the
connection
Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages
magazine
March ‘18 No. 126
ALCESTER WI
Where it all began
GET COOKING
Spicy Cajun Meatballs
TRAINERS ON!
Running Tips for Beginners
PUZZLE PAGE
Get your grey matter working!
COMMUNITY | LOCAL BUSINESS | ARTICLES You deserve it
Mavericks Hair & Beauty & Barbers www.maverickshair.co.uk
01789 766222 or 766333
Priory Road, Alcester, B49 5DY
#11530-Worcester-148x210-S1-V2-12feb18-PRINT.pdf
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13/02/2018
09:00
RE-VAMP YOUR KITCHEN AT A FRACTION OF THE COST OF A NEW ONE! Choose from a clear finish or any colour you would like.
• Everything from floors, kitchens, stairs & tabletops • All finishes, new furniture to old, from deep shine to trendy shabby chic • Bring in pieces for expert repair & restoration • Suppliers of Oils, Waxes, Polishes - “all things good for wood”
“All things good for wood!”
Tel: 01789 778628 www.agwoodcare.co.uk Wellington Road, Waterloo Industrial Estate, Bidford on Avon, B50 4JH
AGW
Independent Optometrist friendly personal service Call to book an appointment on 01789 549409
30% off Rodenstock Ergo® lenses. Enhanced clarity and enhanced range. Wherever you work. Whatever you do.
15a High Street, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4BQ www.richardfantomeyecare.co.uk To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk
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Useful phone numbers Doctors / Health
Alcester Health Centre The Arrow 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
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
Councils
766084 Alcester Town Council 778653 Bidford Parish Council 267575 Stratford Dist Council
April Copy Deadline:
Friday 9th March
Welcome ... to the March Connection. We’re bounding into Spring like a mad March hare here at Connection Magazine headquarters. Our latest edition is once again brimming with plenty of local businesses in addition to the usual community features and we’re thrilled to include a wealth of articles from local contributors too. I can’t get over how many talented writers live in our communities! Of course, we have our regular monthly feature from Christopher Spriggs (p.14), but also showcase Alcester WI (p.18, other local WI’s are available in Broom & Bidford), Alcester Musical Theatre Company (p.48) and Bidford-based running aficionado Sally Wilkinson provides some brilliant tips on her favourite form of exercise (p.26). Make sure you check the Community pages towards the back of your magazine. There’s plenty of club/society meetings planned (p.56-58), but also essential residents’ information from Alcester Town Council (p.50), Bidford Parish Council (p.52-53) and the Senior Citizens Action Network (p.59). As well as our monthly Sudoku (p.4), there’s a brand new puzzle page on page 46 to keep you occupied in your next tea break, so put your smartphones down and get smart the oldfashioned way. There’s some real humdingers in there! A number of dates for your diary this month. World Book Day is March 1st. We’ve already had what feels like a dozen costume changes from our own 5 year old in anticipation! Mothering Sunday is March 11th, Spring officially starts 20th March and the clocks spring forward 1 hour on Sunday 25th March. Warwickshire spring term ends on Thursday 29th March, right before Good Friday on 30th. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of happy children who’ll be looking forward to lots of chocolate on that weekend! Wishing you all a lovely March. Best wishes,
Amy
February’s competition winners were: J. Read & S. Pais
Facebook.com/theconnectionmag Twitter.com/connection_mag Connnection circulation 7,750 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.
E S C A P E LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE
CLOTHING ~ GIFTS ~ DECORATIVE LIVING
Fabulous new season collections & gifts now in store.
b Don’t forget Mother’s Day! b
10%
off full price items when you spend £50 or more throughout March
9 MARKET PLACE, ALCESTER
(Between Waitrose Car Park and the High Street)
Tel: 01789 400166
COTTAGE OF
Mother’s Day
CONTENT
Book now for Mother’s Day lunch on
WORLD’S BIGGEST PUB QUIZ
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in aid of
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Thursday 8th March Teams of up to 4 people Come and join us to help a great charity
Sunday 11th March
Easter Sunday 1st April Book now for Easter lunch. Children’s Easter egg hunt at 4pm. ALL WELCOME
01789 772279 • cofcontent@gmail.com
Welford Road, Barton, Nr Bidford on Avon, Warks, B50 4NP
www.cottageofcontent.com To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk
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DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL WORKS
FREE 14 point lawn analysis! I t ’s t h e w a y t o a p e r f e c t l a w n TruGreen offers a wide range of lawn care services to help make your lawn the central feature of your garden. We’ll begin by giving you an in-depth 14 point lawn analysis, completely FREE of charge and without obligation. FREE 14 Point Lawn Analysis
Fertilisation
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Re-Turfing
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0121 445 6565 / 07888 996565 westmidlands@trugreen.org.uk
Sudoku
ALL ELECTRICAL WORKS DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
FREE QUOTES ON ALL WORKS LED lighting conversions • Full rewires Small electrical jobs • PAT testing • Landlords’ & electrical condition reports • Smart Home enquiries • Electric gate systems, serviced and fitted • Alarm & CCTV installations
01789 773087
•
07796 990309
www.arc-electrical.me.uk /arcelectricalbidford
(answers on page 58)
Each row, column & 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9
Easy grid
6
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Not so easy grid
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BIDFORD HARDWARE
Family dentistry from the friendly, caring team
01789 772324
Tools • Ironmongers Paints & Accessories Calor Gas Supplies Household Fuels Gardening Needs Office Stationery & Cards Pet Care All Household Supplies Dry Cleaners & Alterations
General and cosmetic dentistry Tooth whitening New patients welcome
11 Church Street Bidford-on-Avon Warwickshire B50 4DA T: 01789 772897 E: info@bidforddental.co.uk W: www.bidforddental.co.uk
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
Bidford Pharmacy 1177 HHiigghh SSttrreeeett,, BBiiddffoorrdd oonn AAvvoonn,, BB5500 44BBQQ bbiiddffoorrdd..pphhaarrm maaccyy@ @nnuum maarrkknneett..ccoom m wwwwww..bbiiddffoorrddpphhaarrm maaccyy..ccoo..uukk 0011778899 777722443333
14th March
It’s never too late to QUIT
Our NHS Stop Smoking Support offers private and confidential consultations, counselling sessions & nicotine replacement products combined with expert advice that can make it easier for you to stop smoking for good.
OPENING HOURS Monday-Friday 9am–6pm MEDICINE USE REVIEW STOP SMOKING SUPPORT
Saturday 9am–1pm
NEW MEDICINE SUPPORT EMERGENCY HORMONE CONTRACEPTION
Y OUR C OMMUNITY P HARMACY IN THE V ILLAGE To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk
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Established 18 years and built on recommendation. We are extremely competitive.
Challenge us to beat your existing quotes!
kitchens l bathrooms l bedrooms
bespoke, traditional and contemporary showroom T: 01789 491100
E: AandAKitchens@btconnect.com Units 1 & 2 Smallbrook Business Centre, Waterloo Ind, Est., Bidford on Avon, Warwickshire, B50 4JE
www.aakitchens.co.uk OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 8.30am to 5.00pm Saturday (by appointment only) 10am to 1pm
OU
FREE
MORTGAGE REVIEW Are you planning on purchasing a property in 2018? Are you about to come to the end of a fixed rate deal? Are you on the lender’s standard variable rate? Has your mortgage payment recently increased? Do you need to reduce your monthly outgoings? If you can answer yes to any of the above, then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to review your situation to see if I can obtain a better deal for you. I am an experienced, independent whole-of-market mortgage advisor who does not charge fees. Let me provide you with a no obligation assessment of your mortgage position. For a professional, confidential service, call or text me, Amanda Copperthwaite CeMAP to make an appointment on 07785 270217 or email me amanda@select-mortgages.com and I will be delighted to hear from you. Select Mortgages UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA 571378 Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage.
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connectionmags.co.uk
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MO
Enjoy orde
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
www.thegoldencross.net www.golden-cross.co.uk
We open from 12 noon every day and serve food from 12-9pm
OUR AMAZING NEW MENU ARRIVES ON March 12th 2018.
