The Spring Blossom Trail
Mid March - Mid May 2008
The Vale of Evesham and its surrounding area is some of the most productive horticultural land in the country, and is well known for its apples, pears and plums. For the few short weeks between mid March and mid May, the road sides are ablaze with colour - the soft pink tones of cherry and apple blossom contrast with the white of the pear and plum.
The Trail is a 40 mile AA sign posted route of natural beauty at its best. Explore and enjoy the open countryside and beautiful villages that the area has to offer.
The delights of the Vale of Evesham are sure to whet your appetite: sample delicious home cooked food at one of the many pubs, restaurants and cafes along the scenic route.
If you are still drawn to the outdoors, then why not pop in to one of the many local farm shops, road-side stalls, pick-your-own centres or Farmers’ Markets for a truly horticultural experience. You can also enjoy a picnic on the banks of the River Avon or at one of the many designated picnic sites in the area.
Why not leave the car at home, and walk one of the Blossom Trail Walks, or you could try cycling along the sign posted route through the lanes and villages of this beautiful area. If you do cycle or walk then you will experience the sensual smell of the flourishing blossom, it is a smell that cannot be matched at any other time of year.
You don’t have to travel along the roads to experience the splendour of spring blossom, the Evesham Country Park which is situated in the heart of the Blossom Trail, has something for all the family, whatever your interests. Craycombe Farm Rural Business & Retail Park , has a unique fold of 90 Pedigree Highland cattle, refreshments, arts & crafts, antiques, furniture restoration, and many more attractions for all to enjoy.
If you are looking for a relaxing short break during blossom time in friendly, comfortable, quality accommodation, the area has a wealth of choice to suit all budgets.
We are sure that you will enjoy the journey along the Spring Blossom Trail, but please remember to keep your dogs under control and follow the country code as it is the season for lambing.
The British Asparagus Festival in the Vale of Evesham
23rd April to 21st June 2008
Celebrating the World’s finest ‘Gras’.
The first National asparagus celebration – ever, with a Local, National and International profile!
Taking place in Town and Vale, to mark the growing, harvesting and eating of this wonderful piece of culinary succulence. With traditional auctions at The Fleece, meals at our local pubs and at the supporting Festivals, a Beaujolais style Asparagus Run to the House of Commons. And more – Asparabus Tours, Meet and Greet with “Gus”.
Farmers Markets, fairs, competitions, exhibitions and supporting festivals. Cookery demonstrations and talks.
World famous Asparagus Auction (Sunday 25th May) and
Festival Day (Monday 26th May) at The Fleece Inn, Bretforton (NT)
Contact: Angela Tidmarsh (01386) 565373 or Lew Hammond (01386) 565518
Email: angela.tidmarsh@wychavon.gov.uk
Website: www.britishasparagusfestival.org
7th - Asparabus Tours
Enjoy an Asparagus Experience around the vale of Evesham. complete with an Asparaguide to highlight the area and provide and entertaining and historical insight into the majestic green vegetable - this value for money coach tour will be picking up various points throughout the country. Booking essential
For futher Details to book your seats, Contact: Dudleys Coaches (01386) 7922706
Email: info@dudleys-coaches.co.uk | Website: www.dudleys-coaches.co.uk / www.britishasparagusfestival.org
14th - Asparabus Tours
Enjoy an Asparagus Experience around the vale of Evesham. complete with an Asparaguide to highlight the area and provide and entertaining and historical insight into the majestic green vegetable - this value for money coach tour will be picking up various points throughout the country. Booking essential
For futher Details to book your seats, Contact: Dudleys Coaches (01386) 7922706
Email: info@dudleys-coaches.co.uk | Website: www.dudleys-coaches.co.uk / www.britishasparagusfestival.org
18th - The 30th Peopleton Pony and Companion Show
Lower Norchard Farm, Peopleton
Family fun day out with numerous pony evens and dog classes. lots of prizes and trophies to be won. Delicious home made refreshments.
10:30am ponies - 12 noon dogs | £1 per car | Contact: Ann Price - Ponies (01905) 840204, John Francis - Dogs (01905) 841347
21st - Asparabus Tours
Enjoy an Asparagus Experience around the vale of Evesham. Complete with an Asparaguide to highlight the area and provide and entertaining and historical insight into the majestic green vegetable - this value for money coach tour will be picking up various points throughout the country. Booking essential
For futher Details to book your seats, Contact: Dudleys Coaches (01386) 7922706
Email: info@dudleys-coaches.co.uk | Website: www.dudleys-coaches.co.uk / www.britishasparagusfestival.org
24th - Little Comberton Street Market
Fundraising event in the aid of the Church and Village Hall, with many stalls, plants, games, competitions, displays, entertainment, ''transport roundabout exhibition'' and other attractions. Refreshments and ample parking
2pm - 5pm | Adults £1, children Free | Contact: Edith Powell (01386) 710790
Email: edithpowell@freenetname.co.uk
24th - Beckground Open Gardens
Every four years Beckford Hosts its 'Open Gardens and Flowers Festival'. Around 20 Gardens and a beautifully decorated church, plus plant sales, music and wonderful teas in the Village Hall.
