Temespan February 2022

The Month of the Cuddle

February 2022



Index Editor’s
Note
Page Number and Article
We have made it to February
P4: Church Service Times 2022 and many of us will be
P5: Youth Club details making plans for the year ahead.
P7: Letter from Bishop John It’s a fairly big birthday this year
P9: The Filling Station for Mi’Lady ... if you only knew the
P11/13: Updates from our MP plans she has! But it’s all relative
P15/17: Lindridge Church News and very dependent on so many
P19: Lindridge Parish Hall factors. We keep hoping things
P21: Menith Wood WI will get better and if I’m honest,
P22: No Time to Die I think they’re gradually starting
P23: A page of thank yous too. There is much negative press
P27/29: Serialisation - Wartime and hype and this fuels some level
Memories of hopelessness which we don’t
P31: Teme Valley Tote need. In spite of some issues, we
Centre Pages / P37: : Stockton have much to be thankful for. For
Carol Service starters, you are about to be spoilt
P39: Fairtrade Fortnight by yet another great issue of this
P41: The 4Rivers Churches magazine! For another, if you
P45: Clows Top Gardening are reading this, you have found
P47/49: TVWG 5 minutes peace. It’s a great
P51/53: Pensax Parish Council time to chill, switch off from the
P55/57/59: Teme Valley tumult and listen to the silence...
Historical Society Be thankful you’re not stuck in
P61: Stride and Stroll traffic, (please stop reading this if
P65: Clubs and Societies you are) or stressing over a Zoom
P66: Contacts meeting taking place ... You have
a drink of some nature to hand (at
least I hope you know this routine
by now) and the housework is
done and the supper made (!) so
take a moment, relax and enjoy...

3

Services for February 2022

Sunday 6th February – 4th Sunday before Lent

9.30 a.m. Lindridge Church Holy Communion

11.00 a.m. Abberley St Mary Holy Communion

Sunday 13th February – 3rd Sunday before Lent

9.30 a.m. Great Witley Holy Communion and Zoom

3.00 p.m. Shrawley Afternoon Worship for everyone followed by

Wedding Workshop

Sunday 20th February – 2nd Sunday before Lent

9.30 a.m. Shrawley Holy Communion

11.00 a.m. Pensax Holy Communion

Sunday 27th February – Sunday next before Lent

8.30 a.m. Little Witley Church Holy Communion

11.00 a.m. Knighton Church Holy Communion

6.00 p.m. Abberley St Michael Celtic Communion

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

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

Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals

If you’d like to talk to someone about arranging a Baptism,
Wedding or a Funeral, contact Rev Ted Whittaker,
who will be very happy to talk to you.
[email protected]

or

01299 890 100

(If there is no reply, please leave a message and contact number
and Rev Ted will get back to you.)

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5

11+
Scholarships

available

Exciting changes for us.
The best start for your child.

Our Headmaster, Jonnie Besley, believes in capturing
imaginations and inspiring children through natural

discovery. And with 90 acres of beautiful grounds,
children become life-long explorers at Abberley Hall.

Pre-Prep Open Day: Friday 4th February
Open Days: Saturday 5th March &
Saturday 11th June

Find out more at www.abberleyhall.co.uk

6

Lent Appeal

Bishop John

February is often the start of Lent. of the shanty towns), 15% on
Easter is late this year, so Ash providing training and resources,
Wednesday is not until 2 March, 5% on church security and 5% on
but we’re already planning for communication. Our gift allowed
this year’s Lent Appeal, which will the Diocese of Peru to continue
be for the Diocese of Morogoro in functioning in a time of great
Tanzania. adversity.