Exciting new additions to our menu as well as the return of many popular Golden Cross favourites. Come and check our NEW daily deals!!! We serve food from 12-9pm every day. Full menu available daily, including sharers, sandwiches and pizzas. Check out our delicious roasts served every Sunday. All of our food is home cooked by our talented chef and his team. Book online or call 01789 772420
March Vouchers
MONDAY - THURSDAY Dessert for ÂŁ1
Enjoy a Golden Cross Dessert for just ÂŁ1 when ordered with a main meal during March 2018. 1 voucher per person required. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
20% off
"
your food bill Valid March 12th-April 12th (Monday-Saturday) 1 voucher per booking. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Cajun Meatballs with Herb & Tomato Couscous
Serves 4
Ready in 45 minutes
Mince always makes a great speedy supper – here lean pork mince is spiced up with Cajun seasoning and rolled into meatballs.
FOR THE MEATBALLS • 450g lean minced pork • ½ red onion, peeled and finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed • 25g fresh white breadcrumbs • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (see TIP) • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1 tbsp freshly chopped coriander • 1 tbsp sunflower oil FOR THE COUSCOUS
• 225g couscous • ½ red onion, finely chopped • 8 sun-blush tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 3 tbsp freshly chopped coriander • 2 tbsp olive oil
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To make the meatballs, place the pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning and coriander in a food processor. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and process for a few seconds until thoroughly mixed. Alternatively, mix well with clean hands. Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the meatballs for 10-15 minutes until browned and cooked through. Shake the pan frequently to turn the meatballs. Meanwhile, place the couscous in a large bowl and pour over enough boiling water to just cover the grains. Leave to soak for about 10 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed. Separate the grains by stirring with a fork. Add the onion, tomatoes, coriander and olive oil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide the hot couscous between four serving bowls. Thread the cooked meatballs onto metal skewers and serve on top of the couscous.
TIP Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of
spices, chilli powder and herbs such as thyme and oregano. You’ll find it on the spice racks in the supermarket.
/theconnectionmag
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Hillers S
Hillers S
We would like to invite you and your friends to join us in the Farm Shop for our
SPRING TASTER EVENT Friday 23rd March 1.00pm - 6.00pm
Come and meet some of our suppliers and sample many delicious products. Groceries • Cheese Shop • Deli Counter Bakery • Farm Shop Kitchen Butchers • Fish Shop
g
The Garden Restaurant and The Gifts & Interiors Shop will also be open.
y
A.H. Hiller & Son Ltd Dunnington Heath Farm • Alcester • B49 5PD Tel: 01789 772771 • info@hillers.co.uk
www.hillers.co.uk
Hillers Strawberries A5 Ad.indd 1 Hillers Strawberries A5 Ad.indd 1
DunningtonHeath HeathFarm Farm• •Alcester Alcester• B49 • B49 5PD Dunnington 5PD Tel: 01789 01789772771 772771• •www.hillers.co.uk www.hillers.co.uk Tel:
08/06/2016 19:41 08/06/2016 19:41
YEW TREE FARM COURTYARD SHOPPING
A stylish and contemporary shopping village made up of sixteen beautiful barns 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:
REFRESH YOUR WARDROBE WITH NEW SPRING STOCK Yew Tree Farm Shop Home Baking & Local Produce 01564 795688
Beyond the Blue Lifestyle Clothing 01564 792025
Cowshed Eaterie Brunches, Lunches, Afternoon Tea 01564 792979
Yew Tree Salon Hairdressers 01564 795429
Sims Vintage Antiques Centre Collectables, Antiques and Vintage 01564 898200 Giftivity Home Accessories & Gifts 01564 793030 The Wild Hare Jewellery, Repairs & Accessories 01564 792785
The Cardio Shop Home Fitness Equipment 01527 854554
Le Grenier English and French Antique Furniture 01564 795401 The Garden Furniture Centre Garden & Conservatory Furniture 01564 793652
Henley Chocolates Chocolaterie 01564 794718
Bizarto Design & Training 01564 793366
Gosh Boutique 01564 793355
Della and James Lingerie and Swimwear 01564 794255
Greys Teas Speciality Teas 01564 792295
H for Hats Hats & Hat Hire 01564 792785
DO NOT FORGET MOTHER’S DAY ON SUNDAY 11TH MARCH! If your mum is special, treat her to a unique gift from Yew Tree Farm. We are open on Mother’s Day, so come and treat your mum to lunch or a cream tea in The Cowshed Eaterie, and have a mooch around our lovely courtyard shops. 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
Unit 19, Weston Industrial Estate, Honeybourne, Worcs, WR11 7QB
01386 841899
Carpets • Vinyls • Rugs Carpet Edging • Natural Flooring
Promotion on collection of Manx Tomkinson ranges. See in store for further details
stylish corner Ladies hairdressing Tel: 01789 763052
1 Church Street, Alcester
Up-to-date styling
S C
Wedding hair
Flooring supplied and fitted. Choose from 100’s of samples in store or in the comfort of your own home. Open Mon to Fri 10 - 5, Sat 10 - 1.30
info@grinnallcarpets.co.uk
www.grinnallcarpets.co.uk
Traditional & Friendly Family Jewellers Specialists in Antique, Vintage & Pre-Owned Jewellery.
H!
Y
Unique Pieces. All Jewellery, Watch & Clock Repairs professionally undertaken. Over 50 years experience.
Unit 21, Weston Ind. Est., Honeybourne, WR11 7QB
office@broadmark.co.uk
www.broadmark.co.uk
The Jewellers in the Alley. 3 Market Place, Alcester, B49 5AE
T: 01789 763715 W: www.bonnersjewellers.co.uk
To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk
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M
What’s the one thing?
aybe you are part of the majority. According to a survey conducted by Business In The Community of nearly 20,000 adults last year, around 3 in 4 said they experienced symptoms of poor mental health at some point which significantly interfered with their work. This included the impact of racing thoughts and overwhelming anxiety, inhibiting concentration and destabilising relationships with colleagues. It included the weight of emptiness, low moods and continual sense of flatness upon waking in the morning, asking: “What, or for whom, am I doing all this for?” Poor mental health provides a long menu of human experiences - stress, worry, psychosis - which are often difficult to understand, unpleasant to experience and awkward to discuss with others. We are realising, as a society, mental health is not a switch - “am I sane or not?” as one young person asked me recently, but a long continuum. There is “Healthy” at one end, and “Unwell” at the other and we can show up in different places along that continuum depending on the set of circumstances in which we find ourselves. Our mental health is fluid, not fixed. The danger is that experiencing poor mental health conveys an assumption which is not true. We begin to believe - with all these speedy out-of-control thoughts and tummy-turning feelings - that there is something “wrong” with us. We worry about worrying. We get angry about feeling angry. A vicious cycle, downward. It’s why many people put on a mask and pretend for longer than they should that “everything’s fine”. Sure, a concoction of more sleep, talking to someone openly, a healthy diet, regular exercise and doing things you enjoy, can all help people cope with what they are facing. But recovery is not always so linear or immediate. The stigma about poor mental health (‘stigma’ comes from the Greek to be branded or marked out), is still very much alive and well where we live. The problem of acquiescence - reinforcing the stigma by colluding with it - is that the rate of suicide amongst young people continues to rise
(a 43% increase in recent years); and the level of medication for a talented and capable workforce has become unsustainable. The root cause is often about our lost connections: to other people, to our surroundings (in nature and so forth) and to our true sense of self. That is, being comfortable in our own bag of skin and not freaking out when we have five minutes of solitude. We are too used to the noise, and less adjusted to authenticity. Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. If you want to see the stigma diminish so we can all breathe a bit more easily about those things that do our heads in, then you have to change something. Change: it sounds so big and threatening. But if you don’t do something, why should anyone else? So, what’s one thing we can all do to nudge us toward a more healthy trajectory? One thing is to notice. Just NOTICE what is going on with those around you. For example: this might be noticing how a colleague looks - afraid, alone, perhaps the weight of the world on their shoulders. Don’t make it worse by talking behind their back. That’s fuel for Stigma. Say what you see: “Hey, you’re looking pretty down today. Have you got someone to chat to?” A friend of mine said: “The thing that helped me recover from depression was that someone remarked how tired I looked. I couldn’t see it myself. But their feedback made me realise I was still here, I was noticed, I mattered. That tiny thing lifted the lid.” What would it be like to notice one another more, as humans who fluctuate, rather than machines which just motor on? We are all part of What’s Happening in this wiggly world of ours. We all have Mental Health. We all drift up and down along that continuum, from Healthy to Unwell. One thing we can each do is acknowledge one other’s reality a little more often. What will you notice around you today?
