TEMESPAN November 2023 The Month of Remembering
3 Hello Readers - Julia Gordon, your new Temespan editor here (though quite how that happened I’m still not sure!) Anyway, with the on-going help of the wonderful Pete Thorp, I hope I have managed to bring together the various articles and adverts for the November issue of Temespan without too many mistakes. As you can imagine, after 10 years in the driving seat, Pete’s boots are pretty large ones to try to fill, and the same goes for Bill Andrewes, who has been in charge of Advertising during this time, and Peter Morgan, who has been handling Distribution, apparently “since Pontious Pilate” (his words, not mine!) Anyway, this incredible team has decided it’s time to hang up their respective hats and pass the baton (and multiple metaphors) to the new Temespan team. (Ed’s note continued on page. 43, but I promise I won’t make this a habit!!) Index Page Number and Article Editor’s Note Page No: 4: Church Services 7: Message from the Bishop 11: Welcome to Rev. Morris 15: Filling Station 17: Rememberance 19: Knighton Harvest Festival 21: Pensax News 25: WI News 26: Knighton Tote, Wednesday Bridge Club 27: Lindridge Concert 29: Rock Pathfinders 30,31: Services St. Andrews, Stockton Centre Pages: Harvest Festivals 37: Lindridge Parish Council 38. Teme Valley Tote 39. Stanford Christmas Tree Festival 40,41: Lindridge Movie Nights 43: Clows Top Gardening 45, 47: Stockton on Teme News 49,51: Teme Valley Wildlife 53, 55: Teme Valley Historical 57, 59: What’s On Lindridge PH 65: Clubs and Societies 66: Contacts
4 Churches in: Shrawley, Great Witley, Little Witley, Abberley, Knighton, Lindridge, Pensax, Stockton Services in November 2023 Sunday 5th November – 4th Sunday before Advent – All Saints Day 9.30 a.m. 9.30 a.m. 11 a.m. Lindridge Great Witley Abberley St Mary Choral Holy Communion Morning Worship Holy Communion Saturday, 11th November – Remembrance Day 10.45 a.m. Little Witley Remembrance Service Sunday, 12th November – Remembrance Sunday 10.45 a.m. 10.45 a.m. 10.45 a.m. 10.45 a.m. 12 Noon 3 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. Knighton Lindridge Shrawley Abberley St. Mary Great Witley Pensax Memorial Stockton Abberley St Michael Remembrance Service with Holy Communion Remembrance Service Act of Remembrance Remembrance Service Laying of Wreath at Witley Memorial Laying of Wreath with RBL Remembrance Service Service of Remembrance with Communion Saturday, 18th November 2 p.m. Lindridge Concert Sunday, 19th November – 2nd before Advent 9.30 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Great Witley Pensax Abberley St. Mary Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Worship Sunday, 26th November. Sunday next before Advent – Christ the King 9 a.m. 11 a.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. Little Witley Shrawley Stockton Abberley St. Michael Morning Worship Holy Communion Patronal Holy Communion – St. Andrew Celtic Evening Prayer Sunday, 3rd December – 1st Sunday of Advent Year B 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
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7 In October, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham and I led an ecumenical pilgrimage of twenty Roman Catholics and twenty Anglicans to Canterbury. It’s our third pilgrimage – we’d already taken a group to the Holy Land and to Rome but decided to save the best until last! Canterbury is a place full of memories – for me, since I grew up and was confirmed in the Cathedral there; for the Anglican Church, as the setting of our mother cathedral and also for the wider church and society, as the place of the martyrdom of Thomas Beckett in 1170. After his death, Canterbury very quickly grew into a place of pilgrimage from all over the Christian world: devotion to him as someone who stood up for the Church against the King was intense. His memory has been kept alive by that devotion ever since. November is a month of remem bering. We begin the month with the commemoration of All Saints, when we give thanks for all the saints who have gone before us and commend ourselves into their prayers. The following day is All Souls Day, when we give thanks and remember all the faithful departed in prayer, especially those dear to us. Then at Remembrance, we give thanks for all those whose sacrifice in the past has ensured our freedom in the present. What was in my heart in Canterbury was a sense of thanksgiving. That should be our predominate attitude in November – and always and everywhere: ‘it is good and right at all times to give you thanks and praise, heavenly Father, almighty and eternal God.’ We are a Eucharistic community – which means, literally, a ‘thanksgiving community.’ May it be so. THE MONTH OF REMEMBERING Bishop John Inge
