The Bromsgrove Oracle March & April 2018 by The Bromsgrove Oracle

MAR /APR 2018

IN THIS ISSUE: St Johns Nursing Home Celebrates 25th Anniversary The Garden Room opens at Singletons Nurseries Spice Valley Balti turns Purple for Charity

Welcome to the March & April edition of The Bromsgrove & Redditch Oracle. As the cover photo shows, the Daffodils are beginning to bloom and this usually signifies we are well on our way to a new Spring season and hopefully some drier and warmer weather. I don’t know about you but I always feel much better when Spring arrives and we get back to longer and lighter days, more colour in the gardens and looking forward to getting out and about a bit more. Also on a positive note, the re-branded magazine has had some very good feedback and aligning it with our other business has already begun to show some very definite synergies and opportunities for the future and we hope this will help us with our quest to unite the local community with local businesses.Thank you once again for taking the time to browse through the magazine, I hope you find it informative and useful and if you would like any additions to the magazine, please don’t hesitate to provide me with your suggestions. Hope you enjoy this edition and don’t forget YOU can provide YOUR events, news and information too ?. Until next time. Lyndon.

A Selection of Local Stories and Information: St Johns Nursing Home Celebrates 4 Charity Restaurant turns Purple for Events News This Month’s Recipe 6 Home and Interiors Feature 10 Learning how to ‘Do It Yourself The Garden Room opens at Singletons 12 Community News 14 Save the Date (Events Feature) 16 Community Event News NWU Networking Feature 23 Dachshunds Dressed for the Occas Spice Valley Balti Charity Feature 24 & 25 Broad Street DIY “Skills Night” 28 Health Feature 34 Reddfest 2018 – 2 Day Festival 38 Dachshunds Dressed for the Occasion 42 SVB Centre Spread:March April 2018

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Broad Street DIY page edit:March April 2018

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A Bromsgrove Balti restaurant turned purple for a night when it held a fundraising dinner in aid of the Stroke Association. Guests were asked to wear something purple for the event at Spice Valley Balti on the 29th January.

Spice Valley Balti catered for a packed restaurant when it hosted a night of food, fun and fundraising at its Worcester Road venue in Bromsgrove.

Guests were treated to live music on arrival, courtesy of Alvechurch singer Alicia Benbowʼs mellow mix of easy listening jazz. There followed a threecourse dinner prepared by chef Muhammad Uddin, with an elegant fusion of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. Local comedian Tristan Harris entertained the audience during the dessert course.

[L-R] Claire Pell, Alicia Benbow, Muhammad, Gias and Monir Uddin

Euan Rose with his son AJ.

£28 was collected in tins placed on each table, making a total of £511 raised by the event.

Alicia Benbow, Claire and Becca Pell, Josh Johns and Tristan Harris

Since electing to support the Stroke Association in October last year, Spice Valley Balti has now raised nearly £800. Staff hope to increase this to over £1000 soon with further charity initiatives planned for the coming months.

Profit from ticket sales amounted to £248 and a raffle held on the evening raised a further £235. All the raffle prizes had been given by the following local businesses Broad Street DIY, Cupitt Jeweller, Sarahʼs Feisty Flavours, Shooting 4 Fun, The Bromsgrove Oracle, Singletonʼs Nurseries, and Big Splash Communications. The restaurant donated a £25 voucher and there were two prizes from the Stroke Association.

Bromsgrove resident Euan Rose, who suffered a stroke in September 2017 and has been supported by Bromsgroveʼs Life After Stroke Centre, said: “The fundraising dinner was a unique and fun night. From the rich warm jazz vocals of Alicia Benbow to the dry humour of the afterdinner stand-up comedy of Tristan Harris it sparkled. These were the bookends of a sumptuous feast of Indian cuisine at its finest. I feel lucky to have been there.”

Clent Hills edit page:March April 2018

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Richard [front left] and Michael Childs. Sharon [right back] and Lisa Childs.

Weʼre incredibly grateful to the team at Spice Valley Balti for their continued support. The money will go a long way in helping to support people living in Worcestershire whose lives have been impacted by this devastating condition.”

Spice Valley Balti was opened in Bromsgrove in 2000 by three brothers Gias, Monir and Muhammad Uddin. The award-winning restaurant has earned a strong reputation with dinners for its freshly prepared dishes, made with local ingredients wherever possible. While Indian food is often full of calories, SVB uses very little oil or fat in the cooking process, creating a menu which is considerably healthier than many meals served in Indian restaurants.

Guest Frances Bromsgrove s donʼt realise h basic DIY you Page 1 until you need thing. It was re to attend this e be able to ask questions.”

event last month we invited to wear their festive jumper or par with prizes for the be Judges Tim Easter a Staff at the Worcester RoadEmily Ashdown awa first prize to Moose, hardware store were looked adorable in h supported by local trades- reindeer outfit.

