The Connection Magazine - June 2020

the

connection

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages

magazine June 2020 No. 143

Alcester Town Council Newsletter Neighbourhood Watch Books to keep you busy Cheese souffle recipe

COMMUNITY | LOCAL BUSINESS | ARTICLES 01789 868707 Unit 22 Waterloo Park, Waterloo Industrial Estate, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4JG

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

3

Useful phone numbers

Welcome

... to the June Connection Doctors / Health

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

Hospitals

Redditch Hospital Stratford Hospital Warwick Hospital

Emergency

Emergency Services Alcester Police BT Fault Electric Power Loss Gas Emergency

Others

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

Schools

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

Councils

Alcester Town Council Bidford Parish Council Stratford Dist Council

Well then... this certainly wasn’t how I envisaged 2020!

I hope that, through the past few months of strangeness, you’ve stayed safe and well and been looked after by friends, family or the wonderful volunteers from around our local communities.

When we printed our last edition (April/May), we had hoped that things would be back to normal by now, but as you can tell that isn’t the case.

01527 503030 Like many local businesses, we’ve found the past few months 205831 challenging. We’ve been devastated to hear how badly 01926 495321 affected some of our lovely customers have been. You’ll notice from this edition and the next printed one (out from the end of June) that we’ve not got as many advertisers as usual. I hope that when our local pubs, travel companies, 999 or 112 hair/beauty salons and other shops open, you are able to 444816 support them as far as possible. It’s sad to lose them from our 08008 00151 next printed edition, but it would be even sadder to lose them 08004 04090 from our communities.

08001 11999 What has been wonderful to see, though, is how communities have banded together to help deliver shopping and look after 0300 555 8171 those shielding or isolating. And, as a mum to two young children, we’ve loved being able to see everyone’s rainbows 01789 773239 and teddy bears in windows as well as the fabulous lines of 0844 855 2322 painted rocks in Alcester and Bidford.

07771 616189 01789 766750 Spare a thought for the fabulous community groups that 01789 762450 would normally meet on a regular basis, but who are 01789 766200 obviously not doing so at the moment. We’ve not got any 01789 270744 “what’s on” pages in this edition for obvious reasons. I’m sure they will be back soon and we hope to have news from them 01386 871777 then.

262889 07734 806 322 What we do have is a bit of light reading for you and pages of businesses who all need a bit of extra love and support at the moment! Some have moved online. Some won’t be opening just yet, but make a note of them or contact them to see if 762285 you can support them by buying gift vouchers or booking 762494 services in advance.

763060 763293 773372 111 08457 909090

762888 773201 762444 772200 488247 488211 762555 772497 762578 772384

766084 778653 267575

Amy

September/October Copy Deadline: Friday 14th August

Facebook.com/theconnectionmag Twitter.com/connection_mag Connection circulation: 10,000 Editor: Amy James Phone 01789 491005 Email: info@connectionmags.co.uk www.connectionmags.co.uk Printed by Warwick Printing Ltd 01926 883355 Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication.

Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. The Connection Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior consent of the publisher.

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Happier and healthier or your money back.

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9

Twice Cooked Cheese Souffles The beauty of these individual souff les is that you don’t have to worry about them collapsing before they get to the table. You can prepare and cook them in advance (see Tip), then simply turn then out and reheat when required.

Ready in: 1 hour | Makes 4 25g butter, plus extra for greasing

2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 25g plain flour

½ tsp mustard powder 200ml milk

75g mature Cheddar cheese, finely grated 2 medium egg yolks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 medium egg whites 1 tsp olive oil

TIP

Fresh herbs and mixed salad, to serve

Preheat the oven to 190C/170 fan/gas mark 5. Use the extra butter to thoroughly grease four 200ml ramekin dishes. Line the base of each dish with a circle of baking paper. Mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese and use to coat the inside of the dishes.

Melt the butter in a small pan, stir in the flour and mustard powder and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the milk.

