The Connection Magazine - January/February 2023

/ Health

Welcome to the January/February Connection

Here we are again. The Christmas break is over and a new year is upon us. May it be a happy and prosperous one for you, our readers, and our customers.

The squeeze of a cost of living crisis and fuel price hikes have likely meant that the past few months haven’t been as easy or comfortable for many. Local businesses are feeling the pinch, and I’d really encourage our readers to support them as far as possible as we enter 2023.

We are all making cut backs at the moment. Air fryers and slow cookers are the gadgets of the moment. Cooking involves going back to basics, so what better than a Corned Beef Hash recipe on page 8 to try this January? If you don’t want the added trouble or expense of parboiling potatoes, switch in some tinned ones. Perfect to munch up with any sprouts that may be lingering in the bottom of the fridge, and brown sauce too, of course.

After the stress and controversy of the Qatar World Cup, readers will be pleased to see the return of ‘Back of the Net’ (p14), and our take on how the tournament and league tables have been going since last writing.

As I sit here, I can see the remainder of mid-December snow flurries out of my window. With that in mind, and knowing the problems the winter weather has caused for many drivers, please turn to our Motoring article (p.18) to read tips on choosing the right tyres for your vehicle.

As always, the local communities are alive with all sorts of wonderful activities and groups. Many are looking for new members, including 3rd Alcester Brownies (p.23) and Bidford’s art and craft group, Arty Avon (p. 21). You can find other groups to match your interests across our community pages (p. 26 & 28). Even though there’s a chill in the air, there’s still things you can do to enjoy your garden, and to prepare it for the coming brighter days. Read more about protecting your more fragile plants in our Gardening article on page 10.

And that’s it for another edition. Enjoy reading through this time. For ideas on more reading material, there’s a few Winter Thrillers to choose from on page 14. Perfect to keep you company as you sit snuggled under a duvet with a hot water bottle and cuppa. Until next time...

Beat the winter blues – and make the most of the money in your pocket and the everyday ingredients in your cupboard – with this cost-effective yet tasty and satisfying midweek winner.

Serves 4

Costs 95p per person

Prep time 10 mins

Cook time 35 mins

Ingredients

• 300g potatoes, diced

• Olive oil

• 1 onion, peeled and chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 x 340g tin of corned beef, chopped

• 80g bag of watercress, spinach and rocket, chopped

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

© www.watercress.co.uk, with photography by Lara Jane Thorpe

Method

1. Parboil the potatoes in a pan of lightly salted water for around 7 minutes before draining the water – they should be slightly softened but still hold their shape.

2. In a large, heavy-based pan, fry off the onions in a glug of oil until beginning to soften. Add the garlic and allow to cook for about 30 seconds.

3. Now add the potatoes, corned beef and chopped salad leaves, and apply a little pressure with a spatula or fi sh slice. Occasionally turn the mixture but try not to disturb it too much.

4. Add the Worcestershire sauce and push down on the mixture again. By this point, it should all be nicely browned.

5. Serve with baked beans or some cooked-from-frozen vegetables, if liked.

Beautiful bloomers and bark

The shortest day has passed, so don’t assume that everything in the soil is dormant. Winters are generally warmer than they used to be and you will find glorious snowdrops, winter aconites, crocuses, tiny irises and even early narcissi. These are plants with short stems, protecting their flowers from chilling winds. Look above the ground level and you’ll be delighted to find winter honeysuckle, Viburnum bodnantense and witch hazel with its spidery flowers, all blooming in January. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in a heavenly intake of sweet fragrance. It’s also the very best time of year to appreciate tree bark. You need look no further than the popular cherry family to find one of the best displays imaginable. Prunus serrula, or the ‘birch-barked cherry’, looks as if it is on fire during winter when its horizontally striped, mahogany-red bark shines like a beacon. Notice, also, beautiful members of the silver birch family with stunning white stems. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii and various cultivars provide ghostly, atmospheric charm. Some people actually wash the bark in order to obtain the best display. Not only are birch trees the source for traditional witches’ brooms, but bark oil can be used to treat skin conditions. Acer griseum, the paperbark maple, is also showing its true splendour this month. The cinnamon-coloured bark peels, or exfoliates, as it grows. The thin, papery layers shed to reveal smooth, orange bark underneath. This winter interest is highlighted at a time of year when there is little undergrowth competing for attention.

