The Connection Magazine May 2018

the

connection magazine

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages May ‘18 No. 128

COMMUNITY

What’s On? Alcester Town Council Bidford Parish Council

LOCAL CRICKET BIDFORD LIBRARY

New and Improved!

NO MORE EXCUSES!

Busting some anti-running myths

Mavericks www.maverickshair.co.uk

01789 766222 or 766333

WEB DESIGN THAT GETS YOU NOTICED See page 39 for 2 exclusive web design offers

Alcester, B49 5DY

SEE PAGE 39

You deserve it

rs Priory Road,

Hair & Beauty & Barbe

#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”

Tel: 01789 778628 www.agwoodcare.co.uk Wellington Road, Waterloo Industrial Estate, Bidford on Avon, B50 4JH

“All things good for wood!”

AGW 50% OFF SECOND PAIR

Independent Optometrist friendly personal service

on selected Rodenstock lenses

Call to book an appointment on 01789 549409

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

Welcome ... to the May Connection

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

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

And as our front cover suggests, it is finally bluebell season.

I wasn’t too sure whether we would ever see the plentiful colours of spring flowers again, given the length of the rainy, wintery season that overstayed its welcome by at least 2 months. Still, I’m grateful that – at the time of writing – the sun has finally got its hat on to encourage those blossoms out of hiding. You should hopefully be able to see swathes of native English bluebells at the Heart of England Forest on 28th April at Alne Wood Park in Spernal, or in Wootton Wawen at Yew Tree Farm in early May (p.13).

May also sees the return of the Great British cricket season, meaning ‘View from the boundary’ makes a welcome return (p.38), keeping us up to date with our local teams throughout the summer. The football season has not yet come to a close, so ‘Back of the net’ continues to summarise the highs and lows of the English leagues on page 36.

Congratulations to our regular writer, Christopher Spriggs, on his new business venture, Heads Up Now. You can read his latest article on escaping from a manhole incident (and, more importantly, its relevance to mental health) on page 14.

Our series of running articles from Run Sally Run continues this month and addresses some oft-thought myths about the exercise (p.48). Perhaps the better weather will help persuade you further to get your trainers on?

Events for your diary this month include the reopening of Bidford Library on 5th (p.24), a couple of lovely bank holiday Mondays on 7th and 28th, Alcester Food Festival on May 19th (p.16), the aforementioned bluebell walks, Bartonfest on 26th (p.5), Hiller’s Half Term Fun from May 28th (p.11), new art classes in Bidford (p.28) and a bevy of community groups and events throughout the month found on our usual Community Pages (p.56-58).

Wishing you a wonderful May, hopefully with plenty of cheery sunshine.

Until next month,

Amy June Copy Deadline: Friday 11th May

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.

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COTTAGE OF

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Welford Road, Barton, Nr Bidford on Avon, Warks, B50 4NP

www.cottageofcontent.com 01789 772279 • cofcontent@gmail.com TheCottageofContent

Open all day every day from 12 noon. Food served every lunchtime, every evening, and all day on a Sunday from 12 noon.

FRIDAY 25TH MAY 6-9PM IS

PIZZA NIGHT!

the closest pub to the heart of england walk & dorothy’s wood

PLUS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE SATURDAY FESTIVAL

FAMILIES & DOGS WELCOME!

TRY AN ALL’APERTO WOOD FIRED PIZZA

SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS OF ALL OUR OFFERS & EVENTS

THE COTTAGE OF CONTENT’s

BARTONFEST BANK HOLIDAY SATURDAY FESTIVAL

children’s bouncy castle, face painting, balloons and more

SAT 26TH MAY FROM 4PM LIVE BANDS STARRING ELVIS TRIBUTE

OUTDOOR & INDOOR BARS HOT FOOD AVAILABLE, INCLUDING: STONE HOUSE BBQ RIBS & WOODFIRED PIZZAS

REAL ALES & SELECTION OF CIDERS CRAFT & MARKET STALLS AND MUCH MORE in aid of:

Gates & Railings

by Phil

I make gates and railings

GARDEN & PROPERTY SERVICES Pruning • Planting Weeding Grass & Hedgecutting Bark laying • Gravelling

All colours available, made to order.

Low cost fitting service available.

All aspects of tree work General property maintenance work

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

Sudoku

Call Mark on

07799 107040 (answers on page 58)

Each row, column & 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9

Easy grid

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Not so easy grid

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WINDOW CLEANER Gutters cleared Professional service All work invoiced & insured you can pay online local & long established

Phone 07814 949292

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

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

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Unit 19, Weston Industrial Estate, Honeybourne, Worcs, WR11 7QB

Clive Campion & Son Ltd

01386 841899

Carpets • Vinyls • Rugs Carpet Edging • Natural Flooring

Promotion on collection of Manx Tomkinson ranges.

See in store for further details 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

Need a decorator?

FREE QUOTATIONS OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE CONTACT US:

Clive on 07768 104525 or Matthew on 07900 217079 Email: clivecampion@sky.com

www.clivecampionpainteranddecorator.co.uk

www.grinnallcarpets.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

9

Ricotta Stuffed Pork Serves 4

Ready in 1 hour

This is a great way to jazz up pork steaks for a midweek meal. Serve with brown rice or creamy mashed potatoes on the side, if liked.

In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the chopped basil and lemon zest and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

• 175g ricotta cheese • 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil and butter in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the pork rolls for 4-5 minutes, turning once until browned all over. Pour in the stock and sherry or apple juice and simmer for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Remove the pork rolls and keep warm. Add the green beans to the frying pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until just tender.

• 1 tbsp olive oil • 15g butter • 450ml meat or vegetable stock

• 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

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Po Th on

Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at the base of each piece of pork then carefully roll up to enclose the stuffing and secure each with a wooden cocktail stick.

• 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

• 175g green beans, trimmed

M

Place the pork steaks between two sheets of cling film or greaseproof paper and bash with a rolling pin until very thin.

• 4 thin-cut pork loin steaks

• 4 tbsp dry sherry or apple juice

*FRE

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Slice each pork roll and serve on the green beans with the pan juices and toasted pine nuts.

TIP If you don’t have fresh basil use 1 tsp dried mixed herbs and for extra flavour add a crushed garlic clove.

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Dun

Hillers_

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*FREE

OF CHARGE

half term fun

MONDAY 28th MAY - FRIDAY 1st JUNE

birds of prey*

HILLERS HALF TERM FUN

Come and get up close and personal with the birds of prey Monday to Friday with flying displays at 12noon & 2pm daily.

HILLERS HALF TERM FUN

ponies*

Pony rides available on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10.30am - 3.00pm. Please book your time slot on the day at our information point, thank you.

seed planting*

e

HILLERS HALF TERM FUN

Children are fascinated with how seeds grow. Choose between a beanstalk or a sunflower to plant in a pot that they can take home and nurture.

HILLERS HALF TERM FUN

tractor ted*

Come and enjoy the gardens with a garden trail from Tractor Ted.

miniature railway

HILLERS HALF TERM FUN

The Miniature Railway will be open for rides (90p per head) on Saturday 26th May and Sunday 27th May

Dunnington Heath Farm • Alcester • B49 5PD • Tel: 01789 490991 • www.hillers.co.uk **Due to popularity please book early (first come first served basis) on the day to avoid disappointment.

Hillers_HalfTerm_2018_A5.indd 1

26/03/2018 17:18

What’s a typical day at Ambleside?

Pampering in the salon

Ho

Join us for a taste of pampering and relaxation.

Ambleside pamper afternoon Thursday 17th May 2018, 1pm - 4pm

Free event

We are pleased to invite you to enjoy an afternoon of R&R, with a range of treatments, relaxation, refreshments and retail therapy, including:

Sim

H

• Mini treatments to include manicures, hand massage, foot massage and Indian head massage • Relaxation room • A chance to sample a range of beauty products • Prosecco and freshly made smoothies • A selection of canapés prepared by our chef • Luxury pop-up shop by Sassi Gifts

S

• A chance to meet our friendly team and take a closer look at the home For more information or to book your free place please call us on 01789 868 641 or email francesca.brennan@careuk.com Ambleside Evesham Road, Dodwell, Warwickshire CV37 9TG careuk.com/ambleside

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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: 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

Warwickshire’s Most Famous Spectacular Bluebell Walk

SUNDAY 6th & BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 7th MAY 8.30am - 4pm (weather permitting) Adults £5 Kids free. Dogs welcome on lead.