For reservations call 01527 578989

[L-R] Guests Frances Lasok, Josh Johns, Tom Hubscher and Anne Corbett with staff from Broad Street DIY

Local young people learned how to tackle a wide range of DIY tasks when they attended a free event held at Broad Street DIY in Bromsgrove on Thursday 15th February.

men who attended the event to provide specialist knowledge. Decorator Darren Waldron was on hand with decorating IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Ryan Messen Around thirty-five people tips; plumber The attended ʻEssentiala DIY Skills Diseaseand – a condition ‘Know Yourfor advice Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by “We live in an o Pete gave athe Young Peopleʼ event was whereShepherd cartilage between Breed’ Dachshund event lots of little thin demonstration; spinal degenerates aimed atand eighteen to thirty at Clent Hills Vets in error in printing of the advert. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods services aresilicone fairdiscs and accurate. need doing. Le over electrician time, causingScott a degree on Monday and Blunn yearBromsgrove olds – a generation basic skills wil The Bromsgrove racle does not endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. of back problems, the most Prize-winner January The event showed the variety of identified as 29. lacking many time and mone Moose serious being paralysis. brought together No part of this publicaion may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior consent of the publisher. different light bulb fittings of the basic skills required IVDD can affect around one same-breed pet owners which are available and AmyBroad to carry out routine repairs Street Holloway, ClenD in four Dachshunds during and their dogs, for an tips for choosing Vetʼsknown and evening improvements at home. provided marketing man for hold their lifetime. of information,

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St Johns Care Home edit page:March April 2018

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Business NewsNews Local Business Care Home Celebrates 25th Anniversary Run by Shaw healthcare, the home is a dual-registered service specialising in nursing dementia care and enduring mental health, and has previously won a national Caring Times award for the best dementia care. In its most recent Care Quality Commission inspection, the home was rated to be ʻgoodʼ.

[L - R] - Suzanne Hughes (Deputy CEO, Shaw), Lorraine Mavengere (home manager), Donna Tallett (deputy home manager)

A Worcestershire care home celebrated 25 years of delivering care to its residents, in January. St Johnʼs care home, in Droitwich, marked the occasion with drinks, cake and musical entertainment from local singer, David Lawrence.

Residents, family members, and staff (past and present) were joined by special guests including the Vice Chairman of Wychavon Council, Cllr Tony Rowley; the Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Cllr Shaun Best; and Gina Dutton of Worcester Universityʼs dementia studies unit.

The celebrations also included recognition of John Griffin, the homeʼs longest-serving mental health nurse, as well as the longest serving across all of Shawʼs West Midlandsʼ Volunteering can services. He said: “For change lives! some, 25 years in the same job at the same Inspire may people be and change place too much, lives by volunteering in your but for me, itʼs been a local community. pleasure. Iʼve worked alongside fantastic Train as an Onside volunteer advocate, mentor, befriender. colleagues and met Or volunteer in our NEW inspirational residents.” Cafe/Bakery? Please get in touch to find

Shaw healthcare out more & get your is one of the UKʼs leading health application pack today . and social care providers. Established in 1986, it provides specialist care to individuals in nursing and residential homes, hospitals, supported living arrangements, extra care schemes and domiciliary care settings. Onside Independent Advocacy

T: 01905 27525

Inspiring

Williamson House

F: 01905 28554

in people

14 Charles Street

E: info@onside-advocacy.org.uk

Worcester WR1 2AQ

W: www.onside-advocacy.org.uk

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Charity No. 1102022

and comm

St Johns Nursing Home

St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walk Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 8EU A nursing dementia home situated in the picturesque town of Droitwich Spa in north Worcestershire. Just a short walk from the towns amenities and views over the river Salwarpe. The home is built around a huge glass atrium, bringing the Worcester sunshine into all areas. Care and the individual are at the very heart of this service where our core values of wellness, happiness and kindness are embellished each day. A caring staff group on hand at all times, residents are offered single en-suite rooms as standard. Beautiful secure mature gardens for residents and families to enjoy.

Nursing Dementia Care Please call Lorraine Mavengere the Home Manager to arrange a viewing on:

01905 794 506 or email: StJohns.Manager@shaw.co.uk

shawhealthcare

www.shaw.co.uk

Spice Crusted

Baked Salmon Fillets Serves 6

Ready in 1 hour

This salmon dish is ideal for easy weekend entertaining. Bake the day before and when cold cover and chill in the fridge overnight. Allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

• 6 x 150g salmon fillets • 2tsp mild chilli powder • 2tsp ground coriander • 2tsp ground cumin • 1/2tsp freshly ground black pepper • Squeeze of lemon or lime juice • 2tbsp olive oil TO SERVE • 6tbsp mayonnaise or soured cream • 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped • Zest and juice from 1 lime • Lime wedges and spring onion curls (see tip) to garnish

Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C Fan, Gas 6. Run your fingers along the top of the salmon fillets and remove any fine bones with tweezers. Mix together the spices and rub over the surface of the salmon fillets. Season with a little salt. Place the salmon pieces in a foil-lined roasting tin. Whisk together the lime or lemon juice and oil and drizzle over the salmon. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the salmon is just cooked to the centre. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely. Arrange the cold salmon fillets on a platter. Mix together the mayonnaise or soured cream, spring onions and lime zest and juice. Serve the salmon and mayonnaise garnished with lime wedges and spring onion curls.

TIP To make spring onion curls use a sharp knife to thinly shred a few spring onions. Place in a bowl of iced water and leave in the fridge for about 1 hour until curled. Drain on kitchen paper before using.

