17 sept mag web

the

c connection o

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages

magazine

September ‘17 No. 120

LEND A HAND...

Could you be a volunteer?

MOTORING

10,000 mile Mongol Rally in an Electric Car!

BOUNCING BACK How resilient are you?

You deserve it

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3

Useful phone numbers Doctors / Health

Alcester Health Centre Arrow Lodge Surgery Bidford Health Centre NHS Direct Samaritans

Hospitals

Redditch Hospital Stratford Hospital Warwick Hospital

Emergency

Emergency Services Alcester Police BT Fault Electric Power Loss Gas Emergency

Others

Alcester Library Bidford Library Citizens’ Advice Bureau Electrician Funeral Services Locksmith Plumber/Heating Plumber/Heating Plumber/Heating Volunteer Drivers

Schools

Alcester Academy Alcester Grammar St Benedict’s High Bidford-on-Avon Primary Coughton Primary Dunnington Primary Great Alne Primary Haselor Primary Our Lady’s Primary Salford Priors Primary St Nicholas Primary Temple Grafton Primary

Councils

Alcester Town Council Bidford Parish Council Stratford Dist Council

763060 763293 773372 111 08457 909090

01527 503030 205831 01926 495321

999 or 112 444816 08008 00151 08004 04090 08001 11999

0300 555 8171 773239 0844 855 2322 07771 616189 766750 762450 766200 270744 01386 871777 262889

762285 762494 762888 773201 762444 772200 488247 488211 762555 772497 762578 772384

766084 778653 267575

Welcome

... to the September Connection.

Normally, when I sit to write this part of the magazine, it reminds me of how quickly the month has flown. Well, this time two months have raced by between editions.

I do hope you, our readers, have had a good summer, and rallied around to enjoy yourselves in spite of the usual British weather disappointments. I’ve been getting my oldest child ready for starting school, so am even more reticent than usual to say goodbye to the summer holidays. Doesn’t time fly by when you have children (apart from “those days” when you’re clock watching and their bedtime can’t come quickly enough!)?

For anyone dreading the cooler starts and longer nights that will soon be creeping up on us, turn to our community pages to find out what’s on locally to keep you entertained (p. 56 & 58). Of course, you can always pretend it’s still summer holiday time by taking a trip to the Bidford Bash for an afternoon that promises plenty of village fete fun (p.44) on 16th September!

We have some great articles this month (even if I do say so myself!). It’s the last cricketing article of the season (p. 36), and Back of the Net returns (p.38) for our football fanatics. We hear from VASA about their volunteer services (p. 60); in ‘Motoring’ a husband and wife team prepare to drive the Mongol Rally in a Leaf (p.

34); the Greig Centre offer their support for good health (p. 26); we begin a new series of articles on mental health and resilience (p. 14), and you can find out more about the new butcher of Bidford (p. 8). If you’re in need of a comforting pud after all of that reading, turn to our recipe page (p. 10) and rustle up the Coconut Rice Pudding, best enjoyed with some caramelised apples, lovingly picked from Hillers’ own orchards.

Congratulations to Debbie and Chris, who each won a pair of day tickets to Camper Calling in the July/August competition.

Until next month...

Amy

Facebook.com/theconnectionmag Twitter.com/connection_mag Connnection circulation 7,700 Editor: Amy James Phone 01789 491005 Email: info@connectionmags.co.uk www.connectionmags.co.uk Printed by Warwick Printing Ltd 01926 883355 Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. The Connection Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior consent of the publisher.

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7

New Kid on the (Butcher's)

Block

I

t’s been an exciting month for Bidford, with much hustle and bustle as the locals have welcomed a new butcher to the old shop on the High Street.

Sebastian LeFeuvre, 24 years old and passionate about butchery, has recently bought the business and we were excited to hear about his journey so far, as well as the plans he has for “Sebastian’s Butchery”.

Despite rugby being at the forefront of his interests, Sebastian suffered a horrendous knee injury in the final parts of him studying for a degree in history. Bedbound and bored of his educational undertakings, he realised that food was his biggest passion and a career change was needed.

Citing a number of influences for his next steps, one stands out from the rest: “During a binge on Netflix, I came across ‘Chef’s Table’, an enchanting series exploring the lives of Michelin starred chefs across the globe. One episode featured Dan Barber, an American chef based in New York, with an ethos of great food, from farm to fork. It dawned on me at that point that a career path in food was what I wanted.”

Of course, passion on its own is not enough to build a business, something Sebastian is all too aware of, and he has gone to great lengths to further his experience and understanding of not only butchery, but farming too. With a constant drive to succeed, and realising that not many “foodies” have agricultural expertise, he went to help out on his uncle’s farm before taking a full-time job at an outdoor pig unit. The latter was an eyeopening experience (to put it politely) as well as an unfulfilling role and, ultimately, one that would serve to make Sebastian all the more passionate about quality meat that has been sourced well, from reputable farmers. Hanging up his wellies, his next step was into the world of food production, and over the course of 3 years, he has worked at

8

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several local butcheries, including one situated on a smallholding – perfect for someone wanting to progress their farm knowledge, with the image of Dan Barber’s enterprise always at the back of his mind, driving him on.

On days off from the smallholding, Sebastian would bone out beef voluntarily or spend half days scouring the country in search of farm shops, butcheries and anything to continue learning. He tells us, self-effacingly, “I eventually got sacked.

Perhaps I was too eager or enthusiastic – I don’t know”, but – never work-shy – he got a job in a children’s nursery via a family friend, who inspired him and encouraged him back into the butchery trade, and he’s since started an MBA in Advanced Farm Management: “I applied for several graduate schemes within the meat industry during my time at the Royal Agricultural University, but something kept niggling at me to continue within the butchery trade. I’m glad I dug my heels in when it got tough, and never doubted myself or my ability when others would question my choices. I got my head down and never lost sight of the end goal. It’s not a pretty story, and my CV is a mess, but eventually I ended up with my own butchery. It’s small and a work in progress, but it’s mine. And the customers I have the honour to serve have so far been nothing short of wonderful.”

The new butcher of Bidford certainly has an infectious love of his work, and it is a joy to see someone so proud of what they do. So, it’s exciting times ahead for Sebastian who already has visits to local farmers and suppliers pencilled in to his diary.

His end goal? “In essence, I want to source produce from the farmer, or even my own farm one day, and serve the customer with meat that I truly believe is the best, whilst marrying up quality, affordability and traceability.”

A cracking start, Sebastian… Welcome to the village.

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- Christmas Christmas orders now being taken.

Last order date for Christmas meats: Saturday 9th December (The shop will be open for regular business until Saturday 23rd December and open for order collections on Christmas Eve.)

a

- Fresh Ready Meals If you’re stuck for meal inspiration, or just short on time, let us make the effort for you.

From stir fries to chicken parcels, we regularly stock specially-prepared dishes you can take from our counter straight to your oven.

a

- Custom Orders We’re proud of our selection of quality meats, but if you’d like something a bit different, or need a large order making up for an occasion, please get in touch.

We will always do our best to help.

Now offering a FREE home delivery service on orders over £30 within an 8 mile radius

Cake and Bake Coconut Rice Pudding with Caramelised Apples A classic with a twist, this creamy rice pudding has added coconut milk for extra flavour and is served with spiced apples in a caramel sauce.

Ingredients: • 50g unsalted butter, softened • 100g pudding rice • 400ml full-fat milk • 200ml coconut milk • 40g caster sugar • 1 tbsp runny honey • 2 red apples, skinned, cored and cut into wedges • 75g demerara sugar • 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon • 2 tbsp apple juice

Serves 4 Ready in 2 hours 30 mins

TIP

You can use other fruit slices instead of the apples – try peaches or pears or halved apricots.

10 connectionmags.co.uk

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C, fan 130°C, gas 2.

Use a little of the softened butter to thoroughly grease a 1.2-litre shallow ovenproof dish.

2. Tip the pudding rice into the buttered dish and stir in the milk and coconut milk. Add the caster sugar and stir again. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Carefully remove the dish and give the pudding a good stir, then stir in the honey and dot with a little more of the butter. Return to the oven for a further 1 hour 30 minutes or until a golden skin has formed and most of the milk has been absorbed by the rice.

