The Connection Magazine - January/February 2021

the

connection magazine

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages

January-February 2021 No. 147

Tips for a tidy new year

GARDENING Look after your feathered friends

Dealing with January blues

PLUS

Alcester Town Council Bidford Parish Council Local community updates

FITTER. LE

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3

Useful phone numbers

Welcome

... to the January/February Connection Doctors / Health

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

Hospitals

Redditch Hospital Stratford Hospital Warwick Hospital

Emergency

Emergency Services Alcester Police BT Fault Electric Power Loss Gas Emergency

Others

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

Schools

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

Councils

Alcester Town Council Bidford Parish Council Stratford Dist Council

Thank goodness that’s all done with! I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to see the back of a year before. Goodbye 2020, don’t let 763060 the door hit you on your way out.

763293 It finally feels as though there’s a light at the end of the tunnel 773372 though, albeit a tentative one that’s a bit of a way off. But the 111 news of vaccination programmes being rolled out seems to have 08457 909090 brought some positivity for many.

January naturally feels like a new start, with many of us committing to resolutions to improve our health and lifestyles. If 01527 503030 you’d like to kickstart your year with a happier home, we’ve got some decluttering tips (p.14) to get your started. Or you could 205831 01926 495321 try a different type of resolution where you give yourself time to read a book a week (or month, which is more realistic in my case!). There’s some great suggestions on page 42.

If January is perhaps a little tough for you and you can’t begin to 999 or 112 think about resolutions, go easy on yourself and have a read of 444816 our ‘January Blues’ health article on page 8.

08008 00151 I hope you like the rather handsome kingfisher on our cover.

08004 04090 Have you ever spotted any around our local rivers? Do send 08001 11999 your photos in to the email address below if you have. Talking of feathered friends, our gardening article (p.18) has some advice on how to look after the birds visiting your garden. We have 0300 555 8171 an especially lovely robin that comes to ours, but the visiting 01789 773239 squirrels like to take their food and have even outsmarted our 0844 855 2322 squirrel-proof bird feeder.

07771 616189 We’ve had a lovely poem about Bidford-on-Avon (p.13) 01789 766750 contributed this edition by local poet, Paul Wareing, to lift your 01789 762450 spirits. And our community features, Alcester Town Council 01789 766200 (p.36) and Bidford Town Council (p.38) newsletters can all be 01789 270744 found toward the back of our magazine, along with our regular 01386 871777 puzzle page (p.34) to keep your brain ticking over.

01789 262889 Children can enjoy their own puzzle page too (p.22). I’ve found that I now need two magazines to keep each of my offspring entertained without arguments!

There’s plenty more coffee break reading for you to be found 762285 too, and I hope you enjoy the opportunity to enjoy a sit down, a 762494 moment’s peace from mindless phone scrolling and some time to 762888 reconnect with what’s about in your lovely, local communites.

773201 Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021.

762444 All the best, 772200 488247 488211 March/April Copy Deadline: 762555 Tuesday 9th February 772497 Facebook.com/theconnectionmag Twitter.com/connection_mag 762578 Connection circulation: 11,300 772384 Editor: Amy James Phone 01789 491005

Amy

766084 778653 267575

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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Hillers S

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13

Tidy Your Way To A Happier New Year.

A Tidy Mind’s professional organiser, Victoria Trevor, gives her top tips for a happier, clutter-free life in 2021.

J

anuary is surely the month of reflection and I’m certain, given the ups and downs of 2020, the start of 2021 will focus our minds on what makes us happy more than ever. The Happiness Institute in Denmark conducted research into what makes people across Europe happy and discovered that our homes account for 15% of our happiness. That’s over five times as much as our jobs and almost three times as much as our incomes. 73% of people who are happy at home are happy in life. And the number one want in your home: light and space.

There has never been a better time to focus on what makes us happier.

As a Professional Organiser, I’m excited to start this year by offering you some top tips to create some calm in the chaos and support you to increase your happiness at home.

Focus on your “why”.

