In this first issue, we talk to international fashion icon, George Davies; celebrate 50 years of the Severn Valley Railway; discover the ruined Witley Court, once one of England's greatest country houses; explore the remarkable architecture of The Hive, Worcester's visually striking modern library; indulge our passion for the arts with Malvern Theatres and the Palace Theatre Redditch, uncover Malvern's centre of innovation and much more. . . .

This issue, we celebrate the lives of two outstanding, yet largely forgotten, aviatrices with Worcestershire connections: Sheila Scott OBE and Mary Webb Nicholson. We also lift the lid on a number of secret places in the county that played a special part in protecting a generation from the onslaught of World War II and we feature the Goldfish Club, the exclusive club that nobody wants to join.

Other features this issue include a more in-depth look at Stan Brotherton's book: Secret Evesham; we uncover the history of Worcester Vinegar Works, we discover all about juneberries; whether you’re allergic or intolerant to the food you eat; and if the summer has caused havoc with your skin, what you can do about it. We also explore a new type of rural living; we meet the new Headmaster of Malvern College: Keith Metcalfe; and we visit Dunstall Castle, a whimsical folly owned by the National Trust at Croome. 

For our cover story this issue, we meet historian, author, broadcaster and journalist Dominic Sandbrook, who has done much to chronicle Britain’s recent political, economic, social and cultural history. Educated at Malvern College, Dominic speaks with great affection about his schooling. Staying in Malvern, we visit Holywell Water to discover its past, present and future; take a tour round the Morgan workshops; talk to Malvern-based composers David Lowe and Paul Farrer about their TV and film music; and congratulate Malvern's Dr Emma Philpott on being awarded an MBE for services to cybersecurity. We also feature just-over-the-border Gloucestershire Airport and, in our events section, you'll find details of the plethora of heritage events happening around Worcestershire this summer. Enjoy!

As the front cover suggests, we’ve been talking to two very prominent politicians with county connections. With no intention of grilling them about their political programmes à la Malvern College old boy Jeremy Paxman, we simply wanted to get to know Sajid Javid and Tom Watson a little better. We did, however, ask them what they thought the nation’s political priorities should be post Brexit. 
 
In this issue, there’s plenty about food and drink. Along with regulars Pershore Patty and Michele Longari, there’s also a look at the remarkable number and variety of beers the county produces, with the help of Worcestershire CAMRA.

In Health, allergy and nutrition expert Caroline Sproule offers advice on controlling blood sugar, and Susie Brinton explains the holistic approach to well-being of the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda.      

We also celebrate a couple of anniversaries. 75 years ago this spring a group headed by Patrick Leigh Fermor (who went on to become a famed travel writer) abducted a German general on wartime Crete. And we pop along to a rehearsal of the Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir as they prepare to mark 20 years of song.  

Plus, there’s Martyn Wilson on this year’s gardening trends, while fashion makes a case for the versatile hoodie, and Nooks & Crannies visits Alfrick’s award-winning community shop and St Leonard’s Church in Ribbesford. And we preview Strictly Worcestershire, the county’s glitzy annual dance spectacular. 

Science and technology are, as always, not neglected. Dr Emma Philpott and David Tyrrell offer tips on foiling cyber criminals, EV News keeps you up to date with the latest in electric cars, and we profile the cutting-edge work of Malvern scientist and engineer Brian Harper and how he and his gas lamp team have kept the town illuminated in the traditional way, but with a few ingenious technological twists.

Our cover features three-time prime minister Stanley Baldwin, whose statue was, at long last, unveiled in his home town of Bewdley. To commemorate such a great man of the county, we set down some details of Baldwin’s life and times as well as the text of historian Alistair Lexden’s speech at the reception that followed the unveiling.    

We also profile three of the county’s most notable businessmen: Cecil Duckworth of Worcester Bosch (and Worcester Warriors), estate agent Andrew Grant and Ed Webb of Webbs garden centres, each of whom spoke to us in depth about his life and achievements and shared a few of the secrets of his success.

