The Connection Magazine - November/December 2020

the

connection

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages

magazine

November-December 2020 No. 146

COMMUNITY

Young Photographer Competition Sponsor a special run Volunteer for VASA

GET YOUR BAKE ON Cinnamon star cookies

MOLINEUX MUSINGS

NEX DELIT DAY AVAI VERY LABL E

www.ersos.co.uk

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

15a High Street, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4BQ www.richardfantomeyecare.co.uk To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

3

Useful phone numbers

Welcome

... to the November/December Connection

Doctors / Health

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

Hospitals

Redditch Hospital Stratford Hospital Warwick Hospital

Emergency

Emergency Services Alcester Police BT Fault Electric Power Loss Gas Emergency

Others

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

Schools

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

Councils

Alcester Town Council Bidford Parish Council Stratford Dist Council

Well, normally at this time of year we can look forward to all sorts of festivities. It’s a time for the local communities to really 763060 show what they’re made of. Bonfires & fireworks displays, 763293 poignant Remembrance Parades, Christmas light switch-ons and so on. It would be easy to feel melancholy about how the stars 773372 have aligned to put a stop to our usual ways of marking these 111 08457 909090 occasions. The warm fuzzy feelings so many of us get with the hubbub over these winter months have been seeping through in other ways.

Is it just me or is there a deeper sense of community at the 01527 503030 moment? A consciousness that, despite the distance between us, 205831 we can reach out in more creative ways. Perhaps in honouring 01926 495321 the memory of loved ones, whether that be in our marking of Remembrance Day (p.38 & 40) or in the case of more recently lost friends, like Sharne Phipps, with fundraising events (p.20).

There’s a concerted effort to help people engage creatively with 999 or 112 cookery skills (p.36) and the fantastic Rotary Young People’s 444816 Photography Competition (p.41).

08008 00151 And there’s still meaningful opportunities to help others. You can 08004 04090 read about volunteering with VASA on page 34.

08001 11999 As an aside at this point, please do give what you can to local foodbanks if you are able to. There’s collection points in most local supermarkets these days and the need is greater than ever.

0300 555 8171 For small businesses, I won’t lie, these are tough times. While 01789 773239 many may have adapted and fared well this year, others 0844 855 2322 are struggling or have closed alogether. So in the lead up to 07771 616189 Christmas, if we are able to, let’s focus on wise purchases and 01789 766750 gifts from our fabulous local shops (whether they are on the High Street, trading estates or online) over the excessive, throwaway 01789 762450 consumer culture that buoys up the multinationals. We could 01789 766200 see this coming Christmas as an opportunity to focus on home 01789 270744 comforts, to prioritise quality over quantity and to reflect on 01386 871777 what this time of year means to us.

01789 262889 There’s still joy to be had this winter time. Some sport is still on (at the time of writing, anyway!) and we’ve a skew towards football with ‘Back of the Net’ (p.28) and a ‘My Team’ for Wolves fans (p.32).

762285 If baking is your thing, try out our cinnamon star recipe (p.10).

762494 And if quality time for you is pottering in the garden, getting 762888 it ready for the warmer weather, try your luck with fruit trees 773201 (p.18). Or just curl up with a hot cuppa and indulge in some quiet 762444 time and our puzzle pages (p.6 & 42).

772200 So, I bid you adieu until 2021, 488247 and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.

488211 January/February Copy Deadline: 762555 Thursday 10th December 772497 Facebook.com/theconnectionmag Twitter.com/connection_mag 762578 Connection circulation: 11,300 772384 Editor: Amy James Phone 01789 491005

Amy

766084 778653 267575

Email: info@connectionmags.co.uk www.connectionmags.co.uk Printed by Warwick Printing Ltd 01926 883355

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication.

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

Step into Alcester’s very own

Winter Wonderland!

A lcester’s specialist schoolwear retailer, open since 1998, has branched out over the years to provide a wide range of clothing, not just for local school pupils, but for toddler sizes right through to large adults.

Last year, in addition to their array of school, work, sports and dance clothes (many of which can be customised with their printing and embroidery services), they launched a new festive range. Now they are excited to bring the joy of Christmas to Alcester once again, with their newest range of Christmas Decorations.

Step into the Alcester NSC ‘Winter Wonderland’ from October and discover

a range of gifts, festive ornaments, tree decorations, lanterns and more besides to adorn your home this Christmas time.

From the end of October, families

may banish their COVID blues and prepare for advent in plenty of time with a trip to the shop, where children can help choose the perfect baubles for the family tree. The now “new normal” safety precautions remain in store.

With free parking available in the town centre car park (next to Waitrose car park), there’s no reason not to stop by, and with the incentive of 5% off when you present this advert, you can be sure to find your perfect Christmas decorations for less this winter.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all at AGS Gas

For all your heating & plumbing needs this winter...

