The Connection Magazine Sept '18

the

c connection o

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages

SALFORD PRIORS

magazine

Sept ‘18 No. 131

New Play Park

DELICIOUS!

Ham, Pepper & Feta Flan Recipe

SPORT

Cricket Season Ends As Football Kicks Off

COMMUNITY | LOCAL BUSINESS | ARTICLES

Sanders&Sanders

See inside back page for your local Sales & Lettings

T: 01789 766771

www.sanders-sanders.co.uk

ESTATE AGENTS

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3

Useful phone numbers Doctors / Health

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

Hospitals

Redditch Hospital Stratford Hospital Warwick Hospital

Emergency

Emergency Services Alcester Police BT Fault Electric Power Loss Gas Emergency

Others

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

Schools

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

Councils

Alcester Town Council Bidford Parish Council Stratford Dist Council

763060 763293 773372 111 08457 909090

01527 503030 205831 01926 495321

999 or 112 444816 08008 00151 08004 04090 08001 11999

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

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

766084 778653 267575

Welcome ... to the September Connection

...and farewell to the summer holidays, although what a summer it has been. I hope you’ve emerged without too many funny-looking tan lines after the heatwave.

We return after our month-long hiatus with our busiest edition to date. We feel very lucky to have had so many requests for community news and event coverage, and even moreso to be recognised by approximately 100 local businesses as an effective way to get noticed across our lovely communities.

Events to watch out for this month include the now infamous Bidford Bash on 15th (p.43) and the Fulke Greville Festival, celebrating Alcester’s most famous Elizabethan, on 28th-30th (p.46). Bidford Cinema has not one, but two films this month (p.42) and there’s many other fantastic clubs and events listed in our Community pages (p.56-58).

If any of our readers or their relatives from this area are enrolling in further education this year, dont forget to apply for any grants for which you many be eligible. There’s two on page 59 that could give you a helping hand with finances.

As the summer draws to a close, so does the cricket season.

View from the Boundary (p.36) is here to update you on what’s been happening at your local clubs, whilst Back of the Net (p.38) returns with a season opening write up for all you football fans.

We’d like to pass on congratulations once again to Alcester Musical Theatre Company on another recent accolade. You can find out more about it and their upcoming performance of My Fair Lady on page 44.

For those families with children who need to wear off any pent up energy from sitting at school all day, have you visited Salford Priors’ new play park as yet? Take a look at the photos on page 30. It certainly looks like it’s getting plenty of use already!

And finally, as if all the above wasn’t enough, we have our Recipe page (p.10), Sudoku (p.6), a light-hearted Motoring article (p.34), window box advice on the Gardening page (p.20) and a rather good article on the priceless effects of encouragement from Heads Up Now (p.14).

Wishing you all a wonderful September. Good luck to all the new school starters (and to any emotional parents!).

Until next month...

Amy

October Copy Deadline: Friday 14th September

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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Not so easy grid

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#GetTheHeadsUp They kept coming, so we kept cheering.

Sometimes they were solo, sometimes they ran in clusters, feet kicking up dust, shadows shrunken by a fierce sun. Each person had a race number pinned to their front, a number now blotted by sweat, dirt and water. Their number as indecipherable as their thoughts or speech.

My children and I were part of the volunteer team at the event, in Hornchurch Essex.

An event which was easier to watch than participate in, for it involved 24 hours of continuous running around a country park, each loop an undulating 5.8 miles. Some participated in small teams, others ran solo, from midday on the Saturday through to noontime Sunday. The sun blistered skin, in addition to blistered feet, so when my eldest son found a spray bottle at our ‘Marshal Station’ and offered runners “free showers” by squirting water directly into their faces, this was happily received. Some passed and surrendered to the drizzle of droplets.

Why am I telling you this? Because during the hours of marshalling - which mainly involved simple tasks of endless clapping, pointing the way and collecting litter - my youngest son came up with a game. He wanted to find out as many runners’ names as he could.

“Hey, what’s your name?” he’d ask, and Race No. 18 would say “Er…Mick”. “Hey, what’s your name?” my son would ask the next runner, and Race No. 35 would say “Oh, me? Um. Oh, I’m Michelle”. It seems endurance running slows down the name recall function.

In the work of Nancy Kline, pioneer of the Thinking Environment, Nancy has identified, through empirical observation over the last four decades, the components which, when present, help people think, feel and perform at their best. For example, when people are treated as equal rather than as inferior - hey presto! - their thinking and performance improves. Same goes with offering people non-interrupted attention.

One of the other components which makes a big difference is encouragement. This won’t surprise you, I hope, but just pause - where and when today did you hear encouragement? Where and with whom did you speak some? (You probably did, okay this isn’t a test).

Encouragement. In our news-frenzied world, saturated with social media comparisons and polarised views on Brexit, Love Island and Gareth Southgate’s waistcoat encouragement might be in short supply. But it is always available, and always welcome. We think - and run - better with it.

Picture it: Each time, on lap 19, then lap 20… (do the maths as to the miles these guys were running), when my children spotted another solo runner they’d seen before, they began to sing - not just yell - but SING their name!

Consider it: You’ve been running almost non-stop for 24 hours (save for a loo break, to pop a blister and scoff a croissant), your feet are crumbling in the heat, you can barely remember your own name and then… from out behind a bush three young children burst out, and sing about how glorious you are!

Some runners became tearful. One stopped and just soaked in the (slightly out-of-tune) anthem, an oasis of positivity to ease his pain.

Many of us will not attempt to run over 100 miles in one go. This is called sanity. It’s okay.

But we all know times in our life when we feel starved of encouragement. As a parent, a boss, a sibling, a partner. So, who could you cheer on today? Who could you text, call or speak to, right now, to encourage: “You know what, I think you’ve done so well with…”; “Hey, I was just thinking about what a difference you made when…”; “I’ve been meaning to say, you really inspired me when you…”

You don’t have to sing your words of encouragement, unless you want to. If you want a song about you, then try running 100 miles in the summertime. I know three kids who will cheer you on.

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

You deserve it

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18 connectionmags.co.uk

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All change at Transformers

A

n exciting transformation has happened on Alcester’s High Street.

Alex and Prue Banks’s salon, Transformers, has had a grand make-over and name change, and is now operating as Sweeney Todd.

Together with entrepreneur and business owner Sue McLaughlin — the brains behind ‘Sweeney Todd’ in Pershore and ‘Heaven Wellbeing’ in Lower Quinton — they have created a truly innovative new salon offering regulars and prospective new clients an even more sensational place to go for stunning great looks and locks.

