Hartlebury Parish magazine—February 2020

Price 60p (£6.00 per annum) February 2020 1

Some Thoughts on Healthy Living from Ancient Wisdom I admit that it is easy to forget sometimes that the Christian faith is an ancient source of wisdom because most of us receives it (in this country at least) as part of our early life. Inevitably then it comes to us, not so much as ancient but merely old fashioned. If the journey that we take is to leave our own childhood Garden of Eden by way of trying to learn our personal version of the knowledge of good and evil we will (for a time at least) cast aside everything that belongs to the enchanted garden. We then become disillusioned by the world that we left the garden to explore. It really failed to live up to our dreams and expectations and we spend the rest of our lives trying to get back to the garden. The wonderful Joni Mitchell once wrote a song about trying to get back to the garden. It turned out not to be the Woodstock Festival of 1969. I wonder what your personal version has been. I would love to talk it over with you some time. I promise not to try to turn you into something. That is something for you to work out with God. But back to some thoughts on healthy living. I wrote a blog at one time on The Lord of the Rings (Wisdom from The Lord of the Rings @stephencwinter.com). It proved to be quite popular. Last year I found my life too busy as a parish priest to write it. Nevertheless, the blog still received over 20,000 hits during the year. It was pleasantly gratifying. But I discovered through the six years during which I wrote the blog that my success was nothing compared to the blogs on health, beauty and lifestyle. And I really mean nothing. If you are able to create a successful blog with over a million hits per year you will find that the great fashion houses, the cosmetic giants and the purveyors of health will take a considerable interest in you and will pay you good money to promote their wares on your blog. At one time this was only possible in glossy publications like Vogue or Cosmopolitan magazine. Now it is possible to be such a publisher in your own home. But what about this ancient wisdom that I have been going on about? Suffice to say here that over the centuries a balance of feasting and fasting has been developed in the shape of the year and a good spell of ordinary life as well. The wonderful 17th century poet, George Herbert who was himself a parish priest, wrote a fine poem full of such wisdom. I must return to it sometime soon. It stands inspection nearly 400 years later. Other practices have included long and short walks (pilgrimage) as well as building communities that are always there and always big enough to hold you whether you are a part of them or not (church congregations). Lent starts on Ash Wednesday on Wednesday February 26th and we will be exploring one particular source of wisdom for healthy living in the Christian tradition during the five weeks that follow. You might like to be a part of one of these groups. Watch out for more information by subscribing to our weekly e-newsletter by emailing [email protected] The Rev’d Stephen Winter 2

CLEANING FAIRY A very big thank you to the person who cleans St James Church for us every week if she can, it is very much appreciated. She also cleans the brasses some months! Also, thank you to others who clean the brasses for us! Chris Webb CHRISTMAS AT ST JAMES Our Christmas season started with a lovely Advent Service at St Mary’s, led by James Homer. There were not too many of us present but that did not affect the singing and the readings. Geoff and Sandra Phillips always make us very welcome. The following Sunday at St James we had a special service for the celebration of the WI Christmas Tree Festival, led by Rev Stephen Winter. Our Candle-lit Carol Service was on Sunday 22 December and those that came enjoyed the carols and readings. Our choir was augmented by others, which was a great help. A lot of work had gone into the preparation of this service and our thanks go to Mary Mayo our organist, the choir, the readers and the handbell ringers, who never fail to delight. After the service we were warmed by a glass of mulled wine and mince pies. The service was led by Rev Stephen Owens. On Christmas Eve our usual Christingle Service, which is the start of the real Christmas celebrations for many families, was held and enjoyed by more people, young and old, than ever. As usual, Claire Thorley had organised the service and she had made some beautiful new costumes for the children to wear for the story, which was about the Three Kings this year. We owe Claire a very big thank you and the collection taken goes to the Church of England Children's’ Society which is a very good cause. So thank you to Claire, Rev ‘d Stephen Winter, the Music Group and the Handbell Ringers who traditionally end the service by playing Jingle Bells which everyone sings along to! Our Midnight Service was led by Rev Stephen Owens, a peaceful start to the celebrations of the day. Chris Webb 3