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Care Home News Local Business News New Sister Care Home for Burcot Grange

The Lodge at Burcot Grange in Bromsgrove opened in December 2017, bringing additional residential, dementia and respite care services to the local area. Sitting in five acres of perfectly maintained gardens, Burcot Grange is a well-established care home at the heart of the Burcot community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; having opened in 1992. The Home now shares its site with its new sister home. Vicky Osborne, who manages both care homes, has been leading the experienced team for over 15 years, and said:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As well as an active calendar of events, restaurant, hair salon and coffee shop, we believe meal times should be an enjoyable experience. Our team of chefs offer varied menus that change with each season and are always nutritionally balanced.â&#x20AC;?

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Call 0121 514 0615 | Visit cinnamoncc.com The Lodge at Burcot Grange Care Home 23 Greenhill, Burcot, Bromsgrove, B60 1BJ

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Home & Interiors Spring Clean with Style

By Katherine Sorrell

Sweep, brush, wash and scrub. When spring sunlight shows up the corners of your home that need attention, it’s time to pop on your pinny and get to work. And cleaning is so much more enjoyable when the tools you use are both efficient and good-looking.

Tips for efficienT cleaning • For a proper fresh start, begin by tidying all the mess that has built up over the last year. Sort it out into piles of rubbish, things to give away, stuff that needs mending and everything else that needs to find a rightful home. Ta da ou have created much more space in your home and plenty of room to get cleaning. • Be prepared. Work out what jobs you are going to tackle, wear appropriate clothing and gather together all the necessary tools and products. A spacious caddy will come in very handy. • Divide tasks into five key areas vacuuming, dusting, mopping/ scrubbing, washing and wiping, and polishing. Don t forget specific jobs such as turning mattresses, spot-cleaning upholstery, cleaning the oven, defrosting the fridge, descaling the shower head and beating rugs. ou may also get super-organised and add in those less frequent tasks such as steam-cleaning the carpets or having the chimney swept. • our basic principles of cleaning should be to work from top to bottom and tackle dry chores before wet ones. Decide whether to do one room at a time or one task at a time throughout the whole house. Put some music on and enjoy the process – your home will be gleaming before you know it.

Get your cleaning kit in order drawers, shelves and hooks will all help. Collection of laundry and utility items, all Garden Trading. Store your household essentials in one convenient place – a functional and good looking box that’s perfect for carrying round the house. Living Nostalgia French grey housekeeping tin, £24.95, Kitchen Craft. With a warm, inviting and natural scent, this polish is made by a beekeeper in the Cotswold Hills. The cream formula helps to clean and nourish wooden furniture and oors, and is great for cleaning leather, too. Cotswold beeswax polish, £12, Cottage in the Hills. From the slender yet sturdy oil-treated beech handles to the traditional horsehair bristles and aesthetically pleasing pan, these sets have a minimalist yet functional beauty. ris antverk long-handled dustpan set in black, £55, Caroline McGrath. When designer Ole Jensen was doing the dishes, he hesitated to pile in his fragile china and glasses, wondering about a better, gentler solution. These smart rubber washing up bowls are now a design classic. Normann Copenhagen washing up bowl, £49, Caroline McGrath. Robust, good looking and comfortable in the hand, this brush could be used for virtually anything. Scrubbing brush, £8, Finch & Crane.

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Singletons & Nurseries

WE CO E YOU TO

W E LC O M E YO U T O

The Garden e Garden Room Room

Opening in arch 2018, The Garden Room is an e tension of the popular ShedRoom caf isand restaurant Opening in March 2018,otting The Garden an extension Singletons Turf Laying Guid of the popular caféitand ccommodating upPotting to 30 Shed guests, willrestaurant. be available to hire with exclusive use for events such as private lunches, Remove existing turf meetings, family Accommodating up to 30 guests,glitet will s available to hire with onbe gatherings and baby showers. in S exclusive use for events as private meetings, &such New turf N should never be laid directly overfamily an old lawn, even with a th eslunches, ri se ur the old grass. from The surface will act as a barrier and prevent the new gra gatherings and baby Full catering facilities areshowers. available, buffets deep into the ground. to afternoon teas or Osummer BB O s T YO Uavailable, LC M E are Full cateringW Efacilities from buffets Existing turf should be removed by slicing beneath the grass with a sp to afternoon teas or summer BBQs! a purpose-designed turf cutter can be hired.

m o o R n e d r a G The Call us on 0121 453 1562 Call us on 0121 453 1562 for Sinformation & bookings &

The soil needs to be turned over to a depth of at least 15 cm (6 inches) powered cultivator. Clear the surface of stones, weed, old turf ionoth tensand

ingletinformation en Room is an ons March 2018, The Gard for & bookings g in in en Op rant. Nurser Shed café and restau

ies

pular Potting to hire 30 to up g gs, f commodatin meetin Ac nches,debris e lusurface ivatany 1. The ground must be well drained (loose as prand ch su ts en ev r fo e us e have been removed. usivetc) exclturf s. ower baby shneed d ideally 2. The lawn will approx 4-6 inches of good soil, which in er gath gs an your existing soil is not ideal, singletons can provide ffets a good qua m bu ailablofe,atfroleast e aavdepth ar s ie lit ci fa g laying. Rotovate or dig to 6 inches dependin rin te ca Full Qs! BB er soil. m m su or Opening in M as te oon down any clumps of soil, frm and level soil by tr ternbreaking to af arc 3. After of the popula h 2018, The Garden Rosurface enough), then rake it over and tread the ground. om is (if r Potting She andry eground xtensioisnlevel,Rd, d café an4.d reRepeat until smooth and evenly 600 Birmingham ydiate sh,consolidated, b staurant. Accommoda ting up to 30 Bromsgrove B61 0HT guests, it wil exclusive use l be available for events su ch Laying the turf to hire with gatherings a TING nd baby show as private lunchwww.thepottingshed.cafe W W W.T H E P O T es, meetinRgOs,V E B6 1 0H T ers. G fa S M m O R il B y H, S Full catering D I AT E A N G H A M R D, LYThe smoother the lawn surface, the better the lawn will always be, so t MitI ie I Rcil 0 Bfa s are availab on the prepared soil or newly-laid turf. Instead, use some planks or bo to aftern60 le, from buff oon teas or su ets from these. (scaffold boards are ideal ) work mmer BBQs!weight and