Protect tender plants

We all know that January weather can bring snow, heavy frosts, rain, strong winds and very low temperatures. Tender garden specimens will therefore benefit from protection. It’s often the chilling winds that do the most damage. If you wrap horticultural fleece around their shivering forms, it will help to prevent serious damage. Shake off snow from limbs of shrubs and trees in order to release the heavy burden. You will notice the shape begins to splay as the boughs bend, and this is the moment to act. There are few plants than can tolerate vigorous pruning at this point in the year, so leave the matted hydrangeas and fuchsias but turn instead to the tough climbing roses, wisteria and definitely the grape or ornamental vine such as Vitis coignetiae. All new vine growth can be cut back to within two buds of the main woody framework from which it sprouted. You can be pretty ruthless – it will be sprouting again as soon as the sap starts rising.

Longer days

Rumour has it that January 12th is the magical date when the day length becomes noticeably longer and outdoor plants soon recognise the subtle change. Nature’s force is truly remarkable and it seems that however cold above the soil, there are always things happening beneath. Most plants are poised ready for action, their buds just awaiting a silent signal before a new dawn.

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Fulfilling lifestyles, designed around you

At Care UK’s Ambleside care home in Stratford-upon-Avon, your loved one can expect the very best of dementia care, whilst being supported to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Our dedicated and caring teams learn all they can about your loved one, tailoring their care and lifestyle plan to suit their unique needs as well as their hobbies and interests. We’re trained in the latest dementia care approaches, thanks to our partnership with the Association for Dementia Studies at Worcester University, whilst a Dementia Coach in each home supports all colleagues to deliver high quality care and a fulfilling lifestyle.

Enjoy each day, your way

Our Lifestyle team is passionate about enhancing your loved one’s quality of life and there’s always plenty of activities to get involved in. Reminiscence-themed activities such as music therapy and baking help to spark happy memories, whilst gentle exercise classes and yoga help your loved one to stay fit and active. Our team are also trained in holistic Namasté care, involving physical, sensory and emotional approaches to care to help with the management of stress and anxiety.

Food forms the basis of many activities at Ambleside. Themed menus, cheese and wine evenings and afternoon tea are a regular occurrence, and our ‘Dining with Dignity’ approach means residents can feel confident knowing discreet help and support is always on-hand.

Pet Therapy sessions are proven help to prevent feelings of loneliness and can often improve self-esteem and confidence in people living with dementia. We are often visited by local animal sanctuaries, and recently residents have enjoyed cuddles with puppies, ponies and even snakes!

Everything under one roof

Ambleside has everything your loved one will need under one roof and is designed to the latest dementia standards with its own café, hair salon, cinema and bar. Signage, colour schemes, soft furnishings and floor coverings are all designed to create a calming and accessible setting, whilst accessible courtyard gardens with wheelchairfriendly pathways and raised flower beds provide a relaxing haven for residents.

If you’re thinking about care for an older loved one living with dementia, why not speak to our friendly and helpful team?

To find out more about the award-winning dementia care at Ambleside, please call 01789 867261 or email staci.reeson@careuk.com

Ambleside care home Evesham Road, Dodwell, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9TG careuk.com/ambleside

BACK OF THE NET

So, it’s not coming home, again. Should Southgate get the Saka? I was really warming to his tactics by the time of the quarter final. You know, bore the opposition into submission for half an hour, then get one or two of our youngsters to strike... one... two... three... game over. But it wasn’t to be. We looked so good for most of the game, with all the statistics on England’s side, except, of course, for the goals tally.

I don’t understand why Saka was substituted when he had been a real threat, especially with Sterling coming on after a fairly poor start to the season by his standards. I’m not a great fan of Henderson but he was having a good game till his substitution. Then Grealish was thrown on eight minutes into added time, in a show of desparation.

Was a wonderful solo goal expected from a man with a brilliant natural talent but who has been turned into someone whose stock ball is a pass back?

Never mind, there’s always next time. In four years time we will have another crop of youthful talent and some of the current youngsters will still be young enough to be an influence. Especially Jude Bellingham, who has impressed in most of his games and who is being strongly tipped as a future captain.

