Hartlebury Parish magazine—September 2020

Price 60p (£6.00 per annum) September 2020

Thoughts from the Rector It is over fifty years ago now that the great Joni Mitchell had one of her first big hits with a song she wrote entitled, Big Yellow Taxi, in which the following lines stand out in my memory: “Don't it always seem to go That you don't know what you've got Till it's gone.” It seems to me that the year 2020 has given us the opportunity to think about what we have got because, for a time at least, it has gone due to the coronavirus. What about taking some time to make your list and, when you have done so, to say thank you for each of the things that you have identified there. If you do this, then each of the things for which you have expressed gratitude will become yours in an entirely new way. Not as things that you have to cling onto desperately in case they slip from your grasp and you lose them forever but as things that keep on coming back to bless you even if they are only there for a time in your memory. And that reminds me of another poet. I am thinking of William Blake this time. “He who binds to himself a joy Does the wingéd life destroy He who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity’s sunrise.” So as you make your list of things that you have got but maybe lost for a time, make sure that you kiss each one of them, even when it feels that they are flying away from you. The Rev’d Stephen Winter 2

THE CHURCH IS OPENING SERVICES We are gradually ‘opening up’ at St James following many weeks of ‘shutdown’. The PCC has decided that there will be at least a monthly service at the church – the first of these will be a Holy Communion Service on SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER at 9.30am. We will obviously be following all the government and Church guidance regarding social distancing, wearing face coverings, hand sanitisation and so on. We do hope that some of you will come and join us. We are beginning to think about services to the end of the year, and in October we will have a service on the second Sunday – 11 October – at 9.00am. Please note the change of time from the September service. We hope to hold an ‘outdoor’ service for Remembrance Day on 11 November – further information will be in the October magazine. Services by Zoom will continue at the new time of 11.00am – they have been much appreciated by many and in order that our Rector, Stephen Winter, can lead two services on Sundays, service times have been changed, for the moment at least, to 9.00am (live) and 11am (Zoom). The Zoom service on the second Sunday of each month has developed into a ‘Family-Friendly Informal Sunday Service’ … so if you have children in your family you might want to ‘tune into’ this. It is also, of course, for adults, too – so we can all participate in the singing and activities. Morning Prayer, at 10am on weekdays, continues via Zoom - we remember daily those who have asked for prayer, those who have died and their families and those who are lonely and isolated. As churches reopen for public worship it’s important that you do what feels right for you and we remember that God is everywhere and not confined to church buildings. Continued on Page 4 3

Wedding at St James 25 July 2020 Alan Buck and Cheryl Buck 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

Continued from Page 2 Readings for Sundays in September Sunday 6 September Ezekiel 33.7-11; Romans 13.8-end; Matthew 18.15-20 Sunday 13 September Genesis 50.15-21; Romans 14.1-12; Matthews 18.21-35 Sunday 20 September Jonah 3.10-end of 4; Philippians 1.21-end; Matthew 20.1-16 Sunday 27 September Ezekiel 18.1-4,25-end; Philippians 2.1-13; Matthew 21.23-32 oo00oo On July 25, we were delighted to welcome Alan & Cheryl Buck for their wedding. It was a very informal occasion, with a small group of family and friends. The work to the Bishop Hurd tomb is progressing slowly – mainly due to bad weather preventing work on site. Hopefully, it will be completed by the end of August. It never rains – but it pours! Following the storm on 14 August, the back of the church was severely affected by water flowing in through one of the ‘hoppers’ which overflowed due to the volume of water. There was some damage, but hopefully most of the wood and carpets will dry out in due course. A ‘boss’ was forced off the wall into the church –similar to earlier damage (but not as severe along the north side) and our architect has raised concerns that the tiles on the floor might have ‘lifted’ due to the water. These issues have been raised with our Insurers and we await further advice from them. Also, as a result of the rain, a large branch fell from the beech tree at the south side of the church, narrowly missing the building and windows! As I say – it never rains but it pours! Carolyn Gumbley Churchwarden 5

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 6

Helen Elizabeth Pearce (9th September 1956 – 1st May 2020) David Simons would like to thank everyone in the village who sent him cards, condolences, messages of support (and in some cases, cakes!) following the sad loss of his partner, Helen. Although Helen was a proud Shropshire girl, she loved living in Hartlebury, which was her home for nearly 20 years. In that time, she took a continually active part in the community, making positive contributions to the local History Society, the Women’s Institute, and the Parish Hall Management Committee, including serving all three as Treasurer. She was also a member of the Gardening Club. Helen put her professional skills as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor at the disposal of the Parish Hall and worked tirelessly as a volunteer to deliver the cladding and refurbishment scheme, including writing specifications, dealing with tenders, and managing the contract. More recently, she also played an active part in assisting the Parish Council’s project team to deliver the Community Project. 7