of the po Preparation W E LC E YLY beCAavF Eailable OD N G H A MORMD, W W W.T H E Pgu O Tes T ts I N, G E D. U ITAT itSwHill O E A S H, B R O M S G R O V E B61 0 H T

arden Room

Call us on 0121 453 1562 ings for information & book

Call us on 012

Start by unrolling one strip of turf around the perimeter of the lawn. A at the edges, these can dry out too quickly and perish. It is better to ha

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Community News “Weʼre extremely grateful to the Rotary Club for this generous donation.Steel straps have been placed around the top of the spire as a precautionary measure because of cracks found during a routine check. Once the full survey is completed we will know what the long term restoration requirement will be.” Friends of St John’s This local group raise funds through community based events for the maintenance, restoration and improvements at St Johnʼs historic church building in Bromsgrove. Church Spire Repairs In December 2017 engineers from Dawson Steeplejacks carried out temporary repairs to the stonework at the very top of St Johnʼs church spire the tallest church spire in Worcestershire. The Rotary Club of Bromsgrove made the generous donation of £5,000 to pay for the repairs to the spire, the lightning conductor, and towards a full spire survey. Friends of St Johnʼs Chairman Jo Slade said:

Follow the Friends of St John’s on facebook or Twitter @FriendsStJohns Lord Cobham to give Bromsgrove Society Annual Lecture On Tuesday 10th April Lord Cobham will give the 32nd Bromsgrove Lecture, hosted by the Bromsgrove Society. The event, at 7.30pm, will be held in the newly refurbished Routh Hall at Bromsgrove School. Lord Cobham will talk about Hagley Hall, his eighteenth century ancestral home and the Lyttelton family.

Orchestra of St John to perform in Worcester Cathedral The Orchestra of St John will perform Beethovenʼs 9th symphony in the magnificent surroundings of Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 5th May, 7.30pm. Around 200 musicians will come together when orchestra meets choir for this magnificent piece. Under the leadership of conductor Richard Jenkinson the Orchestra, lead by Charlotte Moseley, will be joined by professional singers, the chorus of the Orchestra of St John, and members of the Worcester Festival Choral Society. Soloist Charlotte Moseley, will also perform the sublime and challenging Violin Concerto by Elgar.

Tickets cost £6 to include a complimentary drink after the talk and are available to buy at the Foto Factory, Bromsgrove High Street.

Ahead of the Worcester concert the Orchestra will perform the concert at St Johnʼs Church in Bromsgrove on Saturday 28th April at 7.30pm.

Further details about the lecture are available online www.bsoc.co.uk

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.osjbromsgrove.org

11. 15.

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Be Happy With a Book Whether you love curling up with a psychological thriller or prefer biographies, enjoy flicking through a cookbook or need business advice, we’ve got just the book to keep you and your e-reader happy. How Not To Be a Boy – Robert Webb Actor and comedian Robert Webb has turned his hand to writing, with great success. How Not To Be a Boy is part biography, part re ection on the expectations that are put on boys and men to act a certain way. Webb reveals his grief at losing his mother and his difficult relationship with his father, and ruminates on how trying to ‘act like a man’ has had a negative effect on his life. Through it all, Webb writes with his trademark humour, taking the reader from laughing out loud to blinking back tears in moments. The History of Bees – Maja Lunde The History of Bees tells the stories of three people, all connected by bees. In 1851, William is attempting to build a revolutionary beehive to bring honour and fame to his family. In 2007, George is struggling to keep the family bee farm going. Almost 100 years later, Tao is enjoying a rare day off from her job hand-pollinating fruit trees, when her son is taken seriously ill. The History of Bees was a surprise international bestseller last year and is ideal for fans of dystopian fiction.

Anything You Do Say – Gillian McAllister A split second decision has lasting implications for the protagonist in this tense psychological thriller. Late at night, believing that she’s being followed, Joanna lashes out, pushing her pursuer down a set of concrete steps. Does she call an ambulance, or walk away? Both scenarios are then explored. Ingenious, original and fast-paced, this is perfect for fans of Gone Girl and Girl on a Train. The Paying Guests – Sarah Waters It’s 1922, but the roaring twenties have yet to reach the quiet corner of London where Frances and her mother live. Frances has resigned herself to a life spent looking after the family home, but the arrival of lodgers Lilian and Leonard Barber reawakens her life, energy and passions. Paying Guests was published in 2014 and was named ‘Fiction Book of the Year’ by The Sunday Times, for good reason. A modern classic, it’s beautifully written, with believably awed characters, plot twists and a building tension that’ll keep you reading ‘just one more chapter’ until late into the night.