On we go to the rest of the domestic season, one that has become as unpredictable as the World Cup. At this moment, Arsenal stand on top of the Premiership, Newcastle with their new wealth, and Brighton are pushing for Europe while Liverpool and Chelsea are clearly out of the running as title contenders. Burnley and Sheffield United look nailed on for promotion from the Championship, while West Brom... what’s happening at West Brom? Their goal difference is low and they have games in hand, so there’s hope for recovery. I hope you and your team have a good re-start to the season. Till next time... Back of the net!

Cold winter days call for tales of mystery, intrigue and maybe a murder or two…

The Long Call – Ann Cleeves Detective Matthew Venn is estranged from his family and the community he grew up in. But now he’s back to investigate the murder of a man with an albatross tattoo. A slow burner but well worth sticking with and there’s already a second book in the series.

The Family Game – Catherine Steadman Harriet’s fiancé Edward is heir to a small fortune. With wealth often comes power and entitlement, as Harriet soon discovers when she meets his family. They like to play dangerous games - one that ends up with her lying on the floor bleeding from a head wound. How far will they go to protect their secrets?

The Happy Family – Jackie Kabler Beth’s mother, Alice, has reappeared after disappearing many years ago. Alice moves in with Beth and her family, but things soon start to go very wrong. Fastpaced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

The Favour – Nicci French Jude grants a small favour to old flame Liam. But when Liam turns up dead, Jude finds herself drawn into the murder investigation and entangled in the life Liam had built for himself. This is a character-driven plot with plenty of twists to keep you on your toes.

It’s easy to underestimate just how important your car’s tyres are. But they’re the single point of contact that your car has with the road, so it’s vital that they’re fit for purpose. We’ve spoken to Davanti Tyres about what to look out for when choosing tyres.

Size

Getting the right size of tyre for your car is crucial and they should be the same size as the ones recommended by the manufacturer. You’ll find this information in the documentation supplied with your vehicle.

Davanti Tyres general manager, Peter Cross, says: “Your tyre’s sidewall also contains all the information about your tyre that you’ll need.” Make sure the new tyres you’re planning to fit don’t have a lower load-carrying capacity than the originals. This is particularly important when you’re travelling with a fully loaded car.

Grip

One of the main things required from a tyre is grip. There are all manner of tyres designed for a variety of uses – from winter tyres that have been developed to work well in colder climates to performance tyres that promise the best possible grip for high-powered cars.

Cross says you should consider which conditions you experience the most – wet, icy, dry or hot – as well as the road surface that you travel on most frequently. If you’re heading offroad more often, then you might need a more adventure-focused tyre, for instance.

Value for money

Value for money is at the forefront of people’s minds at the moment, and tyres are usually quite expensive. All-season tyres could be a good option for those who want decent performance in both summer and winter, as they suit a range of driving circumstances.

Plus, with an all-season tyre, there’s no need to change between summer and winter tyres in the UK.

Fuel efficiency

Tyres account for up to 20 per cent of your car’s fuel consumption, so have an impact on how efficiently your car runs. All new tyres in the UK come with an EU tyre label that gives clear information on a tyre’s performance. These labels also show a tyre’s rolling resistance (lower rolling resistance tyres help boost fuel economy), how well a tyre performs in the wet plus have a grading for noise levels. All elements of the label have a letter rating, with rolling resistance, for instance, rated from A to E. Being able to assess the labels makes it easier to make an informed choice on which tyres are right for you. All new tyres should have the labels clearly visible.

Cross adds: “Choosing the right tyre doesn’t need to be as overwhelming as it can seem at first. Thinking about these simple elements means that when you take your car to the garage, you can talk clearly about what you want and need, ensuring your garage fits the right tyre for you. “As a tyre manufacturer, we have spent years developing tyres to make sure drivers get the best experience possible and enjoy driving with confidence whatever the weather or road surface.”

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALCESTER

NHW wish you a very happy, peaceful and safe new year 2023.

During the longer and darker nights period we would ask you to be extra vigilant. At this time of the year statistics show that Burglary and Theft increase.

• Have lights on timers to make your house appear occupied when darkness falls.

• In the evening, close the curtains so that your belongings are not on view, especially if you live near playing fields, open ground or alleyways.

• When walking or cycling after dark, wear something reflective.

• Don’t leave anything in your car if it is parked on your drive or on the road.

• When shopping, especially in the larger towns and cities, please be aware of pickpockets and keep your purse or wallet secure.

• Do not leave your shopping on view in the car.

