December 2023 and January 2024 TEMESPAN
3 Index Page Number and Article Editor’s Note 4/17: Church Services 5. St. Andrews Carol Service 7: Bishop of Dudley:Finding Hope 9: Filling Station 11: Rev. Morris: The Light in the Darkness 13: Harriett Baldwin MP: Xmas Message 19: Lindridge Parish What’s On 25: WI News 27: Knighton on Teme-Parish Room Newsletter & events 33. Teme Valley Walkers 37: Christingle at St. Andrews, Stockton 42. Autumn inn the Valley 44/45/48: Lindridge Film Nights 53. Teme Valley Tote 55. Stanford History Group 57. Teme Valley Historical Society 61. Teme Valley Wildlife Group 69: Clubs and Societies 70: Contacts Cover Design: Flocks by Night Licensed for use by Temespan kindly given by the artist, Lizzie Perkins www.lizzieprints.com Well, here we are, just a few weeks away from Christmas and the be- ginning of a new year. It’s the time of the year when many of us are thinking about celebrations, gift giving and making plans and resolu- tions for next year. Sadly, for many people, both in our own commu- nity and throughout the country and the world, this is not the focus of their lives. For many, merely surviving day to day takes every ounce of effort - whether it’s dealing with cold and hunger, or just trying to stay alive in war ravaged regions. So, while we celebrate our family and friends, and enjoy everything the season brings, here in this beautiful corner of the country, I hope we can also give thought - and donations - to some of the many organizations trying to help those less fortunate than ourselves. As you’ll see, the magazine is packed with events taking place throughout the parish over the next two months so take a few minutes to read through and make a note of dates and events that interest you. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and safe and healthy New Year.
4 Churches in: Shrawley, Great Witley, Little Witley, Abberley, Knighton, Lindridge, Pensax, Stockton Services in December 2023 Sunday 3rd December – 1st Sunday of Advent 9.30 a.m. 11 a.m. 5. p.m. Lindridge Abberley St Mary Great Witley Choral Holy Communion with Advent Carols Holy Communion RGS Advent Service of Light Saturday 9th December 2.30 p.m. Great Witley Old Foleyans Carol Service Sunday, 10th December – 2nd Sunday of Advent 9 a.m. 11 a.m. 4.p.m. 6 p.m. Little Witley Knighton Stockton Abberley St Mary Holy Communion Carol Service Advent Holy Communion Carol Service with Young Farmers Thursday, 14th December 5.30 p.m. Great Witley Great Witley School Carol Service Saturday, 16th December 4 p.m. 6 p.m. Shrawley Lindridge Carol Service Carol Service Sunday, 17th December – 3rd Sunday of Advent 9.30 a.m. 11 a.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. Great Witley Abberley St. Mary Stockton Abberley St. Michael Holy Communion Morning Worship Nativity Service with refreshments Carol Service Tuesday 19th December 6 p.m. Great Witley Carol Service Thursday 21st December 6 p.m. Little Witley Carol Service Sunday, 24th December – 4th Sunday of Advent/Christmas Eve 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. 8 p.m. 11. 15p.m. Great Witley Abberley St. Mary Pensax Knighton Shrawley Crib Service Crib Service Carol Service Christmas Holy Communion Midnight Eucharist Monday 25th December – Christmas Day – Principal Festival 9.a.m. 10.30 a.m. Great Witley Abberley St. Mary Christmas Holy Communion Christmas Holy Communion Sunday 31st December 10 a.m. Abberley St. Mary United Holy Communion
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7 I don’t know about you, but I rather dread turning on the news these days. It seems to have been particularly awful recently. The horrendous attack by Hamas and the taking of hundreds of hostages. The consequent attacks on Hamas in Gaza with such devastating consequences for innocent civilians living in that crowded land and unable to escape. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has not gone away of course, and there have been tragic attacks on Christians in Armenia, Pakistan and India that have gone largely unreported. If we add to these the cost-of-living crisis in this country, and the accelerating climate crisis affecting every country, it is easy to feel deep despair and a sense of hopelessness in the face of it all. As the psalmist said, ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where is my help to come?’ Christmas gives a message of hope, but not false hope. It speaks of the Logos or Word, the divine energy at the heart of all things, the dynamic force behind all creation, all that is. The source of inspiration for all human beings. This Logos is forever sustaining the universe and breaking into our consciousness, but in the birth of Jesus that Word was made flesh, once and for all. Jesus was born in Israel/Palestine in another dark time in that region’s history. But God is as he is in Jesus, therefore we have hope. As St John says in the first few verses of his amazing gospel: ‘In him was life and that life was the light of all people.’ Terrible things do happen in our world. Innocent men, women and children were killed in Jesus’ lifetime too and yet he still preached and lived a gospel of peace and hope – right to the end and his death on the cross. But evil and hatred will never have the last word: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.’ [Contd. p. 9] Finding Hope This Christmas-Time Bishop of Dudley, Rt. Rev Martin Gorick
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9 At Christmas we rejoice in God with us, Emmanuel. We rejoice in a hope for justice in this world, and for hope of a justice beyond this life too, when every wrong is put right and God is all in all. May God be a blessing to you this Christmas time, and may you be filled with hope and love for God’s world. Loving God, we thank you for the message of peace that Christmas brings to our distracted world. We pray for peace in our world, peace in our streets, peace in our homes and peace in our hearts, as we celebrate the birth at Bethlehem of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. There is no meeting of the Filling Station in December and so our next get together will be on Thursday 18th January when Eric Stirrup will be speaking to us. Eric leads a local fellowship which brought the Tenbury Filling Station into being in 2015. We have much to thank this group of people for in their leadership, support and delicious refreshments provided at our gatherings. We meet as usual at Eastham Memorial Hall, Eastham, Worcs. WR15 8NP at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. We look forward to you joining us for this evening of fellowship, worship, teaching, and refreshments. If you are not on our mailing list and would like further information or details about our meetings, then please do not hesitate to contact me at: [email protected] . The Filling Station