Ultimate Fit Food – Gordon Ramsey Planning to get a bit fitter before the summer? Gordon Ramsey’s latest book might help. It’s split into three sections, each of which offers a range of dishes to promote general wellbeing, achieve weight loss or provide fuel for work-outs. There are recipes for everything from healthy snacks and breakfasts to impressive main courses, and plenty of treats are included too. The emphasis is on dishes so delicious you’ll almost forget they’re good for you. Start Me Up – Various If you’re thinking of setting up your own business, take advice and inspiration from people who’ve done just that. Enterprise Nation is a website for small businesses and has recently released a free ebook. Start Me Up features stories from 100 entrepreneurs, including the owner of Cool Cold Brew, which will soon be available in Sainsbury’s, and the founder of the fastest growing baby food brand in the UK. You can download Start Me Up from the blog at www. enterprisenation.com.

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Overhaul Your Lawn by Pippa Greenwood

It has rained so much in recent months that my lawn has taken a battering, though the ower and vegetable beds are starting to pick up. Over-wet conditions can cause roots to die off and will reduce the oxygen in the soil. Worse still, any areas of the lawn you’ve walked on or moved a wheelbarrow over will have become compacted or squashed. Thus, the air spaces in the soil are dramatically reduced, and the heavier your soil is, the worse the problem is likely to be. So for green grass that’s ready for summer, it’s time to get to work. Check over your lawn mower and see to anything that needs sorting. If necessary, take it to a reputable outlet for a service as soon as possible. If your grass needs cutting, make sure you don’t set the blades too low for the first few cuts, as this weakens growth and makes weed invasion more likely. After mowing, you can relieve some of the soil compaction to allow air down to the roots, making for better growth and healthier grass. If only small areas are compacted, drive a garden fork into the lawn

every 4-6 inches or so, getting the fork tines to a depth of 4-6 inches, then gently ease the handle of the fork back and forth to enlarge each drainage hole. Next, mix some sieved garden soil or loam with horticultural sand (about one part soil/loam to nine parts sand) and brush across the lawn and into the holes you’ve made. The result is a drainage system over those compacted areas. If the soil in the garden is quite heavy or contains a lot of clay, the whole lawn will benefit from aerating. I recommend you buy, borrow or hire a ‘hollowtime aerator’, either as a hand operated one, a machine or a mower attachment. This cuts cylinders of soil from your lawn and when filled with the ‘top-dressing’ mix above will result in longer-lasting drainage channels. Any moss should be removed, so apply moss killer and then rake it all out after the time specified on the pack. The lawn will look worse initially, but it allows more air to the roots of the grass plants and gives them more space to grow and spread too.

Lawns that have suffered from waterlogging benefit from a suitable feeding regime. Whether you choose a granular or liquid feed, make sure that it is a spring lawn food formulated to give the balance of nutrients lawns need now. Granular feeds must be watered in unless it rains shortly after application. Walking on a very wet lawn soon wears it out and kills off grasses. To repair bald or thin patches, roughen up the areas using a rake and then sprinkle a suitable seed mix on to match the existing grasses. If you’ve not got many patches to sow, you can buy small patch repair packs. Once all the work is done, keep off your lawn for a few weeks to allow it to take advantage of all that TLC and grow away really well. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in May accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus Nemaslug, bio-controls, gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!

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Restaurant turns Purple for Charity A Bromsgrove Balti restaurant turned purple for a night when it held a fundraising dinner in aid of the Stroke Association. Guests were asked to wear something purple for the event at Spice Valley Balti on the 29th January. Spice Valley Balti catered for a packed restaurant when it hosted a night of food, fun and fundraising at its Worcester Road venue in Bromsgrove. Guests were treated to live music on arrival, courtesy of Alvechurch singer Alicia Benbowʼs mellow mix of easy listening jazz. There followed a threecourse dinner prepared by chef Muhammad Uddin, with an elegant fusion of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. Local comedian Tristan Harris entertained the audience during the dessert course. £28 was collected in tins placed on each table, making a total of £511 raised by the event.

Alicia Benbow, Claire and Becca Pell, Josh Johns and Tristan Harris

25.

[L-R] Claire Pell, Alicia Benbow, Muhammad, Gias and Monir Uddin Euan Rose with his son AJ.

Richard [front left] and Michael Childs. Sharon [right back] and Lisa Childs.

Claire Pell, Community and Events Fundraiser for the Stroke Association, added: “With around 100,000 strokes a year in the UK – thatʼs around one every five minutes - it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for those affected by stroke. Weʼre incredibly grateful to the team at Spice Valley Balti for their continued support. The money will go a long way in helping to support people living in Worcestershire whose lives have been impacted by this devastating condition.”

For reservations call 01527 578989

26.

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SERVICING SUSPENSION Specialist on all types of Classic & Modern cars CLUTCHES Weather Guard BRAKES Train as an Onside volunteer 01527 872236 Roofing Professionals Telephone: ELECTRICS advocate, mentor, befriender. Or volunteer in our NEW DIAGNOSTICS Cafe/Bakery? Stourbridge Road, AIR CONDITIONING

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Broad Street DIY page edit:March April 2018

28.

16/2/18

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Events News Learning how to ‘Do It Yourself ’ Guest Frances Lasok from Bromsgrove said: “You donʼt realise how much basic DIY you donʼt know until you need to fix something. It was really helpful to attend this event and to be able to ask lots of questions.”