• If you leave your house empty, please tell your neighbours.

•

Alcester Office 01789 444816.

Always report an active crime on 999. Non-emergency calls on 101. Online reporting services are also available on our website: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ Facebook - Alcester Police Twitter - @AlcesterCops Instagram - southwarwickshiresnts

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.

You can 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.

Creativity abounds at Arty Avon

Arty Avon was formed by volunteers, Amy and Lisa, with the support of ‘Arty Folks’, a charity that runs creative opportunities to help support wellbeing. Amy and Lisa have a love of all things arts and crafts and look for any opportunity to get creative. They know the benefits of coming together over shared interests and how important making time to be creative can be. Arty Avon is for all adults, whether they are complete beginners or experts in the world of creativity.

Arty Avon’s aim is to give people the opportunity to socialise with likeminded people and help reduce loneliness; enable attendees to try new skills in a relaxed environment; give access to arts and crafts equipment; and promote arts and

crafts within the local community. Guidance from ‘Arty Folks’, in addition to support via a grant from Bidford Parish Council have allowed the vision of Arty Avon to be brought to life, and Amy and Lisa are excited to build on the friendly, informal, creative community hub.

The group has undertaken projects and crafts that range from clay modelling to needle felting to quilling.

If you’d like to find out more information, do get in touch at artyavon@gmail.com, or follow them on Facebook by searching for ‘Arty Avon’.

Alcester Town Council

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2023

NALC Council of the Year 2022

We were absolutely delighted to have been named Council of the Year for 2022 by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC). This is a very prestigious award- there are 10,000 parish and town councils out there and Alcester was the winner!

in the Environment category. This is great and well-earned recognition for all our tremendous volunteers at these two groups who truly go that extra mile.

Town Council Meetings

All Town Council meetings are held in person at Globe House with the exception of the Planning Committee which generally meets using Zoom. All meetings commence at 7pm: Full Council - Tues 3 January & 7 February Finance & General Purposes CommitteeTues 31 January & 28 February Planning Committee - Mon 16 January & 13 February

Members of the public are welcome to attend all Council meetings and are given time at the start of the meetings to speak. Anyone wishing to attend or ask questions is advised to contact the Town Clerk on clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk before the meeting to obtain further details.

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

As a Town Council we have “community” at the heart of everything we do and our entry for the award reflected this. Councillors and staff work incredibly hard to keep Alcester running smoothly, whilst developing new initiatives to benefit residents. The Health and Wellbeing programme has been nationally recognised and underpins everything that the Town Council is about. The award winning projects continue to meet the need in the community, whilst giving people the added wellbeing boost of making new friends and getting out with a purpose. Thank you to all of you who voted for us in the public vote. This is a wonderful achievement and we are all extremely proud. In addition, two of our popular and successful projects featured at the Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (CAVA) Volunteers Awards. These awards celebrate volunteers across Warwickshire who tirelessly give their time and energy to help others. The Well Connected computer group earned Special Recognition in the Community Impact category and the Alcester Repair Café won the award

Alcester Town Council Contact Details: The Town Council offices are open Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm.

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

Health & Wellbeing - Wendy Sherwood: info@alcester-tc.gov.uk

Office Administrator - Tim Forman: office@alcester-tc.gov.uk

Further information also available at: www.facebook.com/alcester.towncouncil www.twitter.com/AlcesterTown

At Brownies, girls aged 7 - 10 make new friends, learn new skills, play new games and have fun.

3rd Alcester Brownies meet on Fridays in term-time. Their recent adventures include a twilight hedgehog walk, a sleepover in a museum, an Egyptian evening, scavenger hunts and Kim’s games, foodbank collections and Commonwealth Games celebrations.

Due to the support of new volunteers, we are now able to offer a limited number of spaces to new Brownies. If this sounds like something your daughter would like to get involved with, please get in touch. You can register your daughter here:

www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-forparents/register-your-daughter/

If you want to find out more, please email 3rdalcesterbrownies@gmail.com

You can also find out more on their Facebook page, by searching for: @GirlguidingAlcesterAndAvonDistrict

Bidford on Avon Parish Council in

the County of Warwickshire

YOUR VILLAGE, YOUR VOICE

Walking & Cycling Group With a Parish Council grant, the group has produced 5 different walking route leaflets, each route a different distance. These are available for collection from the Parish Council office lobby as well as other outlets in the village. A great way to gently exercise the Christmas excesses away in style! If you are interested in walking and cycling, look out for notices of the group’s evening meetings, which are listed on the Parish Council website.