For the past few years, during Bishop Jorge himself wrote with
Lent we have alternated raising a heartfelt message of thanks:
money for our link dioceses in
Peru and Morogoro. We are “Thank you for hearing our cries,
hugely grateful to parishes for as in the gospel of Mark (10:46-52)
their generosity and there is no where Bartimaeus the son of
doubt that the funds we’re able Timaeus was crying out for mercy
to send make a real difference in and Jesus heard his cry. You
both countries. This is particu- heard our cry through the Lord
larly true at the moment, with and your diocese had compassion.
many issues magnified due to the Thank you for helping us to
pandemic. raise ourselves up, thank you for
Last year we were able to raise an helping us to see that, in the most
amazing £10,000 for Peru and the tragic moments of life, the Lord
Chair of our Peru taskforce, Phil through the Anglican family in
Bradford has reported that it was Worcester gives us the light of
a vital lifeline. Half of it was spent hope.”
on clergy stipends, a quarter
on social action programmes This year’s appeal for Morogoro
(including soup kitchens in some will be equally important to our
partners in Tanzania. Covid-19

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has hit dreadfully hard there and, conference centre.
in addition, drought and flood There will be more information on
have devastated harvests. The this year’s Lent appeal available
situation for very many people is soon on the diocesan website.
critical. Despite all this, Christian Please give as generously as you
hope is alive and well: in recent can as well as continuing to pray
months, Bishop Godfrey has for all those in Peru and Morogoro.
created a number of new parishes As you do so, give thanks for the
and the diocese is looking to many blessing we enjoy here.
become self-supporting with the
development of an education and

THE FILLING STATION

Please note that our next We are hoping to meet in person
meeting of the above will to hear Robert speak, but this is
be held on Thursday 17th dependent upon our being able
February when Robert Barlow to with what restrictions may
will be speaking. Robert is be in place to protect all from
now officially retired following the Covid virus. Our mailing
roles as Agricultural and Rural list of regular attendees will
Chaplain for Worcestershire, be notified nearer the time
Priest in Charge of Teme Valley whether this will be the case,
South, and Interim Rector the venue, or whether this will
of Dudley. He now supports be on Zoom.
and shares in ministry with Any further information please
Rev Julia Curtis, again in contact me on kate.harley6@
Teme Valley South, and during gmail.com
lockdown began “Walking
Church”, a fresh expression of 9
church.

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10

New Year -
New Start

Harreitt Baldwin MP

A New Year means a new start, in rural areas. I pledge to keep the
and like many of you I’ve been pressure on for these important
making resolutions for 2022. improvements.
Everyone’s top resolution should
be to get vaccinated – whether I’m also very keen to see Worces-
it is your first, second or booster tershire County Council embrace
jab, it is essential that we take better green transport links –
advantage of the amazing work of making it easier to walk or ride
scientists to develop and deliver to our places of work or study and
drugs that help us combat the to support public transport that
effects of Covid-19, whether it is has less reliance on dirty, diesel
keeping the pressure off our NHS engines. Together we all need to
or helping to keep our economy look at what steps we can take
thriving. to make our homes, businesses
and public buildings like schools
Ever since I was first elected, I more energy efficient and reduce
have worked to improve our infra- our reliance on plastics.
structure – better trains, better
services, better stations like the I’m hoping that 2022 finally sees
great Worcestershire Parkway work start on two major flood
station, and better roads. We’ll defence schemes – at Tenbury
hopefully see the Carrington Road Wells and Severn Stoke - which
bridge doubling work completed are more important parts of
soon and I’m really heartened by the jigsaw to keep homes and
the progress at the A38 Bluebell businesses protected through
Farm roundabout. Hand-in-hand times of bad weather.
with this must come much better
fibre broadband connections for As we work our way through the
all homes and businesses and pandemic, I’ll make the case for
much better mobile phone signals economic growth, more, higher

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paid jobs, increasing wages and the Commonwealth Games in
responsible management of our Birmingham in the summer the
public debt. As a member of Platinum Jubilee celebrations
the Treasury Select Committee being planned, I hope for all of
I’ve been urging the Bank of you, 2022 is a year to look forward
England to ensure that inflation to with hope.
remains under control. And with

Harriett Welcomes Tenbury Flood
Defence Plan Consultation

Harriett Baldwin has welcomed “Lots of people have already
the formal publication of the given their opinions but I feel it is
Tenbury flood defence scheme essential to get as many people as
allowing local people to share possible getting involved.
their views on the proposals. “It is a complex scheme which
The scheme’s outline plans were includes flood walls, bunds and
shown to residents and business gates and it is essential that
owners at a consultation event we get the right scheme for
held at the Regal Theatre this the town which offers the best
week. A second event was run on possible protection for homes and
November 30. businesses.