At the new Sweeney Todd, Sue will be working alongside Alex, offering her great expertise in hair colouring and hair therapy, which treats hair and scalp health, specialising in thinning and hair loss. Sue is highly trained and experienced in both areas, with an evident passion to inspire clients to take control of their hair and enjoy the look they’ve always dreamed of. Most importantly for the team is that their clients come away with the hair and colour that best suits them, and their lifestyle.

Also joining the team will be stylists Lisa and Helen, who have a wealth of experience in hairdressing. Specialising in colour and cutting, Lisa has a proven talent for creating beautiful blondes and wedding hair. Helen, too, is a highly respected hairdresser, having worked in the area before working in Stratford.

Not to mention the continued professional hair styling offered by Alex’s original team, Megan, who’s returning after maternity leave, and Chelsea. Sweeney Todd will offer beauty services including waxing, threading, microblading, tinting, eyelash extensions and gel nails.

Sue says, “At Sweeney Todd we pride ourselves on the unique talents of every member of our team, and on matching their skills to each client’s needs. Whether someone wants glossier and more manageable hair, is concerned about hair loss, or would just like a totally new look, we’ll take care of them from start to finish. With our renowned in-depth hair consultations, we give a personalised service every time and honest guidance too. For instance, if someone comes in for a colour and we don’t feel they need one, we’ll advise them accordingly.”

All hair products that Sweeney Todd use are high end La Biosthetique, and Lanza, and are individually prescribed. Every client, as of their first visit, will receive complementary samples of their prescribed hair products once Sue has been through their consultation with their stylist, so they can continue their hair care regime when they get home.

This dynamic new salon can also tempt you with relaxing massages, Reiki and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique therapy) from Izabella, and Sue offers an under the microscope solution to hair, health and scalp problems with Hair Science Therapy.

If there were three words to sum up the new salon they would be ‘Trust’, ‘Specialists’ and ‘Passion’. Sue and the team’s wish for women, men and children is that they will enjoy coming to Sweeney Todd, be rewarded with a great result, and look forward to returning the next time. All old, new and existing clients are welcome.

Check our website for opening offers.

Open day Sat 29th September 2018 from 2pm

37 High Street | Alcester | Warwickshire | B49 5AF 01789 762401 | www.sweeneytoddsalon.co.uk

Gardening Wonderful Window Boxes

As summer fades into early autumn, it can be sad to see beds, borders, pots and planters look a little worse for wear, so why not treat yourself to some late summer and early autumn colour in a pot, planter or, better still, a window box?

With styles ranging from woven willow to classic hardwood and urban chic aluminium, in all sizes and colours, there is plenty of choice – but make sure it will fit easily on to the window sill and won’t be too heavy!

Some of my favourites plants to use are hardy Gerberas (these do need a good warm, sunny spot), variegated ivies and the wacky, compact Crassula with fleshy foliage and dusky pink flowers. But take time deciding on the combination that makes YOUR heart sing.

Some window boxes have impermeable liners, in which case add an inch or so of

20 connectionmags.co.uk

by Pippa Greenwood

horticultural grit or gravel to provide drainage, so if you do overwater (or it rains too much) the excess water will be less likely to sit around the roots and cause the plants to suffer or die. To keep weight to a minimum, use broken up polystyrene from bedding plants or the packaging around household appliances instead of the grit or gravel.

apparent size of the display without adding significantly to the weight of the container. A larger plant like the Crassula gives a good focal point and flanking gerberas (for example) will add colour.

Gently move the plants until you’re happy with how they look, then fill in gaps between the root balls with more compost, firming gently with your fingers to ensure there’s no subsidence later on. Then water well using a watering can with the rose in place, so imitating rainfall.

A good quality multi-purpose compost is perfect for a temporary planting like this, but if you intend to replace your plants with other hardy, seasonal stunners later in the year, then a 50:50 mixture of a loam-based compost and a multi-purpose one allows for better stability from the weight and texture of the loam, combined with better aeration and drainage from the multi-purpose compost.

Fill the window box about half full, gently firming it, but don’t compact it or the plants won’t get their roots down so well.

A stunning window box can be created in under half an hour. Make sure it is secured properly on the window sill – and that you can open the window (or access the box from outside) to keep it adequately watered. The window box will benefit from occasional feeding with highpotash feed and of course will need to be regularly deadheaded!

Next, get the plants into position. Trailing plants like variegated ivies should be placed to cascade over the edges of the window box – this looks fantastic and adds to the

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Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and you’ll find some great gardening items: Nemaslug, green controls for leatherjackets, chafer grubs, ants and greenfly, plus garden plant supports, raised bed kits, Easy-Tunnels, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk?

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Cleaning Window and Conservatory • Decking Cleaning and Oiling Cleaning • Gutters, Soffits and Fascia

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23

24 connectionmags.co.uk

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YEW TREE FARM COUR RTYARD SHOP PPING

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:

NEW AUTUMN STOCK AVAILABLE IN BEYOND THE BLUE Yew Trree Farm Shop Home Baking & Local Produce 015 564 795688

Beyond the Blue Lifestyle Clothing 01564 792025

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

Yew Tree Salon Hairdressers 01564 795429

Sims Vintag ge Antiques Centre Collectables, Antiques an nd Vintage 015 564 898200

Henley Chocolates Chocolaterie 01564 794718

Giftivity Home Acccessories & Gifts 015 564 793030

The Garden Furniture Centre Garden & Conservatory Furniture 01564 793652

Greys Teas Spe eciality Teas 015 564 792295

Gosh Boutique 01564 793355

Le Grenie er English and French Antique Furn niture 01564 7954 401 Bisarto Design & Tra aining 01564 7933 366

Della and Ja ames Lingerie and Sw wimwear 01564 7942 255 H for Hatts Hats & Hat Hire 01564 7927 785 The Wild Hare Jewellery, Rep pairs & Accessorie es 01564 7927 785

Ring in the New Season at

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Ladies, Men & Kids Ranges WEIRD FISH POMODORO JOULES LAZYJACKS

JACK MURPHY MUDD AND WATER LIGHTHOUSE MISTRAL LILLY AND ME

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

WWW.YEW-TREE-FARM.CO.UK

www.evesham-music-club.co.uk

EVESHAM CLASSICAL CONCERTS

70 YEARS

RODERICK WILLIAMS Baritone “A Fine and Insightful Performance”

IAIN BURNSIDE Piano “Plays with Such Clarity”

SCHUBERT’S DIE SCHÖNE MÜLLERIN Schubert's pioneering song cycle, Die Schöne Müllerin (the beautiful Miller’s Daughter) opens EDMC’s 70th anniversary season.