Arty Avon meets every Monday 1.00 - 2.30 at the Church hall, offering different “tasters” each week. Follow thier Facebook page for regular updates or find more information on the Parish Council website.

Climate Change This is a brand new group, yet to meet, but certain to attract lots of attention. If you are interested in Climate Change/ Environmental issues and would like to join this group please contact the clerk (info@ bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk) giving your contact details and which aspect of Climate Change/ Environment most interests you.

COST OF LIVING

This is affecting each and every one of us. To help its residents, the Parish council has created a Cost of Living page on its site, where relevant information and tips will be posted.

CITIZENS ADVICE - BIDFORD OUTREACH

The first Thursday of the month in the Parish Council Room (in the library) 10.00 - 13.00. Appointments must be pre-booked. The provides essential advice in these difficult times, and appointments are carried out in complete confidence. Please note that the library is closed on Thursdays. Full details available on the Parish Council website.

MONTHLY POLICE SURGERIES - MONTHLY 9.30 - 10.30am

Wednesday 4th Jan 2023 at the Crawford Memorial Car Park Wednesday 8th Feb 2023 at the school car park on Bramley Way

CONCERNS/ISSUES If you have a concern or issue about anything within the Parish, please contact the Clerk on either 01789 778653/07718 628925 or by email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov. uk instead of posting on Social Media (Bidford Forum) where it may be missed and, therefore, remain unanswered or unsolved.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays 10.30 – 11.30 STORYTOTS Bidford

Community Library

Mondays 10.30 – 12.30 DEMENTIA CAFÉ Westholme Court Mondays 1.00 - 2.30pm ARTY AVON at the Church Hall Wednesdays 10.00 – 12.00 WARM HUB at the Crawford Memorial Hall Thursdays 10.00 - 11.30 THE JOLLY TEAPOT at St Laurence Church rooms MEETINGS

• Monday 9th Jan and 13th Feb 2023 @ 7.30 pm Planning Consultative Committee Meeting

• Monday 23rd Jan and 27th Feb 2023 @ 7.30 pm Parish Council Meeting

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

BIDFORD EMAIL INFORMATION – Want to know what’s happening in the village every week? Simply email the Clerk at info@ bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk and your name will be added to the mailing list to receive a weekly email regarding upcoming Events and Notices.

SOCIAL MEDIA – For more community updates, please follow us via Facebook (Bidford on Avon) Twitter (@Bidford_PC) and now also on Instagram (bidfordpc) A lot of information and updates are published through Social Media, so do make sure you follow us to stay informed.

PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS

Clerk to the Parish Council: Mrs. Elisabeth Uggerløse

The Parish Council Office is located in Bramley Way and is open to the public 10.00 am to 1.00 pm (subject to meetings, site visits etc.)

Tel No: 01789 778653 / 07718 628 925 Email: info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk Web: www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk Parish Councillors: a list of Parish Councillors can be found online: www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/councillors.htm

Elisabeth Uggerløse

Clerk to the Parish Council

PS Keep an eye on the Whats On site (https:// bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/whats-on/) of the website for Events. They will also be advertised on Social Media

It will be 3 years, come April, since Bidford’s Village Café opened on the High Street, opposite the war memorial. Since then, Ingrid Rushton and her team have enjoyed providing a welcoming space for visitors to enjoy delicious coffee, tea, cakes and lunches.

After flourishing in their first year, The Village Café team found themselves navigating the obstacles posed by pandemic lockdowns, and have successfully come through the other side to take on the fresh challenge of converting the old Lloyds Bank into their homely new premises.

It’s been a labour of love to renovate the old bank, and one that’s resulted in a beautifully spacious seating area, a splendid new kitchen, and a smaller seating area that will prove popular for private gatherings. A birthday tea party, perhaps? And, come sunnier weather, the courtyard will come alive with the hubbub of customers enjoying breakfasts, lunches and afternoon treats.

Loyal patrons of the café will still be able to get their delicious, locally-sourced food and caffeine fix, but there’s some special new additions to the menu too, For some time, Ingrid has been keen to provide a hearty cooked breakfast option to morning visitors, and breakfast baps are now available all day. The free range pork sausages and bacon are sourced from local business, The Outdoor Pig Company, and there’s meat free options for vegetarian customers too.