See Yew Tree Website for full details.

Please wear sensible footwear. All proceeds to Charity.

Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre, Stratford Road, Wootton Wawen, Nr Henley in Arden, Warks, B95 6BY

www.yew-tree-farm.co.uk

General opening times Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm Some units now open 7 days a week

H for Hats Hats & Hat Hire 01564 792785

#GetTheHeadsUp

I

t was just after 11pm when I disappeared into the ground.

I once read of a Welsh miner falling down a 26 foot mine shaft, breaking three ribs, a hip and both ankles. I’ve no idea how he got himself back up. My disappearance was less dramatic. Here’s how it happened: I was pushing an empty wheelie bin back to the side of my friend’s house, when I fell down an uncovered manhole. Only my head remained above ground level, looking like a hairy football, eyes gleaming in the dark. No broken bones, just a yelp so loud that lights came on in neighbouring homes, doors flung open, and husky voices shouted into the street: “Hey, what’s happened?…D’ya need a hand?”

I had become an emergency.

Disappearance happens to all of us. Maybe not down manholes, but we disappear into our worries, comparisons, pressures of the day. The trick most of us pull off, day after day, is that we remain present ‘in body’ above ground whilst the ‘I’m not really here’ thing goes on in our heads. In unguarded moments, perhaps between the bottom of the staircase and the sixth step up, or between aisles 5 and 6 in the supermarket… between one step and the next, we disappear. Our thoughts take us away from the grounded sensory experience of our bodies and our presence has gone. Here one moment, lost in thought the next.

So what? Why is this a problem?

According to a news item on Radio 4 recently, I heard that 96% of teachers are concerned about the mental health of the children and young people in their schools. Anxiety has gone mad. But it’s not just the next generation whose positive mental health is at risk of disappearing. Recent surveys from

Business In The Community suggest over three quarters of us as adults experience symptoms of poor mental health - overstress, anxiety, low moods, suicidal thoughts in our working lives at some point. This thing - ‘mental health’ - affects us all. It isn’t rare, or unusual, or going away anytime soon.

So, this is why Heads Up Now exists: Whether you are a teenager, teacher or leader, we want you to be fully here and make the incredible contribution only you can make. As one young person whose life was unravelling from anxiety said of his coaching with us recently - “you helped me find out where I was getting stuck. Things are clear in my head now. I know what to do.” Knowing how to get out of the ‘dark hole’ of poor mental health is a good thing. Knowing where the dangers are in the first place is even better.

After yelping like a frightened child, I found something solid to hold on to, hoisted myself up. My knees hit the ground. Apart from bruised legs and grazed hands I was okay.

“That manhole cover seems to be blowing off on its own this last week”, said my friend who witnessed me disappear. We dragged the cover back over the hole making the ground safe again for others. Neighbouring doors squeaked closed, lights went out. I shoved the wheelie bin into its rightful place, then my friend and I collapsed into laughter.

Because that’s all you can do when you come back to yourself. Just laugh with relief. When you feel, once again, the safety of your feet on the ground, noticing that this is your life you’re living and - when you look around there is much to be grateful for.

Don’t disappear. Be here.

Christopher Spriggs is the founder of Heads Up Now, which offers coaching and support for young people, teachers and leaders to think, feel and perform at their best, more often and more easily.

Want this? Get in touch with us today.

www.headsupnow.uk hello@headsupnow.uk @Heads_Up_Now

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sg or

Jacksons Jewellery Repairs BEFORE

AFTER

Helen Lucy HAIR

LADIES & GENTS CUTS

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

01789 766611

www.jacksonsjewellery.co.uk

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

DESIGN COLOUR Call 07805861942 to book an appointment Helen Burgess, Hair Stylist Aspire Beauty & Hair High St, Welford On Avon CV37 8EF

Alne Fest 2018 23rd June 4pm -9pm Live Music - Bands - Singers -Dancing BBQ & Bar - Games & Stalls - Festival Vibes

Great Alne & Kinwarton Memorial Hall Tickets: £8 adult (17+), £4 child (5-16), 4 & under free Limited Number of Early Bird Special tickets available: £6 adult/£3 child - Tickets available at: www.pta-events.co.uk/greatalne & Classic Clutter, Alcester To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

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stylish corner Ladies hairdressing Tel: 01789 763052 Traditional & Friendly Family Jewellers Specialists in Antique, Vintage & Pre-Owned Jewellery.

1 Church Street, Alcester

Up-to-date styling

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Wedding hair 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

Established 19 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

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

17

Curl up with a book Make the most of the longer evenings by curling up with one of this month’s top reads.

Only Child – Rhiannon Navin Seven year old Zach Taylor’s world changes forever when his brother is killed in a mass shooting. As his parents struggle to cope with their grief, Zach finds his own ways of dealing with his loss. A beautiful story that is as much about forgiveness and family as it is about loss. We can’t guarantee you won’t cry, but you certainly won’t forget Only Child in a hurry.

The Sealwoman’s Gift – Sally Magnusson Historical fiction at its finest, The Sealwoman’s Gift is based on the true story of Ásta and her family, who were kidnapped by pirates in Iceland in 1627. Along with hundreds of other Europeans, Ásta was shipped across the globe and sold into slavery in Algiers.

In this fictionalised account, Magnusson imagines how Ásta, a pastor’s wife, would have coped in a culture that was completely alien to her. In the end, Ásta has to choose between her freedom and the only child who hasn’t yet been ripped away from her. Save this book for a long train journey, because you won’t want to put it down.

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The End of Loneliness – Benedict Wells Jules is sent to boarding school with his siblings following the death of his parents. As his brother and sister drift away, Jules finds solace in a classmate, Alva. Spanning 40 years of loneliness, disconnection and disjointed memories, this novel touches on many themes, from dementia to grief, via hope, love and friendship. Quietly brilliant, The End of Loneliness was awarded the European Prize for Literature in 2016 and has recently been translated from German to English.

The Witchfinder’s Sister – Beth Underdown Alice Hopkins finds herself caught up in her brother Matthew’s war against witches in 17th century England.

How far will she go to draw suspicion away from herself and those she loves? When a birthmark can be seen as evidence of witchcraft, no one is safe. Tense, atmospheric and chilling in its reimagining of historical events, The Witchfinder’s Sister makes for a gripping read.

/theconnectionmag

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle – Stuart Turton Groundhog Day meets Agatha Christie meets Quantum Leap in this tightly plotted debut novel. A man wakes up in the forest with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He soon finds out that he needs to solve a murder, and will keep reliving the day over and over again until he does so.

Very clever, highly original and a real page turner to boot, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle deserves to rocket up the bestseller charts.

The Radleys – Matt Haig Rowan Radley has no idea why he feels so lethargic all the time, is sensitive to light and suffers from insomnia.

Until, that is, his sister kills a would-be attacker and Rowan’s parents reveal that the whole family are vampires.

A witty, easy read from the bestselling author of The Humans and How To Stop Time, The Radleys is less gothic horror and more a gentle poke at middle-class life and the pressure put on people to conform. Not a recent release this one, but worth a mention nonetheless.

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YOUR FRIENDLY LOCAL VETERINARY SURGERY

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Bidford’s Dog Grooming Parlour is now stocking pet supplies!

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

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

Based at Bidford Boatyard, with ample free parking.

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

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

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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

19

Striking Sunflowers

by Pippa Greenwood

Sunflowers are one of the most stunning and impressive flowers you could have in your garden, and are easy to grow too. Sow them this month to achieve a fantastic flowery display in just a few months’ time. So which ones should you choose and how do you go about getting the best crop of flowers?

There are fast-growing and potentially very tall varieties such as ‘Russian Giant’ and ‘Titan’, with the latter reaching a potential height of up to 360cm or 12ft and having heads of up to 60cm (2ft) in diameter!

There are some delightful miniature or dwarf varieties. The F1 variety ‘Little Dorrit’ grows to about 60cm (2ft) and has rich yellow flowers with very dark centres. Another favourite is ‘Little Leo’ at just 45cm (18in), which makes lots of impact with golden yellow heads on multibranching stems.