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11 As Christmas approaches, I hope that many of you will be able to look forward to a little time relaxing with friends and family. I am sure you will share my sadness that this year, that the global news headlines have been dominated by conflict – both in the Middle East and the continuing war in Ukraine. I want to take the time to thank all those who serve in our armed forces at home and abroad keeping us and our families safe. We should never take peace for granted. I also want to take time to thank the many people whose working routines will go on as normal through the festive period – the doctors, nurses, firefighters, police, the shop staff, waiters and waitresses who will be working harder than ever. We live in an increasingly busy 365 days a week 24 hours a day world so it may be that many of us will have to work to make sure the country keeps running. I also spare a thought for those who have lost loved ones. Christmas is a time to celebrate but also remember and I encourage you to take the time to keep an eye on your elderly or infirm neighbours who may be on their own at this time of year. It’s a time for giving as well as receiving. Finally, I hope you all tuck into our amazing local produce and shop in local stores when you prepare for the Christmas break. Our local food producers work tirelessly all year round to make sure you can enjoy the best quality goods. I hope you all have a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Christmas Message From Our Local MP Harriett Baldwin
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13 Dear Friends, Now that the clocks have changed back to GMT it seems to me that it gets dark far too early in the day. No sooner has it been lunch and it feels like the daylight hours are over. Those things that we like to do are somehow different without natural light. It’s not all bad though, compared to how things have been throughout history, today we have a surfeit of light but as a consequence stars are often not visible in our towns – we really are blessed with our dark skies! Yet it wasn’t too long ago (at least that’s how it feels to me) that there was a three day and I was doing homework by candlelight as the electricity was switched off in the evening. It’s at times like that one appreciates just how important the light is in our lives. It was probably the same for all other parts of the country, but certainly at my school, no electricity was no excuse for being unable to do homework! Light is a good thing – such as the light that takes you by surprise in the early morning and the countryside becomes, as Celtic Chris tians would say, “a thin place”; a place where the divide betweenheaven and earth is practically non-existent and God is easily felt. I don’t like it when it gets dark early – it limits us. There’s less gardening that can be done and cycling isn’t as much fun (though full moonlight cycling is good although that probably makes me a lunatic). However, as we approach Advent, Christmas and the New Year, we prepare for and celebrate the coming of the Light of the World. This light is always glorious, revealing and a joy. May the Light be with you, your families and friends this Christmas time, in the New Year and always. Love and prayers, DM The Light In The Darkness Rev. David Morris
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15 The Perfect Christmas Christine Clarke Licensed Lay Minister Email: [email protected] I wonder if you are like me, and love Christmas? I was trying to think about what makes a Christmas time perfect for me? Is it decorating the tree? The singing of carols in our carol services? The Nativity Service? Crib Services? The Mid-night Service on Christmas Eve? Christmas morning Holy Communion? Is it Christmas lunch and time with my family? The hope of snow arriving? Well, if I am honest, it’s a bit of all of this, but mostly being in a safe and loving environment knowing that we are loved by God. Thinking about what is my favourite part of Christmas helped me to reflect on the first Christmas. Nothing like it had happened before, nor since. Jesus wasn’t born in a nice warm hospital with doctors and nurses. Jesus was born in a stable, (well, so the carol tells us!). He was born in a dangerous time and place and Mary and Joseph had to be very careful to keep him safe. This year there are many people around the world who are living in dangerous places. People who have walked huge distances, leaving their homes behind them trying to find safety. I can’t help but reflect that God came to earth at that time, in that dangerous place, bringing in the hope of peace to show us all that, when human life is messy and dangerous God is with us and there is hope. Those who visited Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus; the shepherds and Wise Men, help to show us that God calls us to support one another, including those who are different from us. And, that God’s love in Jesus Christ, is for all of humankind. Whatever you are doing this Christmas, I hope that you have some time to spend with family and friends in a safe and loving environment. And, of course everyone is welcome to any – or all – of our services across the 4Rivers group of Churches. You can find details of our services later in this publication, on our website and church noticeboards. Finally, as there is no publication in January, may take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Spirit filled Christmas time and a Happy New Year.
