Temespan March 2022

There’s so much to celebrate this month.
Pancakes, International Women’s Day,
St Patricks Day, Ides of March,
Lent, Spring, Pi Day (3.14)
Red Nose Day, Mothering Sunday...
And so much more - it’s a great month!

March 2022



Index Editor’s
Note
Page Number and Article
P4: Church Service Times

P5: The Village Office

P7/9: Letter from the Archdeacon Thank you to you all for your
P11/13: Updates from our MP incredible amount of contribu-

P15: Rotary News tions this month. It really feels
P17: Lindridge Church News like the old days and once again
P19: Knighton Church News the magazine bulges with 72
P21: Dedication to Pearl Davies pages! There’s loads to read and
P23/25: A letter from Rev. Ted activities and events to attend.
P27/29: Serialisation - Wartime There’s more on the serialisation
Memories about the four rivers and memoirs
P31/33: TVHS from before the second world war.
There are wonderful features
on local businesses and ideas
P33: Bishop John Appeal to keep you occupied. There’s
Centre Pages: Willow with Roots clubs, village halls and meetings
P39: World Day of Prayer together with coffee mornings,
P41: Darker Skys litter picks and of course, help
P43: The Filling Station and and information from the local
Menith Wood WI churches.
P45: Clows Top Gardening It’s packed from the front to the
back pages with your local infor-
P49: Lindridge Parish Hall mation and frankly a spiritual
P51/53: TVWG uplift to see so much happening.
P55/57: Pensax Parish Council Well done to you all. An immense
P59: Lindridge Parish Council undertaking that you have to
P61: Pancakes and other info. passed me to edit and one which
P63: Knighton Litter Pick and I have really enjoyed compiling.

Lindridge Coffee Morning I hope you enjoy it as much. A
P65: Knighton Pop-up Pub word of warning though... This is
P69: Clubs and other Activities a several cuppa read!
P70: Contacts Best get started.

3

Services for March 2022

Weekday

Wednesday 2nd March - Ash Wednesday

10.30 a.m. . Little Witley Church Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
7.00 p.m. . Lindridge Church Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes

Sundays

Sunday 6th March – First Sunday of Lent

9.30 a.m. Lindridge Church Holy Communion

11.00 a.m. Abberley St Mary Holy Communion

Sunday 13th March – Second Sunday of Lent

9.30 a.m. Great Witley Holy Communion and Zoom

3.00 p.m. Shrawley Afternoon Worship followed by Wedding

Workshop

Sunday 20th March – Third Sunday of Lent

11.00 a.m. Shrawley Holy Communion

11.00 a.m. Pensax Morning Service

6.00 p.m. Great Witley Kainos Potamus

Sunday 27th March – Mothering Sunday

8.30 a.m. Little Witley Church Holy Communion

9.30 a.m. Lindridge Church Mothering Sunday Service

11.00 a.m. Abberley St Mary Mothering Sunday Service

11.00 a.m. Knighton Church Holy Communion

6.00 p.m. Abberley St Michael Celtic Communion

Churches in: Knighton-on-Teme, Lindridge, Pensax, Stockton-on-Teme, Abberley,
Great Witley, Little Witley, Shrawley

Please keep checking 4Rivers Churches website for last-minute changes:
www.4rivers.church/services/

4

5

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Open Days: Saturday 5th March &
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6

The Change
Journey

Nikki Groarke, Archdeacon

In this article for March edition of Kingdom
parish magazines, Nikki Groarke, People in
Archdeacon and Diocesan Lead healthier and more sustainable
for Transformation and Change churches. Pilgrimage is part of
talks about the change journey who we are.
and support for parishes as they What does a healthy church look
become healthier and more like to you I wonder? We asked
sustainable. this question at a meeting with
The Archbishop of York recently churches from the Redditch area
described the journey of change recently and got a rich variety of
as more like a meandering river answers. They suggested phrases
than a Roman road. It felt to me such as outward looking, engaging
a helpful image and reminded and welcoming, lively and vibrant,
me of trying to find a picture Bible based, reaching out to the
to publicise our next round of community, trusting, pastorally
Open Conversations. We wanted aware, diverse, reaching all ages,
something twisty and slightly varied worship…and many more.
uphill, eventually going out to Whilst all congregations are called
photograph a suitable road as we to worship God, make disciples,
couldn’t find one which was just share hope and transform their
right. communities, how that looks
Change is never straightforward. in different settings, contexts
It involves twists and turns, and traditions will vary hugely.
and sometimes a few dead ends What’s important is that people
and re-routing moments; but in each parish seek to discern
it is important to keep moving what the vocation of their church
forward if we want to grow as is, and journey together to fulfil
that calling. (cont. p9)