After the performance, there will be a question and answer session with Roderick Williams.

EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE

Wednesday 19th September 2018 @ 7.30pm Tickets: Adult £25 • U18 £10 From: The Almonry, Evesham 01386 446944 www.evesham-music-club.co.uk • www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Promoted by EVESHAM & DISTRICT MUSIC CLUB Charity No. 500915

Needle Felting Workshops N dl ffelt Needle lt your own hare, badger or fox

Learn this exciting & addictive craft with Crafty Gal. Fun & inspirational workshops in the Stratford/ Leamington area.

OR Host your own needle felting party with friends/family.

Suitable For Beginners & Advanced Contact Denise for more details:

hello@craftygal.co.uk 01789 491090

www.craftygal.co.uk

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

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

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

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.

All types of domestic, retail and commercial electrical work Fully Qualified 17th Edition, Design, Testing, Replacing Consumer Units Installation and Maintenance. All work fully certified and insured

Tel:- 01386 870931 Mob:- 07771 616189 Marchwood Maintenance Company

2 Walnut Close, Harvington, Evesham, Worcestershire, WRll 8LS

trevor@marchwoodmaintenance.co.uk

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27

The Greig Lifestyles Kinwarton Road Alcester, B49 6AD 01789 400073

www.thegreig.org.uk

ÂŁ19.99 per month | free small group training | free off-peak sports | personal training | classes

I CAN I WILL

CHIROPODIST Yvonne Hartley D.S.Ch, M.Inst.Ch.P, HCPC Reg

Over 20 years experience Surgery based in Badsey

01386 833520 07833 595020

nicola Mcginn skincare located in Binton, nr stratford

07798 641593

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

office@broadmark.co.uk

www.broadmark.co.uk

• Established 1997 • Dermalogica Facials • Non Surgical Face Lifting g • Led Light Therapy • Diamond Dermabrasion • Waxing & Threading • Skin Tightening/Inch Loss • Manicures & Pedicures • Massage/Sports Massage e

Book Your Place Today

Come And Play Tennis With Us At Our Community Open Day Fun For All The Family

Whilst Raising Vital Funds For Our Courts To Be Resurfaced We have loads of fun things going on Fastest serve competition, Cardio Tennis, Kids & Adults coaching, Retail zone, food and drinks available all day.

This event is open for all to take part in, more information can be found on our Facebook page including details on how to book.

Meet and play with Ex Team GB professionals Danny Sapsford and Jocelyn Rae who will be running coaching sessions throughout the day.

Bidford Tennis Club

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

29

Salford Priors Children

Enjoy Their New Play Park

F

riday the 29th June was the opening day for the newly revamped playground at Salford Priors playing field. The after-school event saw over 100 children and adults attend, some bringing picnics to fully enjoy the glorious sunshine, free ice-cream and squash! Eighteen items of equipment have been installed, suitable for a range of ages from toddler to teenager, including a double zip-wire and inclusive roundabout and trampoline.

Until now, residents have travelled further afield to other playgrounds but many have said that they look forward to spending less time travelling and more time enjoying the new equipment.

stylish corner Ladies hairdressing Tel: 01789 763052

1 Church Street, Alcester

Up-to-date styling

S C

Planning was undertaken over several months by a group comprising both Parish Councillors and residents; the design was shaped by questionnaire feedback from Parish residents.

Alan Green, Salford Priors Parish Council Chairman, opened the event thanking the planning group, equipment supplier Kompan and their contractors for their hard work and focused approach that resulted in the timely delivery of a fantastic looking facility for Parish residents to enjoy.

Local businesses also supported the event with sponsorship by The Bell pub, Kompan and Wilbur’s Love Coffee; home-made cake was available and fruit packer Angus Soft Fruits also provided a popup shop for the event.

Computer Trouble-shooter Graham Smith For Domestic and Business Users

Local (Bidford)

Reliable

Reasonable rates

PCs

Laptops

irus Problems

Printers

ow-to tuition

Internet

email

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

Wedding hair

NO FIX, NO FEE

Painter & Decorator

Interior and Exterior BRIAN SMITH

Call 01789 772077 or 07790 087219 for a free estimate

30 connectionmags.co.uk

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Experienced German & French Tutor GCSE and A-Level Enhanced DBS check Contact Heather on

07999 337172

M u s i c Tu i t i o n

Eric Williams Electrician 07974 228835

Andrew Swinn MA, ARCM, ARCO

Piano, Music Theory, Exam Accompaniment

01789 763 954

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

MARK Domestic Appliance ENGLISH Service SERVICE AND REPAIRS

TO ALL LEADING MAKES Phone: 01789 720432 Mobile: 07850 401168 To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

31

BIBIJIS, COVENTRY

SPOT LOGGINS, BRETFORTON

HOME OF LOCAL FOODS

LA PARISIENNE BAKERY, TEWKESBURY

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TODENHAM MANOR FARM, TODENHAM

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Salford Road, Bidford on Avon B50 4AW Tel: 01789 773352

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HOGAN’S CIDER, ALCESTER

£5 OFF

WHEN YOU SPEND £40 IN STORE

To the customer: Redeemable at Warner’s Budgens Bidford on Avon, Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Winchcombe only. Only one coupon will be accepted per transaction, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. The offers excludes tobacco, infant formula, e-top up, fuel, concessions (Post Office), stamps and National & Health Lottery. Photocopies are no acceptable. Offer only valid if presented with this coupon. £40 must be spent in one transaction. Valid until 30th September 2018.

Motoring

By James Baggott

History’s Most Famous Hybrids

Hybrids have been around since just after the Big Bang, and since then matter has been combining into hybrids – at first to form atoms, then elements and compounds and the building blocks of life.

Hybrids are all around us, and even inside us – humans are 60 per cent water, itself a hybrid.

Some hybrids have even changed the world…

CENTAUR These half-human, half-horse hybrids were dreamed up by the Ancient Greeks, probably as a reaction to their first encounters with nomads on horseback.

PIZZLY BEAR Found in zoos since the Eighties, this cross between polar bears and grizzlies was found in the wild in 2006, with DNA tests confirming it was a hybrid: white like a polar bear but with a grizzly’s face, along with brown paws and big claws.