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17 Churches in: Shrawley, Great Witley, Little Witley, Abberley, Knighton, Lindridge, Pensax, Stockton Services in January 2024 Sunday 7th January – 1st Sunday of Epiphany – Baptism of Christ 9.30 a.m. 9.30 a.m. 11 a.m. Lindridge Great Witley Abberley St Mary Choral Holy Communion Morning Worship Holy Communion Sunday 14th January – 2nd Sunday of Epiphany 9 a.m. 11 a.m. 4.p.m. 6 p.m. Little Witley Knighton Stockton Abberley St Michael Holy Communion Holy Communion Christingle. Worship for All. Celtic Holy Communion Sunday 21st January – 3rd Sunday of Epiphany 9.30 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Great Witley Pensax Abberley St Mary Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Worship Sunday 28th January – 4th Sunday of Epiphany 9 a.m. 11. a.m. 4 p.m. 6. p.m. Little Witley Shrawley Stockton Abberley St Michael Morning Worship Holy Communion Holy Communion Celtic Evening Prayer Sunday 4th February – 2nd Sunday before Lent 9.30 a.m. 9.30 a.m. 11. a.m. Lindridge Great Witley Abberley St. Mary Choral Holy Communion Morning Worship Holy Communion Information on Services & events are found in local magazines, Church Noticeboards and website. Church office email: [email protected] Church office phone: 01299 575055. Website: 4rivers.church Priest in Charge: Rev’d David Morris. Tel: 01299 896783
18 News from Lindridge Nursery The children at Lindridge Nursery have explored the topic of Autumn. Using lots of natural materials collected during time outside and in the forest area. They have made fabulous leaf people, leaf prints and clay models with sticks. The children have found lots of conkers and acorns and we have been thinking about the changing of the season, the weather and what we harvest. The children loved cutting into gourds and pumpkins and observing the seeds! A highlight was using hammers to hammer golf tees into the pumpkin. This half term we are thinking about different colours seen in different festivals. We started learning about bonfire night and have had fun creating lots of sparkly firework paintings and crafts. We have so much to look forward to in Nursery over the coming weeks. The children will be busy learning songs to perform at their Christmas Songs and Crafts morning with their parents at the end of term and we can’t wait to start decorating Nursery for the festive period. If you would like to come and visit the Nursery or find out more then please contact the school office for more details: 01584 881466 or [email protected]
19 Lindridge Parish Hall - What’s On December and January Regular Events: Monday: Zumba at 6:30pm every Monday WI first Monday of the month at the Hall Tuesday: Art Group at 2:00pm every Tuesday Pilates at 9:30am every Tuesday Photography sessions are held once a month (check the hall calendar for details) Kurling at 7:00pm the last Tuesday of the month - great fun for all Wednesday: Bridge at 1:30pm every Wednesday Mid-Week Break coffee morning - check the hall calendar for details Thursday: Work in Progress craft class second Thursday of the month The Community Pub and Games Night 7pm every Thursday Friday: Pilates at 8:30am and 10am every Friday The Zone Youth Club at 7pm-8:30pm every Friday (during term time) – see ad p. Saturday: Lindridge Hall Market & Breakfast 10:00am-12:00pm last Saturday of the month [Contd. p. 21] As we draw close to the end of this year, we reflect upon all the great events that have taken place at the hall and supported by so many local people. It does not go unrecognised how hard the Committee and Volunteers work behind the scenes, to ensure that the hall has so many active activities. The Chair of the hall would like to thank everyone who has supported the hall in 2023. We pride ourselves on the success of the hall and continue to put on a whole array of activities, for all to enjoy. The fun does not stop here though, there is still plenty to enjoy!