Arguably the most important new addition is that of improved access, so if you’re unable to use the old bank stairs, it is now possible to enjoy The Village Café’s warm welcome by using an alternative entrance at the rear of the building. Opening times have remained the same since the move, as has their dog-friendly policy. You can visit between 9am and 4pm on weekdays, and 9am until 3pm on Saturdays. Sundays are a well-deserved day off to allow the team to rest.

Call 01789 772726 to pre-order breakfast/lunch or to enquire about booking the private seating area.

community events & what’s on... community events & what’s on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 6th of February.

Broom WI

Meetings are held in Broom Village Hall on the first Thursday of the month, commencing at 7.30 pm.

5th January: 'The Paper Industry - a brief history and its place in todays world', with Stuart Day. 2nd February: 'Painting for Happiness', with Emily Powell.

Salford Priors Gardening Club

We meet at 7.30pm on the first Friday of the month at Salford Priors Memorial Hall, School Road, WR11 8XD.

The speaker on 6th January is Lucy Hartley ‘Designing a Border from Scratch’.

On 3rd February Gary Farmer from Vale Landscape Trust will give a fascinating talk entitled ‘Weevil in a Haystack’. Visitors always welcome, £4 for nonmembers. Contact salfordpriorsgc@aol.com or 07961 377506 for more details.

Alcester WI

Alcester WI wishes all its members and friends a happy and healthy 2023.

On Thursday January 12th our speaker will be Alistair Price asking the question "What did you do in the war, Dad?"

On Thursday February 9th we will be preparing for Valentine's Day by making a willow heart with Rachel Harwood, who will be talking about and demonstrating the art of willow weaving.

As usual we meet on the second Thursday of each month in Malt Mill Lane Community Centre at 7.30 p.m. Do come and join us and enjoy a sociable evening with both old and new friends.

Bidford on Avon WI

Our meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at The Church Hall, Church Street, Bidford, starting at 7.30pm. 12th January, no speaker but we will be enjoying a three course meal.

Thursday 9th February, speaker Marina Denning will be talking about her pilgrimage to Lourdes. Please come along to any meeting and discover what we are about. Call Pauline 01789 773390 or Elizabeth 01789 778887.

Bidford Gardening Society

Thursday 19th January, 'Composting - how and why it benefits your garden' by Jo Worthy-Jones. Thursday 16th February, 'Beneficial Creatures in the Garden' by Roger Umpelby.

All meetings are held in The Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Further details on www.Bidfordgardens.com.

Bidford History Society

All our talks are held at the Crawford Memorial Hall Bidford on Avon, starting at 7.30pm. Friday 20th January, 'Rural Industries before the Railways'. In his illustrated talk, Dr Richard Churchley describes the many rural industries that took place in the local countryside before the Railway Age. Friday 17th February, 'Life in Roman Alcester'. Alan Godfrey explains how the archaeology of the town reveals so much about everyday life in Roman Alcester. Alcester Flower Club Meeting at Alcester Catholic Church Hall, Priory Road, Alcester, B49 5DY at 7.30pm on the first Monday in the month.

Our first meeting of the year will be on Monday 6th February for the AGM when we will discuss our programme for 2023, followed by slides and refreshments. We will be pleased for all friends and visitors to join our members to find out what the club is all about and what is in store for the new year. Contact Marian Buchanan 01789 400868.

Cookhill Garden Club

Our meetings are at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at Cookhill Village Hall. Visitors welcome, £5 for non-members. www.cookhillgarden.club for more details.

Harvington Phoenix Ladies Group

Our next meeting in January will be a Games Night. Anyone interested in joining our group, please contact Lesley on 07768 130641, or come along to our meetings at Harvington Village Hall at 7.45pm on the first Wednesday of the month.

Arty Avon

Arty Avon is an arts and crafts community group. We meet every Monday, 1-2.30pm at the Church Hall, Bidford on Avon, B50 4DA. Bring along your own crafty project or try out our taster activity for the week. Lovely, friendly group with a wide range of skills including complete beginners. £2 contribution towards group costs. Refreshments included. Email artyavon@gmail.com for more details.

