51 Did you know that the risk of mortality from loneliness equals that of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being an alcoholic, and exceeds the health risks associated with obesity? The pandemic and its repeated lockdowns have exacerbated the vulnerability of elderly people around the world and the ensuing pandemic of loneliness is having a serious impact on both physical and mental health. Social isolation increases the risks of a range of health conditions including cognitive decline, frailty, high blood pressure and depression. Over 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone. Many of them, particularly those living in rural areas like ours in Teme Valley, may be isolated from their communities, lacking social interaction and a sense of belonging. Around a third of elderly people feel lonelier in the wake of COVID-19 and many have lost their confidence or remain worried about leaving the house for fear of infection. At the Kyrebrook Day Centre, we are determined that no one should feel alone. For the past 10 years we have been tackling loneliness and isolation amongst the elderly population of Tenbury Wells and the surrounding area. The centre offers a safe and caring environment where everyone can relax, socialise and have fun. In the last ten years, we have helped over 150 people to remain active members of their community, build friendships and confidence, and keep mentally and physically strong. This in turn enables people to remain independent in their own home for as long as possible, as well as providing much-needed respite for families and carers. We are currently open from 9am to 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and will soon be launching a new “Friendship & Lunch Club” on Mondays and Thursdays. [contd, P 53] Keynotes from Kyrebrook Tackling Loneliness in the Teme Valley
52 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 Please contact Zoe Herington: www.zedyoga.co.uk Tel: 07962 981456 Yoga classes at Eastham Memorial Hall For adults of all ages
53 Teme Valley Tote Robin Dean Teme Valley Tote Organiser 01886 853295 As John Lennon once said: “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” Please get in touch for more information or come and visit us and see for yourself. A warm welcome awaits! Where: Unit B Clarkes Meadow, Tenbury Business Park, Bromyard Road, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8FA Contact: www.kyrebrook.org.uk [email protected] Ph:01584 318030 Kyrebrook is a not for profit community interest company Testimonial: “I don’t know what I would do without Kyrebrook Day Centre. My dad loves it there and if it was open every day of the year, he would be there.” November’s Draw (the eighth draw in this series) November’s prize draw of the Tote was decided when Rev’d Julia Curtis rolled the dice on 2nd November to select the set of random numbers and the starting point. As a result, the prize winners are as follows: The £50 winner is Jackie Hughes of Eastham (Draw no 293) The £30 winner is Jane Yarnold of Eastham (Draw no 206) The £20 winner is John Caldwell of Lindridge (Draw no 181) You are still able to take part in the Tote. If you have any queries please contact: Robin Dean on 01886 853295
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55 In Spring 2024, starting on February 5th, we are organising a lecture program that we are calling The Spring Cultural Series In this first year, we will have a mix of Music, Antarctic Expeditions and Art , and they will be presented by high quality lecturers in their field It’s a big change from our usual autumn Geo Political History courses, but it will be the same friendly group, who will welcome you on Mondays at 7.30pm at Sapey Village Hall WR6 6EU, starting on February 5th 2024. £10 per lecture payable at the door or £40 for the six lecture course Stanford History Group The Spring Cultural Series Spring Cultural Series 2024 Monday evenings at 7.30p.m. Upper Sapey Village Hall, Upper Sapey, WR6 6EU Date Subject Presenter 5th February Das Land Ohne Musik? Britain – A land without Music? Dr Paul Rodmell, Senior Lecturer University of Birmingham 12th February How Does Musical Theatre work? Dr Paul Rodmell, Senior Lecturer University of Birmingham 19th February NO LECTURE 26th February Human History of the Antarctic The 1959 Antarctic Treaty Seb Coultard, Fellow Royal Geographic Society 4th March The Imperial Trans Antarctic Expedition 1914-17 Seb’s experience of the ‘James Caird’ re-enactment Seb Coultard, Fellow Royal Geographic Society 11th March Outside the Avant-Garde? British Art of the Early 20th Century Dr Rebecca Savage, Teaching Fellow University of Birmingham Art History 18th March The Art Galleries of the General Public Art & British Advertising Dr Rebecca Savage, Teaching Fellow University of Birmingham Art History COSTS: The full course £40 or £10 for an individual lecture - payable on the door CONTACTS: Simon Neary 01584 781698 [email protected] Karon Jamous 01886 853 674 [email protected] Rosemary Smart 01905 621 895 [email protected] Alan Stuttard 01886 853 465 [email protected] David Kirrage 07899 817490 [email protected] Simon Marriott 01886 853 412 [email protected] Web Site www.stanfordhistorygroup.com