Helen was hardly ever grumpy, always had a kind word, or a funny story and made thoughtful and intelligent contributions in meetings. Strong-willed and firm in her commitment to the things that mattered to her, Helen would argue her position resolutely, but disagreements were always quickly forgotten, she would never bear a grudge. Her smile would light up a room and everyone always seemed pleased to see her, wherever she went. She had fought back from the illness that affected her last year and was looking ahead to enjoying her retirement when her final illness struck in April of this year. David is extremely glad that despite the coronavirus precautions in force, he was able to visit Helen in hospital on the day before she died. Hopefully, Tuesday mornings at the Community Café can resume soon. Sadly, Helen Pearce will no longer be seen in person, but her contributions to the Parish Hall will always be all around us there. 8

You may be wondering what’s been happening with the History Society in recent months. Like so many activities we have not been able to meet as we usually do. Despite the fact that the Village Hall has recently re-opened and is available for Societies and other groups to resume their meetings, the History Society’s Committee recently decided, after consultation with members, that the remaining planned meetings for 2020 will be cancelled. We’ll be reviewing the situation before the end of the year so that a decision can be taken concerning the first meetings in 2021. We’re planning to re-schedule the meetings that were due to take place during 2020, so that members and visitors can still look forward to an interesting Programme of speakers next year. Hopefully this will include a visit to Shelsley Walsh in the summertime. In addition there could be a talk reflecting on the Swinging 60’s, and topics ranging from King John, Herbert Austin & Longbridge to more local topics such as Ribbesford House, artefacts from a farming life in Hartlebury and Kidderminster’s Home Front in the First World War. Many of you will know that the Society periodically produces a Discovery magazine. In recent years, during the centenary of World War 1 we focused on the brave young men from Hartlebury who gave their lives during that conflict. They are now remembered as part of the history of the Village on the war memorial in the churchyard. Researching and recording the churchyard is one of the projects that has been on the Committee’s agenda for some time. During the “lockdown” period it has been more difficult to progress with this. 9

The Committee hope to publish another edition of the Discovery magazine before the end of the year. Normally it would be available to buy at our meetings and is always available at the Post Office. So, make a note to look out for it in the Post Office later in the year. We do hope that when we resume our meetings in 2021 that we’ll be able to encourage new members to join. But don’t forget that everyone is welcome to attend meetings as a visitor. In the meantime, do look at our website, at www.hartleburyhistory.com The Community cafe aims to be running again every Tuesday in September between 10and 12 am. We will have to remain open to Govt advice during the Autumn should Covid restrictions be re- applied. However, even so, it will be so good to see our customers again!! Tues 1st September will be our first cafe date since March, look forward to seeing you! 10

A little bit about the WI……………………… The organisation has a diverse membership. We are about inspiring women through experiences, knowledge, and skills. These are passed down through generations and updated every day. The WI is everything you want it to be. Whatever your reason for joining, we offer all kinds of opportunities to all kinds of women. For some it is a chance to meet people and catch up with friends. For others it is a way to learn new skills and campaign on issues that affect the wider community. The WI is what you make of it. WIs come in all shapes and sizes and our members can be involved in the way that suits them. This can mean joining a local WI or setting up a new group with other like-minded women. Others may prefer to be Associate members with the opportunity for local WI involvement. Each WI is a charity, governed by the model constitution and rules for WIs. Only WIs with an annual income of over £5,000 need to register with the Charity Commission and receive a charity number. The charity number is an individual number. WIs that are not registered with the Charity Commission are still charities in their own right. Their charitable status is defined by the WI Constitution. Whether they are registered or not each WI must abide by Charity Law. WIs are charitable and everything they do must be consistent with that special legal status. If you want more details about joining Hartlebury WI just ring Marion Inman (President) on 01299 250175 or email [email protected]. 11

Boules is back and running! Yes, despite all that old COVID the Petanque season started from the beginning of August and we’ve had some great evenings of boules at the Parish Hall. We play each Thursday and we offer a warm welcome to any other people who would like to join for a friendly, relaxed game – or, indeed, for a friendly, competitive one! So, do come along. People bring their own liquid refreshment (!) and a fun time is had! We will continue to meet every Thursday at 6.30 p.m. until at least the end of September. We’re on the piste (close to the Hall’s sitting-out/paved area) and there are plenty of boules available to share. Complete beginners, old hands, any skill level, all welcome. So, come along and join us; give it a try. Peter 07714 278860 12

Hedgerow Ramblings Dear Villagers, Since last I wrote, such an abundance of hot sunny days has brightened this strange and unsettling time. Along with many other villagers I have found much to do and refresh in the garden. It has, at times, been the only activity which consistently reduces stress. I will skip over the weeks taken up with painstaking removal of ground elder which had amassed in carpets of knotted roots. I’ll concentrate on the more agreeable side of gardening. We have had our garden for just over 30 years. When we took it over the grass was too high for my young son’s taste, it prevented him seeing to the far end and we had a devil of a job convincing him there were no tigers lurking in the shadows. This was a child who fully believed in dragons living in the Welsh caves. He was only 4 years old; I might add. Over time we cleared out many potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes which, somewhat bafflingly, grew in great numbers. We took several trees down and planted new ones and, best of all, had a pond put in. This has never had fish or frogs, but a great many newts breed in the waters every year. Our children spent happy hours netting the newts and examining their shiny orange bellies before putting them back into the pond. My son, by now aged 12, built a hedgehog ramp in-case an unfortunate nocturnal rambler should slip and drown. We added an arch, new fences and introduced, with the help of a garden designer, a curved path to add interest and shape. My favourite additions though, have been the roses. I know I’m not alone in thinking them the queen of all the plants. We have ramblers, a moss, a damask, a polyantha, hybrid musk and floribundas. Oh yes, and a hybrid tea. It seems worth all the pruning, feeding, dead-heading, and leaf-checking to breathe in their scent and admire their beauty on a midsummer’s day. 13