Cook, stirring, over a moderate heat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture forms a thick sauce. Stir in the Cheddar cheese.

Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes then beat in the egg yolks and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the egg whites in clean grease-free bowl until stiff. Stir 1 tbsp of the whites into the mixture to loosen it slightly then gently fold in the rest of the whites.

Divide the mixture between the ramekins. Place in a roasting tin, half fill with boiling water and bake for 15-20 minutes until risen and golden.

Cool for 10 minutes then turn the souffles out onto a greased baking sheet and remove the lining paper (see Tip). Brush the tops with olive oil and return to the oven for 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Serve garnished with fresh herbs and with a mixed salad, if liked.

After turning out the souffles onto the baking sheet they can be left to cool then covered and chilled for up to 12 hours. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until piping hot.

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Temporarily ‘plant’ then in seed trays of well-drained compost kept in a frost-free spot. Keep the plants on the dry side with occasional light watering of the roots, watering them a little more in early spring to encourage the plants to grow away strongly, ready for planting out.

Chrysanthemums Chrysanthemums, with their richly coloured flowers in a host of shapes and sizes are great in the garden, on the allotment, in containers and in the greenhouse. Plant out in the next few weeks for flowers during late summer and into autumn, with blooms in bronzes, mahoganies, golds, creams, yellows, pinks, deep reds and purples.

Growing Tips Always check the information on the chrysanthemum varieties you choose, but as a rule they’ll need planting with a spacing of 30-45cm (12-18in) and many will need support from a cane or proprietary support. Choose a well-fertilised and well-drained spot to grow them in the garden.

Pots or containers must have plenty of drainage holes. The best compost is a loam-based John Innes No.3, with a little horticultural grit added to improve drainage.

Chrysanthemums need regular watering to flower well but

take care not to over water. A weekly feed during the growing season is worthwhile – use either a specially formulated chrysanthemum fertiliser or a high-potash liquid feed.

Pinch out the tip of young chrysanthemum plants, leaving about five leaves, so that sideshoots form rapidly and keep the plant bushy and flowering well. For fewer but larger flowers, ‘disbud’ each flower stem by removing all the buds and side shoots (when they are about 2cm long), leaving only the top or terminal bud. Remove the terminal bud and leave the side shoots for more but smaller flowers.

Chrysanthemums should be stored in frost-free conditions from late autumn until May or later, once there is no danger of frosts. Carefully remove most of the garden soil from their roots when you lift them for storing and trim both the top growth and the roots back to about 25cm (6in).

Bebbie, Allouise or Misty varieties can be planted from the end of April until June as long as the danger of frost has passed. Pinch them out two to three weeks after planting and aim to develop three to four stems per plant. Remove a large piece of the plant – maybe more than half – if there is any sign of a terminal bud when pinching out.

Varieties that have caught my eye include:

• ‘Primrose Enbee’, an early spray type with simple, primrose-yellow blooms.

• ‘Chestnut Talbot Maid’, an early spray double with nearspherical brown flowers, and lilac-purple ‘Talbot Parade’.

• The outdoor pot and bush ‘Pompon Collection’ in colours including ‘Red’ and ‘Red Bronze’.

• ‘Green Mist’, a wacky variety with lime-green spidery flowers.

• ‘Misty Primrose’ with nearspherical bright yellow flowers.

• The ‘Spartan’ chrysanthemums – ‘Raspberry’ with pinkish petals and a golden-yellow centre or the golden orange ‘Spartan Linnet’.

By Pippa Greenwood

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

12 connectionmags.co.uk

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

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13

Gates & Railings

by Phil

I make gates and railings

All colours available, made to order.

Low cost fitting service available.

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

Working in the local area for 25 years

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TREE SURGERY & HEDGE CUTTING Family business • Established 2001 Experienced - Qualified - Professional Service Tel: 01789 763081 • Mob: 07778 575093 Email: info@rootstoshoots.net 14 connectionmags.co.uk

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Spectacular Colour at your local Plant Centre!