...Call our office on

01789 766200

www.agsgaslimited.co.uk Unit 24 Arden Business Centre, Alcester, B49 6HW

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(answers on page 40)

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Perfect for a festive sweet treat or a lovely edible Christmas gift these spiced star cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Makes 20 Ready in 1 hour, plus chilling and cooling INGREDIENTS • 2 medium egg whites • 175g icing sugar • 250g finely ground roasted hazelnuts • 50g mixed peel, finely chopped • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon TIP Dust the cookie cutter with icing sugar frequently to prevent the mixture sticking.

1. Using an electric handheld mixer, whisk the egg whites in a clean, grease-free bowl until holding stiff peaks. Stir in the icing sugar until thoroughly combined then continue to whisk until thick and glossy.

2. Remove 40g of this mixture and set aside. Fold the hazelnuts, mixed peel and cinnamon into the remaining mixture to make a very stiff dough. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 140C, 120C fan, gas mark 1. Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper. Roll the dough out on a surface heavily dusted with icing sugar to a 1cm thickness.

4. Using a 5cm star-shaped cookie cutter stamp out about 20 stars, re-rolling the dough as needed until it is all used up. Place the stars on the baking sheet, well-spaced apart.

Spread a little of the reserved egg white and icing sugar mixture on top of each star.

5. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cookies are still white and crisp on top but slightly soft underneath. Turn off the oven, open the oven door and leave the cookies to dry out for 15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

The Rotary Club, Evesham

involved in supporting the Tree of Light this year.

Tree of Light 2020 You can donate via our website www.therotaryclubofevesham.org.uk For over 20 years, the Rotary Tree of Light (on the north by clicking on the ‘Tree of bank of the River Avon in Evesham) has helped people Light’ page. remember a loved one at Christmas, and over the years has raised over £250,000 for charitable causes.

Please complete the form The majority of these are local and provide a vital service in and either donate on line, and around Evesham. or print the form and post Details of charities supported to date are listed on our it to us at: website, www.therotaryclubofevesham.org.uk Evesham Rotary, PO Box 318, The social restrictions imposed by Covid 19 have had Evesham, a a or e ect on oca charities and there ore our ocus WR11 9EX this year will be to support those charities most seriously a ected The names of We would naturally be delighted if you would consider being your remembered loved ones are published on our website, in the Evesham Journal newspaper and disp played in the libra ary.

Photo by Perfect Image, Ian Tustin.

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Video calls with loved ones, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or having a stretch in an exercise class are just some of the things residents have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, at Ambleside care home. Add to that delicious home cooked food from our in-house chef, tailored care delivered by our fully trained and experienced team, the highest standards of safety and cleanliness, and you can see why we’re the ideal choice.

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, we’re here for you.

To arrange a virtual tour or one-to-one video chat, please call 01789 868641 or email gary.hulme@careuk.com

WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS Ambleside care home Evesham Road, Dodwell, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 9ST careuk.com/ambleside

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DISCOVER

local

treasures

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

Hillers Gifts & Interiors B50 5PD | 01789 490991

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

Bonners Jewellers, Alcester B49 5AP | 01789 763715

Contemporary Coverings, Alcester B49 5BX | 01789 400050

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

VEGAN VE E & GLUTEN FREE RANGE AVAILABLE

Nasus Hair | Salon & luxury organic haircare Alcester, B49 6EL | 01789 766314

Mona’s Home Cooked Takeaway, Bidford-on-Avon monas-homecooking.co.uk

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

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

Clive Campion & Son Ltd | Painter & Decorators clivecampionandsonltd.co.uk | 01527 401427

Bidford Pet Co | Pet & Equine Supplies/Feeds B50 4JN | 01789 339953

You can grow fruit in your garden even when short on space, by making the fruit work in more ways than one and making the best use of their good looks. At this time of year the widest selection of fruit plants is available from specialist fruit nurseries as ‘bare root’ plants, and this is also the perfect time to plant fruit.

A simple metal arch can be used to train tree fruit such as apples or pears up the sides and over the top. For perfect pollination (and maximum crops), plant two different apples in the same pollination group on each side of the arch. You can use cordon apples or simple ‘whips’ (straight stems). A good fruit tree nursery will be able to advise on the best combinations.

Cherries can do surprisingly well in a large pots, planters or a wooden half-barrel. The combination of their lovely white spring blossom and tasty summer fruit makes then an attractive plant for a sunny, sheltered patio or back yard. hoo e cherry on d rfing roo oc uch as Gisela 5 to ensure it does not get too big.

There are many types of fruit that take up extremely little space, such as Ballerina apples; alternatively, train cordon apples or pears vertically and spaced 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart to form columnar trees. Prune the fruiting laterals in summer and restrict the tree height to 1.82.4m (6-8ft). de l or he ron o ege le plo or o er border, a stepover is trained to form one ‘arm’ of fruit to the left and one to the right, generally

18 connectionmags.co.uk

about 45cm (18ins) above ground level (hence the name); you can buy these ready-trained.

