The first glimpses of normal life? - Summer June '21 - Aug '21 Issue No.91 - Putley Parish Council's ...
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The first
glimpses of
normal life?
Summer
June '21 - Aug '21
Issue No.91
Photo: Jo Porter
Dognapping in Pixley A word from
the Editor
by Lesley Clothier
On the evening of the 28th
by Julie Crompton
of March the WhatsApp
Helping Hand Group received
a devastating text one that all Jo Porter's front cover to get back home to their owners as soon as
possible.
dog owners dread. picture perfectly sums up
There are though, so many feel good stories
Shelagh and Andrew Wynn’s Labrador Moss
my hopes for new beginnings to read in this issue, tree planting, dormice
had gone missing. As everyone knows, a as the easing of restrictions in our hedgerows, young litter pickers, the
return of Putley open gardens, The Prancing
Labrador’s brain circuitry is centred around continues, and the planned Pony is open for business and coffee
food and Moss failed to come back in from
the garden at 5 pm at her usual feeding time. lifting of all covid restrictions mornings restart in Aylton.
Extensive searches by Shelagh and Andrew Chihuahuas, Jack Russells, Labradors and should happen on June 21st. I'd like to thank Melissa Hawker, sadly, this
that evening did not bring her safely home. Pugs. Police are advising dog owners not will be the last issue where is able to impart
to leave dogs in the garden unattended. To So many things we used to take for granted
However this story does have a happy to look forward to once again, even if it’s her culinary knowledge, skill and passion,
look out for spray markings on the road but for all you foodie types out there, we
ending. Because of the jungle drums of the and gate posts and black cable ties on fences only getting out and about again!
WhatsApp Helping Hand Group, a photo have a new cooking and baking page lined-
and to beware of strangers asking questions It feels especially exciting that pubs and up for the Autumn issue, so we won't go
of Moss was circulated the next morning. about your dog. Some dogs are being stolen
A gentleman had found Moss the previous cafés, shops and bars are able to open up hungry! It will be a change of style, but
whilst the owners are walking them. Ghastly again. If you are able to, please support these there will be some great things to bake and
evening wandering along the A438 near stories are being told, of microchips being
Tarrington and had picked her up and taken businesses. They need us, and indeed, we cook up!
cut out. need them.
her home for the night. He was knocking If you have anything you would like to
on doors in Putney in the morning and We all know that dogs touch the hearts One thing I've felt concerned about during mention in the next issue, please get in
Tracey Snowdon who is on the WhatsApp of all family members, and this shocking the pandemic has been the continued rise in touch with me. I would love to see your
group put him in contact with Shelagh and and devastating crime leaving families cases of dog napping (see page 2). How has it photos, stories and articles. Details below on
Andrew and thankfully they were reunited grief stricken. Currently the law treats come to this, where simply going for a walk how to get in touch.
with Moss. Moss had been taken from dogs as criminal property in the same way with your dog has become so concerning?
the garden but had been rejected by these as TV and mobile phones, meaning that Please keep a look out if you see any dogs Enjoy our return to freedom everyone!
dognappers because she has a grey muzzle, dognappers will typically walk free from wandering about. The chances are they have Julie
has been spayed and on closer inspection court. The Kennel Club say that less than been dumped by these criminals and need
looks her 9 years of age. No offence 5% of cases result in a criminal conviction.
Shelagh and Andrew because we all know However the government plan to table an Please support the local businesses who advertise in our magazine. Including pubs, cafés, plant
Moss is gorgeous! She had been turfed out amendment to the policing Bill to make centres, garden maintenance, garages, courses, accountancy, clothing repair and even design
onto the A438 and was found quite some it a separate offence following this rise in agencies. They all provide much needed services and if they aren't open currently, they will be as
way from home. dognapping. Pet theft could become a crime soon as they legally can.
Dog theft has risen by 250% nationwide in its own right that carries a two year jail
following increase demand during the sentence. I think we would all agree that If you have any events, stories, photographs or Copy deadline for the Autumn Issue:
pandemic. The most common dogs to be the government should get on with it and news, please let me know. If you don’t tell me Sunday 1st August
I can’t pop it in our very own little mag!
stolen are Staffordshire Bull Terriers, frankly is 2 years long enough?! julie@monster-creative.com
2 3Summer - normal
service resumed?
Almost midsummer. And on 21st June we all We have thwarted the pigeons and frustrated
hope to be able to fling open our garden gates the squirrels but the protective cloches were
to invite our friends and families to wander snaffled for another purpose. A very old
round our lawns and flowers, sit on a swing- little black cat, our temporary lodger until
seat and soak up the sun or partake of tea and she and her owners move house, now lives in
scones while listening to the humming of the greenhouse. She was miffed because the
the bees or the screaming of small children, staging in there became covered in pots and
whichever you prefer. The acrid fumes of the trays of seedlings and she couldn’t sprawl on
neighbour’s Bar-B-Cue will waft deliciously her usual sunbed. So she realised the plastic
over us as we sip our Pimms under the tunnels were in fact little suntraps and crept in,
mulberry tree and remind us of why our supper curled up on the carrots and the kohl rabi and
is sitting in the bottom of the Aga. purred. I didn’t!
