A selection of our smaller stories from this week’s Observer. If you have an event, fund-raiser or story to tell us about e-mail [email protected], tweet us @MalvernObserver, find us on Facebook or call 01684 212363.
FIRE chiefs are calling on motorists to be on their guard against winter weather.
Advice issued by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service includes ensuring vehicles are serviced, keeping a safe distance from the car in front and checking news and travel advice before setting off.
Station commander Alan Haley said: “Our crews get called to more road incidents than we do house fires each year and so promoting safe driving is a vital part of our work.
“There are several factors to consider at this time of year – shorter daylight hours, the impact of the clocks moving back an hour and the forecast of colder weather – and each of these brings increased risks to road users.”
A WARMER winter could be in store for factories, offices and warehouses across the county thanks to grants of up to £6,750.
Match-funded grants available through the Resource Efficient Worcestershire Programme will see expert advisors visit companies and assess the heating and insulation,
To register for an assessment, visit www.business-central.co.uk/rew or call 01905 822833.
LEDBURY parents are being encouraged to make a change to improve their family’s quality of life.
Herefordshire Council is backing a campaign launched by the Family and Childcare Trust urging residents to Make One Change, whether it is spending more quality time with their children or employers actively promoting parent-friendly working environments.
As part of the project, drop-in sessions will take place at eight schools with the healthy lifestyle team providing advice on health and exercise.
For more information, call the healthy lifestyle trainers on 01432 383567.
FREE parking will be provided in council-run car parks every Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas.
The scheme which was introduced last year to boost trade during the festive period will apply to the public car parks in Malvern, Upton-upon-Severn and Tenbury Wells from Friday, November 29, and run until Saturday, December 21.
Coun Bronwen Behan, responsible for environmental control, said: “Last year this successfully encouraged more shoppers into the district.”
STAFF from a solar panel firm are hoping to burn as much energy as possible during a fun walk for Children in Need.
The team from Solar Solutions will trek seven miles from their office in Spring Lane, Malvern, to Worcester Cathedral on November 14.
A company spokesman said: “Please support us on our journey whether its £1 or £100, the team and of course our chosen charity will appreciate your generosity.
“We welcome any individual or company that would like to join us or if you want to cheer us on along the way, the team would appreciate it.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/Solar-Solutions-Malvern-Ltd1 to donate to the team.
HEREFORDSHIRE residents are set to lose access to archives and records for a year while they are relocated.
The Hereford office will open from November 4 to 9 and December 9 to 14 but will then shut during 2014 while the contents of 17,500 boxes, 10,000 volumes and 5,000 maps are cleaned and repacked ready for the opening of a new centre in Rotherwas the following year.
Councillor Roger Phillips, responsible for enterprise and culture, said: “The archives and records staff have a monumental task ahead of them in order to correctly prepare thousands of important historical documents ahead of their move to the new centre in 2015.
“During the process so far, a number of fascinating documents have been discovered, including a rare sheet of medieval music from the 14th or 15th century and it is imperative that we preserve these documents for future generations.”
While personal visits will not be possible, the research service will still be available for a small fee. Visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/archives for more information.
CHIMNEY fires are on the increase as colder weather sets in. An incident in Ledbury was one of seven attended by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service over two days.
Residents are being advised to ensure their chimneys are swept regularly and only the recommended fuel for the type of fire is burned.
Station commander Alan Haley said: “We always experience a peak in the number of chimney fires we get called to as the weather turns colder and although this seasonal rise is to be expected, we are keen to highlight that many chimney fires can be avoided simply by taking a few simple safety measures.”
A full list of approved sweeps is available from www.nacs.org.uk or www.apics.org.uk or visit www.hwfire.org.uk for more advice.
PARENTS and carers have just days left to secure their child’s secondary school place.
Applications must be made before October 31, while those applying for a first, middle or primary school place have until January 15 next year.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions for more information. Anyone without computer access at home can access the site for free at any of the county’s libraries.
A NEW website has been launched to help Herefordshire businesses apply for council contracts.
The Herefordshire Council resource aims to maximise opportunities for companies and voluntary organisations to apply for a share of the £130 million spent every year on buying in services.
Visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/procurement for more information.
FIREWORKS fans are being urged to let fire chiefs know if they are planning to celebrate Bonfire Night.
Anyone holding an organised public bonfire or firework display is being encouraged to inform Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Station commander Alan Haley said: “Organised public displays are by far the safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night and so we are encouraging people to head along to one of these events with their families and friends rather than lighting fireworks themselves at home.”
A list will be available at www.hwfire.org.uk of events across both counties.
Events can be added to the list by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 0845 032 1155.