This year I realised my ‘Blairi no.2’ needed to be removed - after a life of 22 years - and replaced with something new. I always wondered whether Mr Blair, the rose grower, just ran out of new rose names? There is, apparently, a ‘Blairi no.1’ but it isn’t as popular, as people prefer pink. My brand new ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ may fit the spot perfectly. For all my chatter about roses, when my daughter recently asked me which plant, I could never do without, the answer was a Philadelphus or mock orange. The variety would always be ‘Belle Etoile’, which I believe translates to ‘beautiful star’. The scent on a warm summer’s evening is heavenly and this year has been particularly noticed and appreciated. This tip I will pass on to all new village gardeners choosing a Philadelphus: they grow large-ish and you must ignore untidy growth, but they are good- natured and well worth the space. Keep your spirits up Hermione. 14

Footpath Matters Oh dear, that's me on the naughty step- again! I hadn't realised how political being a footpath warden could be! What have I done? Despite the lock down, I thought I could continue strimming, carefully maintaining a safe distance from any walkers using the paths. I probably only meet ten people a year, so no crisis there, or so I thought! Using my hour of exercise, a day when necessary was the plan. Originally County had said not to do any work at all during lockdown. They were all going to work from home evidently. I thought that using my discretion I would be OK proceeding as normal but standing well back when other footpath users approached, and I would keep a low profile. \"I would strongly and politely ask you not to continue any further strimming\" may not rank highly on the upbraiding beaufort scale, but it is still there, a force four perhaps? In any event, who reported me for this capital offence? This is the painful bit, I shot myself in the foot, it was me! Each year County employ a contractor to strim four of our footpaths, once! Totally inadequate, but there you are. I think that important paths like the one from the Mare and Colt to Summerway require at least 4 strims in the early part of the year, especially as it is easier to strim the bracken shoots when they are young. When they mature, they are difficult to strim and they collapse across the path and lock together making a complete block. I wanted to know when this strim was going to take place and as I explained, I would be very upset if the contractor arrived to do his strim the day after I had just strimmed it! Condemned myself! I could have said that this was only a theoretical situation, but I don't think there is an apology anywhere in the offing that is likely to happen! That is the reason if you have noticed overgrown paths, sincere apologies it's not my fault! Those four paths have now received their annual strim so that is good. They must have found the strimming extremely hard on the Mare and Colt path as the bracken was completely matted. Well done all the farmers who have maintained their paths, incredibly helpful! Has anyone noticed the new road surface up Lodge Bank? It WAS a beautiful smooth surface and if it had not been on a hill you could have played snooker on it! Except, if you were on a horse it was a nightmare, worse than being on a skating rink so I was told! It has now been resurfaced with tar and gravel and the horses are happy again! 15

I notice now that blue face masks are appearing by the roadside with the other litter, very depressing! Not as depressing though as the trailer of rubbish that was left on Summerway, in the normal fly tipping layby! A broken trailer, with another trailer on it and the remains of a caravan that had been demolished, all tied down. See photo. Was this a considerate fly tipper that was making it easier for it to be removed, or did he not have the means to remove it from the trailer? Perhaps the trailer was also scrap? If only a number plate had still been attached! Finally, Geo-caching up and running again, good on you Geoff! 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 16

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Live & Local ‘Shindig’ news Well, there may be some good news for those of you who are fans of live performance at the Hall. Live & Local are aiming to get back up and running with shows as soon as is possible. They have a season running from September to late December. We have taken a step of faith, knowing how much our loyal audience loves live music and performance... We have reserved a great act for Friday 18th Dec. at 7.00 ‘Claustrophobic Tinselitis’ is a top pre-Christmas show by the excellent group Mumbo Jumbo A close-harmony, piano-led fun evening celebrating music's 'almost' hits, with fantastic music, tongue-in-cheek banter and brilliant audience rapport... With added tinsel, fairy lights and Xmas songs!’ (and there’s a chance to join-in online in a live ‘radio show’ of the gig.) We will make sure tickets are at a great-value price, as usual, and there’ll be a bar, of course! So make that a date in your diary. Of course, with COVID and the autumn coming there will be the chance of changes. We will need to confirm the plan, so… look out for information about the show here in the magazine, on the Parish Hall website, and in posters around the parish. Take care, stay safe We look forward to seeing you at the next show. Barry & Ruth Cath & Peter 18