The dry April was a challenge – a lot of D.B. is not usually allowed anything sharp in
hosepipe mending involving reels of plumber’s the growing season, but he was let loose on a
tape and decidedly unhorticultural language. very overgrown Japanese honeysuckle – one of
Three waterbutts provide for the greenhouse those sort of sprawly hedging shrubs which was
but Dearly Beloved is too creaky to get the in our wild corner, left for the birds and insects.
water carrier on his head for the top of the But it had really impinged on the path so we
garden. The warmth has ensured the vegetable started to trim it a bit. As soon as D.B. found
seedlings grew rapidly under their cloches and a Definitely Dead bit there was no stopping
the indestructible spinach (oh, how I would him. He climbed behind it, heaved it off the
like to see the end of it) continues to look like ground and cut it off at the waist. None of
an advert for a seed merchant – tall, bright the “remove third of the old stems, reduce rest
green and no signs of going to seed. No danger by a third” mantra here. It was big loppers,
of iron deficiency in this house. medium loppers and secateurs wielded gleefully
Having planted and enjoyed all those bulbs, for a whole morning. The blackbirds were
then it was the turn of the lilies and gladioli. decidedly unimpressed but it will grow back
Should I put them back in the beds – from thicker and more nest-friendly than ever.
whence they were only moved because other The RHS Spring Show at Malvern may have
plants had overshadowed them – or in big been cancelled but the Autumn one is due
pots on the terrace? How about a formal row to go ahead. So I have invited an old friend,
of white lilies down the straight path with a Hampton Court Garden Guide no less, to
Hand crafted in Aylton for over 50 years the evenly spaced lavender and sedum? Or
would it be clumps of five in gaps in a border.
stay and booked us tickets for the first day –
what an extravagance. We will spend all day
Gladioli, these are lime green ones, do look a tottering round with lots of sitting down and
Save time, waste and money with our unique stack and slide freezer basket system bit odd in a bed, as if someone has gone to the refreshments suitable for elderly persons and
Keep your pets safe in our custom made dog cages for the car and home supermarket, bought a bunch, and stuck them maybe, just maybe, I can buy all those items
in the ground. And then there are the dahlias, on the “What I Need for the Garden List” still
www.hamsterbaskets.co.uk - www.facebook.com/DogCages usually left in situ, but for reasons of space pinned up from last year. Not to mention the
overwintered in the garage. Some went back in “Oh look, got to have one of those” as well...
01531 670 209 different places but others are hiding with the
gladioli, among the cabbages, for cutting. by Rosa Mundi
4 5A matter of taste
Ready to entertain again?
by Melissa Hawker
When this edition of to marinate it overnight, is simplicity itself
– and great for feeding lots of people. This
the Cider Press hits your amount of lamb will serve 8 easily as a roast,
or if you choose to serve it the traditional way
doormats, fingers crossed in pitta bread with a spicy sauce it will go even
further! I have simplified the recipe by using
that things will have eased ready ground spices – and if you omit one or
up a bit and the weather two of them it is not going to spoil the overall
effect, and you can fish out the cardamom
should be warmer! and star anise before you serve! But do use
relatively fresh spices, the ones in little pouches
Spring has been very slow to start, especially by Seasoned Pioneers that Ceci Paolo sell are
compared to last year. Our asparagus which lamb in a deep roasting tin, roll up your sleeves heat them up, pile the sliced or pulled lamb
bravely put up a couple of spears on then great for this.
and massage the marinade well into the joint. into them and allow guests to add chopped
promptly stayed put for the next 2 weeks!
Talking of asparagus, I am very happy just to
Lamb Shawarma Cover with foil and leave for at least a couple
of hours, preferably overnight.
onion, sliced cucumber and tomato – not
forgetting some of the delicious sauces from
the meat as well!
eat it lightly boiled with lots of butter and a • Leg of lamb weighing 2.5 – 3kg Roast uncovered at 170˚C/150˚C Fan/Gas
few shavings of parmesan. But roasting or • 2tspns black peppercorns 3½ for 1.5 hours to brown the meat, adding a
grilling does really bring out its sweetness, cup of boiling water to the pan (not over the
• ½ tspn ground cloves
and if you are eating outside, barbecuing it is meat itself ) after 30 mins. Then cover with
perfect! If not then you can grill it, griddle it • 2 cardamom pods foil, but continue to baste the meat every hour
or put it in a hot oven with a bit of olive oil • ¼ tspn ground fenugreek or so, adding more water if needed. Leave it to
and seasoning for about 8 minutes, depending • 1 tspn ground fennel rest for at least 20 minutes and up to an hour if
on thickness. You want it soft and starting • 1 tbspn ground cumin well wrapped before serving.
to brown. Ottolenghi has, in his latest book • 1 star anise
Simple, a great idea to dress it up a bit. Melt
some butter and add some flaked almonds and •
•
1tspn ground cinnamon
½ nutmeg, grated
Two different sauces to PRODUCE STAND - PUTLEY
Delicous Fruit,
cook for 1 – 2 minutes until lightly browned
before pouring over the asparagus. Heat some • ¼ tspn ground ginger serve with the lamb
olive oil and fry some of those very small • 1 tbspn sweet paprika
If you are serving it as a roast, this goes really Juice and Preserves,
direct from the Orchard
capers on a high heat until they crisp up, use • 1 tbspn sumac
a slotted spoon to add them to the asparagus well with it. Take 125g fromage frais and 125g
& almonds. Sprinkle with some dill (or finely
• ¾ tbspn maldon salt of crème fraiche. Add a teaspoon white wine
chopped chives) and serve. • 25g fresh ginger, grated vinegar, a clove of garlic, grated, the zest of half Open during daylight hours
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed a lemon, 10g finely chopped chives and some
Simple is a great book, but I fear that Pay by Cash, Cheque or Online
Ottolenghi’s notion of ‘simple’ is not always
• 40g chopped coriander seasoning, mix well and serve.
mine! However for those wonderful middle • 60ml lemon juice For an authentic Middle Eastern take on this, 01531 670263
eastern flavours I head for his recipes every • 120ml veg oil mix a small tin of chopped tomatoes with 20g info@dragonorchard.co.uk
time. This Lamb Shawarma (from his & Sami harissa, 20g tomato puree, a tablespoon of
Tamimi’s book Jerusalem), while it needs a lot
Mix all the ingredients except the lamb olive oil and some seasoning. Brush the inside Connecting People, Place and
of ingredients and requires you to remember
together. Score the meat, to allow the of the pitta breads with this mix before you Produce for over 100 years
marinade to seep into the flesh. Place the
6 7thenest
Groceries to Salvage
Wildflowers on our verges,
make space for wildlife by Kate Wollen
As I write this, I am admiring some woodlands, verges and a very limited
amount of farmland.