Funeral at Wyre Forest Crematorium 13 December 2019 Doreen Mary Williams Age 90 yrs Burial at St Mary’s followed by Thanksgiving Service at St James 21 January 2020 Rosalie Mary Bakewell Age 87 yrs THE SEVEN PARISHES OFFICE Administrator : Mr Nick Wright Tel 01905 622464 (please leave a message) or 07968 531216 (in emergencies only) . Email: [email protected] post: The Seven Parishes Office Web: www.7parishes.co.uk c/o The Old Post Office Cutnall Green DROITWICH WR9 0PW ST JAMES CHURCH If you wish to book a wedding or a baptism please contact the Seven Parishes Office. If you have any queries about your wedding or baptism or wish to speak to a member of our church, you may contact: Chris Webb, wedding and baptism co-ordinator on 01299 250452 or Carolyn Gumbley, churchwarden on 01299 251148 4

World Day of Prayer March 6th 12.30pm At St Michael and All Saints’ Church in Rushock “Rise, take your mat and walk” A global, ecumenical service, led by women to which all are invited. The idea behind these services is that the concerns of women from different parts of the world can be heard and taken as a focus for prayers across the entire world. This year our prayers have been prepared by the women of Zimbabwe and we will have an opportunity to share the challenges they have met throughout the history of this relatively new nation and their hopes for the future. All are invited to join us at this service (that does mean men too!) and a light lunch of bread and soup will be served after the service. Please do come and share in this unique service of International Prayer. 5

Advent Fayre Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this event such a huge enjoyable event. We raised £1000 for the day to day running of our church. Thank you for coming and supporting us. The Community Café Charitable funds of £200 has been given to ‘Nightstop’ for young homeless people. Many thanks to everyone who attend on Tuesdays, for without their welcome company, these much needed funds would not be possible. 6

Up-date on the Christmas Tree Festival 2019 Over the past nine months or so a small team of Hartlebury WI members worked quietly behind the scenes on the second Christmas Tree Festival trying to encourage everyone to get involved. It is always an apprehensive time trying to arrange such an event – how will it be received by the community but most of all will it be a success? There were 42 trees on display, an increase on last year. The trees were inventive, diverse and creative from traditional and artificial trees, two trees representing keen bookworms, a tree using plastic milk bottles trying to encourage us to recycle where we can and many more imaginative designs and trees all on display. The winning tree, nominated by our visitors, was created by the Hartlebury Book Club and their prize, a box of sweets! Residents, WI and neighbourhood groups, and commercial companies all entered the spirit of the event and it was excellent. The atmosphere over the whole weekend was lively and cheerful. The two cakes on display under “Guess the weight of the cake” were particularly popular and the lucky winners were delighted with their prizes. Both ladies arriving very promptly to collect their “winnings”! The celebration made a net profit £1,080 which was noticeably down on last year despite the Festival being open for longer. However, it was good to see young families popping in to support us. A cheque for £800 has been forwarded to the Worcestershire Breast Cancer Haven, a donation has been made to St James’ Church and the small remaining balance has been earmarked 7

for Hartlebury WI Centenary celebrations in 2021. We must thank all the WI members and friends who kindly gave up their valuable time at this busy time of year, made craft items and manned stalls, provided cakes and refreshments. A big thank you to husbands too who were on duty over the weekend and helped leading up to the Festival. Not forgetting St James’ PCC who agreed that the event could take place in the church. Thank you to everyone who provided such lovely raffle/tombola prizes and to the four individual musical groups who entertained us at various times during the event – the U3A Hand Bell Ringers, Hartlebury Choir, the Kidderminster Ukulele group and St James’ Church Hand Bell Ringers. The musical recitals gave everyone in church the opportunity to just stop and listen in our hectic lives. Thank you all so much for your generosity and backing. Lorraine Purcell 8

The next meeting of Hartlebury History Society is at Hartlebury Parish Hall Thursday February 20th at 7.30 pm David Simons will give a talk entitled: WW1 in pictures a selection of digitised glass slides from HHS archive All are welcome, please come and join us to hear this excellent speaker Admission: members £2, non members £3 Free refreshments will be available after the meeting 9