In a burst of enthusiasm, you get all your clothes out and chuck them on the bed. You’re going to sort them once and for all. But where are the bags you need? Gosh, I didn’t realise I had so much! This is hard work. I don’t have enough time for this. I’ll just shove this in the drawer and sort it out next time. Sound familiar?

We often start decluttering our homes with the best of intentions, but swiftly we find ourselves off track, demoralised and demotivated.

Start by focusing on your “why”. Why do you want to declutter? If 2020 has shown us anything, it’s that we value spending time with family and friends. Do you want the spare room back to be able to have family to stay? Or the dining table cleared to have friends for dinner?

Being clear on what you want to achieve will help you to stay on track

and keep motivated. It’s your space and your goal to set, it only needs to be important to you.

Start small and build big.

Be ambitious but don’t underestimate the time involved to get the job done. Start with one shelf, drawer or bag and build from there. Getting every item of your clothing out in one go might be great for TV shows, but it’s unrealistic in day-to-day life. Certainly, it is if you want to be able to go to bed that night!

I’m all for a fast and effective blast in an area where needed but creating a more sustained approach will build a more lasting improvement in your home. Just like a crash diet might feel like a good idea right before your holiday, but there is no replacement for consistent healthy living .

Own your decision-making skills.

When you start to organise or declutter, you might be surprised at how mentally and emotionally draining it all is. We are often making a lot of decisions that we’ve procrastinated over for some time and it can be harder than we realise. Like anything, the more you do it the better your skills will be.

If you’re unsure about an item, ask yourself three questions: Do I use it? Do I need it? Do I love it?

The radiator key? You might not love it but you do need it, however you don’t need 10 of them.

Your children’s art work? Well, you don’t need it and don’t really use it but you do love it or at least you love keeping some of it.

Remember, the difference between clutter and collection is curation.

Carefully chosen items you love will allow you to love the light and space around them as well,

meaning you can enjoy them more than a jumbled pile.

Try to turn the tap down, if not off.

Think carefully about ownership.

What comes into your house and what goes out?

We live in a consumer age where items we “need” are often only one click away. Before you buy, think: Can I borrow it? Can I rent it? Can I get it second hand? Not only will this help your bank balance, but it will help the environment and give you feel-good factor about your consumer power.

One in, One out.

The holy grail of decluttering. If you can achieve the “one in, one out” rule, then you will have made a major step forward in your goal of a tidy home and mind. New shoes?

Pass on another pair you have. New saucepans? Recycle the old ones.

You need to keep it like for like as much as possible. You can’t buy 3 new outfits and clear out 3 old teaspoons. That’s just cheating!

If you can build this habit in yourself and those you live with, 2021 will be an altogether calmer, stress-free and happier place to be.

Those are my top tips to get you started. Good luck and best wishes for the year ahead, I hope it is filled with good health, happiness and a lot less clutter.

To book a free consultation with Victoria, contact: T: 07525 156733 W: www.atidymind.co.uk/ westmidlands E: victoria@atidymind.co.uk

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DISCOVER

local

treasures Your visual guide to businesses, products & services from Alcester, Bidford & the surrounding villages.

Tilly Rose Beauty Boutique, Bidford-on-Avon B50 4BG | 01789 778349

D 0

Contemporary Coverings, Alcester B49 5BX | 01789 400050

Nasus Hair | Salon & luxury organic haircare Alcester, B49 5EL | 01789 766314

B B

AG Woodcare, Bidford-on-Avon B50 4JH | 01789 778628

Outdoor Adventurer, Honeybourne WR11 7QB | outdooradventurer.co.uk

M B

Daisy Cakes & Makes, Bidford-on-Avon 07789 674077

Level Up Lashes, Salford Priors 07742 511110

Bonners Jewellers, Alcester B49 5AP | 01789 763715

Aanando’s Bistro, 67a High St, Bidford-on-Avon B50 4AH | 01789 772666

Maypole Butchers, Bidford-on-Avon B50 4AB | 01789 750213

The Village Cafe, Bidford-on-Avon B50 4BQ | 01789 772726

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

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

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

FENCING Andrew Smith

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Offices in Bidford on Avon and Northampton

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Renault Kadjar Renault’s Kadjar is one of the best cars on this list in terms of budget, thanks to a starting price of just under £22,000. For that, you’re getting a good-looking SUV with smart styling and a well-appointed interior, along with the choice of efficient petrol or diesel engines.