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9 My husband is a train enthusiast, so I declare an interest in travelling by rail. Just as pioneers like Stephenson and Brunel had the vision to build the early railways we must also have the vision to recognise that linking the UK’s great towns and cities with modern rail services will be a key part of low-emission transport for this next century and the next. The former county MP, Sir Peter Luff, supported by Worcestershire County Council, had the vision to improve rail connections for the county. This led to the creation of Worcestershire Parkway Station which had its official opening last month. It is now operating well ahead of expectations with over half a million passengers already having used the new facility. It is ideal for people travelling to Birmingham – getting you into to New Street in half an hour and there are great connections to Nottingham, Cardiff and, of course, the trains to London. The station’s popularity has been acknowledged by Cross Country Trains, which is looking to add extra services and I am asking for a Bristol to Manchester service will be added soon and, one day, Plymouth to Newcastle. But I have also been keen to continue to make the case for simple and cost-effective improvements which could bring faster, more frequent and more reliable services for local rail users travelling to London and the South East. There are sections of the Cotswold Line track that should be dualled to make that service better, and I continue to make the case for this investment. There has been a recent, passionate national debate about transport, and I am sure that we will hear more about the future of the new high speed rail service planned between Birmingham and Manchester in due course. I have always supported the new rail capacity for the jobs and growth that it will bring to the Midlands. This country needs a rail vision that will help us to deliver economic growth and a lower carbon transport infrastructure that the Victorians could be proud of. MP’s View By Harriett Baldwin MP
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11 In September we were able to welcome to Teme Valley North, David Morris our new vicar (currently a Priest in Charge but don’t let that worry you). Since then, I have been asked about where he has come from and what he has done, which was a good excuse to satisfy my own curiosity. To put us all in the picture David has writen his own introduction. When you have read David’s article, I think you will agree that we are very lucky to have a new vicar with such a wide experience of the world and such an array of business skills, which I have no doubt he will put to good use. I hope I may extend a warm welcome to David, on behalf of all of us who live in Teme Valley North. Bill Andrewes Reverend David Morris As this is the first of these reflections I suppose I should really say something like “Hello” but I think I’d prefer to start with “Peace be upon you”. I’m sure I’ve met some of you already but for those who don’t know me I’m Reverend David Morris and am the new Priest in Charge. I won’t give you a potted history of my life as I’m sure that there will be plenty of time to do that in the coming weeks, months and years – do be warned though, I can talk for rather a long time! I’ve been married to Kerry for 35 years (I’m sure time accelerates as you get older) with us meeting at Aston University in Birmingham. For those who like details, I studied Transport and Urban Planning with a subsidiary of Mathematics – so I’m interested in all things transport related but these days am really committed to cycling. I’ve built the bikes that I ride (except for making the WELCOME TO OUR NEW VICAR REVEREND DAVID MORRIS