Nowadays there are many colours other than yellow readily available, such as ‘Black Magic’, which has maroon flowers and is multi-branching, reaching a height of about 180cm (6ft).

Grow yourself a few for cutting too, and you’ll have a vase or more full of flowers that would cost a fortune in the shops.

Many varieties are suitable,

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including the orangey-brown ‘Velvet Queen’, ‘Black Velvet’ and the bi-coloured and pollenfree ‘Magic Roundabout’.

For containers, ‘Pacino Colada’ is a compact variety growing to just 40cm (16in) and has 10cm (4in) wide golden-yellow flowers, making a wonderful plant for a sunny patio, sheltered balcony or in the flower beds.

Children love a competition to grow the tallest plant and varieties like ‘Russian Giant’ and ‘Giant Single’ are perfect for smaller gardeners, and as they reach heights of about 180cm (6ft) will soon dwarf them!

Sunflowers make a cheap and cheerful addition to a garden boundary, adding splashes of colour to a dreary fence line or helping to mask a garage or shed.

You should get a good crop of blooms if you sow sunflowers between March and May, depending on the weather and where you live. You can sow them straight into the soil or into pots of compost. I like to use RootTrainers to encourage really well-developed and deep roots to develop, and make it easy to plant out the sunflowers with minimum root disturbance; see www.pippagreenwood. com/products/grow-great-crops

/theconnectionmag

for more information.

As their name suggests, sunflowers need plenty of sunshine to thrive. However, although many are tall, each plant does not actually take up much space at ground level.

Slugs and snails love sunflowers so I always grow them in small individual pots and plant them out when they’re a few inches tall. This means they’re bigger and tougher and better able to resist attack. As an added precaution, put a ring of slug-deterring material around the base of each one – crushed shells, crushed eggshells, coco-shell or pine needles for instance.

If you’re growing sunflowers on anything other than a protected site, it may be necessary to give the taller varieties some support in the form of a sturdy bamboo cane or slim stake, just in case the wind blows too strongly!

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 May accompanied by weekly advice and tips from Pippa) plus RootTrainers, Nemaslug, bio-controls, gardening tools, raised bed kits, Grower Frames, signed books and more!

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FENCING Andrew Smith

No job too small or big 30 years experience Mobile 07789 721303 Home 01386 793248 Based in Inkberrow thesmiths@mearselane.co.uk www.inkberrowservices.co.uk

BOOK YOUR MOWER IN FOR WINTER SERVICE

SALES • SERVICE • REPAIR • HIRE

PHIL BASFORD GARDEN MACHINERY

incl. Chainsaws & Hedgecutters Blackminster, Evesham, WR11 7RE www.philbasford.co.uk

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

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01789 774704 07967 506920 LAWN MOWING • GRASS CUTTING • HEDGE TRIMMING • AUTUMN LEAF CLEARING • CHAINSAW CARVINGS

洀椀氀氀 氀愀渀攀 渀甀爀猀攀爀椀攀猀 Passionate about Gardening

䜀爀漀眀攀爀猀 漀昀 猀攀愀猀漀渀愀氀 栀愀渀最椀渀最 戀愀猀欀攀琀猀Ⰰ 戀攀搀搀椀渀最Ⰰ 瀀愀琀椀漀 瀀氀愀渀琀猀 ☀ 洀漀爀攀⸀

䄀氀氀 瀀氀愀渀琀猀 最爀漀眀渀 漀渀 猀椀琀攀Ⰰ 氀愀爀最攀 瘀愀爀椀攀琀礀 猀攀氀攀挀琀椀漀渀Ⰰ 挀漀洀瀀攀琀椀琀椀瘀攀 瀀爀椀挀攀猀⸀ 漀瀀攀渀椀渀最 琀椀洀攀猀㨀 䴀愀爀挀栀ⴀ䨀甀渀攀Ⰰ 匀攀瀀琀攀洀戀攀爀ⴀ一漀瘀攀洀戀攀爀 ㄀ 㨀 愀洀 甀渀琀椀氀 㔀㨀 瀀洀 䴀漀渀搀愀礀ⴀ匀甀渀搀愀礀

匀甀洀 洀攀爀 伀 䈀攀 椀渀最 爀搀攀爀猀 吀愀 欀攀渀 一漀眀

洀椀氀氀 氀愀渀攀Ⰰ 挀氀攀攀瘀攀 瀀爀椀漀爀Ⰰ 眀爀㄀㄀㠀樀稀Ⰰ ㄀㜀㠀㤀 㜀㜀㌀㈀㌀㄀Ⰰ 椀渀昀漀䀀洀椀氀氀氀愀渀攀渀甀爀猀攀爀椀攀猀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀Ⰰ 眀眀眀⸀洀椀氀氀氀愀渀攀渀甀爀猀攀爀椀攀猀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀

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

21

Spectacular Summer Colour at your local Plant Centre!

Bedding & Patio Plants, Hanging Baskets, Tomatoes, Cucumbers & Vegetable Plants, Shrubs, Trees, Alpines, Perennials, Pots, National Garden Gift Vouchers Available Seeds from

Evesham Rd (A441), Cookhill, Alcester, Warks, B49 5JR Tel: 01527 894 111 Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm

22 connectionmags.co.uk

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ColourFence Solihull

Professionally installed fencing, gates & railings For a FREE, no obligation quote & survey contact 0121 439 8924

ColourFence steel fencing solutions are virtually maintenance free, with just an occasional wash down being all that is needed to look as good as new for at least 25 years!* Available, with or without trellis in a range of colours to suit any garden. The best news is that pricing is just as attractive. Starting costs are in line with comparible traditional systems but offer the on going peace of mind that your investment will continue to save time and money year after year. For those of us who love our gardens, ColourFence promise a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment.

ColourFence

The perfect solution for privacy Virtually maintenance free Variety of colours Heights of up to 2.1m Withstand winds of 130mph 25 year guarantee*

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A cost effective alternative to wrought or cast iron railings Ideal for front gardens Variety of ďŹ nishes & colours Bespoke sizes available 10 year guarantee*

T: 0121 439 8924 M: 07592 352765 www.colourfencesolihull.co.uk *full terms & conditions on website or on request

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

23

Bidford Library: Refurbished & Reopened!

B

idford Library and Community Hub will be holding a Grand Re-opening Event on Saturday May 5th following a major overhaul. Many local community and sports groups will be represented, including Men In Sheds who will display bird boxes and other items they have made.

Refreshments will be available for free and entertainment provided

by Bidford Community Choir and McCarthy-Felton Irish Dancers. Bidford Young Firefighters and the Bidford fire engine will also be present (emergencies permitting!).

Success in getting funds from planning gain, related to the recent housing developments in Bidford, has allowed a comprehensive refurbishment of the whole library area. This took place over the Easter holiday and apart from freshening and lightening the library with redecoration and re-carpeting, it has allowed installation of bright new shelving, designed to be easily moved to give a more flexible and inviting space for events and use by local groups. Local schools have helped to design a mural for the new children’s area in a competition sponsored by Warner’s Budgens.

Bidford Library has been run completely by volunteers since it was threatened with closure in April 2012. A rescue operation, led by Bidford Parish Council and involving an impressive number of volunteers, managed to save it for the community. Since then it has gone from strength to strength and, aside from the business of lending books, it is home to a number of regular groups, including Knit and Natter, play reading, creative writing and two readers groups.

24 connectionmags.co.uk

It has run a series of Digital Inclusion sessions for people who want to learn more about using their computers and tablets. The very successful Summer Reading Challenge and its associated activities encourage children to continue their reading during the school holidays. A series of talks and demonstrations on a variety of topics, from Morris Dancing and Tai Chi to Photography, has also proved very successful.

Computers, printing and photocopying facilities are available, which people make good use of for a variety of purposes. Library volunteers have been trained in use of the Warwickshire Directory, which means they have a mine of information at their fingertips and access to a broad range of useful organisations.

The library is grateful for the continued support of organisations such as Bidford Parish Council and Warner’s Budgens. We are proud to have been able to retain for the people of Bidford and surrounding areas the opportunity to borrow books locally and access computers, as well as a space for local groups and organisations to meet.