the beautiful wildflowers
growing in the small verge Cutting these verges during spring and
summers destroys the majority of wildlife
outside my house. habitat along them, leading to further
The Garlic mustard and light purple/pink declines in our native wildlife. As with
Cuckoo flower is showing well in some our hedges, unless there is a safety issue,
places and is the foodplant of the Orange leave cutting of verges along the roads and
tip butterfly caterpillar. The dainty white lanes until the end of summer, once all the
Greater Stitchwort is coming out and the plants have produced their seeds and all of
tall showy Cow Parsley dominates some the insects have finished their life cycles.
verges. Herefordshire Council is working with
The bright yellow Cowslips are fairly local groups such as Verging on Wild
common along the main road near to and the Herefordshire Wildllife Trust to
Prestons Cross. improve some of our counties verges. We
as local Parishes can help too by putting
These wildflowers are not just beautiful away our mowers and strimmers until
but are a vital part of the natural food autumn.
chain (remember that from school?!). The
flowers provide much needed nectar or The UK’s native wildlife is in trouble and
foodplants for insects that are then eaten we can all do our bit to help. If you would
nestcafe.co.uk by birds and small mammals who in turn
are food for predators such as barn owls
like any help or advice on how to improve
an area for wildlife please do ask a member
and kestrels etc. Wildflowers once covered of Putley Wildlife Group-
nestLedbury, Hereford Road, Ledbury HR8 2PZ 01531 670 816 all of the UK. Now they are restricted 670834 or ayltonwollen@gmail.com
nest701, Fordshill Rd, Rotherwas, Hereford HR2 6NS 07444 603 649 mainly to nature reserves, hedge bottoms,
8 9Tree planting
at Putley Court by Sue Ashe
The Black Poplar Herefordshire has one of the best populations
of these trees, but only 239 are currently
(Populus Nigra) was recorded across the county. Herefordshire tree
wardens have a project to plant more black
once a familiar sight poplars in Herefordshire to repopulate it with
this majestic tree which grows to 20 metres
Thursday Lunch-time Friday evening in English landscape or more and has a canopy of the same size, so
Putley Court is doing its bit!
evenings special Take-Away but is now one of our Black Poplar cuttings have been planted in
Burger and a pint 2 courses for £12 2 portions the Court field by the footpath in what has
£10 Wednesday-Saturday Fish & Chips rarest trees. become increasingly wet soil as a stream has
decided to emerge there – as those who walk it
12pm-2pm £15 It is featured in many of Constable’s paintings, will know!
where it is shown in its preferred habitat of
watery ground near a stream or river. Numbers These trees are rapid growers and so, within
have been declining over the last few hundred a few years, we will start seeing this ancient,
years due to human land management and it native species grace our landscape once again.
is now a rare species. Black poplars can still be For more information on the Black Poplar
seen in Shropshire, Cheshire, Somerset, the visit the Herefordshire Wildlife website www.
Vale of Evesham and East Anglia. herefordshirewt.org
10 11The 1916 Sale of
Putley The Little Marcle Estate
Church LILLANDS FARM by Charles Thwaites
Birds welcome
The fourth of the seven farms to come suggesting that Mr Skittery had a particular
under the hammer in the auction of the interest in cattle husbandry.
Little Marcle Estate sold by Lord Somers
There appears to be less than an acre of
in November 1916 was the 211 acre
coppice sold with the farm. However the 2
Lillands Farm, although this property was
acre Patches Coppice was already in hand,
by John Sandfield also advertised as Lion’s Hall Farm. In the
with the sporting rights being transferred to
event it was purchased by its existing tenant
the new landlord on sale.
hospices, primary schools and, of course, -- Mr WW Skittery -- whose descendants
churches. This charity also provided continue to farm at Lillands to this day. The farmhouse was described as ‘good’,
boxes for the Parish Hall not so long ago. The purchase price was £3,400. containing a dining room, drawing room,
Included were several different types of breakfast room, four bedrooms and an attic
Just 2 acres of pasture were to be found in
boxes for robins, tits and starlings, an and boxroom. The kitchen had a pumped
Much Marcle, with the remainder being
extremely grand model for a kestrel and water supply with larder adjoining. There
situated within the Little Marcle parish
a ‘terrace’ for sparrows which provides was also an underground cellar. A covered
boundary. At the time the total area
nesting sites for several families. yard led to a dairy and back kitchen with a
enclosed by the latter amounted to just
furnace. The farmhouse garden contained
Thanks from the PCC to the Wildlife over 1200 acres. Thus Mr Slittery farmed
a tennis lawn. The particulars note that
Group members – Kate Wollen (fresh at least a sixth of the parish area, with other
the sitting- and bedroom grates, and the
from her TV appearance), Sally Webster, of Lord Somers’s farms under auction
kitchen range, had been installed by the
accounting for most of the rest.
Mary Hastilow and Richard Ball, pictured tenant, perhaps with the implication that
installing a box. An examination of the field-sizes sold in they were his to remove should his bid be
this lot reveals a roughly similar mixed- unsuccessful!
