WR magazine Worcestershire - Summer 2018

In this issue

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.