3. About 10 minutes before the rice pudding is ready, melt the rest of the butter in a heavy– based frying pan over a medium heat. Add the apple slices and fry for 1-2 minutes, turning once.

Sprinkle over the demerara sugar and cook gently, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves.

Stir in the cinnamon and apple juice and simmer for a further few minutes until syrupy.

4. Stir the rice pudding (remove the skin first, if preferred) and spoon into bowls. Top with the apples and syrup and serve.

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grown on our farm

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13

Y

Why ”Bouncing Back” Is Only Half The Story

ou may know ’resilience’ comes from the Latin root ‘resili’, meaning the ability to spring back, in relation to the capacity of plants to adapt themselves to different environments. This has given rise to the popular phrase “bouncing back” and this is a problem. Let me explain: Bring to mind your own “falling off your bike” story. Because unless you were a child-cycling genius or fluked mastering co-ordination of handlebars and pedals first time, you fell off at some point during the process, right? Remember it: Have you still got the scars on your knees?

But if you fell off, and literally got back on your bike again – wasn’t that a triumphant sign of your resilience? Nah, not really. Anybody can do that, and most of us did. True resilience has something extra. Picture this: One summer evening, cycling around a housing estate, I collided with Mrs. Coffer’s Mini. Head first. “Oh !%£$*&£@%^*!!!” is what my 10 year old brain thinks as I lay splayed across the car bonnet like a squashed starfish. The cause? My pre-occupation with the speed of my pedals. It appears you have to pay attention when cycling.

Fortunately for me, Mrs. Coffer wasn’t in her car at the time and the car was parked on the road.

Unfortunately for me, my midriff collided with the edge of the car, yielding a panorama of bruising which lasted a month. Sure, I got back on my (out of shape) bike again, but the real question is: what did I learn from it?

That’s where true resilience lies – not in the repeat attempt, not in Being A Brave Boy or Just Trying Again, but in the adaptive capacity, what I describe as becoming larger-on-the-inside as a result of the experience or pain.

Don’t fool yourself. This is not automatic.

Resilience requires reflection and many people choose not to invest the time to do this, or ever

learned the skills to do so. That’s why life can feel ‘on repeat’, like an exam you haven’t passed yet, because there is a Thing that needs to be learned, that wants to be seen before you can move on.

So, what is the whole story when it comes to resilience?

In relation to human behaviour, resilience – according to Dr. Carole Pemberton – is “The capacity to remain flexible in our thoughts, feelings and behaviours when faced by a life disruption, or extended periods of pressure, so that we emerge from difficulty stronger, wiser and more able.” I like that. That’s Resilience-onsteroids.

Resilience begins with the humility to (metaphorically) examine ourselves in the mirror, noticing the gap between our intentions and our real-world outcomes (the bruises are evidence), and then – and this is the bit people don’t do well – then owning where you put your attention next time. Resilience is not about just bouncing back: “Ta-da, here I am again, just like before! Did you miss me?” True resilience is evident when you’ve changed and grown in some way, because you know what to pay closer attention to next time.

You’ve woken up to your old assumptions and let them collapse around your ankles like trousers that have lost their elastic.

So the question is: Are you just getting back on your bike with your old assumptions intact (“It was the other person’s fault…”), or has the experience taught you something useful? Believe me, you only want a bruised midriff once in your lifetime if you can help it.

Do you hear what I’m saying?

Christopher Spriggs is a dad, coach and author, working principally with secondary schools to promote positive mental health and resiliency in the next generation.

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15

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Something for Everyo 16 connectionmags.co.uk

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With so much experience in arranging holidays by rail, Great Rail Journeys know what makes a great holiday. They know the best places to stay and how to create itineraries that combine the unusual, the iconic and the exciting, whilst at the same time giving you plenty of time to relax or venture off on your own. In addition to Tour Managers, they also use local guides to ensure that you discover all the local secrets you might miss if you were

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19

Houseplants Go Home

by Pippa Greenwood

Most houseplants need to be just that, plants in houses, but come the summer it usually gives them a real boost to get the higher natural light levels, refreshing (relatively warm) rainfall and seriously fresh air.

But now that September is here it is time to bring them indoors – colder nights will cause damage, especially to some of the more tender varieties.

Before bringing them in, check your plants over. Use a sharp pair of scissors to remove dead, damaged or dying leaves, cutting back neatly into clean, healthy growth.

Next inspect the stems, foliage and any flowers for pests and diseases - it always pays to bring houseplants in totally clean. Look out for white powdery mildew deposits, often accompanied by a bit of leaf yellowing, and check for greyish fuzzy fungal patches caused by the notorious Botrytis or grey mould.

Also look for pests like scale insects - tiny brownish elliptical insects which feed beneath leaves or on soft stems, often producing copious quantities of sticky, sugary honeydew - or aphids, which may be found clustered on the more tender,

20 connectionmags.co.uk

newer growth. These must be dealt with before the plants go indoors, as once inside the pests will flourish in the warmer, more protected conditions, and will soon multiply and may even spread. Most problems like these, if caught early, can be dealt with by using scissors or secateurs to snip off infected areas, or by some careful picking off by hand. If you find scale insects, aphids or fluffy patches of mealy bug, there is a brilliant environmentallyfriendly biocontrol that is also safe for you and your pets. For more information, visit www. pippagreenwood.com/products/ protect-your-crops.

Next, inspect the pots, including the surface of the compost and beneath the base and rim of the pot itself. If you can, and as long as the plant won’t be damaged in the process, gently ease it out of its pot and check the root ball - this is the perfect place for stowaways like vine weevils, slugs and snails. Not the sort of house guests you or your plants would appreciate, I’m sure.

When the check over is complete, gently scrape away the uppermost surface of the compost and replace with the

/theconnectionmag

same quantity of fresh, similar compost, wipe down the sides of the pot and take your plants inside, taking care not to put them anywhere which is too hot, too dry or too draughty for their liking.

Once your old favourites are safely re-installed in their old positions and are free from unwanted guests, you may like to treat yourself to a new houseplant or two. There are some wonderful (and good value) houseplants readily available in garden centres and supermarkets now - how about a marvellously elegant moth orchid (Phalaenopsis)? I treated myself to a couple this summer and I know that even with my sometimes erratic care they should keep on performing for years to come!

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for her ‘Winter thru’ Spring Collection’ of gorgeous UK-grown gardenready vegetable plants ready for delivery in September.

You’ll also find many gardening items including growing frames, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls, copper tape, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

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For your servicing needs, Tel/Fax: 01386 830283 Collection and delivery service

THE ENGLISH GARDENER For YOUR Garden

Professional, Qualified and Insured Garden & Estate Maintenance Hedge & Topiary Trimming Planting & Pruning Plant Advice • Lawn Care

0796 904 8042 theenglishgardener@uwclub.net Passionate about Gardening

The first step to a beautiful lawn is to call GreenThumb

JD LANDSCAPE & GROUNDWORK CONTRACTORS • Drainage • Driveways • Extensions • Patios • Footings & Oversites • Fencing For a free quote, please call James 07967 646140 or 01789 778446

www.jdlandscapeandgroundwork.co.uk

Pest Control serviCe ✓ Wasps ✓ Rats/Mice ✓ Moles ✓ Insects ✓ Other Mammals & Birds

• Fully qualified and insured • Excellent rates • Friendly discrete service • Short and long term contracts available

Call Nick on 01789 764433 or 07552755202 E: stratfordpestcontrol@aol.com www.stratfordpestcontrol.co.uk

If you’ve been thinking about enjoying a great lawn this year – green, lush and weed-free, why not contact us today and let us bring PRICES FROM your lawn to life.

£15

We provide four PER TREATMENT seasonal treatments, as well as beneficial treatments to keep your lawn in tip-top condition prices start from just £15*.