7

8

Twisting road image for open felt that all hope was lost. As
conversationsThere are two key they were accompanied on their
ways we are supporting churches journey by one who listened and
in this journey this year. In March interpreted events for them,
there will be a third round of Open revelation came, and with it new
Conversations, where churches hope and resurrection joy.
will share stories of how they A verse from a great hymn
are growing as Kingdom People reminds us that “We are pilgrims
and trying new things to help on a journey, and companions on
their parish thrive and become the road; we are here to help each
healthier. These will be great other walk the mile and bear the
opportunities to join together load.” The hymn speaks of grace,
in facilitated discussions where and the light of Christ shining on
ideas can be shared locally, and our path.
we can hear from each other We are on a journey of transfor-
about what other resources might mation and change, as the church
be useful. As before, these will be of God has always been. If we
places to listen and learn, wrestle travel together, open to wisdom
with challenges and prayerfully from those who come alongside to
explore solutions to shared issues guide and accompany us, we will
we face. Do book into the one move forward steadily, pressing
in your deanery, or one of the on towards the goal for the prize
catch-up sessions in early April. of the heavenly call of God in
We are also offering Mission Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14).
Accompaniers to come alongside But we will do so at the right pace,
parishes, helping you to ask the moulding our surroundings as a
right questions about what a river gradually changing course,
healthy and sustainable church rather than as a Roman army
looks like where you are, and what cutting through all barriers to
are the next steps you can take to make a direct and straight path,
bring this about. Having a fresh and sensitive both to the Spirit’s
perspective from a skilled coach leading, and to the needs of the
or mentor walking alongside can world God came to transform
be really illuminating for those with new life.
who don’t know the way forward.
Think of those two disciples 9
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10

MP Calls for Community
Hospital Action Plan

WEST WORCESTERSHIRE “In April
MP Harriett Baldwin has called the 1.25
for a plan to make more use of per cent
Tenbury’s community hospital National
as the country moves beyond the Insurance
pandemic. increase
Harriett met with the hospital’s starts, so hand-in-hand with that,
League of Friends chair George I’d like to see a Tenbury-centric
Bennet to discuss the future plan for delivering more services,
of the prized community asset more conveniently for people
and supported calls to re-instate living in rural West Worcester-
the minor injuries unit as soon shire.
as possible as well as offering a “I’m inviting the local health
better x-ray service. chiefs to start planning for how
The MP has agreed to host a they use these extra funds to
summit with local health chiefs deliver a better health and social
to identify plans for making more care system across the county,
use of the hospital as national more focused on delivering
restrictions are relaxed and local services close to where people
people start returning to their live.
normal way of life. As Tenbury grows, we also need
Harriett said: “Tenbury’s to grow the local provision and
community hospital is a highly- capacity, working across the
valued local resource and has border with Shropshire too.
shown its importance during “It has always been my desire to
the pandemic. Local people have see community hospitals used
shown how much they value the much better and this year must
hospital by raising substantial be a platform to significant
funds over the years. improvement.”

MP Harriett Baldwin has local people hesitated to attend
thanked Tenbury people who shows and screenings – including
continue to show their support the ever-popular panto.
for town’s theatre as it plans for Harriett met with the Regal’s
a busy year ahead. trustees, last week, to talk about
Tenbury’s historic Regal has ways to support the venue as it
been badly affected first by plans its revival after shutdowns
flooding and then Covid-19 when for large portions of the last 24

11

12

months. Pictured (l-r) outside Tenbury’s
The theatre’s management historic Regal, Harriett
team have been able Baldwin MP and trustees Julie
to access Government Porter and Peter Drew.
support schemes including Recovery Fund.
£116,000 from the Culture “The trustees are looking at
Recovery Fund but the a crowd-funded appeal, and
latest omicron outbreak I have agreed to write to the
has left them worried about Government to identify other
the future. ways that the theatre can be
Harriett said: “The Regal protected in the short-term as it
has been at the heart of the plans for next Christmas.”
town’s cultural heritage
for over 100 years and the Deadlines:
trustees have ambitious
plans to make much more For Temespan articles and ads
of the asset, but the latest is 6th of the month
series of cancellations due to
omicron have had an impact on 13
revenues.
“Lots of people have been
really supportive by rolling over
cancelled tickets but the annual
pantomime is the venue’s great
cash stream, and this has been
partly lost again this year.
“I’m urging local people to act
now to support the Regal for this
year and beyond - book tickets,
support an event or just send a
donation.
“With work due to start shortly
on the flood defences, the future
will be rosy, but it will need some
extra support this year and I
support the new application
they have made to the Culture

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14

LUDLOW ROTARY
INVITES GRANT
APPLICATIONS

Barry Forrester
Ludlow Rotary Club

‘Ludlow Rotary Cares’ is the from it, and how much difference
name the Rotary Club of Ludlow a grant will make.
has given to a scheme aimed at Further information can be found
offering modest grants of up to on the website www.ludlowro-
£500 to charities and other organ- taryclub.org.uk which includes
isations supporting community details of the criteria that will be
life in and around Ludlow. applied and a simple application
Over the last 7 years Ludlow form. Organisations which meet
Rotary has been able to invest the criteria will need to get their
over £30,000 in 60 local applications in by 10 April 2022.
community projects in this way. Those shortlisted will be invited
After a gap of 2 years when fund to an evening event at Ashford
raising has been difficult due Carbonell Village Hall, SY8 4BZ
to Covid restrictions, the Club on 24 May at which they will be
is delighted to be able to invest asked to explain their project for
again in our community. a few minutes to a small panel.
Local charities and other There will also be an opportunity
community organisations are to meet other applicants as well
therefore invited to apply for a as members of the Rotary Club.
grant. Cheques will be handed out very
The Club intends to be very open soon afterwards!
minded about the types of activ- The Club is keen to hear from a
ities it will support so long as the wide range of organisations so if
project or programme responds you are involved in or are aware of
to a community need in or within one which might benefit, do take a
15 miles of Ludlow and meets its look at the website and follow the
criteria on the giving of grants. link to download an application
What the Club will need to under- form. For further information
stand is exactly what the money please email:
will be used for, who will benefit [email protected].