56 *SYJHM&JWNFQX &JWNFQX – 8FYJQQNYJ – ((9; – &ZINT )NXYNSLZNXMJI .SYJWFHYN[J 2JINF8UJHNFQNXYX • 9JQJUMTSJ1NSJ*]YJSXNTSXTW7JUFNW • 5MTSJ8THPJY7JQTHFYNTS TW *]YWF8THPJY.SXYFQQFYNTS • +ZQQ<N+N(TSSJHYNTS&WTZSI>TZW-TRJTW4KKNHJ • 'WTFIGFSI7TZYJW7JQTHFYNTS;NFF7FSLJ TK5WJRNXJX • ((9;YT8ZNY>TZW 5JWXTSFQNXJI7JVZNWJRJSYX <J FWJ F QTHFQ HTRUFS^ UWT[NINSL ^TZ \NYM F \NIJ WFSLJ TK XJW[NHJX YFNQTWJI YT ^TZW NSIN[NIZFQ SJJIX fflffiffl– ffiffflffl (MJHPTZYTZW\JGXNYJKTWRTWJNSKTWRFYNTS \\\JSYJHMFJWNFQXHTR
57 There were 21 members present last month to hear a most interesting talk by Richard Churchley entitled “Plagues, Pox and Pestilence”. It was pointed out that there have always been diseases but their virulence is affected in many respects by living conditions, health and fabric of society. People living in poor housing with inadequate sanitation usually suffer from poor nutrition and sometimes have no access to clean water. All this weakens their immune system and makes them vulnerable to disease. Once a disease is caught it spreads rapidly due to living in close proximity to one another. Weather conditions also have an impact. Drought causes crop failures resulting in famine, and flooding helps spread disease with raw sewage getting into homes. Animals in the food chain such as cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens are all subject to disease which then can be passed on. The fabric of society was very different in the 13/14th century. Obviously there was no ambulance, fire or police services and no health and safety regulations. Childbirth was high risk and there was a poor knowledge of medicine and germs. Blood letting was a common practice where blood would be withdrawn to prevent or cure a disease with very limited success. Operations that were carried out had high risks attached to them. Plagues: The most well known is the Bubonic plague also known as “Black Death”. In 1347 a ship came from Crimea/Asia and docked in Sicily. It was infested with rats that carried this disease. They came ashore and the fleas from the rats spread the disease rapidly across Europe. Various measures were used to try and stop it without much success. The Plague would subside and then flare up again for centuries. It came to England in 1348, 1369, 1374, 1390, 1400. It is estimated that during this period a third of the population died as a direct result of the disease. If you caught the disease there was a 30% chance you would die within two weeks. We were told an interestThe plague of Florence, 1348; an episode in the Decameron by Boccaccio, etching by L. Sabatelli the elder after G. Boccaccio, 1313-1375, via Welcome Collection Teme Valley Historical Society By Mike Harley
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59 ing story of human sacrifice concerning the village of Eyam in Derbyshire. The disease came to the village and the residents agreed not to leave in order to protect the surrounding villages and as a result most of them died but the spread of the disease was contained. Pox: There are three main types of pox being the well known smallpox, then cowpox and monkeypox. Pox diseases occur worldwide and cause eruptions of the skin. Transmission can be caused by direct contact, being bitten by insects, or inhalation. Humans have been affected by the disease since the 17th century. There are effective vaccines and Edward Jenner developed a vaccine for smallpox. He noticed that milkmaids never caught the disease and found by experimenting with innoculations for cowpox that a specific derivative was effective. It was eradicated in 1979 but not before huge numbers had died. This has been estimated at 300 million worldwide. We were told of Turlough O’Carolan who became blind from smallpox in 1688 when aged 18. He turned to music and became a well known singer/composer in Ireland. We were then treated to a selection of his music played by Richard on his accordion. Pestilence: This refers to any epidemic disease that is highly contagious and infectious. We then went through various diseases in this category. Cholera which is contracted by infected water spread from India in the 19th century and is now endemic in many countries. If untreated, it is fatal within hours and has killed millions of people worldwide. Leprosy was first diagnosed in the 11th century and the infectious disease affects the skin and nerves. Whilst not fatal, it is very debilitating. Malaria was detected in the 16th century and is spread by mosquitos which feed on humans. It is a flu like virus and occasionally fatal. Typhoid fever is likely to have been around for over 2000 years. It is treatable but life threatening in developing countries and is contracted by contaminated food or water. TB has been known about for at least 3000 years and is the most infectious killer disease of all. It is estimated a quarter of the world population has been infected and 1.9 million people die from it each year even though it is treatable. Our next meeting on the 19th December will include our Christmas party. Robin Hill will also give a talk entitled “The real war horse”. All are welcome.