Simply call: 01905 840 740 or visit: greenthumb.co.uk

*Based on a lawn size of 40m²

To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

21

CPM

• Landscaping • Building Work • Patios PROPERTY • Brickwork &GARDEN MAINTENANCE • Fencing • Carpentry • Turfing • Flooring • Hedge cutting • Painting & Decorating • Tree Care • General Property Maintenance FULLY QUALIFIED & INSURED

• FREE QUOTES

Call us now on:

07544 330103

Eric Williams Electrician 07974 228835

No job too small Estimates free eric@whippletreecottage.co.uk Whipple Tree Cottage Coughton Fields Lane Alcester, B49 6BX 01789 765877

Pete Roderick

Pruning • Planting Weeding Grass & Hedgecutting Bark laying • Gravelling

• • • • • •

CHERRY PICKER HIRE CCTV CAMERA SURVEYS POWER SWEEPING BRUSH & VACUUM SWEEPS ROOF & CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE WOODBURNERS CLEANED & INSTALLED • BIRD GUARDS & COWLS FITTED • FULLY INSURED • FREE QUOTES

GARDEN & PROPERTY SERVICES

General property maintenance work For all your Chimney & Flue requirements call

01789 766953 16 Henley Street, Alcester www.acleansweepmidlands.co.uk 07970 692817

Andrew Gretton Horticulturist

Call Mark on

07799 107040 Gates & Railings

by Phil

I make gates and railings

All types of garden maintenance

•

Mowing and hedge cutting

• •

Small tree felling Based in Harvington

•

30 years horticultural experience Call Andrew on

07943 609651

Email andrew@cheapside-nurseries.net

All colours available, made to order.

Low cost fitting service available.

Please call me on 07747 032583 or email gatesbyphil@gmail.com to discuss your requirements.

Working in the local area for 25 years www.gatesbyphil.co.uk

To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

23

R E T S ALCE

N U R 10K Y SUNDA

| 10am 7 1 0 2 OBER 8th OCT KSHIRE

CESTER EET | AL

|

WARWIC

R

HIGH ST

ENTE R NOW !

The closed road race starts on Alcester High Street and the rolling route takes the runners out onto the stunning country lanes of Warwickshire for a single loop.

Chipped Timing • T shirts for all competitors Medals for all finishers • Post race snacks Finish line photography

The day also features a free Kids Fun Run making it a great day out for the family!

ITH RACE W

S E FOR U

US, RAIS

ore info: m r o f d n ra To registe ww.raceways.eu w

REFLEXOLOGY FOOT MASSAGE FULL BODY TONING VIBRATION FOOT AND LEG MASSAGE PLUS, A RANGE OF HOME FITNESS EQUIPMENT

OPEN

Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm

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VISIT OUR SHOP AT:

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STRATFORD ROAD, WOOTTON WAWEN, B95 6BY 01527 854554 •

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Bidford Pharmacy 1177 HHiigghh SSttrreeeett,, BBiiddffoorrdd oonn AAvvoonn,, BB5500 44BBQQ wwwwww..bbiiddffoorrddpphhaarrm maaccyy..ccoo..uukk   0 011778899 777722443333

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 the NHS service is FREE for eligible patients OR  you may purchase a private flu vaccination [£10 per jab]

Our convenient service enables you to book an appointment at a time of your choosing throughout the winter months

OPENING HOURS Monday-Friday 9am–6pm Saturday 9am–1pm MEDICINE USE REVIEW STOP SMOKING SUPPORT

NEW MEDICINE SUPPORT EMERGENCY HORMONE CONTRACEPTION

Y O U R C O MM U NI T Y P H AR M AC Y

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To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

25

CLIVE CAMPION & SON LTD Painters & Decorators

Meadow Lane Bakery

70 High Street, Bidford on Avon, Warks, B50 4AB

01789 778005 Traditional Bakery & Tea Room

All types of Breads, Cakes, Sandwiches and Drinks to take out Interiors, Exteriors & Exhibitions Over 28 years experience Free Quotations Email clivecampion@sky.com

Mob: 07768 104525 Tel: 01527 401427 References available on request

SPECIALITY BREADS FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS Tea room serving Traditional Cream Teas and light bites

Calling all embroiderers, crocheters, knitters, illustrators, crafters of all disciplines!

Craft Club Alcester

An informal free monthly meet up on the second Monday of the month.

Bring along whatever you are working on for a couple of hours of inspirational chat and crafting with likeminded souls!

Where:

The Hollybush pub, 37 Henley Street , Alcester, B49 5QX

When:

The second Monday of the month from 7-9pm Follow Craft Club Alcester on Facebook for updates & more info.

28 connectionmags.co.uk

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Jacksons Jewellery Repairs BEFORE

AFTER

SEWING • KNITTING • CROCHET

ALL JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND CLEANING DONE ON SITE

Come To One Of Our Workshops

Opening Times

Browse Our Beautiful Fabrics, Yarns & Haberdashery

Tues & Weds 9am - 4pm Thurs, Fri & Sat 9.30am - 1pm

• •

Gift Vouchers Available

01789 766611

MARKET PLACE, ALCESTER, B49 5AE

1 Priory Road, Alcester, Warks, B49 5DX (off Globe Island)

079 9310950 052

www.jacksonsjewellery.co.uk

HarryandFloss oss

Grooming At Ferns

• Fully qualified d C&G Levell 3 Dog Groomer • Fully insured • Full grooms available (nails included) • Free collection/delivery service within 5 miles • All breeds catered for • One to one service • Quiet & stress free environment

www.groomingatferns.co.uk

01386 792554 • 07790 392641 Ferns Cattery, Alcester Road, Radford, Worcs, WR7 4LS Arfernihough@hotmail.co.uk

To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

29

Answers on page 58

SALFORD PRIORS MEMORIAL HALL for your special event

M u s i c Tu i t i o n Andrew Swinn MA, ARCM, ARCO

Piano, Music Theory, Exam Accompaniment • Parties of up to 180 • Patio area • Meeting rooms • Large car park • Stage • Well appointed kitchen

Special rates for children’s parties and regular groups

01789 763 954

CHIROP PODIST Yvonne Hartley

For bookings and enquiries please call 01789 778940 or email patdare2003@yahoo.co.uk

D.S.Ch, M.Inst.Ch.P, HCPC Reg

www.salfordpriorsmemorialhall.co.uk /salfordpriorsmemorialhall

01386 833520 07833 5 95020

School Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8XD

The Local Computer “Doctor” Over 15 years in the area fixing computers for home & business.

- No job too small - Home visits and lessons - Remote repair if possible -

Over 20 years experience Surgery based in Badsey

A small school for 9-16 year olds A history ryy of good public examinations (SATs and GCSEs)

All of our staff know our children Safe, Enjoy, Learn - a small, friendly, nurturing environment Skills and exp periences for life

Tuesday 3rd October 6-8pm

To get your computer healthy again call Steve Harris

01789 - 490543 07977 - 599582

Evesham Road, Astw twood w Bank, B96 6BD 01527 892867 ww www ww.ridgeway.academy w office@ridgeway.academy

To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

31

at

REMARKABLE FOOD FOR YO Casseroles • Curries • Kids & Fa Calorie Conscious • Gluten & D Party Food • Food f Salford Road, Bidford on Avon B50 4AW Tel: 01789 773352

warnersbudgens.co.uk

at BIDFORD ON AVON

YOUR FREEZER SINCE 1997 & Family Meals • Lasagnes • Pies Dairy Free • Puddings & Cakes d for Entertaining

£1 OFF

ANY COOK MEAL OR PUDDING

To the customer: Redeemable at Warner’s Budgens Bidford on Avon, Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Winchcombe only. Only one coupon will be accepted per transaction, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. The offers excludes tobacco, infant formula, e-top up, fuel, concessions (Post Office), stamps and National & Health Lottery. Photocopies are no acceptable.

Offer only valid if presented with this coupon. £40 must be spent in one transaction. Valid until 30th September 2017

£5 OFF

WHEN YOU SPEND £40 IN STORE

To the customer: Redeemable at Warner’s Budgens Bidford on Avon, Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Winchcombe only. Only one coupon will be accepted per transaction, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. The offers excludes tobacco, infant formula, e-top up, fuel, concessions (Post Office), stamps and National & Health Lottery. Photocopies are no acceptable.

Offer only valid if presented with this coupon. £40 must be spent in one transaction. Valid until 30th September 2017.

Motoring

By James Baggott

Husband and wife taking on 10k-mile rally in electric car but meaning drivers can interact with locals along the way.

The drive is unsupported, with no backup all the way from Goodwood to Ulan-Ude. As if tackling the gruelling, 10,000-mile Mongol Rally wasn’t tough enough, adventurer Chris Ramsey will be upping the ante, competing this year in an electric Nissan Leaf.

With just a few modifications, EV evangelist Ramsey, 40, from Aberdeen, and his wife Julie, set off from Goodwood on 16th July on an adventure they expect will take up to two months to complete.