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13 frames) so I probably have enough tools and spare bits to repair most bikes. I have found since moving here that my average speed has dropped as there doesn’t seem to be much that’s flat around here! We have two adult daughters, our eldest Hannah is married and lives near Cardiff, whilst our youngest Abigail lives in Liverpool. In terms of sport, I love cycling so you’ll probably find me turning up to events in cycling gear. But whilst I love cycling, I’m passionate about rugby and the Wales rugby team. I’m a WRU member and always disappear for one weekend in the six nations to be in the Principality stadium in Cardiff (next year it’s for Wales vs. Scotland). I’d love to be able to say I’m 100% Welsh heritage (I can speak a fair bit of Welsh and my father was a first language Welsh speaker) but like everyone else I’m a bit Heinz 57 being half Welsh, three eights English, one sixteenth Scottish and one sixteenth Swedish. However, I don’t expect to be playing internationally anytime soon unless there’s a cycling competition for over 60’s cycling vicars – which let’s face it is a bit niche. However, if anyone fancies a bike ride or a kick around, I’ve got a spare bike and a rugby ball! Prior to ordination I had a career in Supply Chain so have done various things such as helped to build a lot of cars, helped to design Sainsbury’s home delivery operation and latterly worked in the Healthcare sector with both public and private organisations. I finished my corporate working life being in charge of technology so as my colleagues would say I was “chief anorak”. I was ordained in 2009 as a Minister in Secular Employment which meant I carried on with the day job, did ministry at work with typical parish duties at the weekend. I became a full time Rector in 2014 and spent over nine years in the Bowbrook Group. This is a rural group of 8 churches and 4 church schools (I find working together with schools particularly rewarding) on the eastern side of Worcester. If you listen to the Archers, the church in it is based on Hanbury which is one of this group – unfortunately they never asked me onto the radio. I have a passion for rural ministry and am also the Chairman of the Chaplaincy to Agricultural and Rural Life. I feel particularly blessed to be called to such a marvellous area where it is particularly easy to experience God in creation. I look forward to working with everyone as we look to discern what God
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15 The next meeting of the above will be held on Thursday 16th November at Eastham Memorial Hall, Eastham, Worcs. WR15 8NP at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start when Rev. Robert Barlow will be speaking to us. Robert is now retired but still serves within the churches in Teme Valley South. He was previously Priest-in-Charge of Teme Valley South, formerly held the post of Agricultural and Rural Chaplain in this area, and spent time as interim Rector of Dudley. 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 on: [email protected] would have us do in the nascent rural mission area. It’s too early to say what that might look like, but I believe that if we trust in Jesus, all will come into focus. I’m a great believer that we all have our own God given gifts and skills which need to be encouraged and nurtured. Everyone has something to offer to help build the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we don’t recognise that in ourselves so I hope to be able to support as many people’s ministries as possible. There’s a lovely part of the letter to the Ephesians at the beginning of chapter 4: “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” And if we all satisfy that, we are truly treading where the Spirit calls. God bless, DM. P.S. If I drop by to see you, I prefer tea to coffee but only drink decaf – or perhaps a gin or cider but the last two are only when I’m not driving. The Filling Station
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17 Have I mentioned to you before that Autumn is my favourite season of the year? The crispness of dry leaves underfoot, autumnal colours of foliage and berries. Childhood memories of laughter with my sister as we two and the dogs jumped in and out of the leaf piles father was clearing up. Though, father didn’t find these high jinks as funny as we did! As the air temperature cools and the amount of moisture the air can hold lessens, there are often fewer clouds to veil the sky and we are treated to a magnificent pure blue hue making the sky seem even bigger. Yet, with all these thoughts of beautiful creation and memories, my mind often takes me to thinking how such magnificent visuals might have felt to all those living through WW1 and WWII. And, let’s not forget about today’s wars and conflicts. The juxtaposition of creation and destruction, beauty and pain which so often flow together imbedding themselves into our lives and subconsciousness can often be challenging