TOYOTA PRIUS It’s over 20 years since Toyota launched the Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid

34 connectionmags.co.uk

vehicle and one of the most important cars of all time.

When it first came along, few thought that – one day – even supercars would be fuelled by a mixture of petrol and batteries.

The Prius, now in its fourth generation, has sold over four million units.

BLOODHOUND SSC The Bloodhound SSC, the 1,000mph car, combines a jet engine with a cluster of rockets.

In all, it has about 135,000 thrust horsepower, more than eight times the power of all the cars on the F1 grid combined.

It will need 40 litres of rocket oxidiser for every second of its top speed run in South Africa next year.

WATER At 1,260 trillion million litres, water is the world’s most abundant compound (a chemical hybrid of two or more elements). Only 2.5% of this is fresh water, and in a 100-year period, a single water molecule spends 98 years in the sea, 20 months as ice, about two weeks in lakes and rivers, and less than a week in the atmosphere.

CHIMERA EMBRYO In genetics, a chimera is a hybrid organism with cells from two different species, such as pigs and people.

It’s controversial, but edited animal embryos can be used

/theconnectionmag

to host human organs for vital transplant operations, rather than having to wait for a donor.

PUGGLE The Puggle – designed to fit in a handbag – is the comedy hybrid of a Beagle and a Pug. Other designer dogs include labradoodles, horgis, cockapoos and schnoodles.

TREE OF 40 FRUIT The Tree of 40 Fruit is an arboreal artwork created by American art professor Sam Van Aken, who grafts buds from various fruit trees onto a single ‘stock’ tree. The tree grows branches from its different donors, each bearing a unique fruit, including peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines and cherries.

LEXUS LS500h Soon every car will feature hybrid or electric technology, and already carmakers such as Lexus and Toyota have a hybrid-electric version of almost every model in their showroom.

99 per cent of Lexus’s UK sales are petrol-electric hybrids, such as the new LS500h, an executive saloon with limousine-like luxury. It has the first multi-stage hybrid system, featuring a 3.5-litre V6 combined with clever electric motors. The best of both worlds? That’s what hybrids are all about.

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DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL WORKS

ALL ELECTRICAL WORKS

DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

FREE QUOTES ON ALL WORKS LED lighting conversions • Full rewires Small electrical jobs • PAT testing • Landlords’ & electrical condition reports • Smart Home enquiries • Electric gate systems, serviced and fitted • Alarm & CCTV installations

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•

07796 990309

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OPENING TIMES VEHICLE SCRATCH & SCUFF REPAIRS

Bumper & Wing Mirror Scuffs Paintwork Scratches Leather & Vinyl Repairs Alloy Wheel Refurbishment Paintless Dent Removal Vehicle Graphics

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

’s OAP nt u o Disc able l i a Av Call STEVE for a FREE, no obligation quote

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

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

35

View From The Boundary

W

hat a summer! Whilst we’ve had a bit of rain as August has started, we’ve had some of the best weather imaginable over the past couple of months. Excellent for cricket, not such fun for the groundsmen of all our local clubs. Everyone has been hugely dependent upon hosepipes and sprinklers in constant rotation through the season so far to try and keep the grounds from looking even faintly green! A round of applause to the men on the mowers.

As I write this we have three weeks of local league cricket remaining; as yet none of the local clubs have really asserted themselves into any promotion situations, but I’m positive there will be some nervous moments as clubs battle to avoid the prospect of relegation.

In the Cotswold Hills League, Exhall & Wixford have had a steady season and sit third in the Premier Division needing results to go their way if reigning champions Wellesbourne are to slip up.

At the bottom of the division, Alcester & Ragley are in a battle for survival, just seven points off relegation in 8th place.

Division Two sees Temple Grafton in mid-table but still with an eye on the results of the teams beneath them. One more win from the remaining three fixtures should see them safe. In Division Four, Exhall’s second string are in with a shout of grabbing a promotion spot whilst Bidford and Great Alne are both in the mire with one or other looking likely to face the drop. Finally, Alcester’s second eleven are level pegging with Welford in the mid-table positions.

Over in the Worcester League Division 5, contrasting performances from local sides Harvington and Cookhill. Harvington are second in the table after 16 matches and seeking to win the division, whilst Cookhill find themselves firmly at the bottom of the table having won just once all year; but still hopefully, with a chance of saving themselves.

All to play for over the coming weeks and we’ll be sure to summarize in next month’s issue before I have a break for the winter and you can read our columnist’s thoughts on the new football season in ‘Back of the Net’.

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37

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38 connectionmags.co.uk

PLENTY OF FREE PARKING

The beautiful game is off to a fresh start and Man City and Liverpool have already shown they are probably the main contenders for this season’s premiership title. OK, it’s only one game but neither side really broke sweat and they are our official ‘Back of the Net’ tips for champions and runners up.

I have to make mention of the World Cup, which kept us excited during the otherwise barren months of June and July. France were, apparently, the better team, beating an impressive Croatia (my personal team of the tournament). Overall, I was impressed with England’s performances, although they did have a relatively easy route to the semis, when I was a tad disappointed with the performace against Croatia. Harry Kane seemed off the boil, playing mainly behind Raheem Sterling, which I found a little strange. But, hey-ho, we made it to a World Cup semi final. Not bad for a team that was pretty much written off before the tournament started. And I do like Gareth Southgate.

It’s obviously too early to know how well our Midlands teams might get on this season but I hope Wolves will cope without a struggle.

Coventry haven’t managed a win but have had two tough fixtures, as have Blues, who, I’m sure, will do better this season. Albion’s start has been mixed. As for Villa, they seem to have ridden the close season storm and come out smelling of roses, with new investors, having kept two star players and won both their games. That’s football!

Till next month...

Back of the net!

Tel: 01386 421700

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39

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALCESTER The value of property marking.

Marking your property is a positive way to fight crime - it can act as a deterrent, it allows you to prove ownership and helps you to identify your property easily if it is offered for sale. Marking your property also provides a means for the police to identify stolen goods and return them to their owners. There are a number of ways to mark your property including utilising visible markers such as permanent marker pens, waterproof paint, stencils, engraving and specialised overt marking kits which are available on the market. You can also use invisible markers such as UV pens or specialised forensic kits such as Smartwater. Smartwater have recently reduced their standard price for a home marking kit, which is available to anyone, from £68 to £25.