15

16

St Lawrence
Lindridge

We are now fast approaching
Spring, and the flowers and
wildlife are emerging and active.
This is a time, during Lent,
when we reflect and prepare for about events across the parishes:
Holy Week and Easter Day. If www.4rivers.church/services/
you would like to find out more Alternatively, contact the Church
about the resources available for office via email or telephone for
reflection at this time, contact information regarding services;
[email protected] for help see below for contact details.
and information. CONTACTS
Please also keep our local school If you would like to talk to
Lindridge St Lawrence Primary someone, or find out more about
School in your prayers. All the the online service provision, get
staff and volunteers are working in touch using the contact infor-
tirelessly for the education and mation below. If you would like
wellbeing of the children in the to be added to the distribution
school and their families. for the weekly Church Notices,
SERVICES FOR MARCH please contact the Church Office.
There are services across You can contact Rev Ted and/or
4RIVERS CHURCHES a churchwarden at St Lawrence
throughout March; the services church at the Church Office:
specific to Lindridge Church 01299 890 100
include: [email protected]
- Wednesday 2nd March, 7.00pm The Lindridge church community
Holy Communion with Imposition continues to pray each day for
of Ashes everyone across the 4Rivers
- Sunday 6th March 9.30am Holy Parishes and if there is something
Communion, with choir specific you would included in the
- Sunday 27th March 9.30am prayers, use the following email
Mothering Sunday Service address, or phone the church
Please also check the 4RIVERS office or one of the Wardens:
CHURCHES Website for and [email protected]
last minute changes to services Blessings to everyone
and for up to date information

17

18

St Michael and All Angels
Knighton-on-Teme

KNIGHTON ON TEME 300
CLUB TOTE 2021

OCTOBER hands to decorate the church on
59 EMMA MAPP £30 Saturday 16 April between 10 am
83 ROBIN HAYWOOD £20 and 12 pm. Please contact Helen
38MRS C OAKEY £10 on 781536 with offers of help. If
NOVEMBER you’re not available at Easter,
188 Mrs E BECKLEY £30 may be you could find time later
282 MR E CROFT £20 in the year. Don’t be hesitant as
61 SUSAN MOORE £10 nothing elaborate is expected.
DECEMBER The church cleaning rota is also
148 MRS J POWELL £50 being resurrected – any volun-
195 MR K MAY £20 teers?
114 MRS M RUGMAN £10 Sheila Hardiman

Church Back-up Systems Return • Massage • Reflexology •
As we emerge from ‘lockdown’, • Aromatherapy •
some of the old systems
supporting the church are re-ap- Gift vouchers available
pearing. The flower rota, so ably Treatments by appointment
looked after by Mary Bradley for
many years, has a new enthusi- Monday - Saturday
astic co-ordinator, Helen Bevan. (Late evenings available)
Thanks to Helen, Liz Gittins Frith Common WR15 8JX
and Keith Bunn the church was To Book your treatment get in touch today!
decked out for the congregations
at the carol and Christmas Eve 07866 267 286
services and looked suitably
festive. The tree, kindly given and [email protected]
decorated by Michael and Jane Sarah Hall Complementary Therapy
Hogan, added to the seasonal joy.
We are now looking ahead to 19
Easter and would welcome willing

20

Remembering Pearl Davies
20th Nov 1937 - 20th Dec 2021 (84 years)

Pearl in her prime, volunteered to put her head in the
was a busy person stocks for the magician to cut it off!
involved in community Pearl lived alone in Knighton on
life and Church and Teme with her beloved dog, Chloe,
village matters. She for company for 12 years after
was long term member the death of her husband Harold.
of the Parish Council She soldiered on, trying to cope
and greatly involved with whatever life threw at her,
in church matters, especially dealing with being a
including being church- diabetic. She moved to a nursing
warden, treasurer of home for the last 5 years of her life.
the PCC, collecting 100 Pearl has remained fondly remem-
Club and Temespan bered by many in the village and
money, fundraising, the wider district. RIP Pearl.
selling tickets and
working full time! She
loved raising money for
the church and village
hall - the more the
better. She wrote her
own book - Knighton
above the Teme - with
the proceeds going
to the church. At the
village fete she could
be found in her caravan
counting the money raised with
glee.
Pearl was very competitive, she
would join in with anything,
enjoying the moment. It was not
just the taking part, it was the
winning with Pearl, especially when
it was a flutter on the horses! Pearl
loved to be invited to gatherings
and joined in with all aspects of the
merry making, eating, drinking
and talking. She had a great sense
of mischief and fun. A highlight of
one harvest supper was when Pearl