Christopher Spriggs is a dad, coach and author, working principally with secondary schools to promote positive mental health and resiliency in the next generation.
FIND OUT MORE: @ThinkSpriggs
www.christopherspriggs.co.uk
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General Dental Practice •
Family Dentistry
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New Patients Welcome LOCATED OFF WAITROSE CAR PARK, TO THE LEFT OF ‘THE NAIL COMPANY’
We are here
Market Place, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5AE
T: 01789 762567 E: tilehousedental@ymail.com
You deserve it
Mavericks Hair & Beauty & Barbers
! y a D ’s r e h t o M y p p Ha DRY AT TREAT YOUR MUM TO A BLOW FOR £10! MAVERICKS BLOW DRY BAR Only 15 minutes from Redditch
Priory Road, Alcester, B49 5DY
Down the road from
Waitrose
www.maverickshair.co.uk
01789 766222 or 766333
To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk
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Thinking Holidays?
Let CARRICK take care of it...
Fred. Olsen Cruises are proud to be working with CARRICK TRAVEL. Talk to them today about booking one of their award winning itineraries. Whether you are a single passenger, travelling with a loved one or looking to book a group, Fred. Olsen Cruises are committed to ‘Bringing the world closer’. STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 01789 414040
EVESHAM 01386 41474
BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER 01451 822048
PERSHORE 01386 554262
63 Henley Street, CV37 6PT
Moore Road, GL54 2AZ
57-59 Port Street, WR11 3LH
19 High Street, WR10 1AA
We also have offices in Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Coventry & Solihull
Visit: www.carricktravel.com Email: enquiries@carricktravel.com
EL. ies.
o
SOUTH of FRANCE
PROVENCAL HOLIDAY VILLA
15 minutes from the coast, 40 minutes from Nice Airport Quietly situated in secluded mature garden. Beautiful Views over Esterel Mountains. Heated Swimming Pool and Hot Tub. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, sleeping 6/7
For More Information Please Contact Local Owners:
01789 763059 • 07768 256524 • 07771 905649
DOES HAY FEVER GET RIGHT UP YOUR NOSE? Visit our team at Hopkins Pharmacy We can advise on how best to manage and treat your symptoms before they get on top of you.
Alcester Primary Care Centre
01789 764 874
Fields Park Drive, Alcester, B49 6QR www.hopkinspharmacy.co.uk
To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk
17
T
Beyond the “Jam & Jerusalem” with Alcester WI
he Women’s Institute began in Canada in 1897, and the first WI in the UK was formed at Llanfair, Anglesey, in September, 1915, during the First World War to involve women in the production of food. The movement spread through Wales and into England and the National Federation was formed in 1917 (annual subscriptions then were 2 shillings). By 1918 there were 7 County Federations and 199 WI’s, which rapidly increased to 1,405 WI’s by the end of 1919. ‘Jerusalem’ was first sung at the National AGM in 1924, starting a tradition that still continues today, and by the end of that year there were 3,223 WI’s. Now there are about 6,600 Institutes and 212,000 members throughout England and Wales. The ladies of Alcester obviously knew a good idea when they saw it and on 25th November 1924 a preliminary and enthusiastic meeting was held by ladies interested in starting up a local Institute. The population of Alcester was around 2,500 then and about 70 ladies attended that meeting. Also in attendance was a Mrs Howard from the County Federation and her report showed that she was not too certain about the Alcester ladies’ suitability for an Institute as they would “have to learn the meaning of Institute Spirit first”. She apparently also thought that the ladies were somewhat feisty and “petty jealousies” would have to be guarded against. However, 50 names were taken of those who wished to join the WI when it was formed. A further preliminary meeting was held on 5th December 1924, when 68 ladies attended, together with Lady Edith Bird, a County Organiser. A small committee was formed with Lady Helen Seymour as President, Mrs. R. Hughes of Hardwick House, Alcester, as Secretary, and Mrs. Hunt of The Priory as Treasurer, and it was decided that meetings would be held on the second Thursday of each month. Lady Bird’s comments at the end of the report were: “They seemed to me to be interested primarily in handicrafts. Everything else nowhere!! Three of the ladies who convened the meeting would not come on the committee. I got
18 connectionmags.co.uk
there at 5.30 and away at 9.15!! Cruel for them and me!!” The first official meeting of Alcester WI, when the ‘rules’ were signed, took place on Thursday, 8th January, 1925. By 1926, the ladies were beginning to make themselves heard and were thinking about other things besides handicrafts. They contacted the local Parish Council and the then Alcester Rural District Council, pointing out at the start of their letters that the WI membership numbered over 100 members, many being householders and having votes. Their meetings were apparently held in the Town Hall and they asked that consideration should be given, on safety grounds, to fitting a solid hand rail to replace the loose rope then in use, and also asked for fire extinguishers to be provided in upper rooms. A third request – a bit more feminine – was for a mirror to be provided in the ladies’ cloakroom. At the same time a separate letter requested that a public lavatory should be provided in the town for women. It was six or seven years, and many letters, later that conveniences were finally provided in Stratford Road. Now here we are, 93 years later, and Alcester Women’s Institute is still going strong though nowadays ‘friendly’ definitely comes before ‘fiesty’. And after having various different ‘homes’ around the town over the years, meetings are now held in the Community Centre at Jubilee Court, but still at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month – and long may our Institute continue! If you are interested in joining Alcester WI, why not come along to our next meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday 8th March? We’ll be hearing Caroline Faulkner speak on a purse, heart and stomach friendly topic - “Love Food, Hate Waste” at the Community Centre, Jubilee Court, St Faith’s Road, Alcester. We’re a friendly group of women and, although you may hear ‘Jerusalem’, there’ll not be much mention of jam! Members and visitors are all most welcome.
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- Not Just In Bidford! As well as having the pleasure of serving our regular customers in Bidford (and new ones, too, of course!), you can also find fresh meat from Sebastian’s Butchery in 5 A Day, a great greengrocer’s on Alcester High Street. And, as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also working on our online shop, so you can soon get your homemade sausages at the click of a button!
a - Free Delivery Don’t forget, if you live in Bidford and place an order worth £30 or more, we can deliver to your home for free. Just place your order over the phone or in-store and Sebastian will bring your order to your door. Cracking local service with a smile!
a - Butchery Lessons Looking for present ideas for someone, or just fancy learning a new skill? We now offer butchery and sausage making lessons. Pop in to ask Sebastian more about his fantastic classes. Discounts available for group bookings.
10% OFF IN MARCH
BRING THIS COUPON INTO THE SHOP ON YOUR NEXT VISIT
This coupon can only be used in Sebastian’s Butchery, Bidford-on-Avon. Only one coupon can be used per transaction. Photocopies will not be accepted. Valid until 31st March 2018.