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Ombersley Family Dental Practice Mrs Andy Wright B.D.S. (Edin) A friendly private practice specialising in preventive dental care for all the family in a happy relaxed atmosphere New patients welcome. Cosmetic treatments including whitening Sports gum-shields for all ages in various colours and designs Same day emergency appointments Large car park Racks Lane, Ombersley, Nr Droitwich, Worcs. WR9 0EN Tel: 01905 621881 www.ombersleyfamilydental.co.uk 21

ANSWERS TO JULY QUIZ (June) BURN – BORN – CORN – CORE – CURE MICE – RICE – RACE – RATE – RATS Answer 2. 6 x 2 = 12 3 x 8 = 24 7 x 9 = 63 Linda has one share, Eric two and Sally four. That makes seven shares in all. £28 divided by 7 = £4. Linda has £4, Eric £8 and Sally £16. True. An adder, like all other snakes, is deaf. True. Only the female mosquito sucks blood, the male is content with nectar and other plant juices. Nine Take the first and third letter of each word and you get Take left hand fork into town. Tandem/agenda/modish/adagio/rating/iguana/season/kidney - The two trees are Tamarisk and Mahogany Vera 22

Gardening Advice for September If you want to encourage wildlife and birds, the best thing of all, if you have the energy, might be to dig a garden pond. If not, just try the following: Leave seed heads to form Leave seed heads on plants such as lavender and Verbena Bonariensis, as they will provide food for birds and small mammals. Leave food and water for hedgehogs Continue to leave out dishes of water and meat-based dog or cat food (ideally chicken flavour) for hedgehogs. The young hoglets need help fattening up before they go into hibernation in late autumn. Check hedges before cutting Blackbirds and thrushes often continue nesting surprisingly late, well into August, so check your hedges for nests before cutting and wait until this season’s broods have flown before you trim. Stop deadheading roses Stop deadheading roses to ensure they develop hips that hungry birds can eat during the winter months. Here are some of the best roses to grow for hips: Rosa canina Birds adore the red, egg-shaped hips of the wild dog rose, Rosa canina, which are also good for cooking. A common hedgerow shrub, it bears white to pale pink flowers in early summer. Height 3m, spread 1.5m. Rosa filipes ‘Kiftsgate’ Masses of orange-red hips adorn this much-loved, rampant rambler, Rosa filipes ‘Kiftsgate’. It needs a large tree or building to grow over and produces trusses of fragrant creamy-white single flowers. Height 10m, spread 6m. Rosa ‘Fru Dagmar Hastrup’ The small, orange-red hips of Rosa ‘Fru Dagmnar Hastrup’ look like cherry tomatoes. In summer, pale pink, clove-scented flowers cover this sturdy, spreading shrub rose. Height 1m, spread 1.2m. 23

Rosa ‘Madame Grégoire Staechelin’ Rosa ‘Madame Grégoire Staechelin’ is a glorious climber with huge hips that turn from yellow to pinkish-red, emerging from double, pale pink flowers in May. Although prone to fungal disease, its beauty makes it worth the effort. Height 6m, spread 4m. Rosa moyesii Elegant urn-shaped orange-red hips and arching stems make Rosa moyesii an excellent species shrub rose for borders. It produces single, pink or striking dark red flowers in summer. Height 4m, spread 3m. Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’ Shiny cherry-tomato hips and healthy foliage make Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’ a robust dog rose, ideal for hedging. It’s adored by gardeners, cooks and birds alike. Its scented white blooms open from pink buds. Height and spread 2m. Rosa setipoda Bristly, urn-shaped, dark red hips hang on the arching stems of Rosa setipoda, making a striking autumn feature. In summer, large clusters of pale pink flowers appear. Height and spread 2m. Rosa spinosissima Known as the Scotch rose, Rosa spinosissima is a charming but very prickly species rose. Purplish-black hips follow the white, early summer flowers. Height 1m, spread 1.2m. 24

The History of the people who were employed at Hartlebury Castle… a plea... Members of the Friends of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library are putting together a history of the ordinary people who worked for the Bishops of Worcester at Hartlebury Castle. This will include indoor and outdoor staff – everyone from the youngest housemaid to the oldest gardener! If you knew anyone who falls into this group, be it family, neighbours or whatever, we would love to hear your memories and stories. We know that people came from all over the country to work at the castle – we have even found a French butler – and there was a gardener who worked for five bishops and is buried between two of them in Hartlebury churchyard, having continued to live at the lodge to the castle until he died, long after he retired. And we know that others remained in the village after they retired so we hope that there will be descendants or old friends out there who may be able to help us. Any memories, however scanty will be most welcome. Civil records are only available until the 1939 register which was compiled in lieu of the 1941 census, so we come to a halt there, really. We would also like to see photos and other memorabilia, please. Mary Arden Davis and I would love to talk to anyone who is interested – please call me or email me on 01299 250598 or at [email protected] Many thanks, Maggie Herbert 25

