The Connection Magazine - July/August 2022

the

connection

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages July-August 2022 No. 156

magazine

CRICKET GARDENING

Re-wild your borders

DAIRY FREE TIRAMISU

PLUS

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Useful phone numbers

Welcome

Doctors / Health

Summertime, and the living is... well, perhaps not “easy” with frustrating price rises all over the place, but at least the sun is out at the time of writing this.

... to the July/August Connection 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

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01789 763060 01789 763293 01789 773372 111 116 123

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You’ll have noticed that we’ve lost weight for summer. Not something I’m normally remotely bothered about doing or encourage in an age of body positivity. However, rising paper prices mean we’ve compromised on pagination to keep our own costs as low as possible without having to pass increases on to long term customers, so some of our usual content has disappeared this edition. You will still find essential local information, a children’s puzzle page, newsletters and community group listings.

999 or 112 01789 444816 08008 00151 08004 04090 08001 11999

We have a fabulous dairy free tiramisu recipe on page 8, certain to add to any Mediterranean-inspired summer dinner parties or barbecue tables.

01789 766750 01789 762450 01789 766200 01789 270744 01386 871777 01789 262889

Finally, we are in the throes of cricket season. Friday evenings or Saturday mornings have been well spent by many local families in attendance at local clubs with the ECB ‘All Stars’ and ‘Dynamos’ programmes. Saturday afternoons have meant lazy picnics and cheering on one of the myriad of local teams at picturesque grounds. We’re so lucky to have these on our doorstep. You can read more about how things are going in the Cotswolds Hills Leagues on page 18.

Budding gardeners (see what I did there?), get inspired to “re-wild” your outdoor spaces with tips on page 10. My own garden has already been re-wilded. Not necessarily intentionally, I hasten to add. It’s amazing how neglecting the 0300 555 8171 weeding and mowing can land you with a wildlife-friendly 01789 773239 0844 855 2322 space with plants you’d never even have thought could look 07771 616189 pretty.

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And that’s it from me this time. I hope you have a wonderful summer. Fingers crossed for continued sunshine!

Amy September/October Copy Deadline: Wednesday 10th August 2022

Facebook.com/theconnectionmag Twitter.com/connection_mag Connection circulation: 10,500 Editor: Amy James Phone 01789 453130 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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A twist on the classic Italian dessert that is simple to assemble. Rich and creamy, this is a fabulous indulgent treat for entertaining.

Serves: 6 Ingredients • About 20 ladynger biscuits / cakes • Coffee mixture • 200ml strong coffee, cooled • 2 tbsp sweet Marsala Wine (optional) Filling • 700g thick coconut yoghurt • 2-3 tbsp icing sugar or maple syrup (to taste) • ½ tsp vanilla extract • 1 tbsp sweet Marsala wine (optional) Topping • 1 tbsp cocoa powder • 30g dark chocolate, grated

Method 1. Mix the cold coffee with the Marsala (if using) and pour into a shallow dish. Dip each ladynger biscuit briey in the coffee mixture.

Arrange a layer of coffee-dipped ladyngers at the bottom of a rectangular dish.

2. Drizzle a small amount of coffee on top, but not too much – you don’t want the ladyngers to disintegrate completely after resting.

3. Mix together the coconut yoghurt, icing sugar or maple syrup, vanilla extract and Marsala (if using).

4. Spread half of the coconut mixture over the ladyngers and repeat the layering of ladyngers and coconut mixture.

5. Dust the top with cocoa powder and grated chocolate and chill before serving, ideally for 1 hour.

6. Nutrition per serving: 371kcal, fat 25g (of which saturates 22g), carbohydrates 26g (of which sugars 20g), protein 7.5g

Naturalistic style at the Chelsea Flower Show

Purple fountain grass

What is this style that we loosely call naturalistic planting? If a vision of opposites helps to define the image, a formal garden will come close.

Think of the antithesis, and you’re nearly there.

A naturalistic garden could be described as wild, but if it’s been designed this way, it’s anything but. Certainly, plants drive the design. You might not associate it with a closely mown lawn or perfectly straight paths. Although, anything goes – and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t combine a naturalistic border with a neat and tidy lawn, or position it close to an undeviating hard surface.

A planting scheme that is full to overflowing with perennials, together with grasses and some structural plants too, appears to work in partnership with nature. It’s a form of re-wilding the borders whilst still maintaining some sort of control over the appearance. This idea of wildness is by no means new. Indeed, William Robinson, born in Ireland in 1838, wrote The Wild Garden in 1870. He was one of the most respected garden writers and horticulturists of his time.

The most successful of all plants – grass Grasses certainly have the ability to soften the landscape, forming bold statements of shape and form when used in drifts, clumps and swathes. Their flower and seed heads move in the breeze and merge effortlessly into nature.