Vines can produce a good crop in the UK in a sheltered, sunny spot. They can be trained up walls or over a pergola to create shade. Many have fabulous autumnal colours.

There are peach varieties nowadays that grow well and produce a worthwhile crop. Avalon is recommended for its ability to crop if you have space, but there are several varieties available on u fic en ly d rfing roo oc h do ell n good-sized containers. Peach Bonanza grafted on to a St Julien rootstock is compact, has attractive pink blossom and, despite its dwarf size, produces full-sized fruit.

Hybrid berries can also be trained over arches to form shade and a delicious crop – I recommend loosely tying them to a chunky wooden arch. You c n hen en oy he o er ollo ed y he r ch good looks of the fruit.

Strawberries in pots can crop heavily if kept well fed and watered. Either plant them into a large pot or container full of good quality compost, or use a strawberry planter with individual planting holes into each of which a strawberry plant is placed. It looks good and makes it harder for slugs and snails to get to the fruit!

Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.

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BOOK YOUR MOWER IN FOR WINTER SERVICE

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19

Fundraising Friends: The power of a half marathon to honour the memory of a friend.

by Claire Moulson

M

y name is Claire Moulson and I have been friends with Sharne Phipps (the lovely lady in the photo above) since moving into Alcester 34 years ago.

At the end of February 2020, I had the worst news any friend would want to hear.

My lovely matey had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. It progressed a lot faster than anticipated and, heartbreakingly in mid-August, she lost her battle.

Sharne was an amazing lady; we have had lots of fun and laughter over the years. She leaves behind a wonderful husband, Richard and two beautiful children race aged 12 and Finn who is soon to be 4.

The family always put others first and are the first to offer help to anyone they know in need.

I wanted to be able to give something to them to help support the family through this very di cult time. So on October 1 th 2020 I took part in my first ever half marathon to raise money for this amazing, brave family. It was originally meant to be at Warwick Racecourse, but due to CO I -1 restrictions, the o cial half marathon was cancelled, so I ran my own route around the Alcester area. The upshot of

this was having the amazing support of locals who knew and loved Sharne being able to cheer me on along the way.

Words can not explain how grateful I am for any donations. o matter how big or small, each one has been and will be very much appreciated by myself and the Phipps family.

I initially set out to raise 00, but within a couple of days I was thrilled to have an amazing response and we are now, at the time of writing, at over ,000!

If you feel able to donate to my fundraiser, please visit: www.justgiving.com crowdfunding c-moulson And if you’re unable to donate financially, we’d be so grateful if you could share the link on social media so that others can read about how to support the family at this time.

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with cancer, your GP can help you to access support, but some organisations also have their own support lines: Macmillan Cancer Support: 0808 808 00 00 Cancer Support UK: 020 7470 8755 If you have been affected by the loss of a loved one, you can contact: Cruse: www.cruse.org.uk or call their national helpline on 0844 477 9400 The Loss Foundation: 0300 200 4112 Let’s Talk About Loss (support especially for 18-35 year olds): www.letstalkaboutloss.org

20 connectionmags.co.uk

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Bespoke Wallpapers & Fabrics

Designs to suit all periods & styles 1. Select your design and give us your colours.

2. We print a sample for your approval.

3. We deliver your unique order.

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

The New Normal!

Please see our website: 8 High St, Alcester, B49 5AD www.chameleoncollection.co.uk CURTAINS, BLINDS & Please email for information: UPHOLSTERY... andymills@chameleoncollection.co.uk Morris, Sanderson, Harlequin and other Please telephone 01789 762857 for an designer brands appointment or pop in for ‘Coffee Please’!

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21

Answers on page 45

stylish corner Ladies hairdressing Tel: 01789 763052

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Kindergarten

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Come and join the fun at our caring & established nursery.

Flexible hours: 8am - 5.30pm Plus wrap around care for children attending Salford Priors C of E Academy.

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23

Volkswagen has improved its electric e-Up! Jack n find ou ho What is it?

In the race to gain EV supremacy, it seems that many manufacturers have forgotten that often the best application of electric technology is in ller c y c r uch ol gen ne e-Up! EV, which has been given bigger batteries o pro e h ll por n r nge What’s new? he e er or o he e p doe n loo p r cul rly different from the car it replaces, with the bulk o he ch nge e ng under he n ell oo ng he ery coun o pro e r nge h dded he l y o ch rge he c r What’s under the bonnet?

The e-Up! has an electric motor linked to a 2 h ery o er re che he ron wheels through a single-speed gearbox, and in o l pu he ou 0 5 hp nd he l hy 2 0 o or ue he e

p e econd ro 0 0 ph h u peed o ph h cl ed 5 le e een ch rge o ned ch rg ng system technology gives an 80 per cent charge n u n hour ro ero 0 ch rger nd rd do e c ll o e our hours, while using a three-pin plug needs around hour or ull ch rge What’s it like to drive?