News and Events from Opening our doors in July, we were delighted to be able to hold our first events in August, all be it on a much smaller scale to our original plans. Thank you to those who came along as we commemorated 75 years after Victory over Japan Day. We had a wonderful weekend and despite bad forecasts we had beautiful sunshine on both days! The event included wonderful classic vehicles from Forever Forties, fascinating displays and stalls, and delicious cakes and drinks! It was lovely to see visitors relaxing in the Carriage Circle and having a great time - some even dressed up for the event! Hartlebury Castle also has it’s own link to VJ Day. David Cash, grandson of Bishop William Cash (Pictured. Bishop of Worcester 1941 -55) kindly shared this story with us: Bishop Cash’s son, Major Bobbie Cash MC served in Burma during the war. In November 1944 his division was tasked with advancing from Myitkyina to Manderley to clear Japanese troops from what was known as the ‘Railway Corridor’. During a battle at Pinwe, Major Cash was badly wounded leading an attack on Japanese positions. He was taken to a dressing station behind the lines where he technically ‘died’ on the operating table. However, thanks to the skill of the American surgeons, he was brought back to life. Major Cash spent 7 months in a hospital in India, before returning to England, and later Hartlebury. Bobbie Cash’s mother was blind, but said that she had woken one night and had a clear vision of him sitting on her bed comforting her and saying ‘don’t worry Mama, everything will be all right’. It transpired that the time of this vision coincided exactly with the time he ‘died’ after his battle at Pinwe. Continued on P,30 26

Hire the Castle State Rooms - Hartlebury Village offer Are you looking for somewhere special to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion? We’re introducing a new offer for locals who live in Hartlebury Village. For a set fee you can hire the Great Hall, Saloon and Carriage Circle, or for smaller get together our Old Kitchen as a ’dry hire’. We’ll provide the chairs and tables and from there, you’ll be able to bring in your own food (cold or pre-cooked), drink and entertainment (subject to PLI). Obviously at the moment celebrations and gatherings are not possible under government guidelines, however give yourself something to look forward to in the future - we’re taking bookings for 2021 as well! To find out more, please contact Beth at [email protected] or call 01299 250797. Coming up at Hartlebury Castle All Aboard for Swashbuckling Fun! Bank Holiday Monday 31st August, 10am - 4pm (We’re being optimistic that this might be on your doorstep in time!) Come dressed as your favourite pirate and Join Captain Sharkbreath and his First Mate, Ruby Cutlass for swashbuckling sessions at: 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (pre- booked). Beware the Pirate curse and keep yer distance, for fear of the black spot! Captain Sharkbreath will run through this terrible curse and how to avoid it at all costs. We are advising families to pre-book their preferred session to avoid disappointment by phoning: 01299 250416. Space is limited and may not be available on the day. Heritage Open Days Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th September 11am - 4pm Timed Entry - Booking Essential Enjoy FREE ENTRY to Hartlebury Castle as you explore the Bishop’s Palace, Worcestershire County Museums and the Castle grounds. Bring a picnic and relax in the Carriage Circle, browse Hartlebury Castle stalls and discover the history of the Bishops and the County. Don’t forget, dogs are also allowed in our grounds on a lead (but not the buildings - sorry) so you can bring the whole family! For visitor safety, we will be operating timed arrival slots therefore booking is essential. Please visit our website to book and find our Covid-19 Visitor Information. 27

An important update from the Chair of Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust The Trustees of Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust have had to take the difficult decision to close the Bishop’s House doors for an extended winter shutdown from 1st September through to Spring 2021. This decision reflects the extremely challenging financial conditions arising from the COVID-19 crisis, which saw the charity unable to welcome visitors for 4 months during what is normally its peak period. The Trust was able to re-open the Bishop’s House at weekends in early July. However, as has been seen at other historic sites, it quickly became clear that visitor numbers will be slow to recover and the charity cannot risk losing even more money by remaining opening during the quieter winter period. Chair of Trustees Paul West said, ‘”This undoubtedly has been the most difficult decision that the Trustees have had to take. We are deeply saddened by the impact that the lengthy closure of the Bishop’s House will have on our dedicated and enthusiastic staff, the majority of whom we have had to make redundant. However, our over-riding consideration at this difficult time must be to do everything possible to ensure that the Castle survives to welcome visitors for many years to come.” The Trust will use the shutdown period to develop its commercial income streams ensuring it can reopen on a sound financial footing with a long term, sustainable future. Planning is already under way for new ways to engage with visitors and an exciting programme of events for the end of 2020 (including Heritage Open Days mentioned in ‘Coming Up’ when we will open the House for the weekend) and for 2021. Worcestershire County Museum, which shares the site at Hartlebury Castle, will remain open during this period and will continue to welcome visitors in the Castle’s North Wing. Visitors can explore the Museum’s galleries, transport gallery and orchard, where they can discover the history of Worcestershire. The grounds will also remain open. More information about the museum can be found at www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk To keep up to date with our latest news, events & to find Worcestershire County Museum admission costs, visit: www.hartleburycastle.com Follow us: /Hartleburycpt /Hartleburycastle 28