for us. For many of us November is a time of Remembrance, as we commemorate those who paid the ultimate price in those awful times in human history, and we pray for peace. In 4Rivers Churches there is a service on Remembrance Day itself at Little Witley (11th November), and, we also hold a variety of services on Remembrance Sunday (12th November); ranging from a short time laying wreaths at memorials, to fuller services in various churches. Please see our Service Rota later in this magazine. We welcome everyone to these services. Paying the ultimate price is something Jesus understood well. As we read in the Gospel of John ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.’ It’s a reading that is often used at this time of year as it talks of the act of the ultimate service to others in sacrificing oneself for the good of others. Though, scripture is talking of Jesus willingly going to his earthly death on the cross of crucifixion before his resurrection Christine Clarke Licensed Lay Minister Email:[email protected] REMEMBERANCE
18 News from Lindridge Nursery It has been a busy start to the term at Lindridge Nursery. The children have explored the topic 'All About Me' contributing photos from home to make a family book that has been shared with the class during circle time. The children have loved talking about their families with their friends and our weekly story 'Things I Like' has encouraged lots of discussion on favourite toys, games and activities. The children have produced their own mini-me stick puppets, painted and drawn lovely pictures of themselves and family members and have created tissue paper collages. The playdough table has been a favourite with all the children who have used loose parts to make faces and other creations such as hedgehogs with spiky stick 'prickles' and long wiggly worms like those observed during outdoor exploring in our forest area. Our trips to the forest school area are a highlight of the week for the children and staff alike. We visit twice a week and it has been lovely to take time to listen to the sounds of nature together, make mud pies, dig for worms and explore the many dens and shelters built by the older children. Even the youngest children have been working hard to independently get themselves ready into their overtrousers and wellies and there is such excitement to count and say hello to the chickens on route! We have so much to look forward to in Nursery over the coming weeks. The children will be busy learning a nursery rhyme to perform in the school talent contest for Children in Need and we will begin to explore the topic of Autumn and Harvest with a visit to the church. If you would like to come and visit the Nursery to find out more then please contact the school office. We would like to invite all children under the age of 5 and their parents/carers to join us in our forest school area on Thursday 30th November at 9:30am for a Christmas themed 'make and take' activity, story and biscuits (with homemade cake for the grown ups!) Please call or email the school office to book a place and for more details 01584 881466 [email protected]
19 for the good of humankind, bringing in the time of reconciliation, repairing the broken relationship between God and humankind in the person and love of Jesus himself. Thankfully, there are less drastic ways of giving ourselves in service, and you may already be doing this in your personal life: helping others who are in need, giving to charity in time or financially, helping your local church with its variety of voluntary roles, praying for others. Whatever you are doing in November, we hope to see you in Church on Sundays, but if we don’t, then please know that we in 4Rivers Churches welcome and pray for the wellbeing of all people in our communities. First, we need to say a very special thank you to all those who have worked so hard to keep the show on the road during the Church’s interregnum year. So, it was a particular joy to welcome Rev. David Morris, our new Vicar, to his first Service at St Michael’s last month. David was here again on the eighth of October for our Harvest Festival Service. The Church was quite beautifully dressed with the most wonderful flower arrangements everywhere, and the absolutely stunning display of harvest produce. We owe a very special ‘Thank You’ to all our flower arrangers for what was agreed to be the best Harvest Festival display that anyone can remember. We were also blessed with such beautiful weather that, after the Service, we were able to have tea and coffee outside in the Churchyard, an added blessing, and all thanks to Chris and John Ruffles for that. Altogether we feel that everything is going very well for Knighton. Long may it last! See page 34 for color photographs HARVEST TIME AT ST. MICHAEL’S KNIGHTON-ON-TEME