The e-Up! is fun to drive, with the zippy cceler on you only ge ro n he eer ng nd he r de re good oo

How does it look? e l e he underco er loo o he e p l runn ng l gh up ron help d eren e h le he ch rg ng por here you d u u lly find he filler c p The compact proportions lend the Up! to o n dr ng nd doddle o p r conservatively styled for an electric vehicle but h hould ppe l o ny u ne

u u l

ur fi e door odel gr n ed e y cce o he re r o he c r nd h d de u e re r legroom, though headroom is limited for very tall p enger What’s the spec like? ur e c r c e n re on le 20 555 er he go ern en plug n c r gr n ru e control, parking sensors at both front and rear and a rear-view camera are standard, while a fi e nch colour ouch creen y e hou e lue oo h connec y nd r do ol gen nclude p ch rg ng c le for use at wall boxes and charge points, and a 0 p c le or n ch rg ng Verdict The plucky e-Up! has hit the nail on the head, nd h round 50 le per ch rge o er genu nely u le r nge he l y o charge means much shorter wait times if you do need o plug n Most importantly, however, the e-Up! is fun, and h cer nly n pec h ny h e ed ro he proce o dr ng

n le round o n nd un u ered e en h gher o or y peed

What’s it like inside? he c n o he e p

forward part of the interior feels uncluttered, the steering wheel has plenty of adjustment, the seats re co or le nd or rd l y good

he

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27

BACK OF THE NET Season 20/21 is becoming stranger every week. No longer can the top six teams expect to be treated as top six, with ‘lesser’ sides prepared to defend till the end, then take a mild (or otherwise) beating, because ‘it’s expected of them’. No! The gloves (or boots) are now well and truly off!

Leicester put five past Man City; Spurs put six past Man U; then Villa put SEVEN past the current champions of England, Europe and the world. So what’s next? Which team will go for eight? I can’t imagine any team topping Villa’s ruining of the not-quite-so-mighty Liverpool but who would bet against it now? Although I’m writing this in mid October so the deed may have already been done.

As I write, Everton and Villa head the

Premiership and I hope we see many more challenges to the top teams. It’s really good to see Villa, Wolves and West Brom up there this season. You can read more about Wolves with Emily Lee’s ‘My Team’ write-up on page 32.

It’s also good to see matches being played again, even on TV without the fans. And being able to hear the players shouting can be interesting. I much prefer watching without the fake fan noises.

Just a word on Project Big Picture. I’m glad that the proposal by Liverpool and Manchester United was voted down by the rest of the Premier League clubs. Yes, the future of football has to be reviewed but it will now include input from the Football League as well as the Premiership.

Finally, in the last Connection I agreed with something that Graham Souness had said.

This time I have to disagree with something he said at half time during the Villa/Liverpool match. He accused Villa of leaving the grass longer than normal ‘to slow Liverpool’s movement’. Well it didn’t seem to slow Villa’s movement. Did it Graham?!

‘Til next time...

Back of the net!

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Unit 1, Tything Park, Arden Forest Industrial Estate, Alcester, B49 6ES Monday - Friday 8am-5pm

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Going the extra mile for COVID Compliance.

If there’s one thing that local family-run car sales business, 1 Car Company are infamous for, it’s their customer service. When lockdown hit, owners Kirsty and Mark set about ensuring the health safety of their customers was made an immediate priority. Like so many others, they have had to adapt to continue offering their first rate car-buying experience to customers old and new.

ready for you within the vehicle, with vehicle packs being changed sanitised between each appointment.

• Customers can look around the vehicle(s) by themselves with irsty and or Mark giving plenty of space (at least 2 meters) and wearing their face masks at all times.

• Appointments are available in a special outdoor o ce space.

Before lockdown measures were implemented in March, 1 Car Company encouraged customers to pop by to view the wide range of vehicles on their forecourt. Now, however, you can be assured of a more personal and COVID-secure car viewing experience. All customers must now prebook car viewing appointments and can do so by phoning Kirsty or Mark on 01789 507500.

Customers who would rather not visit the site can request a personal virtual video viewing of the vehicle they’re interested in, with free local delivery available for purchases.

Appointment Process: • The vehicle(s) will be ready for the customer’s arrival on site. All vehicles are fully valeted and are sanitised again prior to each appointment.

• The vehicle documentation details are made

Details of vehicles available to purchase can be found at www.1carcompany.co.uk Or you can give their friendly team a call on 01789 507500 to find out what vehicles would be best for your requirements and budget.

All vehicles are sold with a full 12 Month MOT test and new service. A 3 month warranty is included, with the option to extend to a 12 month Warrantywise warranty.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to customers old and new!