Get Your Soil into Shape by Pippa Greenwood Plants and gardens need a lot of different things if they are to look their best, but one of the most fundamental needs of all is soil. And the better the soil, the better the plants will perform, and the bigger the flowers and the heavier the crops. So getting your soil into good condition and keeping it well looked after is key to great gardening. At this time of year there is still time to shape up your soil before the gardening season really begins in earnest. Frosty weather can be really useful. It may wreak havoc with some of your plants, but if you garden on a heavy clay soil it can save you a lot of work. If you roughly dig or fork over an empty bed or part of your vegetable plot, the large lumps of clay soil will be acted on by the frosts and will break down somewhat, making them more manageable in the process. Most soils can become badly compacted if you walk or stand on them when they are very wet – you literally squash the air spaces out, especially if the soil is clay or even slightly heavy loam. Try to avoid walking on the soil during or
20 connectionmags.co.uk
just after heavy rain, but if you really can’t avoid doing so use a few boards or planks as walkways to spread the load and so reduce damage to any one area. Forking a soil, as opposed to digging it with a spade, is generally best on a heavy soil as it is less likely to cause compaction. But whether you fork or dig, the soil surface usually ends up pretty lumpy. So grab a fork and re-fork the soil again, whacking the larger lumps to break them up further. A final raking will help to produce even smaller lumps on the surface and so get closer to that ‘fine tilth’ often described in gardening books. Adding bulky organic matter such as leaf mould, well-rotted manure or garden compost will help to feed the soil in a natural way, and also to improve its texture so that it holds just the right amount of moisture for as long as possible. There is still time to fork this in now, to improve the soil in time for this year’s new plantings and vegetables. You can create a great, free source of organic matter for your soil yourself and you’ll save a lot
/theconnectionmag
of time and money as well as being very ‘green’! Make a compost heap or bin, and don’t let the autumn leaves go to waste – instead turn them into leaf mould, a wonderful soil conditioner to improve the soil’s texture. Incorporating some horticultural grade grit or gravel will also help to improve the texture and performance of a heavy clay soil. It is important that you avoid builders’ gravel or grit, as this often contains salts or other materials which can seriously damage, or even kill, garden plants. If your soil contains excessive quantities of small stones, or perhaps larger lumps of flint, you really should try to get to grips with it before you start to create the garden. Doing this before planting is SO much easier than attempting it once the flowers or vegetables are in place! Some stones are good, but even a lightly stony soil can make growing decent crops of root vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips, virtually impossible – they may taste delicious but they’ll often be forked or otherwise deformed. If clearing the soil sufficiently Continued on page 22...
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really is not practicable, then you’re probably best off investing in some raised beds so that you can fill them full of a stone-free soil. Manure can seriously transform a soil, adding both texture and food for the plants to grow healthily. Make sure that you bring in good quality manure, with as few additives as possible – not too many wood shavings for instance, as these can form a high percentage of stable manure and make it far less useful. If possible, view the manure in situ; the last thing you want to do is bring in manure which is riddled with weeds, especially the really troublesome ones like nettles, docks and couch grass. In recent years there have been problems with manure contaminated by the weedkiller used to control
weeds in pastureland, which can devastate plants, often killing them. Try to source manure from someone local who you know, and can trust to tell you what chemicals have been used. Manure needs to be well-rotted before being used in the garden – ideally it should have sat in a heap for about two years. Green manures are a great way to feed your soil and improve its condition at the same time. They will also help to suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion in a windswept spot. They work especially well on parts of the garden where you do not have plants growing year round – as when you use a green manure, you sow seed, allow the plants to grow and then incorporate them into the soil, where they rot down
Gates & Railings by Phil
I make gates and railings
and release all sorts of useful materials. Check out what is available by looking in the seed catalogues and get sowing later this year – there are lots to choose from, including red clover, mustard, field beans, phaecelia and field lupins.
Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening things: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ (where you receive your chosen garden-ready vegetable plants in the spring accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus Nemaslug, bio-controls, gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!
to discuss your requirements. Working in the local area for 25 years www.gatesbyphil.co.uk
22 connectionmags.co.uk
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Home & Interiors Spring Clean with Style
By Katherine Sorrell
Sweep, brush, wash and scrub. When spring sunlight shows up the corners of your home that need attention, it’s time to pop on your pinny and get to work. And cleaning is so much more enjoyable when the tools you use are both efficient and good-looking. Get your cleaning kit in order: drawers, shelves and hooks will all help. Collection of laundry and utility items, all Garden Trading.
Tips for efficienT cleaning • For a proper fresh start, begin by tidying all the mess that has built up over the last year. Sort it out into piles of rubbish, things to give away, stuff that needs mending and everything else that needs to find a rightful home. Ta da! You have created much more space in your home and plenty of room to get cleaning. • Be prepared. Work out what jobs you are going to tackle, wear appropriate clothing and gather together all the necessary tools and products. A spacious caddy will come in very handy. • Divide tasks into five key areas: vacuuming, dusting, mopping/ scrubbing, washing and wiping, and polishing. Don’t forget specific jobs such as turning mattresses, spot-cleaning upholstery, cleaning the oven, defrosting the fridge, descaling the shower head and beating rugs. You may also get super-organised and add in those less frequent tasks such as steam-cleaning the carpets or having the chimney swept. • Your basic principles of cleaning should be to work from top to bottom and tackle dry chores before wet ones. Decide whether to do one room at a time or one task at a time throughout the whole house. Put some music on and enjoy the process – your home will be gleaming before you know it.
24 connectionmags.co.uk
Store your household essentials in one convenient place – a functional and good looking box that’s perfect for carrying round the house. Living Nostalgia French grey housekeeping tin, £24.95, Kitchen Craft. With a warm, inviting and natural scent, this polish is made by a beekeeper in the Cotswold Hills. The cream formula helps to clean and nourish wooden furniture and floors, and is great for cleaning leather, too. Cotswold beeswax polish, £12, Cottage in the Hills. From the slender yet sturdy oil-treated beech handles to the traditional horsehair bristles and aesthetically pleasing pan, these sets have a minimalist yet functional beauty. Iris Hantverk long-handled dustpan set in black, £55, Caroline McGrath. When designer Ole Jensen was doing the dishes, he hesitated to pile in his fragile china and glasses, wondering about a better, gentler solution. These smart rubber washing up bowls are now a design classic. Normann Copenhagen washing up bowl, £49, Caroline McGrath. Robust, good looking and comfortable in the hand, this brush could be used for virtually anything. Scrubbing brush, £8, Finch & Crane.
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Feeling Runderful!
T
he snowdrops are out, the daffodils are popping up and it’s beginning to feel distinctly spring-like outside. This is quite possibly my favourite time of year to be out running. Admittedly, it can be pretty squidgy underfoot in some places, but I quite enjoy a good wade every now and then! Whether you are a seasoned runner, a newbie or someone who is rediscovering running, Spring is a great time to throw on your trainers and get out there. Not only is it good for your body and a welcome boost for your energy levels, but it can also relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression and help to enhance your self-esteem. A recent study by England Athletics has revealed that 74% of people surveyed have experienced an improvement in their mental health and well-being from running. Top five tips for getting the best out of your spring runs: • Treat your feet - Whether you are an experienced runner or a novice, the most important part of your kit is your running shoes. There is no need to spend a fortune, but a good quality, well-cushioned and supportive pair of running shoes is essential for comfort and will reduce the likelihood of injury. • Listen to your body - If you need to stop and walk for a while, do it. Allowing your body a short period of recovery will enable you to go further. It will also give you the opportunity to appreciate your surroundings and perhaps take a picture or two! • Keep warm - Although you usually get pretty hot when you run, a cold wind can really take the fun out of it. Pop on a light windproof layer over your top, and add some thin gloves and a hat or headband that covers your ears and you’ll be all set. • Go together - Joining a running group or just exercising with a friend is not only a great chance for a natter, but also helps to keep you motivated
26 connectionmags.co.uk
and improves your confidence. Find a time that suits you and book in a regular run together. I guarantee you will feel great for it! • Stretch - A good cool-down routine after your run is very important as it will make you less stiff the next time you exercise, improve your range of movement and reduce the chances of injury. Think of it like coming off the motorway, gradually slow down your running pace to a brisk walk, then a walk and then a stroll. Then, while you body is still warm you can stretch out your muscles and joints. Sally Wilkinson - trail runner, mum and UKA Endurance Running Coach, works with runners of all ages and abilities to help them reach their running goals, improve form and technique and enjoy being active outside.
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Jacksons Jewellery Repairs BEFORE
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1 Priory Road, Alcester, Warks, B49 5DX (off Globe Island)
Calling all embroiderers, crocheters, knitters, illustrators, crafters of all disciplines! 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!
Craft Club Where: The Hollybush pub, 37 Henley Alcester Street , Alcester, B49 5QX When:
The second Monday of the month from 7-9pm An informal free monthly meet up on the second Monday of the month starting Monday 14th November 2016. Bring along whatever you are working on for a couple of hours of inspirational chat and crafting with likeminded souls!
Follow Craft Club Alcester on Facebook for updates & more info.
28 connectionmags.co.uk
Where: The Hollybush pub, 37 Henley Street , Alcester, B49 5QX When: The second Monday of the month from 7-9pm14th November, 12th December 9th January
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Follow Craft Club Alcester on Facebook for updates & more info.