The feedback will be incorporated “I’ll be meeting with the
into a formal plan which will Environment Agency myself to
be considered by Malvern Hills hear their latest news on this
District Council early next year. scheme and I’ll continue to engage
Work is expected to start on the with local people and hear their
scheme in the Spring. views as we get closer to formally
Harriett commented: “It is great applying for planning permission
news that the scheme is finally to get on with the build.”
public and local people are able to
have a good look and share their 13
views.

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14

St Lawrence
Lindridge

A big thank you to everyone who the end of the Christmas Day
helped prepare the church and Service.
the church grounds for Advent Thanks also to all who decorated
and Christmas. The church the church and
was beautifully decorated and made it ready
prepared for for all the
the school services, and to
activities and Steve Wheeler,
the church who once again
services donated a
- Lindridge Christmas Tree
St Lawrence to Lindridge
Primary School Church.
Nativity and As we
Carol Concert approached
went ahead and Christmas
the children and the virus
were brilliant - rampaged
the singing was through the
wonderful, and population,
some of the there was
children played some worry
instruments that churches
that they had might have to
been learning be closed again.
through the Thankfully this did not happen,
term. Very well but there were restrictions in
done to everyone. We did manage place that meant refreshments
to record one of the songs (vocals and gatherings before and after
only) and it was played during our
Christmas Zoom worship and at

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services were sadly not to be. CONTACTS
However, Lindridge Choir went If you would like to talk to
ahead with a wonderful service of someone, or find out more about
carols and readings in Lindridge the online service provision,
Church... a huge step forward get in touch using the contact
from last
year when we information
sang carols below. If you
outside in would like
the rain! to be added
Thank you to the distri-
to the choir. bution for
We also the weekly
had a great Church
celebration Notices,
on Christmas please
Day. contact
We are now well into the new the Church
year and at the time of writing Office.
the services for February at You can contact Rev Ted and/or
Lindridge Church include: a churchwarden at St Lawrence
Sunday 6th February 9.30am church at the Church Office:
Holy Communion, with choir 01299 890 100
[email protected]

More services may be added, or The Lindridge church community
there could be last minute changes continues to pray each day for
due to Covid etc, so please also everyone across the 4Rivers
continue to check the 4RIVERS Parishes and if there is something
CHURCHES Website for up to specific you would included in the
date information about service prayers, use the following email
dates and times: https://4rivers. address, or phone the church
church/services/ office or one of the Wardens:
Alternatively, contact the Church [email protected]
office via email or telephone for Blessings to everyone
information regarding services;
see below for contact details.

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Lindridge
Parish Hall

As I write events are just beginning 10a.m. -12.30 p.m. Saturday Feb
to resume after the Christmas 26th
break but Covid numbers are Quiz Night with Fish and Chip
high so we are asking everyone Supper Saturday Feb 26th 7.30
to be very careful when attending Photography Group and New
the hall. Wearing of masks, hand Age Kurling - these will happen
sanitising and social distancing but the dates are not yet set.
are so important and, if possible, Please keep an eye on the website
please do a lateral flow test for details.
before coming. That way it helps The Zone Youth Club, every
everyone feel more confident. Friday 7-8.30 p.m. during Term
Films: time.
Matinee and Lunch Thursday Feb
3rd 1pm -The Greatest Showman • Massage • Reflexology •
Saturday Feb 19th 7.30p.m. No • Aromatherapy •
Time to Die
Please book via website, or call Gift vouchers available
01584 881747 Treatments by appointment
Teme Valley Walkers:
The next walk is on Wednesday Monday - Saturday
Feb 16th . Meet at the hall at 10 (Late evenings available)
a.m. The walk will be led by John Frith Common WR15 8JX
Briggs (john.briggs8@btinternet. To Book your treatment get in touch today!
com)
Chairobics Taster Session 07866 267 286
Tuesday Feb 22nd 10.30 a.m. This
is a seated exercise class - do come [email protected]
along and try it out. Call 881747 Sarah Hall Complementary Therapy
to reserve a place.
Saturday Market and Village 19
Breakfast:

20

Menith Wood WI

Our Christmas meeting on 6th sharing of the jokes inside, and
December was much enjoyed by wearing of hats! We broke part
many of our members plus guests way through our get together to
and we were entertained by a 60s enjoy our buffet supper, which
band – J-D-R. Very noticeable was was shared with the band, and the
the fact that almost all of us were drawing of the raffle. The whole
of the age group that knew the evening prepared us well for the
words to their songs and managed forthcoming Christmas season.
to sing along with lots of them. Our next meeting is on Monday
Memories of life in that era were 7th February at the Lindridge
conjured up and brought smiles Parish Hall 2.15pm for 2.30pm
to many faces. Also included in start when Caroline Hall will be
the repertoire were Christmas speaking on women and World
songs which played their part in War One – “Victory – what now?”
creating the true atmosphere of For further information about WI
a Christmas party along with the and our future programme please
pulling of crackers, inevitable email [email protected]

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We are grateful to:
Cert: 12a - 163 mins

No Time to Die

Lindridge Parish Hall

Sat 19th Feb - 7.30 pm

Admission: Adults: £5 Child: £3 Enquiries: 01584 881615

Please book your tickets via www.LindridgeParishhall.co.uk or by calling
01584 881747. You are welcome to collect a drink from The Eardiston

next door to enjoy during the film.
James Bond is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica after leaving active
service. However, his peace is short-lived as his old CIA friend, Felix
Leiter, shows up and asks for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped
scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading
Bond on the trail of a mysterious villain who's armed with a dangerous

new technology.
Starring: Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Léa Seydoux, Naomie Harris

22

St James the
Great
Pensax

A belated happy new year from and Edward read the lessons
your friends in Pensax. perfectly, thank you to them.
Last November we had our Meanwhile behind the scenes,
first holy communion service in Alan & Hazel cleaned, cleared,
quite a while. and sorted out items to make
On Christmas Eve, observing our village church wonderful and
covid restrictions, Pensax Church when John Rudd had lit all the
held a carol service that was well candles, it looked truly splendid.
attended. Meryl and Vickie (not forgetting
The path to the church was lit by Chris either) organised the whole
lanterns and the Christmas tree service, printed carol sheets and
was nicely decorated with sparkly everything else, including leading
lights thanks George Rudd. our happy church carol service.
John Roberts played carols and We remembered again the reason
Christmas music before and after for the season.
the service and we thank him. Much appreciated.
Alan Grainger sang a perfect Jean R.
solo to preceded our hearty carol
singing. Our thanks to him too.
Alan, Luke, Fiona, Leslie, Esther

A Note of Thanks

Thank you all for the Christmas by Lindridge C of E school
hamper we received. children.
The generous donations so taste- This may be a little late but we
fully assembled by the Committee wish you all a Happy and Healthy
and Friends of Lindridge Parish New Year.
Hall and not forgetting the John & Edna Knott.
delightful Christmas card drawn

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

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A Wartime Childhood in the Teme Valley

by Rosemary Hill

This memoir was written sometime around the late 1960’s
early 1970’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.