20 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. www.estatecountryfeeds.c Opening times: Monday-Friday: 8am until 5pm Saturday: 8.30am until 1pm Edgar Estate Berrow Green Road Martley WR6 6PQ Tel: 01886 888948
21 Films: (see flyers on pages 44,45,48) Thurs 7th December matinee: A STREET CAT NAMED BOB Sat 16th December evening: THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN Thurs 4th January matinee: BELLE Sat 20th January evening: OPPENHEIMER Father Christmas: We are privileged to have our annual Father Christmas visit and his elves on Sunday 17th December at 5pm. This is an invite to all the children who live within the Parish. Father Christmas will be available for photographs and there is even a little gift from him on the day. A lovely event for the family. (We also believe its Mrs Claus’s birthday on this day!) Saturday Market and Breakfast: Over the Christmas period, there is NO December Market and Breakfast. We will resume normal business on 27th January 10am. The breakfasts prove to be as popular as ever, so if you have never tried one, we highly recommend you joining us. Bridge: Every Wednesday afternoon we have “Bridge” being played at the hall. This is open to all and we welcome new players. We would love to see you, so please feel free to come along. Games start from 1:30pm. All abilities welcome for what will be a relaxed and informal afternoon of bridge. Quiz Night: January 2024 Quiz plus Fish and Chips Saturday January 13th 7:30pmTeams of 4, £12 per person to include fish and chips or £5 quiz only. Please enter your team at least a week in advance otherwise you might miss out on your fish and chips! These are bimonthly and book up very quickly. Toddler Group: Unfortunately, due to a lack of staffing and management of the Toddler Group, we are unable to offer this facility. It has always been the intention of the committee to have the toddler group up and running, however without the volunteer team, we are not able to offer this. If you are interested in “leading” in this area and starting the Toddler Group back up again, please get in touch with the hall secretary: secretary@lindridgeparishhall. co.uk [Contd. p.23]
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23 Teme Valley Walkers: Teme Valley Walkers meet once a month and are always keen to welcome new walkers. What better way to explore the countryside, than to join like minded walkers who will enjoy your company. The venue changes each month, so it’s important to contact one of the walk leaders (Alan/ Barrie or John) to give you further information: [email protected] Bookings and Hall hire: The hall is available for hire for one off events such as parties, conferences, training days, or for regular weekly/ monthly groups and activities. Hire charges: One off events : £15 per hour Regular events : £10 per hour. Weekend Hire : £250 (Friday 5pm until Sunday 6pm) Daily Hire : £100 Please contact the hall secretary for more details: [email protected] Food bank: Lindridge Food bank is being well used now so any donations of packets/tins/ bottles of non-perishable items are greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate, then please bring your items along when you next come to an event or put them straight in the food bank containers if the hall is closed (the food bank is tucked away just around the corner from the right of the hall front door. For users of the food bank, please feel free to use this facility. For great support and advice, please contact the nearest Citizens Advice Bureau (Tenbury Wells): www.citizensadvice.org.uk Lastly, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you back to the hall in 2024. For any confirmation or clarity on the above events, please do not hesitate to contact us at the hall: 01584 881 747 or [email protected]
24 We take babies & children from 6 months to 5 years & Breakfast club for primary school children! DoodleBugs Nursery Pound Lane Clifton-upon-Teme WR6 6DE Monday - 7.30am - 5pm Tuesday - 7.30am - 5pm Wednesday - 7.30am - 5pm Thursday - 7.30am -5pm Fr iday - 7.30am - 5pm We are open 50 weeks a year! Email- [email protected] Call - 01886 812 380 Funeral Directors 15 Market Street, Tenbury Wells, Worc. WR15 8BH Tel. 01584 810281 Fax. 01584 811420 A Family Run Business Established 1919 Burials Cremations Chapel of rest Covering all areas and offering a personal,caring 24hour service
25 Our President Liz Dove led our meeting in November demonstrating and presenting to us (Blue Peter style!) “Edible Christmas Gifts”. She brought us ideas for different presents for our families and friends this festive season, and also gave us the opportunity to sample what she had made. Already bringing us into the thoughts of Christmas with present giving, one of our raffle prizes consisted of gift bags, paper and tags to contain them! Our Christmas lunch this year is at The Plough, Far Forest where we hope to enjoy their festive welcome and much recommended extensive menu. There will be no skittles this month – our next evening will be on Friday 19th January 2024 – usual time of 7.00pm for 7.30pm start at The Eardiston. Do join us for this fun event which is open to all. £2 per person plus a plate of food to share. Proceeds will again be donated to Tenbury Hospital. Our next members’ meeting will be on Monday 8th January when Claire Furness from Abberley Care Farm will be speaking to us. This will once again be at Lindridge Parish Hall, Eardiston -2.15pm for a 2.30pm start. Visitors are always welcome to our WI meetings, and if you would like further information about us and our future programme then please email: [email protected] Menith Wood WI