The Mistle Thrush (aka ‘Big Mavis’) Living as I do close to the entrance to the MUGA/tennis court, I had seen a stocky- looking bird fly past on occasion which I didn’t immediately recognise. But then I noticed the bird was perched on the tele- graph pole right by the MUGA about 30 metres away. Grabbing my camera, I took a photo (left). From back then in early June until late July, the bird used the telegraph pole regularly, returning several times a day. Sometimes a second bird would come close, perching on the wires. I saw them foraging for slugs, worms and insects, flying off with them. I presumed they are a pair with a family to feed nearby. The bird has a curious call, to my ears sounding something like a duck with a sore throat—‘crrrk’—some have likened the sound to that of a football rattle. Researching on the Internet, I discovered, there are three possibilities—mistle thrush, song thrush or fieldfare (winter visi- tor). The mistle thrush is bigger and paler than the song thrush, with which they are often confused, and has bolder spotting on its breast and belly. Sometimes known as Mavis (Big Mavis in Scotland) or the bull thrush, the mistle thrush is Britain’s largest songbird at 11in long—aggressive and powerful. Its Linnaean name is Turdus viscivorus, meaning ‘devourer of mistletoe’. Seeds are excreted by the thrush onto branches where they can germinate. Although toxic to us, mistletoe has long been credited with medicinal properties, with supposed value in treating arthritis, high blood pressure, epilepsy, infertility and cancer. Mistle thrushes need a wide foraging territory of up to 40 acres per pair and, although rather shy during most of the year, has a reputation for 29

protecting its food sites, particularly in bad weather. Individual birds can be fiercely protective of a single source of berries, such as mistletoe, holly, or yew, fending off mistles and other species. A cock bird calling from a winter food supply is likely to attract a ready mate. The song by the cock bird can be heard from October through to May, lacking the musicality of the song thrush and the quality of the blackbird. Famously, the mistle is unconcerned about inclement weather, earning it the name ’Stormcock’. The mistle thrush is one of our earliest breeding songbirds, eggs being laid as early as February. The nest is built in the fork of a tree or bush. It is built by the female who also mainly takes on the duty of brooding the clutch of 4–5 eggs. The nest is fiercely defended against potential predators such as birds of prey and corvids—even cats and humans. Two broods per year is common, with both parents feeding the young. Photos of Mistle Thrushes in my garden (July 19th) Adult with grub Youngster waiting for food Key Facts (BTO) migrant/resident breeder, passage/winter visitor 165,000 territories (summer) Status in UK Number in Britain RED (see The Red List Overleaaf) Conservation Status length: 27cm | wingspan: 45cm | weight: 130g Measurements Europe and west Asia World Distribution Continued on Page 30 30

Continued from Page 29 Found in forest, woodland, towns Diet invertebrates, berries in autumn and winter First Record —recorded in Anglo-Saxon times —fossil evidence from Devensian (last) glaciation Breeding and Survival (BTO) First Clutches Laid 17 Mar–22 May Number of Broods 2(3) Egg Size 30 x 22mm Clutch Size 2–6 Incubation Period 16–16 days | by female Fledging Period 14–17 days Typical Lifespan 3 years, breeding typically at 1 year Maximum Lifespan 11+ years The Red List (RSPB) Species is globally threatened. Historical population decline in UK during 1800–1995. Severe (at least 50%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years, or longer-term period (the entire period used for assessments since the first BoCC review, starting in 1969). Severe (at least 50%) contraction of UK breeding range over last 25 years, or the longer-term period. Mike Tooley—August 2020 31

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Hartlebury Common Local Group With all the changes of the lockdown and continued social distancing, we hope that our local countryside has been somehow accessible to many of you this summer. The extremes of this year’s weather, though, have had to be endured by the wildlife as well as those of us lucky to get out to see it! The singing, incoming migrant birds seemed to have loved each morning of all those fine spring days - we even had two male cuckoos on the Common at once (no laughing, please)! Water supplies for the flora and fauna started to become scarce until, finally, the real ‘British Summer’ commenced with the endless sunshine being replaced by long, dark days and downpours. The good news is that, in the middle of August, The Bog and nearby Rush Pool actually have some water in them! This will give the bog plants, invertebrates and amphibians a chance to recover, if not thrive, for a while. Plants of dry ground might find this environment hostile and ‘recede’. Why does this matter? Well the authorities looking after this ‘Last Bog in Worcestershire’ recognise that the continual yearly drying of this wetland habitat will change it for ever: species, like the now gone carnivorous sundew, might be totally lost during the annual drying- out spells. Remarkably, though, some hope can continue whilst a seedbank of bog plants remains in the peaty ground. Natural England, central government’s guardians of this nature reserve, are tasked with the problem of preserving this environment. To put any potential wildlife loss into perspective, our group is trying to create a comprehensive list of the species at risk. Let’s hope that a viable plan is adopted to support this special place and its inhabitants. Late summer provides the last chance to see the ling or heather flowering on the Common. This year, I think it has been a little adversely affected by the earlier drought and wet conditions. Lovely, though is the fresh flowering of yellow gorse. ‘How does it do this?’ I used to think, when young. ‘It seems to flower from winter to autumn!’ Well, the European Gorse mostly flowers during the first half of the year then the Western Gorse starts flowering from July, continuing into autumn – we luckily, have both types to enhance each season. There are botanical differences in these species but checking them, other than carefully, can cause some pain! This summer there has been a welcome (even if tentative) return to conservation working parties. Small group numbers, properly ‘socially distanced’ have allowed some days when members have cleared a large area of invading Himalayan Balsam plants near the approach to Lower Poollands Farm. 33