The church already has bats in the Since Putley Church has several nesting farming pattern to most of the other farms
boxes left, these could be passed on to other The lot included three fairly standard three-
belfry but, at the end of February, in the sale: 11 acres of hops, 6 or so of
bedroomed cottages: two as a ‘semi’ and
organisations of the types mentioned. orchard and approximately 50 down to
on a particularly warm and sunny Please contact John Sandfield if you’re one detached. All had pigscots and wells.
arable. Thus more than half the acreage
morning, members of the Wildlife interested john.sandfield@gmail.com But the most interesting cottage was the
was devoted to pasture, with the particulars
two-bedroomed dwelling situated within
Group joined PCC members to 07961 652357 noting that more than 30 acres had been
the acute angle formed where Aylton Court
install new nesting boxes for birds in If you fancy tracking down the boxes, laid down by the tenant himself. A high
Road meets the A4172. In 1916 this was
there’s a simple map in the church porch proportion of farmland meadow was not
the beautiful churchyard trees. ‘occupied as a post office’. Only later one
unusual in those days, when one bears in
which will enable you to do so. assumes this local service was relocated
The extremely attractive and robust and mind that almost all agriculture in 1916
further south to the corner of Little Marcle
boxes, marketed by the RSPB, were kindly If you would like to help your PCC to still relied on horses as the main motive
Lane, before being finally closed within
donated by ‘Welcome to our Future’, a continue in their efforts to restore and power. Yet looking at the descriptions
recent memory.
small charity based in Pershore that secures maintain the churchyard monuments (and of outbuildings in the sales particulars, it
grants to pay for nesting boxes in various church), please make a donation by BACS to would seem that the number of cow sheds
types of organisations such as care homes, Putley Church, account no 07708157; sort and stalls was higher than other local farms,
code 53-61-47, with reference History
12 13Health & Wellbeing by Lesley Clothier
MCSP. Lic/Ac. CST.
Doctors are warning us about the over
prescribing of antibiotics that will at some
point lead to the devastating effect of
BIRCHER MUESLI with apple
Serves 2
• 1 eating apple - coarsely grated
resistant strains of infection as will the
Gut Feelings
Foods good for gut health. • 50g Organic Jumbo oats
Here are a few examples of foods rich in overuse of antibiotics in farming.
• 25g Mixed Seeds eg Sunflower,
fibre: Raspberries, Apples, Artichokes, Research into the effectiveness of probiotics Pumpkin Sesame, Linseed
Part 3 The Microbiome Green Peas, Broccoli, Chickpeas, Lentils,
Beans, Whole Grains, Nuts.
seem to indicate that they are useful when • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
you are sick but do not significantly alter the • 100g Full Fat live natural Yoghurt
Microbiome part 3 Lots of fibre and non digestible carbs are not composition of the microbiata in healthy • 25g Chopped Mixed Nuts
What should we do to help our microbiata? absorbed in the small intestine but broken people. Better to eat prebiotic foods: • 100ml Cold Water
Our microbes are threatened by a number down in the large intestine forming good Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Asparagus, Bananas. • Chopped Dates or dried fruit of choice
of things but two factors are apparent. microbes Bifidobacteria, Lactobaccilli and ( for some sweetness optional.)
The lack of fibre in our diets and the use of Bacteroidetes. We all would benefit from a breakfast that
antibiotics. has a low glycemic index( GI ) which means Place all the ingredients in a bowl and
Eating fermented foods involves bacteria mix well. Place in the fridge overnight
a slow and steady release of glucose which
When it comes to dietary advice we are converting sugars in foods to organic acids and serve in the morning topped with
minimises glucose spikes in the blood after
besieged by fads and controversy. However and yeasts. Examples are: Live Organic fruit of your choice, banana, raspberries,
Yogurt, Kefir, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Miso. ( meals. Breakfast cereals eg. cornflakes,
what is clear is that consuming large amount puffed rice and bran flakes tend to have a blueberries. Will keep you and the kids
of juices, sweetened beverages, white avoid vinegar in bought fermented foods.
high GI and have a high sugar content. Here going through till lunchtime. Lovely
bread, artificial sweeteners, refined grains Look for spring water.)
is tasty easy and quick to prepare recipe for a alternative to porridge and great to eat as
and processed meats are associated with Eating foods rich in polyphenols lowers a “summer” breakfast.
healthy breakfast packed with fibre and one
microbes linked to metabolic disorders, triglycerides and therefore inflammation. that has a low GI.
obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Examples are: Cocoa, Dark Chocolate,
A good message would be, “ Eat more Red Wine, Green Tea, Onions, Blueberries,
Plants, Eat more Fibre.” A plant-rich Broccoli.
diet seems to make for a “lean” set of gut Blending and juicing can reduce the fibre
microbes. Dietary fibre when broken down, content and increase access to calories and
form compounds called short chain fatty absorption in the small intestine. Partially
acids ( SCFA’s) These compounds help calm digested fibre needs to make its way to the
the immune system, reduce inflammation large intestine for all those beneficial effects
and help to release leptin, the satiety of enhancing entire populations of the
hormone that makes you feel full. One healthiest strains of microbes.
SCFA is called butyrate. This compound
helps plug the gaps in the gut wall
preventing leaky gut syndrome ( as discussed ANTIBIOTICS
in the last article.) Always use common sense because
Choosing to increase your fibre content by antibiotics are sometimes essential but ask
eating more vegetables, pulses and legumes your doctor these questions:
is best done slowly to allow your microbiata 1. How sure are you that my infection is
time to adapt otherwise at first some bacterial and not viral.
undesirable effects can be produced! If you
suffer with gastrointestinal problems do seek 2. What are the risks of not taking
advise from your doctor before changing antibiotics and allowing my immune
your diet. system to fight infection itself.
14 15AYLTON NEWS
Working Photo: Ian Jones
for the Since we can now meet up in person it has
been suggested that we hold a monthly
coffee morning in lieu of the Aylton
Dates for your diary:
Saturday 31st July
'Common' Zoom Coffee mornings. Please let Selina
know if this is something you would be
interested in. marconselina@gmail.com
‘Opera Anywhere’ are performing HMS
Pinafore at Court Farm Barn
good! Easter Church Services
With lockdown beginning to lift we held
our first service since Christmas in March
2nd to the 12th Sept
H.Art featuring Philly Hunt and Veronica
Lavey with funds raised for the Cart Shed.