In addition, cyber security expert Dr Emma Philpott explains how the talents of the neuro-diverse are being harnessed to help prevent cyber crime, and award-winning garden designer Martyn Wilson offers advice on walls, hedges and fences. On the heritage front, military researcher Mick Wilks tells the story of the Worcestershire Home Guard, while Nooks and Crannies admires the murals at the Regal cinema in Tenbury Wells.           

Not only that, but there are, of course, oodles of words and pictures on the best festive food, fashion and drink, with sequins and champers to the fore.

Our interview this issue is with Bromsgrove-born actor Mark Williams, who played the role of Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter films, who is now enjoying success as the BBC’s Father Brown in the series of the same name.

During 2018, there have been many events commemorating 100 years since the end of WWI and we commemorate just a few of those involved with the help of Worcestershire World War One Hundred.

We also discover how a Worcestershire man played a critical role in the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation; and we also remember the life and work of one unassuming Malvern scientist who had significant involvement with RADAR during WWII.

We cover the unveiling of a new statue in Bewdley of Stanley Baldwin, who was the town's MP for some 30 years.

Also in this issue, we take a tour around the counties waterways and discover how the River Severn is being ‘unlocked’ to return Britain’s longest river to its pre-industrial state.

Our interview this month is with Worcester MP, Robin Walker, who talks candidly about getting out and about and meeting local people to learn what’s important to them; which can sometimes differ markedly to what’s being debated in Westminster; becoming a new father, what drew him into politics and, inevitably, Brexit.

We explore the life and times of one of the most successful and popular entertainers of all time, male impersonator and Worcester-born Vesta Tilley; and we delve into the life and career of Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind, who ended her days on the Malvern Hills.

Hartlebury Castle reopens as a major attraction and inside we’ve got all the details along with forthcoming events you may wish to enjoy.

On a more sombre, yet fascinating, note, we learn about some of the perils of life in Tudor Worcestershire and how many of the county’s residents met their deaths through accident.

This issue, to celebrate its centenary, we revisit our article about the history of the RAF in Worcestershire that was originally published in 2016, which includes updated text and images. To complement the article, we learn about a Polish WWII hero who crashed his Spitfire in a Worcestershire field in May 1941; and our gardening section reveals the inspiration behind the gold-medal-winning RAF100 garden at this year’s Malvern Spring Show.

Did you know that dogs have been associated with the blind as protectors and guides for at least 1,000 years? No? Well this issue, we uncover the  history of guide dogs in Britain and expand upon how you can get involved; and one Malvern resident tells us her own story of living with, and caring for, the next generations of guide dogs.

We’ve a raft of new book launches with Worcestershire connections this issue; we give our regards to Broadway with the new GWSR extension now operational and learn more about the intriguing sculpture of Eof in Evesham town centre. Enjoy the read.

Our interview this issue is with author, Rosamund Young. Her book, The Secret Life of Cows, is already a Sunday Times bestseller and a Times book of the year. The book has been translated into 21 languages, including Icelandic, Catalonian, Korean and German.

We celebrate 50 years of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, reflecting on what it has already achieved, what’s in store for the next 50 years and how you can get involved.

We learn all about the remarkable life of John Dee (1527–1609), mathematician, adviser to monarchs, alchemist, astrologer, converser with angels, early advocate for a British Empire and the rector at Upton-on-Severn.

To celebrate the unveiling of a statue dedicated to three times PM and Bewdley MP, Stanley Baldwin, we include the text of a lecture given by Baron Lexden, OBE, politician and historian.

We also learn more about the leadership and courage of Worcestershire Regiment’s Brigadier George Grogan during WWI.

This issue, we take a look at the lives and places touched by Sir Edward Elgar in the county, including his Birthplace at The Firs in Broadheath and his great friend, Arthur Troyte-Griffith, subject of Elgar’s Enigma Variation No. VII (‘Troyte’); and we chat with Julian Lloyd Webber, President of the Elgar Society, about the great man and also learn more about the renaming of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

We lift the lid on the life and career of the incorrigible self-publicist Gerald Nabarro, MP for Kidderminster (1950–64) and Worcestershire South (1966–73), who was also a man of principle; and we delve into the life of English classical scholar and poet, Bromsgrove boy Alfred Edward Housman, author of the wistful, evocative A Shropshire Lad, who was ranked as one of the greatest scholars who ever lived.