CAR SALES ALCESTER

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A Family-Run Business Supplying Carefully Selected Pre-Owned Vehicles Committed To Providing You The Very Best Service For Over 25 Years To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

29

NEIGHBOURHOOD N EIGHBOURHOOD W WATCH ATCH A ALCESTER LCESTER Test and Trace scams remain a threat

Residents should remain vigilant after being alerted to new reports of fraudsters posing as people from the NHS Test and Trace programme, launched to help control the COVID-19 virus. There are concerns that the system is being targeted by scammers, who are trying to trick people into parting with their personal information. People will be alerted by the NHS Test and Trace service if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.

Contact tracers will: call from 0300 013 5000, send text messages from ‘NHS’ · ask people to sign into the NHS test and trace contact tracing website, ask for full name and date of birth to confirm identity, and postcode to offer support while self-isolating, ask about the coronavirus symptoms, ask people to 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).

Team email: alcestersouth.snt@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk SGT 1284 Angus Eagles angus.eagles@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PC 1672 Rob Davies robert.davies4@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PCSO 6327 Carolyn Davis carolyn.davis1@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PCSO 6111 Gary Johnson-Jones gary.johnson-jones@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PCSO 6336 Mark Lucas mark.lucas@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk Alcester Office 01789 444816.

Facebook - Alcester Police Twitter - @AlcesterCops Instagram - southwarwickshiresnts

provide the name, telephone number and/ or email address of anyone they have had close contact with in the two days prior to symptoms starting (all details will be held in strict confidence and will be kept and used only in line with data protection laws), and ask if anyone they have been in contact with is under 18 or lives outside of England.

They will not ask for: bank details, or payments, details of any other accounts, such as social media, set up a password or PIN number over the phone, or to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087.

Find out more about the NHS Test and Trace service by visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviruscovid19/testing-and-tracing/nhs-testand-trace-if-youve-been-in-contactwith-a-person-who-has-coronavirus/ 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.

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 30 connectionmags.co.uk

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Gates & Railings

by Phil

I make gates and railings

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Low cost ng ser ice a aila le.

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

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

31

My Team

With a passion for Molineux (and Coady), Emily Lee enraptures with her ode to the Wolf pack.

Statue of legendary Wolves & England player, Billy Wright outside Molineux Stadium. Photo Credit: Charles Bowman / Shutterstock.com

I

t finally happened!

Not only was our glorious captain Conor Coady given his first England call-up, but he received two caps, finished the second game wearing the Captain’s armband and scored a beautiful goal! Given that he hasn’t scored a goal from open play in four years for Wolves, this has sent Wolves fans into a state of delirium from which no one has quite recovered yet.

I’ve just read that Gareth Southgate has added Coady to his leadership team, meaning he is a go-to captain now. He has everything I want to see in an England captain: unbridled passion and pride, fantastic skills and experience and of course, that shouty, relentless presence on the pitch. Go on then Southgate, let’s see him as your regular CB, and you can pop Grealish in as a regular too (I’m warming to him, despite myself).

I started watching Wolves as a teenager. Legend has it my first match was the 1996 4-2 win away at Albion but I think it was actually earlier than that. In any case, I remember talking about wanting to start going to watch football and my mate asked me along to Villa Park. My brotherin-law caught wind of this and immediately booked me tickets for the Molineux. Twentysomething years of ups and downs later, and Wolves ay we!

Some are describing this season as a transition for Wolves. We

32 connectionmags.co.uk

have built our exceptional success over the past few years on a lowpossession, counter-attack style of play which has been incredibly popular. But we are told it will only take us so far – top clubs just don’t play this way. So, as we move to a new style, bed in some exciting new signings and say goodbye to some old favourites, we need to work hard in training to adapt to the new approach.

Given the sheer length of last season – over a year for us having reached the quarter finals of the Europa League – we had virtually no pre-season. Internationals have further squeezed our time in training and Nuno is adamant that it’s on the training pitch where we will see the results start to move our way.

We haven’t had the crazy results (yet!) that some have seen in the first few matches – although we did suffer a horrifying loss to West Ham which made us quake.

We like to have a wobble early in the season. It was the same last year, too. We’ll get there. We have talented new signings who will strengthen our defence and drive our game forward. The squad is already packed with reliable, dedicated players like Rui Patricio, Pedro Neto and Leander Dendoncker who feed our excitement and optimism.

I just hope we will get to see an uninterrupted season – with some fans in attendance. Coady (there’s that name again – I’m obsessed) has talked about how

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Writer, Emily, enjoying the proceedings at a chilly Molineux with her son, also a fellow Wolves fan.

Wolves fans seem to suck the goal into the net sometimes and I’m convinced that the lack of supporters is having a depressing effect on our team. For others the lack of a crowd seems to be giving players a bit more confidence to push forward without fear but that’s just not the Wolves way.