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Answers on page 58
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Six Things People Hate About The Lamborghini Urus by James Baggot Lamborghini has taken the wraps off its controversial Urus 4x4 – but not everyone thinks it looks bellissimo.
don’t ruin lines, it appears Lamborghini’s designers forgot it needed them and stuck them on at the last minute.
While an off-roader from a traditional sports car manufacturer is always going to raise eyebrows, it seems the internet is aghast at everything from the door handles to the new Italian car’s name.
The name Roughly translated, the name Urus refers to extinct wild relations of domestic cattle. We get the association with bulls – there’s one on the Lamborghini crest, after all – but this one seems just a little tenuous.
On the plus side, the Urus has a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 under the bonnet packing 641bhp, allowing the SUV to reach a top speed of 186mph – that’s quicker than the Bentley Bentayga. It also gets all manner of off-road tech designed to make it capable in all conditions, not just on the road. However, despite the incredible technology, a lot of people don’t like the way the Urus looks. So what exactly has got up people’s noses? The rear door handles Once you’ve spotted them, they’re hard to un-see. For some reason, Lamborghini placed the handles on the rear wheel arch and they look like ugly barnacles. With many manufacturers working hard to integrate handles into creases and curves of bodywork so they
34 connectionmags.co.uk
The Urus moniker sounds clunky and it’s far from the sleek Lambo names of old – evocative names like Miura, Diablo and Countach. Even Gallardo has more panache than the new 4x4. The inTerior It’s hard to ignore the influence that Lamborghini parent Audi has had over the Urus’ interior. The large infotainment screen looks good, but unfortunately that’s where the design appeal stops. Lower down, the switchgear, steering settings and drive mode controllers have all been lumped together. It all looks just a little clumsy – and not particularly user-friendly. FronT sensor In order to top the latest safety tests, manufacturers have to incorporate the semi-
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autonomous technology in their cars. This relies on sensors at the front of the car. Most car makers tuck them away neatly in the front of the grille, but Lamborghini seems to have chosen to make it a ‘feature’. Unfortunately, it does stick out a fair bit and makes the front end of the car look less finished than it should – we’d have liked to have seen it fit flusher with the front bumper. rear sTyling The back of the Urus hasn’t gone down well with some internet commentators – most labelling it fussy and overstyled. The quad exhaust pipes appear to be angled out, rather than pointing directly rearward – a strange styling touch that will also take some getting used to. side proFile You’d expect a Lamborghinimade SUV to incorporate a little sleekness in its design, but unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be the case with the Urus. The windscreen is very upright, while the rear three-quarters has a rather unfortunate hint of a Hyundai Veloster in it. Just don’t say that too loudly – it will upset the Italians.
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BACK OF THE NET I’ve had it in the neck from one or two followers of the beautiful game after my support of the new VAR system in last month’s Connection. Following Chelsea’s cup replay against Norwich, even Alan Shearer criticised VAR, spouting “It’s someone else’s opinion and that’s why it’s a shambles.” Of course, he’s wrong. In the end it’s the referee’s opinion that counts and if he/ she can receive assistance from someone with a better view of events, however far away their studio, that has to be good for the game. VAR has only just been introduced. It will (and has to) get better and quicker. It has to be given a chance and if it only helps to stop cheating it will be a success in my eyes. It’s getting close to the end of the season and we have the usual issue of a number of clubs and fans getting very nervous. Many nails will be bitten to the core.
VAR can still be the answer It’s currently possible that any of the bottom eleven clubs in the Premiership could be relegated, with West Brom being definite favourites to occupy one of the bottom three places. Of the other strugglers, I wouldn’t have thought Southampton would be a relagation candidate but they have had some bad results recently and their fixture list in March and April has them playing four consecutive away games. Stoke City are also in the mix, making it three teams that have been up there for a few years now looking at the drop. I always look at goal difference for a clue and the three worse at the moment are Stoke, Huddersfield and West Brom. If West Brom do go down it looks like their West Midlands neighbours, Wolves, will be replacing them. They have had a brilliant season so far and could be joined by Villa, who have finally found the form that has eluded them since their relegation. Lower down, it looks like Coventry may have missed out on promotion this year but at least they’ve had a good cup run. See you next month... Back of the net!
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 36 connectionmags.co.uk
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Painter & Decorator
Interior and Exterior BRIAN SMITH
Call 01789 772077 or 07790 087219 for a free estimate
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
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39
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALCESTER Make the Right Call Warwickshire Police have launched a series of help and advice pages and downloadable leaflets in the ‘Contact us’ section on their website. This information is there to support members of the public in ‘making the right call’ in the event of something happening and to make the right call to the right service first time. This, in turn, will reduce the number of calls going in to the Warwickshire Police Communications Centre, meaning that the staff are available for the Grade 1 emergency calls and to reduce the waiting time for anyone calling in on 101. The link is www.westmercia.police. uk/maketherightcall Message from Warwickshire Police Warwickshire Police currently have two countywide operations in progress. These operations are focusing on reducing the number of incidents of vehicle crime and house burglaries across Warwickshire. In order to get the very best out of these operations, we need the help and support of local communities with information and intelligence. If you think something in your area is suspicious, it probably is. You will know your area and its usual activity, comings and goings, and if you think something is odd, out of place and suspicious, we need to hear from you. Before every incident, there is usually some suspicious activity and we need calls to make us aware of this. Please could we encourage you to call 101 if you notice suspicious persons, vehicles or activity around your own or neighbouring homes. If you believe that a crime is in progress, please dial 999. The next meeting of NHW Alcester will be held on Tuesday 5 June, 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church House, Butter Street. Contact details: nhwalcester@gmail.com or telephone Dorrie Manders on 01789 762999. Everyone is welcome.
Communicating with the Police Emergencies dial 999. The Police non emergency number: 101 to be used to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response. 101 diverts to your local Police. Calls cost 15p per call (landlines and mobiles). Alcester South Safer Neighbourhood Team dial 101 or 01789 444816. Please feel free to contact the team direct: Email: alcestersouth.snt@warwickshire.pnn. police.uk. PS 542 Bob Shaw (Team Sergeant) 01789 444815. PC Robert Davies (Beat Manager) robert.davies@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PC Richard Lambert (Beat Manager) PCSO Rebecca.morris@warwickshire.pnn. police.uk PCSO James.squire@warwickshire.pnn. police.uk PCSO Thomas.bagg@warwickshire.pnn. police.uk 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. 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. Avoid rogue traders - use Warwickshire Trading Standards “No Rogue Traders Here” approved trader scheme.