On 16th January, a well-attended meeting (22 members, 4 visitors) of the History Society, listened to a most interesting talk by Max Hunt on Shelsley Walsh. He began by giving a historical perspective on the village of Shelsley Walsh, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book, together with maps showing its position in the Teme Valley. It has always been a farming community with a sparse population and is the smallest parish in Worcestershire. The parish church of St Andrew is nearby and dates from the 12th - 13th centuries and was restored in the 19th century when a small wooden bell-tower was also added. Inside is a beautiful carved wooden screen; not a rood screen, but forming a screened area which wasn’t a family pew (although it looks like one) and also has a tomb which looks like a standard stone chest tomb but is actually made of wood and has been painted. We were shown a picture of Robert Catesby who was one of the ringleaders of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. On 6th November the owner of the Court mustered a band of “rebels” and took gunpowder to Holbeche House, at Kingswinford, where the damp gunpowder was put in front of the fire to dry out – with disastrous results! [This was written up by Antonia Fraser in a rather uncomplimentary comment about the enterprise.] The Walsh family lived at Court House, which is at the entrance to the Hill Climb. The pool in front of the house is the mill pond which provides water to the water mill which has now been restored and is open to the public. The original house was quite small and was half timbered, with a large brick extension added at the back. By the time of the Civil War the family had changed sides and had become Royalists! (The courthouse is now a B & B.) The court was the home of the Walsh family for many years until it was sold and was occupied by a family called Smith, who were tenant farmers. We Continued on page 10 10

Continued from Page 9 were shown slides of several census forms, recording the family the head of which lived there until he was about 80 with the usual family and retainers. The manor had been bought by the Foley family in the 1560s, so there was a connection with Witley Court and an old photo of the village which was cleared away to make way for the gardens and fountain. (The photo was rather indistinct but very interesting to see.) We were reminded of Witley Court in its heyday, when it belonged to Lord Dudley who entertained Edward VII. The rest of the talk was about the establishment in 1904 of the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb with many photos of the famous drivers who drove their (now veteran, vintage and classic) cars up the climb, which was closely flanked by large crowds of people, who watched from the banks, sitting very close to the track (before the days of Health and Safety, of course!) Some of the early drivers were women, looking very glamorous in their driving gear. Some of the men wore cow gowns over their smart clothes. Many of the names of both cars and drivers are now legendry – Bugatti, Sunbeam, Morgan, Austin 7. Spyder, Frazer-Nash and many more. Shelsley Walsh is the oldest motorsport venue in the world still using its original course. and is home to the Midland Automobile Club. Caroline Boughton-Thomas 11

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News from Hartlebury Primary School. We at Hartlebury Church of England Primary would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Christmas has passed quickly for us and we are now back into school ready to learn and excited for the new year! As the new year begin, we are looking forward to new learning experiences. We are excited to have opportunities to grow as learners as well as individuals and part of our local community. We are, as you may be aware, members of Severn Academy Education Trust (SAET), along with 5 other primary schools. We are going to be celebrating this with a gathering of pupils from all the other primary schools on 3rd February for a Harmony Day. This Trust Children’s Day is to promote Harmony, in nature, in school, in our community and in well-being. It is a project initiated by Prince Charles and we are very proud to be playing our part in it. We have already taken part in interschool competitions, along with other members of SAET. We were challenged to Chess and Maths competitions and took part in a General Knowledge Quiz. It was a great day, with lots of fun! Swimming has started again this term, for our Year 4 and 5 children. We are able to facilitate weekly swimming lessons for those learning to swim, which in itself is a valuable life skill. We aim for every pupil to be able to swim at least 25 metres by the time they leave our primary school. The children really enjoy this activity that also promotes health and well-being benefits. We are now taking registrations for September 2020 for children who want pre-school places! Our registration for Reception places in September has closed with the local authority, so if you are looking for a place please call us asap and we can help you with your application. As always we extend an extremely warm welcome to anyone who would like to visit our school; you really will all be very welcome- just contact the 13

office and we’ll do the rest! Claire Grand Acting Head of School Hartlebury Church of England Primary School Rectory Lane, Hartlebury Worcs DY11 7TD Tel: 01299 250312 Email:[email protected] www.hartlebury.worcs.sch.uk Hartlebury Church of England Primary School Has its very own thriving pre-school, based within its Early Years Unit • We offer places for children the academic year before they start Reception, in a teacher led Early Years Unit. • If your child is due to start Reception in September 2021 they can have up to 30hours in our unit. • We offer excellent staff/children ratios of approximately 1:7 • We offer amazing indoor and outdoor facilities; with great outdoor learning opportunities. • We offer complete wrap around care from 7.30am-6.00pm, supported by familiar staff for our youngest children from the Early Years Unit. We offer a nurturing village school environment, at the centre of the village community. But don’t take our word for it; come and visit! You will always be very welcome and we’re sure you will leave thinking this is a great learning environment! We do! To arrange a visit or request an information pack please contact our school office on 01299 250312 or email [email protected]. Our website also has lots of information about our fabulous school. 14

