcome
comfortable and settled continued those who are outcasts, as he loves
to reject him, or simply missed and welcomes us.

9

10

Lindridge Baby and Toddler Group

The Lindridge Baby and Toddler the term is Thursday 17th December
group meets at the Lindridge Parish at the usual time of 9.30am.
Hall on a Thursday morning from The Toddler Group restarts in the
9.30am to 11am each week during New Year on Thursday 7th January
term time. If you have children 2016.
between 0 and 5 years, please do There is a charge of £1.50 for each
come and join us for fun activities family for each session attended.
and to make some new friends. If you have any questions, please
Activities for December include contact Vickie at lindridgetoddlers@
Christmas Crafts and an end-of-term gmail.com or 01584 881086.
Christmas party. The last session of

Lindridge Toddlers and Children in Need

Thanks to all the families, and sleepy, maybe confused as they
helpers, who came to Toddlers were in their night clothes!
in their pyjamas to raise money We collected £31.50, which was
for Children in Need. There fantastic for our small group.
were mums, grandmas and great Thank you to everyone.
grandmas all joining in the fun.
Some of the little ones were a bit

11

12

St Michael and All Angels
Knighton on Teme

WOODPECKERS TALES

The Story of the Knighton
Church Bell Turret

It all started in early 2013 winds, was penetrating the Turret
when Keith Bunn was in and causing rot to develop in the
the Turret, at the bell level, internal woodwork. The Church
when without warning, committee decided it was time to
his foot went through the floor. act.
Fortunately it was only one foot
and he was able to extract himself A small sub-committee was
without difficulty or further formed and work commenced.
damage to himself or the Turret. On the advice of Mr Wheatley
Examination revealed that approaches were made to English
damage had been occurring for Heritage and to the Heritage
some years to the shingles of the Lottery Fund (HLF), the latter
Turret by green woodpeckers who with a view to making an appli-
were making increasing number cation for a grant. Among the
of 2½” to 3” holes in the very thin other bodies consulted were the
Canadian Cedar shingles that had Diocese who gave guidance as to
been put up in the early sixties. the requirements for granting
The woodpeckers had not only a Faculty, the County Archive
damaged the shingles but had and Archaeology Department,
also, on one occasion, launched Malvern Hills District Council and
a serious attack on our Church the Society for the Preservation
Architect, Mr John Wheatley. He of Ancient Buildings. In addition
escaped quite lightly as, luckily, inspections had to be carried out
he was wearing a thick jacket and by a firm of experts on ancient
a ‘Hard Hat’. However the damage timbers, a Structural Engineer,
was such that rain, especially
when accompanied by strong ...Continued p15
13

PHIL and SUE

Professional

PAINTERS and DECORATORS

Over 50 years of experience between us

INTERIOR and EXTERIOR

Free advice on decorating problems
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
Phil Mobile 0775 340 8578

14

Continued p15...

and a Bat and Protected Species would be that anyone contem-
Survey was also completed. A plating a similar project should
‘Dendro-dating’ was also carried think seriously about employing
out. This is achieved by drilling the an expert on such matters to
timbers in such a way as to obtain make the application for them.
samples showing the annual rings We discovered, rather too late,
in the wood. This has revealed a that the costs of this can also be
good deal more information as to included in the application.
the date of the various parts of Eventually we reached the point
the Turret and other areas of the where our Faculty application was
Church and the new information approved and HLF undertook to
will be incorporated into a revised cover some 77% of the costs which,
history of the Church with our fund-raising, covered the
This work led to an estimate of the expected total costs just about
likely cost of the project which, exactly. We are still not quite sure
after input by various of the above what the eventual total will be. As
agencies, came out at a little under it progresses, the work may reveal
£100,000. Several events in the further previously unknown
village raised about £21,000 and damage and may increase costs.
this included an extraordinarily Meanwhile we hope that the
generous donation of £12,000 contingency funding allowed for
which, with Gift Aid, amounted to in the estimates will be sufficient
£15,000. to cover any such cost.