It recently had a refresh too, only helping to sharpen the way it looks, and is packed with technology and assistance systems.

Skoda Kodiaq The Skoda Kodiaq is one of the go-to choices when it comes to budget SUVs. It’s spacious, practical and it looks good too – but more importantly, it comes loaded with equipment yet won’t break the bank.

Prices start for a smidge over £25,000 which, given the Kodiaq offers a refined driving experience and seven-seater flexibility, isn’t bad at all in our minds.

Nissan Qashqai The Nissan Qashqai is one of the go-to cars in this segment – it’s been one of the most popular SUVs in the UK for some time now, where its excellent value and good practicality levels have won many drivers over.

The most recent Qashqai has been around for some time now – and it’s due to be replaced soon – but it still represents a real bargain considering prices start at £23,450.

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27

NECK OF THE BAT Yes it’s a strange title (anagram of ‘Back of the Net’ for those new to this piece) but we are living in strange times.

As if we’re not fed up enough of Brexit, along comes Covid-19 (back to the title). Then as if we’re not all fed up enough of the effects of lockdown, for football fans, VAR throws up even more poor decisions.

OK, so VAR is a minor issue compared to a global threat to life (and my sympathy goes to anyone suffering from this virus), but every time a Premier League football match is played, it is threatened with the potential to be ruined by those at Stockley Park.

Fans of Premier League teams have had enough of having to wait for minutes at a time to get a decision from VAR referees while they fiddle with their software, drawing lines

across the pitch to check whether a striker’s arm is a millimetre in front of a defender’s body part, or whether a striker was brought down outside the penalty area or perhaps a millimetre inside. This can not be considered to be in the best interests of the game. The beautiful game. The game that is losing its beauty to the ugly time wasting antics and, frankly, stupidity and unfairness of VAR’s rules and referees, who, let’s face it, should have the final decision in any game.

So is it the VAR generals that are spoiling the game or should referees stand up for us all and just make decisions based on what they saw at the time to save us all from more misery? Let’s face it, if it takes two minutes or more to make a decision based on fractions of a millimetre, the decision could go either way and one side is always going to be upset.

If it’s not ‘clear and obvious’ then just go with the referee at the time. The game is worth more than this!

And don’t get me started on five substitutes!

Rant over!

Till next time...

Back of the net!

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29

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALCESTER Be aware of the following Covid-19 scams

Telephone Scammer calls claiming to be calling from Test and Trace and says you need to take a test for Covid-19 as you may have been in contact with an infected person. You are asked to give an address and bank details to send you the kit. Genuine tests are free and this is a scam.

Apps and text messages

Fraudsters are sending scam messages claiming you are being fined for leaving the house. These criminals use spoofing technology to send texts and emails impersonating organisations that you know and trust. If you receive an unexpected text or email asking for personal or financial details do not click on the links or attachments and don’t respond to any messages that ask for your personal or financial details.

Fake news

Fraudsters purporting to be from HMRC offer a tax refund and ask for your personal and financial details. The emails display the HMRC logo making it look genuine.

Alcester Police South Safer Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Emergencies and active crime, call 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). Online reporting services are also available on our website: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk Team email: alcestersouth.snt@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk SGT 1284 Angus Eagles angus.eagles@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PC 1672 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 PCSO 6336 Mark Lucas mark.lucas@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk Alcester Office 01789 444816.

Door crime Impersonating Police officers, Red Cross workers and health authorities, etc, as well as unknown people offering to help with shopping as an excuse to enter your home. Always ask for ID before letting someone into your home.

Emails

Never click on a link in an email offering a refund of taxes, utilities or similar. If you are in any way unsure as to who sent you an email, do not open. Visit official websites instead.

Key protection advice

Stop: Taking a moment to think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe. Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam and report it to Action Fraud - 0300 123 2040 or visit www. actionfraud.police.uk. details below. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

Facebook - Alcester 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.

