The Connection Magazine - April/May 2020

the

c connection

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages

magazine

April-May 2020 No. 142

#positiveconnections

Stay sane & share your ideas for keeping occupied in isolation PLUS How to support your local businesses AND How to access help when in isolation

Harvington Arts Group

The hunt for new members

Bedtime Reading

Books for lounging around with

Puzzle Page My Team

The abject misery of life as an Everton fan

COMMUNITY | LOCAL BUSINESS | ARTICLES 01789 868707

Unit 22 Waterloo Park, Waterloo Industrial Estate, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4JG

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DINING IN ALCESTER

www.allangelorestaurants.co.uk 01789 764635 See page 2.

ITALIAN

RES TAURANT

Authentic. Passionate. Flavoursome.

01789 764635 www.allangelorestaurants.co.uk alcester@allangelorestaurants.co.uk 7 MARKET PLACE | ALCESTER | WARWICKSHIRE | B49 5AF

I ndependentOpt omet r i s t f r i endl yper s ona l s er v i c e Ca l l t obooka n a ppoi nt menton 01789 549409

�keep nothing that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful�

15a High Street, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4BQ www.richardfantomeyecare.co.uk

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

3

Useful phone numbers

Welcome

... to the April/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 MSG Private Hire

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

So then, how’s your 2020 going, because I for one would quite like to switch it off and back on again to see whether we can get back to normal. What a strange time it is for us all. As I sit here on day 1 of my own 14 day “retreat” wondering what on earth to write, I’m keenly aware that myself and many of my customers our local businesses - are going through a very challenging time due to COVID-19. I usually try to keep my welcome message light-hearted, but it would be remiss of me to gloss over how devastating the current pandemic is already proving to be, 01527 503030 particularly for travel and hospitality industries. These are trying times. Yes, there are loo roll shortages, and swathes of 205831 empty shelves courtesy of discourteous panic buyers. What you 01926 495321 probably won’t see photos of on social media are the real people behind every business listed (and not) within this publication.

Now, we either sit behind our keyboards having a gripe and a moan on Facebook or we rally around and do what we can to 999 or 112 help. If you would like ideas, turn to page 46. There are tips for 444816 supporting businesses, contact details for community response 08008 00151 groups should you need support whilst in isolation, and there’s 08004 04090 also a fantastic list of ways you can make productive use of your 08001 11999 time if you do get stuck indoors for a while (rest and wash your hands often as a priority, though!).

Our community pages (p.56 & 58) are understandably a little 0300 555 8171 sparse and I would ask that you check with organisers of other 01789 773239 events listed whether they will be going ahead as planned.

0844 855 2322 I had a lovely time meeting with Harvington Art Group just last 07771 616189 week, which you can read about on page 44. Perhaps, when things 01789 766750 return to “normal”, you might be interested in joining them?

01789 762450 Football fans, we have an exceptionally written ‘My Team’ about 01789 766200 the woes of being an Everton supporter (p.14 & 16). Although I 01789 270744 am biased because the guest writer who stepped in to write at 01386 871777 the last minute is also my husband.

Very sadly our last ‘My Team’ writer and my lovely friend, Greg, 262889 passed away in early February. We send our deepest condolences 07734 806 322 to his family... Do you see what I mean about 2020 so far?

We hope that this edition will provide some lighter relief to you over the next couple of months, however you may be feeling 762285 about things. I know I’ll certainly be baking the rhubarb meringue 762494 pie (p.10), getting through a lot of books (for suggestions see page 60), tidying up the garden with my children (p.18 has advice 762888 on gardening jobs for May), and entertaining myself with puzzles 773201 (p.6 & 48). There’s also children’s puzzle page too (p.30).

762444 So, until next time, please take care of yourself...

772200 488247 Amy June-July Copy Deadline: Friday 15th May 2020 488211 Facebook.com/theconnectionmag 762555 Twitter.com/connection_mag 772497 Connection circulation: 10,000 762578 Editor: Amy James Phone 01789 491005 Email: info@connectionmags.co.uk 772384 763060 763293 773372 111 08457 909090

www.connectionmags.co.uk Printed by Warwick Printing Ltd 01926 883355

766084 778653 267575

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.

THE GOLDEN CROSS The Golden Cross, Wixford Road, Ardens Grafton, Warks, B50 4LG

Tel: 01789 772420

goldencross@treasureinns.co.uk

www.golden-cross.co.uk

Food served 129pm daily We will now be offering a TAKEAWAY MENU in response to requests from our guests.

Please see our Facebook page for details or contact Iain on 01789 772420.

ENJOY THE SPRING SUNSHINE! JJoin i us in i our b beautiful if l gardens d for f food, f d drinks d i k 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 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 BBQs available on request.

Please contact Iain for further details on 01789 772420.

FANCY GLAMPING IN FRANCE?

We are launching our fabulous luxury Glamping site in France.

Safari tents, cabins and pool room suite available to rent on our beautiful site in central France.

Relax around the pool or explore the beautiful Loire valley.

Look out for updates on our Facebook page.

To book and take advantage of our discounts visit: www.lapapillonglampingfrance.co

FIXED PRICE MENU: Available 12-6pm, Monday-Saturday 1 Course: £7 2 Courses: £10 3 Courses: £13

STEAK FRIDAY:

Available 12-9pm,

Two rump steak meals & a bottle of wine for £30

FIXED PRICE EVENING MENU Available 6-9pm,

Selected starter and main course for £13.95. Add a selected dessert for £3.

SUNDAY ROAST:

3 Courses for £18.95.

Choose from beef, 1/2 roast chicken, pork or lamb. Vegetarian option available.

OFFERS CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

FREE Bottle of house wine

Monday - Thursday, 6-9pm, when you book a table for 4 guests or more. 24 hours notice must be given. Voucher to be used during APRIL 2020 for a table of 4 or more guests. All guests must order meals from the main menu to receive this wine offer.

SERVICING & REPAIR R OF BICYCLES BICYCLES, MOBILITY MOBILI SCOOTERS & STAIRLIFTS

A prooper job.

No drama. B Better value.

“Just have to tell you, you did something amazing…

I don’t remember the gears ever being so smooth! Thanks.”

CONTACT US:

01789 507400

MARY, FECKENHAM

www.gozzard.co.uk

“I had my bike repaired also my son’s bike – fab job on both! 5***** service! Many Thanks.”

bikes@gozzard.co.uk

LEE EDWARDS, ALCESTER

Sudoku

Roman Way, Alcester, B49 5HB

(answers on page 58)

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

Easy grid

6

connectionmags.co.uk

Not so easy grid

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

www.specialisedsecurity.co.uk

info@specialisedsecurity.co.uk

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

7

Coronavirus

Isolate yourself Stay at home If you have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough – even if it’s mild Stay at home for 7 days from the first symptom and keep away from others.

DO NOT go to the GP or hospital.

Go to NHS.UK to check your symptoms and follow the specialist medical advice.

Only call NHS 111 if you can’t get online or your symptoms worsen.

Protect older people and those with existing health conditions by avoiding contact.

Find out how to isolate at home at nhs.uk/coronavirus

CORONAVIRUS

PROTECT YOURSELF OTHERS &

THE NHS

COVID_PORT_2

Bidford Pharmacy 17 High H Stre eet, Bidford on Avon, B50 4BQ armacy@numarknet.com bidford.pha fordpharmacy.co.uk bidfo  01789 772433

Ask our pharmacy healthcare team for advice on… … easing the symptoms

& combating the effects of

HAY FEVER

Good FFriday 10 Easter S Saturday 11 Easter Ea Sunday 12 Easter Monday 13

th

th st

nd

April CLOSED April 9am-1pm April CLOSED April CLOSED

& SEASONAL ALLERGIES 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

What's On THIS EASTER AT

4F%%P FI%#F& +<D#"& .6B .A= <"" 9%1 .<D#"& <B4 <"" .=11)

FI%#F& %!3GIP

%!3 ,#C I'&<5 -U*'4

%!3 /.#C I'&<5 /1I4

?6;#7C 4=<D<C .<D#"& .=#1B4"& (#9% < @A#'B<B9 D1;;<'1 8 <B4 D<&:1 < :#9 A. 7%A7A"<91)

9%1/<=B /#4.A=4 /<@9#;9 -%6=7% $<91="AA 5A<4 /#4.A=48AB823ABC /*0 ,!>

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

9

Rhubarb Meringue Pie A delicious variation on the classic, this will be a perfect dessert for a special family meal or Sunday roast. Serve with single cream or a spoonful of crème fraiche.

Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes, plus chilling and cooling | Serves 8 FOR THE PASTRY CASE AND FILLING 350g shortcrust pastry Flour, for dusting 400g rhubarb, trimmed and cut into short lengths 150g caster sugar Zest and juice of ½ orange 2 medium egg yolks 2 tbsp cornflour 20g unsalted butter FOR THE MERINGUE 4 medium egg whites 225g caster sugar

TIP

For the pastry case, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use to line a 23cm round loose-based fluted flan tin. Prick the base all over with a fork. Chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, Gas Mark 6.