Meanwhile the very long, and From the start of the project in
rather tortuous, process of February 2013 it has taken two and
making the application to HLF a half years to the moment when
went ahead. This can only be construction of the scaffolding
done ‘on-line’ and consists of started on 9th September; we
a seemingly endless series of understand that this is about
different forms, some of which par for the course. Since then the
appear to have a life of their own. work has been progressing well
This not to say that our contacts and we expect to be complete by
at HLF in Birmingham were early next Spring; fingers crossed,
ever less than entirely friendly whoopee!
and helpful. However the advice

15

Readers: 13th Dec Mrs M Bradley, Mr A Bunn
20th Dec Carol Service
24th Dec Capt. P Morgan, Mr K Bunn
27th Dec Miss E Gittins, Mrs M Bradley
2016 10th Jan Mr K Bunn, Mrs G Morgan
24th Jan Mr P Collings, Capt. P Morgan

Sidesmen: 13th Dec Mrs S Hardiman
20th Dec Capt P Morgan
24th Dec Mr A Bunn
27th Dec Mrs S Hardiman
2016 10th Jan Mrs M Bradley
24th Jan Mr A Bunn

Flowers: 12th Dec Mrs M. Bradley
19th Dec Decorating for Christmas. As
always, any help with this is
very welcome.
2016 January Mrs M Bradley

Cleaning: December Mrs S Hardiman,
Mrs C Marsh
Jan 2016 Mrs H Clarkson

Good Companions: 2nd Dec 2pm. Parish Rooms
6th Jan 2pm. Parish Rooms

Knighton Friends is on 20th December at 11am. Two
Knighton friends is a ladies dates to remember, please come
afternoon club. Meetings are held along and enjoy. The Church
on the third Wednesday of each is open despite the forbidding
month. We go for meals, garden amount of scaffolding!
visits, train rides, boat trips David Marsh will be holding a
etc. For this month’s venue ring Quiz Night and supper in the
Sheila on 01584 781190. Parish Rooms in late February/
We shall be celebrating Christmas early March 2016. Exact date
with Holy Communion at 11pm on will be confirmed in the February
24th December. Our Carol Service issue.

16

CHURCH TURRET ROOF REPAIR FUND

Now that the work on the Church Adding Gift Aid takes the sum to
roof turret has commenced, it over £3,000.
is perhaps an appropriate time With regard to the Smartie Tube
to finalise the appeal fund, in fundraising, the amount raised to
particular the ‘Tree Fund’. The date is £275.21, not counting gift
tree in the church looks lovely aid. There are still tubes out there,
now, with a generous covering of numbers as listed in September’s
metal leaves. Temespan. The return of these
Although we are now closing will be very warmly received.
the appeal, there are still some Details of how to return them
leaves available, and these will are on the label on the side of the
be left in the church for anyone tube, or by calling Hazel Clarkson
to purchase as they wish until all on 01584 781054. Please do return
leaves have gone, with the funds the tubes, filled or half-filled with
going towards any additional coins, in order to swell the coffers
funding needed for the turret roof even more. If you have lost the
repair, or general maintenance of tubes, please feel free to make a
the church. small donation anyway, to cover
We will now turn our attention to the cost of the sweetie tubes, by
adding the names of all those who contacting Hazel Clarkson. This
purchased metal leaves to the fundraising can then also be
book of commemoration. We hope closed.
to have this completed by the new Finally, a massive Thank You to
year, and the book will then be on everyone who has donated to the
display in the church for a short appeal fund in any way, whether
time. Further details of timing etc directly or indirectly. Your gener-
will follow when the inscriptions osity has made a significant
are completed. difference and will be appreciated
The total funds raised as at by all those using the church for
today’s date by the sale of metal many years to come.
leaves amounts to £2,682.08. Hazel Clarkson