E

Enj

Please do join us on Saturday 5th May at any time from 10.00am to 12.30pm or pop in to the library to have a look at our new facility. Let us know if you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, booking a space or starting a group.

Our opening hours are: Monday & Tuesday 10-4.30, Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-12 Contact: bidfordlibrary@gmail.com or phone us on 01789 773239.

/theconnectionmag

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C

: & !

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

Food served 12-9pm daily.

We have added some exciting new summer dishes to our menu, as well as the return of many popular Golden Cross favourites.

Full menu available daily, including sharers, sandwiches and pizzas.

Why not try our delicious roasts served every Sunday that include Chef’s huge Yorkshire pudding?

All of our food is home cooked by our talented chef and his team.

BOOK ONLINE OR CALL 01789 772420

Enjoy the Spring Sunshine!

Join us in our beautiful gardens for food, drinks and hopefully plenty of sunshine!

Even when the chilly night air creeps in, you can keep warm outside with our cosy blankets.

Celebrate in Style

Let us cater for your celebrations.

Intimate dining or large gatherings, both indoors and outside. Reserve our marquee, a booth, table in the bar or our whole lounge area for your visit.

Our team will take care of your every need.

Bespoke menus, buffet, hog roast and BBQ available on request.

Please contact Claire for further details.

Daily Deals Are Back!

TUESDAY - SATURDAY Two Meals From Only £12

MONDAY MADNESS

Enjoy any 2 Golden Cross favourites 12-6pm

BURGER TUESDAY

Burger and a pint Choose your burger then add a selected drink for an extra £1

CURRY THURSDAY

Curry and a pint Choose your curry then add a selected drink for an extra £1.

Choose from a selection of Golden Cross Favourites Two for £12 served 12-9pm Minimum of two people must be dining.

PIE WEDNESDAY

Pie and a pint Choose a pie meal then add a selected drink for an extra £1

STEAK FRIDAY

Two steaks and a bottle of wine from £25

SUNDAY ROAST

3 courses for £16.95.

Choose from beef, half a roast chicken, lamb or guest roast. Vegetarian option available. *Daily deals cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Not available on Bank Holidays.

RETIREMENT LIVING AT RICHMOND WOOD NORTON

A stunning new retirement village coming soon to Worcestershire Redefining retirement living, Richmond Wood Norton is a new luxury retirement village located in the beautiful countryside between Evesham and Pershore in Worcestershire.

Providing more than just retirement living, Richmond Wood Norton will offer an aspirational lifestyle. Live free from the stresses of modern living in a community filled with social opportunities, surrounded by like-minded neighbours who also want to get the most out of life.

Call the village advisors to find out more or to book an appointment.

PRICES FROM ÂŁ307,000*

VILLAGE FACILITIES Large 1 & 2 bedroom apartments Restaurant, bar & cafĂŠ Transport service Activities & events team Wellness Spa with pool & gym Hair & beauty salon Landscaped gardens Care team on site 24 hours a day

Call to find out more on: 01386 897388 Richmond Wood Norton Sales Suite, The South Lodge, Evesham Road, Wood Norton, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4TY

www.richmond-villages.com/woodnorton *For further information on leasehold costs, which include a transfer fee and annual service charges, please speak to a village advisor.

Nicola Mcginn Skincare located in Binton, nr stratford

07798 641593

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Over 20 years experience Surgery based in Badsey

01386 833520 07833 595020

Tel: 01386 421700

Hugh Duck Plumber Advert

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

01789 - 490543 07977 - 599582

15/4/16

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(Black plate)

Local Plumber CHIROPODIST Yvonne Hartley

D.S.Ch, M.Inst.Ch.P, HCPC Reg Over 20 years experience

Home Visits & Surgery Based in Badsey ALL PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN 01386 833520 No 07833 job too small • No VAT 595020 Reliable Friendly Service

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

27

New weekly Art Classes come to Bidford!

F

ollowing the successful start of Art Room Broadway, a weekly evening session of Landscape Painting in Broadway, Wickhamfordbased artist and teacher Jen Beetson is looking to establish a similar fun and welcoming group called Art Room Bidford with the additional session of ‘Drawing and Printmaking’.

This year Jen set up The Colour Club; her own independent business as a professional Fine Artist and Art Educator, building on ten years as a secondary school Art Teacher, leaving Stratford Girls’ Grammar School in 2017 after three years as Joint Head of Art. She is passionate about providing space and opportunities for creativity across every age; which currently extends from 18 months to over 70!

Jen also runs Storytelling and Art workshops, After School Animation and Art Clubs, and is now planning Summer Art Courses at Winchcombe School for children age 10+, all in the Gloucestershire area.

“I love the freedom that running my own business has given me. It has allowed me to engage with a really diverse audience that come looking for a sense of creative community. I help them to develop their skills and confidence with materials and we all go home with big smiles on our faces. As a mother to twin toddlers and an 8 year old, it is important for me to maintain a space for my own creativity and, as well as making my paintings, I love to teach!”

Art Room Bidford will take place on Mondays at Crawford Memorial Hall. Drawing and Printmaking will cover a broad range of wet and dry media including pastels, charcoal and inks. You might develop your ideas into lino cuts, monoprints and collographs. Landscape Painting will mainly focus on acrylics after a sound knowledge of colour theory and mixing is gained.

Please contact Jen Beetson or further information: Email: colour-in@hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 07765 156877 For prices and dates please go to www.colourclubspace.space All ages and abilities are welcome!

Craft Club Alcester

Art Room Bidford

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!

New Art Classes run by Artist Jen Beetson Mondays at Crawford Memorial Hall.

Drawing and Printmaking: 10.00-11.45am Landscape Painting: 12.15-1.45pm

From May 2018

www.colourclubspace.space 07765 156 877

Where:

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

When:

The second Monday of the month from 7-9pm (9th January) Follow Craft Club Alcester on Facebook for updates/info.

28 connectionmags.co.uk

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CLEANING & IRONING Hassle Free House Cleaning Services One-off deep cleans • Ironing Service End of Tenancy cleans Fully Insured • DBS Checked For a fast, efficient and convenient service, call Fiona Lilly

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Computer Trouble-shooter Graham Smith For Domestic and Business Users * Local (Bidford)

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• Aga Servicing • Boiler installations • Boiler repairs • Boiler replacements • Boiler servicing • Central heating installations • Energy efficient advice • Heated towel rail fitting • Landlord safety certificates • Leaks • Pump repairs Tel: 01386 871777 Fax: 01386 871776

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

29

Answers on page 59

Answers on page 59

Grooming At Ferns

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

• Fully qualified C&G Level 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

Piano, Music Theory, Exam Accompaniment

01789 763 954

Lifeguard Computer Care For Home & Small Business

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

lifeguardcomputercare.weebly.com Alcester based since 2009

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Furniture, Curios, Bric-a-Brac, TM Antiques, Collectables, SELLER ID: WIZPAN All items You’ll also find us on bought & sold sellingantiques.co.uk ... or call in and look around our Look us up on

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Digital TV Aerials Satellite Dish Installations Sky Distribution Systems Additional TV Points Repairs & Upgrades Contact Mark any HD time on 07981 Freeview HD & Freesat FM & DAB Aerials TV Tuning & Setting Up Visit website for client comments TV Wall Mounting

Free Quotations and Advice lifeguardcomputercare.weebly.co Call Pete on 01789 764118 or 07761 348755

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31

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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 31st May 2018.

Infiniti QX50

by James Baggot

What is it?

Launched in the UK less than 10 years ago, Japanese luxury brand Infiniti is still attempting to establish itself as an alternative to the German trio and struggling to top 3,500 sales a year.

The firm’s latest attempt to change that is a mid-size SUV to tempt buyers away from the BMW X3 or Audi Q5. With smart technology, a distinctive design and a clever new engine, Infiniti is hoping the QX50 will rapidly become the brand’s best-selling car.

What’s new?

The QX50 debuts a number of world-first gadgets. These include dynamic noisecancelling technology in the engine, seats designed in conjunction with NASA, and a petrol engine that promises sports performance with the economy of a diesel.

What’s under the bonnet?