1:30pm - 6pm each day | Adults £4 | Contact: Peter wilkinson (01386) 882134
Emal: peterandjosie@btinternet.com | Website: www.beckford-village.org
24th - 26th - Bredon Church Flower Festival
Set in te beautiful St Giles Church, the theme of the 2nd flower festival is ''7 ages of man - life in flowers''. Cream teas Served all day in nearby private gardens.
10am - 5pm | Adults £5, under 16's free. Discount fo advanced bookings. | Contact: Rev Matthew Baynes (01684) 772237
Email: mbaynes@toucansurf.com | Website: www.bredonflowerfestival.co.uk
25th - Gardens Open in aid of National Garden Scheme
Whitcombe House, Overbury
A beautiful summer garden full of roses and herbaceous plants with a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. Delicious teas in aid of the friends of Overbury School.
2pm - 5pm | Adults £3, Concessions £2.50, children under 12 free | Contact: Faith and Anthony Hallet (01386) 725206
Email: faith@whitcombebeassocs.co.uk
25th - Beckground Open Gardens
Every four years Beckford Hosts its 'Open Gardens and Flowers Festival'. Around 20 Gardens and a beautifully decorated church, plus plant sales, music and wonderful teas in the Village Hall.
1:30pm - 6pm each day | Adults £4 | Contact: Peter wilkinson (01386) 882134
Emal: peterandjosie@btinternet.com | Website: www.beckford-village.org
25th - Bretforton Silver Band and World Famous Asparagus Auction
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton (NT)
Silver Band conert including the renowned auction of the famous vale Asparagus (probably) the best in the world!!
7pm.
26th - Asparagus Festival Day
A fun day out for all the family at The Fleece.
Meet ''Gus'' the famous Asparagus Man, enjoy cookery Demonstrations by ''Flying Chef'' Rachel Green and Bring a ''pot'' for local celebrity Henry Sandon to value in his very own Asparagus Antiques Roadshow.
Asparagus meals and tastings, Asparagus Farmers Market, local arts and crafts, Morris Dancing, Childrens activities, local ales, ciders an wines.
Hello there,
My name is Pooh. I was born at Chad Valley. After 30 years my mum said I could see the world, so she raffled me in aid of the MacMillan Nurses where I raised £400.
My new family want to help me to achieve my ambition in raising as much money in my bear life as possible and I am now living at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire. I am helping them to raise funds for the Air Ambulance and Bretforton Church.
A raffle will take place at the Fleece Inn during their Asparagus Week of Fun so if you want to win me, or have a talk, come to the Fleece in. Oh, by the way I am 5 ft tall!
I hope if you win me you will allow me to carry on my work to raise lots of money for other causes
Lots of Love,
Pooh
Contact: Nigel Smit (01386) 831173
Email: nigel@thefleeceinn.co.uk | Webiste: www.thefleeceinn.co.uk / www.britishasparagusfestival.org
Bank Holiday Monday 26th May
The Cross, Bretforton Asparagus Farmers Market –(Supporting the British Asparagus Festival in the Vale of Evesham)
26th - Green Featival
Venues in Pershore
A new green festival celebrating all the things environmental. Family entertainment an practical ideas to help you make a real difference from saving energy and recycling to wildlife gardening and local produce. The day wil also feature a farmers market and many other events.
10am | Contact Ellie Smith (01386) 565564
Emal: ellie.smith@wychavon.gov.uk | Website: www.visitpershore.co.uk
26th - Pershore Carnvial
Abbey park and Surroundings
This will be a festival of fun to celebrate the town and the 40th anniversay of the carnival. There will be something for everyone, young and old. Call for more details.
10am start (farmrs market to) 5pm | contact: Town clerk (01386) 561561
Email: townclerk@pershore-tc.gov.uk | Webiste: www.vistipershore.co.uk
Bank Holiday Monday 26th May
Broad Street, Pershore Asparagus Farmers Market
26th - Broadway Parish Church Fete
The village Green, Broadway
Traditional fete. brass band, many stalls, activities, cream teas and attractions. Fund raising for St michael and All Angels Church, Broadway.
11am - 3pm | Contact: Gill Hammond (01386) 858748
Email: gillhammond@btinternet.com
Vintage and Classic Car Meet
21st May – 17th September
3rd Wednesday of every month
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton (NT)
Owners and enthusiasts alike welcome to view and wax lyrical over these metal beauties as the sun sets over our orchard.
6.30pm Contact: Nigel Smith (01386) 831173
Email: nigel@thefleeceinn.co.uk
Website: www.thefleeceinn.co.uk