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 At the council meeting on the 19th of September, the council continued its action on following up the results of the year-long consultation on the proceeds from the sale of the village hall in 2021. Three new defibs have been put in place in Stockton, Pensax and by the Bell PH, giving far closer access to the distributed communities that make up the parish and free training is planned for the 3rd of October at the Old Chapel Hall on Menithwood for residents to learn and be more confident in using defib machines. The Council also agreed on the budget for an innovative new scheme to improve footpaths around the Parish by helping landowners replace stiles and inaccessible footpaths. Those with mobility issues and older walkers are discouraged from regular exercise and improvements to their well-being by the difficulties they face with stiles, along with those with dogs or pushchairs. Pensax Parish Council will offer every local landowner the opportunity to replace and upgrade their step stiles to become accessible gates by providing a replacement metal, galvanised, BS5709:2018-compliant gate. Engaged landowners are offered trailhead waste bins, small signage, and information boards – education for the responsible path user. With the Lengthsman’s help installing these, we hope these gates will open the network for responsible path users. Contact the [email protected] The council is also looking at the issue of ‘green space’ for Pensax which formed a key issue during the recent consultation. The parish council is keen for the community to be involved in the search and investigation of how and where a community green space for Pensax might work. If you are interested in being part of this or have suggestions for ideas or land, please contact the Clerk. [email protected] There have been several complaints about traffic speed PENSAX PARISH COUNCIL
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23 through Pensax on the B4202, especially in the 40mph zone. The police have scarce data about any accidents or incidents and ask that if local residents have any knowledge of these to contact the Safer Neighbourhoods team [email protected]. Worcester County Council have recently installed verge-master posts to the road south of the Bell Public House. As ever please see penspexparish. org for more details and the full minutes and reports Stu Meese Chair “MID-WEEK BREAK” Please note that our next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 8th November 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 Wednesday between 10.30am and 12 noon. Spend time chatting with friends, old and new, over drinks and biscuits. For more information contact Kate Harley – 01584 881194 All are welcome
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 Menith Wood WI Philip Bowen gave an excellent illustrated talk to members on Monday 2nd October on “The Gunpowder Plot” at Lindridge Parish Hall. Raffle prizes consisted of a pack of Bowketts Recipe sausages (bangers!) and indoor sparklers – all to match the theme! He began his talk with calling the plot the biggest act of terrorism, even though it was foiled! The persecution of Catholics began in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and continued through the reign of King James, who on ascending to the throne had promised a more lenient approach towards them. The plotters, headed up by Robert Catesby, felt let down and their aim was primarily to kill the king and restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. An anonymous letter to search Westminster Palace during the early hours of 5th November 1605 found Guido Fawkes guarding the gunpowder in a cellar beneath the House of Lords. The plotters were all either killed while resisting arrest or tried and executed. A real eye-opener to us all of the history behind our Bonfire and Fireworks night events. We also celebrated our 23rd birthday at this meeting, the cutting of the cake by two of our founder members, Sue Lee and Jean Rudd. Skittles this month will be on Friday 17th November – 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 once again be donated to Tenbury Hospital. Our next members’ meeting will be on Monday 6th November when Liz Dove will be demonstrating and