The naturalistic approach to gardening considers ecology as an important part of the process, therefore habitat potential of a planting scheme is a priority. Wildlife can abound in the damp

10 connectionmags.co.uk

understorey where there is opportunity for nest building and feasting on seed.

Grass, so it seems, is no longer just to walk on, its use has progressed. It is an undeniably successful plant that covers ground in just about every country. Just leave a patch of bare soil and sooner or later grass will appear. There are more than 10,000 different species plus perhaps 5,000 sedges and rushes, so it’s easy to see why we can access so many variations in colour, shape, form and texture.

Use grass for structural planting, to divide up your space in an informal way, to create moody areas, fill in bare spaces under trees, create wonderful texture and more. The uses for ornamental grasses are limitless.

Gardens to visit Consider the High Line in New York, for which talented designer Piet Oudolf was partly responsible. This influential Dutchman and Henk Gerritson, a former artist from the Netherlands, are known for their ‘new wave planting’ style of ornamental grasses and perennials. Pensthorpe Natural Park Millennium Gardens in Norfolk is another fine example of Oudolf’s stunning work.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, created for the London Olympic Games in 2012, is a variation on a similar theme. The planting was designed by Nigel Dunnett and Professor James Hitchmough. They are pioneers of ecological and innovative approaches to planting within public spaces, aiming to integrate ecology and horticulture in a most effective and attractive manner.

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View From The Boundary A

s I sit to write this, all is well in the cricketing world once more...

England, off the back of a horrific winter, have just sealed a series victory over the World Test Champions with a game in hand - all whilst playing a brand of test cricket no-one has seen in an age.

It has been a while coming and I’m sure there will be some misses to go with the hits, but the union of McCullum and Stokes; coach and captain with such a positive mindset, it would seem that whatever happens, it should be a fun ride. A handful of players have attempted to implement more attacking gameplay into Test cricket; some have been successful as a result, but the very nature of the game hasn’t always allowed these attacking batsmen to dominate games on a regular basis. As the game evolves however, a team with the right mindset and with the courage of their convictions could take the game forward another level. We have seen the progressive development of the 50-over game; the most recent upward curve ironically started with McCullum as New Zealand captain, and taken to new heights by

England under Eoin Morgan. I can’t wait to see how this new approach pans out.

On a more local note, the highlight of the season so far has been the weather. After the wettest May in memory last year, the 2022 season has got off to an unimpeded start. After seven weeks of league action, our local sides are all middling along nicely. Exhall & Wixford are the area’s sole representatives in the Premier Division of the Cotswold Hills League, and they find themselves sixth in the table. In Division One, Alcester & Ragley and Temple Grafton currently sit fourth and sixth respectively. Bidford are seventh in Division Two and Great Alne hold the same position in Division Three.

The second teams are faring much better as Alcester 2nd XI are top of Division Four South, whilst Temple Grafton’s second string are top of Division Five South; ahead of both Bidford and Exhall’s reserve sides. Still plenty to play for however, with another 11 weeks remaining. The cricketing fraternity can only hope for another few months of good weather.

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NEIGHBOURHOOD N EIGHBOURHOOD W WATCH ATCH A ALCESTER LCESTER Protect yourself against scammers.

when seeking customer support or when looking to make changes to your account.

We want to help protect you from scammers 4 Be wary of false urgency. Scammers may that attempt to impersonate Amazon. try to create a sense of urgency to persuade Remember these important clues so that you you to do what they’re asking. Be wary any can identify scams and keep your account time someone tries to convince you that you and information safe: must act now.

1 Never feel pressured to give information For more information on how to stay (such as your credit card number or account safe online, or to report suspicious password) over the phone, especially if the communications, visit the Amazon Customer call was unexpected. Scammers may try to Service page, which can be found in the Help use calls, texts, and emails to impersonate section at the bottom of the Amazon home Amazon customer service. If you’re ever page. unsure, it’s safest to end the call/chat and These principles apply equally to any reach out directly to customer support through organisations that you maybe buying from on the Amazon app or website. the web.

2 Never pay over the phone. Amazon will The next meeting of NHW Alcester will be never ask you to provide payment information, held in the Autumn in Church House, Butter including gift cards (or “verification cards”, as Street. A date to be advised. PC Davies will some scammers call them) for products or be present and will provide a Crime Report services over the phone. and discuss Police Matters. Everyone is 3 Trust Amazon-owned channels. Always go welcome. through the Amazon mobile app or website Communicating with the Police: 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).

Alcester Police South Safer Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Team email: alcestersouth.snt@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk SGT 1685 David Ebbs david.ebbs@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 Alcester Office 01789 444816.