Bedding & Patio Plants, Hanging Baskets, Tomatoes, Cucumbers & Vegetable Plants, Shrubs, Alpines, Perennials, Pots, National Garden Gift Vouchers Available Seeds from

Evesham Rd (A441), Cookhill, Alcester, Warks, B49 5JR Tel: 01527 894 111 Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm Sunday 10am to 3pm

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15

Summertime Tech Top tech to make your outdoors great

It’s that time of year when we’re hoping for a nice summer, though unfortunately it’s also time to get your outdoors into shape. The good news is that technology can help with that.

Our annual question – can we afford a robot lawnmower yet? – is almost a yes this year.

Prices have fallen dramatically and you can pick up a good quality robot lawnmower such as the Robomow RX12U from John Lewis for £499 and there are various budget models for £299 to £329. Even the high-end models are coming under the £1,000 mark – still a lot more expensive than a basic mower, of course, but maybe worth the investment if you hate mowing the lawn.

If a top-end robot is still too expensive, cordless lawn mowers have come a long way in recent years. Bosch’s 36V cordless rotary mower is seriously powerful for a battery-powered mower, and at £299 it’s not too expensive. Because there’s no power cord to accidentally cut, it’s a lot safer than a wired one too. You can pick up rival models for about half that price but you may find you need to charge them more often.

Look for the number marked ‘A-h’: that’s how many amp-hours the battery delivers between charges. Bigger is better.

You’ll find that almost every kind of garden power tool now comes in an electric version.

Even chainsaws: for example, Mountfield’s MC48LI delivers serious cutting power without the noise and smoke of petrol power, and you’ll find similarly impressive models from the other big-name power tool companies. Expect to pay

16 connectionmags.co.uk

around £150 for a good quality electric chainsaw and £80 to £150 for a good battery depending on capacity; cheaper models are available with batteries included but they’re considerably less powerful and won’t last as long between charges.

If you like to use lots of flowering plants to make your outdoors great, technology can help with them too. Even the humble hose can be made smart these days: Hozelock’s automatic watering kit (RRP £127 but often available for half that) has a built-in timer to automate your daily watering for up to twenty-five pots, and if you like the idea of controlling everything with your smartphone the company also makes a Cloud Controller (around £110, but again often available for less) that you can operate remotely from an Apple or Android phone. The app doesn’t just enable you to control your watering: it warns you if the weather’s about to change so that you can adjust the schedule accordingly.

It needs to be connected to Wi-Fi, though, so if you live in an old house with really thick walls or if your outside tap is far from your Wi-Fi router you may need to move the router closer to make it work.

Would you rather do everything by hand?

Technology can still help make your outdoors more pleasant. Our favourite outdoor gadget isn’t a chainsaw or a cloud controller; it’s a portable Bluetooth speaker so we can hear our favourite songs when we’re weeding.

Images clockwise from top left - Robomow robot lawnmower, Bosch Cordless Lawn Mower, Mountfield cordless chainsaw, Hozelock cloud controller.

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19

Dream Big! Heroes Who Dared to Be Bold – Sally Morgan Dream Big! comprises a hundred bite-size biographies, each accompanied by an illustration. My ten-year old and I have both enjoyed learning more about some well-known names (e.g. David Attenborough and Maya Angelou) and discovering other inspirational people neither of us had heard of. As well as being a great read, it’s opened up conversations about racism, sexism, LGBTQ+ rights and having the courage to stand up for what’s right. Highly recommended.

The Sin Eater – Megan Campisi 14 year old May Owens expects to be sentenced to death for stealing a loaf of bread. But her sentence is much worse. She’s to become a Sin Eater – responsible for taking on the sins of others so that their soul is cleansed. The role means she’s to be forever shunned. So when she discovers someone is trying to blame dead women for sins they didn’t commit, no one will listen. Intriguing setting, believable characters and a great story. Pre-order it now for delivery at the end of July.