26 MID-WEEK BREAK CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS Lindridge Parish Hall Wednesday 6th December – 2.00pm to 4.00pm We would love you to join us for an afternoon of Christmas poems, readings and carols with festive refreshments on Wednesday 6th December from 2pm-4pm in Lindridge Parish Hall. For more information contact Kate Harley – 01584 881194 All are welcome RE CLOSING DATE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE DOUBLE EDITION FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY IS NOVEMBER 6TH JULY 205 JANE HUGHES £30.00 136 DAVID BUNN £20.00 69 CHERRY MARSH £10.00 AUGUST 33 NIKKI BRETHERTON £30.00 52 MRS V MORGAN £20.00 145 MRS J HIGGINSON £10.00 SEPTEMBER 115 DR N COX £30.00 85 MRS A AUDSLEY £20.00 93 MRS L WALSH £10.00 KNIGHTON ON TEME 300 CLUB TOTE
27 COME AND JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON CONCERT TO CELEBRATE A VARIETY OF MUSICAL VARIETY LINDRIDGE CHURCH 18TH NOVEMBER 2PM £15 PER ADULT (Free tickets for accompanied Children) (TO INCLUDE DRINKS, HOT PORK/BEEF ROLL, & SALAD (VEGETARIAN OPTIONS) Tickets available online: Or by Googling Donorbox TVN Or from Peter Clarke 07805 122348 [email protected] having us taste edible Christmas Gifts. 2.15pm for a 2.30pm start at Lindridge Parish Hall, Eardiston. We have planned an Autumn Lunch (see advertisement in this magazine) on Thursday 16th November which will be held at Lindridge Parish Hall. Tickets £7.50 for hot lunch, dessert, tea/coffee to be served at 12.30pm, and there will also be a raffle. Donation will be to a local charity. 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]
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29 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: mdsskev@rockpathfinders. uk Or ring Alan on 01299 400304 NOVEMBER 2023 Thursday 02.11.23 starting at 10.00am Church Lane Lay-By Far Forest Kidderminster DY14 9TP Thursday 16.11.23 starting at 10.00am Stourport Kitchen & Farm Shop Walshes Farm Dunley Road Stourport DY13 0AA Rock: Pathfinders WANTED… Pre School children and their families to come and have fun! Come and join us for Christmas fun in the forest area at Lindridge St Lawrence CE VA Primary School on Thursday 30th November from 9:30Ͳ10:30am. We will be making a Christmas decoration and enjoying a story whilst munching on a biscuit or a piece of cake. For more information and to book a free place please message the office: [email protected] or call 01584 881466
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34 HARVEST FESTIVAL TIME St Michael’s Knighton-on-Teme on page 19
35 St Andrew’s Stockton on pages 45 & 47
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37 At the Parish Council meeting held on 13th September 2023, the following items were discussed: • Eight members of the public attended the public question time and raised issues concerning the telephone mast which is proposed to be located in the layby known as “Devil’s Pitch” just on the exit from the Parish into Stockton. Questions were also raised in connection with the possible development of new homes on redundant ground near to Cutmill Bridge. The Parish Council provided detailed explanations of the current situation on both these issues. • End of year financial summary was provided to the Parish Council. • Updates from the Parish Hall Committee and the Parish Footpath Warden were provided. • Road and drainage issues raised. Full details of the Minutes of the meeting can be found at Welcome to Lindridge Parish Council - Lindridge Parish Council Our next Parish Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th November at 7pm at Lindridge Parish Hall, Eardiston. Lindridge Parish Council Rachel Lambert Clerk to Lindridge Parish Council RE CLOSING DATE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE DOUBLE EDITION FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY IS NOVEMBER 6TH
38 ST MICHAELS CHURCH Oldwood Rd, Tenbury WR15 8PH CHRISTMAS ART & CRAFT FAIR Saturday 18th November 10am – 4pm Art, various media – ceramics – wood – jewellery – woold – dioramas – cards – photography – Christmas wreath making demonstrations, and more … Free entry Refreshments – tea/coffee/cake Details from Julie 07807 373132 [email protected] October’s Draw (the seventh draw in this series) October’s prize draw of the Tote was decided when Rev'd Julia Curtis rolled the dice on 1st October to select the set of random numbers and the starting point. As a result, the prize winners are as follows: The £50 winner is Mr WR Austin of Lindridge (Draw no 191) The £30 winners are Family Burgoyne of Stanford (Draw no 501) The £20 winner is Michael Gwilt of Stoke Bliss (Draw no 868) You are still able to take part in the Tote. If you have any queries – please contact Robin Dean on 01886 Robin Dean Teme Valley Tote Organiser 01886 853295 [email protected] Teme Valley Tote