Not only will they be forced to tackle tough terrain and unfamiliar roads, they’ll also have the added challenge of finding somewhere to charge up every 90 miles. Here Chris explains why he chose to take on the epic drive in the first electric car ever to enter the rally.

What is the Mongol Rally?

It’s a 10,000-mile charity drive across the mountains and deserts of Europe and Asia.

To make it more challenging participants must drive a sub-1.0-litre car, increasing the chance of a breakdown

34 connectionmags.co.uk

Why did you choose to do this in a Nissan Leaf?

This is the first time anybody’s ever entered the Mongol Rally in an electric vehicle - and of the 330 other teams entered so far, not one is electric. People think the biggest challenge will be the charging infrastructure and how to get a charge, but for me the tough bit will be crossing borders like those of Russia and Ukraine.

Have you done anything like this in an electric car before?

I’ve completed a number of electric vehicle adventures in Nissan Leafs, such as John O’Groats to Land’s End and back in just over 48 hours, and I was the first person to complete the North Coast 500.

The Mongol Rally, for me, was always the next challenge. It’s all about an adventure and having a long experience, and with only 90 to 100 miles per charge I can stop and enjoy the whole scenery, the cultures and environments – and meet the public along the way, who will hopefully help with charging.

/theconnectionmag

What are you looking forward to most?

We’re attending a future fuels event in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, where we’ll be showing the Leaf off to the public there, because the country’s government is keen to be part of the electric vehicle revolution.

How have you prepared the Leaf for the trip?

We’ve done very little in terms of the drivetrain – the car is a bog-standard 30kW Nissan Leaf. We’ve stripped down the back of the car to reduce the weight, and added a 6mm aluminium plate to protect the underside on rough terrain.

We also have a roof rack, LED lights and some rally tyres for when we get to the rougher stuff.

How long do you think the rally will take you?

It’s going to take us about six to eight weeks. There’s some slack in there because it’s about having an adventure, not about getting there first, so we’ve planned it so that we can stop off along the way. I’m fortunate to have my wife as my co-driver, and she’s just as passionate about electric cars as I am and loves to travel - so it’ll be a perfect combination.

To keep up to date with Chris and Julie’s adventure, visit Adventurists.com or follow Chris on twitter @pluginadventure or on Facebook.com/ pluginadventures

@connection_mag

Unit 1, Tything Park, Arden Forest Industrial Estate, Alcester, B49 6ES

Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm

/

Saturday 8am - 12pm

FOR A STRESS FREE LOCAL CAR BUYING EXPERIENCE…

ALCESTER

Visit us now At Our New Site:

Tything Park, Tything Road East, Alcester, B49 6ES

01789 507500 • WWW.1CARCOMPANY.CO.UK A Family-Run Business Supplying Carefully Selected Pre-Owned Vehicles Committed To Providing You The Very Best Service For Over 25 Years To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

35

Vieeww Froom m The Bouunnndddaaarrryy

A

mazing to sit here and think that the cricket season is almost over. The local scene is taking shape with most divisions in the Cotswold Hills League close to being settled, the weather has held off for the most part and seemingly playing participation is up.

The ECB All Stars scheme has gone down very well with local sides including Bidford, Exhall and Alcester all reporting large numbers of kids in attendance on Friday nights.

On top of that, England have won a tough series against South Africa with a new (and local) hero for the fans to admire. Moeen Ali, from Moseley and plying his trade for Worcestershire, has excelled with both bat and ball and hopefully can encourage the many British-Asian cricketers in the region to play cricket at the highest standard. By the time this is read, England will have participated in a first too, with the inaugural day-night test match having taken place at Edgbaston. I can only hope for good weather and a great result as I’m

in attendance on the Friday!

Locally, the Cotswold Hills Premier Division is heading down to the wire. Exhall and Wixford are currently in second spot just six points behind reigning champions Wellesbourne. At the other end of the table, Alcester & Ragley are one win away from safety. Hopefully they have enough to hold on. In Division 2, Temple Grafton are in with an outside chance of promotion should they win all of their remaining fixtures. Exhall 2nds look set for the drop from Division 3 to Division 4 for the 2018 where they should be joined by Bidford, who have secured their position and Great Alne who look like gaining a much deserved promotion from Division 5. Finally, Welford on Avon are in a battle to retain their spot in Division 5.

All will be resolved at the beginning of September and we’ll be sure to recap the season for everyone next month. Just three weeks left? Time to start counting the days down until next May again I suppose!

Special Offer!

10% off all vehicle hires* *Valid Monday to Wednesday only

VANS • LUTONS • MINIBUSES • CARS

01386 833700

www.eveshamselfdrive.co.uk /EveshamSelfDrive 36 connectionmags.co.uk

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For all your

FISHING TACKLE & AIR RIFLE supplies from most of the top brands DRENNAN, LEEDA, WYCHWOOD, SENSAS, PRESTON INNOVATIONS, DAIWA, DYNAMITE BAITS, ETC

Quality fresh maggots, castors, pinkies, pellets for feed and hook

We a lso se ll Dar Dart ts, Boar ds, F light & Sh s afts We a .

Pellets, Targets, lso R e-st Tele Sights, Silencers, Tenn ring is, Sq uash Gun Cases, Etc. Badm & inton Rack We are here to give you B ets. ank c ards help and advice on your accep ted requirements.

AIR RIFLES FROM BROCOCK, B.S.A., S.M.K., WEIHRAUCH

alcester sports & tackle

Established 1979

Phone: 01789 762200 Unit 10, Tything Road East, Arden Forest Industrial Estate, Alcester, B49 6ES

OPENING TIMES Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9am - 1pm Sunday: closed

VEHICLE SCRATCH & SCUFF REPAIRS

Bumper & Wing Mirror Scuffs Paintwork Scratches Leather & Vinyl Repairs Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Paintless Dent Removal Vehicle Graphics ’s OAP nt u o Disc able l i a Av Call STEVE for a FREE, no obligation quote

07701 053640 or 01789 774700 www.wizard-on-wheels.co.uk

To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

37

BACK OF THE NET

W

e are back! Yes, a new season is upon us and we couldn’t wait. Could we!

Another few gigatrigazillion quid has changed hands (and greased a few too many palms) and we are once again in position to leer, sneer, ogle and ridicule from the stands or the pubs or our armchairs, or wherever we choose to watch our beautiful game. We could even watch on a mobile phone from the top of a mountain. Whatever and wherever. We are ready. BRING IT ON!

I write this after only one Premiership game has been played but it seems obvious already that ManU are going to win the league this season, with ManC, Spurs, Arsenal and Huddersfield battling it out for the European Champions League places, while Chelsea fight to keep their place in the top division.

In the Championship, Wolves have started the better of the two ‘local’ Chinese owned clubs, their three wins from three games being a tad better than Villa’s single point. So it’s Wolves for promotion and Villa for the drop. And it’s good to see Coventry back at the top, albeit in League 2.

This season is shaping up to be, well, similar to others I suppose, with just a few changes in personnel.

But seriously, I have missed the buzz that the football season brings and it will be interesting to see how much changes with the introduction of retrospective discipline, with players being punished by beady independent judging eyes deciding when they have taken a dive to simulate being fouled. This is long overdue and must be welcomed by every fan in the land.

All seems fairly quiet with the Midlands teams at the moment. Apart from Villa. Is there yet another management change on the cards? With so many people backing them for promotion, I wonder how long the owners will give Steve Bruce to turn things around.

Of course, things could have changed completely by next month!

Back of the net!

Get a 10 year guarantee* with any Greenstar gas-fired CDi condensing boiler installed by a Worcester Accredited Installer between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2017. *

01789 270744 www.flushheatingandplumbing.co.uk

38 connectionmags.co.uk

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DELANCEY DEVELOPMENTS.COM Professional Local Builder Specialising in all aspects of building: • Kitchens & Bathrooms • Carpentry & Roofing • Extensions & Alterations • Rubberbond Flat Roofing System • Landscaping & Water Features For a free, no bligation quote, call

01789 773767 or 07909 913014

To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

39

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALCESTER Charity bag scam Warwickshire Trading Standards is warning householders to beware of scam charity bag collections taking place in Warwick District. The bags, which primarily ask for clothing, claim to support well known cancer charities. However, these charities have confirmed that they don’t use these sorts of bags. If you are giving to charity, ensure that the charity bags you are using are genuine.