The Sleeper and the Spindle – Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddle This beautifully illustrated book takes the story of Sleeping Beauty and adds a dollop of darkness and a few ‘what ifs’. What if the sleeping sickness spread? What if there was a queen with hair as dark as a raven’s wing, lips as red as blood and several dwarves by her side, who could set out on a quest to rescue the princess? Yes, The Sleeper and the Spindle is aimed at young adults and takes under an hour to read, but don’t let that stop you from adding it to your wish list.

The Great British Sewing Bee: Sustainable Style Caroline Akselson and Alexandra Bruce The companion book to the latest series of the popular BBC programme, The Great British Sewing Bee: Sustainable Style invites readers to upcycle and repair existing clothes, and make new ones using sustainable, natural fabrics. There are twenty-seven projects to choose from and plenty of advice for beginners.

Vegan(ish) – Jack Monroe Whether you’re 100% vegan or just want to eat more plant-based meals, Jack Monroe’s latest cook book could well become your go-to resource. There are a hundred recipes altogether, from simple soups and sandwiches to more complicated dishes such as Beet Wellington and Ultimate Moussaka. As you’d expect from the queen of budget meals, recipes are carefully costed out so they won’t break the bank.

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21

How Can You Protect Your Money With a Lasting Power of Attorney and a Will?

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are legal documents that help to protect your money if you’re unable to manage your own finances for any reason. Wills contain instructions on how your money should be distributed when you die.

So why should you make a Lasting Power of Attorney and a Will, and how do you do it? Let’s start by looking at Lasting Powers of Attorney.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney and why do you need one?

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a document that appoints one or more individuals (attorneys) to make decisions and act on your behalf (the donor) in relation to your property, finances, health and welfare.

Should you suffer a stroke, lose mental capacity or experience a debilitating ailment, a Lasting Power of Attorney ensures important aspects of your life are taken care of by one or more individuals you trust.

Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney You can ask a solicitor to draw up these documents for you or set them up yourself. If you decide to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney yourself, you must be over eighteen and have the mental capacity to do so.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney: • Property and financial affairs •

Health and welfare

You can download the forms from the gov.uk website or complete them online. They must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can become effective, which currently costs £82 per document.

What is a Will and why do you need one?

A Will documents your wishes regarding what happens to your money, property and possessions when you die. This may be a straightforward instruction to pass your entire estate to your spouse, for example, but some situations are more complex.

A Will allows you to decide in advance who will inherit your money and possessions. Making a Will helps you avoid inheritance tax, or reduce it – inheritance tax currently stands at 40% and applies to some deceased estates over £325,000.¹

22 connectionmags.co.uk

How do you make a Will?

As with a Lasting Power of Attorney you can ask a solicitor or professional Will writer to make your Will or you can do it yourself. Some charities also offer free or reduced cost Willwriting services in return for a donation, so this may be worth considering.

It’s sensible to seek professional assistance in drawing up your Will if your circumstances aren’t straightforward. If you do decide to write your own Will, you can buy ‘blank’ templates that provide simple guidance and example wording at stationery stores and online. You’ll need to consider who to appoint as your Trustee(s) and who will inherit your money and possessions.

Drawing up a Lasting Power of Attorney and a Will protects your money if you fall ill or lose mental capacity, and in the event of your death. Writing these documents is an important consideration at any age, but it becomes more so as you get older – a time when your health may be more likely to fail. ¹www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney www.which.co.uk/money www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/planning-what-to-leave-in-your-will

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YOUR FRIENDLY LOCAL VETERINARY SURGERY

McGettigan’s Summer is a great time for you to be out with your dog, making the most of the sunny weather, but it’s also a time to take extra care. The sun can take its toll on dogs in various ways, so here are three tips to help you protect your four-legged friend and make sure they stay fit and healthy this summer.