For the filling, spread the rhubarb in a large shallow roasting tin and sprinkle with 50g of the sugar and the orange zest and juice.

Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until tender. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and leave to cool.

Line the chilled pastry case with baking paper and fill with ceramic baking beans (see Tip). Bake for 10 minutes then remove the lining and beans and bake for a further 5-10 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Place the rhubarb in a large non-stick pan with the rest of the caster sugar, egg yolks, cornflour and butter. Heat gently, stirring all the time, until the mixture comes to the boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until thickened. Leave to cool then spread in the pastry case.

To make the meringue, whisk the egg whites in a clean, greasefree bowl until stiffly peaking. Gradually whisk in the caster sugar, a spoonful at a time, to form a firm, glossy meringue. Spoon over the rhubarb filling and swirl with the back of a spoon. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the meringue is golden. Serve warm or cold.

If you don’t have ceramic baking beans then use dried beans or lentils instead.

10 connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Cut Fresh Daily Dunnington Heath Farm • Alcester • Warwickshire • B49 5PD Tel: 01789 772771 • Email: info@hillers.co.uk • www.hillers.co.uk

YEW TREE FARM RTYARD SHOP PPING COUR

A styllish h and d contemporary sh hoppiing viillage mad de up off tasteffullly converte ed barns and coffee shop in a courtyard setting, offering a wide range of unique quality products from around the world.

MEET - GREET - SHOP - EAT

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

Refresh your wardrobe with new spring stock at BEYOND THE BLUE Yew Trree Farm Shop Home Baking & Local Produce 015 564 795688

Warwickshire Artisans A Collection of Artists & Creators of Beauty 07970 191308

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

Cow wshed Eaterie Brunches, Lunches, Afte ernoon Tea 015 564 792979 Beyo ond the Blue Lifesttyle Clothing 015 564 792025

Henley Chocolates Chocolaterie 01564 794718

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

Greys Teas Speciality Teas 01564 792295

Yew w Tree Salon Ha airdressers 015 564 795429

The Chocolate Shed Chocolate Experence Like No Other!

01564 792785

Bisarto Desig gn & Training 015 564 793366

Giftivity Home Accessories & Gifts 01564 793030

H for Hatts Hats & Hat Hire 01564 7927 785 Sims Vintage Antiq que Centre Collectables, Antiques and Vintag ge 01564 8982 200

Come and visit us over the Easter holidays!

Do come and visit our lovely old farm courtyard with our interesting collection of unique shops.

Enjoy the home baked food in Yew Tree Farm Shop or dine in The Cowshed Eaterie for brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea.

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

WWW.YEW-TREE-FARM.CO.UK

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

01386 841899 Carpets • Vinyls Rugs • Carpet Edging Natural Flooring

stylish corner Ladies hairdressing Tel: 01789 763052

1 Church Street, Alcester

Up-to-date styling Wedding hair

S C

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

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

13

My Team

Rich James continues our series of sporting articles with his undying love of all things Everton #COYB Getty Images

I liked football. I liked sport.

Actually, I liked watching sport.

As a child I had zero aptitude for any physical activity.

Reading and writing? Yes. Riding my bike and sitting in my dad’s tractor? Definitely.

Watching the Fall Guy, Dukes of Hazzard and Danger Mouse?

Without a doubt. Running and/ or kicking a football? Hahaha, no.

My dad was a sports nut, we’d be at the cricket club during the summer and winter weekends were spent watching Grandstand or World of Sport.

Didn’t matter what the sport was, if it was televised, it was on our TV. He was (and still is) a Manchester United fan, a regular at Old Trafford in the sixties even hitching weekly flights back from Germany to watch matches while stationed out there during his RAF days.

He pushed me in that direction, but no. I liked Spurs. Ardiles, Villa and Hoddle had got my attention as I watched them

14 connectionmags.co.uk

on their way to lifting the FA Cup. We’d even braved St. Andrews and the cold to watch Tottenham in action the following season, a 0-0 draw and some horrific National Front skinheads put me off completely.

So, 1982 and back to my Panini album. Liverpool winning everything, all the kids at school jumping on the bandwagon. I was always a contrary little sort, so as twenty of my classmates claimed to be die hard Liverpool fans my decision was made. “I’m an Everton fan. They’re clearly the better side from the city.”

The first few years went by and I felt like I’d made the best decision in the world. Howard Kendall’s squad gelling and then excelling. The FA Cup in 1984, League Champions and Cup Winners Cup winners (I even got to stay up to watch that one) the year afterwards.

A fight to wrest the league title back from the red half of the city in 1987. What an amazing side I was following from afar. Surely they’d go on to dominate football for the foreseeable future? Well, no. A European football ban saw the best players slowly filter off over the coming seasons leaving for the allure of the European Cup.

/theconnectionmag

Getty Images

S

o, why would a seven year old boy from South Warwickshire with little real exposure to football, end up making a choice that would lead to an adulthood of abject misery? In hindsight who knows, but here’s how I ended up supporting Everton.

The enforced dismantling of the best side I’ve ever seen still makes me think, “what could have been?”.

And like that, the glory years were gone. Some spirited performances here and there but no trophies. Little would I know in 1988 that I’d only see Everton lift one more trophy in my lifetime. We’d won so much in such a short time, we were dominant, we would be back. Wouldn’t we? Not long after this I moved to Nuneaton and a new love affair was struck up. My love of football was unabating. My ability still had to manifest itself, so I was forced into a watching brief.

Fourteen years old, 110 miles Continued on page 14.

@connection_mag

ELDRIDGES FURNITURE

SPRING SAVINGS

20% OFF SOFAS DURING APRIL COME & VISIT OUR REFURBISHED SHOWROOM! Visit us: 4 Arden Road Business Centre, Alcester B49 6HW

Call: Visit:

01789 400555 www.eldridgesfurniture.co.uk

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 11am - 4pm

or find us on Facebook

from Liverpool and I needed my football fix.

Welcome to my life Nuneaton Borough. The Beazer Homes League, crowds of 500ish.

I was hooked from game one. Bolehall Swifts at home.

Birmingham Senior Cup First Round Replay. Hardly a glamour tie but it was two miles from my house, and it gave me something to invest in. For the next three seasons I barely missed a match. My mum relented after a few months and let me travel to away games as well.

Glamourous bus journeys to The Hawthorns, to Wembley (Wembley FC, not Wembley Stadium) to Woking, to Barrow, to Kings Lynn. It was the perfect fix for me. Still some of my fondest football memories before my move

back to Stratford at seventeen led me to follow two sides from my armchair.

I’d made my first trip to Goodison during this stage too. Opening weekend of the Premier League in 1992. The experience just cemented my Everton decision, such an atmosphere and I still get the same goosebumps when I walk into the stadium these days.

From my armchair I watched the 1995 FA Cup win, a much needed (if not fortuitous) win following the almost-relegation of 1994. I’d backed Everton to lift the trophy at 25/1 as well, however I can’t remember how it felt it was so long ago.

Nearly 25 years and we’ve won nothing since. From a powerhouse to an afterthought in Sky TV’s reinvention of

football.

It’s been a tough run. Some terrible, terrible football and players. Some false dawns and the excitement of David Moyes bucking the trend with a raid into the top four in 2005. Oh, and I finally learned how to play the game as well. I was even quite good for a brief period in about 2001. Never could run though. The final coup de gras is that my football supporting life has come full circle and once more Liverpool are the media darlings whilst the Toffees flounder around hopelessly.

It’s been eventful. It’s been horrible, but I made my choice and I’ll see it through. Would I go back and change it? Not a chance. #COYB

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

01789 773767 or 07909 913014 16 connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

For all your

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

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

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

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

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

alcester sports & tackle

Established 1979

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

S D

BLINDS QUALITY INTERIOR & EXTERIOR BLINDS ROLLERS • VERTICALS VENETIANS • SHUTTERS AWNINGS • WOODSLATS PERFECT-FIT

contact darren:

07967 992368 UNIT 6 WESTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE HONEYBOURNE WORCESTERSHIRE WR11 7QB

Salford Hall Hotel JAZZ LUNCHES

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday 12th April & Sunday 10th May Live jazz music with ‘The Cocktail Hour’

£25.00 per adult for 3 courses

PSYCHIC SUPPER Friday 24th April 3 psychic mediums join us offering personalised mini readings.

WEDDING FAYRE

MAMMY’S BOYS

FREE ENTRY

£29.99 per adult, incl. 3 courses

Friday 12th June Comedy dining event of the year, based on the comedy show ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’

£34.99 per person, incl. 3 courses

Sunday 19th April, 11.30am-3.00pm

Gain some inspiration for your special day.

FREE goodie-bag, parking & welcome drink Canapés and mini desserts to try.