39 Stanford Church Christmas Tree Festival 2023 S T . M A R Y ' S C H U R C H - S T A N F O R D W R 6 6 S H I N S U P P O R T O F N I N E V E H R I D G E C A R E F A R M A N D S T M A R Y ’ S , S T A N F O R D S A T 2 N D D E C 1 P M T O 7 P M S U N 3 R D D E C 1 1 A M T O 4 P M Free Admission We invite you to celebrate the most beautiful time of the year with us. Come and see some fantastic trees, enjoy the music, light refreshments and Christmas ambiance and help raise funds for two great local charities Music Refreshments C A R O L S I N G I N G O N S U N D A Y 3 R D 4 P M T O 5 P M S U N D A Y S E R V I C E A T 8 . 3 0 A M
40 LINDRIDG PARIH HALL Thur 2 Nov 2023, 2:00 pm Drifting through Europe after fleeing political violence in India that killed the family restaurant business and their mother, the Kadams arrive in France. Once there, a chance auto accident and the kindness of a young woman, Marguerite, in the village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val inspires Papa Kadam to set up a Indian restaurant there. Unfortunately, this puts the Kadams in direct competition with the snobbish Madame Mallory's acclaimed haute cuisine establishment across the street where Marguerite also works as a sous-chef, resulting in an escalating rivalry that threatens to go too far. Starring Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayalish Dayal There will be an interval during this screening Lunch (£3.50) at 1pm followed by the film £5.00) at 2pm. Please book lunch at least 48 hours in advance via www.artsalive.co.uk or by calling 01584 881747 Tickets £3.50/£5.00 nquiries 01584 881615 122 mins www.artsalive.co.uk THE HUNDRED FOOT JOURNEY
41 MIION IMPOIL - DAD RCKONING PART ON LINDRIDG PARIH HALL at 18 Nov 2023, 7.30 pm than Hunt and the IMF team must track down a terrifing new weapon that threatens all of humanit if it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, a deadl race around the gloe egins. Confronted a msterious, all-powerful enem, than is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than the mission -- not even the lives of those he cares aout most. tarring Reecca Ferguson, Tom Cruise, Pom Klementieff There will e an interval during this screening. The licensed ar will e open from 7 pm. There’s no need to ook eforehand. Tickets £3.00/£5.00 nquiries 01584 881615 163 mins www.artsalive.co.uk
42 • 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
43 Clows TopDistrict Gardening Club Our next meeting is on November 22, which is the AGM and Social Evening. The business part will not detain us long; then we will be enjoying the supper provided by our generous members. This will be our last get together of the year; it will be 2024 when we meet up again. Looking back over the meetings this year, we have enjoyed some wonderful talks by amazingly knowledgeable speakers. We are so lucky to have access to such a depth of experience, so entertainingly delivered. Just a pity that there are not more people present to enjoy them. We would be thrilled to be signing up some new members in January. Do come and give us a try, it's only £10 a year with £2 on the night to cover the cost of the refreshments. Until November, “May The Weather Be With You" (as said by Peter Gibbs on Gardeners Question Time.) Your new Temespan team is Natalie Rainbird Hitchins: Advertising; Nicola Bateman Distribution; and of course me, Julia Gordon as Editor. Our contact information is given at the back of the magazine. We all look forward to continuing the great work of Pete, Bill and Peter, to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks, on behalf of the community, for all their hard work over the past decade and more. As you’ll see there’s a lot going on in the parish this month, so as Pete would say, why not find a “comfy chair” and take a moment to catch up on the local news and make a note of the events, services and meetings you’d like to attend in the month ahead. Enjoy! Ed P.S. No prizes given for the most errors discovered, but please email me if you do see something odd. Thank you. Editor’s Note continued....