During the exhibition there will be a village
Two boys from Putley Common have shown and more than 20 attended. Both Good run pop-up tea shop with proceeds going
how much they care about our beautiful Friday and Easter Day services were led to Herefordshire Mind, in Philly Hunt’s
surroundings. The Rolinson brothers Charlie, by William Simmonds and finally it feels memory. There will also be an exhibition of
10 and nine year old Frankie were inspired like we are getting back to normal. What Selene Obolensky’s painting in the tea shop.
to carry out a litter pick. They’re learning all an opportunity to celebrate! We are now
about the environment at Ashperton Primary able to offer a short family service on
the 1st Sunday of the month and Holy
On a lighter note Selina's
School. In just one afternoon they filled three next door neighbour, Elijah, has released
bin bags with rubbish. What role models they Communion on the 3rd Sunday both at his tadpoles Into her pond.... They love
are for all of us! 11am. All welcome. cucumber and lightly steamed spinach !!
16 17Adorable Dormice
by Kate Wollen Putley Wildlife Group
It is illegal to handle Dormice
without a license.
We are fortunate enough to have
Dormice in the hedgerows and
woods throughout our Parishes,
even been seen feeding on a garden bird
feeder near to Putley Village Hall some years
ago ! This winter 3 hibernating dormice
were found huddled together in the base of
we must look after them. a stone wall around a garden in Aylton.
This photograph was taken during
a licensed survey. Hazel Dormice are a very rare, declining and To prevent us losing our dormice from this
incredibly cute small mammal. However area we must look after them and that means
they are in trouble and are now extinct considering dormice before undertaking any
from some counties in the UK. They also work to our hedges or trees.
have the highest level of legal protection, Dormice generally only come to ground
making it an offence to disturb them or their to hibernate and do not like to cross open
habitat, although that is not halting the ground. So if you remove even a small piece
destruction of their homes. of hedgerow, then you could be preventing a
Dormice normally live in woodlands that dormouse from being able to travel around
have a good range of trees and shrubs in its home range.
which to make their homes and feed. In If you cut hedges in spring, summer or
the spring, summer and early autumn they autumn then you could be destroying a
are arboreal (live in the trees) and only nest and killing the dormice inside. Cutting
come to ground to hibernate during the hedges in spring and summer will also
winter usually between November and disturb nesting birds, so unless there is a
March. To make a nest they weave grasses safety reason, leave your hedge cutting until
or honeysuckle or sedges into a tight ball November.
either in holes in trees or shrubs or in dense Annual cutting of hedges removes much
vegetation such as bramble. These nests can of the new growth that would produce
be used for breeding or just by an individual flowers and fruit the following year. Flowers
to shelter in. In the absence of woods they and fruits are vital to much of our native
have been known to use hedges. As nests are wildlife to nectar and feed on, so leaving
usually quite high up in a hedge they are at some hedges uncut each year will benefit our
great risk of being disturbed or even killed dormice and other wildlife.
when hedges are cut during spring, summer
or autumn. If you find a dormouse or a nest in the area,
please do let one of the members of Putley
Luckily in this area we do still have Wildlife Group know. And if you need any
dormice living in our hedgerows and nearby advice on how to look after the dormice
woodlands. Over the last 10 years or so around your property please do contact me
we have found them in virtually all of the on 670834 or ayltonwollen@gmail.com
hedges, copses and woodlands across Putley
and into Aylton and Woolhope. They have Thankyou for caring! Kate
18 19PUTLEY PARISH COUNCIL
Dermot and Louise Daly from Brainge have kindly donated a 'Happy Pigs'
worth of Pork Loin and Sausages to help to raise funds for Putley Church.
Putley Parish Council is delighted regular cuts throughout the growing season.
The consensus seems to be, however, that we
to introduce our new councillor for should support and enhance wildflowers and
the Parish Council, Julie Taylor. pollinators within the Parish next year by
opting for a late summer verge cut only where
Julie has lived in the village for five years and is a it is feasible and where there is a desire to
professor at both the University of Birmingham encourage greater biodiversity in the verge.
and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s If you'd like to take part in our tasty fundraiser, please email your order to:
Hospital, working across a whole range of Whilst Putley Green has benefitted from fibre
broadband for some time now, Putley Common
rayhunter2012@gmail.com who will advise about payment
professional disciplines, including charities and
government departments. Julie’s specific focus is has missed out. Local broadband provider,
on child protection and so we are confident that Airband, in association with Herefordshire
her skills will make a significant contribution Council’s Fastershire scheme is now working in
not just to the Parish Council but to the whole the Putley Common area splicing and testing
community of Putley. the infrastructure. As soon as this is completed
they will be in touch with all residents to
In a neat segue, the Parish Council is currently arrange specific site visits where requested. If
engaging with Platform Housing to discuss anyone wishes to contact Airband, the area
the way forward for the children’s playground reference is HB9.
located at Putley Green. Most of you will be all
too well aware that it has lost a lot of its utility Update to the last edition of the Cider
and attraction over the years and so we are Press: We are delighted to announce that
looking for ideas for how to use this space more Jackie Denman managed to track down the
effectively. If anyone has any thoughts and ideas ‘mysterious missing map of Putley in a metal
on this then do please let us know. tube’. Thank you to all who helped.
Another initiative that is currently under FINALLY: The annual Putley v Aylton cricket
consideration is the idea of limiting the match is scheduled to go ahead at Canon Frome
number of cuts to the roadside verges of Putley Cricket ground on Sunday 25th July. Please
to encourage wildflowers and support key support both communities by attending and
pollinators. Safety is, of course, of paramount bringing a picnic. Both villages need people to
importance so locations on A and B class roads step up and play – no experience necessary –
cannot be considered and visibility splays contact:
and junctions would also continue to receive Andy Booth (Putley) fabooth@gmail.com
Ian Jones (Aylton) ijianjones@gmail.com
20 21Pixley and District Parish Council
Dear friends, we are still awaiting Transport. John Harrington is committed
news on the A4172 - a meeting has to representing the views of parishioners and
he understands our concerns. He has been
been proposed but we do not yet to the Parish to see the problems first hand
have a date though some time in and has toured up and down the roman
May is thought likely. road. In essence, he agrees with us. One of
the most potent arguments he can bring to
Just to remind you – the Parish Council
bear is our strength of feelings and anxiety
has been battling away for some time about
about this. The Parish Council has worked
the speed and standard of driving on this
tirelessly to represent this but, as we have
major route that runs through our parish. It
reflected before in this column, individual
was a feature of the work we did to gather
communications from parishioners count
opinions to help create the Neighbourhood
for a lot. So, we are appealing once again.