21

22

Exploring the Name:

“4Rivers Churches”

By Rev Ted

It was all something of a guided Teme Valley North’ is too wordier
accident really – the origins of title. Not everyone agreed with
the name ‘4Rivers Churches’ and the name anyway – some preferred
this month’s journey involves the “Shrawley & The Witleys (Great &
naming process. Little)” Whilst others wondered
I recall vividly and fondly arriving at why not just use the names of the
the Rectory in Great Witley on the Church buildings – ‘Priest in Charge
night before moving in. I arrived of Knighton-on-Teme, Lindridge,
late on a late August night, and as I Stockton-on-Teme, Abberley St
parked in the drive the SatNav said, Mary, Abberley St Michael, Great
“You have arrived at home.” Nice! Witley, Little Witley, and last but my
It was very cold, the sky was clear no means least, Shrawley.’ That lot
and though all around was dark, the is even longer. (I feel I should point
stars shone brilliantly – the great out here that a priest is appointed
blessing of living in a ‘dark village’. to the parishes – not the buildings).
I had no furniture of course, I had At the time of my appointment, one
some basics – a fold-out chair to rubric said – there is an idea to join
doze in and some refreshments all the churches up together: to be
and toiletries. I stood outside, one benefice called “From Teme to
and watched the Perseids meteor Severn” – which I really didn’t like,
shower until I realised I was cold. because the River Severn only flows
I worked on preparing the garage out on the eastern edge.
floor until I was too tired and even I had thought of calling us ‘Abberley
more cold. Then I dozed in the Area Churches”, until I was
chair wrapped in a duvet until the corrected in no uncertain terms
morning. by events in history I won’t go into
A few days after arrival, I was to here.
be licensed as priest in charge I don’t actually know who first
of the two benefices of Astley &
Abberley, Shrawley & Witley, and
also Teme Valley North. The odd
bit was that the parish of Astley
was under the care of the priest at
Areley Kings. So – I was priest in
charge but with no duties there.
However, ‘Priest-in-Charge of
Abberley, Shrawley & Witley, and

23

ROCK BRIDGE CLUB

Rock Bridge Club has
started its new season.
New members are welcome
whether on their own or

with a partner.
We meet every Sunday at
7.00 pm at Rock Village
Hall. The meetings are very
sociable and relaxed; and
not competitive. (We do not

play duplicate bridge.)
Please do come along.

Just turn up
or phone 07854 951 330

24

suggested the idea of ‘Rivers the hills either side becoming
Churches’ or that indeed it would waves of refreshing blue streams.
end up at 4Rivers Churches. But The ‘4Rivers Churches’ name had
there was weeks of research arrived.
about rivers and hills, roads and And yes, I promised to name the
historical names. Finally, the four rivers (or two rivers and two
strategy team settled on 4Rivers brooks) that were chosen. Here
Churches – and it felt right at the they are in no particular order:
time. Priest in Charge of 4Rivers The River Teme
Churches is much easier to work The River Rea
with. And very importantly for us, Shrawley Brook
it somehow includes all the commu- Dick Brook.
nities within our boundaries that The four rivers are very different
don’t have a church building: such to each other, and ‘speak’ different
as Menithwood (or Menith Wood things to us.
if you prefer), Newnham Bridge, Next month, we will begin our
Hillhampton, Frith Common, reflections properly by thinking
Sankyns Green – to name some of about what we can learn from Dick
them. Brook.
And the symbol of the clock tower
became the Christian Cross with

25

26

A Wartime Childhood in the Teme Valley

by Rosemary Hill

This was written sometime in the early 1960’s and is being
serialised over the next few months – thanks to Luke Grant
for these records and to the Estate of Rosemary Hill from
Pensax for granting permission for publication.
This work is copyright.

Born at the Angel house 1930 hob on either side of the fire. A
The Angel House, as our house long swivel with hooks dangling
was called had hung over the open fire on which
been lived in by
dads family, the usually hung
Price family, for a large black
three quarters polished iron
of a century. It kettle of hot
belonged to an water. Bath
estate owned by times in the
Squire Astley- evening were
Jones and was always held in
situated in the this same room,
small parish of Pensax in the with a long tin
Teme Valley of Worcestershire. A bath on the
rather isolated but pretty area. hearth rug in front of the glowing
We had three floors and a cellar, coal. There would be constant
no electricity or mains water, saucepans of hot water on the
the tap for our drinking water hob to keep refilling the bath.
was down the garden path and Mum bathed us and dad dried us
brought the water from a nearby then the candles were lit and we
spring. We had oil lamps and all had hot cocoa and trooped off
candles for lighting. My mother to bed. Each one of us kneeling at
cooked all of the family meals over the bedside joining together for
a large black iron open fireplace prayers before being tucked into
which had a large oven, and a bed.
There were six of us children in
our family a brother and sister

27

TEMESIDE HOUSE, TEME STREET,
TENBURY WELLS, WR15 8AA
TEL: 01584 811228

Located in the old workhouse and council building next
to the River Teme. Here we have beautifully appointed
rooms, a studio, Sound Sanctuary and holistic gift shop.
Room hire for therapists, practitioners and workshops.