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27 Knighton-on-Teme Parish Room Newsletter December 2023 & January 2024 WOW! IT’S A DIFFERENT PLACE! That was the exclamation of one visitor a week ago. The Parish Room has new windows and doors! It has been given a damp-proof course, some brickwork has been replaced and the room is now fully insulated. The main hall was decorated in midNovember and looks very smart. There are plans afoot for a refurbished kitchen, new heating system, PA and projecting systems with disabled access slopes and improved areas outside the building. Most of this is due to successful grant applications but we are also grateful for donations and the 300 club income. Recent Events: All very well attended and enjoyable please see separate write-ups. • Harvest Supper • Race Night • Quiz Nights • Harvest Show • Easter Activities and craft Fayre • REVs Classic & Vintage Cars WHAT’S ON THE DIARY? 1st& 2nd December: Christmas Wreath making. Exact times TBC please look out for updates on Facebook & posters 17th December: Carol Singing 6:30-9:00 pm. Free mince pie & cash bar. See separate advert. NOTE: 9th December: Children’s Christmas Party cancelled as schools do not finish until the 22nd Dec. BUT replaced with: 23rd December: Secret Santa Children’s Activity Day. Dropin day with adults welcome to stay and help their children OR drop your children off (WE shall need emergency contact details). Make & wrap a secret Christmas present or two for someone and learn to make simple decorations. See separate advert. 31st Decmber: New Year’s Eve Party see separate advert for this amazing event and “hot” ticket! [contd. pp 28-29]
28 Hiring the hall for events: Events at the Parish Room are well attended and we would like to see more taking place. In particular, we would like to see regular bookings for classes such as exercise, dance, music, art, book clubs, pets, etc. Private hire for family events are welcome. The booking rates are very reasonable and could be negotiated lower to allow a group to get up and running. Current winter hiring of the room: Full day : £50 Part day : £40 Children’s parties : £30 If you need tables and chairs for your own venue, these are available for hire. Please see website & Face book page for full hire charges. To hire the Parish Room or equipment contact: Sheila on 01584 781190 THE FUTURE: Film Nights: We are keen to start regular film nights ASAP but need 2/3 people to help in organisation. We are told that this is a very simple task. Would anyone who is willing to help please contact Jonathan by text on 07977 037996. Without help, this simply won’t get off the ground. Parish Room Time-line: Please look out any old photos you have about any part of Knightonon-Teme or Newnham Bridge: the school, church works, families, war time evacuees, farming and simply living and working here. We are planning to fix old photos to a timeline along one side of the hall interior. This will be a marvellous record of our history. We shall arrange a couple of “Get-together” tea, coffee and cake days in the spring, to share all our photos and have really good chat. Please get looking out those photos and ask anyone who has now moved away from the area. 300 Club: The 300 club is vital to the day-today running costs of the Parish Room. We simply could not exist without it! Currently we have just under 200 members so there are places for 100 more. Please, please, please join us. The annual cost for 300 club members is ONLY £10. Our electricity bill last year was £4000 and simple maths shows that the income from even full membership is swallowed up by such bills. Joining the 300 club is a good way to give support to the Parish Room at a very low cost. The committee is currently look-
29 ing for someone to join the 300 club organisers. This year we said a heartfelt thanks to Linda Lear as she stepped down after many, many years as 300 club organiser and we now need help with this vital source of income. Please contact Nikki on 07527 200068 to join the 300 club or to help as part of the team. Committee members: Jonathan Spilsbury - Chair: 01584 781043 & 07977 037996 Nikki Bretherton - Treasurer: 07527 200068 Jan Spilsbury - Secretary: 07312 258999 Sheila Bragger - Bookings Secretary Jonathan Bretherton - Chair, Refurb Working Party; Claire Wall, Liz Allen and Helen Bevan. CAROL SINGING EVENING AT KNIGHTON ON TEME PARISH ROOM 17th December 2023 Join us for a fun-filled evening of carol singing and chatter at the Parish Room Committee’s free event to celebrate Christmas. All ages are welcome. Therew will be a free mince pie for everyone and a cash bar for mulled wine, beers wine and soft drinks. Look out for more information on posters and Newnham Bridge & Knigton-on-Teme Facebook pages Photos from 18th Dec 2022.