Check the ground they’re walking on We’ve all experienced how quickly hot sand can burn our feet when we’re on holiday and it’s the same for dogs, both on the beach and on the pavements. To check that it’s safe for them to walk on, put your hand flat on the ground for five seconds – if it’s too hot for you, then it’s definitely too hot for your dog’s paws.

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Don’t let them stay in the sun for too long and apply sunscreen to those vulnerable areas, especially after they’ve been swimming.

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Bidford’s Dog Grooming Parlour is now stocking pet supplies!

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Keep their head inside the car When your dog leans out of the car window there’s a risk of serious injury. This could be from debris flying up from the road or other vehicles passing too close, so make sure they’re properly restrained with a seatbelt through their harness.

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Although probably not your typical summer health advice, these tips will help to protect your beloved pet from severe discomfort or serious injury.

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ANSWERS

The countries are... Italy (Pasta) Mexico (taco) America (Hot dog) China (rice) England (Fish and chips) Scotland (Haggis) Spain (Paella) France (Croissant) India (Curry). The 4 plates: Pick up any one of the four plates and place it on top of the plate diagonally opposite.

By Kate Duggan

Keeping kids entertained is difficult at the best of times. But having already endured weeks in lockdown and a return to complete freedom looking to be some way off, it’s a challenge to keep your little ones occupied and to tear older children away from a screen. These ideas might help though!

Take the indoors out What does your child enjoy doing that could be done outdoors? Could you make cookie dough at the garden table rather than the kitchen table? Is there any reason a board game can’t be played on a picnic rug? Could you set crafts up on a plastic sheet? (On the plus side, it saves your carpet getting covered in paint, glitter and chocolate.)

Play to their interests Younger children often like ticking off a list of things to spot when they’re out, or collecting petals, leaves and pebbles for a craft activity. If your child is an animal lover, could you go on a bug hunt? If they enjoy solving puzzles, could you go geocaching or set up a treasure hunt? Active kids might enjoy a simple obstacle course in the garden or throwing balls to knock down tin cans.

Shake things up Most of us like a bit of variety in life. Even moving a swing to a different part of the garden or trying some different games can help to reignite a child’s interest. On a more practical level, a reorganisation of their bedroom or a shared space can be exciting for them.

30 connectionmags.co.uk

Play games My eight-year-old loathes going for a walk. With a passion. And he doesn’t hesitate to let us know just how boring he finds it. So our family walks tend to be less about walking and more about playing games on the move. His favourite is a game where we adults challenge the kids to impersonate an animal. When he was younger, it was a case of “Can you hop like a kangaroo?”

“Can you slither like a snake?” Now it’s evolved into “Can you charge like a short-sighted rhino?”

“Can you soar like an eagle with a broken wing?”

We also play hide and seek and other games.

Build it into a routine If you have the option, it might be worth setting a family rule that you all have to spend a certain amount of time outside every day, even if it’s just bouncing round the garden.

Don’t be afraid of bribery I’m not suggesting you pay your child to get active, but there’s nothing wrong with promising an ice lolly or half an hour of screen time after a bike ride now and then.

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Alcester Nursery Studio Nursery & After School Places Available!

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Advertisement Feature

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

landscaped gardens – which residents make full use of.

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

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

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

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

There are also more unusual

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

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

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

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looking to take out breakdown cover.

Who offers breakdown cover, and how can I take out a policy?

There’s a range of breakdown cover providers in the UK, with popular choices including the AA, RAC and Green Flag, amongst others.

Breakdown cover explained: what is it and how can I get it cheaper?

Available from a number of providers, having breakdown cover means you can motor on without the fear of suddenly becoming stranded should your car give up the ghost while out on the road — and helps prevent unexpected costs.

But what is covered exactly, and how can you get an affordable deal on your policy? We explain.

What is breakdown cover?

Should your car break down while on the move, holding a breakdown cover policy with any of the variety of providers in the UK will mean you have an on-demand recovery service to either help you get back on the road quickly or take your car to a garage without fear of unexpected fees.

What exactly is covered?