01386 871 300

reception@salfordhall.co.uk www.salfordhall.co.uk Abbots Salford, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8UT.

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

17

container grown at this time of year, it is easier for them to get properly established if given a bit of time to produce new roots before it gets warmer. Water well and top the soil with a 5-7.5cm (2-3”) mulch to keep moisture in.

Prune shrubs which have just finished flowering, as this encourages the plant to produce new shoots that will bear next year’s flowers.

There’s no escaping the garden in May…as if you’d want to!

With two bank holidays, this is a great month for tackling jobs in the garden, so here are my suggestions for what you can be doing.

First, mow the lawn, and not too short if this is one of the first cuts this season. You can cut it again in a week or so.

Drain the water from your water butt if it’s a little smelly and scrub it using a brush with fairly rigid bristles, then flush it out with water.

Pot on vegetables sown in the last month or so that need planting out towards the end of the month when the frosts should be over.

Get kids to sow pumpkin seeds to make great low-cost Halloween lanterns later in the year. Place each seed in a 7.5cm (3”) pot of multi-purpose

compost and keep them moist in a tray on a sunny window sill.

If you’ve a greenhouse or suitable pop-up or rigid frame for growing tomatoes, make sure you get the plants into large pots or the greenhouse borders now.

Insert a cane 5cm (2”) from the main stems and tie the young plants to it using a loose loop of twine. Tie in the plants further up the canes as they grow.

Empty water features full of brown, scummy water. Scrub the sides and base, clear the pump of debris and fill with fresh water.

Consider potting up some summer bedding if you’ve space in a greenhouse or porch, but wait until frosts are over before planting out.

Plant any new shrubs, trees or climbers as soon as possible – even though they should be

Remove faded flowers from spring flowering bulbs, this helps conserve energy so they perform well next year.

Apply a good feed either to the roots or the foliage.

Vigorous climbers like clematis, roses, hops and vines should grow rapidly now, so tie them into their supports regularly with flexible ties.

Clip box shrubs with shears regularly to keep them dense and prevent having to cut them back hard. The clippings can go on the compost heap.

Trees, shrubs and climbers planted last autumn or earlier this spring will not have properly established roots yet, so keep them well watered during dry or gusty weather.

Unless you’re in colder areas of the country, remove all bubble wrap and other protection wrapped around pots and containers to protect plant roots from frosts. If there are frosts still to come, they are unlikely to be too harsh.

By Pippa Greenwood

At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, Nemaslug and other great ‘green’ controls, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

18 connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

FULLY I NS UR ED

• • • • •

Complete Landscaping Patios & Driveways Fencing & Decking Water Features Garden Design

• • • • •

Garden Maintenance Mowing Hedge Cutting Lawn & Border Care Seasonal Care

T: 01789 612253 M: 07796 206603 E: enquiries@cedarwoodlandscapes.com

www.cedarwoodlandscapes.com

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL WORKS

ALL ELECTRICAL WORKS

DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

FREE QUOTES ON ALL WORKS

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

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

01789 490972

•

07796 990309

www.arc-electrical.me.uk /arcelectricalbidford

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

19

TREE SURGERY & HEDGE CUTTING Family business • Establish hed 2001 Experienced - Qualified - Professional vice al S Service Tel: 01789 763081 • Mob: 07778 575093 3 Email: info@rootstoshoots.net

CLOUDY WINDOWS? ...it’s quick and easy to re-glaze!

Call today for a FREE quote from local NVQ-qualified glazier, Alex Swancott.

JUST GLAZE 07368 341 534

SALES • SERVICE • REPAIR • HIRE

PHIL BASFORD GARDEN MACHINERY

incl. Hedgecutters & Strimmers Blackminster, Evesham, WR11 1 7RE 7 www.philbasford.co.uk

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

justglazeevesham@gmail.com

www.justglaze.co.uk

FENCING

Pest Control serviCe

Andrew Smith

✓ Wasps ✓ Rats/Mice ✓ Moles ✓ Insects ✓ Other Mammals & Birds

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

20 connectionmags.co.uk

BOOK YOUR MOWER IN FOR WINTER SERVICE

• 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

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Spectacular Colour at your local Plant Centre!

Bedding & Patio Plants, Hanging Baskets, Tomatoes, Cucumbers & Vegetable Plants, Shrubs, 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 9am to 4pm Sunday 10am to 3pm

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

21

Want the best lawn ever?

What we do: As lawn care experts we apply bespoke, seasonal treatments to keep your lawn continually nourished and weed free. Whatever the size or condition, we ensure that every lawn receives the love and attention it deserves Find out more and visit greenthumb.co.uk/treatments

Prices from

£15*

per treatment

Who are GreenThumb: As pioneers in British lawn care, we are the UK’s largest and most recommended provider with millions of treatments taking place across the UK every year. With over 30 years of experience, you can rely on us to provide your lawn with the very best care

For a FREE lawn analysis call 01905 840740 or email worcester@greenthumb.co.uk *Based on a lawn size up to 40m²

greenthumb.co.uk

Call today for FREE Survey & Quote Professional Cleaning – Smart Sealing

01386 870988 • 07943 379615

NATURAL STONE • TARMAC • BLOCK PAVING • DECKING • IMPRINTED CONCRETE

DRIVEWAY & PATIO CLEANING From this…

From this…

Before

…To this

…To this PROFESSIONAL EXTERNAL CLEANING & SEALING

Before

• •

•

Driveway & Patio Cleaning

After After

Decking Cleaning and Oiling

Block Paving Cleaning, EXTERNAL • Gutters, Soffits and Fascia PROFESSIONAL CLEANING & SEALING

BEST P R GUARA ICES Re-Sanding & Sealing We have the latest Cleaning Nenabling TEEDus in commercial-grade pressure washing equipment Imprinted Concrete Sealing • most Window and Conservatory to tackle the challenging of surface cleaning projects with confidence. We

Re-Sanding & Sealing • • Imprinted Concrete Driveway & PatioSealing Cleaning • • Tarmac BlockRestoration Paving Cleaning,

• •

Tarmac Restoration

•

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

Cleaning set high standards and are committed to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction. We are fully insured and trained.

www.pro-smart.co.uk click on www.pro-smartdrivewaycleaning.co.uk

Gates & Railings

by Phil

I make gates and railings

All colours available, made to order.

Low cost fitting service available.

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

Working in the local area for 25 years

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

23

POP INTO YOUR LOCAL CARRICK TRAVEL BRANCH AND BOOK YOUR NEXT ROCKIES ADVENTURE T&C’s apply – holiday supplied by First Class Holidays. Price based on 2 adults sharing.

EVESHAM

57-59 Port Street, Evesham, WR11 3LH T: 01386 41474 E: evesham@carricktravel.com

STRATFORD - UPON - AVON

Cook’s Alley, 63 Henley Street, CV37 6PT T: 01789 414040 E: stratford@carricktravel.com

We have offices in: Bingham, Bourton-on-the-Water, Coventry, Evesham, Grantham, Kenilworth, Leamington Spa, Newark, Pershore, Solihull and Stratford-upon-Avon

Contemporary Coverings

Jacksons Jewellery Repairs

Carpets & Flooring

BEFORE

AFTER

ALL JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND CLEANING DONE ON SITE

Your local retailer & installer of

Opening Times

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

Book your free quotation now!

01789 400050 adfloors@aol.com

Unit 3 Moorfield Road, Alcester, B49 5DA (next to Waitrose & FREE car park)

01789 766611

www.jacksonsjewellery.co.uk

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

BOOK NOW TO

g n i r p S Clean

YOUR HAIR!

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE For Appointments & Opening Times:

Call: 01789 766314 www.nasus-hair.co.uk

Unit 4 Alcester Business Centre, Kinwarton Farm Rd, Alcester. B49 6EL. (next to Spar)

FREE PARKING

BARBER SHOP

For our news & updates, follow us on social media:

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

25

Advertisement Feature

Great care and quality of life? That’s Ambleside Many people still believe that care homes are places where older people sit around a lounge watching TV or dozing. But Care UK’s Ambleside care home in Stratfordupon-Avon is changing opinions with a whole new approach to care home living. elements, including visits from miniature ponies and alpacas!

“In fact, animals are very popular at Ambleside, so we ensure there’s always a fourlegged friend popping in for a cuddle, whether it’s a friendly cat or a pet therapy dog.”

Making wishes come true “Mum enjoys the live music, the trips out and the many clubs. She’s made lots of friends, and with so much to do, she’s settled in brilliantly.”

So says Jen, whose mother, Chrissy, recently moved to Care UK’s Ambleside care home in Stratford-uponAvon.

Ambleside, on Evesham Road in Dodwell, provides residential, nursing and dementia care for up to 60 older people. The home is rated ‘good’ by the CQC for the quality of its care, which includes supporting residents to enjoy a superb lifestyle.

Promoting health and wellbeing Wendy, the Lifestyle Lead at Ambleside, explains.

