51 A festival combining the arts and messages on sustainable living into one day is being created by Bewdley Festival in partnership with The Bewdley School. ‘One Earth Festival’ will also feature students from other schools and is taking place on Saturday July 13th at the school itself. The festival will feature over 20 performances across three stages alongside workshops and stalls aimed at educating, engaging and empowering us on how to live more sustainably in a changing world. By working in conjunction with students and teachers, this will empower young people to grasp the opportunity to express their hopes, ideas and concerns for their future. ‘One Earth Festival’ is a day of music, arts activities, presentations and workshops. It features students throughout the day, with popular local artists performing in the evening, the full line up will be announced very shortly. Everything is being organised in combination with students from the school. Bewdley Festival believe that messages such as changing the way that we live can be most effectively delivered to the community in an engaging, fun environment. By linking the Arts into the energy from young people performing in a safe and professional environment, plus by working with local expert groups, we will help build an awareness of both the issues and practical solutions of sustainability as well as providing important and empowering opportunities for young creatives. Students are being empowered and mentored to organise the event as well as performing and participating in the day. This includes creating the artwork, choosing the musicians and the experts who will inform and lead workshops and activities including art, music, poetry and mindfulness. It is estimated over 100 students will be actively involved in ‘One Earth Festival’. Early Bird Tickets are available for the event from March 29th from https://oneearthfestival.org.uk Trevor Price Chair & Partnership Co-ordinator Trustee [email protected] 07990 546905 Festival Office: 01299 404808 Bewdley One Day Music and Sustainability Festival Saturday, July 13
52 Free guided walks along our footpaths and bridleways taking 2-3 hours, off the roads and into the countryside. Everyone welcome but sorry no dogs allowed For further details and any other announcements or changes please visit website www.rockpathfinders.uk email: [email protected] Or ring Alan on 01299 400304 MAY 2024 Thurs May 2, starting at 10.00am The Hampstall Inn Hampstall Ln, Astley Burf, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 0RY Thurs May 16, starting at 10.00am Astley Village Hall Stourport-on-Severn DY13 0RF Rock: Pathfinders
53 Teme Valley Historical Society By Mike Harley Our speaker last month cancelled at the last moment and we were very fortunate to get a replacement at such short notice. Howard Robinson gave a very interesting talk on Oliver Cromwell. He started by telling us that he was a 9th generation relative of Cromwell. Oliver Cromwell was born on 25th April 1599 in Huntingdon. His father Robert was a Member of Parliament, a landlord and Justice of the Peace, and was very active in local affairs. Oliver went to the local grammar school and then went on to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, but this was cut short by his father’s death. Being the only son, he took over his father’s estate and looked after his mother and sisters. In 1620 he married Elizabeth Bourchier, the daughter of Sir James Bourchier, a wealthy merchant from London. His education gave him an evangelical view of God and a deep feeling of responsibility towards his fellow beings. In 1628 he was elected MP for Huntingdon. He then moved to St Ives, Cambridgeshire and became a tenant farmer. Shortly after, his maternal uncle died and he inherited his estate including a lot of land around Ely. During this period Charles I had dismissed Parliament, although this was eventually recalled in 1640, and Cromwell was elected an MP for Cambridge. He was recognized as a powerful orator but thought to be rather outspoken. He disliked many of the burdens imposed by the king’s rule but also objected to the power of the bishops who he believed to be corrupt in their practices which were used for their own benefit. An order was placed before Parliament to curtail the power of the bishops amongst other things and it was passed. Charles did not accept it and entered Parliament in 1641 to arrest 5 members for treason which failed. In 1642 he left London to raise an army but things got so bad that civil war ensued. Charles declared war on Parliament and raised his standard at Nottingham. The first phase of the Civil War was between 1642 and 1646. Crom-
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55 well obtained permission from Parliament to raise an army to defend Cambridge. He proved to be a good administrator, and in subsequent battles at Powick (1642), Newbury (1643), Marston Moor (1644), Naseby (1645) he also got a reputation as a good tactitian in battle. The last battle destroyed Charles army and a lot of credit went to Cromwell. Parliament disbanded the army and there followed a period of uncertainty. Cromwell tried to persuade the king to a constitutional settlement whereby he accepted the authority of Parliament and in return there would be no attempt to abolish the monarchy. People became concerned that Cromwell was trying to have influence in both camps. During this time Charles was detained, having been arrested by the army, but he managed to escape from Hampton Court Palace. He fled to the Isle of Wight and held negotiations with the Scots who agreed to return him to the throne. The second phase of the Civil War 1647 to 1648 saw General Fairfax send Cromwell to the north to fight the Scottish army which he defeated in a battle at Preston, and then went to Scotland and restored order. Cromwell had a period of uncertainty as to what should be done next. Charles was still on the Isle of Wight and further negotiations with him were fruitless. The army grew restless and persuaded Parliament to bring the king to trial for treason. Charles refused to attend and Cromwell amongst others signed his death warrant. He was beheaded on 30th January 1649. Following this the British Isles became a republic known as The Commonwealth of England and was led by a Council of State. Charles II was crowned King of Scotland and formed an army to fight the English in 1650. The Third phase of the Civil War had begun in earnest when the Scottish army made large gains in the north and marched south. The decisive battle took place at Worcester in 1651 and Cromwell destroyed the Scottish army. Further reforms of Parliament took place and Cromwell became Lord Protector in 1653. In 1658 he contracted a malarial fever and then a urinary infection from which he died. We do not have a meeting in June but a summer visit will be arranged.