For more information about Neighbourhood Watch Alcester please contact nhwalcester@gmail.com or telephone Dorrie Manders on 01789 762999.

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

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Dog Dieting

Your dog isn’t starting the month worried about zipping up their jeans. But if a check on their waistline shows that they are carrying a few extra pounds, it’s time for to you to address the problem for the sake of their health.

Studies have shown that overweight dogs don’t live as long and are more prone to illnesses that

spoil their quality of life. All those little extra treats you’ve been giving them could mean there’s a genuine risk of killing your pet with kindness.

There’s no BMI chart for dogs, so you need to look at body shape and assess body fat.

Viewed from above, does your dog have a waist where their body tapers after the ribcage? Can you feel your dog’s ribs or do they have a potbelly?

Increasing exercise will not be enough on its own, so you should plan a trip to the vet. Not only will they assess how overweight they are, they’ll check if any medical conditions are causing the extra pounds or will prevent weight loss. Furthermore the vet can provide a special calorie-controlled food.

Keep a note of everything – including table scraps and treats – that your dog eats for a few days. A dog that does not seem to eat much dog food probably still has an appetite for sausages and biscuits!

If you’ve reached the stage that your pet actually looks plump, it’s going to take quite a while to reach their target weight, so stick with it.

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Pictograms Pictograms

Puzzle Page

Wordwheel

words Answers3onPictograms pagePictograms 43.

PICTOGRAMS

SLOLIVINGTH

4 words

Each word to be three letters or more (but no plurals), and all must contain the central letter. There’s at least one word which uses all of the letters.

Target: Excellent: 60 or more words Good: 48 words Fair: 40 words

SUSANNA

64words words A NICE

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4 words SOLID

HA HA

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3 words HA HA

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Quick Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

8

10

7

9

11

12

13

14

15

16

19

20

22

34 connectionmags.co.uk

17

18

21

23

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Across 1 Argument (7) 5 Engine (5) 8 Certain (9) 9 Rodent (3) 10 Nightclub (5) 12 Oblivious (7) 13 Musical backing (13) 15 Operating room (7) 17 Edition (5) 19 Ocean (3) 20 Young adults (9) 22 Fashion (5) 23 Weekday (7) Down 1 Chopped up (5) 2 Male child (3) 3 Alike (7) 4 Incentive (13) 5 TV, radio (5) 6 Intimidates (9) 7 Draw back (7) 11 Personal Assistant (9) 13 Painters (7) 14 Copy (7) 16 Heading (5) 18 Thesis (5) 21 Finish (3)

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Alcester Town Council JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021

Fancy Learning to Fish?

New project starting in the New Year. Coaching in how to fish at Broad Acres Farm. Unique opportunity to receive tuition from an expert completely free of charge. All equipment and transport provided.

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36 connectionmags.co.uk

Town Council Meetings In line with government legislation, Full Council meetings are being held remotely by video conference using Zoom software. Committee meetings have also resumed using Zoom.

Please note Community Care and Community Facilities Committees are now meeting bimonthly. All meetings in 2021 commence at 7pm.

Full Council Meetings: Tuesdays 5 January & 2 February Community Facilities: 19 January Presidium: 26 January & 23 February Community Care: 16 February Planning Committee: Mondays 11 January & 1 & 22 February All Town Council meetings remain open to the public. Anyone wishing to participate remotely using Zoom software, or ask questions, should contact the Town Clerk on clerk@alcestertc.gov.uk before 2pm on the day before the meeting to obtain further details.

Agendas are published on the Town Council website: www.alcester-tc.gov.uk and copies can be viewed on the council notice boards.

Alcester Town Council Contact Details: The Town Council offices are open Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm, with staff attending on a rota basis in accordance with government guidelines. The general public will not be admitted unless by prior appointment.

If you have an enquiry for the Town Council, please phone 01789 766084 or email clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk and we will repond as soon as we can.

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

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Bidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire

BRIGHTER BIDFORD What a year 2020 has been and hopefully we will not see the like of it again! We can now start looking forward to a better, brighter 2021. A vaccine has been approved and the vaccination programme has already started. But, as England’s Medical Director has warned “Vaccine rollout is a marathon not a sprint”. However, having recognised this, there is light at the end of the tunnel, at last!