“Ambleside is all about quality of life. The home is purpose-built, with its own café, cinema, hair salon and

landscaped gardens – which residents make full use of.

We also organise a wealth of activities that are tailored to residents’ interests.

“Keeping busy and independent is the key to health and happiness in later life,” Wendy says. “When a person is doing things that bring them meaning, in a setting where they feel safe, they’ll be relaxed and happy.

And this is hugely beneficial to their mood, mental health and overall wellbeing.

Activities and alpacas “We learn all we can about every new resident who joins us, so that we can create meaningful activities for them to enjoy. Our weekly lifestyle programme includes regular activities, such as exercise sessions, baking and live entertainment.

There are also more unusual

“We’re passionate about enabling residents to continue making new memories and enjoying each day,” Wendy continues. “We have so much fun making residents’ wishes come true.

We’ve toured the local Guide Dogs centre at a resident’s request. We’ve supported a gentleman to visit Stoney Cove Dive Centre, where he taught. We’ve also treated a former ballerina to a night at the ballet. If it’s possible, we’ll make it happen at Ambleside.”

Experience the Ambleside difference for yourself If you’d like to find out more about the superb care and lifestyle enjoyed by residents at Ambleside, please call the friendly team on 01789 868 641, email julia.joy@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/ambleside Follow us on Facebook

The Village Cafe 15B High Street| Bidford on Avon | B50 4BQ

Bidford’s Only Salon For Beauty, Hair & Tanning.

Pamper Yourself With A Bespoke Luxury Facial:

Microcurrent/Galvanic • Diamond Peel

Ultra Strong Tanning:

Get glowing with our ultra strong pink and blue bulbs, for a more intense tan. 20% stronger at the bottom of the sunbed for your legs.

Follow our Facebook page for updates.

01789 773828

LOCALLY SUPPLIED:

Cotswold Coffee | Pudding Lane Cakes Hand-made Sandwiches | Pastries Milkshakes | Afternoon Tea

OPENING HOURS:

Monday-Friday: 9:00 - 4:30 Saturday: 9:00 - 3:00 DOG FRIENDLY

Follow @bidfordvillagecafe on Facebook & Instagram.

82A High Street, Bidford on Avon, B50 4AD

ow g s N rin lie ffe pp O Su t Pe

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

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

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

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

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

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

27

30% OFF

CONSERVATORIES ANDLIMITED WARM ROOFS PERIOD ONLY!

Proud members of

CENTURION

HOME IMPROVEMENTS www.centurionhi.co.uk

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Awarded The Platinum CertiďŹ cate of Excellence

BY THE PLASTICS WINDOW FEDERATION

Showroom, Unit 1 Waterloo Industrial Estate, Waterloo Road, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester, B50 4JH Call us today on: 01789 262590 (24 Hours). Send us an email: enquiries@centurionhi.co.uk Showroom opening times: Mon to Fri 9-5pm Sat 10-1pm connectionmags.co.uk /theconnectionmag @connection_mag We are a locally owned family business

CLEANING & IRONING

10% off first treatment with this voucher Terms & conditions apply.

Hair, Beauty, Nails, Reiki, Plasma Pen, Fat Reduction, Isla Verde Spa Facials, Micro-blading, Spray Tans, Semi Permanent Makeup

Weddings, School Proms, or just to feel pampered.

FREE consultations.

01789 766006

9 Swan Street, Alcester, B49 5DP

Heather and Honey Salon

JT7A >)AQQ;Q 8TS ;O;SE0@T=E0 WWW K9 K H26KH R?HHKL$ BKHH :$KN D2+" X2 $MV$N?$:6$ :$$($(W Village hall locations in: Broom, Wixford, Church Lench, Salford Priors, Inkberrow, Abbots Morton & Dormston. www.hayyogaclasses.co.uk hello@hayyogaclasses.co.uk PREGNANCY & POSTNATAL CLASSES ALSO AVAILABLE. (PLEASE ENQUIRE)

Hassle Free House Cleaning Services One-off deep cleans • Ironing Service End of Tenancy cleans Fully Insured • DBS Checked F d Fo or a fast, efficient and convenien nt service, call Fiona Lilly:

07796 992980

Clean Shine and Bufff with Fee Fee Fluff

ww ww w w.alcestercleaners.co.uk k

Computer Trouble-shooter Graham Smith For Domestic and Business Users ocal Bidford PCs Internet

eliable aptops

email

Printers

easonable rates Virus Problems o

to tuition

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

NO FIX, NO FEE

SEWING • KNITTING • CROCHET Come To One Of Our Workshops • Browse Our Beautiful Fabrics, Yarns & Haberdashery • Gift Vouchers Available MARKET PLACE, ALCESTER, B49 5AE

Harry_Floss_Ltd

01789 400747

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

29

N

Answers on page 58

Alcester Nursery Studio Nursery & Af After S School h Places Available!

50% discount

to all new 2yr olds for the summer term only*.

Limited places allocated on a first come, first served basis. *Monday 20th April until Friday 17th July

After School Places

We pick-up from St Nicholas Primary School & Our Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Primary School.

With a variety of activities, from cooking, gardening, forest school, construction, dance, art & crafts.

Alcester Nursery Studio

01789 765780

www.alcesternursery.org ANSmanager@welearn365.com

St Faithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 6AG

Open Term Time Only: 8.00am to 5.30pm

Breakfast Club & After School Club.

Holiday Clubs on demand.

At the heart of local life HOGANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CIDER

HANDMADE SCOTCH EGG CO.

VALE OF EVESHAM ASPARAGUS

HOME OF LOCAL DRINKS

HOME OF SEASONAL PRODUCE

HOME OF DELICIOUS ARTISAN FOODS

HOME OF LOCAL FOODS

COTSWOLD GOLD

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

warnersbudgens.co.uk

LAMB TAGINE

£5 OFF

WHEN YOU SPEND £40 IN STORE

To the customer: Redeemable at Warner’s Budgens Bidford on Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh 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 Sunday 17th May 2020.

£1 OFF

ANY TWO PORTION COOK MAIN MEAL

To the customer: Redeemable at Warner’s Budgens Bidford on Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh 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 Sunday 17th May 2020.

DAY TOURS!

Award-winning small-group day tours of the Cotswoldss Cotswolds Day Tour

The Ebrington

Arms

Perfect for lovers of goood food food, good drink and the English countrryside, join us for this weekly tour where you’llll enjoy: • A tour and tasting at the award-winning Purity Brewing Co. • A traditional pub lunch and a drink at The Fleece Inn, a historic country pub • Over an hour in the picturesque Cotswolds town of Chipping Campden • The Ebrington Arms, the “Best Village Pub in the UK” Tours depart on Saturdays from Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh rail station, which is a short train journey from Oxford – booking essential

For more information and to book tickets visit www.gocotswolds.co.uk @Go_Cotswolds

Bibury

Brewery & Pub Tour

Perfect for first-time visitors, we’ll introduce you to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stopping off at 7 beautiful locations ations including: • Chipping Campden • Stow-on-the-Wold • Bourton-on-the-Water • Bibury … and more!

Tours depart from Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh rail station, which is a short train journey from Oxford – booking essential

connectionmags.co.uk

tswolds village

Our "secret" Co

info@gocotswolds.co.uk 07786 920166

@Go_Cotswolds

/theconnectionmag

/GoCotswolds

@connection_mag

The Perfect Gift For Car Enthusiasts!

You provide d ddetails l off ““some off the h cars in your llife” f” or that of your loved one, together with a picture of the car’s owner, and we will provide you with a finished A3 framed picture, delivered to your door!

Available in Portrait or Landscape (A3) with 5-9 cars

© Copyright JFD 2016

© Copyright JFD 2014

www.someofthecarsinyourlife.com email: info@someofthecarsinyourlife.com

contact: 07543 747 663

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

VEHICLE SCRATCH & SCUFF REPAIRS

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

07701 053640

www.wizard-on-wheels.co.uk

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

35

SPRING OFFERS

10% OFF

WIPER BLADES

Offers end 31 May 2020

Keep a clear view of the road!

FREE SPRING Get your car SAFETY CHECK ready for spring!

SMART Paintwork repairs from £75

Bumper Scuffs • Panel Scratches and Dings Alloy Wheels Scuffs & Scratches • External Trims Scuffs Touch-ups and Polishes • Full Vehicle Mop & Polishes

£42.50

FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE COURTESY CAR FIXED PRICE ONLY £10

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

Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm

/

Saturday 8am - 12pm

FOR A STRESS FREE LOCAL CAR BUYING EXPERIENCE…

CAR SALES ALCESTER

Visit us now

Over 40 vehicles in stock!

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

01789 507500 • WWW.1CARCOMPANY.CO.UK

A Family-Run Business Supplying Carefully Selected Pre-Owned Vehicles Committed To Providing You The Very Best Service For Over 25 Years

36 connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Cliive Campion & Son Ltd

• • • • • •

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

Pete Roderick

or all your Chimney lue re uirements call

01 16 Henley Street, Alcester www.acleansweepmidlands.co.uk 0

0

53 2 1

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 564767

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

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

37

Offices in Bidford on Avon and Northampton

Get your marketing back on track..