Hedgerow Ramblings Dear Villagers, One day earlier this month I had the unfortunate feeling something was badly wrong with me. It meant a phone-call at 4 a.m. to the out-of-hours doctor. I therefore found myself whisked by ambulance to WRH and deposited in the porch of A&E at 8 a.m. along with many other afflicted folks awaiting attention. All the medical professionals were very pleasant and somewhere around 11 a.m. my trolley shifted further down the corridor and I was seen by a doctor. I had, by then, befriended a number of other trolley-occupiers, all of whom had a different malady to mine and were a little envious I’d been seen so swiftly. The lady to one side of me had a very inflamed knee and the gentleman in front had a wretchedly painful abscess somewhere in his jaw. I then became envious of them when the volunteer ladies came around offering hot drinks and sandwiches. I was told I was ‘nil by mouth’ until further notice so could only look on longingly. Somewhere around 1 p.m. I was wheeled off for a scan and had a very jolly porter who told me he was learning Hindi. Sure enough the technician smiled and said ‘Namaskaar’ as he greeted the two of us in the scanning room. The other technician told me he’d recently qualified and had supplemented his income during training by being a security guard on Network Rail on a Friday and Saturday evening. ‘It’s all part of life’s rich tapestry’ he claimed. I recalled a pal of mine saying, during a trying time in her life, ‘Yes, but sometimes you want a bit of plain carpet!’ I was wheeled back to my friend with the jaw abscess. He was fed up. We reminisced about teenage days when our health felt assured. He said he got into one or two fights on a Saturday night (my mind flitted back to train security man), ‘As everyone did in those days, didn’t they!?’ 15

Did they?! ‘I got banged up once for a fortnight’ he continued; ‘My old man kept me in there to teach me a lesson.’ Remembering my Church youth group Friday evenings where the biggest act of rebellion was not washing up, I said ‘Did it teach you a lesson?’ ‘Oh yeah’ he snorted, ‘I was petrified. The old lady bailed me out when she came home from her holidays. I went on the straight and narrow after that.’ Somewhere around midnight in a different stretch of corridor I was woken from sleep by a kindly shoulder shake. ‘You can go home’ the doc said. ‘There isn’t anything seriously wrong with you.’ I tiptoed past jaw abscess pal, who was gently snoring, and phoned the husband. My tip, gentle reader, is this: ‘Remember lentils can cause wind’. Keep your spirits up Hermione. 16

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Even more news from The WI 2020 has arrived and we are looking forward to the coming of spring after a very wet and cold few months. However, on Wednesday members and visitors were warmly greeted to the first WI meeting of the year despite the very dark, dank and wet night! Social Secretary, Dawn Bradley, gave details of the various planned visits for the first few months - it looks like it is going to be a very busy year! Bishops Wood Environmental Centre, Crossway Green, is the first port of call on Thursday 12 March. Surrounded by ancient woodland Bishops Wood has a unique sustainable centre building. The grounds are also home to a large pond and several outdoor educational barn areas with natural wood and willow sculptures. A group will be heading off to London in April to visit the Tutankhamun exhibition being staged at the Saatchi Gallery. This will be the final chance to see the fascinating Egyptian artefacts before they are permanently returned to Egypt. It was reported that the finances were in good order and despite numerous cheques waiting to be cleared the group had a healthy balance in line with national WI guidelines. The recent Christmas Tree Festival was a success with donations being given to the Worcestershire Breast Cancer Haven and St James’ Church, Hartlebury. The new programme has been carefully crafted and put together by Anna Adams and includes diverse speakers covering such subjects as the Magistracy, amateur dramatics, decoupage and much more. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at The Parish Hall 7.30 pm. If you would like to pop in as a visitor, you would be very welcome. Our next meeting is Wednesday 12 February when the topic being covered is “Our Local Dialects” by speaker Alfred Jenkins MBE. The monthly competition, which is proving to be very competitive, is “Red”. Lorraine Purcell 19

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HARTLEBURY PCC - 2019/20 Rector Stephen Winter 0773760899 Churchwarden Carolyn Gumbley 251148 Vacancy Churchwarden Chris Webb 250452 Emeritus &PCC Secretary Treasurer Beryl Thomas 251459 Caroline Boughton-Thomas 250207 Jeremy Broadway 251346 Fiona Mason 253070 Lynne Moseley 250202 David Parker 250297 Geoff Phillips 250508 John Webb 250452 PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER 250202 Lynne Moseley VULNERABLE ADULTS ADVOCATE Vacant 22