Alcester is a relatively crime free area. We work together to keep it that way
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EL
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BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA GOODBYE
PADDINGTON 2
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
has great pleasure in presenting
Film Certificate: PG Running time 107 mins + interval
Film Certificate: PG Running time 104 mins + interval
Ticket price: £2.50 per person
Ticket price: £2.50 per person
Friday 2 March at 7pm
W
T s yo e
Friday 23 March at 7pm
All films showing at The Crawford Memorial Hall, Salford Road, Bidford on Avon. For further information, call 01789 778653 / 07718 628925
Refreshments sponsored by your local
Ticket office opens half hour before start of film. Films are subject to availability and may be changed. Please check the following website for updates www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/events.htm
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Madagascar ‘The Eighth Continent’ By Solange Hando Madagascar is the world’s oldest island: it first split from Africa and then from India around 70 million years ago. In the Indian Ocean, between the Mozambique mainland to the west and Reunion and Mauritius to the east, it is the fourth largest island on earth, almost 1,000 miles long, 360 across, best known for the unique flora and fauna which evolved in isolation for a surprisingly long time. According to experts, the first settlers arrived from Borneo in 500 AD and since then, 90% of the original forest has been lost, and deforestation is still ongoing. Most affected are the more densely populated central highlands, laced with paddies and barren hills, but Madagascar still claims over 40 special reserves and national parks – several of them listed as UNESCO World Heritage – with a rich diversity of habitats. Ecosystems range from dry spiny forest in the south, dotted with baobabs and octopus trees, to mangroves and lakes, deciduous trees and dramatic pinnacles in the west and tropical rainforest in the east, where some of the most popular national parks can be accessed from Antananarivo. Ranomafana is a good 10 hour drive south of the
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capital, the route winding past colourful villages and hills with spectacular views. But one can overnight in Antsirabe, a pretty place bustling with rickshaws and craft shops, then continue the next day. Driving down at dusk in the final stages, it feels almost like the end of the world as the seemingly impenetrable cloud forest rises all around above the Namorona river and waterfall. Morning is the best time to explore the park, when animals are more active. This is where golden bamboo lemurs were first discovered in 1986 and, along the steep trails, nature lovers may be rewarded with wonderful sights as they and other lemurs leap through the trees, playing with their young or swinging from branches. Guides imitate the call to locate them and also point out spiders, frogs, red giraffe-necked beetles and tropical birds such as pastelhued cuckoo rollers or magpie robins. Mossy memorial stones recall ‘ancient people of the forest’ among tall tree and bird’s nest ferns, traveller’s palms, orchids and lobelia. Chameleons can also be spotted, perfectly camouflaged day or night. East of the capital, the Andasibe-Mantadia national
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park is an easier option, just a four hour drive with a choice of walking circuits and gentle paths. Palm and dragon trees mingle with eucalyptus, blue tea plants, bird’s nectar, berries and much more. There are birds and butterflies, reptiles, geckos and several species of lemurs, including indris, the largest of them all, whose melancholy ‘singing’ can be heard at dawn. On the nearby river islands, now a sanctuary for rescued lemurs, black and white ruffed lemurs, playful ringtails and lovely diademed sifaka, or ‘dancing lemur’, happily pose for wide-eyed visitors paddling in canoes around the reed beds. Fauna or flora, around 90% of species are found nowhere else on earth and one can barely imagine 14,000 species of plants, many with medicinal properties, 170 species of palms, thousands of orchids, hundreds of birds, fish and over 100 species of lemurs, many endangered or rare. It is the world’s top biodiversity hotspot, ‘the eighth continent’, say some ecologists, and in this impoverished but beautiful ‘red island’, one hopes the goverment will bring greater stability and progress to benefit both the people and their incredible natural world.
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. .. k a e r B e l z z Pu
Answers on page 59.
QUICK CROSSWORD
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Across
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7 Swap over (6) 8 To be on a ship (6)
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10 Outside (8)
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13 Funeral fires (5)
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23 Educational establishment (6) 24 Required (6) Down 1 Female sheep (4)
4 Belief (5)
16 Calculate (6)
5 Every sixty minutes (6)
18 Respect (6)
6 Widest (8)
2 Recording room (6)
12 Inconvenience (8)
3 Burglars (7)
14 Combining (7)
19 Foolish (5) 22 Vegetable (4)
Quiz: Trilogies 1. Who wrote the Tilly Trotter trilogy consisting of novels called ‘Tilly Trotter’, ‘Tilly Trotter Wed’ and ‘Tilly Trotter Widowed’? 2. What was the first film trilogy to have all three of its films nominated for a Best Picture Oscar? 3. Inspiring the name of the oldest daily newspaper in France, what is the name of the main character in a trilogy of 18th century plays by Pierre Beaumarchais? 4. In the 1980s, which British author wrote ‘Berlin Game’, ‘Mexico Set’, and ‘London Match’, a trilogy of spy novels known as the Game, Set and Match trilogy? 5. In the 1970s, who collaborated with Brian Eno to record the albums Low, Heroes and Lodger, which became known collectively as the Berlin Trilogy? 6. Which trilogy of novels by Suzanne Collins is set in a nation called Panem? 7. Written by Eoin Colfer and published in 2009 on the thirtieth anniversary of the first book, ‘And Another Thing’ is the sixth novel in which other author’s so-called “trilogy of five parts”? 8. Which 2013 film was advertised as “the epic conclusion to the trilogy of mayhem and bad decisions”? 9. Published in 2002, what was the title of the first in a trilogy of books by Jennifer Worth that was centred around her work in the East End of London in the 1950s? 10. Dad’s Army was the first of what is regarded as writer David Croft’s trilogy of TV sitcoms set during World War Two. Name the other two sitcoms that make up this trilogy.
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Alcester Musical Theatre Company
O
IN THE LIMELIGHT:
Male Actors Needed!
AMTC
(Alcester Musical Theatre Company) was formed in 1963 under the name “Alcester Amateur Operatic Society” and forming members are still active and performing in the company. The ethos, which has developed over the years, is one of friendliness and looking after people whilst having fun, but also recognising that audiences want to see good quality entertainment. New members and those with ability, but maybe a bit less self confidence, are actively encouraged to have a go - from only a few lines during a show to taking principal roles. The company had a life-long affiliation with the Greig Hall in Alcester where they used to rehearse and perform their main annual show. Whilst they still rehearse in the Alcester area, their main show moved to the Palace Theatre in Redditch in 2006 to broaden their audience base. When performing shows at the Greig Hall, members of the company used to design and build their own stage settings, installed raked seating for the week of the show and ran the lighting and sound systems. This huge workload was much reduced with the move to the Palace Theatre, enabling the company to focus their resource and talents onto the performance itself, leaving the lighting and sound systems in the very capable hands of the professional Theatre Staff, working in conjunction with the Producer. The move has been hugely successful and the company is gaining an enviable reputation in the West Midlands area for good quality entertaining shows. Over the years, the company has performed numerous well known shows from ‘Carousel’ to the recently performed ‘9 to 5’ and in 2010 the stage version of the hit film ‘The Full Monty’, playing to full houses and receiving standing ovations.
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The show was nominated for the NODA West Midlands “Best Show” award. Not being ones to sit still, the company also perform a Spring Concert at venues in and around the Alcester area. The concerts have gained a reputation for being very lively events with a wide variety of music, from traditional show tunes through to classic rock numbers, appealing to as large an audience as possible. So hyperactive, talented and fun loving, this young at heart company work hard and play hard. With a strong management team and commitment to good quality, yet affordable live entertainment, the company is optimistic about the future and looks forward to many years of success.
Men, can you help ‘My Fair Lady’? Later this year, in October, AMTC will be performing ‘My Fair Lady’ at the Palace Theatre, Redditch. However, our “Fair Lady” needs some extra male assistance! Can you sing? Can you act? Can you do both?! If you are itching to put those vocal chords into action and get on the stage, why not come along to the My Fair Lady Introduction Night on Thursday 22nd March at the Baptist Church Hall in Alcester. Our friendly group will be meeting at 7.30pm and going for a drink in the pub afterwards. We have a reputation for being friendly and informal, yet working hard towards achieving a high standard of performance. If this floats your boat, then please come along to meet us on 22nd March. There’s no obligation, just see what it’s all about and who we are. We don’t bite! www.whats-on-theatre.org
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Connections Magazine_FP-Mar_2018.indd 1
05/02/2018 11:34
Alcester Town Councilďż˝ MARCH 2018
We Want Your Views The future of the Greig Memorial Hall is in your hands
Alcester Town Council have set up a Working Group to examine the potential future use of the Greig Memorial Hall once it comes back into public ownership.
also be part of the work undertaken by the Working Group. If you would like your details to be passed to the Working Group, please contact the Town Clerk, Vanessa Lowe on 01789 766084 or email clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk
Town Council Meetings All Town Council meetings are held at Globe House at 7pm (accessed via the Seggs Lane entrance - lift available to meeting rooms on First Floor). Full Council Meeting - Tuesday 6 March Planning - Mondays 12 & 26 March Community Care - Tuesday 13 March Community Facilities - Tuesday 20 March Presidium - Tuesday 27 March 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 Contact Details:
Photo courtesy of The Stratford Herald
The Working Group is focused on ensuring a viable long-term future for the Memorial Hall, including community use. As the Hall has been closed for the past seven years, it is accepted that significant work will be needed to restore it to full use and this will be considered when assessing any expressions of interest. Community groups and organisations are encouraged to come forward to give their proposals on how they wish to see the Hall used. All submissions will be carefully considered, however must take into account the financial requirements of the operation of the Hall.
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). Tel: 01789 766084 Town Clerk - Vanessa Lowe: clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk Planning & Communication: administration@alcester-tc.gov.uk Facilities & Community Care: reception@alcester-tc.gov.uk Health & Wellbeing: wellbeing@alcester-tc.gov.uk or info@alcester-tc.gov.uk More information found on our social media pages: www.facebook.com/alcester www.twitter.com/AlcesterTown
Opportunities for grant and public funding will
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Bidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire
BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA
of local information, you can sign up by simply 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 at any time. This method of keeping the community informed received good press at a conference I attended on Communications.