Come visit our new sensory garden, and take a breath.
We look forward to meeting you.

28

older than I and three brothers school, the neighbours children
younger. My dad was a great deal joined us and we walked together,
older than mum, he being 50 years mornings and afternoons. The
of age when I was born, mum only path led through the park beside
25 years old. Dad worked in the a wood and the large lake at the
village coal mine until his health Court. This was good fun in the
started to fail. winter months, when the older
In my opinion it was beautiful brought boys brought their
countryside around the Teme sleighs and gave us younger ones
Valley. Pensax being a small a ride, often tipping us off in the
parish among the hills, streams snow. When the lake was frozen
and valleys, nestling amongst the they would creep through the
fruit orchards and woods. We had fence and slide about on the ice,
a wooded hill on the side of the ignorant of danger. I remember
Angel House once going to
and fruit Pensax Court the “frog
orchards
surrounding pool” as it
the garden. was called,
Our only with them to
neighbours gather frog
were the spawn, which
farm called they put into
the New Inn the skirt of
and three cottages. The school, my dress for
church and Pensax Court, which me to carry home, gathered up in
was a grand house, we’re about a front of me with dirty pond water
mile away from us in one direction, dripping out down my legs into
and about the same distance on my ankle socks. Another time I
the other side were the grocery remember following the big lads
shop, butcher shop and the public over some frozen snowdrifts on
house called the Bell Inn. our way to church. I had a brand
To get to school we had to walk new pair of shoes which was a rare
through the park, which belonged treat. By the time I had got back
to Mrs. St. George who owned from church the frozen snow and
Pensax Court estate. She was ice had cut slits along the sides of
very wealthy and kept a host of my precious shoes, which reduced
servant girls, a butler, chauffeur, mum to tears when she saw them.
gardeners and bothy boy etc.
This was a very pleasant walk to More to follow in April.

29

Teme Valley Tote

A new series of the Teme Valley the form.
Tote starts again in April Or you can send a cheque made
The last series paid out £1,200 payable to TVN Tote to me
to lucky winners and just over (Robin Dean) at Rectory Cottage,
£3,300 was distributed to the Stanford Bridge, Worcester, WR6
Parishes of Teme Valley North 6ST
and Teme Valley South. If you have any queries about the
Again this year the price of each Tote, please contact me on 01886
subscription is £10 – for this 853295 or email robin.c.dean@
you will be entered in each of 12 gmail.com
monthly draws with the possi- February Draw (the eleventh
bility of winning £50 or £30 or draw in this series)
£20 each month February’s prize draw of the
At the time of writing, your local Tote was decided when Rev’d
Teme Valley North Co-ordinators Sally Jones rolled the dice on
are: 2nd February to select the set
For Knighton – Dawn Hubbard of random numbers and the
For Lindridge – Mary Walker starting point. As a result, the
For Pensax – Val Grainger prize winners are as follows:
For Stockton – Sandra Jabbett The £50 winner is Mrs J Behan
They will try to contact you of Knighton (Draw no 617)
during March. If you have The £30 winner is Mr M
Internet Banking, you are able to Atherton of Stanford (Draw no
subscribe by Bank Giro Credit – 543)
the Account Name is North Teme The £20 winner is Anthea
Group of Churches Tote Account Spears of Eastham (Draw no
– sort code 20-39-64 – account 225)
number 30947539 - if you do this If you have any queries –
in the Reference put your Name please contact Robin Dean
and district – also email me on on 01886 853295 or by email
[email protected] ([email protected]).
If you currently pay by Standing There is one more draws in
Order, you will automatically be this series (March). A new
entered. If there is any problem, I series starts in April so save
will contact you when these come your subscription (£10 per
in on 1st April. If you wish to pay ticket) until then.
by Standing Order, I can send you

30

TEME VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Mike Harley

Our meeting on 25th January whole works of “Flavius Josephus”
had to be altered at very short was shown. He was a first
notice (on the day) due to the century historian born in 37AD
booked speaker being unable to in Jerusalem to an aristocratic
attend through illness. Instead Jewish family. He was an eye
of listening to a talk on Elgar, the witness to the historical events
18 members who attended heard of that time and wrote authorita-
an ad hoc talk on the “Harley tively about them including the
family” given by the writer. This wars around Jerusalem 66-70AD.
was aided by the presentation of The book was printed in 1766 and
various old objects handed down given to a family member in 1864.
through the generations. The final Bible was entitled “The
The family tree goes back to Gift of Doctor John Hall late Lord
Edmund Harley born between Bishop of Bristol” has a print date
1640 and 1654. The more recent of 1611 but John Hall was born in
history of the family is centred on 1633 and died in 1710 so there is
Pershore but prior to that was at some doubt as to its age.
Brampton Bryan, Herefordshire. Other books of interest included
The church has stained glass “History of England” with an
windows and many tombstones inscription dating back to 1830,
related to the Harleys. When “The Pictorial Tour of the World”
Methodism developed as a dated 1899, “Dickens’ Land”
movement within the Church dated 1911 and “The Champion
of England in the 18th century Annual” 1924.
due to the teaching of John We then moved on to some
Wesley, the family moved in that individual items of interest.
direction and many members There was a pen and ink portrait
became lay preachers. Through of Henry Harley. Unfortunately
this connection several old Bibles there is no date on it but we know
were produced with inscriptions he was born in 1827 so it would
ranging from 1870 to 1886. In have been in that period. A photo-
addition, a book containing the