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The Snow Queen—A Review! On Friday 6th December we were very excited to have the Northumberland Theatre Company visit Hartlebury Parish Hall to perform their musical adaptation of the famous fairy tale ‘The Snow Queen’. This was the second performance in our season of Shindig-funded shows, and it was very well attended by both children and adults. The stage set and lighting transformed the hall into a winter woodland and the various adventures of Gerda, Kay and a host of other weird creatures plus a very scary and wicked Snow Queen had us all transfixed. In the end the Snow Queen was vanquished, Kay’s memory was restored and along with Gerda and their various new friends they all got safely home to Grandfather’s house. In the interval the children in the audience were pleased to help Gerda to defeat the Snow Queen by decorating a rather bare-looking Christmas tree at the back of the hall and even more pleased when the last decoration, a gigantic star for the top of the tree was finally found in the bottom of a very large tin of chocolates. They soon discovered that the only way to reach the star was to eat their way down to it! Our next show which will be primarily for children is ‘Eggs on Legs’ on Tuesday 7th April, just before Easter, though before then we have our Valentines Night event with the wonderful Kiriki Club. Be sure to save both dates! 24

It’s here! The next SHINDIG show! Buy your tickets now for ‘Kiriki Club’ at Hartlebury Parish Hall Valentinoen ’s Night Friday 14th Feb. at 7.30 Kiriki Club are a five-piece band bringing energetic jumpin’ R‘n’B, rock ‘n’ roll and great swing in the 1940s and 50s style. A top, fun night is in prospect, so bring your tapping feet and your dancing shoes! Expect blistering musicianship, gorgeous vocals and luscious harmonies. As usual the bar will be open and, for Valentine’s Night only, we have a special order of Prosecco in! Get your ticket, get there early and have a great night. The Hall and the bar will open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7.30 Tickets are, as always, great value at just £10 a head Call and get your tickets now from: Cath & Peter Holden - 250808 or 07714 278860 Come in your best 1940’s and 50’s style and you might win that ‘best-dressed’ prize! 25

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News and Events from Changes are afoot at Hartlebury Castle... If you visited Hartlebury Castle since our launch in 2018, you may have filled out one of our visitor surveys, or a comments card. We’ve listened to these and your general feedback over the last two years and are excited for the changes it is bringing. Alongside a couple of new paint jobs, we’re changing a few rooms to provide more information about some of our bishops and show the development of the Castle to what visitors see today. Don’t worry, popular sights such as our talking portraits, gypsy caravans and beautiful State Rooms remain the same. Out in the grounds, thanks to your votes, our Tesco Bags of Help funding is transforming the Queen Elizabeth Walk to its former beauty. The flower beds have been prepped for beautiful plants and the walk is ready for its new load of gravel. The design is in keeping with its former look and importantly, sustainable for our volunteers in the future. None of this work could be done without our wonderful volunteers, picking up paintbrushes, screwdrivers, trowels and wheelbarrows to help make these changes. Their support and help has been invaluable and we would not have been able to improve the future visitor experience without their help. Following the Trust’s AGM, we also welcome Paul West to his new position as Chair of Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust. Formerly Chief Constable of West Mercia for 8 years before retiring in 2011, Paul became a Trustee for the Caslte 2 1/2 years ago. He is a local to the area and is delighted to be involved in sharing and preserving the Castle’s history. Paul succeeds Vicky Bagnall, who we would like to thank for all of her hard work, help and guidance leading the Trust through its first years of opening. Hartlebury Castle’s staff team also welcomed Steve Bagnall to the new position of Commercial and Development Director. Steve will be building the Castle's commercial strategy, increasing revenue generation and progressing our operational and visitor offering. So exciting times ahead for Hartlebury Castle! Thank you for your support as you attend our events, bring your friends and family to visit, or simply pop into the café for a cup of coffee. We looking forward to seeing you in 2020! 27