Always report an active crime on 999. Nonemergency 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 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 20 connectionmags.co.uk

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21

Alcester Town Council

JULY-AUGUST 2022

High Sheriff’s Award Congratulations to Friends of the Greig Hall for their successful nomination and winning an award from the outgoing High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Lady Willoughby de Broke. This was in recognition of the sterling work carried out by this group in fundraising over £100,000 for The Greig Hall.

Refurbishment of the Hall is now well under way and it is hoped to reopen this iconic venue for events from September 2022.

email alcesterfridges@gmail.com or call Alison on 0780 819 4044.

Alcester Community fridges are sponsored by:

Town Council Meetings

Alcester Community Fridge

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 Meetings- Tues 5 July & 2 August Planning Committee- Mon 18 July & 15 August Please see our website for other meeting dates www.alcester-tc.gov.uk 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 should contact the Town Clerk on clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk before 2pm the day 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.

Food waste is a big issue in England. Each household throws away an average of £470 worth of food every year, whilst over 4 million people are living in poverty. We are trying to address this problem by creating a ‘Community Fridge’ in Alcester. Food is collected that would otherwise be disposed of and which is then made available to anyone for free.

If you would like to help us, PLEASE volunteer.

Various roles are required such as collection, cleaning, advertising, labelling and social media.

This can be a weekly commitment or just a ‘one off’ support. Any help you can offer would be gratefully received.

For more information on how to volunteer, please

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

Andrew Matheson, Friends of the Greig Hall and The Lady Willoughby de Broke, High Sheriff of Warwickshire 2021-22

Alcester Town Council Contact Details:

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Bidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire

BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA The Crawford Memorial Hall Management Committee plans to restart in September.

QUEENS PLATINUM JUBILEE BANK HOLIDAY The events over the 4 days were spectacularly successful, despite the weather. A huge ‘Thank You’ to the Queen’s Jubilee Committee and volunteers who worked tirelessly before, during and after to ensure it went as smoothly as possible.

Thank you also to the various community groups and sports associations who “opened” their doors to all. Bidford and its Jubilee preparations were filmed and seen throughout the world as well as in Good Morning Britain - fame at last!.

YOUR VILLAGE, YOUR VOICE Developments continue to take place and there are now 3 sub groups: Walking and Cycling, Arts & Crafts and Canoeing. If you are interested, please check their sites on the website to follow their progress and see when they are holding the next meeting which you are welcome to attend.

You will be able to keep up with its ideas by catching up with the meetings’ notes available at: https:// bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/your-village-your-voice/ Volunteers are always welcome so, if you are interested in the future of the village’s Recreation Strategy, please email the Clerk at info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk BIG MEADOW All residents who pay their precept to Bidford on Avon Parish are able to obtain a car fob that allows free parking in the Big Meadow. This can be obtained from the Parish Council Office, situated in Bramley Way, Monday to Friday, 10.30-12.30. If you are not on the Electoral Roll, the Clerk will need to see a Council Tax Invoice with name and address.

Replacement fobs are available at a cost of £5. If you have changed cars, simply let the Clerk have your fob number and new car registration, and she will update your records.

MONTHLY POLICE SURGERIES at the school car park on Bramley Way on 1st July 2022, 9.30-10.30 https://bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/police-surgery-atthe-school-car-park/ This is a great opportunity of talking to our local police about any issue that may concern you and it is important it is used of we want this to continue.

WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays 10.30 - 12.30 DEMENTIA CAFÉ at Westholme Court 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 FORTHCOMING SUMMER EVENTS Sunday 28th August @ 3.00 pm Annual Duck Race

24 connectionmags.co.uk

(River Avon) Tuesday 30th August @ 6.00 pm James Richard (Family) Circus Wednesday 31st August @ 4.15 pm James Richard (Family) Circus MEETINGS Monday 11th July and 8th August 2022 @ 7.30 pm Planning Consultative Committee Meeting Monday 25th July and 22nd August 2022 @ 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 is happening on the village every week? Nothing easier: email the Clerk to sign up 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.

SOCIAL MEDIA For the latest information and updates, make sure you follow us via Facebook (Bidford on Avon) Twitter (@Bidford_PC) and now also on Instagram (bidfordpc) PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS Clerk to the Parish Council – Mrs. Elisabeth Uggerløse Parish Council Office is located in Bramley Way and is open to the public 10.00 am to 3.00 pm subject to meetings, site visits etc.)

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

Elisabeth Uggerlose - Clerk to the Parish Council

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community events & what’s on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 10th of August.

Alcester Art Club

Meeting every Thursday at Church House, Butter Street, Alcester, from 7 to 9pm, we are just 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 Flower Club

Meeting at Alcester Catholic Church Hall, Priory Road, Alcester, B49 5DY at 7.30pm on Monday 4th July.