44 Maggs is a Worcestershire-based charity that supports the homeless and vulnerable. We provide a lifeline to help people survive the worst of what life throws at them. Operating through two open-door day centres in Worcester and Malvern, we provide our service users with the comfort of a cooked breakfast, showers, clothing, washing and drying facilities, as well as help with referrals, housing, benefits, and appointments. Our Clothing Project, which is run solely on donations from the public, provides basic essentials, like underwear, sleeping bags, and toiletries as well as houseware items like kettles, cutlery, etc., to those who have secured housing. Our Accommodation Project helps provide rough sleepers with a 'stepping-stone' back into permanent housing and helps them to develop strategies to cope with the challenges of living in accommodation after having been on the streets for years. Our high level of service is made possible by volunteers and donations from the local community and businesses in the area. Please visit our website to learn more about Maggs, and to find out how to Volunteer and Donate https://www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk
45 New Defibrillator We now have a shiny new defibrillator, mounted in a special cabinet on the side of Stockton Court Farm, where there is space to pull up and park safely in the event of an emergency. The box is powered to keep the battery in pristine condition. It is also locked, to prevent tampering, and registered with the West Midlands Ambulance service. In an emergency, when you call 999 for an ambulance, they can give you the code to unlock the box. From then on, the defibrillator machine will speak to you, talking you through in simple, clear steps, exactly what to do. Ten Stockton residents attended a free training session on Tuesday 3rd October. This and the box were provided by the generosity of Pensax Parish Council, using funds from the sale of their village hall, and we are enormously grateful to Stu Meese for organising this on our behalf. Village events Parish EGM Meeting This took place on Tuesday 16th October. All Stockton residents were invited to attend and to vote. An agenda was circulated the week before, and minutes detailing what was discussed and decided sent round the week after, both via the Parish email list. If you would like to be added to this list, please email Kate on [email protected] The Friends of St Andrew’s met on Sunday 17th September. Among the items discussed were (1) permissions and grant funding applications to carry out essential maintenance and repair work to address water ingress and ensure the roof is sound, to protect our beautiful and historNews from Stockton on Teme
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47 ically important village church for future years. (2) Plans for a special Quiz Evening, to be held on March 1st in 2024. The aim is to have fun while raising funds for the church repairs. Supper will be included. More information to come: watch this space! Services in St Andrew’s Sunday 8th October: Harvest Thanksgiving and supper. The latest in our series of themed, seasonal services focussed on celebrating the hard work of Stockton’s farming community and on giving thanks for the natural gifts we all enjoy. At the heart of this gathering was a special talk by Richard Powell on farming hops in the Teme Valley. A special collection was made of donations for the Droitwich Foodbank. Thank you to everyone who contributed towards this vital work. Future Worship in St Andrew’s Sunday 12th November 4pm: A Service of Remembrance Sunday 26th November 4pm: Holy Communion to mark the Feast of St Andrew, our Patron Saint. Sunday 17th December 4pm: A Stockton Children’s Nativity, followed by mulled wine, mince pies and nibbles in the church. This village carol service is for all the family. There will be costumes for children to dress up in, as characters from the story of the First Christmas in Bethlehem, live music and carols to sing your heart out to. Sunday 14th January 4pm: Worship for All. [Harvest Festival Flower photos on page 35]
48 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
49 TEME VALLEY WILDLIFE GROUP by Stephanie Mocroft Visiting parks and gardens is a great way to get some fresh air, enjoy open spaces and look out for wildlife. The National Open Garden Scheme promotes lots of local gardens, many of which also offer tea and cake, always a winning combination. I make sure to drop in at Tenbury Tourist Information Centre early each year and pick up brochures for our three counties of Worcestershire, Shropshire, and Herefordshire. Some communities operate outside the scheme and do their own advertising, so I keep an eye out for those too. I shall for ever be grateful to the people of St Michael’s who threw open their gardens at the earliest opportunity after lock-down. I found it such a relief to return to normality and the day was made even more memorable by a flypast from the Red Arrows. This year is no different and so far, I have visited a Neen Sollars garden showcasing an arboretum planted up a vertiginous slope, a formal garden along the Ledwyche Brook hosting carpets of bluebells and gorgeous cherry blossom and an organic garden in Stoke Lacy decked in an extravaganza of autumn colour. All the gardens worked with nature, all embraced water, either in ponds or streams, and all were home to Insects and birds who busied themselves amongst the flowers and trees. I also went to two larger sites, the National Trust’s Croome Park and privately-owned Spetchley Park. At Croome, the landscape of a formal estate is slowly being brought back to life after many decades of neglect. Capability Brown spent years advising on the huge groundworks that gave the Earl of Coventry rolling acres, a serpentine lake and eye-catching
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