Happy birthday Bishop Hurd! On 13th January, we sung happy birthday to Bishop Richard Hurd, who would have turned 300 this year, and used it as a good excuse to eat biscuits and cake. Born 1720, Hurd was Bishop of Worcester from 1781- 1808. He is the creator of the Castle's magnificent library, now known as the Hurd Library. This treasure is the only example of an Anglican bishop’s library remaining on its original shelves its original purpose built room. It contains fascinating books from the libraries of four 18th century book- collectors – Hurd himself, his friend and mentor, William Warburton, Bishop of Gloucester (1760-1779), and Warburton’s two friends, the poet Alexander Pope and the entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ralph Allen of Bath. As a result, there is a fascinating range and variety of topics in its collection. You can see into the Hurd Library, from February, on Tuesdays 11am - 2pm. Volunteers’ Lunch As a thank you to our amazing volunteers, we put on a New Year lunch. The lunch included a fun round of Pass the Parcel with challenges and games tucked within the layers. Everyone had a lovely time and we were very happy to be able to show our thanks for all of their hard work, time and commitment. Upcoming events at Hartlebury Castle: We’ve got brilliant events planned for 2020. Bring the family along in the holidays to enjoy a fabulous variety of children’s craft activities. Our Bank Holiday events include a Teddy Bear’s picnic, VE Day Street Party, animals and birds, as well as the return of our popular pirates for Swashbuckling Fun. We’re also expanding our programme of outdoor performances, with three outdoor theatres this year, as well as outdoor cinema screenings and an outdoor concert from The Film Orchestra’s Community Orchestras. Mythical Creatures Tuesday 18th—Friday 21st February, 11am—4pm Delve into a world of mythical creatures this Half Term at Hartlebury Castle! Follow the fairy trail and make your own unicorn or dragon bookmark and create a beautiful pixie door to take home. £2 per child, plus admission fees To find out more about events, opening hours and admission visit: www.hartleburycastle.com Follow us: /Hartleburycpt /Hartleburycastle 28

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Answers to Quizmas A carrot Aladdin: Widow Twankey is his mother. Under the mistletoe. “Buss” is a sixteenth century word for a kiss. Holly and Ivy. (Later Christmas tradition had it that the holly’s thorny leaves and berries represent Christ’s suffering.) A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. His father was Bob Cratchit. The mistle thrush. In winter it feeds on mistletoe, a semi-parasitical plant used by Druids in their ceremonies. Melchior brought gold, Caspar offered frankincense and Balthazar gave myrrh. The Puritans, denouncing the pudding or “plum porridge” as popish. They also declared that carols were evil chants. Twelfth Night, which includes the character Toby Belch. “Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” From the poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas, by Professor Clement C. Moore. A large log, brought in on hristmas Eve. Once lit, the fire was not allowed to die until the log was reduced to ash. Silent Night, in German, Stille Nacht. St. Stephen’s Day is December 26. The goose. It used to be a traditional Christmas bird in Britain until the sixteenth century, when the turkey first pushed it out of the oven. Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. “In a one-horse open sleigh. It is considered lucky if a dark-haired man carrying coal and bred – and also, in some areas, salt, whisky or a sprig of greenery – is the first person to cross the threshold after midnight on New Year’s Eve. Legend has it that at the Crucifixion the robin pecked at Christ’s crown of thorns, causing a drop of blood to fall. This stained the bird’s breast crimson. Natal. Dasher, Dancer, Donder, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Prancer and Vixen. Vera 30

Footpath Matters First, apologies to all those that went to the Post Office hoping to buy a copy of the Hartlebury Book of Walks for someone for Christmas. Jag ran out of them and I was away. He now has a plentiful supply! Still, what a perfect Valentine's day surprise for someone, or assistance perhaps to achieving Keep Fit as a New Year's resolution! If he does run out then the other place that has a supply is at Stourport Library! It may not be politically correct, but I would like to make comment about the last Parish Council. May I say how helpful and supportive they have been to me in carrying out my duties. Thank you very much. May I also wish the new Councillors every success in the challenges that await them. We are all unpaid volunteers and we undertake these duties and obligations to improve local conditions and services for the benefit of everyone in Hartlebury. Sometimes a thankless task! Now kissing gates! Those yellow dots on my master chart are expanding. A big thank you to all the land owners and farmers that have been so co-operative. County have supported us well with work parties and the money provided by County Councillor Peter Tomlinson has been gratefully received and faithfully applied!! Especially round Leapgate Farm and Leapgate Lane. There was a particularly difficult stile with a steep descent down to the road. There is now a Kissing gate and a couple of steps, really easy now. Navigating through Leapgate Farm is now much clearer and I would like to say easier. Well, it will be when it stops raining and the mud dries a bit!! How refreshing to hear how some of our paths are now being used on a regular basis now that the difficult stiles have been replaced. I notice how old age is starting to make it increasingly difficult for me to \"get my leg over\" some stiles, so to speak! Things that in our youth were really easy and we didn't think about become increasingly challenging. In any event, there are now whole walks that are age and dog friendly! I must tell you about the ongoing Stihl story. It really is being very well behaved. I have three attachments, a cord strimmer head, a brush cutter and a hedge cutter extension. It is sometimes difficult to know which attachment to use as they all have their benefits and all work so well. On occasion I do 31