31

Rock Pathfinders

Free guided walks along our Thursday 17.03.22 starting at
footpaths and bridleways taking 10.30am

2-3 hours, off the roads and ROCK VILLAGE HALL
into the countryside. Everyone Porchbrook Rd,
ROCK
welcome but sorry no dogs DY14 9SD
allowed
For further details and any other
The March 2022 walks announcements or changes
Thursday 03.03.22 starting at please visit website www.
rockpathfinders.uk
10am PLEASE NOTE NEW WEB
Childe Road/Love Lane CP ADDRESS
email: mdsskev@rockpath-
Cleobury Mortimer finders.uk
DY14 8GH
Or ring Alan on 01299 400304

32

graph was shown of a train crash where all the members
near Pershore Station dated 1892. contributed to the discussion
A very old small picture was next was regarded as something of
on the list but again without a an unexpected success which we
date. This was of a garden scene may repeat in the future.
with some beautifully embroi- Our next meeting will be held at
dered flowers but it was thought 7.30pm at Abberley Village Hall
the background had been painted on Tuesday 29th March when
onto the cloth. The final item Sally Dickson will give a talk on
was a pair of silver backed and “The Mortimers and Tickenhill”.
engraved hair brushes that had All are welcome.
been presented to William Harley Mike Harley
on leaving the Raffles Institute in
Singapore in 1898.
This informal type of meeting

Bishop John’s Lent Appeal this year will raise money
for our partner Diocese of Morogoro in Tanzania.

The pandemic has meant a each parish assigned a specific
particularly difficult time for target for an annual contribution.
the Diocese of Morogoro, but in Covid-19, drought and flood have
recent months, Bishop Godfrey all affected harvests and therefore
has created a number of new reduced incomes, but we are not
parishes. discouraged - God is strength-
The Diocese is looking to become ening our parishioners and clergy
self-supporting and is hoping to to meet this goal. It is with great
open an education and conference gratitude that we receive news
centre which can be hired by of this heart-touching appeal for
others – Baraka House (Blessing Lent. The parishes of Morogoro
House). and parishes of Worcester are
Bishop Godfrey said: “The diocese now holding hands together for
has a remarkable location for a the Baraka House project.”
business site in Morogoro. All Once Lent begins, you will be able
funding to build Baraka House to donate to Bishop John’s Lent
is coming from parishioners with Appeal on the diocesan website.

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35

WILLOW WI

One of the unexpected pleasures products for 35 years and has
of helping to run Temespan brought up her daughter on the
is that I keep discovering proceeds. Their products can be
surprising enterprises on our bought online from their website
doorstep. Oldfields our local ( www.willowwithroots.co.uk) but
cider maker is known to us all mostly they are made to order
but tucked away in a workshop and as the result the baskets and
next to the crushers, squeezers lampshades come in all shapes and
and vats of the cider business is sizes. At the time of my visit one
another thriving enterprise. At lampshade under construction
Willow with Roots Jenny Crisp was 1.5 meters across. Lampshade
and her daughter Issy Wilkes is probably the wrong word; more
make a range of products out of a basket weave chandelier. Jenny
woven willow including baskets, and Issy use traditional basket
lampshades, garden shelters making techniques but in subtle
and even a deluxe dog kennel. A ways have been able to create
current project is the production new styles. This is partly because
of eight “apple sculptures” which they have such a wide variety
will be a feature of the housing of willows on their doorstep. At
estate being built on Oldwood Oldfields there is a willow bed
Road in Tenbury. where they grow 15 different
Jenny has been making these types of willow. These vary in

36

ITH ROOTS

many ways. Some are hard, some well-watered as the water runs
soft; the tallest grow to 14ft in down the four terraces and as
a year, some barely reach four. it trickles through the soil the
Colours vary from red orange and willows filter it so that only pure
brown to green, purple and grey. water leaves the farm for the pool
And in one basket or lampshade and brook below. The willows
as many as 5 different varieties are harvested annually between
of willow may be used. This gives January and March when they
the finished article a richness of are cut back to the stool. They
colour and texture. are then stored for six months
You may wonder what connection to dry them out but, before they
if any there is between cider can become part of a basket or
making and willow growing; there lampshade they are soaked once
is, actually, a close, symbiotic and re-dried to maintain their
relationship. There are four suppleness.
willow beds in an area some 40 Jenny and Issy also have a
metres by 80 and the willows workshop in Bromyard.
are planted on four terraces. The If you know of any other inter-
surplus water from the cider esting enterprise in our parish
works, of which there is plenty, is please let me know and we can
fed to the top level of the willow feature then in Temespan
beds. This keeps the willows

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38

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
SERVICE AT GREAT WITLEY CHURCH

(WITH ZOOM)
Friday, March 4th 2022 at 10.30 a.m.
I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU

The World Day of Prayer is an service at Great Witley Church
international, ecumenical organ- and combine it with Zoom, for
isation which enables women those who would prefer to join
from different countries around online. The theme this year is “I
the world to create a service each know the plans I have for you”.
year to share ideas and concerns. The quotation is from the book
The Day of Prayer is celebrated of the prophet Jeremiah who was
in over 170 countries, beginning writing at a time when the people
in Samoa, and prayer in native of Judah had been taken into exile
languages then travels all around in Babylon. Jeremiah tells them
the world. The services take that God is planning for their
place on the first Friday in March welfare and not for their harm,
which this year is Friday, March to give them a future with hope.
4th. The service is a chance to reflect
Here in the 4Rivers group we on some of the issues facing our
have been joining this “wave” society today: poverty, domestic
for many years with a service in abuse and disability, finding hope
one of our churches. This year in difficult situations and encour-
is particularly special because it agement in the help we can give
has been prepared by the women to each other.
of England, Wales and Northern Everyone, men as well as women,
Ireland and it celebrates our is welcome to join the service in
diversity and the contribution church in person but if you would
to our society made by the many prefer to join on Zoom please
groups and individuals who have email [email protected].
made their home here.
We are planning to hold the

39

“The Regal Community Theatre bedrooms during one endless
would like to invite you to a night Saturday night of co-dependence
of fun & frolics, giggles & guffaws, and dysfunction, beds, tempers,
to be entertained by their latest and domestic order are ruffled,
theatrical production - Alan leading all the players to an hilar-
Ayckbourn’s hilarious comedy, iously touching epiphany.
‘Bedroom Farce’. Performances will take place
FOUR COUPLES, THREE in The Regal Studio (behind
BEDROOMS, ONE UNFORGET- the main theatre) at 7.30pm on
TABLE NIGHT! Thursday 24th, Friday 25th &
Trevor and Susannah, whose Saturday 26th March, plus a
marriage is on the rocks, inflict matinee performance at 2.30pm
their miseries on their nearest on Saturday 26th March.
and dearest: three couples whose Tickets are available now from
own relationships are tenuous at The Regal Theatre’s Box Office
best. Taking place sequentially and website www.RegalTenbury.
in the three beleaguered couples’ co.uk

Contact Rosie on 01584 810448 or
rosie.taylor@freedomleisure.
co.uk
A 10 minute session can make all
the difference

From Wednesday 2 March 2022 Do ask about the 12 Week
Living Well in Later Life will Resistance Band Pilot for over
be launched at the Tenbury 65’s
Swimming Pool in the Studio. Resistance Bands improve muscle
function and help to reduce risk
from falls

40

Darker Skies Ahead?
Alison Tidmarsh.

How about we try to make our villages in countryside and our towns and cities.
the Parish Dark Sky friendly? By counting the number of stars you can
There are things we can all do to reduce see in the constellation of Orion, you’ll
light pollution, even in the countryside! be helping us build a better picture of
Where
Shine light only where our view of the stars.
it’s needed. We base the time of
Lights should be Star Count around the
pointing down (rather new moon, the darkest
than out or up) only in natural time, and this
areas where lighting is time it’s on 2 March.
needed. Not sure how to take
Lights should be part? Follow our six
shielded, which helps simple steps below!
direct light only where 1) Find a good spot to do
it’s needed. your Star Count which
Select light bulbs that are appropriately is south-facing.
bright, no brighter than necessary to 2) If you’re doing your Star Count from
safely illuminate areas needing light. home, turn off all the lights in your home
When so it’s as dark as possible and go outside.
Turn on lights only when needed. 3) Look south in the night sky (the
Use motion sensors or timers for way satellite dishes face) and find the
outdoor lights to maintain security constellation of Orion. Look out for
without excessively lighting your home’s Orion’s belt.
exterior. 4) Let your eyes adjust to the dark
There’s now just one month to go – the longer you wait, the better (we
until Star Count! recommend at least 20 minutes). Count
A velvety black sky scattered with the number of stars you can see within
shining stars is a sight we should all the rectangle formed by the four corner
have the opportunity to see. But too stars. You count the ‘belt’, but not the
often, light pollution obscures our view corner stars.
of stars. 5) Head to our website to submit your
Our analysis of last year’s Star Count count and help us map the nation’s view
showed that just 5% of people experi- of the night sky.
enced ‘truly dark skies’, and 51% of us 6) Make a one off or regular donation
live in areas with severe light pollution. to our work. Together, we can help our
That’s why we need your help to map beautiful countryside thrive, for every-
the nation’s view of the stars, so we one’s benefit - now and for generations
can better protect our dark skies in the to come.
Happy stargazing!