Development Plan that many of you felt the
IF you feel that the A4172, the roman
road was a source of danger and concern to
road, is dangerous and that either or both
residents. We have had numerous meetings
of a change in speed limit or road calming
and talks with the Council, and indeed a
measures would be helpful in making life
public meeting was held some time ago at
safer for us all then
which feelings ran very high. Throughout
this we have consistently proposed that the PLEASE do drop Councillor Harrington a
speed limit on the roman road be reduced line yourself at:
to 50mph. This would bring the road into John.Harrington@herefordshire.gov.uk
line with speed restrictions that are in place or write him a letter at:
on either side, namely from the Trumpet Cllr J Harrington, Dept. of Infrastructure
towards Ashperton and from Preston Cross and Transport, Hereford Council,
toward Dymock. Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE.
We cannot understand it but this idea is Your letter or email can be as simple as you
opposed by both the County and the Police. like but in the words of a common phrase –
West Mercia Police have gone as far as to every little helps.
state that they would refuse to prosecute
On a lighter note – do you know of any
offenders if Herefordshire were to introduce
ditches or footpaths that need maintenance?
a 50mph speed limit. The Council
If so please drop the Clerk a line at clerk@
themselves have told us on at least one
pixleyanddistrictpc.org.uk and we will try to
occasion that they would not be prepared
get it fixed.
to act until there was a fatal accident.
Perhaps you can see why the Parish Council Finally, have a look at our website
feels somewhat frustrated over this issue. (pixleyanddistrictpc.org.uk) It has been
However, after the last County elections updated and invigorated recently. Enjoy the
and the creation of the coalition group spring – apparently April 2021 has been the
in Hereford Council we do have an ally frostiest on record, unless you can remember
– this is Councillor John Harrington, the a frostier one!
cabinet member for Infrastructure and
22 23by Josephine Felton
The Trustees are meeting back in the Office room has been tidied up and paving
hall and on 21st June we hope to be slabs laid in front of the notice board. Minor
repairs, safety checks, window cleaning, grass
fully open for everyone, perhaps with cutting etc. have been carried out so that when
just a few rules to follow. you come back you will see a lovely venue in
which to meet your friends, enjoy an activity
We are already taking bookings and it is
or celebrate your special occasion.
exciting to feel that some of the gatherings we
so enjoy are able to return. In order to re-coup the missing year of income
during the pandemic we need you to come and
But while the hall has been closed the Trustees
use the hall as much as you can – in previous
have been beavering away to make even
years there has been yoga and belly-dancing,
more improvements. The floor stripping,
Putley WI - Keep safe & stay in touch
Knit and Natter and Bingo, plays, bands,
sanding and sealing and is now finished and
illustrated talks and choirs, bread and soup
is a dazzling light pine. The old iron/timber/
lunches, full dinners and dancing. If you want
barbed wire Cats Cradle of a fence between
to organise any of these or something else do
When we able to do so, and you are looking for fun, friendship and inspiration, join Putley WI! We usually meet at Putley hall and field is being replaced with a spanking
new black metal estate fence, complete with get in touch with the Secretary, Josephine on:
Parish Hall at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month. If you need more information just give Anne a call.
Anne Phillips on: 01531 671176 or email: annephillips48@hotmail.com pedestrian gate for Big Apple cider enthusiasts. 01531 670425
The scruffy outside corner in front of the Post email: secretary@putleyparishhall.co.uk
24 25Prancing Pony Sunday 25th July 2021 - ALL WELCOME
at Putley Parish Hall by Mary Fielding
Prancing Pony at Court Farm 2019
We're back!
We have now held the first Prancing Pony
since the Prancing Sleigh at Christmas.
If all restrictions are abandoned, then let’s
PAAARRRTTYY!!!
Amazingly, we didn't forget how it all
We also have an invitation from Rebecca
works!
and Ian Jones to return to Court Farm
The country is on schedule to be back to Barn so watch out for news about that too.
‘normal’ on June 21st so fingers crossed PP Members will get an email, but we will
that the June PP will be ‘business as usual’, also put notices up around the area, so
inside the Parish Hall on Friday 25th June. keep your eyes peeled.
If not inside, then at least in carefully
spaced groups outside once again.
See you Soon!
PLAYERS REQUIRED:
PUTLEY Aylton
The Prancing Pony Committee
Residents who wish to take part Residents who wish to take part
Pub nights take place from 7.00-10.30 on the last Friday of the month. The Pub is run in the match should contact Andy Booth: in the match should contact Ian Jones:
entirely by volunteers from among the membership. All are welcome, and membership is just fabooth@gmail.com ijianjones@gmail.com
£5 per year. One-off visitors are asked to make a donation of £2.
Please contact ASAP!
26 27Parkrun
by Sally Smart
Leadon Valley
Accountancy Ltd
& covid-19 Providing a tailored approach to all your
accounting and taxation requirements:
• Bookkeeping
YOUR
Parkrun is a free, weekly,
LOCAL
this year Professor Clive Beggs at Queen • Payroll
Mary University of London revealed
community 5km walk or run • VAT
OPTICIAN
that Parkrun events are likely to be very
which takes place all around safe. He went on to say that with the • Management Accounts
vaccine and decreased number of cases, • Budgeting and Forecasting
the World on a Saturday parkrun is getting safer every day. This is • Financial Accounts
morning. indeed a reassuring step forward in our • Personal and Business Tax
understanding of outdoor transmission
It was started in 2004 by Paul Sinton- of Covid -19, we can be confident that Ledbury Business Centre
Hewitt, who recently said it has been walking, running, jogging or volunteering 136 Bridge Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AS 34-36 High Street, Bromyard, Herefordshire
01885 488259
humbling to hear parkrun referred to at parkrun is likely to be very safe. 01531 631095
as ‘one of the greatest public health Louise@lvaccountancy.co.uk
initiatives in the history of the United On June 5th parkrun will return and as www.lvaccountancy.co.uk
Kingdom’ in the corridors of Public one of the greatest public health initiatives
Health and elsewhere. we must welcome this return and support
it! Now more than ever we need parkrun
In March 2020 parkrun was suspended to improve our nation’s public health and
just before our national lockdown. happiness.