We document Worcestershire’s built Art Deco legacy with the help of author Philip Butler, who spent a year researching, photographing and compiling a dossier of suitable candidates in the county. An absolute labour of love, his new book about the subject is out now.

We also add a splash of colour to short, grey days thanks to two county artists whose work we celebrate: Alexander Rhys, who very kindly gave permission for a photo of one of his glorious paintings to grace the front cover; and Antony Griffiths, who has created illustrations ranging from historical interpretations and book illustrations, to depictions of wildlife and local myths, and now has a book of his own in the offing: a children’s picture book that he has both written and illustrated. 

We have the usual excellent contributions covering gardening, interiors, fashion and wine; and Pershore Patty samples and reviews the culinary delights of The Jockey Inn at Earl’s Croome, which was awarded the title of ‘Regional winner’ for the Midlands in the Good Food Guide Local Restaurant of the Year Awards 2017; and has a local gem entry in the Good Food Guide 2018.

In this packed issue, we explore the history of salt production in Droitwich. We also discover a new, serious side to impressionist and comic Alistair McGowan. We take a trip on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway to learn about the extension to the line, and discover that Isambard Kingdom Brunel was involved in the last pitched battle between two private armies on UK soil. We reflect on the life of the great polymath Peter Mark Roget, remember the forgotten prince, Arthur, elder brother of Henry VIII who died before his time, and we report on the heroism of one Worcester World War I soldier. We discover a relatively new variety of apple, with its roots in Worcestershire, and reveal the qualities of turmeric, known as the spice of life. We have the usual topics covering electric vehicles, interiors, fashion and wine; and Pershore Patty samples and reviews the culinary delights of Ombersley’s The Venture In. Happy reading!

In this issue, we talk to no less than four fascinating leaders in their respective fields, who also happen to have Worcestershire connections. The Bank of England’s Chief Cashier, Malvern-educated Victoria Cleland; music producer and radio boss Muff Murfin; comedy legend Jasper Carrott and acclaimed sculptor Martin Jennings.

In addition, we learn about Sir Barry Jackson’s unmatched contributions to British theatre, and how he came together with George Bernard Shaw to create the original Malvern Festival; we reveal more about The Commandery’s major project to improve its visitor experience; we delve into the history of Worcester Royal Infirmary, we revisit the confetti fields near Pershore to celebrate their 20th anniversary and are invited back to Croome Walled Gardens to see this wonderful work in progress and what they’ve discovered since the last time we visited. We also uncover the history and symbolism behind the county’s flag and the city’s coat of arms, and explore the importance of our most vital garden friend, the honeybee. We’ve also got a mouth-watering food review by a local food fan and blogger, along with contributions from all our wonderful regulars who really help make the magazine what it is.

You may have noticed, but here at WR magazine we’re rather keen on electric vehicles and this issue we get the chance to try out the iconic BMW i3 . . . and we’re not disappointed.

In this issue, we discover the crucial role Malvern played in winning the war through the efforts of the boffins at the Telecommunications Research Establishment (TRE). 

We also explore the extraordinary and progressive achievements of former Prime Minister and Bewdley MP, Stanley Baldwin who, in the 1920s and 30s, steered Britain through some very turbulent times; and we chat with his grandson, the 4th Earl Baldwin of Bewdley who, under the patronage of Theresa May, is preparing to launch the Stanley Baldwin Statue Appeal. 

Kidderminster’s Rowland Hill, who invented the Penny Black, is given the stamp of approval; while TV and radio presenter, James O’Brien, shares his experiences of life behind the mic and growing up in the carpet town.