Claim your free 30 minute phone consultation p on with ith our team No strings... jjust adv vice...

Visit www.onefoursix.co.uk k and fill in the ‘Request a Call’ form f connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

SOCIAL

WEB

SEO

PR

PPC

LET US GE ET YO OU NOTICED

YOUR LOCAL WEB W DESIGN, SEO & DIGITAL MARKETING TIN AGENCY

www.onefoursix.co.uk

NEIGHBOURHOOD N EIGHBOURHOOD W WATCH ATCH A ALCESTER LCESTER Theft of vehicle number plates Vehicle number plate theft is a national problem and has increased in recent years, in part due to an increase in speed cameras, a rise in petrol costs and charges to use certain roads. Offenders have looked at ways to hide the identities of their vehicles so they can engage in criminal activity whilst avoiding detection.

How to combat it? Non reversible screws have been developed to help combat this crime. The number plate screws are special one-way devices that cannot be unscrewed once fitted. To steal the plate would require force, causing the plate to break. The plates are then damaged that makes them useless for criminal purposes. Traditional number plates are fixed to vehicles using plastic bolts. If non-reversible screws are not available, it is recommended that double sided tape is used instead of plastic bolts. This makes the plate harder to remove and also may well lead to the plate breaking and therefore rendering it useless.

When taking your vehicle for its next garage maintenance it is suggested you ask if it is possible for your car number plates to be attached in this way. Amazon sell Anti Theft Number Plate Tamper Proof Screws. Do remember not to use them if you have personalised number plates.

Keep Safe Online At a recent meeting of NHW Alcester the guest speaker was John Mills who provided the following links to avoid scams and Keep Safe Online: Get Safe Online https://www.getsafeonline.org Passwords Use http://www.passwordmeter.com/ to check your password strength Has Your Data Been Compromised? https:// haveibeenpwned.com/ The Little Book of BIG Scam (this is a download) https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/ downloads/central/advice/fraud/met/the-little-bookof-big-scams.pdf Social Media Safety https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=QPM7AfhLFm0 How to Recognize Prize and Giveaway Scams https://www.hoax-slayer.net/how-to-recognizefacebook-prize-and-giveaway-scams/ Contact Action Fraud https://www.actionfraud. police.uk/ Empowering parents and carers to keep children safe in the digital world https://www.internetmatters.org/ The next meeting of NHW Alcester will be held on Tuesday 16th June 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.

Alcester South Safer Neighbourhood Team dial 101 or 01789 444815 or 444816. Please feel free to contact the team direct: Team email: alcestersouth.snt@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk SGT 1284 Angus Eagles angus.eagles@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PC 1672 Beat Manager Rob Davies robert.davies4@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PCSO 6327 Carolyn Davis carolyn.davis1@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PCSO 6111 Gary Johnson-Jones gary.johnson-jones@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk Always report an active crime on 999.

Non-emergency calls can be made on 101.

Facebook - Alcester Police

Facebook - Warwickshire Police Twitter - @AlcesterCops Instagram - southwarwickshiresnts Website - www.warwickshire.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 to report a suspect rogue trader. General advice on scams and rogue traders contact 0845 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Rogue Traders Hereâ&#x20AC;? approved trader scheme.

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

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Meat, Poultry, Game, Fish, Dairy, Pig Roast, Veggie Treats, Wines, Beers, Ciders, Prepared Foods, Artisan Breads, Cheeses Preserves and much more!

Saturday 16th May 2020 9am - 5pm

Saturday 17th October 2020

Alcester High Street, Church Street and Henley Street The perfect foodie day out, forage through an array of festival stalls, visit local pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops and enjoy the day.

Free Park and Ride Shuttle with Dudley’s Coaches from the Mill Industrial Park (opposite Alcester Rugby Club) on the A435 Alcester to Studley, B49 5QG, to the festival and return.

Please follow ‘Alcester Food Festival’ on Facebook for updates regarding COVID-19 related cancellations.

www.alcesterfoodfestival.org.uk

07707 469649

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

41

Bidford Battles COVID-19 Bidford Parish Council has a bank of volunteers prepared to deliver medicine, food and other supplies to vulnerable and housebound residents.

The card below has contact details for you. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Elisabeth at Bidford Parish Council.

Please be aware that your contact details will need to be shared in order for this operation to work, but every effort will be made to keep this at a minimal level. Further information can be obtained from Elisabeth.

Hello!

My name is

If you are self-isolating, I can help.

Elisabeth Uggerløse

I live locally at

I am Clerk to Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council

My phone number is

01789 778653 or 07718 628925

If you are self-isolating due to COVID-19 I can help with:

  A friendly phone call

Picking up shopping

  Urgent supplies Posting mail

Your contact details will be shared, though kept to a minimum.

Just call or text me and I’ll do my best to help you (for free!)

Coronavirus is contagious. Please take every precaution to ensure you are spreading only kindness. Avoid physical contact (2m distance). Wash your hands regularly. Items should be left on your doorstep. # V i r a l K i n d n e s s

42 connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

v

vinings limited

Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors Providing a professional, friendly service to individuals, sole traders, partnerships & limited companies.

Our services include:

a a a a a a

Preparation of Accounts Self Assessment & Corporation Tax Returns Company Secretarial Services Payroll Bureau Company Formations Bookkeeping Training

www.vinings.co.uk

01789 764972

helen@vinings.co.uk

Grafton House, Bulls Head Yard, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5BX

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

43

Harvington Art Group appeals for new members.

T

here are currently 8 members of Harvington Art Group, but there have been plenty more in years gone by. As the group’s numbers have dwindled, their meeting place has moved from the main part of the village hall to a smaller room at the rear, where tables are laid out ready for the attendees to set up their artwork.

Each member has their own preferred medium with which they etch out, blend, paint, draw or smudge landscapes, pet and wildlife portraits, seascapes and more. Some like to use their time to study art books before getting to work, but all enjoy their dedicated space to be creative.

Carol Ellis, one of the group’s members, appeals for new artists to join them and encourages anyone who may be sitting on the fence about attending: “Everybody is so willing to help, discuss, encourage and give advice freely to new members, who can come to enjoy an afternon with their own equipment and materials. Or they can use what current members already

44 connectionmags.co.uk

have.”

Each year, the group organises an exhibition at Harvington Village Hall, along with refreshments.

It’s a time for the group members to show the public their best works, and also an opportunity to sell a few of them on to cover the costs of their materials for another year. This year’s exhibition will be held on Saturday 26th September.

If you are a budding or experienced artist, Harvington Art Group provides a warm welcome and plenty of encouragement to help you develop your skills in the company of likeminded artists.

The group meets at 2pm every fortnight on Friday afternoons at Harvington Village Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for 10th April , but please contact Christine Bowen on 01789 773749 for more information about dates and cancellations due to COVID-19.

by Christine Bowen

by Carol Ellis

Unfinished cat portraits by Stephanie Newbury

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Top Right Photo, L-R: Rose Thompson, Rosalie Daubney, Christine Bowen, Fran Battin, Stephanie Newbury, Carol Ellis

For the past 25 years or so, a group of friendly and creative locals have been meeting every fortnight at Harvington Village Hall. Each equipped with easels, pastels, paints, brushes, pencils or crayons, chomping at the bit to continue with their latest masterpiece...

For all your heating and plumbing needs...

•Boiler installs, services and repairs •Worcester Approved Installer •Radiators and towel rails •Powerflushing

•All plumbing works •Bathroom design and installation •Up to 12 years guarantee on boilers •0% finance options available

Call our office on 01789 766200 www.agsgaslimited.co.uk Unit 24 Arden Business Centre, Alcester, B49 6HW

Check availability on the web/internet with: Stockists of Calor gas

Getting people back into high street shops

Your local Dulux Colour & Advice Centre Helping your garden grow with a range of Vitax products

SPEEDY DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Cold weather essentials: kindling, logs, coal, snow shovels, anti freeze, sledges...

Call: 01789 762464

Swan Street, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5DP To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

45

Ideas to help yourself and your community during COVID-19 self-isolation

By Emily Lee

A

t the time of going to print, everyone with a fever and/or persistent dry cough has been asked to self-isolate, with their household, for 14 days.

Those in at-risk groups have also been advised to stay at home for 12 weeks. We are all being asked to start social distancing. This might have changed by the time you receive this magazine, so please check for updates at www.gov.uk In these strange and confusing times, there are suddenly a huge number of us with a lot of time on our hands. Many will be spending that time alone, which can be difficult and leave us feeling lonely. We wanted to give anyone in self-isolation a useful list of ideas to keep busy, creative, calm and connected in the weeks ahead.