60 Domestic Cleaning Service Spring Clean Builders Clean Weekly or fortnightly Telephone Spit & Polish tel. 01584 781719 Lynne Evans 31 High St.,Cleobury Mortimer DY14 8DQ For both CHIROPRACTIC & OSTEOPATHY, we use gentle methods suitable for all ages. Appointments available outside of normal working hours. Both practitioners are fully registered, insured and regulated. * BACK PAIN * POSTURAL PROBLEMS *SCIATICA * some SPORTS INJURIES * JOINT PAIN * HEADACHES (from neck) Sue Brown CHIROPRACTOR 01299 519351 07932 000028 07506 287191
61 December 2023 Brockhampton Estate is a National Trust property covering 1700 acres of farmland, orchard, woodland and parkland which lies south of the Teme valley, just to the east of Bromyard Downs. Set in a tranquil valley, it centres on an ancient, moated manor house guarded by a picturesque two-storey gatehouse. Perhaps best known for its orchards, the estate encompasses a broad range of habitats which together sustain an abundance of wildlife. Brockhampton is proud to be home to all manner of creatures, from otters to rare insects, even enjoying roosting pipistrelle bats up in the rafters of the old house. A love of wildlife is shared with visitors and on exploring the house recently I was captivated by a beautiful selection of fresh and dried plants laid out in the Great Hall. Two long polished tables were decorated with an autumn array of dried flowers, fruits, nuts and seeds. Clear labels and free recipes were supplied and bags of apples and medlars were available to take home. The displays were highlighted by a backdrop of fresh green moss. Amongst the hips, haws and conkers I spied some unfamiliar fruit. Yellow-brown and a little larger and more rounded than acorns, these proved to be the fruit of the wild service tree. This plant is unusual and grows in ancient woodland, its fruit were formerly known as chequers. They were once made into an alcoholic drink and the inn name of “Chequers” is thought to come from them. One table was reserved for dried plants, roots and seeds of use to the herbalist. I was surprised by the strength of the aroma possessed by some of the specimens. Among them was meadowsweet, used during Tudor times as a strewing herb and apparently a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I to sweeten her palace rooms. Sweet woodruff was used likewise. This is a plant I have often seen growing in the spring when it appears to have little scent, but Teme Valley Wildlife Group By Stephanie Mocroft
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63 the sample on the table had been gathered ten years previously and retained a strong and pleasing aroma. A dried valerian root carried another unfamiliar smell and was once used in the treatment of rheumatism. Examples of distilled herbal waters were displayed in small glass flasks and although I have cooked with both rose water and orange-flower water I was unaware of the attractive and useful qualities of waters distilled from mint, valerian and chamomile. It is always good to learn something new. Finally, as Christmas approaches, I thought it would be appropriate to end my account of the delights of Brockhampton with a story about mistletoe. In the year 2000, the estate was the first place in Britain to record a rare insect called the mistletoe weevil. It has since been found in Worcestershire but has stumped experts who can’t make up their minds whether it really is new to Britain, or whether it has just been in hiding. Anyway, this small and unexciting-looking creature has been dubbed the “kiss me slow weevil” and on that curious note I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas! PS We hope to welcome you to a Teme Valley Wildlife Group meeting during 2024 The next meeting of the Teme Valley Wildlife Group will be at Stoke Bliss and Kyre Village Hall, WR15 8RR, on Thursday January 11th at 7:30pm. Our speaker is Mike Metcalf whose talk is called “Ravens breeding in Worcestershire – how many?”. Everyone is most welcome, and it is just £2 on the door. For up-to-date information on what wildlife is being seen in the area, or to give us your sightings or comments, visit our Facebook page. Our programme of events, bird survey and archive photographs are available on our website www.temevalleywildlife. co.uk We normally hold meetings on the second Thursday of the month. All are welcome. Contact us by email at [email protected]
64 For more information please visit my website or Facebook For the treatment of general aches and pains including arthritic pain and minor sports injuries for people and animals of all ages. To book an appointment please call ( Claire Wall) and leave a message and I will get back to you very soon. WR15 8JA, Mathon, Newnham Bridge, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire www.tenbury_osteopath.co.uk