17

18

St Lawrence
Lindridge

School Workshop

On 19 October we welcomed Kites the school end-of-term Carol
Class from Lindridge St Lawrence Service at 2pm on Friday 18
School for a morning workshop in December.
church when we talked about the As 2015 comes to a close may
festivals of All Hallows and All we wish everyone a happy and
Saints and thought about what peaceful Christmastide and New
makes a saint. Everyone made Year. A big thank you to our music
a colourful light to decorate the makers – Jason, Andrew and the
church windowsills and then we choir – for all they contribute and
all worked together to create a to all who share in our worship.
banner illustrating the story of Thank you also to all who support
St Lawrence. The banner now us by looking after the church
hangs at the back of the church and churchyard, all who organise
– do call in and admire it. and support fundraising activ-
We are delighted that once again ities, and all those without whose
the School Christmas Concert help and support we would find it
will take place in the church, hard to function. Thank you!
and we also look forward to
welcoming pupils and parents to

Services at St Lawrence’s
December Sunday 6th at 9.30am: Parish Communion, with choir
(Godly Play for children)
Sunday 20th at 6pm: Traditional Carol Service, with
the choir
Christmas Day at 10am: Christmas Family Communion
January Sunday 3rd at 9.30am: Parish Communion
Sunday 17th at 6pm: Evensong

We extend a very warm invitation to you to join us at any of these
services.

19

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

Colouring
this scene of
Celebration

Fun for the
Children this
Christmas

20

Lindridge The 100 club has been increased for
Parish Hall the coming year; we have not yet
2015 reached a 100 but have increased
h t t p : / / w w w. from 51 to 63 so we would welcome
lindridge- more members. The money raised
parishhall.btck. last year went towards roof repairs
co.uk and for next year it will be used for
The Parish Hall Committee wishes repairs on the ceiling and painting.
to thank all the groups that have I must express a personal thank
supported the village hall over you to Janet Marks who in her
the last 12 months. The use of the long association with the hall has
hall is wide and varied which is a done a sterling job in running the
reflection of its function to provide 100 club.
a local amenity for the community.
The users this year have included Recent winners include
Weekly toddlers group, Pilates x Aug Sept
3 classes, Zumba, Yoga, Art and Alan Bush Jim Bailey
monthly advanced art classes. Sue Watton Les Yarrington
Coffee Mornings, parish council Nick Swift Angela Winwood
meetings including heart start, Oct
church events, Citizens Advice Vera Williams,
Bureau patchwork Saturdays, WI Dave Mitcham
events. Charlotte Cooper.
Three children’s parties, private
evening party, two wakes and the I wish to express my thanks to
poling station. all the committee members who
The autumn show and a private have worked hard to ensure the
training day. hall meets the requirements of the
The introduction of the hall website local community. On behalf of the
provides further information on Lindridge Hall Committee we wish
the hall and the groups who use all our users a Merry Christmas
it including contact details of the and look forward to welcoming you
organisers. The committee would in the New Year.
welcome comments on ways to Alan Bush
develop the website. We will review Chairman
the option to use other social LPH.
media in 2016.
Closing date for articles for
2016

is the 6th of the month.
Please send your contributions
to [email protected]

21

22

Christmas Appeal

The Leadership team have had St Paul’s Hostel
another very busy year, and we are Our support for St Paul’s Hostel,
now working across the benefice a centre for the homeless based
with the teams in Abberley, in the centre of Worcester, has
Shrawley and The Witley’s as Ted continued throughout the year,
Whittacker settles into his role as however we would like to place a
our Priest in Charge; and we hope further plea for warm clothing,
that you will be able to join us bedding and towels as the winter
and take the opportunity to meet weather approaches. The Hostel
Ted at one of the many Christmas really appreciate our support and
Services that are planned across make good use of all the items.
the Benefice. The volume of people making use
Tenbury Emergency Food Relief of the Hostel continues to grow
We are pleased once again, this and they often arrive at the door
Christmas, to offer our support wearing the only clothes they
to the Tenbury Emergency possess. There is no deadline for
Food Relief Centre. The centre collection, all Churches in the
collects the ‘luxury’ items for Teme Valley will be a collection
local families who struggle on a point.
daily basis and find the expense of We hope that you will be able to
Christmas particularly difficult. find the time to help support our
We therefore send a plea to appeal as we all get consumed in
request non-perishable items fit the frenetic ‘Christmas’ season.
for a Christmas Hamper. Each With our best wishes and thanks
Church in the Teme Valley is a to you and your families.
collection point, and all the items Marjorie Workman, Vickie
will be taken to Lindridge Church Melling, Gill Morgan and Meryl
for collection by the centre on 15 Roberts
December to meet the Centres
deadline for preparing the
hampers.