take more than one. Perhaps I should take my wheelbarrow to load everything in to. My rucksack is becoming just too small for all the fuel, hammers, signs , loppers and secateurs that I always take and without which I feel incorrectly dressed. In any event, heavy cut backs for which at one time I had to rely on County, I can now perform on my own! When I recover from my present bad back I must get out onto our paths and check on what trees have come down after all this rain and strong winds. Please do report back to me if you come across any problems. This is really most helpful and always greatly appreciated. John Denby. Footpath Warden. 01299 250429. [email protected] To report footpath problems, as well as copying me in, please send to:. https://e-services.worrcestershire.gov.uk/onlinereporting/findlocation.aspx? faulttype=8 32

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The first nine lines produce a single letter which, when read down in order, form a word which is indicated by the last line. My first is in witch but not in broom, My second is in fragrance but not perfume, My third is in apple but not in pear, My fourth is in seldom but never rare, My fifth’s in a goblin but not in a sprite, My sixth is in water but never tight, My seventh’s in candle but not in stick, My eighth is in concrete but never a brick, My ninth is in candy and jellybean, My whole is a time when costumes are seen. The words of a well-known proverb or saying have been reduced to their initial letters. Can you restore the missing words? HWHIL BITTW BLTN Re-arrange the letters of these phrases to find six girls’ names. Then take the initials of the six and use these to make a boy’s name. 1. Eat Nail 2. Art Bore 3. Find Wire 4. Ale Nag 5. Real One Hen Pad By altering a single letter at each step, turn DOG Into - - - --- CAT If ADA is 10, FIONA is 33, OLGA is 29 How old is CLAIRE? Vera 34

Mike Tooley has put together an interesting list of online information websites and over the next few issues we will publish these here for your reference...we hope you find some of these interesting...more to follow next Month! Some of The Best History Websites And Sources of Information These links started off as a simple list of history related websites for the Hartlebury History Society website. https://www.hartleburyhistory.org.uk/index.html It has now developed into a veritable cornucopia of links to freely available information on the World Wide Web. Alpha History Alpha History is a free, ad-supported online textbook for history teachers and students. It spans twelve different historical periods or themes, with more under construction in 2019-20. It contains thousands of invaluable resources including topic summaries, documents, images, maps, timelines, biographical profiles and historiographical information, as well as a range of online activities. https://alphahistory.com/ Ancient History Encyclopaedia Our mission is to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve his- tory education worldwide. https://www.ancient.eu/ Ancient Origins Our goal is to highlight the very latest archaeological findings, peer- reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. https://www.ancient-origins.net/ A Vision of Britain through Time A vision of Britain from 1801 to now. Including maps, statistical trends and historical descriptions. http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/ Continued on Pages 39 and 40 35

BBC History Extra The official website for BBC History Magazine, BBC History Revealed and BBC World Histories Magazine. https://www.historyextra.com/ Biography Online Biographies of the famous, influential, and inspirational. https://www.biographyonline.net/ British History Online British History Online is a digital library of key printed primary and sec- ondary sources for the history of Britain and Ireland, with a primary focus on the period between 1300 and 1800. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/ Black History Month \"Black History Month always provides a fantastic opportunity for us to recognize the outstanding contributions people of African and Caribbean descent have made to our country over many generations. From busi- ness, law and education to technology, sport and the creative arts, Black British people continue to leave an indelible mark upon every sphere of life in Britain.\" Prime Minister, Boris Johnson https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/ British Library Virtual Books Use our award-winning 'Turning the Pages™' software to leaf through our great books and magnify the details. https://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/virtualbooks/index.html Cooking in the Archives Cooking in the Archives sets out to find, cook, and discuss recipes from cookbooks produced between 1600 and 1800. https://rarecooking.com/our-archives/ Continued overleaf on Page 40 36

Discovering Ancient Egypt Hieroglyphs read: 'HARTLEBURY HISTORY SOCIETY' https://discoveringegypt.com/ EuroDocs Online Sources for European History. These open access sources are readily available to all - without fees or subscriptions. Links connect to European primary historical documents that are tran- scribed, reproduced in facsimile, or translated. In addition you will find video or sound files, maps, photographs or other imagery, databases, and other documentation. The sources cover a broad range of historical happenings (political, eco- nomic, social and cultural). https://eudocs.lib.byu.edu/ Forces War Records · 23 Million Commonwealth military records · 2 million exclusive records, found only on our site · Records transcribed in the UK for maximum accuracy · 1 on 1 Personal assistance from military photo and document experts · Access to Orbats (Orders of Battle) mapping tool, allowing you to trace your WW1 ancestors steps https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/ Continued Next Issue (11 more pages of Sources) Mike Tooley 37