65 227,000 miles Each year 227,000 miles of wrapping paper is thrown away each year. Instead of being recycled, 1 billion Christmas cards are also put in the bin. In 2017, it was estimated that 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging would be thrown away and not recycled in the UK at Christmas. Please recycle responsibly. Check out the guidelines at: https://www.malvernhills. gov.uk/news-alerts/1285- your-naughty-and-nicechristmas-recycling-guide
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67 Taltrees Stoves and Fireplaces make and build beautiful fireplaces for woodburning stoves, gas stoves and inset fireplaces. All our work is carried out by our own trained craftsmen and engineers Established over 50 years HETAS and GAS SAFE registered Stockists of most leading makes including ACR Heat Products, Stovax, Gazco, Yeoman, Dovre, Hunter and Nordpeis Marble, stone and wood mantels Inglenook fireplaces constructed Visit our large showroom with many working models to view or ask for a home survey visit without obligation. We cover Central England and most parts of Wales. Taltrees Home Heating Ltd for oil, gas, and LP gas central heating systems. Ask for survey. Showroom open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm Sundays & Bank Holidays closed 01584 781 361 [email protected] Taltrees Centre Worcester Road, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR15 8JA 134668 www.taltreesstoves.com
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69 Abberley Angling Club: Coarse fishing club with own pool in Abberley. Seniors - I: Dave Yemm T: 01299 896 737. Juniors - I: Colin Bates T: 01905 798 225 Clows Top Garden Club: Meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Victory Hall, Clows Top. I: Marion Wilson T: 01299 270 475 E:clowstopdistrictgardeningclub@ hotmail.co.uk Knighton Friends: Meet 3rd Wednesday of each month in the afternoon for meals, garden visits, boat trips etc. I: Sheila Bragger T: 01584 781 190 Lindridge Art Group: Meeting at Lindridge Parish Hall every Tuesday at 2-4pm. I: Mike Harley T: 01584 881 194 E: [email protected] Menith Wood WI: Meet on the afternoon of the first Monday in the month at Lindridge Parish Hall from October to March and Old Chapel Hall, Menith Wood from April to September. E: [email protected] Rock Bridge Club: We meet every Sunday at Rock Village Hall at 7.00 pm. New members welcome whether on own or with partner. The meetings are very sociable and relaxed. We do not play Duplicate Bridge. I: Luke Grant T: 07854 951 330 St Lawrence’s Church Choir: meet for rehearsals the last Monday of the month at St Lawrence’s church, Lindridge, 7.30-8.30pm, singing at Parish communion on the first Sunday of the month, plus other special services. We are a friendly group, no prior experience is required, so if you love singing why not come and join us? I:Polly Gillespie E: [email protected] T: 07758 860 291 Teme Valley Childrens Centre: Run a number of relevant events for children and parents. T: 01905 622 354 E: [email protected] Teme Valley Geological Society: Meet monthly at the Martley Memorial Hall I: John Nicklin T:01886 888 318 E: [email protected] Blog: www.geo-village.eu Teme Valley Historical Society : Meet monthly on the last Tuesday in the month at Abberley Village Hall I: Mike Harley T: 01584 881 194 Teme Valley Wildlife Group: Meet 2nd Thursday each month at Stoke Bliss and Kyre Village Hall Stoke Bliss WR15 8RR E: [email protected] W: www.temevalleywildlife.co.uk Tenbury Rambling Club: I: Ian T: 01584 876 698. Tenbury Town Band: meet for rehearsals at Penlu Sports Club on Sundays (Apprentices 4 – 4:30 and full band 4:30 – 7:00) I: Mel Parker T: 07768 924422. W: www.tenburytownband.co.uk Wyre Forest Lacemakers: Meeting from 11am-3pm on 3rd Saturday each month at St Michaels and All Angels Church in Stourport. E: [email protected] Clubs and Societies I: Information - T: Telephone - E: Email - W: Web
70 The Parish of Teme Valley North The Rev’d David Morris Priest in Charge "The Four Rivers Group" 1 Chiltern Close, Great Witley, WR6 6HL Telephone: 01299 896783 or 07891 837194 Email: [email protected] Readers Christine Clarke [email protected] 01299 575055 Mark Wild [email protected] Church Wardens Knighton Vacant Lindridge Vacant Stockton Vacant Pensax Vacant Contact for all Churches Christine Clarke [email protected] 01299 575055 PCC Meryl Roberts [email protected] Lay Chair Hilary Weatherell [email protected] Secretary Peter Clarke [email protected] Treasurer 01299 832267 Children’s Worker Elizabeth Whitehead [email protected] 01584 781651 Parish Safeguarding Officer Eve Cambray [email protected] Temespan Julia Gordon [email protected] Editor 07455 063610 Natalie Rainbird-Hitchins [email protected] Advertising 07792 198638 Nicola Bretherton [email protected] Knighton 07527 200068 Sally Webb [email protected] Stockton 01584 881563 Robin Dean [email protected] Tote 01886 853295 Parish Website www.temevalleynorthparish.co.uk Paul [email protected]
Your first meeting is free! All you have to lose is some of your time. We are always interested in meeting new people and learning new things Why not contact us to see if we can help you, whether it's Tax, VAT, Accounts or just general advice. T: 01584 872 421 E: [email protected]