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24

Teme Valley Tote

November’s Draw (the eighth The £30 winners are Mr and Mrs
draw in this series) R Bradley of Knighton (Draw no
November’s prize draw of the 656)
Tote was decided when Rev’d The £20 winners are Mr and Mrs
Robert Barlow rolled the dice Rob Scriven of Pensax (Draw no
on 2nd November to select the 367)
set of random numbers and the You can still join this series, if so
starting point. As a result, the please contact the Tote Organiser,
prize winners are as follows: Robin Dean on 01886 853295 or
The £50 winner is Michael Hogan by email robin.c.dean@gmail.
of Knighton (Draw no 677) com.

ADULT CONFIRMATION COURSE

Hi Everyone, I will be leading The weekly course will take place
an adult confirmation course during school hours on a weekday
starting mid-January 2016. It at a time to be agree. To express
is for anyone who intends or is an interest, please send an email
interested in being confirmed, to tedsconfirmationcourse@
for anyone interested in what clovermail.net
it means to be a Christian in If there is enough demand, I
the Church of England, and for could, at some stage, run a course
anyone who would like a refresher at weekends or evenings.
because it is a long time since All the best
they were confirmed maybe as a Ted Whittaker
child. Of course, you don’t have Area Priest
to be confirmed at the end of the
course – it’s entirely up to you. New Deadlines:
And for those already confirmed, For Temespan articles from
there will be an opportunity to January 2016
re-affirm publically your confir- 6th of the month
mation vows if that is something (ads are still 10th of the month)
you might like to do.

25

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 62 of this magazine.
Deadline for ads 10th of the month

26

St James the Great
Pensax

Harvest Supper you never know what you will win!
On Saturday, 24th October, The Bingo sessions then cease for the
just over 40 of us sat down to winter, resuming in March. Below are
a lovely meal, to celebrate the the dates for 2016. Thank you to Carol
Harvest. It was, as usual, a and Rose for organising this for us.
friendly, social event, with good
food, lots of chatter, irresistible BINGO DATES FOR 2016
desserts, provided by our very
own Nigellas, a quiz, for which At Pensax Village Hall at 7.30pm
we thank the wonderful Leslie
Beasley, who sorted it out for us on the third Friday of the month.
well in advance, as she was on holiday,
and communal singing, lead by our March 18th August 19th
talented Sarah Lupton. Thank you
to Martha and Gerald Kinkaid, who April 15th September 16th
provided the ham, which was delicious
and to Rita and Jean, who helped us May 20th October 21st
out in the kitchen. The raffle, given as
always to charity, raised £100 exactly. June 17th November 18th
Thank you to all who contributed,
including those, whom I have forgotten July 15th December 16th
to mention! We raised just over £220
for church funds in a very enjoyable
way.

Christmas Bingo Bonus Ball
Our special Christmas Bingo will In October, the winners were Maureen
take place in the Village Hall on and Rob Scriven, whom we thank for
December 18th starting at 7.30pm. their continued support, though they
As usual, the prizes for this Bingo have moved from the village.
will be especially good. Everyone is As you may know, the National Lottery,
welcome to come and support us – and which we have used so far to choose

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the Bonus Ball winner, now has 59 much loved by those who come each
numbers. We only have 49 members year, it is a wonderful way to start off
and so must use a different method to the celebrations, when all the shopping
pick the winner, unless we can quickly is done, the presents wrapped and
find 10 more members! (Contact David under the tree, the vegetables prepared
01299 832195, if you want to join!) The and the turkey stuffed, ready for the big
winning number will now be chosen at meal, and all the family has arrived! It
the monthly Bingo, when it is held and gives us a quiet interlude to think about
at a public event, if not. We will publish what we are really celebrating. We sing
the winner as usual. our hearts out, greet our friends, have
a small, refreshing drink and a mince
Christmas Carol Service at 5pm on pie, then - off back home to the fireside!
Christmas Eve Do come!
Our very popular Carol Service will
take place in Pensax Church at 5pm
on Christmas Eve. An informal service,