And we at Bidford can do our bit to make 2021 “BRIGHTER BIDFORD YEAR”. After the months of lockdown in 2020, the Parish Council has decided to celebrate and tap into our community spirit by setting aside a special fund for the village. The £25,000 “Brighter Bidford” fund has been created as a positive way of demonstrating pride in our parish as well as encouraging visitors to come back to support our businesses when they can. We’re looking to you, the local community, for ideas that will have real impact!

Residents of Bidford, Broom, Barton and Marlcliff are encouraged to come up with ideas that can be sent to brighterbidford@gmail.com or by post to: Bidford Parish Council, c/o Bidford Post Office, Salford Road, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4AW. COMMUNITY SPEED AWARENESS Speeding through our village has always been a concern of our local community. Be it along the B439, Victoria Road, Waterloo Road, High Street in Broom, Cleeve Road (Marlcliff) or Welford Road, Barton, the Parish Office gets many calls and emails.

However, we are all aware of Warwickshire Police’s current lack of resources, so the Parish Council successfully applied for a County Councillor grant to help it purchase the necessary equipment for the use of local Community Speed Awareness volunteers. This Warwickshire Police supported scheme has been very successful in reducing the speed in rural villages: you can find details of the scheme at https://www. warwickshire-pcc.gov.uk/community-speedwatchrelaunches-in-warwickshire.

If you are one of the concerned residents and would like to volunteer for this scheme, please contact the Clerk on 07718 628925 or by email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk.

POST COVID 19 WELLBEING Local Authorities have recognised the enormous challenges we are all facing during and after

38 connectionmags.co.uk

the COVID 19 pandemic. Peoples health and mental wellbeing has been affected and many businesses are struggling. A lot of information, links to support groups, etc., is available and the Parish Council has set up a POST COVID 19 WELLBEING site on the Parish Council website where you can find all the available information, as well as links and signposting. Please also note that you are always welcome to contact the Clerk directly for help, either by phone 07718 628925 or by email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk MEETINGS Monday 12th January and 8th February, 7.30pm, Planning Consultative Committee Meeting.

Monday 26th January and 22th February, 7.30pm, Parish Council Meeting.

These meetings will take place virtually, by Zoom.

BIDFORD EMAIL INFORMATION Want to know what is happening in the village every week? Nothing easier; simply sign up by emailing the Clerk at info@bidfordonavon-pc.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.

PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS Clerk to the Parish Council – Mrs. Elisabeth Uggerløse.

Tel No. 07718 628 925 email: info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk.

A list of Parish Councillors can be found online: bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/councillors.htm 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, phone 07718 628 925 email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk website www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk.

Parish Councillors – a list of Parish Councillors can be found online www.bidfordonavon-pc. gov.uk/councillors.htm Elisabeth Uggerlose - Clerk to the Parish Council

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Clive Campion & Son Ltd Need a decorator?

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39

community events & what’s on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 8th of February.

Because of the current covid-19 situation, local groups are unable to meet, so we are including what we can, with contact details and website addresses where we have them.

Local WI Groups

All groups will keep in touch and let you know as soon as we can meet again.

Broom WI

Our Zoom meetings for the start of 2021 are: Thursday 7th January at 7.15pm, 'The History and Work of Associated Country Women of the World', presented by Gillian Crisp, via Zoom.

Thursday 4th February at 7.15pm, '10 Stitch Blanket Workshop', with Diane Bright, via Zoom.

Invitations will be sent to all members via email.

If any non-members are interested in attending, please contact Shirley Talboys on 01789 778840 for details.

Alcester WI

We wish all our members, their families and friends a healthy and safe Christmas and New Year - with some happiness thrown in too!

Although we haven't been able to actually meet since a socially distanced get together on a seriously hot summer day under the oak tree in the park on the Stratford Road, we've managed to stay in touch. There have been emails and phone calls between members.

One member celebrated their 70th (platinum) wedding anniversary with a card from the Queen and there have been special birthdays too. There have also been losses which have saddened us all.