1 wish that our children could have
Remembering the first shared some of these experiences.
nine years Such as seeing the farmer work
Looking back on the first nine behind his team of horses tilling
years of my life it seems incredible his land and reaping his crops.
that in this modern up to date The old man with his cider mill
world the way of life that existed travelling round every autumn
in my childhood during the late in the fruit harvest, grinding
1930s was one that had continued, and pressing the fruit into cider
almost unchanged since the late or perry. This was then put into
mediaeval times. barrels and most households
Now 30 years later practically all would have at least one barrel
of the old customs have vanished in the cellar or kitchen. There
whether for better or worse I was also an oilman who came
sometimes wonder. I can only round weekly, not only did he
look back at the first nine years sell paraffin for our house lamps
of my life, from 1930 to 1939, with but many other articles needed
some wonderful memories of such as pots, pans, candles, boot
things that no longer take place. I laces, you name it he sold it.
Another regular caller was the
old scissor grinder who used to
walk for miles pushing his hand
cut and calling out for people to

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

bring their knives and scissors to ‘Have-Nots’ who lived in houses
be sharpened. One more familiar belonging to the estates.
sight was the carrier. The old man Most of the men in the village
with his horse and cart, who came were employed within the village,
round on market days to collect either on the Squires estate as
and take produce some poultry, handyman, gardener, carpenter
also passengers, into the local or farmhand. The rest were
market. He would return in the employed in the village coal mine,
evening, the horse doing his own sawmills, butchers’ slaughter-
journey without much assistance house, or the bake-house and
from the old man because he was grocers, so there was no need
usually over endowed with drink! to travel out of the parish. For
The village Squire no longer the women there was always the
has the influence over the Mothers Union, the GFS - Girls
villagers that he once did. The Friendly Society and also a Tennis
large estates they once owned Club.
have been divided up and sold. More to follow in March
No more bobbing curtsy to the
Squire’s lady, or running, as we Closing date for
did as children, to open all the articles for Temespan
gates along the bridle path for the is the 6th of the month
Squire on horseback. Some days, unless agreed in advance.
if we were lucky, he would toss us
sixpence, another day you could Please send your
run all the way through the park contributions
to open gates and he would just to
touch his hat and ride on.
[email protected]

There was a greater distinction Closing Dates for Ads
in those early years, when some is also the 6th of the month
people were classed as ‘Gentry’
and life was very gracious for Please send your
the ‘Haves’, in their large estates contributions
and courts, with lots of liveried to
servants at their big houses.
It was also quite hard for the [email protected]

29

Rock Pathfinders

Free guided walks along our Thursday 17.02.22 starting at
footpaths and bridleways taking 10.30am

2-3 hours, off the roads and Button Oak Inn
into the countryside. Everyone Kinlet Nr Bewdley

welcome but sorry no dogs DY12 3AQ
allowed For further details and any other

The FEBRUARY 2022 walks announcements or changes
Thursday 03.02.22 starting at please visit website www.
rockpathfinders.uk
10am PLEASE NOTE NEW WEB
New Burlish Top Car Park ADDRESS

Kingsway, Stourport email: mdsskev@rockpath-
DY13 8AS finders.uk

Or ring Alan on 01299 400304

30

Teme Valley Tote

December Draw (the ninth The £30 winner is Emily Atherton
draw in this series) of Stanford (Draw no 511)
December’s prize draw of the The £20 winner are the Family
Tote was decided when Rev’d Burgoyne of Stanford (Draw no
Julia Curtis rolled the dice on 577)
2nd December to select the set If you have any queries – please
of random numbers and the contact Robin Dean on 01886
starting point. As a result, the 853295 or by email (robin.c.dean@
prize winners are as follows: gmail.com). You are still able to
The £50 winner is Willy Austin of join if you wish – please contact
Lindridge (Draw no 192) Robin.

January Draw (the tenth draw The £30 winner is Kim Gallimore
in this series) of Stoke Bliss (Draw no 852)
Happy New Year to all The £20 winner is Mrs M Rugman
subscribers!! of Knighton (Draw no 621)
January’s prize draw of the If you have any queries – please
Tote was decided when Rev’d contact Robin Dean on 01886
Sally Jones rolled the dice on 853295 or by email (robin.c.dean@
1st January to select the set gmail.com). There are two more
of random numbers and the draws in this series (February
starting point. As a result, the and March). A new series starts
prize winners are as follows: in April so save your subscription
(£10 per ticket) until then.