30 KNIGHTON ON TEME DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING Knighton on Teme Parish Council are holding an event at the Parish Rooms on Wednesday 7th February 2024, 7 – 9pm The Lead Trainer is Martin Bennett and the course will consist of the following: Getting help and RESPECT forms Shockable and non-shockable rhythms The importance of CPR The sequence of defibrillation Catastrophic haemorrhage Spaces on this course are limited, so early booking is advisable. A charge of £5 per person is payable on the evening with monies going to the Community First Responder Scheme. If you are interested in attending, please email the Parish Clerk on [email protected] or telephone 01584 881599 KNIGHTON ON TEME OPEN GARDENS 2024 We are planning an open gardens event at Knighton-on-Teme for 22nd June 2024. This can be any size plot from tiny-totty to an acre or so. Vegetables, flowers, nature, courtyard pots are all welcome. We already have about 10 gardens included on our list but are keen not to miss anyone. If you would like to open your garden next year please contact: Chris or Jan using the email: [email protected] or call 01584 781043
31 The evening of 21st October saw the Knighton-on-Teme’s Parish Rooms filled with villagers gathered for our annual Harvest Supper. As ever many thanks to the Bunn family for the tables, beautifully decorated with leaves and apples, that gave a perfect Autumnal feel to the rooms. Thanks also to Bernie Abrahams for the harvest decoration that she had made for the Harvest Festival in the Church, and then moved to the Parish rooms for the Supper. The ladies of the village must also be thanked for the splendid range of salads that they had prepared for the meal. This was also the ideal time to introduce our new Vicar to the wider village community. Rev. David Morris, and his wife Kerry, are so very welcome indeed after quite a long interregnum. Many any thanks also to David for the most enjoyable quiz that he and Kerry introduced and ran, a considerable challenge to many of those present after such an enjoyable meal! Finally we, Peter and I, would like to thank everyone who has helped with the Supper over the years, and many more thanks to Nikki Bretherton and Kate Hughes for all the work they did towards this year’s supper, it probably wouldn’t have happened without them; and even more so for agreeing to take over the running of the evening next year, please support them. ..and HARVEST SHOW The show took place at the newly refurbished Knightonon-Teme Parish Room on Sunday 1st October 2023. There were lots of clever, skilful and artistic entries from local adults and children. A good time was had by all! The Harvest Show is now an annual event and the organisers look forward to seeing lots of entries at about the same time next year. KNIGHTON ON TEME HARVEST SUPPER Gill and Peter Morgan
32 Our Mission Statement The Zone-Lindridge Parish Hall Youth Club aims to provide a safe environment for young people aged 10yrs to 16yrs to try a range of activities, develop relationships, meet new people, have fun and learn practical, social and creative skills to enable them to become responsible adults. The club is underpinned by our values of respect for everyone, inclusivity, and tolerance. The Zone-Lindridge Parish Hall Youth Club is an established club set up to provide local young people with somewhere to go. The club runs every Friday in term time between 7:00pm and 8:30pm and provides a safe environment for children and young people aged 10 – 16 years old. It is run by a team of friendly and dedicated volunteers, who are DBS checked, and a small Management Committee. We have wonderful indoor and outdoor facilities, including football, cooking, arts and crafts, Table football, game stations and board games. Throughout the year we hold BBQ’s, discos/parties for Easter and Christmas, and trips out in the local area. On average we have been 25- 30 young people each week. This is a great way for your child to meet new people or to hang out with their friends in preparation for the weekend. Registration Forms will need to be completed before your child is left in the supervision of the team. For more information please contact the Youth Leader: Richard Rainbird-Hitchins on : [email protected] or 07586 219289
33 Teme Valley Walkers October Walk The walk included the local old Bewdley to Woofferton railway line and the Stourbridge to Leominster canal aqueduct over the river Rea, which is a brickbuilt, grade ll listed construction. We had a good turn out for the walk with 14 starting but only 10 completed the route, which did end up a little longer, but thankfully back at the cars before the rain, followed by a nice coffee and cake at the Hanley Vineyard, (Old Barn, Newnham Bridge). November Walk We had 14 on yesterday’s walk led by Kevin, as we explored the countryside around Eastham. The weather was bright and sunny, a bit of mud in some places but as always outstanding Teme Valley views with points of interest pointed and information on churches and bridges provided by John. This was our last walk for 2023, with several new members and, we are pleased to say, walk leaders. Our summer evening walks proved the most popular with 20+ on the June walk, and we managed to arrange a walk every month regardless of the weatherour September walk in heavy rain having the lowest turnout of four. Our next walk is Wednesday January 17th, 2024. Details of walk leader and location will be available by early January at: [email protected] Have a good festive season and look forward to walks in 2024.