Occupy the mind and body in self-isolation Whilst some of us are used to keeping occupied by ourselves, it can be hard to get used to. We’ve gathered a few of our favourite suggestions for solo activities at

46 connectionmags.co.uk

home. Follow our hashtag #positiveconnections on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and feel free to add your own suggestions!

Keep busy:

• If you have work you need to do, create a daily list and take regular breaks.

• Do some gardening.

• Remind yourself of some fun card or board games.

• Learn a new skill like knitting or baking.

• Read a book. Make sure you read our article on page 60 for ideas!

• Binge watch a box set or watch a film.

• Review your finances to keep a healthy budget .

• Make a project of decluttering a room.

Feel calm:

• Practice mindfulness techniques.

• Do some light exercise or yoga. You will be able to find useful YouTube videos to follow and you may be able to access online classes via your local gym.

• Stick to a routine so you can relax in the evening and sleep well.

• If you can access fresh fruit and veg, make sure you eat some daily.

Get creative: • Keep a diary of your • Pamper yourself. Try a experience of the illness or time facemask, do your nails or take in isolation. a long bath.

• Pick up a pencil, paintbrush Stay connected: or needle and create • Make regular phone or video something.

• Take the extra time calls to relatives and friends, or to slow-cook meals. start a WhatsApp group.

• Play or learn • Check in with elderly or a musical vulnerable relatives. instrument.

• Play online games such as • Write a poem, blog, short story or Scrabble. start your memoirs. • Catch up on overdue correspondence.

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Help vulnerable people in the community

Support local businesses Without footfall, businesses – especially smaller, family-run companies - will be looking for ways to keep going in the most challenging circumstances.

There are a few things we can do as customers to lighten their load – why not get in touch online and see what they can offer?

1. Pay your invoices! If you have any outstanding payments due to local services or trades, please make sure you pay them without delay.

2. Buy a voucher. If you have a birthday or special event coming up, why not buy a gift voucher from a local shop, café, restaurant or pub to be used once we are all back to normal?

You could mark Father’s Day with the promise of a slap-up meal and help a local venue with their cashflow.

to volunteer assistance. If you need practical help and you live in this area, call 07707 598379.

If you’ve got the ability to Salford Priors: St Matthews support people in need in our Church. If self-isolating area, there are a few different and you live in Salford ways you can offer help.

Priors, phone 01386 Volunteering is a great way 872758 or email admin@ to boost your mood and help prevent people getting isolated. stmatthewssalfordpriors.org.uk for help.

There are several community groups that are offering support Harvington: ‘Harvington Pastoral Support Network’. Call and asking for volunteers for 07591 377367 for assistance if collecting shopping, posting you live in Harvington. mail, and making phone calls.

Honeybourne: follow ‘Spotted If you require assistance due to self-isolation, here are some Honeybourne’ on Facebook for updates, should you live in details of groups in your area: this area.

Please note that this might require minimal sharing of Welford on Avon: Welford your contact details with on Avon Parish Council volunteers in the relevant Community Support Network groups. for Welford residents. To volunteer, email: Bidford: ‘Project Community welfordpc@yahoo.co.uk or Mobilisation.’ To volunteer, call 07715 211340. Further email Elisabeth Uggerløse at details via the Welford Matters Bidford Parish Council: info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk Facebook page. and for assistance as a Bidford If you do not have access to the parish resident, phone 01789 internet or Facebook, we will 778653 or 07718 628925. try to help direct you to the best group for your area. Please Alcester (and Kinwarton, contact 01789 491005. Do Great Alne, Arrow and be patient though as, if we’re Weethley): ‘Alcester out delivering our magazines, Community Resilience’ (see you may need to leave an Facebook page for updates). answerphone message.

Email: amfoster@live.co.uk

3. Shop local. Use smaller, independent stores and food delivery services if possible, instead of larger supermarkets.

Everything seems to be telling us that they are the beststocked!

4. Offer sponsorship. You could support a local business by offering to sponsor them if they are not eligible to claim government help/insurance.

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

47

Puzzle Page

WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

Answers on page 61.

PICTOGRAMS

5 words it

it

TARGET Excellent: 90 or more words Good: 77 words Fair: 65 words

it

F O

3 words

M

O WORLD

3 words

L

ASS

EY

EALTH

ETS W

M ON

QUICK CROSSWORD

1

2

3

A E T 4

5

6

U R

7

Across 1 Sketch (7)

8

9

5 Naval map (5) 8 Expel (5)

10

9 Woman's holdall (7) 10 Promotional literature (13)

11

12

11 Informal (6) 12 Thick-set (6)

13

14 15

16

17

15 Used to cool food (13) 18 Conclusions (7)

18

19

19 Perfect (5) 20 Sea rising and falling (5) 21 Medicinal syrup (7) Down

20

4 Pertaining to cultural group (6)

1 Musical drama (5)

5 Deep thinking (13)

2 Robbers (7)

6 Saunter (5)

3 Worldwide (13)

7 Firmly (7)

48 connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

21

11 Right (7) 13 Nearest (7) 14 Receptacle (6) 16 Dimmed (5) 17 Bottom of the feet (5)

@connection_mag

Happier and healthier or your money back.

At Inspired Villages we believe our stunning properties, ďŹ rst-class facilities, focus on holistic well-being and real community spirit offer the key to the very best retirement.

Our belief is so strong we now offer a moneyback guarantee: If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a better sense of well-being and feel happier after six months with us, we guarantee to return your deposit in full.

Experience the years of your life?

Get in touch for more details:

01789 867 233 www.inspiredvillages.co.uk/guarantee *Terms and conditions apply, see above link for more details

Visit an Inspired village near you

Alcester Town Council

APRIL-MAY 2020

Alcester Neighbourhood Development Plan

We are pleased to report that at last the Neighbourhood Plan is nearing its completion.

Following a comprehensive review by the Independent Examiner, a favourable report was produced in January. The Examiner suggested some minor modifications which the Alcester Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group has considered and accepted. The Plan already has considerable weight in the planning determination process but will not have full weight until formally adopted by Stratford on Avon District Council (SDC).

The Plan contains policies on Housing and the Built Environment; Economy; Transport and Infrastructure; Community, Leisure and Well-being and the Natural Environment. When the Plan is adopted, anyone submitting planning applications must comply with the policies in order that future development respects the needs and character of the town. Alcester will also benefit from additional money that developers will have to provide for local infrastructure and facilities.

The Examiner has recommended that the Plan progress to the next stage which is a local referendum. This will take place on Thursday 7 May 2020. If the majority of voters vote in its favour it will be adopted by SDC and its policies will inform planning decisions.

The Steering Group are keen that as many residents as possible vote on the Plan. Please look out for a summary leaflet which will be delivered to your home. You will also receive a polling card from SDC giving details of the voting day and locations to cast your vote.

If you require more information please contact Alcester Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group, c/o Alcester Town Council. Globe House, Seggs Lane, Alcester, B49 5DZ, or by email to: administration@alcester-tc.gov.uk

In response to the recent Covid-19 outbreak, Alcester like other towns and villages is coordinating its community response. A team of volunteers has been established to support those in need at this difficult time. Any person living in the parishes of Alcester, Kinwarton, Great Alne and Arrow and Weethley can call 07707 598379 if they require practical help.

This will include picking up shopping, posting mail, fetching urgent supplies or just a friendly phone call.

50 connectionmags.co.uk

Repair Cafe Goes From Strength to Strength Do you have something that needs mending? Then come along to the Repair CafĂŠ on 16 April or 21 May 2020 at The Depot, Eric Payne Community Centre (formerly The Jubilee Centre) from 2- 6pm.

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 - Tues 14 April & 12 May (Annual Meeting) Planning - Mon 20 April & TBC May Community Care - Tues 21 April & TBC May Community Facilities - Tues 28 April & TBC May Presidium - Tues 28 April & TBC May Members of the public are welcome to attend any of the Council meetings. The agendas are published on the Town Council website 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 9amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;1pm (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 Community Care - Jenny Theobald: office@alcester-tc.gov.uk Facilities - Jan Rowlatt: reception@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

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

VE Day Events, Alcester – Friday 8th May

                                                        

VE Day Exhibitions

           

8th May

         

Please join the group ‘VE DAY IN ALCESTER 2020’ on Facebook for updates regarding COVID-19 related cancellations.

Bidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire

BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA It is with great regret that, following advice from the Prime Minister and his medical advisers, Bidford Rural Cinema will cancel its screenings for the time being.

Films to be shown can be found at www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/events.htm.

BIG MEADOW Subject to weather conditions (the ground may be too wet) and Government advice on Coronavirus, the Big Meadow will open its summer season on Saturday 4th April.

All residents of the Bidford on Avon parish, ie of Bidford on Avon, Barton, Broom and Marlcliff are eligible for a FREE CAR PASS. Application forms can be obtained at the Parish Council Office on Bramley Way or downloaded from the website at https://www.bidfordonavon-pc. gov.uk/pdfs/bigmeadow-carpass.pdf. Please remember to enclose a SAE if you wish the pass to be sent to you by post.