Welford Bowls Club

Enjoy the game of bowls indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer. No age restrictions, so great for all the family. Whether you would like to try the sport or are a seasoned bowler, we would love to introduce you to our friendly Club. We also have a function room & bar with a skittle alley for your social events. Easy free parking. Interested? Email bowls@ boldlink.co.uk for more information.

community events & what’s on... community & on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 6th of February

Alcester Cafe

Alcester Café is a drop-in café, held twice weekly, dedicated to help support people with memory problems/dementia, their families, carers, former carers and interested professional people. Run on a weekly basis, every Tuesday and Friday (except Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Years Day) from 10.30am12.30pm, at the Eric Payne Centre. Call 01789 765971 for more information or we have an excellent website, www.alcesterdementiacafe.org.

Bidford Dementia Cafe

Bidford Dementia Cafe is a place to find understanding, get support, do memory activities and have a good time. Refreshments and activities are free. We meet at Westholme Court, Westholme Road, Bidford on Avon on Monday mornings, from 10.30 to 12.30. For more information contact Wendy on 0771 364 8716 or Michael on 0772 587 8530.

Alcester Art Club Meeting every Thursday at Church House, Butter Street, Alcester, from 7 to 9pm, we are a group of people who enjoy painting. We have occasional demonstrations and an exhibition during the Autumn Street Market. Our costs are purely to pay the rent and for extra occasions, not for profit, just for fun. No need to be able to paint, just be keen and enthusiastic. Contact Sally White, 07443 510545.

Alcester Bridge Club

A small and friendly club, we play duplicate bridge on Friday evenings from 7pm to 10pm at the Jubilee Court Social meeting room. We warmly welcome new members. Please contact either Joe White on 01789 763943 or Paul Brenda on 01789 765077 if you would like to join us. (Email: joe_patwhite@msn.com or sallebrenda@hotmail.com).

Broom Bridge Club

Every Wednesday 11am at Broom Village Hall plus a weekly online offering. Lessons available. For more information contact Julie on 07807 495039.

Temple Grafton WI

Our meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month at Graftons Village Hall, Temple Grafton. For further details email eileen.timms258@btinternet. com or call 01789 773671.

Bidford Darby & Joan Bidford on Avon Darby & Joan Club for over 55s meet at Westholme Court, February-November 2-4 pm for socializing/bingo and trips out. For more information telephone 01789 778109.

Bidford Community Group - Jolly Teapot

We meet every Thursday from 10am to 11:30 at The Church Hall, Bidford. Please come along and meet new

friends for a cuppa & a chat. Bingo at Bidford Bowling Club Come and join us on Friday nights. Eyes down 7 pm. Licensed bar at popular prices.

Alcester & District Local History Society www.alcesterhistory.org.uk

Bidford History Society www.bidfordhistory.org.uk

Alcester Town Hall alcestertownhall.org.uk

Warwickshire Vision Support

Alcester Vision Support Centre meet 3rd Tuesday of the Month from 1.30 – 3.30pm at: Malt Mill Lane Community Centre, Malt Mill Lane, Alcester, B49 5QR. For more information call 01926 411331. Our aim is to provide information for those with Vision loss and those who may need advice. The afternoon includes demonstrations of equipment, I.T. support by appointment, talks and a friendly chat with a cup of tea.

Alcester u3a

For information about Alcester u3a see our website https://u3asites.org.uk/alcester/home.

Single Boots

We are a Midlands based walking club for single people. We organise weekend day walks, summer evening walks, weekend trips away in cottages, B&B’s and camping, social activities. Please visit our website: www.singleboots.co.uk.

Bidford Community Library

Bidford Library and Community Hub can be found next door to the school in Bramley Way. We are open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10.00 a.m. till 4.00 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 10.00 till 12.00. Please pop in and don’t forget to ask about the activities we run for both adults and children. Our phone number is 01789 773239.

Salford Priors Ladies Group

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. Contact Barbara McIlwaine on 01789 778392 for details.

Alcester Ladies Probus Club

We meet on the 2nd Wednesday in the month for lunch, 12 for 12.30 at Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton. Contact Cath Tomlinson 01789 763210.

Alcester & District Men’s Probus

Alcester Mens Probus is a group of retired business men meeting on the 4th Wednesday of the month for lunch followed by a guest speaker. Meetings are at Kings Court Hotel, Alcester 12:15 for 12:30. New members welcome. Full details of membership are available by email: david@hancox1971.co.uk.