Smartwater is currently working in partnership with West Mercia Police and is providing it on offer for residents to purchase a standard home marking kit for a discounted price of £19.95. Any residents wishing to purchase Smartwater at this reduced price can do so by calling Smartwater on 0333 320 7797 and quoting “WDBCRIME25”.

Keep safe from burglary W.I.D.E. By following the simple guidelines of W.I.D.E you can reduce the opportunities of your home becoming a target of a burglar.

W – Window Locks. Fit key-operated window locks to all downstairs windows, windows that can’t be seen from the street and easily accessible upstairs windows, e.g. those above a flat roof or near a drainpipe. Locks should conform to British Standard BS7950 or EU equivalent.

I – Internal Lights. Table / standard lamps should be placed on timer switches in different rooms around the house. Set them to come on go off at different times to give the impression that the house is occupied. You could also use a timer switch on a radio.

D – Doors Locks & Bolts. External doors should be fitted with good quality locks which comply with British Standard BS3621 or EU equivalent, and use them.

E – External Lights On Sensors. External lights should be fitted with sensors. Dusk to dawn lights with low energy bulbs can be more effective as a deterrent than motion sensor controlled lighting. These should be fitted at the front and rear of your home to maximise your security.

Protecting Individual Items. Remember you can

protect individual items within your property by marking them (see property marking fact sheet for more details).

Warwickshire Police advise that overnight, valuable items, such as car keys, are: • not left in locks • not kept in plain view (but should be kept downstairs, out of sight. e.g. in a drawer).

The next meeting of NHW Alcester will be held on Wednesday 3 October 2018 in St Nicholas Church House, Butter Street at 7.30pm. 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.

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

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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

41

Jacksons Jewellery Repairs BEFORE

AFTER

ALL JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND CLEANING DONE ON SITE

Opening Times

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)

BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA BOOK CLUB

THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY

has great pleasure in presenting

Film Certificate: 12A Running time 124 mins + interval

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

Film Certificate: 12A Running time 104 mins + interval

Friday 28 September at 7pm Ticket price: £2.50 per person

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

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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@connection_mag

t Sat 15th Smep 12pm-6p eadow The Big M ily

Entry

Village FFaumn Day!

Child 1

Adult 3

Zorbing CLIMBING WALL Cocktail FOOD Bar DOG SHOW stalls CAVING

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street entertainers

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reptiles

FACE PAINTING

AND LOTS MORE!

FOR MORE INFO WWW.VISIT BIDFORD.COM gned by or email info@connectionmags.co.uk Desi491005 To advertise please call 01789

43

Another Accolade

for AMTC

A

lcester Musical Theatre Company recently celebrated another NODA Best Show Award nomination, this time for their production of “Nine to Five” at the Palace Theatre in Redditch last October. This put them in the top three Best Shows from around 20 Amateur Theatre groups in their region. Congratulations go the Show Director - Bev Hatton, the Production Team, Cast and Crew for once again achieving such a high standard.

AMTC are now rehearsing hard for their next major production – Lerner and Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” at the Palace Theatre in Redditch from the 3rd to the 6th of October 2018. Don’t miss this classic show!

Advance tickets are available from tthe Company ticket secretary on 017899 763446 or direct from the Palace Theatre Box Office.

If you would like to join AMTC then feel free to come along to their main rehearsal at Alcester Baptist Church Hall on Thursday eveenings at 7.30.

Bev Hatton, Show Director, receiving the award nomination certificate from NODA representative, Andrew Brown, at a recent rehearsal. Paul Alexander – AMTC Chairman and Company MD at the time and Julie Sterenberg - Assistant Director proudly look on.

MY FAIR LADY TICKET INFORMATION Tickets: £15 to £17.00 Early booking up to 3rd September, telephone: 01789 763446 (booking fee exempt)

PLEASE NOTE: Palace Theatre box office booking conditions, including fees, apply when purchasing direct and after the 3rd September.

www.whats-on-theatre.org Follow us on Facebook

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

Based at Bidford Boatyard, with ample free parking.

FULLY INSURED TRA ARD TRAINED TO CITY & GUILDS STANDA Please call Julie to book an appointment

07765 385282

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

www.riversidepetsupplies.co.uk

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

45

FULKE GREVILLE FESTIVAL ALCESTER, WARWICKSHIRE 28-30 SEPTEMBER 2018 A new festival to celebrate the life and achievements of the town’s most famous Elizabethan, Sir Fulke Greville.

Enjoy talks, walks, music, poetry and drama!

Find out more and book your tickets at fulkefest.org.uk @fulkefest2018

Fulke Greville Festival

@fulkefest2018

I

n September 2018 the town of Alcester will host the Fulke Greville Festival.

Sir Fulke, who died 390 years ago this year, was a court favourite, politician, talented poet and James I’s Chancellor of the Exchequer.

To mark this occasion, a festival of talks, walking tours and a concert have been organised to celebrate his life and achievements.This will include presentations by leading researchers on his poetry and plays, many of which have been compared in quality to Shakespeare’s own celebrated sonnets.

Wednesday 26 September 2pm Walk: Sir Fulke’s London (Special London event), £15

Saturday 29 September 7.30pm Sonnets & Song: a ceelebratory concert & recital St Nicholas Church, Alcester, £10

Friday 28 September 7.30pm Talk: Life and Times of Sir Fulke Greville Alcester Town Hall, £5

Sunday 30 September 10am Walk: Tour of the sitee of Beauchamp Court Alcester, £5

Saturday 29 September 10.00am-noon Walk: Warwick & Warwick Castle Warwick, £15 (includes refreshments)

Sunday 30 September 2pm Talk: Warwickshire’s Elizabethan & Jacobean gardens Alcester Town Hall, £5

Saturday 29 September 3pm Talk: Fulke Greville’s poetry and plays Alcester Town Hall, £7

Sunday 30 September 4pm Talk: Politicians & film m stars – the other Fulkes Alcester Town Hall, £5

Stylish Dreams for

around everywhere, models half-dressed and half made-up, people with clipboards running around shouting at anyone and everyone. Then in all the hustle and bustle with the music blaring in the ince her first salon job at the age of 13, background, there was the hair team – a bunch Helen Burgess has known that she wanted to of new friends – working frantically together 20 pursue a career in hairdressing. Seven years minutes before the shows to create incredible looks into her dream job, and now based at Oakley & for each model. I was in my element and couldn’t Irvine in Stratford upon Avon, ‘Helen Lucy Hair’ have imagined a better day. reflects on her journey so far..