[L-R] Guests Frances Lasok, Josh Johns, Tom Hubscher and Anne Corbett with staff from Broad Street DIY

Local young people learned how to tackle a wide range of DIY tasks when they attended a free event held at Broad Street DIY in Bromsgrove on Thursday 15th February. The ʻEssential DIY Skills for Young Peopleʼ event was aimed at eighteen to thirty year olds – a generation identified as lacking many of the basic skills required to carry out routine repairs and improvements at home. Guests were able to participate in practical demonstrations which included how to re-wire a plug, replacing a door handle, drilling into brickwork and changing tap washers.

Staff at the Worcester Road hardware store were supported by local tradesmen who attended the event to provide specialist knowledge. Decorator Darren Waldron was on hand with decorating advice and tips; plumber Pete Shepherd gave a silicone demonstration; and electrician Scott Blunn showed the variety of different light bulb fittings which are available and provided tips for choosing the right light bulb.

Ryan Messenger added: “We live in an old house and lots of little things always need doing. Learning these basic skills will save me time and money.” Broad Street DIY is well known for holding free instructional events for members of the local community. Its next event will be a DIY Ladies Night, on Tuesday 15th May. To reserve a place: email broadstdiy@aol.com or call 01527 873555

29.

Oracle March April 2018:Broad Street DIY

13/2/18

14:27

Page 1

SPRING CLEANING AND THE PERFECT SPRING GARDEN AWARD-WINNING LOCAL BUSINESS SINCE

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31.

Specialised Spirits, Wines and Cigar Shop Over 100 Different Gins Available Over 50 Different Miniatures Bottles New Cocktail and Gin Bar Now Open Free Local Delivery Wedding Packages for Wine and Spirits Tasting Evenings

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t s not just homes that benefit from a good ol’ spring clean… DiTCh OlD MakeUp aND SkiNCare prODUCTS Most of us are guilty of holding onto favourite cosmetics way longer than we should do. While makeup doesn t have a fixed use-by date as such, it does start to degrade once it’s been exposed to air and sunlight. If you check the packaging of any skincare or cosmetic product, you ll find the PAO symbol. This shows the ‘period after opening’ that the product needs to be used within. In most cases, it’s six or 12 months. Products that come into direct contact with your skin, such as a lipstick, or a moisturiser that you scoop out of the jar with a finger, are particularly virulent breeding grounds for bacteria. So have a good sort through and ditch anything that’s been open longer than its PAO. It’s also worth having a bit of a declutter at the same time. Are you ever going to wear that lurid purple eyeshadow? If you want products that will last longer, check the PAO before you buy. In general, pump action lotions will last longer than those in jars, as the lotion comes into less contact with oxygen and light. CleaN MakeUp BrUSheS Makeup brushes and cases can get decidedly grubby, so it’s a good idea to give them a gentle clean on a regular basis. Most cosmetic bags can be washed by hand, using a

32. mild detergent. Brushes can be cleaned with face wash, baby shampoo or a mild soap. Soap is probably the easiest. Just swirl the brush gently on wet soap to create lather, use your fingers to massage the bristles, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and leave it to dry. If your old brushes are past the point of revival, the Nellie Make Up Brush Set from Oliver Bonas is worth considering. For £38, you get five different types of brushes and a handy mirror, all housed in a stylish pink case. Try SOMeThiNg New It’s easy to get stuck in a perfume rut, wearing the same fragrance year after year. Or worse, wearing a fragrance you’ve been given as a gift but aren’t in love with. Fragrance doesn’t have to be expensive. Marks and Spencer’s island escape eau De Toilette is £16 for a 95ml bottle. For £18 you can have the giftset, which includes a full size fragrance and body lotion. Island Escape is a light, citrusy fragrance, with notes of bergamot, pear and rose, mixed with a hint of sea salt, so it’s perfect for spring and summer. Slap ON The SpF Ideally, we should protect our skin from the sun every day, rain or shine. The easiest way to take care of your face is by choosing a moisturiser with a high SPF rating. Nspa expert Daily rejuvenate Cream has an SPF of 30 and contains active ingredients such as Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb extract, which has been proven to improve the appearance of ageing skin. What’s more, the cream costs just £10 in ASDA. It’s ideal for spring, but come summer you’ll need a sun lotion that you can reapply throughout the day.

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34.

Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Sleep: Vital for Good Mental and Physical Health

We know that losing sleep can make us struggle to concentrate and keep smiling. But research is increasingly proving that a lack of good quality sleep can seriously damage our physical and mental health. More than 20 large-scale studies have proved that the shorter your sleep, the shorter your life. How sleep deprivation affects pHysical HealtH weight gain and obesity The link is probably due to reduced levels of leptin (the hunger-inhibiting ‘you’re full’ hormone) and increased levels of ghrelin (the hungerstimulating hormone) caused by sleep deprivation. It’s a vicious circle, as you’re more prone to sleep problems if you’re overweight. increased diabetes risk Risk is increased in people sleeping less than five hours a night, particularly those lacking deep or ‘slow-wave’ sleep. Their body processes glucose differently, reacting incorrectly to insulin. Tiredness also causes you to secrete more stress hormones (e.g. cortisol), making it harder for insulin to function correctly and leaving excess glucose in your bloodstream. increased cancer risk Professor Matthew Walker,