We also analyse the county’s diverse range of dialects with the help of Worcester University; celebrate the city’s heritage with the Love Worcester Festival, uncover the heritage of the Malvern Hills through the MHDC’s new Route to the Hills project and investigate the spa town’s connection with Bohemia. 

We learn about Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s work to encourage an appreciation of our natural environment and, bang up to date, we have a ride in a Tesla and discover what’s new in the exciting world of electric vehicles.

And if wanderlust is pulling at you to venture out of the county, check out Exodus Travels’ article, which will surely whet your appetite.

Plus, we have some great articles on prosecco (always good), gardening, health and much more. . . .

In this issue: the RAF’s bases in Worcestershire during World War II were perfectly placed to train pilots and aircrew; we explore their history and what remains of them today; we uncover the puzzles surrounding Shakespeare’s marriage; author Neville Billington recounts the story of the infamous Bromsgrove rail accident in November 1840 that saw two railwaymen lose their lives; 800 years after King John’s death, we look at whether he really was as nasty as everyone assumes, and how he ended up being buried in Worcester Cathedral; actor Edward Bennett walks and talks with theatre director, Emma Lucia; and with winter snapping at our heels and the cold beginning to bite, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which welcomed more than 90,000 guests on its four ships last year, tells us why cruising could be the perfect tonic.

PLUS, The Archers, whose origins lie in the Worcestershire countryside, celebrates 65 years; the fascinating history of hops; composer Ian Venables on the marriage of words and music; the relaunch of the Great Western Railway; making medical history with Worcester's two medical museums; the history of one county school designed by an architectural pioneer; a look back at the national electric vehicle show held in Malvern in September; updating your living rooms to create the perfect winter home fit for hibernation; the history of mistletoe; the future of farming; the Worcester Warriors' story and lots more . . .

As she celebrates her 90th birthday, we have a round up of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's visits to the county, along with a personal perspective and Royal Warrant holders; English actress and model, Georgia May Foote, talks about her adventures in Corrie, Strictly and Tiffany's; we discover the history of Worcestershire's very own sauce, the legendary Lea & Perrins; check out the sport of paragliding and how you can get involved; explore some of the county's wedding venues and services, and announce details of the UK Electric Car Show in Malvern.

Not only that, we explore the origins of lavender, the history of Worcester Guildhall's cells, the latest fictional offering from local author Eve Seymour; living on a canal boat; the Landmark Trust's Lock Cottage along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal; the restoration of an ancient cave into elegant bolthole; the refurbishment of Elmslie House, winner of the Malvern Civic Society Award; excavating Bronze Age Worcestershire; great summer wines; the history of Stinking Bishop cheese; the life and times of RE Foster, a double international footballer and cricketer who left the county with an unsurpassed sporting legacy; fashion; interior design and getting the right 'feel' for a room; wearable technology and 3D printing.

Best-selling author M.C. Beaton reveals how she became the creator of two of the world's favourite fictional detectives; we examine Worcester's pivotal role in the English Civil War, explore all there is to know about stagecoach transport, including the life and death of highwayman Captain James Hind, a 'gentleman robber'; go underground into the once top-secret WWII Drakelow Tunnels and Broadway Tower's nuclear bunker; weave our way through the history of Kidderminster's renowned carpet industry, celebrate the transformation of derelict property to nationally important walled garden at Croome and much more . . . 

In this issue, we talk to Worcestershire antiques expert, Philip Serrell, and former Worcestershire cricketing ace, Graeme Hick; explore Broadway's Ashmolean and Gordon Russell museums; mark the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Evesham, a decisive day in English history and one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on English soil; commemorate the Battle of Gheluvelt, a remarkable feat of arms in October 1914; find out how to reduce the risks of Age-related Macular Degeneration; explore the benefits of electric vehicles; how to inspire the next generation of innovators; delve into the history of policing in Worcestershire and much more. . . .

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WR magazine is Worcestershire’s own ABC lifestyle magazine reflecting the culture, heritage and modernity of the UK county.

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WR magazine Worcestershire - Summer/Autumn 2015

WR magazine Worcestershire - Summer/Autumn 2015

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