Visitors to our downstairs toilet, resplendent with a poster commemorating the Championship-winning 2017/2018 season, may well remark on the number of faces we have relied upon in the past who have moved elsewhere. I can’t deny I felt betrayed when Doherty left for Spurs and completely crushed to lose Diogo Jota to Liverpool. But there are still the core favourites – Neves, Coady, Boly and of course Nuno – who are on this journey for the love of Wolves and passing the passion for what it means to be one of the pack onto the new boys.

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33

JOIN OUR DRIVE

to Change Lives

B

efore coronavirus struck, demand for omm n ty transport as r s ng ramati a y in Warwickshire, driven by the needs of some o o r most nera e res ents. hose ho nee e he p to get to hosp ta s an hea th ser es to stro e s an e asses an many more so a a ti ties. o o th ngs many o s then too for granted!

Malcolm, volunteer driver, with Helen

e en an

a o m s story

As a volunteer driver, you’ll enjoy flexible hours to suit your lifestyle. The work may be challenging and also great fun! You can make a difference to other people’s lives in a very short time - and it can change your life too, giving you new interests and confidence.

e en an a o m rst met t o years ago an ha en t stoppe ha ng s n e e en ante more independence as she reached her 20s, pre err ng not to re y on am y mem ers or s. a o m as re ent y o e an as at a oss to no hat to o nti h s am y s ggeste o nteer r ng. ha n t e pe te to n someone got on as e th as a o m e p a ns e en. e a gh an hat a the time an he s so re a e. n t ee s e he s part o her am y too a o m an e en have driven thousands o m es to eep p th a her nterests. t y ng Co nse ng at Coventry n ers ty e en has o nteere th y s an s pass onate a o t hee ha r an e ompeting at nationa e e (an ha ng appeare on an s o ay). nti re ent y she a en e ee y asses n rm ngham an tra ne an ompete reg ar y an a om o a ays e there ha ng a e a ne o n pass on or hee ha r an e to h s other a o r te so a a ti ty p ay ng snoo er t as o e y to see a the an ers together t as a great a tion to my so a e he says.

We’ve taken every precaution to make our service as safe and supportive as possible for drivers and passengers alike. This includes providing volunteers with a written agreement, detailed guidance and procedures to follow, PP (including face masks for drivers and passengers) and practical advice.

yo re ntereste n o nteer ng as a omm n ty transport r er p ease get n to h mme ate y a on 01 8 88 or ema emma asa.org. . e e to hear rom yo e en yo an t start stra ght a ay.

And until March, when pandemic hit, this was what ASA helped to provide every day. Our services help change people’s lives, as you can see from Helen and Malcolm’s story shared here.

We’re really looking forward to helping Helen and many passengers like her when it’s safe for our full services to resume again.

In the meantime, we’ve managed to restart our transport service for medical appointments thanks to our fantastic team of volunteers. Community spirit is at an all time high - and we need you to help us keep up the great work too! We’re keen to recruit more drivers as soon as possible as demand is starting to rise again and more people need to get to medical appointments. Here’s how you can help our vulnerable passengers as a volunteer For some people, you may be the only person they can chat to that day. nowing they can rely on someone who’ll turn up on time, drive them to the right place and be ready to collect them after their appointment, makes them feel more confident and less stressed. And community transport is usually much cheaper than using taxis.

34 connectionmags.co.uk

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35

Alcester Town Council

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

Hannah Susan Greig Memorial Hall Alcester Town Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council are delighted to announce that they have reached agreement in principle for the Town Council to take a lease of the Hannah Susan Greig Memorial Hall in Alcester. The Town Council has plans to reopen the building as a community hall and arts venue.

For more information see the Town Council website.

Repair Café Relaunched Our very popular Repair Café continues to meet once a month, just in a different format as it will be a drop off and pick up system for the items to be repaired. The next Café is on Thursday 24 November at The Depot. Contact Wendy on 01789 766084 or email: info@alcester-tc.gov.uk

Cook and Eat Your Tea Another new initiative brought to you by Alcester Town Council! Would you love to be able to cook something but are unsure how? Then have a look at these courses at The Depot (at The Eric Payne Community Centre) on Wednesdays from 4.30pm-6.30pm in 4 week blocks.

Learn how to make a simple nutritious meal and pudding from scratch. The courses are free to attend and supported by Hillers Farm Shop: Lad’s Night In: For gents.

Starts 11 November 2020.

Tea Time for Families: Starts 13 January 2021.

Get Nifty in the Kitchen: For over-60’s.

Starts 3 March 2021.

Hands Full of Cooking: For parents of toddlers.

Starts 28 April (support towards child care costs available on request).

For more information, contact Wendy on 01789 766084 or email: info@alcester-tc.gov.uk

36 connectionmags.co.uk

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

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

Full Council Meetings: Tuesdays 3 November & 1 December Community Care: 15 December Community Facilities: 17 November Presidium: 24 November & 15 December Planning Committee: Mondays 9, 30 November & 21 December All Town Council meetings remain open to the public. Anyone wishing to participate remotely using Zoom software, or ask questions, should contact the Town Clerk on clerk@alcestertc.gov.uk before 2pm on the day before the meeting to obtain further details.