author of Why We Sleep, says that after just one night of only four or five hours sleep, your natural cancer-attacking cells drop by 70%. US researchers have discovered that night workers produce 80% less of a by-product of DNA tissue repair, indicating their bodies aren’t carrying out their natural overnight cell restoration. increased alzheimer’s risk During deep sleep, amyloid deposits (a cell-killing toxin that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers) are ‘cleaned’ away. Without sufficient sleep, these plaques build up, especially in deepsleep-generating regions – meaning you sleep even less. It’s a vicious circle. increased risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke Persistent sleep deprivation causes increased heart rate, blood pressure and in ammation, which can all put extra strain on your heart. Over45s sleeping less than six hours a night are 200% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. weakened immunity Sleep deprivation damages production and distribution of immune factors. reduced fertility and libido Research has revealed that insufficient sleep can cause lower libido in men and women, and reduce the secretion of reproductive hormones. How sleep deprivation affects mental HealtH increased risk of depression, anxiety, paranoia,

hallucinations and psychotic episodes The poor mental health/poor sleep link is well-established. Daniel Freeman, co-author of major research on the subject, found that insomnia doubles your chances of developing depression, while treating insomnia reduces it. His study also showed that when people sleep better, they’re far less likely to suffer from anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations or psychotic episodes. reduced memory, concentration and reaction times The odd late night isn’t a problem, but after persistently poor sleep, your reaction times, concentration and decisionmaking decline significantly. This can affect not only your health and safety, but that of others you work with, care for – or drive past. Studies show that sleep deficiency harms your driving ability as much as, or more than, being drunk. Four hours’ sleep? You’re 11.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash. Driver fatigue is estimated to be responsible for around 100,000 car accidents and 1,500 deaths each year. a cHange of attitude “No aspect of our biology is left unscathed by sleep deprivation,” says Professor Walker. He believes we have “stigmatised sleep with the label of laziness” because we want to seem busy; a lack of sleep is “a badge of honour.” That’s an attitude we need to change.

35.

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36.

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Is It Worthwhile Taking Out Private Health Insurance? NHS services, so your GP would need to refer you for a private consultation. Policies are renewed annually, with monetary excesses applying in the same way as with other forms of insurance.

Private health insurance generally covers the cost of private consultations, treatments, and immediate aftercare as an inpatient. Some policies also pay for outpatient care, such as physiotherapy. Employers sometimes offer this type of insurance as a benefit to their employees, but if you’re thinking of taking out your own policy, how do you know if it’s going to be worthwhile? Before we look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of private medical insurance, here’s a little more detail on the cover that could be included. What might a health insurance policy cover? The benefits provided by private health insurance vary according to the monthly premiums, with comprehensive policies offering the greatest level of cover. Here’s a general outline of the main benefits • Private consultations • Anaesthesia • Inpatient stays for investigative tests, surgery, or immediate post-treatment care • Treatments and procedures as a day patient • Outpatient treatments and aftercare - physiotherapy or hydrotherapy, for example hoW does private health insurance Work? Private medical insurance is designed to work alongside

The insurer sets a limit on the amount of cover available to you annually. They define the benefits, plus any exclusions that apply - a pre-existing illness, for example - in the policy document. Why might you decide to take out private health insurance? • You need fast access to a consultation, investigative procedure, or treatment • Treatment isn’t available on the NHS • You’re employed, but don’t receive private health insurance as a benefit • You’d like to see a particular consultant, or require a specialist referral • You want the comfort of staying in a private room • You don’t want to wait for physiotherapy after surgery What are the potential draWbacks of private medical insurance? • Policies are costly, with premiums increasing every year • Some health conditions are excluded, so a private healthcare policy may not cover all your medical needs • You have to pay an excess each year • You may have ethical concerns about private health care • The insurer sets limits on the amount of cover available for each condition, each type

of treatment, and an overall amount in the policy year hoW much Will private health insurance cost? Various factors are taken into account by insurers when setting the price of private healthcare premiums - these include (but are not limited to) • Age • Existing health • Medical history as an individual, and of your family • Lifestyle • Types of cover required

The

It’s advisable to shop around before buying private health insurance - comparison websites are a good way to find out about the cost of various policies. alternatives to private health insurance There are alternative ways to fund private medical treatment without taking out an insurance policy. If you have residual income or existing savings, for example, you could set aside a sum to cover a proportion of future treatments.

The Ga

600 B I R M I N

Paying only for the initial consultation is also an option if you require an urgent medical opinion. The consultant would then refer you back to the NHS for treatment, if necessary. Healthcare cash plans also exist that help you cover your medical costs. In this case you’re refunded the costs that you pay up front, up to pre-agreed limits. www.money.co.uk/healthinsurance/how-does-healthinsurance-work.htm www.moneyadviceservice.org. uk/en/articles/do-you-need-privatemedical-insurance#what-does-itcover

/18

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Volunteering Opportunities Onside has a range of new and exciting volunteering opportunities in Worcestershire Please have a look and get in touch if you are interested NEW Advocacy Project—Redditch

Mix Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to support people living in Redditch area helping them to manage their own lives & be as independent as possible ,access services and have opportunities to be active in their wider community.

Supporting Dan and the team at Mix cafe near our Worcester office; taking orders, serving customers, preparing food etc. We would especially like to hear from volunteers who would like to support people with learning difficulties.