Cover varies depending on the type you have and who your provider is. Typically, a basic

36 connectionmags.co.uk

breakdown cover policy will ensure you’re covered for simple roadside repairs (commonly known as roadside assistance) or to be towed to a garage without having to pay extra over your annual or monthly fixed rate (note that paying monthly is sometimes more expensive than paying annually).

Many providers also offer optional extras. Examples of these include: at-home cover, which allows you to call upon assistance if your car fails to start at home; onward travel cover, which allows you to be taken to your originally planned destination if your car cannot be quickly fixed; and European cover, which allows you to take advantage of similar privileges while driving on the continent.

Optional extras vary by policy types and provider, so it’s worth cross-checking companies when

/theconnectionmag

Taking out a policy can be as easy as contacting a provider and looking through your options with them. It’s also common for insurance providers to offer breakdown cover as an additional extra when taking out a new policy, while some banks provide it as part of premium account offerings.

How can I get cheap breakdown cover?

The easiest way to get a low-cost breakdown policy is to use an online comparison tool. Much like an insurance comparison site, these can take your details and return quotes from a number of providers to find the best price for your particular needs.

If you’re still not happy with the price, don’t be afraid to pick the phone up and directly contact providers to try and bring it down. Our tip would be to make a note of any cheaper quotes if you have a preferred provider, and see if they can match or beat it.

Is it illegal to drive without breakdown cover?

Unlike an insurance policy, there is no legal requirement for your car to be covered under a breakdown policy.

However, your wallet may thank you should you have a policy and do have an unexpected breakdown.

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39

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALCESTER It is wonderful to report that many types of Crime in the UK have fallen sharply since the start of the Covid-19 lockdown and that many examples of Good Neighbourliness has risen.

Government Measures to stay at home have led to a surge in good neighbourliness as people look out for the vulnerable and talk to those next door more than ever before, according to a new study. Almost three quarters (72%) of UK adults can now identify which of their neighbours are vulnerable.

A fifth (21%) say they have spoken to their neighbours more in the past two weeks and, one in ten (10%) say they have got to know them more. Despite not being able to spend time physically with neighbours, a sixth (16%) of UK adults say their relationship has become better in the last two weeks.

Almost a fifth (18%) say they have chatted online or over the phone to their neighbours in the last two weeks and a further sixth (16%) have dropped off essential food and medicine for them.

The different ways people are keeping in touch with neighbours: • Almost half (46%) have spoken to their neighbours in the street at a distance.

• Two fifths (42%) have chatted to them over a garden fence or wall.

• Over a quarter (28%) have waved at their neighbours through a window.

• A quarter (26%) have checked to see if they need

anything.

• 18% have spoken to them on the phone or online.

• 17% have spoken to them about the Government’s advice to stay at home.

• 12% have dropped off shopping for them.

• 4% have dropped off essential medication.

It is so encouraging that at such a difficult time people across communities are stepping up to help their neighbours more so now than ever before. Neighbours play an important role to make sure that those who are on their own and lonely, especially the most vulnerable, are safe in their homes.

“Little things like saying hello over a garden fence, waving at a neighbour through a window or getting in touch to see if they need any essential food dropping off outside, may not seem like a lot but will make the world of difference to those who may be struggling during the pandemic.”

Neighbourhood Watch believes that building strong communities where neighbours look out for each other is key and it’s good to be reminded of the ordinary people who make our nation great even in the most trying of times. The kind, everyday deeds of neighbours help create safe, secure and happy neighbourhoods where people, families and communities thrive and it’s times like these that communities need to stick together and look out for one another.”

The next meeting of Neighbourhood Watch Alcester will not take place until advised. For further information on NHW Alcester please email nhwalcester@gmail. com or telephone Dorrie Manders on 01789 762999

Communicating with the Police: Emergencies dial 999.

The Police non emergency number: 101 to be used to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response. 101 diverts to your local Police.