I’ve now attended five fashion “Years after that first job, I started weeks in Prague (number six a hairdressing course at college later this year, hopefully) and and became fascinated with all my first London Fashion Week of the amazing ways that clients’ back in September 2017. Each hair could be styled or put into show has added to my technique up-do’s. Since qualifying, I’ve and skill set immeasurably and I pushed myself into a field that now look at hair in so many new, deals primarily with this area different ways. In the long term, of the industry – that being the I would love to continue down world of fashion – and seized the this line, developing my expertise opportunity of a lifetime to attend in the world of high-end fashion Prague Fashion Week as part of and to reach a point where I can the Kevin Murphy team. inspire and train other dedicated I remember that first flight Helen styles a model’s hair at Prague Fashion Week hairdressers like myself, helping them to push for their goals. over, feeling so excited just to Ultimately, though, my aim is to make each of my be able to say I was there and part of a bigger clients feel as amazing as the models do at those team realising the hair and outfit visions that shows, and to work with them to create the looks the fashion designers had dreamt up. On my they want for their own hair.” first day it was utter madness – people running

Helen Lucy Hair

S

Helen Lucy HAIR

LADIES & GENTS CUTS BLOW DRYS

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

DESIGN COLOUR Call 07805861942 to book an appointment Helen Burgess, Hair Stylist Oakley and Irvine Bridge St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6AB

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

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

47

Bidford Boatt Services

Fancy a day on the river?

The Local Computer “Doctor”

Narrow Boat Day Hire

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

first time boaters.

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

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

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

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

Call David Bidwell on 07796 520825 or 01789 772124

01789 - 490543 07977 - 599582

SPREAD READ TH THE HE COST OF A NE NEW EW BOILE BOILER WITH H INTEREST FREEE FINANCE Up to o TEN YEAR GUARANTEE on Worcester Bosch boilers installed lled by your local Worc Worcester Accredited Installer Book your appointment now for a free, no obligation g quotation q

Pay Monthly av available, ailable, askk for details.

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

01789 270744 www.flushheatingandplumbing.co.uk w.flushheatingandplumbing.co.uk

48 connectionmags.co.uk

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Cliive Campion & Son Ltd

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

01386 841899

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

Carpets • Vinyls Rugs • Carpet Edging Natural Flooring Flooring supplied and fitted. Choose from 100’s of samples in store or in the comfort of your own home.

Open Mon to Fri 10 - 5, Sat 10 - 1.30

info@grinnallcarpets.co.uk

www.grinnallcarpets.co.uk

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER Open Mon-Sat: 8am - Midnight Sunday: 9am - Midnight T. 01789 332184

W. www. thefourallswelfordonavon.co.uk

Binton Bridge, Binton Road, Welford-On-Avon, CV37 8PW

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

49

Alcester Town Council

EngageAlcester

SEPTEMBER 2018

Town Council Meetings

All Town Council meetings are held at Globe House at 7pm (accessed via the Seggs Lane Join us at Alcester’s entrance - lift available to meeting rooms on First Floor).

NFORMATION AY Full Council Meetings - Tuesday 4 September The A-Z Guide to the Second Half of Life Planning - Monday 10 & 24 September Make friends, try something new, have fun! Community Care - Tuesday 11 September Community Facilities - Tuesday 18 September MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE Presidium - Tuesday 5 September FROM 50 TO 100+ Members of the public are welcome to attend FREE Entry and parking any of the Council meetings. The agendas are FREE tea, coffee and yummy cake published on the Town Council Web site at: FREE raffle entry www.alcester-tc.gov.uk and copies can be viewed on the Council notice boards.

Lots of stands, talks and workshops

I

D

Practical help and advice, information on local activity groups, and volunteering opportunities

Alcester Town Council Contact Details:

Alcester Town Council offices:

Globe House, Priory Road, Alcester B49 5DZ MONDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2018 11AM TO 2PM Access is via the Seggs Lane entrance, first Jubilee Centre, St Faith’s Road, Alcester, B49 6AG floor (lift available) Monday - Friday 9am–1pm

Love Your Life - Engage!

Dance to the lively music of the Cat’s Whiskers Barn Dance Band

(or call to make an appointment).

Tel: 01789 766084 Town Clerk - Vanessa Lowe: clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk Planning & Communication - Sarah Duran: administration@alcester-tc.gov.uk Facilities - Jan Rowlett: reception@alcester-tc.gov.uk Community Care - Jenny Theobald: office@alcester-tc.gov.uk Health & Wellbeing - Wendy Sherwood: info@alcester-tc.gov.uk Further information can be found on our social media pages: www.facebook.com/alcester www.twitter.com/AlcesterTown

TICKETS £10 Delicious fish ‘n’ chip supper included

Plot 28 Bleachfi fie eld Street North Contact Wendy Sherwood:

GREAT ALNE MEMORIAL HALL Friday 5th October 2018 7.00-10.00pm

No experience necessary – let the caller guide you!

For further information, visit the Engage 50+ Festival website www.engagefestival.org.uk, call Sophie on: 01789 268701 or email: sunnysideup-uk@outlook.com TICKETS: Book via telephone or email as above, or visit Alcester Town Council Offices: Globe House, Priory Road, Alcester, B49 5DZ

50 connectionmags.co.uk

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01789 766084

ALCESTER

COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT @connection_mag

What’s a typical day at Ambleside?

Catching up over afternoon tea At Ambleside care home we support residents to get the most out of every day. We also believe in sharing our expertise.

Join our next free event:

Planning care for the future Wednesday 5th September 2018, 2pm - 4pm

Free event

Ambleside is pleased to welcome Tracy Creed from Sydney Mitchell Solicitors, who will help you understand options for funding long-term care, wills and Power of Attorney.

For more information or to book your free place please call us on 01789 868641 or email francesca.brennan@careuk.com Ambleside Evesham Road, Dodwell, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9TG careuk.com/ambleside

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 6th September, 7.00 pm, British film directed by Mike Newell, THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY (Cert 12A) In the aftermath of World War II, a writer forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island when she decideds to write a book about their experiences during the war”.

Friday 28th September, 7pm, early release film, THE BOOK CLUB (Cert 15) Starring Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen. This comedy is about four lifelong friends who have their lives forever changed after reading 50 Shades of Grey in their monthly book club.

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.

VILLAGE EVENTS Saturday 15th September, ‘Bidford Bash’ on the Big Meadow. A great local event for all the family to enjoy.