However, in September, in a survey,
almost 80% of parkrunners said they If you don’t fancy joining parkrun
would look forward to returning to you can of course join our monthly
parkrun in October. At that time the fitness walk or our weekly cider
feeling was that the physical & mental
benefits of the 5km outdoor events
running group.
far outweighed the risks. Sadly, Covid The Putley Fitness Walk dates:
C h ip We d n es day
Fish & Open 7 days a week
restrictions in England increased and (Monday) 7th June, 5th July, 2nd
s 6
2 x Fish & Chip £1
parkrun decided it would be insensitive August, 6th Sept.
to push forward with reopening. Our Meet at the Parish Hall to set off Our wonderful, friendly team can serve
local parkrun at Newent has been a virtual at 10am. Followed by drinks (when you great tasty food, excellent ales, wines,
event during the pandemic.
restrictions allow).
Friday is whiskys and a full selection of soft drinks.
Pie Night!
On the 23rd of April 2021 an We walk between 2.5 and 3 miles. Dogs always welcome in the bar.
independent report commissioned by
Parkrun was published which estimates Cider runners meet at 9am every
Saturday for a 30 minute social run.
the risk of transmission of Covid-19
at parkrun events. Using data from the For further information ring Sally To Book a Table call: o1531 67o277
Office for National Statistics from March on 07468 793405 email: TheTrumpetInn@mail.com www.TrumpetInnLedbury.co.uk
28 29Some Putley and Aylton residents will and have inherited a litter picker and it has
remember that for many years I organised PPC on it it maybe one of ours!
a Parish litter pick and that we were gifted
If you have one of these litter pickers,
a number litter pickers from Herefordshire
whether you use it or not still, could
Council. These were given out to our
you please contact me on 670834 or
wonderful volunteer litter pickers who did
ayltonwollen@gmail.com .
such a great job in helping to keep our lanes
and verges free from litter. I would like to If you are no longer using it I can relocate it
Putley Open Gardens 2021
track down these litter pickers as some may or if you are still using it, it would be useful
not be used anymore. to know which parts of our Parishes are still
being litter -picked.
Some people who had them have now
moved, so if you have moved into the area Many thanks, Kate
Pretty in Pink will have to be refashioned Your help will be much appreciated,
to describe the beauty of Putley gardens at either opening a garden, being part of
the start of Autumn. Having missed out the team serving tea and cake (no baking
last year and again this May, we will be up or washing up), providing plants for
and running in September sale or donating to the tombola. Please
POG YEAR SIX
get in touch as below. servers If you are
able in any way able to help (the biggest
Saturday September 25th
contributor to the funds is the catering
in the Parish Hall (no baking or washing
It will be good to welcome “foreigners”, as up) – the gardens are the temptation)
we hope a good number of visitors will be open a garden, have plants for sale, donate
combining their visit to Putley with their tombola prizes, please let us know.
visit to the Malvern Autumn Show.
TEAS: Josephine Felton 670425 • MOT Testing • 4 x Wheel Laser Tracking
The money from entry fees, plant sales, josephine@josephinefelton.co.uk • Servicing • Tyres, Batteries & Exhausts
teas and tombola provide income to
support our two charities, the Parish Hall
• Mechanical Repairs • Hybrid/Ev Vehicle Servicing
GARDENS AND PLANT SALES:
and our Church. Tim Beaumont 670801 • A/C Re-Gas and Repairs • Engine Diagnostics
As is usually the case with the Open tim.beaumont@btinternet.com • Auto Gearbox Flushing • Trailer Servicing
Call us now on: 670278
Gardens, not all the gardeners know, yet,
that they are going to open. But when TOMBOLA: Jake Herbst 670315
they do ... jakeherbst@yahoo.co.uk
TRUMPET • LEDBURY • HEREFORDSHIRE • HR8 2RA
30 31What JOY to be able We are all being ‘called’ to our individual
to celebrate Easter in ‘Resurrection’, and that of our communities
too.
HEREFORDSHIRE
our Cider Churches
this year.
Even if we were socially
distanced, wearing
Signs of this are evident in that the Cider
Churches ‘season’ of Weddings in 2021
has now commenced. Couples are feeling
confident to go ahead with plans for Marriages
Home And Garden
face coverings, and were not permitted as
a congregation to sing inside our beautiful,
from Spring to Autumn. For some these
are long planned, for others more recent or CARE AND REPAIR
historic and sacred spaces as our Parishioners spontaneous. There may be smaller guest
have for centuries before us. Small lists than were originally intended, but the
deprivations perhaps, when we think back to challenges of this past extraordinary year,
the equivalent time last year, when we were all has highlighted for many, that it is the
living under the severest restrictions, at Easter quality of their relationship, and making
2020. A time when the doors of our Churches their commitment before family that is really
were locked, Communion was unable to be important. That they choose to mark and
celebrated, and we were all learning to adapt to celebrate the occasion by making their vows
the changed and disorientating circumstancess and declarations before God in their local
of social isolation that we had unexpectedly Church as so many generations have done
found ourselves in. before them, gives me great joy too.! Likewise
To further enhance the sense of Joy and Christening enquiries are now being regularly
Resurrection at our Easter Sunday gatherings received, as families look towards the weeks
came news in the preceeding days, that ahead for an opportunity to gather for a
congregations would be permitted to sing time of celebration together, and to witness a
OUTSIDE their Churches as part of the significant moment in their history, of a new
service. So at 9.15am on Easter Sunday I was life becomng part of the community of faith.