Day & times are flexible to provide support

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Reception volunteers

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We are seeking volunteers to answer the phone and welcome visitors to our office in Worcester. Our office hours are:

We are seeking a volunteer for our book shop at Shrub Hill Station Worcester, who can support two young men with learning difficulties to continue their placement at Onside’s second hand bookshop. We also have opportunities at our Great Malvern Railway Station book shop. The volunteer’s role is to check that they are okay and to identify any tasks they might do when the shop is quiet .Ideally, you may have some experience of supporting adults with learning difficulties.

9am – 4pm - Monday to Thursday 9am – 4pm Friday Volunteers can do mornings or afternoons or all day to suit.

Jayne Auger Registered Foot Health Practitioner SAC. Dip. RFHP IHHP

Please contact the Volunteer Team on 01905 27525 if you are interested in any of these roles. We’ll be happy to hear from you and to answer any questions you may have.

Mob: 07531 294564

Onside Advocacy is a Worcestershire & Herefordshire based charity which supports local people disadvantaged by disability, mental ill-health, learning difficulties and age related issues. We make a difference to over 300 people every year, through our dedicated team of experienced staff and volunteers, trained and supported to work as advocates, mentors and peer support workers.

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MASTER BUTCHER Family run business

Flatinroof specialists Constantly pursuit of excellence uttering, Fascias & ofďŹ ts From minor repair to a new roof

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EDWARDS Car Repairs Your Local Car Repair & Servicing Specialist We are a Family run Business which has been established since 1988 Repairs & Servicing MOT Work Welding to MOT standard All makes of Vehicles ALL WORK GUARANTEED

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To promote your business here contact Lyndon on: Tel: 07972 000843 Email: lyndon@bromsgroveandredditchpages.co.uk

Clent Hills edit page:March April 2018

8/2/18

20:04

Page 1

42.

Community Event News Dachshunds Dressed for the Occasion event last month were invited to wear their best festive jumper or party outfit with prizes for the best ones. Judges Tim Easter and Emily Ashdown awarded first prize to Moose, who looked adorable in his reindeer outfit.

Around thirty-five people attended a ‘Know Your Breed’ Dachshund event at Clent Hills Vets in Bromsgrove on Monday January 29. The event brought together same-breed pet owners and their dogs, for an evening of information, socialising and fun. An expert panel provided professional advice on health conditions specific to the breed. Other topics included what to look for when buying a Dachshund puppy. Clent Hills Vets Stephanie Greenwood, who is passionate about this breed, shared her views on what a healthy and strong Dachshund should look like. One of the main discussions of the night was around

IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease – a condition where cartilage between the spinal discs degenerates over time, causing a degree of back problems, the most serious being paralysis. IVDD can affect around one in four Dachshunds during their lifetime. Guest speaker Tim Easter, a veterinary surgeon from Willows Veterinary Centre, talked about the importance of having a good diet and exercise routine to help prevent back problems, and he demonstrated a head to toe neurological examination. The event was originally due to be held just before Christmas but was postponed due to weather conditions. Dachshunds attending the re-scheduled

Prize-winner Moose

Amy Holloway, Clent Hills Vetʼs marketing manager, said: “We started our Know Your Breed events in May 2017 and have covered Labradors, Pugs and French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Dachshunds. These events are free to attend and have proved hugely popular. Guests really enjoy meeting other same breed owners to share experiences.” The next Know Your Breed event will be in June, for Greyhounds. Please check Clent Hills Vets facebook page for more details soon.

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46.

Coughton Court

Dates for your diary: Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Sat 31 Mar – Mon 2 Apr, 11am4pm Join us for Easter fun and frolics for all the family to enjoy. With an outdoor trail around the grounds, traditional games in the Activity Shed and take-home crafts there's lots to do. £3 per trail Daffodil Society National Show Sat 21 Apr & Sun 22 Apr, 12noon-4pm The Daffodil Society will be returning to Coughton Court for their National Show, with hundreds of exhibits, new varieties, and experts on hand to answer questions. See the rare Throckmorton daffodils in the awardwinning Throckmorton family gardens.

We have teamed up with Cadburys again this year so don’t forget to join us for Easter fun and frolics with chocolate treats, take home activities and a trail around the grounds for everyone to enjoy. Our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts will be taking place from Sat 31 Mar – Mon 2 Apr, 11am-4pm and it’s a great opportunity to get all the family together for some Easter fun around the grounds. We are delighted that our increasingly popular Jigsaw Festival will be returning for its fifth year from Wed 25 Apr – Sun 29 Apr, 11am5pm. Over the last five years we have managed to collect thousands of jigsaws and have raised nearly £20,000 for conservation projects here at Coughton. The re-wiring project has been one of the largest conservation projects ever carried out here at Coughton which involved re-wiring the whole mansion, installing new fire alarm systems and leak detection, and improving the house’s defences against fire. When the work is finished, the house won’t look substantially different but the safety of this special place will be ensured for many more years to come. So pop along to the Jigsaw Festival this year and enjoy hundreds of jigsaws, in a variety of themes and sizes, available for visitors to buy in a constantly changing display. If you have any jigsaws taking up precious space in your cupboards and you’d like to play a vital part in conserving this beautiful house and its contents for future generations, we’d love to take them off your hands!

Open 11am—5pm (last admission 4.30pm) For more information and details on how to volunteer with us please visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughtoncourt or call 01789 400777

47.

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