WRITE FOR RIGHTS
Amnesty International Greetings Card & Letter Writing Campaign 2015

Send a message of hope to prisoners of conscience across the world.
It only takes a few minutes to write a card but this simple act means a lot to
someone whose rights are being abused. For a prisoner wrongly detained,
for family members waiting for news of a relative who has ‘disappeared’, for
a torture survivor fighting for justice, cards bearing messages of solidarity

are a source of hope, strength and inspiration.
Letters can pressure the authorities to address cruelty and injustice.
Presidents, police chiefs and prisoner governors take note when they receive
appeals to release a prisoner, stop the harassment of an activist or change
an unjust law. Even if the hoped-for result is not achieved immediately, the
effect of cards and letters received from all over the world is powerful.

We will be meeting at Broombank Farm WR15 8NX
on Monday 30 November at 2.30pm

Do come and join us and share a cup of tea and mince pies
For further information call Pauline Briggs (01584 881216)

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30

Menith Wood News

OLD CHAPEL HALL bar she had made earlier, told
A full house enjoyed a fun packed us how to make it and gave us
evening for Stories over Supper. a recipe. Members enjoyed the
Paula gave very good advice from tasting! Thank you both for a
Mrs Beeton on How to behave at very good evening.
a ball, ... and the day after! Members gave reports on the;-
The Annual Meeting was attended The Group meeting at Mamble,
by the usual few. The committee Rosemary Prosser was the guest
was re-elected en bloc. We are still speaker. She had been a police-
looking for a treasurer. Are YOU woman in the 70’s, and told of her
able to take it on ? experiences and difficulties she
Dates for Diary had encounted in her career, an
Fri 4th Dec. 7.30pm CHRISTMAS excellent speaker;
CRACKERS. This gets fully The WFWI Council meeting
booked so please reserve your at Malvern where the NFWI
place asp. phone 881 333. BYOD Chairman, Janice Langley, spoke
& a plate of food to share & a good of behind the scenes at the big
singing voice! meeting at The Albert Hall with
Wed 16th Dec. Carols Round the the Queen.
Village. Join us to sing or later at Other speakers were Jan Oliver,
the hall. Phone your requests to a gardener and member of Great
881 444 or 881 102. Meet at 6. British Florist,( who use all
30pm at Hall. Watch notice board British grown plants etc), who
for further information. now works on part of the Duchy
W.I. of Cornwall estate and provides a
Many members and friends were lot of the flowers and gardens on
present at the November meeting British films: Mary Hickson
to see Linda Edmunson show us one of the very few lady jet fighter
how to make a very tasty meal, pilots who showed film of her jet
a risotto, from “store cupboard in flight and told of her life in
“ and fridge ingredients, with the forces. All very interesting
basmati rice. Sue Lee then speakers.
produced a Nigella’s Rocky Road The outing to The National

Continued on p35...

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32

St Andrew’s
Stockton

Flowers & Cleaning for several years so it would be great
Team Susan/Dianne/Sandra if we could let them have a break......
it only needs a few people to do it
Rota for grass cutting/flowers & just once a year and it’s sorted!
cleaning Looking forward to hearing from
On the subject
of flowers, I am you!
once again putting sallyawebb@gmail.
together the rota com Tel: 01584
for grass cutting, 881563
cleaning and COME AND JOIN
flower arranging IN……
for our lovely CASTING SOON!
village church- Stockton Nativity
some people have already kindly and Carol Service will be at 3pm on
volunteered but more are still Sunday 20th December. Anybody
needed before I can publish the rota (child or adult!) wanting to be part
for the year. of this delightful festive celebration
please contact Sandra on 01584
It only involves a little sweeping 881217 or Kate on 01584 881150.
and dusting and flowers for two
small vases on the altar (more floral CHRISTMAS
arrangements appreciated if you are FUNDRAISING EVENT
feeling artistic, but not essential). Impress your family and friends
And, from April to September by creating your very own floral
incl, mowing once or twice in one Christmas table centrepiece.
month (lawnmower and petrol are Two workshops will be held on
provided). Anybody can do either Monday 21st December at 2.00pm
job so please do not feel you have and 7.30pm at Stanford Village Hall.
to cut the grass if you are a guy or Tickets cost £20 and will include
do flowers if you are a gal..... Please seasonal refreshments, demon-
let me know as soon as possible if stration and guidance, together
you are able to help with any one with container, oasis, greenery,
of these tasks, as your assistance flowers, candle etc.
would be greatly appreciated. Some Numbers will be limited to 10 people
villagers have been doing these jobs at each session.
Continued p35...