amongst those joining their voices with the As we look to these joyful events approaching,
birds of the air in the stunning location of we do not forget that ‘Remembrance and
Putley Church in glorious sunshine. It was as Thanksgiving’ are an important part of our
if the season we were celebrating and Creation community life too. Those who have been
itself, had truly come together and were alive bereaved during this past year, and especially
and embodied in our midst…. those from a year ago, carried the pain of
The physical reawakening of Creation each separation when Funeral services were only
Spring is endlessly fascinating. It is a great permitted outsde, and with just a handful of
source of inspiration for our lives in any year as mourners present. Services of Thanksgiving
it unfolds, but especially so in this one. From give opportunity to gather, to share memories
the depths of Winter we witness the new life and honour those we have loved in this life,
of Spring. It is a time of ‘Resurrection’, of and to remember them within the Christian
‘Re-creation’. It shares with us a patient hope Hope of the Resurrection and its promises. If
that is like Jesus’ empty tomb, a sign pointing you would like to discuss the possibility of a
beyond itself to the promise of what is still to Service of Thanksgiving, or any other. Please
be revealed. As we witness the ‘roll out ‘of the ask. ALL ARE WELCOME.
roadmap around us, and cautiously take steps
towards the ‘everyday’ freedoms, we once so
enjoyed, but had previously taken for granted. Best wishes Val
Rev. Val Tait - email: valtait@live.co.uk Tel: 01531 634035
32 33March Results: AYLTON CONTACTS
First prize no 27 Second prize no 33 Church Selina Marcon - marconselina@gmail.com 01531 670900
Parish Council Allen Mawby - allenandirene@hotmail.com 01531 670185
April Results:
First prize no 39 Second prize no 3
LITTLE MARCLE
Church Jim Glanville - jimglanville@btinternet.com 07800 714011
May Results: Parish Council clerk@pixleyanddistrictpc.org.uk 01684 311309
First prize no 3 Second prize no 42 MUNSLEY
Parish Council clerk@pixleyanddistrictpc.org.uk 01684 311309
Putley Parish Hall
PIXLEY
Church Beata Davison - beata.davison@googlemail.com 07989 108237
Parish Council Steve Swaithes - steveswaithes@hotmail.com 01531 670433
Open on Mondays 9.30am - 11.30am PUTLEY
Church Eric Porter - ejpejpejp@aol.com 07527 444949
(except bank holidays)
Parish Council Norman Stanier - normanstanier@icloud.com 01531 670263
Cash Withdrawals Mobile Phone top ups Chrissie Daniels - putleyclerk@gmail.co.uk 07484 055877
Cash & Cheque Deposits Gas and Electricity top ups PCC Tim Beaumont - tim.beaumont@btinternet.com 01531 670801
Parcel Returns Bill Payments Vicar Val Tait - valtait@live.co.uk 01531 634035
WI Anne Phillips - annephillips48@hotmail.com 01531 671176
Prancing Pony Mary Fielding - putleyprancingpony@gmail.com 01531 670389
HOUSE FULL? Parish Hall Josephine Felton - secretary@putleyparishhall.co.uk
Wildlife Group Kate Wollen - ayltonwollen@gmail.com
01531 670425
01531 670834
Tree Warden Sally Webster - sally@sallywebster.net 07836 389369
Cider Press
Editorial Julie Crompton - julie@monster-creative.com 01531 670340
Advertising
Aylton Sally Smart - sallysmart1000@gmail.com 07468 793405
Little Marcle Jim Glanville - jimglanville@btinternet.com 07800 714011
If you have a houseful of visitors on the way, Pixley Lesley Clothier - lesley.clothier@yahoo.co.uk 07957 435276
LIFESTYLE why not put them up just around the corner in one Putley John Sandfield - john.sandfield@gmail.com 07961 652357
FASHION & HOME of our five charming cottages? Perfect for family
gatherings and special occasions.
Trumpet Corner - Trumpet
07731 311419
@piglet_lifestyle Piglet lifestyle Aylton - 01531 670349
bookings@whitehousecottages.co.uk
pigletlifestyle.co.uk www.whitehousecottages.co.uk
Call: 01531 670340 julie@monster-creative.com www.monster-creative.com
34 35THE CIDER GROUP CHURCH
SERVICES
Putley Little Aylton Much Wellington Yatton
Marcle Marcle Heath
6th June 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am
13th June 11.00am 9.30am
20th June 11.00am 9.30am
27th June 11.00am 9.30am
4th July 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am
11th July 11.00am 9.30am
18th July 11.00am 9.30am
25th July 11.00am 9.30am
1st Aug 11.00am 11.00am 9.30am 9.30am
8th Aug 11.00am 9.30am
15th Aug 11.00am 9.30am
22nd Aug 11.00am 9.30am
29th Aug Services to be confirmed
The current ‘core’ pattern of services in the your relevant Churchwarden for the most
Cider Churches is above. We hope and aim up to date information re services and the
to add in extra services as restrictions are requirements for attendance. Meanwhile
eased and time progresses. Please contact remember Hands, Face, Space
Please contact your Churchwardens or those who assist them (details below) to receive the
weekly readings/notices/links to Sunday services/Church Opening - e.g.
CHURCHWARDEN CONTACT DETAILS
Aylton - Anne Blandford 670274 Putley - Elaine Spalding 670554
Selina Marcon 670900 Sue Ashe 07759 546487
Little Marcle - Jim Glanville 670125 Wellington Heath - Derek Barnes 248472
Much Marcle - Richard Brooks 660241 Amanda Wright 633325
John Chapman 660664 Yatton - John Reed 01989 780439
Pixley - Edward Thompson 670228 Chris Oulton 01531 660317
Thinking of A Wedding? A Christening? Celebration of a loved one’s life? A chat?
Please get in touch Revd Val Tait Rector 01531 634035 / Email valtait@live.co.uk
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