That clever new VC-Turbo engine is a world-first variable compression ratio engine, offering the power of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with the torque and efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel. Currently there are no plans to offer a diesel engine.

The 2.0-litre engine produces 268bhp and 380Nm of torque, whereas a petrol-powered BMW X3 20i offers 184bhp and 290Nm – thus apparently giving the QX50 the upper hand.

34 connectionmags.co.uk

What’s it like to drive?

The engine generates impressive performance, hitting 60mph in 6.3 seconds – two seconds faster than the equivalent BMW – and gives a top speed of 143mph.

Much of the noise it makes is synthetically generated, teetering on the edge of deeply satisfying and incredibly annoying. There’s also a CVT automatic gearbox, which becomes very audible at higher revs.

Although Infiniti’s drive-bywire steering allows the car to do clever things – like independently steer individual wheels, hundreds of time a second – it lacks feel, particularly at slow speeds.

Whether that’ll bother the average buyer remains to be seen.

The QX50’s new chassis and ground-up design has certainly resulted in a quiet and comfortable ride, and a dynamic noise-cancelling engine mount, which stops noise entering the cabin, means it’s calm inside too.

Hit the car’s ProPilot button and it’ll steer for you (but you’ll need to keep a hand on the wheel), speeding up and slowing down with traffic. The Forward Collision Warning system uses radar to spot traffic slowing down and Infiniti says it can even detect a slowing

/theconnectionmag

motorbike hidden in front of an HGV. How does it look?

The QX50 has a welcome and genuinely different design, and the quite hard-on-the-eye look of Infiniti SUVs of past has been toned down.

What’s it like inside?

Inside is where the QX50 really shines. Hand-stitched leather panels, alcantara and a swooping dash give it a luxury feel, and it’s far better packaged than early Infiniti models.

What’s the spec like?

The QX50 is slated to arrive either late this year or very early in 2019, so as such Infiniti is remaining tight lipped about specification and pricing.

Executives did tell us that it would undercut BMW and Audi rivals and it’s likely much of the new technology will be included as standard.

Verdict Infiniti believes the QX50 is the best car it has ever made – and we’d find it hard to argue with them. The clever new VCTurbo engine is impressive, the ride quality and interior finish excellent and we even like the looks. Quite how Brits will react to a petrol-powered SUV with no diesel option remains to be seen, though, and its success will hinge on just how much it undercuts established rivals from the German brands.

@connection_mag

t

SPRING OFFERS

10% OFF BRAKE PADS 10% OFF

SMART REPAIRS

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Offers end 31 May 2018

Let us test your brakes!

Fix those scuffs and scratches!

Get your car ready for spring!

COURTESY CAR OR LOCAL COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE

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

Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm

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www.eveshamselfdrive.co.uk /EveshamSelfDrive To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

35

BACK OF THE NET I said last month that by this time many of the ups and downs would be decided and such is the case. Man City are champions, although I’m sure they woud have loved to have won the title against United. Oh well, never mind eh.

Bad news for local fans - Albion are going down.

Good news - Wolves will replace them. Villa could also be going up and, at the time of writing this, there’s an outside chance of automatic promotion, but they would need to win their remaining games for that to happen and Cardiff and Fulham would have to drop points.

Bad news - Blues are teetering on the brink of relegation to the third tier for the first time since 1994. Good news - Coventry are still in with a chance of promotion via the play-offs.

Cheltenham are also safe in mid table for another season in League 2.

Further afield, I want to give a mention to

“Accrington Stanley... who are they?”

Accrington Stanley, a team many of us will associate with a television advertisement for milk back in the 80s (google it). Having dropped out of the Football League in 1962, they reformed and bounced back in 2005. Next season will see them in their highest position ever, having never previously been above the fourth tier. Many at the club, players and back room staff, will have ‘put in a shift’ to get them this far.

Last season’s total home attendance was only 36,978. But I want to mention their striker, Billy Kee. Not just because he’s their highest scorer, or because he’s been named League Two player of the season, but because of his struggle with depression. His video interview (‘The rat inside my head’, BBC website), is inspiring and I’m sure will be a help to many people, not just footballers, who will empathise with Billy. The club have supported him brilliantly and it shows a different side of the game to what we are used to seeing and hearing at the top level, week in, week out. Well done Accrington Stanley!

Good luck to you and your team for the rest of the season.

Till next month...

Back of the net!

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VEHICLE SCRATCH & SCUFF REPAIRS

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

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OPENING TIMES DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL WORKS

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

37

View From The Boundary

A

nother winter over. Another spring is here. Another cricket season is upon us. Another period of prolonged rainfall and overcast conditions; the two go perfectly hand in hand.

Following a disastrous winter’s test cricket for England, I can only hope on a personal note that the coming season in the local leagues bears more fruit for some of our local clubs.

The Cotswold Hills League commences on 5th May with both Exhall & Wixford and Alcester & Ragley looking to compete for Premier Division honours. Exhall especially seeking to reclaim the title they last won in 2015.

Further down the divisions, Temple Grafton, Bidford on Avon, Great Alne and Welford on Avon are all seeking success, Great Alne specifically looking to build on last year’s promotion to Division Four where they’ll

encounter local rivalries against Bidford and Exhall’s second string.

Elsewhere, both Cookhill and Harvington will compete in Division Five of the Worcestershire County League after both clubs earned promotion following their 2017 exploits.

As ever, local cricket is not just limited to the adults; many of the local sides host junior teams and coaching, with several clubs again running the ECB promoted All Stars Cricket for children aged from 5 to 8. This scheme proved to be hugely successful in 2017, offering a structured introduction to cricket for all youngsters who are interested.

W T Y N

If anyone is keen on playing this summer, just let us know and we’ll be sure to put you in touch with a local side. Here’s to a summer of sunshine!

DELANCEY DEVELOPMENTS.COM Professional Local Builder Specialising in all aspects of building:

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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALCESTER Malicious or nuisance phone calls Nuisance calls are calls that are not indecent, threatening or offensive, but which cause annoyance or anxiety. Silent calls or calls at unsociable hours are two examples.

Malicious calls are calls that are offensive or threatening harassment - to cause fear and distress. Malicious calls may involve more serious offences such as blackmail or threats to damage property.

General advice • Don’t give your name or number when you answer a call. Just say ‘hello’.

A genuine caller is very likely to begin the conversation and identify themselves. • Don’t give out personal information about yourself or people you live with unless you know the caller well. • Use an answer machine/voicemail to screen your incoming calls. • After the call, press 1471 on your phone keypad to find out the caller’s number. If necessary, callers can still be traced even if they have used the ‘141 number withheld’ facility. Ask your phone service provider for details. • Avoid leaving your name or your number on an answering machine. • If a caller asks your number, ask them which number they were looking for. • Your answering machine/voicemail should only say that you are unable to take the call at the moment. • If you live alone, consider saying ‘We can’t take your call at the moment’, instead of ‘I can’t take your call at the moment’ when you record your answering machine/voicemail opening message • Having a male voice reading a message on your answering machine/voicemail may also deter some malicious callers. • If you’re a single female, don’t put ‘Miss’ in the phone book. If you are a woman, do not give details of your sex or marital status in the phone book. Use your initials instead of your first name. • Consider going ex-directory or changing your phone number. • Make sure that your children know not to give out any personal details over the telephone.

Report malicious / obscene calls Making a malicious or obscene call is a criminal offence. Don’t suffer in silence - report malicious or obscene phone calls to the police. • If you have received several malicious calls in a short space of time, or believe that the calls are related to other criminal activity, please call 101, the 24-hour police non-emergency number. • If you believe that you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If calls are severe

and persistent, then prosecutions can be made under harassment laws and offences are made more serious by other factors, such as racism or psychological harm to victims.

Report nuisance calls Nuisance calls can often be resolved without the police having to get involved. • Call the Nuisance Call Bureau - 0800 661 441. • Call the BT advice line - 0800 666 700 - you will hear a recorded message which runs 24 hours a day. • Or call your phone service provider. If the nuisance calls persist and you believe that the calls could be related to other criminal activity, or if they cause the victim particular distress, the police may consider investigating them as potential harassment.

What to do if you receive a nuisance call • Never get involved in a conversation. • Put the handset down near to the phone and walk away.