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39 Come and make a Christingle with us You might be surprised to learn that Christmas carries on after Christmas Day, as we journey through Epiphany and head towards Candlemas, which in 2024 is 2nd February. Nowadays in the UK, many of us take down our Christmas decorations by the 12th Night, (6th January 2024), whereas in Elizabethan times, (that is Elizabeth I), they didn’t take them down until Candlemas arrived. As we can see, even Christmas traditions change over time, albeit slowly. One children’s tradition, which has been around in various forms since 1747, is the Christingle Service. This year at St. Andrew’s Church, Stockton, we are holding a Christingle Service on the 14th January. During the service there will be time for each of us to make our own Christingle to take home, sing some songs and all the usual fun stuff we have at Church in Stockton. (You don’t need to worry about bringing supplies with you, we will provide everything you need). What is a Christingle? Well, the picture on page 35 shows you what it is, but doesn’t convey the history or meaning. So, come along and find out! Since 1968 Christingle services have been linked with the Children’s Society, as a way to help raise funds for their work transforming the hopes and lives of young people facing abuse, exploitation and abuse. The collection at our Christingle service will be going to the Children’s Society. We hope to see you on the 14th, January 4 p.m. St. Andrew’s. Christingle Celebration Sunday 14th January 2024, 4 p.m. St. Andrew’s Church, Stockton
40 Mid-Week Break Our annual Celebration of Christmas event is to be held on Wednesday 6th December at Lindridge Parish Hall from 2pm to 4pm. Do join us for an afternoon of festive readings, carols and refreshments. All are welcome. Our next two coffee mornings will be on Wednesdays 13th December and 10th January again at Lindridge Parish Hall - 10.30am to 12noon Enjoy your mid-morning coffee with others in our community at Lindridge Parish Hall on the above Wednesdays. Spend time chatting with friends, old and new, enjoy drinks and biscuits, and do bring along books you have read for the bring and share book table. For more information contact Kate Harley – 881194 Tenbury u3a Have you ever thought of the U3a? The Tenbury U3a offers oppor- tunities for learning and friendship through activities and groups. The groups vary from croquet, gardening, art, Scottish coun- try dancing and bagpipes! It’s always good to learn new skills and maybe you have a skill that youwould like to teach others? We are always pleased to welcome new members. There is a regular meeting every first Friday of the month at the lodge rooms in Tenbury in Church Street, at 10am for a coffee and chat and we usually have a speaker. For more details or a list of the groups please contact Annie Hutchison, Secretary [email protected]
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42 Autumn has arrived in the Teme Valley - another Summer is behind us, and we are all busy, preparing for another, long Winter. Autumn always seems to be the shortest of our seasons. Late September often brings a burst of hot, sunshine in the guise of an “Indian Summer”. Harvest festival reminds us of the long halcyon summer days, but don’t be fooled - the nights are drawing in. The Autumn “festivals” of Halloween and Guy Fawkes night come and go, to coincide with the clocks reducing our twilight hour. But don’t despair! Autumn is a glorious time of year with trees erupting in golds, reds, ochre, oranges, and our winter visitors from colder climes like Scandinavia and Russia starting to arrive: Wild Geese, Fieldfare, Redwing, Meadow Pipit. At nightfall, the Valley Tawny Owls start their Autumnal laments while deer bark, and Hedge pigs and their hoglets are active in our gardens. The river floods, and the fast bright, waters wash away the stagnant pools that have formed during the summer months. The Teme Valley Barbel and Grayling come alive and feed greedily to ready themselves for the long, cold days of winter. Gardeners are tidying their borders and vegetable areas, cutting back their precious plants, gathering leaves and lighting fires creating a sumptuous, potpourri, like woodsmoke drifting through an apple barn. Very soon the golden days of “fall” will turn to winter. Frosts will come, wood burners will be crackling inside, and we will all be preparing for Christmas. That’s Autumn in The Valley By John Ruffles The falling leaves drift by the window The autumn leaves of red and gold I see your lips, the summer kisses The sun-burned hands I used to hold Since you went away the days grow long And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song But I miss you most of all my darling
43 how quickly Autumn comes and goes, so make the most of it. There is no better place in the world to experience the golden days of Autumn than our fantastic home, here in the Teme Valley. Free guided walks along our footpaths and bridleways taking 2-3 hours, off the roads and into the countryside. wwWEveryone welcome but sorry no dogs allowed For further details and any other announcements or changes please visit website www.rockpathfinders.uk PLEASE NOTE NEW WEB ADDRESS email: [email protected] Or ring Alan on 01299 400304 DECEMBER 2023 Thursday 07.12.23 starting at 10.00am Details to be confirmed please check web site Thursday 21.12..23 starting at 10.00am Ribbesford House Car Park Ribbesford, Bewdley DY12 2TQ Rock: Pathfinders