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This space now available Call John Hellens on 01299 251657 for details (92mm by 60 mm) Claire Tooley Booking Secretary 07923 544838 www.hartleburyparishhall.co.uk 39

Village Index 2019 Those numbers without a dialling prefix are Hartlebury numbers, if you dial outside, please begin with 01299 Church Rev. Stephen Winter 07773 760899 Parish Rector Mrs Carolyn Gumbley 251148 Church Warden Mrs Ruth Whittaker Magazine Editor Mr John Hellens [email protected] Magazine Advertising Mrs Val Hardwick 251657 Magazine Distribution Mrs Chris Webb 250937 Choir Leader Mr John Webb 250452 Tower Captain Mrs Mary Mayo 250452 Organist 250871 7 Parishes Office Administrator Mr Nick Wright 01905 622464 Youth 250312 Hartlebury C of E Primary School Mrs Caroline Unitt Cambian New Elizabethan School 250258 Parent & Toddlers Greenwoods Children Centre 01527 861063 Cubs & Scouts, St Michael’s Stourport Mr Mark Gould 879918 Guides Mrs G Sutherland 01562 631452 Venues Mr Ray Kirby 250416 County Museum Hartlebury Castle Mrs Claire Tooley 250995 Village Hall Chairman Mr Tony Hardwick 07923 544838 Village Hall Booking Sec. Mrs Marion Inman 250937 Clubs & Societies Mrs Carol Priest 250175 Gardening Club Chair Miss Lorna Pritchard 253525 W I President Mrs Diane Maughan 07903 580716 History Society Sec. Mrs Diane Maughan 250821 Cutnall Green Young Farmers Mr John Rhyme 250821 Hartlebury Art Group 250513 Ext. 221 Hartlebury Poetry Group Friends of Bishops Wood Representatives Mr Nigel Huddlestone 02072 195814 Member of Parliament Cllr Peter Tomlinson 01905 621670 Worcestershire County Council Mr Stephen Bateman 07432 227735 Wychavon District Council Mr Ray Kirby Parish Council Chair Mr Neil Gulliver 250995 Parish Council Clerk 07927 311041 Parish Paths Warden Mr John Denby 250429 Useful Numbers 08712 002233 Rail Enquiries 08457 484950 Local Bus Timetables 01562 823953 Local Police 01905 725760 Citizen Advice Bureau 01527 575855 Tourist Information 404740 Bromsgrove Mobile Library Worcester Regulatory Services 01905 822799 [email protected] Environment Agency 0800 80 70 60 [email protected] 40

Hartlebury Parish Hall—Weekly Hall Bookings Monday Yoga 6pm—7pm Drama Group 7:30pm - 10pm Tuesday Community Café 10:30am – Midday Craft Group 10am - 3pm Wednesday Yoga 10am - 11am Friday Yoga 10:30am - 11:30am Portman Dance 7pm - 10:30pm Bookings for February 2020 Sunday 2nd Football 10am-1pm Tuesday 4th Parish Council Meeting 7pm-9pm Armoury Action Air 12pm-9pm Sunday 9th Flower Arranging 09:45-4:15pm Monday 10th Choir Rehearsal 7pm-8:30pm Tuesday 11th WI 7pm-10:30pm Wednesday 12th Shindig—*see website* 7pm-10:30pm Choir Rehearsal 7pm-8:30pm Friday 14th HPHMC 7pm-9pm Tuesday 18th History Society 7pm-10:30pm Choir Rehearsal 7pm-8:30pm Wednesday 19th Armoury Action Air 5pm—10pm Rock and Roll Dance 7pm-11:45pm Thursday 20th Tuesday 25th Thursday 27th Saturday 29th Did you know....you can hire The Hartlebury Parish Hall from £37 for a 3hr children’s party? Contact Claire on 07923 544838 and leave a message or email at [email protected] for queries about bookings and availability. Also go to www.hartleburyparishhall.co.uk (NEW and UPDATED incl. online calendar to check availability and to book online) for any further information. Did you also know....you can hire The Hartlebury Parish Hall from £75* from 6pm- 11:45pm including bar for an adult party? *Sundays to Thursdays - Fridays and Saturdays from £90. We also cater for large group parties or wedding receptions. 41