Look for the registered charity number and if in any doubt, contact the charity concerned.

Otherwise, donate via a charity shop.

Avoid being scammed.

1. Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request - whether it comes as a text, a phone call or an email.

2. Never pay up front, for example if someone asks you to pay in advance for a loan or to receive a prize.

3. When dating online, always use a reputable website. Avoid revealing too many personal details and never agree to send or receive money, whatever their story.

4. Be wary of any investments that promise unusually high returns, particularly if they involve investing in unusual and/or unregulated investment products such as land, wine, gems or art.

5. Never be pressured, threatened or scared into making a quick decision. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert or just tell a friend.

Make a consumer complaint: The Citizens Advice Consumer Service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Call the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 03454 040506 (English language).

Keep ahead of the latest scams targeted at Warwickshire residents by signing up to Warwickshire Trading Standards email alert system at - www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams The next meeting of NHW Alcester will be held on Tuesday 17 October, 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church House. Contact details: nhwalcester@ gmail.com or telephone Dorrie Manders on 01789 762999.

Communicating with the Police Emergencies dial 999.

Report a crime or serious incident 01926 415000.

Stratford Police Station 01789 414111.

101 is the national police non-emergency number in England and Wales which diverts to your local Police. Calls cost 15p per call (landlines and mobiles) no matter how long a member of the public is on the phone.

Call Crimestoppers anonymously with information about crime on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is a charity that will pass on information to police without revealing any details of the caller.

Alcester South Safer Neighbourhood Team dial 101 or 01789 444816. Please feel free to contactt the team direct: Email: alcestersouth.snt@warwickshire.pnn. police.uk.

To leave a Voice Mail (VM) message tel 01789 444816.

PS 542 Bob Shaw (Team Sergeant) 01789 444815.

PC Richard Lambert (Beat Manager) Rebecca.morris@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk James.squire@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk Thomas.bagg@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk Contact Warwickshire Trading Standards 01926 414040. Website, Facebook & Twitter, Make a scam/rogue trader complaint toTrading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0345 4040 506. Sign up to receive scam alerts at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams.

You can also report a fraud or cyber crime to Action Fraud on: 0300 123 2040 or visit www. actionfraud.police.uk.

Use Warwickshire Trading Standards “No Rogue e Traders Here”, the approved trader scheme.

Computer Trouble-shooter Graham Smith For Domestic and Business Users

* Local (Bidford)

* Reliable

* Reasonable rates

* PCs

* Laptops

* Virus Problems

* Internet & email

* Printers

* How-to tuition

Call 07771 724697 or 01789 774719 or email graham_n_smith@btinternet.com

NO FIX, NO FEE

Alcester is a relatively crime free area. We work together to keep it that way 40 connectionmags.co.uk

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Traditional & Friendly Family Jewellers Specialists in Antique, Vintage & Pre-Owned Jewellery.

Unique Pieces. All Jewellery, Watch & Clock Repairs professionally undertaken.

Over 50 years experience.

The Jewellers in the Alley.

3 Market Place, Alcester, B49 5AE

T: 01789 763715 W: www.bonnersjewellers.co.uk

Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors Services include preparation of accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, registered auditor, self assessment and corporation tax returns, company secretarial services, payroll bureau, company formations and bookkeeping training.

Contact: Helen Vining Grafton House, Bulls Head Yard, Alcester, Warks, B49 5BX

Tel: 01789 764972 E-mail: helen@vinings.co.uk Web www.vinings.co.uk To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

41

stylish corner

SEPTEMBER Fri 8

PIANO MAN: BILLY JOEL

Jules Benjamin & his band. £16/£15

Fri 15

S C

Ladies hairdressing Tel: 01789 763052

1 Church Street, Alcester

RAW COMEDY!

6 fresh stand-up acts. £5adv/£6door

Sat 16

Up-to-date styling

The ROVING CROWS

Outstanding Celtic folk-fusion. £12

Fri 22 FRED ASTAIRE & GINGER ROGERS

Wedding hair

Robert Habermann sings the songs & tells the stories. £16/£15

Sat 23

The MAGIC FLUTE (EDMC)

Mozart with Opera Anywhere. £17/£16/£3

Th 28

CLIVE GREGSON

Victoria Avenue,Evesham, WR11 4QH Tickets: Evesham Almonry 01386 446944 &

www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk

eveshamarts

Veteran folk/pop singer/songwriter. £10

BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA CHURCHILL

WONDER WOMAN

has great pleasure in presenting

Film Certificate: 12A Running time 141 mins + interval

Friday 1 September at 7pm Ticket price: £2.50 per person

All films showing at The Crawford Memorial Hall, Salford Road, Bidford on Avon. For further information, call 01789 778653 / 07718 628925

Film Certificate: PG Running time 105 mins + interval

Friday 22 September at 7pm Ticket price: £2.50 per person

Refreshments sponsored by your local

Ticket office opens at 6.30pm. Films are subject to availability and may be changed.

Please check the following website for updates www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/events.htm

42 connectionmags.co.uk

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To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

43

t p e S h t 6 1 t Sa 2pm-6pm eadow The Big M ily

Entry

Village FFaumn Day!

Child 1

Adult 2

Zorbing pony Irish DOG BOUNCY CASTLES

rides Dancing SHOW

cup cake baking competition

CRAFT Live war tug of

STALLS Music

FACE PAINTING Food Stalls and morris men Bars AND LOTS MORE! FOR MORE INFO WWW.VISIT BIDFORD.COM Designed by

BIDFORD HARDWARE 01789 772324

Tools • Ironmongers Paints & Accessories Calor Gas Supplies Household Fuels Gardening Needs Office Stationery & Cards Pet Care • Wool All Household Supplies Dry Cleaners & Alterations LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE Fancy goods and a selection of gifts for all occasions. You are always welcome to have a look around.

84 High Street, Bidford on Avon, B50 4AD ow g s N rin lie ffe pp O Su t

Fancy a day on the river?

Pe

Bidford Boatt Services

Narrow Boat Day Hire

Self drive narrow boats for daily hire, carrying up to 10 people

- Full size gas cooker, first time boaters. fridge & full kitchen - Cruising the Avon inventory. upstream you can - Hot & cold running head towards Stratford water, central heating or downstream you & flushing toilets. can reach Evesham.

- Buoyancy aids in all - Bring your own food sizes on request, for a picnic or stop at highly recommended one of the excellent for children. riverside pubs or - Full boat handling restaurants along the and lock tuition for way.

Self drive day hire - Weekends & bank holidays £160 per day, weekdays £130 per day Daily hire times 10am to 6pm Please ask for winter hire times

Call David Bidwell on 07796 520825 or 01789 772124

Bidfo ord’s Dog Grooming Parlourr is n now stocking pet supplies!

FREE DELIVERY TO LOCAL AREA From m nail clipping to the full pamper, cliip & style for your breed of dog.

A Also now, food and bedding for dogs, cats and small animals.

Based at Bidford Boatyard, with ample free parking.

FULLY INSURED TRA D TRAINED TO CITY & GUILDS STANDARD Please call Julie to book an appointment

07765 385282

Email: riversidepetsupplies@gmail.com Boatyard Drive, Holland Close, Bidford on Avon, B50 4JJ

www.riversidepetsupplies.co.uk

To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

45

Book

Music and Lyrics

By

By

Patricia Resnick

Dolly Parton

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009

Palace Theatre Redditch Wednesday 4th October to Saturday 7th October 2017 7:30 pm Saturday Matinee 2:30 pm

Advanced Tickets Telephone 01789 763446 (no booking fee)

Palace Theatre Box Office 01527 65203 www.whats-on-theatre.org This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD. on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of NEW YORK.

46 connectionmags.co.uk

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YEW TREE FARM COUR RTYARD SHOP PPING

A styllish h and d conttemporary sh hoppiing viillage mad de up off siixtteen beauttifull barrns and coffee shop in a courtyard setting, offering a wide range of unique quality products from around the world.