33

34

...Continued from p33 evening and the prizes were won
by the following: Mike and Linda
For more information and tickets Edmunson and team won the Quiz,
please call Susan Dufton on 01584 Bill Webb’s team won the picture
881521. quiz. The raffle was won by Gail and
Jim Stanhope - a meal for two at
The Bridge Pub Quiz the Bridge, kindly donated by Tim.
Great fun was had by all and £330
What a great night we all had was made for Stockton Church
testing our knowledge (or lack of funds. Thank you everyone for your
it) at the Stockton Quiz evening. generosity.
Held at the Bridge Pub, Tim fed
us on scampi and chips and kept
the beer flowing! It was a sell-out

Menith Wood News

...Continued from p31

Memorial Arboretum was very Mon Feb. 1st
poignant and memorable with Meetings start at 7.15 for 7.30
the Autumn colours, well worth pm. Speaker usually 8pm, at
a visit. Old Chapel Hall, Menith Wood.
Over 24 people enjoyed a tasty Phone 01584 881 152/ 102
soup lunch with crusty bread and for more information.
home made cakes on 4th Nov. at JF
Lindridge in aid of Stroke and
local charities. Thanks go to all Editors note:
who helped and attended.
Next Meetings Please send in your articles
Mon.Dec. 7th 7.30pm Christmas - the written variety...
Party. Bring a partner, a plate of Something you can share
food, cards for your friends, Secret with your community. School,
Santa Socks and your own drink. crime, interesting books,
Sat Jan. 9th 11.30 New Year’s quiz’s, jokes, websites, places
Lunch Get Together Bring a plate to visit, photo’s! There is an
of food to share. endless interest out there!
Deadline 6th of each month
please...

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37

Mill Farm, Stanford Bridge, Worcester, WR6 6SP

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

38

Lindridge St Lawrence
CE Primary School

Sasha Bowers

We had a very busy first half enjoying forest school this
to the Autumn term and term. We have a fantastic
now preparations are well outdoor area where children
under way for Christmas. can learn outdoor skills and
The children have started discover more about the
rehearsals for our nativity wildlife around them.
play which will be performed Children at Lindridge
in early December. regularly take part in inter-
We pride ourselves on being school competitions and
a musical school and every have recently competed
week run ‘Bright Lights’ - an in Tag Rugby, Hockey and
afterschool club for children Showjumping! We also run a
who love to sing and act. variety of after-school clubs
Bright Lights recently which this term includes
performed at the Tenbury Hockey, Netball, Tag Rugby,
Applefest, and on Saturday 5 Art, Cookery, Word Games,
December will be taking part Construction Games and
in the Mistletoe Festival learning to play the Ukulele.
Music Competition at the If you would like to learn
Pump Rooms in Tenbury. more about our school, we
As a well-established Eco would be very happy to show
School, we do like to take our you around. Please phone to
learning outside if possible school office on 01584 881466
and all classes have been to make an appointment.