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

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

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

Alcester Town Council offices: Globe House, Priory Road, Alcester B49 5DZ Tel: 01789 766084 Town Clerk - Vanessa Lowe: clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk Planning & Communication - Sarah Duran: administration@alcester-tc.gov.uk Community Care - Jenny Theobald: office@alcester-tc.gov.uk Facilities - Jan Rowlatt: reception@alcester-tc.gov.uk Health & Wellbeing - Wendy Sherwood: info@alcester-tc.gov.uk Further information can be found on our social media pages: www.facebook.com/alcester www.twitter.com/AlcesterTown

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Jacksons Jewellery Repairs BEFORE

S D

AFTER

BLINDS QUALITY INTERIOR & EXTERIOR BLINDS

ALL JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND CLEANING DONE ON SITE

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This year it’s more important than ever to get the flu vaccine.

Available at Hopkins Pharmacy To book your appointment, call:

01789 764874 or email: hopkinspharmacy@hotmail.com

Alcester Primary Care Centre

01789 764 874

Fields Park Drive, Alcester, B49 6QR www.hopkinspharmacy.co.uk

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

37

Biidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire

COVID-19 It now appears that some sort of restrictive regime will continue for some time. In view of this, the Parish Council has agreed to continue holding all its meetings by Zoom until the end of 2020, it will then review the situation. Full details of how to join the Zoom meetings are included on the front page of the published Agendas and the links are also published on Facebook.

The arish Council ffice re ains closed and the Clerk will continue to work from home, going to the office once a ee or y a oint ent contact details below).

In the event of a total lockdown situation, the Parish Council has already made arrangements with the Co-op and our great local volunteers so that it can spring into action with food and grocery deliveries as well as any medicines that may be needed. There will be a change in how you place the order as this will go directly to the Co-op but the delivery will be made by our own local volunteers.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY As this newsletter is being written, final details have not been agreed. However, what is certain is that, regrettably, it will be a very curtailed service this year.

Due to current restrictions, which may change between now and Remembrance Sunday, there will be no church service. A limited number of people will be allowed to meet at the War Memorial, currently no more than 6 as per the guidelines, to lay the wreaths, hold the 2 minute silence and honour those that gave their lives for our future on behalf of the whole local community.

This does not mean that residents cannot participate: the Parish Council is asking those that can, to step outside their doors at 11.00 am and hold the 2 minute silence. The idea is to video the ceremony and then post this on Facebook for all to see.

The Parish Council and the British Legion would urge all to follow the guidelines which limits the number of people that can meet, indoors and outdoors, to 6: so please, do not come to the War Memorial – pay your respects at your doorstep and remember FACE – HANDS – SPACE. OLD GEODIS SITE, WATERLOO ROAD There has been much speculation about the future of the above site following two important

38 connectionmags.co.uk

landmarks: - Planning permission for 50 affordable dwellings was refused by Stratford on Avon DC’s planning committee - The new Sites Allocation Plan is proposing to include this site as commercial.

The Parish Council, as well as many residents, objected to the development of 50 affordable dwellings for two main reasons: the Neighbourhood Development Plan states that employment sites should be protected and the Housing Survey shows that there is no requirement for affordable housing within the village – the number of developments that have taken place in the last 3 to 5 years, are delivering the necessary number of affordable housing.

The Parish Council supports the proposed inclusion of this site, as commercial, in the Site Allocation Plan. All Local Planning Authorities in our case tratford on von C have the statutory requirement of producing Site Allocation Plans to ensure they have the necessary land supply required by law.

To further protect this site as commercial, the Parish Council has agreed to look into creating a Neighbourhood Development Order – details of this document can be found on the website. As in the case of the Neighbourhood Development Plan, although managed by the Parish Council, it is community led and the Council will welcome volunteers to the Steering Group. Should you wish to volunteer, or want more information, please contact the Clerk either by email info@ bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk or on 07718 628925.

MEETINGS Monday 9th November and 14th December, 7.30pm, Planning Consultative Committee Meeting.

Monday 30th November and 21st December, 7.30pm, Parish Council Meeting.

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

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

A list of Parish Councillors can be found online: bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/councillors.htm

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39

community events & what’s on...

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

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

Local WI Groups

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

Broom WI

We have a Zoom Committee Meeting on Thursday 5th November at 7.15pm for the AGM. Then on Thursday 3rd December at 7.15pm, there's possibly a Zoom Christmas Quiz.

Salford Priors Ladies Group

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

Alcester Flower Club

Regretfully, there will be no meeting till February at the earliest. Your committee send their best wishes to all Members and hope you are keeping safe and well.

Contact: Marian Buchanan 01789 400868.