Hopefully these volunteering opportunities will become a regular feature again. Please do have a look at Hartlebury Common Local Group Facebook page and our website - hartleburycommon.org - to find out much more about Hartlebury Common and all of the group’s activities and to join us. Please note that our indoor meetings will not be held until further notice: our venue remains closed. The feasibility of holding future meetings, safely, will, be considered when it re-opens. Michael Howard 34

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Hartlebury Art Group News During this brave new world we find ourselves in the art group has tried, as have we all, to stay focused as a group and keep doing what we do, albeit socially distanced. To that end we have decided to tackle another Hartlebury Art Group calendar. The finished calendar should be on sale at Post Office by mid-October, and we will be grateful if you will continue to give us your support by purchasing a copy. It hasn’t been easy this year, not least because we are in the middle of a global pandemic , but also because we have painted practically every- thing photogenic in the village, apart from the people, and I don’t think we dare do that. At this moment we are not able to meet as a group at our usual place, Hartlebury Castle, but we do hope to get going properly as soon a conditions allow, so if anybody out there wants to join the coolest art group in the village, watch this space. Thank you and the Post Office for your anticipated support. 36

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Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership (WCRP) Working with Communities to Enhance their Stations You may remember reading about this initiative in the May edition of the Parish Magazine. Here is an update on what's been happening despite lockdown Station Adoption WMR are happy for station adoption groups to be formed once more, though actual physical work at stations will be circumscribed by the social distancing and other safety measures in place. If you are still interested in adopting a station or being part of an adoption team, please drop an email to Peter Chapman - see below. Backtrack Anti-Trespass competition The CRP is backing this national competition and is offering spot prizes to Worcestershire entrants for the next 3 months. The target audience is 11-18 year olds. Please would you spread the word to any contacts of this age that you might have - https://wcrp.org.uk/backtrack-anti-trespass-competition/ Scenic Rail Britain All four of the lines within Worcestershire are now on Scenic Rail Britain – see https://www.scenicrailbritain.com/regions/midlands It was expected that there might be a competition to name each of the three northern lines in conjunction with Visit Worcestershire during August. Stitch Train Worcestershire: Look out for more information on our Community Tapestry project which it is planned to launch soon Visit WCRP website at wcrp.org.uk To be added to the CRP mailing list contact Peter Chapman, the Partnership Officer, at [email protected] 38

This is now a little bit of history: I have to confess that I can see there is a “copyright” icon against the above name – that I have absolutely no idea where the photo came from – and that I have not approached the copyright holder because I don’t know how to do so! I hope he won’t mind his name appearing in a small- circulation magazine such as ours, but it was a good photo and is on my computer as a composite which includes the wording, so it appears in full. 39

I just thought that people new to the village might find it interesting, as they pass the end of Summerfield Lane on the way to Kidderminster, to see what was there before the recent redevelopment. It was a warm, cosy little building and was looked after by John Jordan who was, in those days and for many years, a member of the PCC He is a man with a phenomenal memory and can quote the exact date when all sorts of events in his life happened. He puts me to shame, as he is also able to recall the event in question and describe it in detail. It was a great sadness to him when the little mission church was closed and sold for development. He has remained a faithful member of the congregation of the Parish Church of St James, Hartlebury. Caroline Boughton-Thomas 40

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A MITRE ? Who was it who asked me about the word “mitre” for a bishop’s head-dress and, more particularly, why it is called a “mitre” ? I couldn’t answer the “why?” question and neither does the internet – but it does show something about the origin (not sure it covers the two tasssels at the back) so here are a few Wikkipedia notes: The mitre (British English) Greek: μίτρα, \"headband\" or \"turban\") is a type of headgear now known as the traditional, ceremonial headdress of bishops and certain abbots in traditional Christianity. Mitres are worn in the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church as well as in the Anglican Communion. This Serbian Orthodox one is rather lovely: And a Ukranian Bishop is pictured wearing something very similar. Etymology μίτρα, mítra (Ionic μίτρη, mítrē) is Greek, and means a piece of armour, usually a metal guard worn around the waist and under a cuirass as mentioned in Homer’s Iliad. In later poets, it was used to refer to a headband used by women for their hair; and a sort of formal Babylonian headdress, as mentioned by Herodotus (Histories 1.195 and 7.90) Worn by a bishop, the mitre is depicted for the first time in two miniatures of the beginning of the eleventh century. The first written mention of it is found in a Bull of Pope Leo XI in the year 1049. By 1150 the use had spread to bishops throughout the West. In the Church of England, the mitre fell out of use after the Reformation, but was restored in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a result of the Oxford Movement, and is now worn by most bishops of the Anglian Communion on at least some occasions. Continued on Page 42 42