We have managed to re-start our book club with 12 members enjoying a varied selection of books. So we are looking ahead to 2021 when - hopefully - we can meet again, fully vaccinated, and do what we do best - talk and eat cake!

Salford Priors Ladies Group

We are hoping to get together in January. In the meantime, best wishes to all.

Alcester Flower Club

Due to the uncertainty of meetings in 2021 due to Covid-19, our February AGM may be cancelled. For further information please contact Marian Buchanan 01789 400868 or Wendy Beesley 01789 762865.

Alcester Ladies Probus Club

Best Wishes to all Members, keep safe and well.

Contact: Hon.Sec. Cynthia Hill: 01789 763446.

Alcester & District Local History Society www.alcesterhistory.org.uk Contact Alan Godfrey 01789 765385.

Cookhill Garden Club

Whilst we are not meeting at the moment, members have been busy working on the Memorial Garden at Cookhill Village Hall, which has undergone a considerable refurbishment. Bearded irises, Hellebores, Rosemary, Heucheras and some quite special shrubs have been planted. The centre piece is a newly planted Wisteria tree, trained to climb over surrounding pergolas. Work will continue throughout the year.

Website www.CookhillGarden.Club for further details.

Bidford Gardening Society www. bidfordgardens.com

Bidford History Society

www.bidfordhistory.org.uk

Alcester Town Hall

alcestertownhall.org.uk

Alcester Cafe

Alcester Cafe is running a Befriending phone, checking carers and people with dementia. They also have two Zoom groups, one for carers and another for a KIT (Keeping in Touch) group. Contact Carole on 01789 488088 for more information.

From all at The Connection Magazine, please stay safe and we hope we can bring you more news soon.

Finally, the following was sent to us by a local WI member (you know who you are - many thanks for your entertaing emails). I think we can all echo her feelings.

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Barnie the Owl to Bumble the Tuk--Tuk Tuk Tuk!

We’ve enjoyed a few new ventures during lockdown.

We held our first ever local heat for Rotary’s ‘Young Photographer’ competition with a theme of ‘Wild Nature’. Here are two photographs from a selection we chose to go on to the district heats.

Congratulations to Ned Fotheringhame (Chipping Campden School) for ‘Barn Owl in Blossom’ & Sam Smith (Bidford Primary School) for ‘Forest Floor Fungi’. The district heats will be judged in the New Year with winning entries going through to the Rotary national finals.

A touch of Eastern culture has been introduced by two of our members, Jeff & Jane Humphries & their Tuk-Tuk ‘Bumble’. This cheerful little vehicle with its elf friends & Christmas music attracted a lot of interested viewers & over £40 in donations for our local charities. Look out for Bumble in a town or village near you!

Our new Zoom meetings mean we all keep in touch & enjoy making exciting plans for 2021.

Our Charity Big Breakfasts will resume in March, guidelines permitting. Please put 6 March in your diary for Bidford & 13 March for Alcester.

Our friendly & informal meetings will resume on Thursday mornings for breakfast at Kings Court Hotel, Alcester as soon as it is safe to do so. If you’d like more information please email - alcesterbidfordrotary@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/AlcesterandBidfordRotary

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

41

Sudoku solutions (see page 6)

Puzzle Answers Pictograms

1. Read Between The Lines 2. Have A Nice Day 3. No Laughing Matter

Easy grid

Wordwheel DISTORTED

Simple Crossword

Across: 1. Dispute, 5. Motor, 8. Convinced, 9.

Rat, 10. Disco, 12. Unaware, 13. Accompaniment, 15. Theatre, 17. Issue, 19. Sea, 20. Teenagers, 22. Style, 23. Tuesday.

Down: 1. Diced, 2. Son, 3. Uniform, 4. Encouragement, 5. Media, 6. Threatens, 7. Retreat, 11. Secretary, 13. Artists, 14. Imitate, 16. Title, 18. Essay, 21. End.

Not so easy grid

Kids Puzzle Answer:

Down: 1 Goat, 3 Sheep, 4 Chicken, 5 Dog, 6 Cow. Across: 2 Horse, 4 Cat, 5 Duck, 7 Pig.

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