Sunday 23rd September, Bidford on Avon Tennis Club Community Open Day at the Tennis Club and Crawford Memorial Hall, Salford Road, B50 4EZ. ADVERTISING GATE POLICY At its May meeting, the Parish Council approved a Policy to help regulate the 4 x Advertising Gates installed at the entrance to the village to advertise local events run by local community/sports groups. It is available to see online at http://www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/ pdfs/documents/proc-advertisinggates.pdf.

MEETINGS Monday 17th September, 7.30pm, Planning Consultative Committee Meeting (please note, this is a change of date).

Monday 24th September, 7.30pm, Parish Council Meeting.

All meetings, which are open to the public, are held at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Bramley Way, B50 4QG. BIDFORD EMAIL INFORMATION As fewer residents have the time to read Noticeboards, the Parish Council is looking at ways to keep the local community informed of what it (the Parish Council) is doing, but also of other village events. If you want to keep abreast of local information, you can sign up by simply emailing the Clerk at info@bidfordonavon-pc. gov.uk and your name will be added to the list.

SOCIAL MEDIA - Another way the Parish Council is trying to keep the local community informed is by the use of Social Media: please follow us via 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. bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/councillors.htm.

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

52 connectionmags.co.uk

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A warm welcome...

Refer a friend for a private consultation and receive a £10 Love2Shop voucher If you know someone who needs a caring, friendly dentist please write your details on this advert and give it to your friend. When they present it on their first appointment we will be pleased to offer you your £10 Love2Shop voucher.

• Premium fillings, veneers, crowns and bridges • Tooth whitening and invisalign • General private dentistry • Dental payment plans • A relaxed and friendly environment • Family-focused practice

Offer expires 30/11/2018. Terms & conditions apply.

11 Church Street Bidford-on-Avon B50 4DA Tel: 01789 772 897 info@bidforddental.co.uk www.bidforddental.co.uk

Name: Phone or Email: MSS7099

Bidford Pharmacy Available from

17 High Street, Bidford on Avon, B50 4BQ bidford.pharmacy@numarknet.com www.bidfordpharmacy.co.uk  01789 772433

late September

Seasonal flu can be really serious Getting a flu jab can protect you all winter

 the NHS service is FREE for eligible patients OR  you may purchase a private flu vaccination [£12 per jab]

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

OPENING HOURS Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 1pm Sunday Closed MEDICATION REVIEW NEW MEDICINE SUPPORT EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION STOP SMOKING SUPPORT EMERGENCY SUPPLIES CONFIDENTIAL HEALTH ADVICE

Y OUR C OMMUNITY P HARMACY IN THE V ILLAGE To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

53

Hemming & Peace Funeral Services We create every funeral individually, just for you.

Hemming & Peace Funeral Services are here to support and guide you. We offer a friendly, professional service to families.

Prepaid funeral plans are also available for future peace of mind.

• 24-hour service • Bereavement advice

Alcester

• Transparent pricing

01789 766 750

• Home visits • Private chapels of rest • Floral tributes • Memorial masonry • Prepaid funeral plans

67 High Street, B49 5AF

Stratford-upon-Avon

Henley-in-Arden

01789 205 400

01564 794 795

The Old Stables, 1a Brewery Street, CV37 OBQ

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

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

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 High Bailiff's Charity Concert

Visitors are also very welcome to join us at 7.45pm on September 20th when Reg Moule, well known horticulturist, writer and radio broadcaster, will present a 'Question & Answer' session - a good opportunity to have all those gardening problems explained! Visitors only £3, including refreshments. Further details on 01789 268974 or www.bidfordgardens.com.

Kinwarton Fete & Fun Dog Show Saturday 1 September, 12-3.30 pm, at Glebe Farm,

Salford Priors Ladies Group

Friday 31 August, 7pm at St Nicholas Church, Alcester. Tickets £7.50 (includes a glass of wine) from Alison on 07763 492821, abrown@thames-side.co.uk.

Acts include Alcester Musical Theatre Company, 'Tex' (of Texan Peacocks), Alan Whitbread, Occasional Brass, Sir John Saunders & Laurence Cremetti.

B49 6HB, in aid of Kinwarton and Great Alne churches.

Barbecue, bar, teas, stalls, games, raffle, tombola and A SLOW BIKE RACE! (Bring your own bikes!).

Cupcake Café at Salford Priors

Saturday 1st September, from 10.00-12.00 at TOPs (behind Salford Priors Primary School). A space for everyone of all ages from the community to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with some yummy cake.

Alcester Flower Club

We meet on the first Monday of the month at the Methodist Church, Priory Road, Alcester at 7.30pm, when we can sit, relax and enjoy seeing flower arranging at its very best by an artistic and qualified flower arranger who not only uses beautiful flowers and foliage but also shares a knowledge of the flowers and the garden. On Monday 3rd September, Brigette Manton will give a flower arranging demonstration entitled 'Make do and Mend'. New members and visitors are very welcome. Contact Mrs Brenda Kirkman 01789 778669.

Alcester Gardening Club

Thursday 6th September, 2pm - an outing to Morton Hall Gardens, including afternoon tea, cost £10 per head. All members and guests welcome and lifts can be arranged for those who need it. Contact Hilary on 01789 765105 or email Hilary.morgan@talktalk.net.

Broom WI

Our meetings are held at Broom Village Hall, commencing at 7.30pm. Thursday 6th September is our Harvest Meeting - 'An introduction to Ancestry' with Bill Watts. Visitors are welcome. Refreshments are served at all our meetings. BBQ & bar, traditional country fete stalls, rides, pocket money games, famous jouster horse, face painting, and special guests, Mickey & Minnie.

Alcester Court Leet Family Fun Day

Saturday 8 September, 1-5pm at Alcester Scouts & Guides Field, Moorfield Road.

Bidford & District Gardening Society

The Society is holding its Annual Flower Show on Saturday, 8th September in the Crawford Hall, Bidford. Come and see displays of flowers, shrubs, pot plants, fruit, vegetables and floral art. Public viewing is from 2 to 3.30pm after the judging, admission is free.

56 connectionmags.co.uk

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

Wednesday 12th September, 'How to grow old with Dignity and Discracefully', speaker David Howe Warwick. 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 club for ladies, meeting for lunch every 2nd Wednesday of the month at Kings Court Hotel, 12.15 for 12.45, followed by a speaker. On Wednesday 12th September, Jon Goldswain will speak on 'Sir Edward Elgar, from the Cradle to the Grave'. Visitors are very welcome. For more details contact Hon. Sec. 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. Thursday 13th September - Come and hear how the lives of women have changed, by listening to Ruth Smith's talk entitled 'Victorian Housekeeping'. No doubt Mrs Beeton ruled! We look forward to welcoming members and visitors after the summer break.