MEET - GREET - SHOP - EAT

With something for the whole family, Yew Tree Farm Shopping Village comprises the following units:

COURTYARD ENTERTAINMENT SEPTEMBER 3RD

Yew Trree Farm Shop Home Baking & Local Produce 015 564 795688

Beyond the Blue Lifestyle Clothing 01564 792025

Cowshed Eaterie Bruncches, Lunches, Afte ernoon Tea 015 564 792979

Yew Tree Salon Hairdressers 01564 795429

The Antiques Shop Collectables, Antiques an nd Vintage 015 564 898200 Giftivity Giftwa are and Interiors The e Wild Hare Handmade Cards & Jewellery 015 564 792785

The Cardio Shop Home Fitness Equipment 01564 854554

Le Grenie er English and French Antique Furn niture 01564 7954 401

The Garde en Furniture Ce entre Garden & Conse ervatory Furniture e 01564 7936 652

Henley Chocolates Chocolaterie 01564 794718

Bizarto Design & Tra aining 01564 7933 366

Gosh Boutique 01564 793355

Della and Ja ames Lingerie and Sw wimwear 01564 7942 255

Greys Teas Speciality Teas 01564 792295

H for Hatts Hats & Hat Hire 01564 7927 785

Join us in the Courtyard September 3rd 2017 All the shops will be open as normal and we have an art exhibition from The Yellow Hat Tribe all day. At 2pm we have Sambassadors of Groove, who are a great fun samba drumming band. The Cardio shop is doing a fundraiser by holding a marathon by walking, running or cycling for 1 mile in The Cardio Shop. Equipment provided. Anyone interested in taking part to help raise money for a defibrillator please phone Andy on 01564 792410.

YEW TREE FARM COURTYARD SHOPPING, STRATFORD ROAD, WOOTTON WAWEN, WARWICKSHIRE B95 6BY. GENERAL OPENING TIMES TUESDAY - SUNDAY 10AM - 5PM. SOME UNITS NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. WWW.YEW-TREE-FARM.CO.UK

Here at Coughton Court... ... we have just started the final phase of our five year re-wiring conservation project. For this stage the private family wing of the house is being re-wired and while this is taking place precious objects must be stored or moved to ensure their safety. This has given us the exciting opportunity to show the family’s items alongside those in the National Trust’s care for the first time.

This year, we are able to unite both halves of the Throckmorton family miniature collection on public display for the first time.

Throckmorton and Imogen Chisholm-Batten were married here on 24 June 2017. It is a family tradition to get married at Coughton Court and we’re delighted to have Imogen’s wedding dress, bridesmaid dress and a few wedding photos on display. Come and take a look!

Dates for your diary Hallowe’en Sat 21 – Sun 29 Oct on open days, 11am – 3.30pm Join us for fiendish fun and frights on our spooky outdoor trail with take-home activities and crafts. £2.50.

Fawkes Feast Sat 4 November, 6pm – 11pm Exclusive black tie event with a champagne reception followed by a private tour of the house. A seven course evening meal served in the Throckmorton family dining room with an after dinner speaker. £150, Booking is essential by calling 01789 400777 option 2.

Portrait miniatures were expensive and intricate decorative objects. They were first made for royalty in the sixteenth century but soon became fashionable in high society.

Skilled specialist painters created incredibly detailed but tiny images on vellum, copper and ivory.

Some of the miniatures in the collection are showing their age and although we care for them, the materials and methods of construction can cause unavoidable deterioration. Part of the display details how these delicate objects are cared for by our conservation team.

Looking after precious objects and conserving this family home for future generations is very important to us here at Coughton and the work that has been carried out wouldn’t be possible without supporters like you giving through membership, admissions, purchases in the shop and that delicious piece of cake in the café.

In the dining room this autumn we have a very special display of items from a recent Throckmorton family wedding. Magnus Birch-

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Candlelight Coughton Wed 29 Nov & Thu 30 Nov, 6.00pm-9.30pm Enjoy a traditional three-course Christmas meal in Coughton’s Kitchen café and experience the house decorated for the Throckmorton family’s Christmas before their celebrations start. Walk the festive rooms by candlelight and take a seat in the Saloon whilst the piano plays by a roaring fire. £35, Booking is essential by calling 01789 400777 option 2.

Wassail Sat 9 Dec & Sun 10 Dec, 4.30pm & 7.30pm Join our long established traditional Christmas Wassail with stories and carols from Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre.

Mulled wine, a roaring fire and mince pies are included. Adult £27.00, child £11.00 Booking is essential by calling the box office on 0344 249 1895 For full opening days & more information please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ coughtoncourt or call 01789 400777 Follow us on Twitter @NTCoughton or ‘Like’ us at www.facebook.com/CoughtonCourt

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THE GOLDEN CROSS The Golden Cross, Wixford Road, Ardens Grafton, Warks, B50 4LG The Golden Cross, Wixford Road, 772420 Ardens Grafton, Warks, B50 4LG Tel: 01789 goldencross@treasureinns.co.uk

Tel: 01789 772420

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Alcester Town Council SEPTEMBER 2017

Town Council Meetings All Town Council meetings are held in Globe House which is accessed via the Seggs Lane entrance, and begin at 7pm unless otherwise stated.

Full Council Meeting - Tuesday 5th September (please note that this meeting will be held at Malt Mill Community Centre and will start at 6pm with a presentation from the Warwickshire Chief Fire Officer (The Council meeting will follow at 7pm), Community Care: Tuesday 12th September Community Facilities: Tuesday 19th September Planning: Monday 4th and 18th September Members of the public are welcome to attend any of the Council meetings. The agendas are published on the Town Council Web site at: www.alcester-tc.gov.uk and copies can be viewed on the Council Notice Boards.

Alcester Town Council Contacts Tel: 01789 766084 Town Clerk - Vanessa Lowe: clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk Planning & Communication: administration@alcester-tc.gov.uk Facilities: reception@alcester-tc.gov.uk Community Care: office@alcester-tc.gov.uk Health & Wellbeing: wellbeing@alcester-tc.gov.uk Alcester Town Council offices: Globe House via the Seggs Lane entrance first floor (lift available) Monday - Friday 9am–1pm (or call to make an appointment).

More information found on our social media pages: www.facebook.com/alcester.towncouncil www.facebook.com/alcester Alcester Health and Wellbeing Elderberries Community Group runs every Wednesday from 11.00am-3.30pm at Jubilee Court community room, for over 55’s in Alcester. Cost is £3.00 including lunch. Please contact Suzette Wright - Health and Wellbeing Coordinator at wellbeing@alcester-tc. gov.uk or by telephone on 07484082030.

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A Walk in the Park Every Monday morning, starting on 4th September, a walk for over 55’s is being organised around the Jubilee Fields.

This will be a gentle walk with plenty of opportunities to take a breather and look at the scenery.

Refreshments will be provided in the Jubilee Centre afterwards. Please meet in the Jubilee Centre car park at 10 am.

This event is free of charge but donations towards refreshments would be very welcome.

For further information please call Suzette Wright 07484 082030 Assistant Town Clerk Mrs Sarah Duran has been appointed as Assistant Town Clerk to deal with Planning and Communication. Sarah also deals with the organisation of civic events for the Mayor.

Alcester Post Office The Town Council has received notification that the post office will be relocating to 30 High Street (formerly Oliver’s Sandwich Bar).

As part of the consultation on this move, the Town Council had raised concerns about accessibility to this property.

The Post Office have confirmed that the new operator intends to install a permanent ramp for wheelchair users (subject to planning permission). If permission is not granted, a portable ramp will be made available and a bell fitted for those requiring assistance. A handrail will also be installed.

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To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

51

Bidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire

BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA We start what we hope will be a good new season, offering two early release films: Friday 1st September @ 7.00 pm WONDER WOMAN (Cert 12A). Forget the TV series, according to one review, “Gal Gadot’s Amazonian warrior princess reinvigorates the superhero genre with a shockwave of fun”, and the superhero is a superheroine!

Friday 22nd September @ 7pm CHURCHILL (Cert PG). Starring Brian Cox and Miranda Richardson, the film concentrates on the six hours before the World War 11 invasion of Normandy. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill struggles with his severe reservations with Operation Overlord and his increasigly marginalised role in the war effort.

on-Avon. Any one wanting to advertise should contact the Parish Council Office for full details.

Please be aware that illegal advertising will be taken down.

MEETINGS Monday 11th September, 7.30pm, Planning Consultative Committee Meeting.