Friday 22nd March @ 7pm PADDINGTON 2 (Cert PG).
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please check the Parish Council website for confirmation. Friday 2nd March @ 7.00 pm, GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (Cert PG). A behind-the-scenes look at the life of author A.A. Milne and the creation of the Winnie the Pooh stories inspired by his son C.R. Milne.
See page 42 for more on the Rural Cinema.
DEFIBRILLATORS
To keep informed locall by social media, please follow us on Facebook (Bidford on Avon) and Twitter (@Bidford_PC).
These have been installed at Bidford Fire Station PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS and Warner’s Budgens. There is expected to be Clerk to the Parish Council – Mrs. Elisabeth Uggerløse. another at Bidford Pharmacy in March. Parish Council Office is located in Bramley Way, MEETINGS in the same building as the library. The Office Monday 12th March, 7.30pm, Planning is open to the public 10.00am – 3.00pm daily Consultative Committee Meeting. except Thursdays, when opening hours are 1.30 Monday 26th March, 7.30pm, Parish Council – 4.30pm. If you are unable to attend during meeting. these hours, please contact the Clerk to arrange All meetings, which are open to the public, a mutually convenient time. are held at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Tel No. 01789 778653 / 07718 628 925 email Bramley Way, B50 4QG. info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk website address: BIDFORD EMAIL INFORMATION www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk. As fewer residents have the time to read Parish Councillors – a list of Parish Councillors Noticeboards, the Parish Council is looking at contact details is posted on the notice ways to keep the local community informed of boards, and can also be found online www. what it (the Parish Council) is doing, but also of bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/councillors.htm other village events. If you want to keep abreast Elisabeth Uggerlose - Clerk to the Parish Council email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk 01789 778653 or 07718 628925
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January 11th, 2018
Bidford on Avon Parish Council
2018 PRECEPT PRESS RELEASE
The June 2017 Neighbourhood Development Plan Referendum 94.1% YES vote has empowered Bidford on Avon Parish Council to embark upon the resulting Strategic Plan projects. This will lead to realising improvements to services within the parish and enhance the quality of life for our residents. At the Finance Committee meeting of Monday 18 th December 2017, Bidford on Avon Parish Council (following much debate) agreed an increase of 2% on the Band D contribution to its Precept (approx £2.40 per annum), well below the current inflation rate of 3%. The Parish Council annually maintained a 0% Precept increase throughout the previous 3 years, despite some rising costs. The Parish Council is now keen to implement the strategic projects, voiced by our community via several surveys carried out in our parish since 2014. These include :
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• Improvements to the Big Meadow facilities this has already started with electricity being brought onto the recreation area. • Upgrading of all the streetlights within the village (currently 113) so that responsibility for the electricity and maintenance can be transferred to Warwickshire County Council, saving the Parish Council approx. £8k p.a. This will be done over a 2 year period at a cost of between £150/175k . • Supporting the businesses in the High Street and Industrial Estates as well as those that are home based. • Developing and implementing a Youth Project. • Upgrading the play areas to accommodate the increasing number of users. Councillors beieve that, by implementing this small increase below the rate of inflation, it will responsibly and strongly manage its finances prudently whilst being in a position to commence the work of its Strategic Plans.
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 To get your computer healthy again call Steve Harris
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53
Hemming & Peace Funeral Services We create every funeral individually, just for you.
Hemming & Peace Funeral Services are here to support and guide you. We offer a friendly, professional service to families. Pre-paid funeral plans are also available for future peace of mind. Prices start from £2695 - fix costs now at today’s prices.
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55
community events & what’s on...
To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 12th of the month Alcester Gardening Club
Thursday March 1st at 7.30pm Derek Bull talks on "The Reluctant Gardener". All are very welcome. Members free and Guests 2.50 to include tea/coffee.
Broom WI Thursday 1st March, 'Art for All', with Clare Smith. 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.
Alcester Flower Club We meet on the first Monday of the month at the Methodist Church, Priory Road, Alcester at 7.30pm. The next meeting is on Monday 5th March, when we will have a flower design demonstration by Beverley Short, "My Bargain Hunt". Visitors and New Members are welcome. Contact Chairman, Mrs Brenda Kirkman 01789 778669.
Alcester WI We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in The Community Centre, Jubilee Court, St Faith's Road. Our March meeting is on Thursday 8th. Come and join us to hear Caroline Faulkner speaking on something which is not only topical, but dear to all our hearts, purses and stomachs: "Love Food - Hate Waste". Members and visitors are all most welcome.
Bidford on Avon WI
Our March meeting will be at 7.30pm on the 8th at Bidford Methodist Church. Sara Selleck and Paige will be talking about fostering experiences. If you would like more information please contact Ann 01789 772409 or Pauline 01789 773390.
Salford Priors Ladies Group
Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm at the Memorial Hall, School Road, Salford Priors. Wednesday 14th March. 'Hearing Dogs for Deaf People', speaker Mrs Merleen Watson. This is an Open Meeting, everyone is welcome. Visitor's fee including refreshments is £2. Contact Pam Sharpe on 01789 773746 or Pam Seville on 01789 772540.
Alcester Ladies Probus We are a friendly ladies club who meet for lunch every 2nd Wednesday of the month at Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton. Our next meeting is on 14th March, 12.15 for 12.45, a special visitor's Open Meeting for friends and partners: Douglas Eyre speaking on "Stagecoaches". We welcome visitors and new members. Contact Secretary Cynthia Hill on 01789 763446.
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Bidford & District Gardening Society The Society is holding its annual 'Inter-Club Quiz'
at the Crawford Hall, Bidford at 7.15 for 7.30pm on Thursday 15th March. With audience participation, visitors are also very welcome to join us, at only £3, including refreshments. Meetings are held in Crawford Hall on the third Thursday of the month at 7.45pm. For further details please contact 01789 268974 or go to www.bidfordgardens.com
Bidford & District History Society
Friday 16th March, 7.30pm, Crawford Memorial Hall, Salford Road, Bidford, B50 4EZ. "Birmingham Back to Back Housing", by Mr Clive Katz.
North Cotswold Supporters of The Shakespeare Hospice invite you to an Irish Evening
on Saturday March 17th 6.30 for 700pm at Stratford upon Avon School, Alcester Road, CV37 9DH. Folk music by The Startled Ferrets and entertainment by McCarthy-Felton Irish Dancers. Themed 2-course Supper and Bar. Tickets at £25.00, book by March 5th, obtainable from Shakespeare Fundraising, 01789 266852 or go to www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk. Charity No 1064091.
Bidford Playreading Group
Monday 26th March 7pm at Bidford Community Library, Bramley Way, Bidford. £2 includes tea and biscuits.
Alcester Singers
Alcester Singers Spring Concert is on Saturday April 28th 7.30 pm at St. Nicholas Church, Alcester. A rare opportunity to hear Rossini's 'Petite Messe Solennelle' accompanied by harmonium and piano. Also performing Mozart's 'Missa in C'. Tickets £12 (under 14s free) : 01789 762718 : 01789 488401 : Humphries Shoes, Alcester.
Alcester & District Men’s Probus
Alcester Mens Probus is a group of retired Business and Professional men meeting on the fourth Wednesday of each month in a semi-informal and light hearted club atmosphere for lunch followed by a guest speaker. Meetings are at Kings Court Hotel, Alcester 12:15 for 12:30 and March's meeting is on the 28th. New members always receive a warm welcome. Full details of membership are available by email: jackwinder2011@ btinternet.com.
Arrow and Arden Nordic Walking
Whether you want to get fit or lose weight, walking with poles can help you achieve your health goals. Join one of our free Nordic Walking sessions in Alcester, Evesham or Stratford. Contact Kathrin 07875 609324. www. arrowandarden.co.uk.
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It’s Charity Breakfast Time!