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40

Stories to Delight the Soul

A workshop on storytelling in Church contexts

Monday 7th December 2pm – 5pm
At St Michael and All Angels Church,
Church Drive. Stourport on Severn DY13 9DT
With Revd Eva McIntyre
The afternoon will include:
How to put together your own oral story based on a bible passage
How to tell a story; the art of drawing in your listeners and making
sure they engage with your storytelling.
Eva is a professionally trained storyteller and actor; she has used
her storytelling skills in many different Church venues and at
key Christian events across the UK. She trained at Birmingham
School of Acting and is a member of Equity.
This event is offered free but donations towards the upkeep of St
Michael’s are welcome.
RSVP [email protected] or phone 01299 822041

41

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

42

Teme Valley Wildlife

December seems an appropriate cottagers then harvested the holly
time to talk about holly. Tenbury for the winter sales. White- and
has especial significance in the yellow-edged holly, particularly with
national trade in holly owing to the berries, could command a premium
annual Holly and Mistletoe Fairs price. More industrious villagers
which take place in the town every wove their holly into wreaths,
November and
December. The which are also
country-wide sold at the
price for sales.
mistletoe is Holly is one
set here and of Britain’s
big bundles few native
of holly and evergreen
mistletoe, the trees. It is
latter gathered slow-growing
from our tradi- and can be
tional orchards, make a wonderful made into a thick stock-proof
sight. hedge. Away from hedges, growing
untrimmed, it makes a conical tree
Holly for Christmas decoration, which can reach a height of 20
variegated, plain, berried and metres or more. As a large shrub
un-berried, is cut from local it shelters below the canopy layers
standard trees and hedgerows and in woods. Its bark is smooth and
makes its way to the sales. In my grey and its wood a pale whitish
own village, many years ago, our colour. Sweet-smelling flowers are
local grafter, whose main job was produced in May and June. Trees
grafting fruit trees, grafted many can be male or female. They both
of the cottage holly hedges with have flowers but only the female
variegated varieties. To do this he trees go on to produce berries.
allowed straight shoots of plain These are a valuable and nutri-
green holly to grow up from the tious source of food for birds from
hedge for a year or two and then October to February.
grafted a variegated form onto the In my garden visiting flocks of
rising stems. The joint was sealed fieldfares and redwings join the
with a secret mixture and left to local blackbirds and thrushes in
grow above the hedge-line. The

43

Come and visit Eardiston’s best-kept secret, located behind Lindridge
Village Hall.
We are a friendly community private members club open to visitors and a
really low membership of £7 per annum. The club was formed in 1947 to
accommodate the hop-pickers.

We have customers who regularly travel up to 16 miles because its so
friendly. We have an array of local beers and Ciders from Wye Valley HPA
to Oldfield’s draft cider.

We have various clubs use our function room, including Darts, Target
shooting, Investment club, Dominos, Bingo and is available free to
functions. So if you have a wedding, birthday party or children’s party come
and see us or drop us an email or join our Facebook page.

Our opening hours are XMAS AND NEW YEAR
Xmas Eve – Bring and share supper 7-12
Monday - Closed Xmas day open from 12-2
Boxing day – Closed
Tuesday - 7-12 New years eve Party – 7-1pm

Wednesday - 7-12

Thursday - Closed
Friday - 7-12
Saturday - 7-12
Sunday - 3-10

www.club.eardiston.com or visit our facebook page

44

stripping off the scarlet berries. winter. Shiny bright green leaves
There are never any left by and contrasting glowing berries
Christmas! Interestingly they couldn’t be a more winning combi-
only finish off my holly berries nation. No wonder it is so popular
after they have taken the more at Christmas.
succulent fruits from my neigh- The next meeting of the Teme
bours’ yew tree. Valley Wildlife Group is on
Surprisingly for a plant used Thursday 14th January, when we
for stock control, holly was also welcome Mark Lawley whose talk
used in remote areas for a winter is on mosses and liverworts. The
animal feed. The higher branches meeting is at Rochford Village
of the trees bear leaves with fewer Hall at 7:30pm and as always
spines on them, so by reaching up it is just £2 on the door where
and cutting the higher branches everybody is most welcome.
the leaves were more palatable. For up-to-date information on
Even so, in places like the Stiper- what wildlife is being seen in the
stones in Shropshire and the area, or to give us your sightings,
Olchon valley in Herefordshire visit us at www.temevalleywildlife.
holly cut from ancient pollards com. The group normally holds a
was ground up before being fed to meeting on the second Thursday
livestock. of the month. All are very welcome.
The most important thing about Tel. 01584 781500 or email danny.
holly though is how it brightens [email protected]
up the short days of autumn and

PENSAX THRIFT SHOP

PENSAX THRIFT SHOP

Pensax Thrift Shop will close for the winter on Wednesday 9 December.
We would be very grateful if customers would collect any remaining
items by this date as we are unable to store anything over the winter.
Thank you to our volunteers for their hard work over the year and to
our customers for their support. We wish everyone a Happy Christmas
and look forward to seeing you again when we re-open for our 2016
season on Wednesday 7 March at 9am.