Flower arranging Demonstration 'Green Fingered Flower Arranger', by Linda Seabrook. Competition 'Flower of the month' Visitors and new members are most welcome. No meeting in August. Contact Marian Buchanan 01789 400868.

Harvington Phoenix Ladies Group

WeareagroupofladieswhomeetonthefirstWednesday of the month, usually in the Village Hall, at 7.45pm. We also have ad-hoc events which pop up now and again.

We have speakers, demonstrations and days out. Ladies of any age can join us.

On Wednesday 6th July, Helen from Working World, our chosen charity for this year, coming to tell us all about their good work and sell some goodies. Anyone interested in joining us please come along to the Village Hall on Wednesday 6th July at 7.45pm or call Lesley on 07768 130641. You are guaranteed a warm welcome.

Alcester Singers

Saturday 9th July, 3pm at Eric Payne Centre, Alcester.

'Songs for a summer afternoon', followed by tea and scones. The concert includes performances by Young Musician Winners Orla Reid, Amy Moynihan and Jessica Madden. Tickets £7.50 (under 14s free) : cash or card on the door or Humphries Shoes, Alcester (cash only).

Alcester WI

We meet at Malt Mill Lane Community Centre at 7.30 pm on the second Thursday evening of each month.

On July 14th, for honey lovers everywhere, Lee Franklin will BEE speaking about BEE Keeping. No stings in the tail so do join us in what should be a most interesting evening. Members, guests and visitors are most welcome to come and BEE amongst friends.

On August 11th, weather permitting we shall meet in the Centenary Park at 2.30 pm for a summer catch-up.

Bring a chair, a drink, a hat and sunscreen - hopefully!

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. We are continuing our varied

26 connectionmags.co.uk

programme on 14th July when Sue Johnson will be giving a talk on 'Writing for Women’s Magazines'.

August 11th will see us on our annual evening outing which this year will be a meal at Annie’s Farm, something to look forward to. Quite a few new people have joined us this year so why not give it a try, you might really enjoy meeting new people. For more information please phone Pauline 01789 773390 or Elizabeth 01789 778887.

Bidford Gardening Society

Thursday 21st July, Summer Outing (members only).

Thursday 18th August, ‘A Garden for All Seasons’ presented by Diane Clement. All meetings are held in The Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.

Further details on www.Bidfordgardens.com.

Alcester Civic Society

July 23rd Jazz & Picnic in the Park at the Scout Hut, £10. Tickets & details from Diane King: mossdiane@ btinternet.com or tel. 01789 765029.

Cookhill Garden Club

On Wednesday 20th July at 7.30pm, Bob Brown will be giving a presentation on 'Brightening up the Garden in August'. The meeting starts at 7.30 pm. New members always welcome.

Detail: David Claydon 01527 894317 or website www.cookhillgarden.club.

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.

Bidford Parochial Grant

The Trustees will be making financial grants to people living within the boundaries of the Parish of Bidford-on-Avon for at least 2 years (which includes Barton, Broom and Marlcliff) who will be furthering their education at university/college for the academic year commencing in September 2022.

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

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community events & what’s on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 12th of August Alcester Café

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. For more information, call 01789 765971 or visit: alcesterdementiacafe.org

Bidford Dementia Café

Bidford Dementia Café 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 8717 or Michael on 0772 587 8530.

We rely on volunteers to run the café. If this is of interest to you and you would like to know more about joining us, please contact Wendy on 0771 364 8716.

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).

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.

Broom WI

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

Salford Priors Ladies Group

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

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 Darby & Joan

We meet at Westholme Court, Westholme Road, Bidford, every Thursday from 2pm. Come and join us.

28 connectionmags.co.uk

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 7pm.

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

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 Men’s 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.

Perkins’ Educational Foundation

Awards for the Academic Year 2022-2023: The Governors of this charity, founded in 1656 by William Perkins of Salford Priors and London, invite applications for awards from young people under the age of 25. Grants are available to help with expenses in courses of study in further and higher education, vocational training such as apprenticeships, and in some circumstances, structured programmes of personal development such as overseas visits. Awards are not normally given to those under 17 years of age. Applicants must have been resident in one of the following parishes – Salford Priors, Bidford, Kings Broom, Cleeve Prior or Harvington –for not less than two years immediately prior to their application. The application form may be completed via the website: www.williamperkinscharity.org First time applicants must also provide a testimonial from a teacher, tutor or employer. Application forms may be downloaded and posted or submitted by email. The deadline for applications is 15th October, 2022. No applications received after that date can be accepted for consideration by the Governors for the academic year 2022-2023. Applicants may be required to attend before the Governors for an interview at a time and place to be notified in due course by the Clerk.

The Clerk to the Governors, Perkins’ Educational Foundation, 10 Elm Court, Arden St, Stratford-uponAvon, Warwickshire, CV37 6PA Email: info@williamperkinscharity.org

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