Alcester Ladies Probus Club

Best Wishes to all Members, keep safe and well.

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

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

Cookhill Garden Club

Meetings this year are cancelled and the 2021 programme will be reviewed in December, but we are hoping to start meetings again sometime in the new year. Most of the cancelled speakers have been rescheduled to our 2022 programme including the presentation by Chris Beardshaw. In the meantime, our members are keeping busy with the refurbishment of the Memorial Garden at Cookhill Village Hall. www.cookhillgarden.club

Bidford Gardening Society www.bidfordgardens.com

Bidford History Society www.bidfordhistory.org.uk

Alcester Cafe

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

REMEMBRANCE IN ALCESTER 2020: “Remember from Home” Remembrance in Alcester will be slightly different this year but we know that the community will come together, if only virtually, to make sure that those that we have lost are not forgotten and that the much needed funds for our veterans is raised through The Poppy Appeal.

Due to the current pandemic and restrictions in place there will not be a public parade and church service in the Town but instead we encourage everyone to Remember from Home or Business. This could be done by putting together a Poppy display for the garden and window or by just pausing for two minutes at 11am on remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. Photos of your displays can be added to the Legions Facebook pages.

Poppy wreaths will still be laid on the War Memorial over the remembrance weekend on an individual basis.

We are distributing a small number of poppy boxes and collecting tins around the town, so we hope that everyone has the opportunity to show their support. If anyone has difficulty in finding a Poppy, then they can contact the local appeal organiser.

Images and videos from Remembrance week will be circulated via the British Legion social media channels.

If you would like to donate to the Alcester Poppy Appeal or would like further information, please contact Branch Secretary David Malin on d.c.malin@live.co.uk From all at The Connection Magazine, please stay safe and we hope we can bring you more news soon.

Alcester Town Hall

alcestertownhall.org.uk

Sudoku S udoku solutions solutions (see page 6)

Easy grid

Not so easy grid

We all miss our normal activities! However,

we’re keeping in touch as much as possible with members and our community and are looking forward to a time when we can hold our usual events again. Instead we are doing as much as we can online and are excited to be running a new competition. We are looking for talented, local, young photographers. The competition theme is

WILD NATURE THE ENTRY DEADLINE IS 30 NOVEMBER 2020

Designed to encourage the development of photographic skills, entrants can use a camera or phone to submit digitally a portfolio of three, A4 photos in colour or black & white. There are three age groups: Junior 7 – 10 years Intermediate 11 – 13 years Senior 14 – 17 years We are organising the local heat & the winner will go on to the district heat &, hopefully, the final. Entries by email please to Vaughan Blake at alcesterbidfordrotary@gmail.com by 30 November 2020. An entry form & full competition rules & guidance are on our Facebook group (address below) or send an email to request an information pack.

As Christmas approaches we are pleased to support Alcester Minster with their initiative to provide hampers for individuals and families, who will find this Christmas particularly difficult.

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

www.facebook.com/AlcesterandBidfordRotary

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

41

Puzzle Page

Wordwheel

Answers on page 45.

PICTOGRAMS

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

3 words

Target: Excellent: 39 or more words Good: 33 words Fair: 25 words

SLOLIVINGTH

6 words

E

U

A K Q J

G

4 words

H

R A

FO TUO

E R

C

Quick Crossword 1

3

2

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

11

12 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20 21

23

42 connectionmags.co.uk

22

24

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Across 1 Used for measuring (4) 3 Goes before (8) 9 Against (7) 10 Removes sensation (5) 11 Immediate environment (12) 14 Uncooked (3) 16 Edition (5) 17 To colour (3) 18 Very keen (12) 21 Not dead (5) 22 European country (7) 23 Simultaneously (8) 24 Happy (4)

Down 1 Item of clothing (8) 2 Writing material (5) 4 Stick, cane (3) 5 gn fic n 2 6 Broken (7) 7 Type of window (4) 8 Amazement (12) 12 Birds dwellings (5) 13 Received gladly (8) 15 Not losing (7) 19 Spin around (5) 20 Sour (4) 22 Farewell (3)

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Company Reg. No: 10560471 Registered in England & Wales

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Puzzle Answers Pictograms

1. Living In Sin 2. The Cards Are Stacked Against You 3. Speak Out Of Turn

Wordwheel RECHARGE

Simple Crossword

Across: 1. Tape, 3. Precedes, 9. Opposed, 10. Numbs, 11. Surroundings, 14. Raw, 16. Issue, 17. Dye, 18. Enthusiastic, 21. Alive, 22. Belgium, 23. Together, 24. Glad.

Down: 1. Trousers, 2. Paper, 4. Rod, 5. Considerable, 6. Damaged, 7. Sash, 8. Astonishment, 12. Nests, 13. Welcomed, 15. Winning, 19. Twirl, 20. Tart, 22. Bye.

Kids Puzzle Answer: E

the

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