44 A TRT CAT NAMD O LINDRIDG PARIH HALL Thu 07 Dec 2023, 2.00 pm ased on the international est selling ook. The true feel good stor of how James owen, a usker and recovering drug addict, had his life transformed when he met a stra ginger cat. tarring o the Cat, Luke Treadawa, Ruta Gedmintas There will e an interval during this screening. Lunch is served at 1pm followed the film at 2 pm. (£8.50 film plus lunch, £5 film onl). Please ook lunch at least 48 hours eforehand calling 01584 881615 or via the wesite. Tickets £3.00/£5.00 nquiries 01584 881615 103 mins www.artsalive.co.uk
45 TH RAILWAY CHILDRN RTURN LINDRIDG PARIH HALL at 16 Dec 2023, 7.30 pm Inspired one of the most eloved ritish famil films of all time, TH RAILWAY CHILDRN RTURN is an enchanting and heart-warming adventure for a new generation. 1944 – As life in ritain’s cities ecomes increasingl perilous, three evacuee children – Lil, Pattie and Ted Watts – are sent their mother from alford to the Yorkshire village of Oakworth. There to meet them on the train station platform are oie Waterur (Jenn Agutter, reprising her iconic role in the original film), her daughter, Annie and grandson Thomas, and with their help the evacuees are soon settling into their new life in the countrside. When the children discover injured American soldier Ae hiding out in the railard at Oakworth tation, the are thrust into a dangerous quest to assist their new friend who, like them, is a long wa from home. tarring Jenn Agutter, Tom Courtena, heridan mith, John radle There will e an interval during this screening. The licensed ar will e open from 7pm, there is no longer an need to ook eforehand. There will e mulled wine and mince pies galore! Tickets £3.00/£5.00 nquiries 01584 881615 95 mins www.artsalive.co.uk
46 • Massage • Reflexology • • Aromatherapy • Gift vouchers available Treatments by appointment Monday - Saturday (Late evenings available) Frith Common WR15 8JX To Book your treatment get in touch today! 07866 267 286 [email protected] Sarah Hall Complementary Therapy RE CLOSING DATE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION IS FEBRUARY 6TH
47 Clows Top District Gardening Club We do not meet in December, so our next get together will be in January - next year! We will be welcoming well known local photographer Peter Siviter. Peter will be showing us his view of the world. He has travelled a lot, and is an excellent photographer and judge. This will surely be a most entertaining evening. This, our first meeting of the year, is when we renew our £10 annual membership. We would also be happy to welcome new members. Tea. coffee and yummy biscuits will be available (There is a charge of £2 on the night to cover this) We also have a magazine swap table and a ”flower of the month” competition. We look forward to seeing/meeting you on the 24th January. Best wishes for a happy Christmas and New Year. Clows Top District Craft Club The Club has recently moved to Mamble Village Hall. DY14 9JL. We meet on Mondays from 10am - 12noon. All crafts are welcome, and £2 will get you chat with like minded people plus tea/coffee and biscuits. Need more information? Phone Judith on 07990 932167.
48 LL LINDRIDG PARIH HALL Thu 04 Jan 2024, 2.00 pm LL is inspired the true stor of Dido lizaeth elle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Roal Nav Admiral. Raised her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife, elle's lineage affords her certain privileges, et the colour of her skin prevents her from full participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, elle falls for an idealistic oung vicar's son ent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield's role as Lord Chief Justice to end slaver in ngland. tarring Tom Wilkinson, mil Watson, Gugu Matha-Raw, Matthew Goode, Miranda Richardson, Penelope Wilton There will e an interval during this screening. Your are welcome to come along for lunch eforehand. Lunch is at 1 pm, followed film at 2 pm. Lunch plus film £8.50, film onl £5. Please ook lunch at least 48 hours eforehand calling 01584 881747 . Tickets £3.00/£5.00 nquiries 01584 881615 99 mins www.artsalive.co.uk OPPNHIMR LINDRIDG PARIH HALL at 20 Jan 2024, 7.30 pm OPPNHIMR chronicles the life of J. Roert Oppenheimer, an American theoretical phsicist who was pivotal in developing the first nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project, and there ushering in the Atomic Age. tarring Cillian Murph, mil lunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Roert Downe Jr. There will e an interval during this screening. The licensed ar will e open at 7pm. There is no longer an need to ook eforehand. Tickets £3.00/£5.00 nquiries 01584 881615 180 mins www.artsalive.co.uk Calling all Cooks, Chefs & Bakers Do you have a favourite recipe that you’d like to share with the community? Is there a story behind why you like making this particular dish or item? Ideally each month’s recipe should be relevant to the month or season and feature produce that can mainly be sourced locally. Depending on responses obviously we will not be able to print everyone’s recipe so please don’t be offended if yours is not chosen. Perhaps we can compile them into a Community Recipe Book at the end of the year. Just a thought.... If you’re interested and would like to contribute your favourite recipe, please send to the Editor at: [email protected]
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