If you happen not to be in Bidford when you open the app then it will brand as LCS. When you then open it in Bidford to raise a report it will offer that screen.

VILLAGE EVENTS Friday 17th April, 7.30pm Bidford & District History Society Meeting at the Crawford Memorial Hall.

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May Annual Vintage Gathering on the Big Meadow.

Friday 15th May, 7.30pm – Bidford & District History Society meeting at the Crawford Memorial Hall.

Please be aware that the above can be cancelled due to Coronavirus MEETINGS Monday 6th April and 11th May, 7.30pm Planning Consultative Committee Meeting.

Monday 27th April and 18th May, 7.30pm Parish Council Meeting.

Please note, the May meeting is the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.

Saturday 16th May, 10am - 12.30pm Annual Parish Assembly(Part 1) at the Crawford

52 connectionmags.co.uk

Memorial Hall – Annual event to celebrate our local Community Organisations and Sports Associations.

Monday 18th May, 7pm Annual Parish Assembly (Part 2).

All meetings, which are open to the public, are held at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Bramley Way, B50 4QG, unless otherwise stated. It is at these meeting that decisions that directly affect our village and our local community are made, so be part of it and come and see it happen.

Please be aware that, depending on Government Legislation due to Coronavirus, this schedule can change.

BIDFORD EMAIL INFORMATION Want to know what is happening on the village every week? Nothing easier; simply sign up by emailing the Clerk at info@bidfordonavonpc.gov.uk and your name will be added to the weekly email information list and you will receive an email regarding upcoming events and notices.

SOCIAL MEDIA - You can also keep up to date by following the Parish Council on social media: via Facebook (Bidford on Avon) and Twitter (@Bidford_PC), as a lot of information and updates are published through Social Media.

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. If you are unable to attend during these hours, please contact the Clerk to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Tel No. 01789 778653 or 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

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Hatch a plan to help your business grow by advertising in

thhe

connection magazine

Prices start from m £21.25 per edition to reach 10,000 homes and businesses in Alcester, Bidford and surrounding villages.

Call: 01789 491005 or email: info@connectionmags.co.uk

Local Plumber ALL PLUMBING WORK UNDERTAKEN No job too small • No VAT Reliable Friendly Service

CALL HUGH ON

Call: 07768 360 420 hughducksss@gmail.com References Available On Request Fully Insured

www.connectionmags.co.uk

10% OFF

FLAT ROOFS

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 info@weatherguardservices.com www.weatherguardservices.com The Barn, Croft Lane, Temple Grafton B49 6PA

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

Digital TV Aerials Satellite Dish Installations Sky Distribution Systems Additional TV Points Repairs & Upgrades CCTV Installations FM & DAB Aerials TV Tuning & Setting Up TV Wall Mounting

Free Quotations and Advice Call Pete on 01789 764118 or 07761 348755 www.chartel.co.uk pete@chartel.co.uk

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

53

Disappearing Bidford: Our battle to preserve the past.

H

ave you ever passed one of the many new buildings in our village and area and wondered what was there before? Have you ever felt a curiosity about the people who lived in this village in years gone by? How did their lives differ from ours?

There are indeed plenty of photographs, records, memoirs and letters which unlock the secrets of Bidfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past, but until now they have all been in the hands of individuals. Bidford CommunityLibrary and Bidford & District History Society have now collaborated to create a village archive in the library where these documents will be available to the public. Many will be online, but for those who would like to see the original documents or photogrpahs, they will be accessible at the library with a full list of what is available online. Many of the records so far have been given to the History Society but we hope that, in future, those with interesting material such as letters, diaries, documents or photographs from the past will feel that they can donate them to our archive in the knowlege that they will be preserved correctly and protected for future generations to enjoy. We have received help and advice from the Warwickshire County Record Office on preservation to ensure that our material is properly preserved.

We hope that this will be a useful addition for those researching the local area but we are also convinced that the merely curious will be fascinated to see 20th century pictures of the streets and areas where they now live, and read about village life and its activities over the past 100 years or so.

Bidford and the surrounding villages have changed beyond recognition, so we are determined to ensure that its past is preserved for us and future generations.

54 connectionmags.co.uk

The archive launch is due to be held at Bidford Community Library on Saturday 25th April, 2pm. Some of the archive material from the collection will be on display.

Do come and join us as we celebrate the Bidford areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glorious past!

Please do keep an eye on The Connection Magazine Facebook page for updates of any cancellations or postponements.

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

office@broadmark.co.uk

www.broadmark.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

1-18

GED 1 A E N O Y N EN TO A

R I O H C YOUpeTrfHorm have fun OP

sing

s d n e i r f e k a m

Weekly rehearsals take place

every Tuesday during term time starting 5th May 7-7.30pm THE METHODIST HALL BIDFORD-ON-AVON B50 4QB £5 TERMLY PER FAMILY If you’d like to join or need more information, please contact

bidfordareacommunitychoir@gmail.com

Grooming At Ferns

YOUR FRIENDLY LOCAL VETERINARY SURGERY

McGettigan’s Lissadell, 106 The Ridgeway, Astwood Bank, B96 6NA

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

www.groomingatferns.co.uk

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

Only 4 miles from Alcester

PETS

Consultations by appointment

24 Hour EMERGENCY COVER

TEL: 01527 893016 FAX: 01527 893008

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 10th of May

Please be aware that because of the coronavirus pandemic it is possible that many of the events listed may have been cancelled by the time you read the Connection.

Cupcake Café at Salford Priors

The April meeting has been cancelled.

2nd 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 cuppa amd cake.

Alcester Flower Club

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

Our April and May meetings have been cancelled.

Contact: Marian Buchanan 01789 400868.

Broom WI

Our meetings are held at Broom Village Hall, commencing at 7.30pm. Our April meeting has been cancelled. Thursday 7th May, Resolutions Meeting. Members only.

Alcester Gardening Club We meet on the 1st Thursday of the month at

the Centre, Jubilee Court, Lea Close, Alcester.

Our April and May meetings have been cancelled Please call the secretary on 01789 765105 for details.

Salford Priors Ladies Group

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

Our April meeting has been cancelled Wednesday 13th May, Juanita will give a demonstration for the group on keeping fit.

Visitor's fee including refreshments is £2. Contact Barbara McIlwaine on 01789 778392.

Alcester Ladies Probus

We are a friendly club for ladies and welcome visitors and new members.We meet for lunch every 2ndWednesday of the month at Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton, 12.15 for 12.45, usually followed by a speaker. Our April and May meetings have been cancelled.

Contact Hon. Sec. Mrs Cynthia Hill, 01789 763446.

Temple Grafton WI

Our meetings are held at the Graftons Village Hall, Temple Grafton at 7.30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Our April and May meetings have been cancelled. Please get in touch with Eileen Timms on 01789 77367 for more information.

56 connectionmags.co.uk

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 April and May meetings have been cancelled.

Alcester & District Local History Society

We meet at St Benedict's High School, Sixth Form Centre, Kinwarton Road, Alcester B49 6PX at 8.00pm.

Full details at: www.alcesterhistory.org.uk. Contact Alan Godfrey 01789 765385. Our April and May meetings have been cancelled.

Alcester Garden Walkabout

In aid of Cancer Research UK on Sunday 21st June, 12 noon to 5 pm. Around 20 'hidden' gardens to explore.

Teas, plants, ice-creams. Sorry, no dogs allowed in the gardens. Help us celebrate our 30th year! Tickets £5 (children under 12 free) from Church Street. 01789 764756.

Cookhill Garden Club

Meetings are at Cookhill Village Hall on the 3rd Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm.

Our April meeting has been cancelled.

May 20th, The club have a Coach Trip to Wollerton Old Hall Garden, Market Drayton, a 2019 winner in The Nation’s Favourite Garden. Further details 01527 894317. Newcomers are always welcome. www. cookhillgarden.club.

Harvington Phoenix Ladies Group

Meet on the first Wednesday of every month, 7.45 pm at Harvington Village Hall. All ladies very welcome, do come and join us for a convivial evening with interesting speakers and activities, friendly company and maybe a glass of wine or two. Contact Wendy Monks, 01386 870267. Our April and May meetings have been cancelled.

Bidford Gardening Society

Our April and May meetings have been cancelled. For further details please ring Annette Haines on 01789 268974 or go to www. bidfordgardens.com.

Bidford on Avon WI We meet at Bidford Methodist Church, 7.30 for

7.45pm. Our April and May meetings have been cancelled. If you would like more information, please contact Ann 01789 772409 or Pauline 01789 773390.

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Thank You! Thank you, the businesses & people of Alcester, Bidford & area who supported our two Charity Big Breakfasts In March.

We will announce details of donations later in the year.

A little bit of Spring Cheer

The purple crocus is a symbol of Rotary’s worldwide campaign to eradicate polio & represents the purple dye used to mark the finger of a child who has been immunised. Millions of symbolic purple Crocus corms are planted by Rotary each year.