Return in ten minutes and replace the handset.

This is very frustrating for the caller and you probably won’t be bothered again. • Tell your family and those who live with you about the nuisance call.

What to do if you receive a malicious call • Keep calm. Try not to sound anxious or distressed. Sadly, most malicious callers enjoy the feeling of causing distress to their victims - if you deny them that feeling then they are less likely to continue. • Do not enter into a conversation with the malicious caller or respond to them emotionally. • If they are silent, do not try to persuade them to speak. • Take control.

If the phone rings again, wait for any callers to identify themselves before you speak. Genuine callers will speak fist. If it is the malicious caller, put the handset down calmly and ignore it for a few minutes before hanging up. • If you can, unplug your phone (and any extension phones) for a short while afterwards. • Keep a record of times and dates that you receive the calls. Keep pen and paper next to the telephone to note what was said, and any other features that you notice about the calls - background noise, for example.

• If you receive a malicious call to your mobile phone, keep a record (as above) and keep all caller numbers or IDs - don’t delete them.

• Don’t delete any malicious message that you receive on your answering machine/voicemail.

If your service provider only saves voicemail messages for a limited time, find out what these time limits are.

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

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@connection_mag

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

Painter & Decorator

Interior and Exterior BRIAN SMITH

Call 01789 772077 or 07790 087219 for a free estimate

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEETING AND COMMUNICATIONS 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 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.

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

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Unit 21, Weston Ind. Est., Honeybourne, WR11 7QB

office@broadmark.co.uk

www.broadmark.co.uk

BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA has great pleasure in presenting

FINDING YOUR FEET

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

Film Certificate: 12A Running time 111 mins + interval

Film Certificate: 15 Running time 115 mins + interval

Ticket price: £2.50 per person

Ticket price: £2.50 per person

Friday 4 May at 7pm

Friday 25 May 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

42 connectionmags.co.uk

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If you are looking for an adventure on the waves, which includes the atmosphere and character of traditional sailing but still with the comfort and luxury found on most modern cruises, then look no further.

There are 3 vessels to choose from: Star Clipper, Star Flyer and Royal Clipper, which are three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. These four and five-mast ships really do make a lasting impression on anyone who sails on them and most certainly leaves you feeling nostalgic for the days when these kinds of vessels ruled the oceans.

The ports visited are often untouched by larger cruise ships, with lots of varied destinations including the Caribbean, South East Asia, The Panama Canal and – closer to home – the east and western Mediterranean.

Star Clippers offers passengers activities, amenities and the atmosphere of a private yacht, and with only 170 passengers on Star Clipper there is a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew. The inspired chefs on board make dining a delightful culinary adventure with an international menu from all corners of the Earth.

All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, and a convivial Tropical Bar where everyone meets early evening to talk about their adventures of the day. There is also a comfortable piano bar to enjoy a cocktail.

The unique feature of Clipper is

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that passengers can get involved with sailing the ship if they wish. You can climb the crow’s nest and help with pulling in the ropes or watch the crew repair the sails from time to time. For the more energetic, there are water sports available, such as kayaks, snorkelling and windsurfing.

If you are looking for a holiday to celebrate an anniversary or special birthday and you want a lasting memory then a voyage on board one of Clippers’ vessels is a must!

The 2019 preview brochure will be in our offices very soon so why not pop in for your copy.

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To advertise call 01789 491005 or email 43 Visit: please www.carricktravel.com Email:info@connectionmags.co.uk enquiries@carricktravel.com

Cusco The Inca Capital in Peru

By Solange Hando The Incas got it right. Up in the Andes, this was a great location for their capital, a remote plateau ringed by mountains and blessed by fertile valleys.

Even today Cusco appears almost unreal, a hidden city basking in subtropical highlands at 3,400 metres. Eucalyptus rise in the thin mountain air, red-roofed houses clamber up the lower slopes and the sound of Andean flutes echoes along the streets.

Little is known about the early Killke settlers but the first Incas arrived in the 1200s, led by Manco Capac whose origins remain shrouded in legend.

The city reached its apogee from 1438 onwards when, after defeating the Chacas, Pachacuti came to power. Ninth ruler and ‘world shaker’, he transformed the Inca kingdom into one of the world’s greatest empires and rebuilt the capital with highways, irrigation channels, terraced gardens, ceremonial plaza with a goldcovered altar, magnificent Temple of the Sun and other major buildings near the Saphi stream, the mythical origins of Cusco.

That’s where the Spanish conquistadors entered the heart of the city in 1533, described by

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their leader Francisco Pizarro as ‘very noble and great’ with palaces, regular streets and a temple studded with gold, ‘fabulous beyond belief’. The Incas attempted to regain control in 1536 but failed after a ten months siege. Now the time had come to build churches, convent, cathedral and more, using the old Inca walls as foundations. Earthquakes have often damaged the Spanish buildings but Inca walls survived and in 1983 Cusco became a Unesco site for its combined Inca and colonial heritage.

The Santo Domingo Convent and Church is a striking example, built originally on the sacred site of Coricancha and the most important Temple of the Sun. Today one can still sense the haunting presence of the Incas drifting along the pre-Hispanic walls. Other popular churches include La Merced and the Jesuits’, both famous for their Cusco Baroque style, while in the cathedral the Quechua builders, descendants of the Incas, made sure they left their mark. Guides will point out the suggestive phallic symbols, dear to the Incas, carved on the choir stalls but most surprising of all is the 18th century painting of the Last Supper. Forget bread and wine,

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here Jesus and the apostles are sharing Andean cheese, local fruit and a guinea pig, the traditional Peruvian dish.

The cathedral opens on the Plaza de Armas, the colourful central square, which hosts two stunning festivals in June, the religious Feast of Corpus Christi and on the 24th - the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere - the Inca Festival of the Sun. A gentle stroll from the plaza, the artisans’ district of San Blas is a different world, winding through a maze of steps and alleyways where a mysterious twelve-angled stone holds pride of place in one of the best-preserved Inca walls.

But on the hilltop above town, the largest stones of any Inca archaeological site are found in the Saksayhuman fortress, built by the Killke then massively extended by Pachacuti. Meanwhile, just along the path, a giant statue of Christ looks down on the old capital still shaped like a puma, the sacred animal of the Incas. With its rich heritage and vibrant colours, Cusco is indeed a lovely place to explore before heading to Machu Picchu on the scenic rail journey or one of the high altitude treks for the truly adventurous.

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Bidford Boat Services Fancy a day on the river?

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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.

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Bands at the Broom Music, Beer & Cider Festival th

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Answers on page 59.

QUICK CROSSWORD

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4 Star sign (5)

16 Dash of liquid (6)

5 Artist's workroom (6)

18 Find (6)

6 Local languages (8)

19 Extreme pain (5)

12 Toward a lower place (8)

22 Stolen valuables (4)

Quiz: DANCING 1. Which dance has a name that means “two step” in Spanish 2. The title characters in with famous poem went “hand in hand on the edge of the sand” and “danced by the light of the moon”?

3. In 1996, which song gave Los Del Rio their biggest hit and led to a new dance craze?

4. Name the two dances that feature in the NATO phonetic alphabet.

5. In which 1980s film does a teenager called Ren McCormack move to a small town where dancing has been banned?

6. Who created and choreographed the original Riverdance?

7. Which 1980 hit single by the Gap Band is typically danced to by sitting on the floor in rows and performing a rhythmic rowing action?

8. With over 1,000 complaints, an advert featuring “Gary the bodyguard” was the most complained about TV advert in the UK in 2016, with viewers saying Gary’s dance moves were overtly sexual and not suitable to be seen by children. What website was this advertising?

9. Which Spanish dance features in the lyrics to the number one hit singles ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ by Procul Harem and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen?

10. The ‘Infernal Galop’ from Jacques Offenbach’s ‘Orpheus In The Underworld’ is a tune that is most associated with which dance?

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. . . g n i ? n u n o u Y R g n i ’s Stopp What

I

am not a runner. I can’t even run for a bus. I am too old to run. There are many myths around running that could stop us from doing it but they need not.

Myth 1 - I’m not a runner Everybody has to start somewhere. Take it slowly at first and don’t be afraid to walk when you need to. Try following a ‘Couch to 5km’ plan if you need a little guidance and motivation. You can even download a training podcast to listen to as you go.