41

Eclipse “Award Winning” Care Services
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www.eclipsehomecare.co.uk

42

THE FILLING STATION

Please note that our next meeting of February meeting and our venue
the above will be held on Thursday is now Eastham Memorial Hall,
17th March when Rev Mark Inglis Eastham, Worcs. WR15 8NP at
will be our speaker. Mark is 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. We
the Team Vicar for Tenbury and look forward to you joining us for
surrounding areas and is well known an evening of fellowship, worship,
by those who live in the town. teaching and refreshments. Any
further information please contact
The decision was made to begin me on [email protected]
meeting again in person from our
Menith Wood WI

We began our 2022 programme on the Queen’s Jubilee Green Canopy
Monday 10th January with a short by purchasing and planting a crab
business apple tree
meeting outside the
followed by Lindridge
members Parish Hall
and guests which we
enjoying look forward
New Age to seeing
Kurling. We flourish in
showed little years to
expertise come.
at this, the Our next
first few meeting
attempts by will be on
us all stopping either short of, or Monday 7th March at Lindridge
way off the target mat never mind Parish Hall, 2.15pm for 2.30pm
the “bullseye” at the centre! Things start when Aiveen Atkinson will
improved for us as time went on, be speaking to us about “Interior
and with drinks and refreshments Design”. Visitors are always
available during the afternoon we welcome, and if you would like
all thoroughly enjoyed this first get further information about WI and
together. our future programme then please
Menith Wood WI has supported email [email protected]

43





www.tenbury_osteopath.co.uk

For the treatment of general aches To book an appointment please call
and pains including arthritic pain and  ( Claire Wall) and leave a mes-
minor sports injuries for people and sage and I will get back to you very soon.
animals of all ages.
WR15 8JA, Mathon, Newnham Bridge, Tenbury
Wells, Worcestershire

For more information please visit my
website or Facebook

44

Clows Top & District Gardening Club

Clows Top Village Hall, DY14 9HP

This month we are fortunate to show. Always a joy to walk into
be welcoming Bill White, the the Hall and be greeted by the
nurseryman from Far Forest, who cheery spring flowers waiting to
will be telling us all about propa- be judged.
gation. As thrifty gardeners, Do come and join us on 23rd.
we all like to get something for March. We would love to see you.
nothing; whether it is by saving
seed, or taking cuttings, or Judith.
perhaps by dividing plants. Then
there are the less usual methods
of layering, root cuttings, or
even grafting for the really
adventurous. Who better than
an experienced expert (who has
been practising all these methods
for years) to show us how to do all
of these things.
March is also the Club’s Spring

45

46

We take babies & children from
6 months to 5 years & Breakfast club for

primary school children!

Monday - 7.30am - 5pm DoodleBugs Nursery
Tuesday - 7.30am - 5pm
Wednesday - 7.30am - 5pm Pound Lane
Thursday - 7.30am -5pm Clifton-upon-Teme
Friday - 7.30am - 5pm
WR6 6DE

We are open 50 weeks a year! Email- [email protected]

Call - 01886 812 380

Physiotherapy
led Pilates

Eastham Village Hall on
Tuesday afternoons, starting

in September.

My contact details

for more info / bookings are:

07974 343609

[email protected]

TEME VALLEY AccoUNTS

Book-keeping PAYE, VAT,
Sage, Tax Returns.

Cost effective rates and friendly advice.
For no obligation discussion or visit call:

Claire Elliott
01584 881708 07731 010099
Email: [email protected]

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48

Lindridge Parish Hall

100 Club Films
January 1st Olivia Evans. 2nd Janet Thursday Lunch Matinees
Gittins You are welcome to come along for
February. 1st Lesley Jenkins. 2nd lunch at 1pm followed by the film at
Rosie Hall 2pm. Lunch £2.50 Film £5 Please
There’s a lot happening at the book via the website or by calling
hall and as always, please keep an 01584 881747
eye on the website www.lindridge- Thursday March 3rd. Little Women
parishhall.co.uk for full details of all Thursday April 7th. The Martian
the events, clubs and classes that are Thursday May 5th Moulin Rouge
happening. Saturday Night Films 7.30 pm
New for March Saturday March 19th. Dune
We have two very exciting projects Saturday April 16th. The Last Duel
beginning in March. Saturday May 21st The Kings Man
The Village Office Project We held taster sessions for New
We are very pleased that Malvern Age Kurling and Photography in
Hills District Council and February and both were so popular
Community First have chosen that they are to become regular
Lindridge Parish Hall to be the first monthly events.
hall to pilot this scheme. Please see New Age Kurling Tuesday March
the poster for all the details. 15th 7-8.30pm Come along and have
Our next event will also be of interest a go, it’s great fun. Suitable for all
to crafters: ages.
Work in Progress Wednesdays Photography Workshop Tuesday
Are you crafty? Do you have any craft March 8th 7-9 pm Please contact
skills that you would like to share or Martin Bennett for details on marti-
is there any craft that you would like [email protected]
to learn? If so, please come along to Teme Valley Walkers
Lindridge Parish Hall on Wednesday The next walk will be on Wednesday
March 16th at 2pm for a taster March 16th. and will start at
session of crafting. Crafts to be Eastham Memorial Hall at 10am - the
included could be knitting, crochet, walk will be approximately 4 miles,
sewing, crosstitch,jewellery making, there will be some short steep hills,
wood carving, card making- the list several stiles and I suspect plenty
is endless!” All are welcome! We of mud! Contact walk leaders Paula
thought it could be called Work In and Peter Brown on Paulavbrown.
Progress Wednesday as all crafters [email protected]
always have work in progress! Saturday Market and Breakfast
10am-12.30pm March 25th

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