Bidford on Avon WI

The next meeting of Bidford WI will be Thursday 13th September, 7.30pm at Bidford Methodist Church.

The speaker is The Hat Lady from Burford. If you would like more information please contact Ann 01789 772409 or Pauline 01789 773390.

Tablet Computing for Beginners

Bidford Community Library - join our Saturday morning course to learn basic skills with a tablet in a small supportive group. Our next four week course starts on 15th September. Call inor phone the library on 01789 773239 for more information. The project is funded by a SDC Digital Inclusion Grant.

Cookhill Garden Club

On Wednesday 19th September, Jeff Soulsby, our guest speaker, will be giving a presentation on 'Winter Colours in the Garden'. He will also be bringing a variety of plants for sale. The meeting starts at 7.30p.m at Cookhill Village Hall. Newcomers are always welcome so come and join us! Further information at www.cookhillgarden.club.

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community events & what’s on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 12th of the month Bidford Health Centre

The Patient Information Evenings are really worthwhile events. You do not need to be a patient at the Health Centre to attend. It is preferred that you ring the surgery (01789 773372 after 10 am) to book a place otherwise you can just turn up on the night. There are two such evenings planned as follows: Wednesday 19th September - 6.45 for 7pm start.

Carer’s Information Evening with Presentation by Warwickshire County Council and Carer’s Trust, Heart of England. This is followed by Q&A Session.

Wednesday 10th October - 6.45 for 7pm start.

Resuscitation presentation including a demonstration of defibrillators. Valuable information and knowledge of where defibrillators are in the Bidford Area and how to access them in an emergency.

Bidford & District History Society

At 7.30pm on Friday 21 September, Stephen Barker, Heritage Adviser, will be talking on ‘The Battle of Edgehill, October 1642’. Crawford Hall, Salford Road Bidford, B50 4 EZ.

Bidford Playreading Group

Every last Monday of the month at 7pm at Bidford Community Library, Bramley Way, Bidford. £2 includes tea and biscuits.

Pimm’s in the Park Anyone?

Salford Priors Reading Group

We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7pm.

Cost is £2 to cover a meal out at Christmas. Please contact Fiona on 07495 867318 for details.

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 June’s meeting is on the 27th. New members always receive a warm welcome. Full details of membership are available by email: jackwinder2011@btinternet.com.

Bidford Darby & Joan

We meet at Westholme Court, Westholme Road, Bidford, every Thursday from 2pm - 4pm. We have outings every month. Come and join us.

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.

Yes, we’re going stately with our charity Pimm’s stand as we will be at the Home, Garden & Food Show Ragley Hall, 7th – 9th September Serving our delicious Pimm’s in the afternoons in support of local charities.

For a chance to win a free glass of Pimm’s at the show, please like our Facebook Page & follow competition instructions there.

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 September

Every Mon Every Thurs Every Thurs Every Fri Sat 9th Fri 14th Sat 16th Sat 22nd Fri 28th Sat 29th Sun 30th Sun 30th

7pm - 8.30pm 6.45pm - 9pm 8.15pm - 9.45pm 9am - 12.30pm 10.30am - 4pm 7.30pm - 10pm 10.30am - 4pm 7pm - 11pm 7.30pm - 9pm 3pm - 4.30pm 2pm - 3.30pm 4 - 5.30pm

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.

Yoga Classes - C. Maguire, 07568 562416.

Town Hall Open Day - all welcome - Nick Dearling, 01789 765070.

Court Leet Flitch Trial - Steven Brown, 01789 766484.

Town Hall Open Day - all welcome - Nick Dearling, 01789 765070.

Medieval Banquet - Nick Dearling, 01789 765070.

Fulke Greville Festival - Ian Greig, 01789 765302.

Fulke Greville Festival - Ian Greig, 01789 765302.

Fulke Greville Festival - Ian Greig, 01789 765302.

Fulke Greville Festival - Ian Greig, 01789 765302.

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 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.

Walking for Health - Health Walks

This National Scheme is run by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support. The local group meets at 10.30am every Monday (except Bank Holidays) on the High Street, at the bridge in Bidford. Walks are led by trained walk leaders and last for 1 - 2 hours, varying

Sudoku solutions (see page 6)

Easy grid

in length between 2.5 and 4 miles, with the reward of a drink either en route or at the end of the walk.

New walkers are always welcome. Please note that all participants are required to complete a simple outdoor health questionnaire. For more information, go to www.walkingforhealth.org.uk.

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.

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.

Not so easy grid

Perkins’ Educational

Foundation Awards

for the Academic Year

2018-2019

T

he Governors of this charity, founded in 1656 by William Perkins of Salford Priors and London, invite applications for awards from young people under the age of 25. Grants are available to help with expenses in courses of study in further and higher education, vocational training such as apprenticeships, and in some circumstances, structured programmes of personal development such as overseas visits. Awards are not normally given to those under 17 years of age.

Applicants must have been resident in one of the following parishes – Salford Priors, Bidford, Kings Broom, Cleeve Prior or Harvington – for not less than two years immediately prior to their application.

Application forms are available, upon written

about to enter the realms of

higher education?

or you know someone who is?

The Trustees will again be making financial grants to people living within the boundaries of the Parish of Bidford-on-Avon (which includes Barton, Broom and Marlcliff) who will be furthering their education at university or college for the academic year commencing in September 2018.

If you have lived in the parish for at least 2 years and would like to be considered for a grant, please write a letter of application (there are no forms) giving full details your name and address, how long you have lived in the parish, name of university/ college, course subject, nature of qualification, year of study - to: The Clerk, Mrs Joy Keeley, 30 Icknield Close, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, B50 4BZ. Grants will be considered and made in early November 2018.

request, from the Clerk to the Governors, email: info@williamperkinscharity.org Alternatively, an application form can be downloaded from the website: www.williamperkinscharity.org Forms for applicants who wish to be considered for an award for the academic year 2018-2019 will be available from 1st May, 2018.

Completed forms should be returned to the Clerk no later than 15th October, 2018.

No applications received after that date can be accepted for consideration by the Governors for the academic year 2018-2019.

Applicants may be required to attend before the Governors for an interview at a time and place to be notified in due course by the Clerk.

The Clerk to the Governors Perkins’ Educational Foundation 10 Elm Court Arden St Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6PA

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