Myth 2 - I don’t have the time Work, family, house, volunteering, hobbies… we are all busy. But, in the time it takes to pull on your trainers, get out of the door and jog or run for 30 minutes, you’ll have made a massive difference to your health. Getting active regularly gives you the energy to make the most of the time you do have.

Myth 3 - Running is bad for your knees As long as you have suitable running shoes, increase your distance gradually and stretch for at least five minutes afterwards, there is no particular reason that running should cause joint pain. A recent study by Arthritis Care and Research actually showed that the people who ran the most had the least knee pain. Jogging can help you to lose weight, build strength and improve your balance, all of which can help alleviate or avoid aches and pains.

Myth 4 - I don’t look good in Lyrca You don’t need the latest activewear to get active. Whatever you feel comfortable in goes. A

48 connectionmags.co.uk

decent pair of trainers and, for women, a good sports bra is all you need.

Myth 5 - I’m too old to start running Yes, our body changes as we get older. But, as long as you listen to it and start gently there is no reason why you couldn’t try taking it for a jog.

Despite what we may think, it is important to realise that your physical ability need not decline significantly (especially between age 30-60) as long as you continue to make it work. Exercise has been described as the elixir of life. Why not give it a go?!

If you would like to find out more about how to start running, improve your running technique, or book some one-to-one training, contact Sally Wilkinson, UKA Running Coach, trail runner, mum and lover of the outdoors at : hello@runsallyrun.co.uk run_sallyrun

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49

Alcester Town Council� MAY 2018

Alcester Annual Parish Meeting The Annual Parish Meeting was held on 3 April at the Town Hall.

The Mayor of Alcester, Cllr Yvette Morrison chaired the meeting and gave a report on the year’s activities of the Town Council.

The main issues reported were that the rise in the precept had been kept to 2% for the year 2018-19; new CCTV had been installed at the Jubilee Centre; £10,000 of grants had been paid to community groups and societies; a town emergency exercise had been organised; defibrillator training had been arranged; the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group had been reformed and the Health and Wellbeing Board had identified three priorities for the forthcoming year – namely continuation of the older people and loneliness project, mental health of children and young people and support for carers (including young carers).

Accounts were presented from the Town’s charities – the Court Leet, Church Street Properties, Alcester Community Trust, Alcester War Memorial Town Hall, and Newport’s School Foundation.

The Mayor then opened the floor to the Town’s groups and societies to present on their activities.

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 8 May Planning - Monday 14 May Community Care - Tuesday 15 May Community Facilities - Tuesday 22 May Presidium - Tuesday 29 May 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:

Alcester Town Council offices: Globe House, Priory Road, Alcester B49 5DZ Access is 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

Reports were received from Alcester Daycare, Rotary Alauna, Alcester Vallet Twinning Do you have a few hours to spare?

Association, Alcester Singers, Alcester Friends VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR: of Cancer Research, Alcester Male Voice BEE ON-LINE the new computer group that Choir, Alcester Dementia Café, Food Festival, aims to help older people develop computerOversley Green Residents Association, Alcester based skills on Wednesday mornings Junior Drama, Alcester Youth Council, Alcester COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT- new initiative! and District Local History Society, Heartsafe, Watch this space!

Royal British Legion and the Greig Trust.

For further info please contact Wendy on: The Mayor thanked everyone who attended and 01789 766084 or email: info@alcester-tc.org.uk invited them to stay for refreshments.

50 connectionmags.co.uk

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51

Bidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire

BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA Please check the Parish Council website for confirmation. Also see page 42.

Friday 4th May @ 7.00 pm, FINDING YOUR FEET (12A). Early release British film starring Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, David Hayman & Joanna Lumley.

Friday 25th May @ 7.00 pm THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) 2018 Oscar winning film starring Frances Dorman (2018 Oscar winner) Woody Harrelson & Sam Rockwell.

You can see a trailer online of the film being screened – just click and watch! All films are screened at the Crawford Memorial Hall, Salford Road. Ticket Office opens at 6.30 pm and prices remain at only £2.50 Refreshments are available courtesy of your local Warners Budgens.

BIG MEADOW As precept payers, Bidford-on-Avon parish residents (Barton, Bidford, Broom and Marlcliff) are eligible for a FREE CAR PASS. Application forms can be obtained from the Parish Council Office or online at http://www.bidfordonavon-pc. gov.uk/pdfs/bigmeadow-carpass.pdf Regular visitors from outside the parish, are able to obtain a “Fifth Visit” free card from the Parish council Office, Bramley Way, B50 4QG – cost is £10.00.

ANNUAL VINTAGE GATHERING EVENT is taking place on the Big Meadow the weekend of 12/13th May. This popular local event is a great family outing offering a variety of exhibitions, stalls and shows for every age – come and support it!

BUSINESS & RESIDENTS VILLAGE CENTRE USERS SURVEY Thank you to all those that have taken the trouble to complete the surveys inrespect of the future of the British Legion site. Although an initial report has been made, People & Places Insight Ltd are keen to receive more input, especially from people working from home - the more information received, the better informed the report.

Business: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BidOAFS18

52 connectionmags.co.uk

Resident/village centre user: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BoAVCUS18 BIDFORD COMMUNITY LIBRARY The library re-opened on Friday 20thApril following a complete refurbishment and is looking, well, WOW! Well worth a visit. The new layout allows for more and better use of the library as a Community Hub and other activities.

MEETINGS Monday 14th May @ 7.30pm, Planning Consultative Committee Meeting.

Monday 21st May @ 7.30pm, Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, followed by the ordinary monthly Meeting.

All meetings, which are open to the public, are held at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Bramley Way, B50 4QG. BIDFORD EMAIL INFORMATION - Do you want to keep abreast of local information? An information email is sent weekly, with weather and other updates as suitable. To sign up to this simply email the Clerk at info@bidfordonavonpc.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.

SOCIAL MEDIA - you can also keep informed by following us on Facebook (Bidford on Avon) and Twitter @Bidford_PC. PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS Clerk to the Parish Council – Mrs. Elisabeth Uggerløse.

Parish Council Office is located in Bramley Way, in the same building as the library. The Office is open to the public 10.00 am – 3.00 pm daily except Thursdays, when opening hours are 1.30 – 4.30 pm. If you are unable to attend during these hours, please contact the Clerk to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Tel No. 01789 778653 / 07718 628 925 email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk website address: www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk Parish Councillors – a list of Parish Councillors contact details is posted on the notice boards, and can also be found online www.bidfordonavonpc.gov.uk/councillors.htm.

Elisabeth Uggerlose - Clerk to the Parish Council email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk 01789 778653 or 07718 628925

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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.

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48 High Street, B95 5AN

Call us for immediate support, advice or a home visit.

We are here to help 24 hours a day. www.hemmingandpeace.co.uk Members of the National Association of Funeral Directors

st

ns

ectors

Accredited Installer

For all your heating and plumbing needs...

Call us on 01789 766200 www.agsgaslimited.co.uk

Hills Wills HOME VISIT WILL WRITING SERVICE Have your Will written by your local member of The Institute of Professional Willwriters

All meetings conducted in the privacy and comfort of your own home Also specialists in preparation and registration of

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY To arrange a home visit consultation or receive a free information pack regarding making a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney Telephone: 01527 850775

Email: info@hillswills.co.uk

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

55

community events & what’s on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 12th of the month 3rd Alcester Brownies - Taster Evening

3rd Alcester Brownies invite girls aged 6 and 7, along with an accompanying adult, to a 'Brownie Taster Evening' on Friday 4th May commencing at 6:15 pm. Come along and find out what our Brownie Pack gets up to each week.

For further information, or to book a place, please email stephanie.brownies@greengables.me.uk

Bidford Community Library

The Library re-opened on Friday 20th April and, to celebrate, there will be a Grand Re-opening drop-in event on Saturday 5th May, from 10am to 12.30 pm, with free refreshments and entertainment. Do drop in and see your new library! Contact 01789 773239 or bidfordlibrary@gmail.com.