The £50 winner is David Pearson
of Stoke Bliss (Draw no 833)

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Stockton Carol Service
Christmas 2021

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Well, it was a very different trooped off to the rectory gardens
Christmas Carol service this All I can really say is, it was
year at Stockton. Because of the enchanting. Kate and Lexie
concerns over the transmission and their husbands had worked
rate of the newest covid variant, a small miracle. There were
it was decided not to hold the benches and chairs, enough for
service in church, but in the all to sit. There was a glowing fire,
garden of the Rectory. there was even an altar! There
On Saturday 18th a little band was a representation of the holy
of us gathered to clean the family, a Christmas tree covered
church. There was much brass in lights, fairy lights in the trees
cleaning, sweeping and sanitising - it was all quite magical.
and polishing. Then Kate and This being a nativity service,
myself set about the foliage. We there were small children in
constructed arrangements for costume to illustrate the story of
the windows, the porch etc till the birth of Jesus as it was told
our little church looked festive by our readers. Oh, they were so
and ready to celebrate Christmas. good and patient!!!
Everyone was asked to gather at The little band of musicians did
the church to admire it dressed us proud, whilst we all sang those
in its green finery, and then we all

35

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beloved old carols. It was just this designed only for profit and which
side of being too cold - everybody invariably disappoint!
was well wrapped, dusk fell and This was an immersive, deeply
as the service concluded, we were Christian event where the central
served mulled wine and mince message was the birth of the
pies. Christ child and what that event
Honestly, it was an enchanting 2000 years ago has meant to the
experience this year. We all love world. It was outside, as were all
the Stockton Christmas carols, such gatherings in the days before
but having the service outside churches and fine buildings. As
in a garden twinkling with light magnificent as our cathedrals
and the flames of a fire, was like a are, they are a tribute to the
Christmas card coming to life. stonemasons who built them.
There was even a lady dressed as Yes, we owe much of our
an elf!!! Christmas tradition to the Victo-
These things always look so well rians and not to the inhabitants
put together that it’s easy to of Judea 2000 years ago!! But the
forget the effort it takes - so a huge message and the celebration is, at
thank you is due to everybody its core, the same. It was rather
who made it happen, from Bill lovely to all be together outside
Webb and the Russels who tidied on a chilly December afternoon in
the churchyard, to the ladies our corner of this beautiful valley,
who happily swept and polished listening to the story we know
and sanitised the church, to the so well, watching the children
newest occupants of the rectory in costume and remembering
who effectively created an outside times past, singing the old carols,
sacred space, to the tots who feeling thankful that we were still
acted as stand ins for the Holy here after the pandemic.............it
family, and the musicians who was all just LOVELY!!!
kept us in musical order. A very happy new year to all our
It was SO good, we could have neighbours, deep thanks to the
sold tickets!! kind people who made it such a
This was a REAL Christmas special service this year, and may
experience. Not the pop up God bless us, every one!!
kind which appears every year,
Lesley Beesley

37

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38

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

For two weeks each year at the Throughout the fortnight, an
end of February and start of online Choose the World you
March, thousands of individuals, Want Festival will run with
companies and groups across the people coming together in a show
UK come together to share the of support for the farmers behind
stories of the people who grow our food on the front line of the
our food and drinks, mine our climate crisis.
gold and who grow the cotton in Please pray for fairness and
our clothes; people who are often justice in all economic dealings
exploited and underpaid. and especially for small producers
In 2022, Fairtrade Fortnight runs in developing economies, that
from Monday 21 February until they may receive a fair price
Sunday 6 March and is even more for what they produce. Pray
crucial this year as the global that consumers make informed
economy recovers from Covid-19. choices.
Since last year, the G7 and COP26 We are all part of the Fairtrade
have both taken place. Over movement and have the power to
33,000 campaigners joined 1.8m drive long-term change, not only
Fairtrade farmers and workers with our shopping choices but
in backing the Be Fair With Your in spreading the message. What
Climate Promise challenge to difference will you make during
world leaders at the UN COP26 Fairtrade Fortnight this year?
summit. But frustration came Find out more on the Fairtrade
as the wealthiest nations failed Fortnight website.
to recognise the urgent need to https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/
invest in farmer expertise by get-involved/current-campaigns/
delaying their promised $100bn fairtrade-fortnight/
annual funding to the most
climate vulnerable countries 39
until 2023.