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Saturday 3 March Alcester Town Hall 8.30am – 12 noon Saturday 17 March Bidford Crawford Hall 9am – 12 noon
£6 (£8 for large)
Alcester tickets, Di Gittus 01789 488877 Bidford tickets, Nigel Curtis 07877 884258 or pay on the door
Please join us to enjoy a full English breakfast, tea, coffee, orange juice & toast in lovely surroundings. All our ingredients are sourced locally & lovingly cooked by us! We are grateful for the support of local businesses, so we have more profits for local charities.
Results update in next Connection
By the time this goes to press, we will have held the first heat of a national competition to encourage speaking & presentation skills in young people. Several schools from Alcester are taking part & we hope to encourage more entries from schools across the area next year
Our friendly & informal meetings take place on Thursday mornings for breakfast at Kings Court Hotel, Alcester. If you would like to come along or find other information please email sue@invictusuk.com or call Sue Matthewman on 01527 854723
www.facebook.com/AlcesterandBidfordRotary To 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 March Every Tues Every Thurs Every Thurs Sat 3rd Wed 21st Sat 31st
10 am -11 am 6.45 pm - 9 pm 8.15 pm - 9.45 pm 8.30am - 12pm 8pm - 10.30pm 10am - 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. Rotary Charity Big Breakfast - Kay Blake 01789 764128. Alcester Comedy Club Launch - Harvey Hawkins 07941 628247. Easter Fayre & Coffee Morning - Steven Brown 01789 766484.
Alcester Café Supports people with memory problems/dementia and their families. Held at the Jubilee Centre, off St Faith’s Road, every Tuesday and Friday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Drop in and see us or ring Carole or Roger on 01789 488088 for more information.
Bidford Dementia Café Supporting people with memory problems/dementia and their families, carers and voluteers. Every Monday (except Bank Holidays) between 10:30am and 12:30pm on a ‘drop in’ basis at Westholme Court, Westholme Road, Bidford. For more information, call Wendy on 07713 648716, email secretarybdc@ btinternet.com.
Craft Club Alcester Calling all embroiderers, crocheters, knitters, illustrators, crafters of all disciplines! An informal free monthly meet up on the 2nd Monday of the month. Bring alond whatever you are working on for a couple of hours of inspirational chat wth likeminded souls.
Bidford on Avon Bowling Club is welcoming new members. The club is situated next to Crawford Memorial Hall. We have a very good bowling green, excellent club house with well appointed kitchen and bar. Good size changing rooms and all the facilities you may require. We have many social events and the clubhouse is available for private hire by arrangement. Contacts: for Coaching, Bernard Kendry, 01789 772592. Prim Finnemore, prim@walcotefarm.co.uk, 01789 488264. Roger Powell, rpowell26T2@btinternet.com, 01789 778809.
Visually Impaired?
If you live in Alcester, Bidford or Studley, you might like to meet others in your situation. Alcester Vision Support Club is a social group which meets on alternate Thursdays at Jubilee Court, Alcester. It is an opportunity to chat, be entertained and enjoy tea together. For more information, call Ruth Dutton 01789 763827 or Karyl Rees 01789 400561. Silver Surfers New to computing and over 50? Come along to our friendly Silversurfers session at our new venue, Alcester Library and Museum. We specialise in giving help with all tablets and Windows 10. Every Thursday between 10am and 12 midday.
Cupcake Café at Salford Priors
Saturday 3 March, 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.
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. Beginners to experts welcome.
Local Art Club, Alcester
Open to anyone who is insterested, any ability. We meet every Thursday, 7pm - 9.00pm at Church House, Alcester High Street. A small attendance fee. We are small group of people who like painting, without a teacher, other than each other. We occasionally have a demonstrator, which is paid for out of our subs. We are a friendly group who have a love of painting. All are
welcome to join us.
Children’s answers: The crossword answers are... 1. Ping Pong Ball 2. Dartboard 3. Bowlingball 4. Net 5. Basketball 6. Sportsbag 7. Pin 8. Alley 9. Table Football 10. Bat. Henry is left with ‘3 pins’ after three attempts to knock the pins down.
Sudoku solutions
Easy grid
Not so easy grid
(see page 6)
58 connectionmags.co.uk
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Alcester and Bidford SCAN - Meetings & Conference Alcester SCAN invite you to a meeting in March, either Wednesday 7th or Thursday 8th (exact date to be finalised) at Jubilee Court Community Centre, St Faiths Road, B49 6AQ. 10am for refreshments; 10.30am start. Victim Support Have you ever been a victim of crime? How did it make you feel? Did you know there is support available? Come along to find out more. The next Bidford SCAN meeting takes place on Thursday 22nd March at 10.30am in the Jolly Teapot, Church Rooms, Church Street, Bidford. Clive Langley, PSA Financial Services will talk about equity release and long term care.
SCAN Conference 2018 – Booking Now Open
The theme of the 2018 SCAN conference will be Your Health & the NHS. The aim of the day is to try to explain how the NHS works locally. Glen Burley, Chief Executive of South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust will present. We will hear about the challenges of running a busy GP surgery and how Patient Participation Groups can make a difference. There is no charge to attend the conference and there will be refreshments and a buffet lunch. If you would like to attend the conference but would find it difficult to get there please contact Marie Darwen (contact details below). The Conference is free for over 50s but places must be booked. You can book by contacting Marie Darwen on 01789 260 108 or marie.darwen@stratford-dc.gov.uk.
Puzzle BREAK answers
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Across: 7 Switch, 8 Aboard, 9 Used, 10 External, 11 Annoyed, 13 Pyres, 15 Litre, 17 Beneath, 20 Watching, 21 Tale, 23 School, 24 Needed.
Trilogies
1. Catherine Cookson 2. The Godfather trilogy 3. Figaro (the French newspaper is called Le Figaro) 4. Len Deighton 5. David Bowie 6. The Hunger Games 7. Douglas Adams’ (The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy novels) 8. The Hangover Part III 9. Call The Midwife 10. It Ain’t Half Hot Mum and ‘Allo ‘Allo
To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk
59
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www.DriveCoLtd.com 60 connectionmags.co.uk
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Do You Look Up Before You Go Under? This piece was inspired by an article about a van driver who was killed when a house brick that was dropped from a bridge went through his windscreen.
covered the car in paint. The police reckoned it was a 2.5 litre tin, but the resulting damage made the car a write-off. Had it hit at the front of the car then the consequences were unthinkable.
I can offer two more personal reasons to do so:
The second was as I was driving on a dual carriageway, when two police cars raced past me and then blocked the road. Up ahead was a bridge, with a man clearly ready to jump. The tragedy of this person taking the steps to contemplate suicide and, potentially, take innocent road users with him is so sad. But whatever drives an individual to take such desperate action is not something I wish to be a part of.
In the first, a colleague had a tin of paint dropped on his car from a motorway bridge. ‘Luckily’ it hit the rear of the roof, bending it in (if there had been rear-seat passengers they would have been injured), blew out the rear windscreen and
I assure you that simply checking a bridge as you drive towards it will not turn you into a nodding dog: it’s quick and easy to do and could be a life saver. By Iain Betson
Hence, looking up at bridges as you drive towards them may save your life. “Oh come on Iain! What are the chances? Surely I would be looking up and down like a nodding dog all the time.”
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
61
the
connection magazine
The Connection Magazine is a locally run and free publication, delivered to 7,750 homes and businesses in Alcester, Bidford and surrounding villages. We have the highest door-todoor magazine circulation in the area. Typically delivered on the last full weekend of each month (excluding August*). Copy deadline is 10th of each month for print in the following month’s magazine. Prices are per advert per month
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Back Cover
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Front Cover Banner Leaflet Distribution
(delivery with magazine only)
Please contact us for a quote
£60/£115 (half/full) Full distribution (x 7,700): £220 B50 ONLY (x 2,700): £81; B49 & WR11 ONLY (x 5,000): £150
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We accept adverts in the following formats: PDF, JPG, TIFF, MS Publisher, MS Word, hand written. Payment by cheque, BACS, or standing order There is no VAT to pay. Terms & conditions apply *The Connection Magazine is published 11 months of the year. July and August is a joint edition, distributed on the last full weekend of June.
By keeping the local community at the heart of our business, we believe we can deliver your business to the hearts of our local communities.
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Prices start from £22 per edition Reach 7,750 homes and businesses in Alcester, Bidford and surrounding villages.
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