Salford Priors Ladies Group

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

Wednesday 9th May. Tesco Evesham Community Officer, Lindsay Roach, will be the speaker. 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, meeting for lunch every month at Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 9th May, 12.15 for 12.45, when David Morgan will talk about the National Garden Scheme. We welcome visitors and new members. Contact Secretary Cynthia Hill on 01789 763446.

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 May meeting is on Thursday 10th. This is our annual Resolutions Meeting where we discuss the resolution which will be debated at the national AGM. This year the subject is mental health so do join us if you are interested, although only members may vote. The debate will be followed by a social time.

Members and friends are most welcome.

Bidford on Avon WI We meet at 7.30pm on 10th May at Bidford

Methodist Church. The Resolution about mental health will be discussed. Members will be asked to prepare at the meeting a miniature flower arrangement in a tea cup. Own tea cup to be brought – oasis, greenery and flowers will be provided. Should be a fun evening! If you would like more information please contact Ann 01789772409 or Pauline 01789 773390.

Bidford Dementia Café

The Irish Dancing (rearranged from St Patrick's Day) will be on Sunday 13th May in St. Laurence Church, Bidford at 3 pm. Tickets purchased for the original show can be used and others can be bought at the same price, £6 adults, £3 for children. Call 07713

56 connectionmags.co.uk

648716 for tickets.

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 14th May, when we will have a demonstration by Sophie O'Keefe, 'New York, New York'. Visitors welcome Contact Chairman, Mrs Brenda Kirkman 01789 778669.

Cookhill Garden Club

Our next meeting is at 7.30p.m Wednesday 16th May at Cookhill Village Hall when our guest speakers will be Nancy & Arthur Phillips with a presentation, "All about fuchsias". Both are Fuchsia judges and Arthur is a past President of the British Fuchsia Society. New comers are always welcome. Further information on www. cookhillgarden.club Bidford & District Gardening Society Visitors are very welcome to join us on Thursday, 17th May for a talk entitled "Fruit Selection and Maintenance" by Richard Baldwin, an ex Senior Lecturer in Horticulture at Pershore College. All meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7.45 pm in the Crawford Hall, Bidford. Visitors: £3, including refreshments. For further details please ring 01789 268974 or go to www.bidfordgardens.com

Bidford & District History Society

Friday 18th May, 7.30pm, Crawford Hall, Salford Road, Bidford, B50 4EZ. "With our backs to the Wall - Victory and Defeat in 1918", a talk by Spencer Jones.

Alcester Baptist Church

378th Church Anniversary Flower Festival on Saturday 19th May. 10.30am - 4pm, with tea, coffee & biscuits served all day. 12 noon - 2pm Ploughman's Lunches. Donations for Baptist Home Mission Fund, which supports churches in the UK. Handmade greetings card stall.

378th Church Anniversary Service at 10.30am on Sunday 20 May. All are welcome.

Alcester & District Men’s Probus

Alcester Mens Probus is a group of retired business men meeting on the 4th Wednesday of the month in a semi-informal and light hearted atmosphere for lunch followed by a guest speaker. Meetings are at Kings Court Hotel, Alcester 12:15 for 12:30 and May's meeting is on the 23rd. New members always receive a warm welcome. Full details of membership are available by email: jackwinder2011@btinternet.com.

Alcester Garden Walkabout

Sunday, June 17th in aid of Cancer Research UK. Enjoy a beautiful & peaceful afternoon discovering over 20 'hidden' gardens in the centre of Alcester.

Plants, teas , ice-creams. Tickets £5 on sale in Church St. from 12 noon until 5 pm. (Sorry no dogs allowed in the gardens). For more info, call 01789 764756.

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The support we receive from local businesses & individuals, whether it is donating produce or raffle prizes, displaying our notices or attending our events, means we, in turn, can offer support where needed. Here are some of the charities & organisations WE have helped, with YOUR help ABLE

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Our friendly & informal meetings take place on Thursday mornings for breakfast at Kings Court Hotel, Alcester. Guests very welcome. For info please contact Sue: sue@invictusuk.com or 01527 854 723

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 May

Every Mon Every Mon Every Thurs Every Thurs Fri 4th Tue 17th Sat & Sun 12/13th

6pm - 8pm 7pm - 8.30pm 6.45pm - 9pm 8.15pm - 9.45pm 7.30pm - 11pm 7.30pm - 10pm 10am - 4pm

Weight Watchers - Ms. F. Swift, 07540 584984.

Martial Arts Club - Mr T Moore 07491 673608.

Arrow Action Group (Special Needs) - Mrs J. Appleby, 01527 893684.

Tai Chi Classes - Jane Bowen, 01789 763866.

Gentleman’s Dinner - David Parkes 07718 699870.

Alcester Town Hall talk (TH 400 birthday) - Susan Juned 01789 762751.

TH 400 birthday exhibition - free entry.

Bidford Playreading Group

Monday 21st May 7pm at Bidford Community Library, Bramley Way, Bidford. £2 includes tea and biscuits.

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.

Bidford Royal British Legion

We do not have a club now but we still have a strong branch, meeting on the first Wednesday of the month and we stil have a well supported and well planned Remembrance Sunday service. For more information email aonens@btinternet.com or call 01789 778957.

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.

Sudoku solutions

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 5th May, 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.

Easy grid

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(see page 6)

58 connectionmags.co.uk

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Puzzle BREAK answers Quick Crossword

Across: 7 Starchy vegetable (6), 8 Keep hold of (6), 9 Dish (4), 10 Quickly (8), 11 Modified (7), 13 Shell (5), 15 Swivel round (5), 17 Type of sword (7), 20 Semi-darkness (8), 21 Serene (4), 22 Breeze, 23 Jail (6), 24 Idea (6).

Down: 1 Single handed (4), 2 Hit very hard (6), 3 Bragged (7), 4 Star sign (5), 5 Artist’s workroom (6), 6 Local languages (8), 12 Toward a lower place (8), 14 Fastenings (7), 16 Dash of liquid (6), 18 Find (6), 19 Extreme pain (5), 22 Stolen valuables (4).

Dancing quiz

1. Paso Doble 2. The Owl And The Pussycat (by Edward Lear) 3. Macarena 4. Foxtrot and Tango 5. Footloose 6. Michael Flatley 7. Oops Up Side Your Head 8. MoneySuperMarket.com 9. Fandango 10. The can-can

Children’s answers: The two planes that are the same are ‘A & C’.

• • • • • •

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Pete Roderick

For all your Chimney & Flue requirements call

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

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

SPREAD THE COST OF A NEW BOILER WITH INTEREST FREE FINANCE Up to TEN YEAR GUARANTEE on Worcester Bosch boilers installed by your local Worcester Accredited Installer Book your appointment now for a free, no obligation quotation

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We also service and install oil boilers and carry out a wide range of plumbing and heating services

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

59

D R I V E W AY & L A N D S C A P E S O L U T I O N S Henley in Specialists Arden: 01564 in 330 616 Stratford: 01789 508 660 Solihull: 0121 607 8834 Brickwork Tarmac Driveways Mobile: 07785 507 103 Email: Drivecoltd@gmail.com

Garden Design Patios Contact us today for a FREE DESIGN & FREE QUOTATION

CleanCheck & Seal Drives & website Relay Drives out samples of our workLift on our www.DriveCoLtd.com Fences

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DriveCoLtd@gmail.com Head Office: Forward House, 17 High Street, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire B95 5AA

Branches throughout the West Midlands

Company Reg No 6010375

www.DriveCoLtd.com 60 connectionmags.co.uk

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@connection_mag

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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

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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.

C

P &

M

Prices are per advert per month

Page Size (mm)

1-3 months

6 months

11 months

Eighth (62 x 44)

£25

£23

£22

Quarter (62 x 90)

£44

£41

£38

Half (128 x 90 or 62 x 185)

£78

£73

£68

Full (148 x 210)

£130

£120

£110

Premium Pages Page 2 or 3

£87/£160 (half/full)

Page 5

£85/£150 (half/full)

Page 7

£80/£145 (half/full)

Centre

£160/£290 (one/both)

Back Cover

£250

Inside Back Cover

£150

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

Leaflet Printing

Please contact us for a quote

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.

connectionmags.co.uk 62 info@connectionmags.co.uk

01789 491005 /theconnectionmag

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63

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