Monday 25th September, 7.30pm, Parish Council meeting.

All meetings, which are open to the public, are held at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Bramley Way, B50 4QG.

BIDFORD EMAIL INFORMATION If you want to keep abreast of local information, you can sign up by emailing the Clerk at info@ bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk and your name will be added to the list. Your email address is not disclosed and you can request to be removed All films are screened at the Crawford Memorial at any time. Many registered residents may Hall, Salford Road. Ticket Office opens at have noticed they are no longer receiving these 6.30 pm and prices remain at only £2.50 emails. This is due to some servers no longer Refreshments are available courtesy of your existing. If you are one of these and have local Warners Budgens. See page 42 for more changed your email address, please email me details of Rural Cinema.

NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN (NDP) your new email address.

SOCIAL MEDIA Thank you to all our Local Community – the Please follow us on Facebook (Bidford on Avon) Parish Council and the NDP Steering Group and Twitter (@Bidford_PC) to keep informed are delighted to advise that the Bidford on Avon locally.

Neighbourhood Development Plan was “made” on Monday 17th July 2017 and is now a statutory PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS planning document.

Clerk to the Parish Council – Mrs. Elisabeth Uggerløse.

HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY Parish Council Office is located in Bramley Way, As part of the NDP, the Parish Council has to in the same building as the library. The Office ensure up to date figures, so a survey will be is open to the public 10.00am – 3.00pm daily hitting your doors together with this publication: except Thursdays, when opening hours are 1.30 please ensure you reply and send in the – 4.30pm. If you are unable to attend during enclosed SAE so that the figures truly reflect these hours, please contact the Clerk to arrange local needs. a mutually convenient time.

ADVERTISING GATES Tel No. 01789 778653 / 07718 628 925 email In collaboration with the Bidford Chamber of info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk website address: Trade and Commerce and in an effort to cut www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk. down on illegal advertising, the Parish Council Parish Councillors – a list of Parish Councillors has installed four advertising gates at the four entrances to the village. These will be able to be contact details is posted on the notice boards, and can also be found online www. used by community and sports groups, as well bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/councillors.htm. as local businesses holding events in BidfordElisabeth Uggerlose - Clerk to the Parish Council email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk 01789 778653 or 07718 628925

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tv aerial & satellite installations • • • • • • • • •

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community events & what’s on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 12th of the month Bidford on Avon WI Alcester Flower Club

We meet on the first Monday of the month at the Methodist Church, Priory Road, Alcester at 7.30pm.

Next meeting is Monday 4 September, a flower arranging demonstration by Jane Fox. Visitors welcome.

Contact Chairman Mrs Brenda Kirkman 01789 778669.

Sing! Sing! Sing!

The Stratford Choral Society invite new members to come along and sing with us. No previous experience is necessary and you can make great music with a great choir! Sing CPE Bach, Vivaldi, Carmina Burana and carols at Christmas. Rehearsals on Mondays at 7.30, starting from Monday 4 September. Contact Carol Jackson at stratford.choral@gmail.com or see our website www,stratfordchoral.org.uk.

Alcester Gardening Club Thursday September 7th, 7.30pm at the Centre, Jubilee Court (off Lea Close). Julie Ritchie will talk about East Alpines and Low Growing Perennials. All are very welcome. Members free and Guests 2.50 to include tea/coffee.

Broom WI

Our meeting on Thursday 7th September will be our Harvest Meeting and will include a talk by Ruth Smith entitled "A Victorian Housekeeper". Our meetings are held at Broom Village Hall, commencing at 7.30 pm.

Visitors are very welcome to attend. Tea, coffee and refreshments are served at all our meetings.

Salford Priors Ladies Group

Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall, School Road, Salford Priors.

Wednesday 13th September, "Illustrated talk on Panama Canal, Coral and Culture", with speaker Dr Sue Abblett. New members and visitors always welcome and first visit is free. Contact Pam Sharpe on 01789 773746 or Pam Seville on 01789 772540.

Our September Meeting will be on the 14th, starting at 7.30 at the Bidford Methodist Church. We will have a great speaker, Dr.Gillian White, who will talk on Bess of Hardwick - a lady who survived four husbands and built Hardwick Hall. Do come and join us. If you would like more information, contact Shirley 01789 773366 or Pauline 01789 773390.

Bidford and District History Society

We will meet on Friday September 15th, 7.30 pm at St Laurence's Church Hall, Bidford, B50 4DA, when Mr Tim Porter will talk on "Pilgrimage to Medieval Gloucestershire".

Bidford & Districy Gardening Society

Visitors are very welcome to join us on Thursday, 21st September when Lark Hanham from Hayloft Plants will talk about the Nursery and the plants they grow. All meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7.45 pm in the Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford on Avon. Admission £3, including refreshments. For further details please contact 01789 268974 or go to www.bidfordgardens.com.

Alcester & District Men's Probus

Meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Kings Court Hotel Alcester 12:15 for 12:30 luncheon followed by a guest speaker. Email for full details Club secretary : jackwinder2011@btinternet.com. .Bidford Darby & Joan We meet at Westholme Court, Westholme Road, Bidford, every Thursday from 2pm - 4pm. We have outings every month. Come and join us.

Bidford Community Group - Jolly Teapot

Alcester WI

Bidford on Avon Community Group hold a get together each Thursday 9.30 to 11.30 am. Why not come and join us at St Lawrence Church Hall? A warm welcome awaits!

Alcester Ladies Probus

We meet at Alcester Methodist Church, Priory Road, every term time Thursday morning at 9.45 till 11.30am. We have toys, soft play, crafts out for the little ones and do toast for them and cups of tea and coffee for the mums. First session is free and it's £2 per family thereafter.

Our September meeting is at Jubilee Court Community Centre, 7.30pm on Thursday 14th. To make summer last that little bit longer, Jeff Soulsby will be talking about summer flowers. If you are dreading seeing your garden going into autumn, come and get some tips for next year! Everyone welcome.

We are a friendly ladies club who meet for lunch every 2nd Wednesday of the month at Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton, followed by a Speaker. Visitors will be very welcome to join us at our next meeting on 13th September, 12.15 for 12.45, when Ruth Wallbank will be telling us about Myton Hospice. For details contact Secretary Cynthia Hill 01789 763446.

56 connectionmags.co.uk

Open Doors Mums & Toddlers Group

Alcester Methodist Church

Open Morning every Tuesday from 10am to 12.

We have games, craft, music, but most of all, chat, homemade cakes and tea! There's no charge, our motto being freely receive, freely give. All are welcome.

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Alcester Alauna

Rotary in Alcester, Bidford & surrounding villages sue@invictusuk.com for details

Out with A BASH!

One of our favourite charity fundraising events, but sadly the last year for the Bulldog Bash on Long Marston Airfield. We will all miss the fun, the atmosphere & the generosity of the organisers & attendees. A hugely successful event although a couple of generator stoppages caused some stress in the tea urn department.

Those bikers get very thirsty! We’ll let the photos tell the story.

All shapes & sizes of bikes start arriving

Satellite stations popular with campers

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Full House eTo advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

57

community events & what’s on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 12th of the month Events at The Alcester War Memorial Town Hall in September Every Tues Every Thurs Every Thurs Fri 22 Sat 23 Thurs 5 October Sat 7 October

10 am -11 am 6.45 pm - 9 pm 8.15 pm - 9.45 pm 10am - 4pm 10am - 4pm 7.30pm - 9.30pm 9am - 12pm

Flexible Friends - Ms. D Gray, 01527 401674 Arrow Action Group (Special Needs) - Mrs J. Appleby, 01527 893684.

Tai Chi Classes - Jane Bowen, 01789 763866.

“Carpet Sale” - John Connors, 07799 775718.

“Carpet Sale” - John Connors, 07799 775718.

Court Leet Elections - Ian Whitehead, 764876.

Rotary Charity Big Breakfast - Sue Matthewman, 01527 854723. health questionnaire. For more information, go to Alcester Café Supports people with memory problems/dementia www.walkingforhealth.org.uk. and their families. Held at the Jubilee Centre, off St Silver Surfers Faith’s Road, every Tuesday and Friday from 10.30am New to computing and over 50? Come along to our to 12.30pm. Drop in and see us or ring Carole or Roger friendly Silversurfers session at our new venue, Alcester on 01789 488088 for more information.