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57 Teme Valley Wildlife Group By Stephanie Mocroft The patch of grass in front of my house slopes down to the hedge bordering the village lane. It is regularly mowed but can in no way be described as a lawn. It is irregular, uneven and never likely to host Wimbledon-style stripes. Instead, daisies, buttercups and dandelions flourish there and multiple colonies of yellow meadow ants labour ceaselessly to raise their tumps above its surface. The area is damp and waterlogged and its greenness owes more to moss than grass. In old maps the patch is described as an orchard and pig-run. The pigsty is still there but sadly most of the fruit trees are long since gone. One forlorn cherry remains, although last year’s late snowfall took out one of its main branches. The tree no longer bears fruit and is well into the process of decay, but it is kept because of the enjoyment of watching tree creepers and nuthatches searching for insects in the crevices of its bark. It is also a useful place to hang feeders filled with nuts and seeds to attract other avian visitors. Regardless of its rough and ready appearance, the grass provides plenty of opportunities to watch wildlife. In March, I spotted a grey squirrel raking up moss with its paws, gathering large bundles into its mouth, then scaling the trunk of our holly tree where a drey was in the making. He was up and down many times, busily working away at his task. Then I noticed a mistle thrush collecting strands of moss in its beak. He, or she, disappeared into our large yew bush, clearly intent on nest-building too. Meanwhile, behind our house, in a steep sloping orchard grazed by sheep, jackdaws were also at work. These cheeky characters were standing on my ewes’ backs shamelessly pulling out wool by the beakful, presumably preferring warm wool to line their nests. Soon, I shall look forward to seeing the ant tumps in the front grass attract the attention of green woodpeckers. These large birds employ long sticky tongues to slurp up myriads of ants. They are majestic creatures and so brightly coloured that they seem
58 6 Market Square Tenbury Wells WR15 8BW www.norrisandmiles.co.uk [email protected] • Property sale and purchase • Wills and Powers of Attorney • Administration of Estates and Tax Planning • Business and farm sales, purchase and Tenancies • Grant and Review of Easements and Covenants • Prenups and Cohabitation Agreements • Divorce, separation, finance and children Local Legal Advice 01584 810575
59 more suited to a tropical environment than to the homely surroundings of the Teme valley. But they love old meadows and old orchards which is why they are here. Another exotic-looking character, which can be encouraged to thrive in a boggy patch of old grass, is the snakeshead fritillary. This lovely box-shaped flower is not native to Britain, but the jewelled petals which hang down from a slender stalk add a curious beauty to grass in the early spring. A few years ago, inspired by seeing meadows filled with them in Oxford’s Magdalen College grounds, I planted some bulbs in a persistently damp corner. They have thrived, despite being attacked by both pheasants and lily beetles, and they continue to multiply and enjoy the less-than-perfect conditions of my grass that is not a lawn. The next meeting of the Teme Valley Wildlife Group will be at 7:30pm on Thursday May 9th at Stoke Bliss and Kyre Village Hall, WR15 8RR. We welcome Steve Woodison who will be inviting us to “Meet the Owls”, he will be bringing his feathered friends to tell us all about them. Everyone is most welcome and it is just £3 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, please 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] PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MUD RUN!! The Rainbird-Hitchins brothers Cameron (11) and Oliver (18) are gearing up for the Eastnor Castle Mud Run 2024 on Sunday 28th April to raise funds for Cameron's rural school, Stottesdon C of E Primary, specifically for new, safe playground equipment. Here is a link to our JustGiving page if you'd like to help us. Thank you. https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/CameronOllie6KMmudrun
60 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
61 07972 435102 Are you looking for local professional plumbing services? Contact us and we will get your plumbing fixed quickly and efficiently. [email protected]
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63 Installation & removal of old appliance Consumer Unit Upgrades New Build Installations EV Chargers Part & Full Re-wires Security Lighting PAT Testing Same / Next day delivery available Key Cutting Service (In Store only) Car Key or Watch Battery Replacement (In Store only) Testing & Inspection Emergency lighting Fault finding & Repairs G E Bright Electrical Ltd is a family business established in 1952. We are based in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire and provide electrical contracting services throughout Worcestershire, Shropshire & Herefordshire. We are NICEIC Approved contractor, Part P, Trustmark & Constructionline accredited contractors working to the latest British standards. We also have a large retail premises stocked with all major brand appliances ready to be delivered and installed by our own engineers. We deliver within a 25 mile radius of Tenbury. [email protected] 01584 810 286 CONTACT US ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING RETAIL ABOUT US ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING & RETAIL SERVICES 5 TEME STREET, TENBURY WELLS, WR15 8BB www.gebrightelectrical.co.uk Est 1952 Caravan parks & Leisure sites Church Installations TV Wall mounting Re-wiring of antique light fittings & lamps (In Store only)
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65 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
66 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 Christine Clarke [email protected] Stockton 01299 575055 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]