Here are some we planted last year, just come into bloom by the ‘Rotary Remembers’ bench, Abbey Fields, Alcester

Our friendly & informal meetings take place on Thursday mornings for breakfast at Kings Court Hotel, Alcester but for a while we are going online! If you’d like more information & to find our what we are doing please Email - alcesterbidfordrotary@gmail.com

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 10th of May

Please be aware that because of the coronavirus pandemic it is possible that many of the events listed may have been cancelled by the time you read the Connection.

Events at The Alcester War Memorial Town Hall in April and May

Every Thursday Every Thursday Fri 3rd Apr Tues 7th April Tues 28th April Sat 21st March Fri 8th May

Alcester Café

6.45pm 8.15pm 7pm 12am 6.30pm 7.30pm 10am

Arrow Action Group (Special Needs) - Mrs J. Appleby, 01789 766224.

Tai Chi Class - Jane Bowen, 01789 763866.

AWMTH AGM - Nick Dearling 01789 765070.

Annual Parish Meeting - S Duran 01789 766084.

Talk on Syria - F Wood 01789 400300.

Alcester Dining Club - Mr D Parkes 07884 436776.

VE DAY Celebrations - Mike Gittus 01789 488877.

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 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.

Walking for Health - Health Walks

This National Scheme is run by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support. The local group meets at 10.30am every Monday (except Bank Holidays) on the High Street, at the bridge in Bidford. Walks are led by trained walk leaders and last for 1 - 2 hours, varying in length between 2.5 and 4 miles. New walkers are always welcome. All participants are required to complete a simple outdoor health questionnaire. For more information, go to www.walkingforhealth.org.uk.

Silver Surfers

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.

Local Art Club, Alcester

Open to anyone who is interested, 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. All are

welcome to join us.

Craft Club Alcester

Calling all embroiderers, crocheters, knitters, illustrators, crafters of all disciplines! An informal free monthly meet up at the Holly Bush pub in Alcester on the 2nd Monday of the month. Bring along whatever you are working on for a couple of hours of inspirational chat wth likeminded souls.

Bidford Community Group - Jolly Teapot

New to computing and over 50? Come along to Bidford on Avon Community Group hold a get together our friendly Silversurfers session at our new venue, each Thursday 9.30 to 11.30 am. Why not come and Alcester Library and Museum. We specialise in giving join us at St Lawrence Church Hall help with all tablets and Windows 10. Every Thursday between 10am and 12 midday.

Children’s answers (from page 30): The countries are... Italy (Pasta) Mexico (taco) America (Hot dog) China (rice) England (Fish and chips) Scotland (Haggis) Spain (Paella) France (Croissant) India (Curry).

The 4 plates: Pick up any one of the four plates and place it on top of the plate diagonally opposite.

Sudoku solutions (see page 6)

Easy grid

Not so easy grid

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 Arden: 01564 330 616 Solihull: 0121 607 8834 Stratford: 01789 508 660 Mobile: 07785 507 103

Email: Drivecoltd@gmail.com

Contact us today for a FREE DESIGN & FREE QUOTATION

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

• • • • • • •

Block Paving • Lift & Relay Drives Fencing • Patios • Tarmacing Brickwork • Slabbing • Gravel Driveway Repairs Clean & Seal Drives Driveway Maintenance • Garden Design Roofing Repairs • UPVC Fascias & Downpipes

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS No deposits taken - No subcontractors used

Check out samples of our work on our website www.DriveCoLtd.com www DriveCoLtd com Branches throughout the Midlands

liA

to 5 m i l l i o p U

UnDS pUB li

C

n

po

Bility i nS

Head Office: Forward House, 17 High Street, Henley in Arden, Warwickshire B95 5AA

U

rA

nC

e C ov e r

•

Company Reg. No: 10560471 Registered in England & Wales

Books for Bedtime Clean sheets, a mug of hot chocolate, a new book… Bliss.

The Foundling – Stacey Halls Bess leaves her newborn daughter at the Foundling Hospital. It’s 1754 and as a single woman living on the poverty line, she has no means of supporting a child. Six years later, Bess returns to claim her daughter, only to be told she’s already been claimed. So begins a tale of two mothers and the lengths they’ll go to for their child. Gripping historical fiction at its best.

Coming up for Air – Sarah Leipciger Three very different stories, three different eras, one common thread. First we meet a young woman, driven to end her life on the banks of the River Seine in 1899. Years later, Pieter, a toymaker by trade, is called on to create the prototype for a resuscitation doll. And then there’s Anouk, who wages a daily battle against cystic fibrosis in present day Toronto, while finding a sense of freedom in open-air swimming.

Vividly real characters, beautiful writing and engaging plot lines make this a book you’ll want to share with anyone who’ll listen.

60 connectionmags.co.uk

The Wives – Tarryn Fisher Thursday loves her husband, Seth. But she’s pretty sure his other wives love him too. She’s agreed to be one of three, never meeting the others, but always aware of their presence in her husband’s life. Then one day Thursday has the opportunity to meet the third wife, and sees her bruises.

Is Seth hiding more than she realised? An enjoyable read with plenty of twists and turns, The Wives will keep you on your toes until the end.

Body Positive Power – Megan Jayne Crabbe The strapline for this book is ‘How to stop dieting, make peace with your body and live’, which is exactly what it sets out to do. Megan recounts her own struggles with eating disorders and experiences with weight-loss clubs, while delving into diet culture and the Western world’s obsession with the ‘perfect body’. If you’re fed up of the endless dieting cycle and ready to try something different, this book could be just what you’re looking for.

/theconnectionmag

The Water Dancer – TaNehisi Coates Hiram is born into slavery.

He finds himself an agent of the underground. While the people he works with are focused on ending the institution of slavery, they have little interest in helping him to rescue the people he loves who are still trapped.

They want him to move on, but as Hiram comes to realise, it’s crucial that he doesn’t forget the past. The Water Dancer isn’t an easy read, but it stays with you.

Can You Hear Me? – Jake Jones If you enjoyed Adam Kay’s This is Going to Hurt, then this memoir needs to be next on your reading list. Jones reveals some of the cases he’s dealt with in his career as a paramedic, interspersing the stories with his own life events, musings and challenges. Humorous and sobering in equal measures, Can You Hear Me? will give you a new-found appreciation for the people on the front line of medicine.

@connection_mag

Special Offers & Discounts Looking for a special offer? Use our handy index below, which will guide you to further details. Terms & conditions apply - see advertisements or contact businesses for additional details.

Food & Drink FREE bottle of house wine during April 2020 with voucher

THE GOLDEN CROSS

• £1 off any 2-portion ‘Cook’ Product (with coupon) • £5 off when you spend ( £40 in store)

Page No.

5

Home Improvements 30% off conservatories & warm roofs.

CENTURION HOME IMPROVEMENTS

33

10% off flat roofs

Heating & Plumbing

Hair & Beauty 45

Interest free finance options

FLUSH HEATING & PLUMBING 43

DIY Osmo UV Protection Oil: 20% extra FREE plus FREE 3-piece high quality paint brush set.

AG WOODCARE

20% off sofas during April

53

10% off first treatment with voucher.

HEATHER & HONEY

29

Motoring • 10% off wiperblades • Free spring safety check • SMART paintwork repairs from £75

DAVID LEES MOTOR ENGINEERS

3

Furnishings ELDRIDGES FURNITURE

37

GAROLLA

WEATHERGUARD

AGS GAS LTD

28

Roller garage door - Save £459

WARNERS BUDGENS

0% finance options

Page No.

15

36

Childcare

50% discount to 2-year olds for the summer term.

ALCESTER NURSERY STUDIO 31

Puzzle Page Answers Simple Crossword:

Across: 1 Outline, 5 Chart, 8 Evict, 9 Handbag, 10 Advertisement, 11 Casual, 12 Stocky, 15 Refrigerators, 18 Endings, 19 Ideal, 20 Tidal, Pictograms: 21 Linctus.

1. It’s Written In The Stars Down: 1 Opera, 2 Thieves, 3 International, 2. Whole Wide World 4 Ethnic, 5 Concentration, 6 Amble, 7 Tightly, 11 Correct, 13 Closest, 14 Vessel, 16 Faded, 17 Soles.

3. Wheel Of Fortune Wordwheel answer: FORMULATE

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

61

CPM

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

• FREE QUOTES

Call us now on:

07544 330103

Trust our friendly team to carry you through your house sale.

Book your FREE, no obligation valuation today.

www.sanders-sanders.co.uk Burton House, High Street, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5AB

T: 01789 766771

E: alcester@sanders-sanders.co.uk

DAD DIDN’T GET A SPARE CAR KEY

DON’T LEAVE IT TO CHANCE GET YOURS TODAY Tel: 01789 762450

www.alcesterlocks.co.uk E: sales@alcesterlocks.co.uk Unit 12, 34 Tything Road, Alcester B49 6ES Serving the local community for over 30 years