Library and Museum. We specialise in giving help with all tablets and Windows 10. Every Thursday between Bidford Dementia Café Supporting people with memory problems/dementia 10.00am and 12 midday. and their families, carers and voluteers. Every Monday Visually Impaired? (except Bank Holidays) between 10:30am and If you live in Alcester, Bidford or Studley, you 12:30pm on a ‘drop in’ basis at Westholme Court, might like to meet others in your situation.

Westholme Road, Bidford. For more information, Alcester Vision Support Club is a social group call Wendy on 07713 648716, email secretarybdc@ which meets on alternate Thursdays at Jubilee btinternet.com.

Court, Alcester. It is an opportunity to chat, be

Goslings Toddler and Baby Group

Open 10 till 11.30am every Thursday at Crawford Hall, Bidford, apart from two weeks over Christmas. £1.75 for first child, 25p for siblings.

Children are PARENTS/CARERS responsibility.

Free play till 11am then we put toys away and have a snack (supplied by Warners Budgens). Children also have a biscuit and a drink. We then sit in a circle with our children and sing songs before the goodbye song at 11.30. Tea and coffee available for adults for a small donation.

Walking for Health - Health Walks

This National Scheme is run by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support. The local group meets at 10.30am every Monday (except Bank Holidays) on the High Street, at the bridge in Bidford. Walks are led by trained walk leaders and last for 1 - 2 hours, varying in length between 2.5 and 4 miles, with the reward of a drink either en route or at the end of the walk.

New walkers are always welcome. Please note that all participants are required to complete a simple outdoor

entertained and enjoy tea together. For more information, call Ruth Dutton 01789 763827 or Karyl Rees 01789 400561.

Cupcake Café at Salford Priors Saturday 2 September, from 10.00-12.00 at TOPs (behind Salford Priors Primary School). A space for everyone of all ages from the community to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with some yummy cake. No meeting in August.

Knit and Natter Group

Bidford Comunity Library has a Knit & Natter Group which meet every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30 to 3.30. Team, coffee & biscuits are included in the cost of £2. Beginneres to experts welcome.

Bidford on Avon Bowling Club

We are looking to welcome new members. No bowling experience is necessary as coaching is available. All you need are flat shoes. The club is situated next to the Crawford Memorial Hall. For more information, please contact Prim Finnemore at prim@walcotefarm. co.uk or on 01789 488264.

Children’s answers: 1. St Paul’s Cathedral; 2. Millennium Dome; 3. Tower Bridge; 4. Nelsons Column; 5. Buckingham Palace 6. BT Tower 7. Houses of Parliament; 8. Wembley Stadium; 9. London Eye 10. Royal Albert Hall There are 14 people on Henry’s bus.

The oldest building is St Paul’s Cathedral. It was built in 1697.

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Lifeguard Computer Care For Home & Small Business

contact Mark any time on 07981 158 507 visit website for client comments

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The Trustees will again be making financial grants to people living within the boundaries of the Parish of Bidford-on-Avon (which includes Barton, Broom and Marlcliff) who will be furthering their education at university or college for the academic year commencing in September 2017.

If you would like to be considered for a grant, please write a letter of application (there are no forms) to: The Clerk, Mrs Joy Keeley, 30 Icknield Close, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, B50 4BZ. As well as your name and address, and how long you have lived in the parish, please give full details of your course ie name of university/ college, nature of qualifications, subjects and year of study.

To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

59

Volunteers Assemble!

V

Find out more about VASA: Voluntary Action, Stratford-on-Avon District. asa’s mission is to overcome loneliness and social isolation in our community by promoting well-being and independent

living.

Our district is often seen as wealthy, with the assumption that the residents don’t need assistance. In fact, research and our own experience tells us that we have pockets of deprivation and residents who live in isolation.

Rural and social isolation is detrimental to health and wellbeing, particularly in our older residents.

It can increase depression, which hastens the onset of illnesses such as dementia, high blood pressure and obesity. These illnesses often lead to increased isolation as residents are less able to connect within their community and do simple things like going shopping or visiting a friend.

All of the services we offer are aimed at overcoming isolation and loneliness.

Keeping the district mobile with our Community Transport service

Our volunteer drivers have completed over 5000 miles so far this year for Alcester clients. A big thank you to our Alcester drivers!

This invaluable service helps local people stay mobile by offering journeys for both medical and social reasons. It is a safe and affordable service.

We take people all over the country to medically related appointments and for social outings to clubs, community groups, activities and family gatherings. On occasion, drivers have gone as far as London and Liverpool!

All our drivers are volunteers and many have been driving for VASA for many years. They are friendly, approachable and very helpful and will wait for up to two hours for a customer’s appointment to finish.

60 connectionmags.co.uk

“The beauty of it is they will sit and wait with me at the hospital” Joan, Wellesbourne Our volunteer drivers ask for 45p per mile to cover their costs. VASA asks for a £2 admin fee to help us sustain the service. If an appointment is likely to take longer, we can arrange a later pick up or see if the driver can wait longer.

• Dementia has just taken over as the biggest killer in the elderly population. All VASA volunteer drivers are being trained as ‘dementia friends’ • We have 3420 local residents using our community transport service in the Stratford District. This is 35% more than last year.

• In the first 6 months of this year our volunteer drivers have driven 42,000 miles taking clients to health appointments that they otherwise would have struggled to attend.

WE NEED YOU!

We are really keen to find more volunteer drivers and telephone operators to help us to provide this invaluable service for the Alcester area. Please call us 01789 262889 or email volunteer@vasa.org.uk for further details.

We are also keen to help set up community lunch clubs and activity groups right across the district. If you have any thoughts on how else we could specifically benefit your community in Alcester, please get in touch now!

Tel: 01789 262889

www.vasa.org.uk

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Weather Guard Roofing Professionals

Specialists in all types of roofing, Complete Roofs, Ridge Tiles, Lead Work, Chimneys, Fascias, Soffits, Guttering, Gutter Cleaning No job too big or too small Fully guaranteed and insured Written quotes available Phone Andy on 07795 958 245 Office 01789 868506 www.weatherguardservices.com

48 Arrow Crescent, Alcester, B49 6BE

the ELECTRICAL fix • Qualified Electrician, incl C&G 2394 Inspection & Test • Commercial and Domestic • Years of experience • Reliable, friendly service • Fully insured • References available • Repair & service of garden machinery

For a FREE QUOTE call Mike on 01789 773945 or 07786 440 331

OPENING TIMES MONDAY - FRIDAY 7AM - 5PM SATURDAY 7AM - 1PM

DAILY DELIVERIES TO YOUR AREA - CAN BE DELIVERED LOOSE OR IN BULK BAGS OPEN TO THE TRADE & PUBLIC

COMPLETE RANGE OF SAND & GRAVELS, ROCKERY STONE, WATER FEATURES DECORATIVE CHIPPINGS, RECYCLED & QUARRIED STONE, TOP SOIL, TURF, BARK & CEMENT. READY MIX CONCRETE & CPCS TRAINING ALSO AVAILABLE ON SITE 01527 893343 • Sandhills Farm, Edgioake Lane, Astwood Bank, B96 6BG www.sedavis.co.uk

62 connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

ONLINE

7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREET ESTATE AGENT VS. THE MANY ONLINE AGENTS...

E FOR SAL

ONLINE

FOR SALE

SOLD YOUR HO ME

We do not ask for any upfront non-refundable fees with no guarantee of sale

Our incentive is to get the highest price possible

We do all accompany viewings

WE only get paid on results

How much is your time worth? we do all the work, not you, so your time is free

We do not charge for ADD ONS & WE HAVE NO HIDDEN EXTRA FEES YOUR PROFESSIONAL, LOCAL ESTATE AGENT

We personally deal with everything from the sale through to completion

Tel: 01789 766771

Email: alcester@sanders-sanders.co.uk Web: www.sanders-sanders.co.uk

Serving the local community for over 30 years

LOST YOUR KEYS AGAIN? SPARE KEYS from ÂŁ3.95 will save a minimum ÂŁ60 callout charge.

That makes sense.

State of the art technology and machinery for all types of keys while you wait

Tel: 01789 762450 www.alcesterlocks.co.uk E: sales@alcesterlocks.co.uk Unit 12, 34 Tything Road, Alcester B49 6ES