Continued from Page 41 In ecclesiastical heraldry, a mitre was placed above the shield of all persons who were entitled to wear the mitre, including abbots. In the Old Testament, the High Priest and other priests wore a distinctive garb which included a mitre: “For Aaron and his sons, there were also woven tunics of fine linen; the mitre of fine linen; the ornate turbans of fine linen; drawers of linen (of fine linen twined); and sashes of variegated work made of fine linen twined and of violet, purple, and scarlet yarn, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” The bishop in the game chess is represented by a stylised Western mitre Since reading the Wikipedia entry, I find I should have apologised for referring to “tassels\"! I ought to have called them “lappetts” My reason for including all this, is that the lid of the Bishop Hurd table tomb, currently undergoing restoration, has a mitre as well as a crosier by way of decoration. During the dismantling of the tomb, I was most fearful for the mitre, but it has miraculously survived unscathed. The crozier has a missing section – possibly from when the tomb was moved from the West end of the church some thirty years after Bishop Hurd died, in 1808. There is an old photograph showing its original location, in what is now the turning circle at the top of today’s drive. It would be interesting to see whether there are records referring to this relocation – and how it was done. The crozier, or officially the pastoral staff (baculus pastoralis), symbolizes the role of bishop as the Good Shepherd. The bishop, like a good shepherd, must lead his faithful flock along the path of salvation, disciplining and protecting them as needed. The shepherd’s staff is therefore a most appropriate symbol for the office of bishop. Hartlebury has an ancient tree (now, sadly, rather a ruin of a tree) enclosed by an iron railing. Look out for it beside the A449 on the way to Worcester. 43

It is opposite the Mitre Oak pub, which was presumably named in honour of the tree and was supported by props some ten years ago. Caroline Boughton-Thomas Need help with your advert? Contact John Hellens on 01299 251657 Need help with your article for the magazine? Contact Ruth Whittaker on 0744 694 2239 44

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Vera’s Quiz Each sentence contains the name of a river hidden within it The batman had to report to the colonel with a message. There seems to be some insurrection in the Panama zone. It looks as if we are going to miss our initial engagement. He began gesturing widely in order to attract attention. It’s always advisable to put some sugar on nettle cakes. Which word, when tagged onto the first word, will form another word and when placed in front of the second word will also form another word? Page - - - hem Anagram – AIR SOB Is it legal for a man to marry his widow’s sister? Which is the odd number out? 3469 2578 4579 1489 3547 3679 Can you crack the code and discover a medical headline that appeared in April 2001? 7 13 10 6 20 10 15 20 17 10 19 6 9 6 2 19 10 15 8 2 10 5 21 6 4 9 15 16 13 16 8 26 3 West Ham, Fulham and Chelsea played important F.A. Cup ties on Saturday but all kicked off at different times – 13.30, 15.00 and 17.15. Fulham kicked off at 15.00 but didn’t play against Aston Villa. West Ham played Hull City and kicked off earlier than Aston Villa. Which team did Newcastle play? Can you turn SOFT into HARD, one letter at a time? What can be driven but has no wheels and can be sliced but still remains whole? The Jolly Green Giant advertised what? The name of a canoe, whichever way you look at it. 46

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 47

Village Index 2020 Those numbers without a dialling prefix are Hartlebury numbers, if you dial from 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 Claire Grand 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 Vacant 250995 Village Hall Chairman Mr Tony Hardwick 250937 Village Hall Booking Sec. Mrs Marion Inman 250175 Clubs & Societies Mrs Carol Priest 253525 Gardening Club Chair Miss Lorna Pritchard 07903 580716 W I President Mrs Diane Maughan 250821 History Society Sec. Mrs Diane Maughan 250821 Cutnall Green Young Farmers Mr John Rhyme 250513 Ext. 221 Hartlebury Art Group 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 Tim Ingram Parish Council Chair Lesley Cleaver (Acting) Parish Council Clerk 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] 48

THE PARISH HALL HARTLEBURY For Future reference—Did you know....you can hire The Hartlebury Parish Hall from £37 for a 3hr children’s party? Or £75* from 6-11.45pm inc. Bar (adults)? Contact by email at: [email protected] Parish Hall Bookings September 2020 Mon 7th Lottie’s Little Movers 09.45 – 11.15 Sun 13th Armoury Action Air 12.00 - 21.00 Sun 20th Children’s Party 13.30 - 18.00 Sun 27th Armoury Action Air 12.00 - 21.00 Other regular clubs and hirers have yet to decide when they will return to using the hall. Please keep an eye on the Hall website diary for more up to date information. 49