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

40

THE 4RIVERS CHURCHES

Some time ago the idea was Lindridge St Lawrence CE
muted that I would write a Primary, Abberley Parochial VC
series of articles about the name, Primary, and Great Witley CE
‘4Rivers Churches’ and about the Primary. The latter, Great Witley
four actual rivers that the title CE Primary School, however,
refers to. In doing so, we could belongs to the Rivers Academy
then reflect about our geography, Trust.
identity, our environment and 4Rivers Churches is not the
God. The ‘lightness’ of this Church Buildings. ‘Church’
article suddenly acquires a bit of means ‘God’s Gathered People’
gravitas. The Church Buildings are tradi-
Where does the name ‘4Rivers tionally, where ‘The Church’
Churches’ come from and what is gathers for worship.
it for? If I try to say where the name
As this is a bit of fun, and a teaser, ‘4Rivers Churches’ actually comes
let us start by saying what it isn’t. from, it would give away which
“4Rivers Churches” doesn’t exist rivers they are. For now, after
in law. There is no official grouping this introductory ‘meandering’
of Churches called “4Rivers”, at flowing teaser, here is the key
least not in our neighbourhood. question...
The title is informal. What are the four rivers in mind?
It is not the Rivers Academy Trust. Here’s a hint: actually it is two
“The Rivers CofE Academy Trust” rivers, and two brooks.
(to use the offiical full title) is a By the way – you’ll have to wait
multi-academy (mainly primary) until next month to know which
school trust whose head office is the four rivers are. That’s the
in Droitwich. teaser bit. See you next month
It is not the schools, though for the answer!
there are three church schools Stay Safe, Rev Ted.
in the ‘4Rivers Churches’ Area,

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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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44

Clows Top & District Gardening Club

Clows Top Village Hall, DY14 9HP

Our speaker on February 23rd will
be Alf Jenkins, well known for his
fascinating and knowledgeable
books and talks on Clee Hill and
the surrounding area. We are very
much looking forward to hearing
from him again, an event which
has been delayed since 2020!

Clows Top and District Gardening some outings to local gardens of
Club meet on the 4th Wednesday interest.
of the month, at Clows Top Victory Do come and join us on February
Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm for the 23rd. We will be delighted to
the speaker at 8pm/Annual see you.
membership only costs £10 per
year, with a fee of £2 per evening
to cover costs of refreshments
etc. Visitors pay £3.
At the time of going to press,
the programme for 2022 has yet
to be finalised. It will include

Today, Canada... Tomorrow the world!

Dear Mr Thorp memories of the Teme Valley, it
The Temespan added to our will be enjoyed in our home and
Christmas pleasure. This will be passed on to friends in
Christmas under our tree with Victoria several thousand miles
friends and family gifts, there was away to the west. Thank you for
a envelope from “Roger Bray” the pleasure your little magazine
who lives in Lindridge . Roger gives, it is much enjoyed.
had sent us a lovely card and a Best wishes for the new year
copy of the December “Temespan” 2022. From Ontario Canada
this made for lovely reading and Walter and Mary Cartwright