45

46

CLOWS TOP & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

December can be a wonderful you there would be no club. After
month in the garden. The days the formalities it was time to eat
may be short but on the whole and play a quiz.
the weather is usually not too If you’re not a member then come
bad, with wonderfully clear, along and join us at one of our
frosty, sunny days when it can monthly meetings. It’s a great
be a pleasure to be out if you’re opportunity for you to share your
wrapped up well. We may be in the thoughts, ideas and advice with
colder, darker months of winter other members. We have a great
but what better time to start programme of speakers as well as
planning your summer garden. Evening visits to local gardens.
At the October meeting Derek Our Garden Club has a very
Walker came along with an friendly atmosphere, everyone
excellent selection of potted is welcome. Don’t be afraid to
plants for over the Christmas come along, we are a garden
period. He talked briefly on club not a horticulture society,
keeping house plants healthy the membership is only £10 pa.
over the shorter days, and jobs However, Non-members are
that still can be done over the welcome to any monthly meeting.
winter in the garden. He demon- Our first meeting in the New
strated various ways to plant up Year will be on Wednesday 27th
some containers and baskets for January 2016, Jo Roche, who
the winter period with plenty of will give a talk entitled ’Abberley
colour. At the end of the evening Hall & Clock Tower’.
everything was bought by keen Clows Top and District Gardening
members. The evening was a Club meet the 4th Wednesday in
great success with everyone the calendar month at Clows Top
enjoying the demo. Victory Hall; Doors open 7.30pm,
Our last meeting of the year for the speaker at 8 o’clock.
in November, was the AGM & Admission Fee: Members £2 or
member’s social evening with a Non-Members £4. Free Refresh-
lovely spread of refreshments ments.
kindly donated from members. Further details telephone
It has been a busy year and so a Marion Wilson 01299 270475.
special thank you to committee Or email: clowstopdistrictgarden-
members for their efforts and to [email protected].
the members because without

47

48

��J�:IJ WORCESTERSHIRE

���,,,:AS S O C I AT I O N O F

'�i._;� C A R E R S

Are You a Carer?

Do you look after a family member or friend who needs help because of illness, age, disability or
addiction? There is a source of help and information that you might not be aware of.
Worcestershire Association of Carers is a registered charity providing an independent source of
information, advice and support for the 63,000 unpaid adult carers in Worcestershire.
We provide representation for carers at a local and national level and support carers to have a voice
in decisions that affect them.
We offer a wide range of services to carers:

• Call our Helpline on 0300 012 4272 - Our friendly and experienced team offer practical and
emotional support services to help you in your caring role. We work within a network of
agencies throughout Worcestershire. If we can't help with a specific problem, we may know
someone who can

• Face to face support - Our advisers provide one to one support if you need additional
practical or emotional assistance. Appointments can be made at home or at your GP surgery

• Information guides - Our information guides are a great reference proving practical details
and easy-to-understand advice on coping with the demands of being a carer

• Free practical training sessions - We run easy to access short practical sessions covering
topics that affect you as a carer. From benefits advice, to building your confidence, they are
all run by people who understand the challenges a caring role can bring

• Our magazine - Caring News is our free quarterly magazine providing you with relevant
news and information

• Carer Talktime - If you would benefit from a friendly ear to help you feel less isolated then a
monthly call from our Carer Talktime could be for you

• Carer Groups - Our carer groups are a chance to take time out for yourself, meet with other
carers who understand what caring is like, share information, make friends and chat. See
more at our website (address below)

• To find out more, call our helpline on 0300 012 4272 or visit www.carersworcs.org.uk or you
can email: [email protected]

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