Alcester South Safer Neighbourhood Team dial 101 or 01789 444815 or 444816. Please feel free to contact the team direct: Team email: alcestersouth.snt@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk SGT 1284 Angus Eagles angus.eagles@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PC 1672 Beat Manager Rob Davies robert.davies4@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PCSO 6327 Carolyn Davis carolyn.davis1@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PCSO gary.johnson6111 Gary Johnson-Jones jones@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk Always report an active crime on 999.

Non-emergency calls can be made on 101.

Facebook - Alcester Police Facebook - Warwickshire Police Twitter - @AlcesterCops Instagram - southwarwickshiresnts Website - www.warwickshire.police.uk Call Crimestoppers anonymously with information about crime on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is a charity that will pass on information to police without revealing any details of the caller.

Contact Warwickshire Trading Standards 01926 414040 to report a suspect rogue trader. General advice on scams and rogue traders contact 0845 4040 506.

Sign up to receive scam alerts at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams.

You can also report a fraud or cyber crime to Action Fraud on: 0300 123 2040 or visit www. actionfraud.police.uk.

Avoid rogue traders - use Warwickshire Trading Standards “No Rogue Traders Here” approved trader scheme.

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

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41

Alcester Town Council JUNE 2020

COVID-19 Response

Alcester Community Resilience Support Network has been set up in response to COVID-19. This network is not ony available to the residents of Alcester, but also to those in the surrounding areas of Kinwarton, Arrow & Weethley and Great Alne. If you find yourself in isolation or are finding it difficult to leave your house and you need help or assistance with shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog walking, or just fancy a chat, please get in touch.

Alcester Neighbourhood Development Plan

Sadly, due to the coronavirus crisis and in line with government guidance, the referendum scheduled for 7th May 2020 has been postponed.

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

Town Council Meetings In line with new government legislation, Full Alcester Community Resilience Council meetings will be held remotely by video conference using Zoom software. Committee For practical help or assistance meetings have been cancelled, with the exception of the Planning Committee who during the Coronavirus crisis: are reviewing planning applications by email meeting.

All Town Council meetings remain open to the Anyone wishing to participate remotely alcester.response@outlook.com public. using Zoom software, or ask questions, should Alcester Community Resilience Facebook contact the Town Clerk on clerk@alcester-tc. gov.uk. Agendas are published on the Town By the end of April, Alcester’s COVID-19 Council website: www.alcester-tc.gov.uk and community response had been in operation for 40 copies can be viewed on the council notice days and had dealt with 349 requests for help. The boards.

200+ volunteers had delivered shopping 137 times Alcester Town Council Contact Details: and collected 61 prescriptions. Complimentary The Town Council offices are now closed until meals are delivered twice weekly to the most further notice. In accordance with government vulnerable, and companionship phone calls are advice, town council staff are working from there for anyone who wants a friendly chat. The home. If you have an enquiry for the Town group will be in existence for as long as it is Council, please phone 01789 766084 (we can needed. pick up messages remotely) or email The Town Council clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk and we will repond as soon as we can. was delighted to Alcester Town Council offices: receive a grant of Globe House, Priory Road, Alcester B49 5DZ ÂŁ3,200 from the Tel: 01789 766084 Heart of England Town Clerk - Vanessa Lowe: Community Foundation. This very clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk Planning & Communication - Sarah Duran: generous donation administration@alcester-tc.gov.uk is being used to fund Community Care - Jenny Theobald: the hot meal service office@alcester-tc.gov.uk and will provide 125 Facilities - Jan Rowlatt: meals per week to reception@alcester-tc.gov.uk vulnerable residents Health & Wellbeing - Wendy Sherwood: in Alcester. Meals are info@alcester-tc.gov.uk being prepared by Mandy Downes at Pantry Anns Further information can be found on our social and delivered by a team of lovely volunteers. With media pages: grateful thanks to Heart of England Community www.facebook.com/alcester Trust and the National Emergencies Trust! www.twitter.com/AlcesterTown

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