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46

Teme Valley Wildlife

by Stephanie Mocroft

February “fill-dyke” is a good takes its name from hawthorn
month to stay indoors and avoid blossom, those creamy clusters
the slush and sogginess outside. of flowers which billow into the
The topic I have chosen for landscape every May.
today’s article can be contem- Other names are less obvious.
plated indoors and concerns the The village of Rock is not situated
plants and animals which feature on a cliff but is named from a
in place names. Some can be contraction of the old words “ther
obvious, a name such as Ferny Ack”, meaning the oak. Once,
Hill needs no explanation. This a great oak tree stood there,
hillside area of Orleton lies just from which the settlement took
beneath Worcestershire Wildlife its name. Other ancient oaks
Trust’s Hanley Dingle Nature formerly in the vicinity were
Reserve. Known for its undis- Augustine’s Oak at Abberley, the
turbed protection of damp-loving Nunupton Oak at Nunupton west
ferns and fungi, this wood was of Tenbury, and the most-recently
once memorably described by demised Mawley Oak at the
David Bellamy as “Worcester- junction of the road from Clows
shire’s own rain-forest”. Similarly, Top to the Cleobury to Bewdley
May Hill in Knighton-on-Teme road. Another oak-derived name

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is Ockeridge, a place just south some people claim the term to
of Little Witley, which means oak refer to herons, but thirteenth
ridge and another ridge, this time century royal banquets certainly
of lime trees, is reflected in the mentioned them. At Henry III’s
parish name of Lindridge. Christmas dinner in 1251, 115
Trees are not the only plants to were apparently eaten, amongst
end up in place names. Ramsons, other rich fare no doubt.
also known as wild garlic, feature Finally, there’s my favourite – the
in the name of Romsley. A ley pine marten – apparently once
was a woodland clearing and this so common in Martley that its
parish, which I mentioned in my name has been immortalised for
Clent Hills article last month, ever. If you want to find out more
can be translated as “woodland about this fascinating subject I
clearing of wild garlic”. The plant can recommend Worcestershire
loves to grow alongside stream- author Mike Jenkins’ new book,
edges and when the stream flows “The History of Place Names in
through a wood the enclosed England and Worcestershire.”
space makes the smell of the The next meeting of the Teme
leaves very noticeable. Maybe Valley Wildlife Group will
those pilgrims trudging to St take place at Stoke Bliss and
Kenelm’s church noted the smell Kyre village hall, WR15 8RR,
and gave the place its name. on Thursday February 10th
Animals and birds appear too. at 7:30pm. We welcome Tom
Bevere Island, the island in the Mabbett whose talk will be on the
Severn just north of Worcester flora and fauna of South America.
where the city-dwellers once Everyone is most welcome, it is
retreated to avoid invasion and just £2 on the door.
plague, derives its name from For up-to-date information on
the beaver. Beavers last lived in what wildlife is being seen in the
the wild in the sixteenth century area, or to give us your sightings
but they have recently returned or comments, visit our Facebook
as their damming activities may page. Our programme of events,
prove important for flood-man- bird survey and archive photo-
agement. Another recent graphs are available on our
re-introduction is the crane, a bird website www.temevalleywildlife.
having many place name associa- co.uk We normally holds meetings
tions. The Cornbrook, the Teme on the second Thursday of the
tributary that starts below the month. All are welcome. Contact
Clees and runs into the Teme near us by telephone on 01568 750413
the Peacock at Boraston, takes or by email at [email protected]
its name from these birds. How
many cranes there were histori- 49
cally is the subject of discussion,

Opening times: Edgar Estate

Monday-Friday: 8am Berrow Green Road

until 5pm Martley

Saturday: 8.30am WR6 6PQ
until 1pm Tel: 01886 888948

www.estatecountryfeeds.c

At our feed mill in Martley, we have a convenient country store
which stocks a full range of specialist feeds, supplements, and a
variety of parasite treatments for all animals including horses, dogs

and cats, as well as a large variety of farm animals.

We pride ourselves on our friendly yet professional reputation,
building strong relationships with our customers.

Our qualified staff are available to offer nutritional advice as well as
holding an SQP licence to sell animal health products.

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